Cancer Origin Test Covered by Large Private Health Insurer

A test that identifies the tumor origin in cancer of unknown or uncertain primary will be covered by an in-network service.

The Rosetta Genomics (Rehovot, Israel) Cancer Origin Test for identification of the tumor origin in Cancer of Unknown or Uncertain Primary (CUP) is now available to eligible Highmark Health Services (Camp Hill, PA, USA) members as an in-network service based on the individual member's benefits. It has received in-network provider status with Highmark Health Services, a subsidiary of Highmark and the fourth-largest Blue Cross Blue Shield-affiliated company. It provides coverage for 5.3 million people in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia. Its members now have access to Rosetta's test for identifying the tumor origin in cancer of unknown or uncertain primary as an in-network service.

Rosetta Cancer Tests are a series of microRNA-based diagnostic testing services offered by Rosetta Genomics. The Cancer Origin Test can accurately identify the primary tumor type in primary and metastatic cancer including cancer of unknown or uncertain primary (CUP). The Rosetta Mesothelioma Test diagnoses mesothelioma, a cancer connected to asbestos exposure. The Rosetta Lung Cancer Test accurately identifies the four main subtypes of lung cancer using small amounts of tumor cells. The Rosetta Kidney Cancer Test accurately classifies the four most common kidney tumors: clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC), papillary RCC, chromophobe RCC, and oncocytoma.

Rosetta's assays are designed to provide objective diagnostic data; it is the treating physician's responsibility to diagnose and administer the appropriate treatment. In the US alone, Rosetta Genomics estimates that 200,000 patients a year may benefit from the Rosetta Cancer Origin Test, 60,000 from the Rosetta Mesothelioma Test, 65,000 from the Rosetta Kidney Cancer Test and 226,000 patients from the Rosetta Lung Cancer Test. The Company's assays are offered directly by Rosetta Genomics in the US, and through distributors around the world.

E. Robert Wassman, MD, FAAP, FACMG, Rosetta Genomics' CMO, said, "It is becoming clear that the majority, if not all, CUP cases are not different, unique classes of cancer, but rather are poorly diagnosed examples of cancers that we already know respond to specific treatment regimens. The growing awareness of the importance of more accurately determining the tumor origin in hard-to-diagnose metastatic cancers and CUP and its utility in guiding optimal treatment decisions is reflected by increased physician use and expanding payer coverage of our Cancer Origin Test. We are pleased that Highmark recognizes the importance of diagnosing the tumor origin in patients with CUP, and that they have extended access to the Cancer Origin Test to physicians and eligible patients."

Highmark Health is a subsidiary of Highmark and the fourth-largest Blue Cross Blue Shield-affiliated company, providing coverage for 5.3 million people in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia. Its members now have access to Rosetta's test for identifying the tumor origin in cancer of unknown or uncertain primary as an in-network service.

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