New ASCP Biomarker Testing Navigation Certificate Program Aims to Improve Cancer Care

June 11, 2025

Cancer biomarker testing is an essential part of oncology precision medicine. It helps guide treatment plans and enhance patient outcomes. However, the process is complex and can present challenges, which can lead to inefficiencies that can ultimately undermine the quality of patient care. 

To address this, ASCP has launched a new Cancer Biomarker Testing Navigation (BTN)  Certificate Program. The first six education modules were unveiled  in early June and five more modules will be released in August. The certificate program is geared toward laboratory professionals and is designed to help cancer care facilities improve cancer biomarker testing processes in the laboratory.  

“In the last decade, we have seen the rapid growth of cancer precision medicine,” says Joe Kim, MD, MBA, MPH, FACHE, a member of the ASCP Biomarker Testing Navigation Project Team. “The idea is, if a patient has a certain biomarker, whether genes or proteins, you can target it. You need to conduct diagnostic testing to identify the problem. The challenge is that biomarker testing is sometimes not done on a patient or is not being done completely on some patients. And that is a missed opportunity when someone actually could be tested. Patients often need more than one test. The idea of a navigator can help a patient find the right test. We are using the concept of a navigator in testing primarily with tissue and blood samples.”  

The new certificate program requires participants to successfully complete six essential modules and two of the five electives that are offered.  

The core “essential” modules are: 

  • Foundations of Precision Medicine and Personalized Cancer Care Delivery 

  • Overview and Types of Cancer Biomarkers 

  • Following Standard Biomarker Testing Protocols   

  • Biomarker Test Order Management and Sample    

  • Specimen Workflow Optimization for Biomarker Testing 

  • Multi-Disciplinary Team Communication and Collaboration   

The elective modules are:  

  • In-Depth Review of Biomarker Testing in Solid Tumors   

  • Hematologic Malignancies and Biomarkers   

  • Managing Send-Out Biomarker Tests   

  • Quality Management in Cancer Biomarker Testing   

  • Biomarker Testing and Laboratory Financial Management 

 

Successful completion of the program offers one continuing education credit per module for laboratory professionals.  

ASCP began studying the feasibility of a BTN role on laboratory operations and workflows in 2023. The three-phase project, supported by a sponsorship from AstraZeneca, has included a quantitative needs assessment, qualitative focus group discussions, and a short-term feasibility pilot conducted at two cancer centers. The needs assessment findings, outlined in a June 2025 article in AJCP, ASCP explores the cancer biomarker testing navigator as a novel role to improve laboratory operations and workflows: A special report from the ASCP Biomarker Testing Navigator Project Team, found that without a dedicated staff member to oversee biomarker testing, the processes were often fragmented and inefficient.  

Lynnette Pineault, MBA, SCT(ASCP), chair of the project, commented, "Our pilot study highlighted substantial gaps and bottlenecks in the consistent application of recommended biomarker testing guidelines for all cancer patients. Our team designed this program to bridge these gaps, streamline testing pathways, and enhance collaboration between the laboratory and the broader multidisciplinary care team. Our goal is to ensure every patient receives the accurate, timely biomarker testing they deserve, paving the way for more personalized treatment strategies and improved clinical outcomes. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to advancing precision oncology and reshaping the future of patient care." 

The pilot studies show that the role of BTNs could include coordination of multigene next generation sequencing panels and expediting critical steps to ensure optimal preanalytical processes, reducing delays in testing, and ensuring smooth operations, according to the article. 

In July, ASCP will release additional tools and establish an online community to support participants in the certificate program.  

“The ultimate goal of this program is to ensure that more patients will be tested with the right cancer biomarker tests and achieve better outcomes,” Dr. Kim says.  

To learn more about the BTN certificate program, click here.  

ADVERTISEMENT