By Fineline Cube 
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), in collaboration with Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) and with participation from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) to fund Quality Improvement (QI) grant projects up to USD 250,000 each. The initiative targets improved biomarker testing to support frontline treatment selection in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).
Program Structure & Funding
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Administering Body | ASCP |
| Funding Partner | Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) |
| Advisory Partner | ASCO |
| Grant Amount | Up to USD 250,000 per project |
| Focus Area | Biomarker testing optimization for mCRC frontline treatment |
| Target Institutions | Community‑based healthcare facilities |
| Key Biomarkers | RAS (KRAS/NRAS), BRAF, HER2 amplification, MSI/MMR status |
| Guideline Alignment | NCCN guidelines |
| RFP Launch | 26 Jan 2026 |
| Program Duration | Multi‑year initiative |
Strategic Context & Objectives
- Clinical Gap: Persistent deficiencies in molecular testing, communication, and care coordination undermine optimal frontline treatment decisions for mCRC patients
- Multidisciplinary Approach: Projects structured as pathology‑centric, multidisciplinary health system implementations involving pathologists, laboratory professionals, oncologists, and cancer care teams
- ASCO Role: Supports alignment with current oncology practice considerations and facilitates broader dissemination of insights across the oncology community
- Impact Goal: Enhance delivery of evidence‑based care through improved coordination and standardized biomarker testing protocols
Market Impact & Significance
- mCRC Burden: Approximately 280,000 new metastatic colorectal cancer cases diagnosed annually in the US, with community hospitals treating >70% of patients
- Testing Rates： Current biomarker testing compliance in community settings remains <60%，creating significant opportunity for improvement
- Strategic Value: Program addresses critical bottleneck in precision oncology adoption at the community level, where resource constraints limit testing implementation
- Revenue Implication: Improved testing rates could increase appropriate use of targeted therapies (anti‑EGFR agents, immunotherapy), expanding addressable market for Pfizer’s oncology portfolio and partners
Forward‑Looking Statements
This brief contains forward‑looking statements regarding grant project outcomes, timeline, and impact on mCRC care delivery. Actual results may differ due to institutional participation rates, implementation challenges, and evolving clinical guidelines.-Fineline Info & Tech