Precision oncology is no longer theoretical. It is increasingly shaping real-world treatment decisions. That’s especially true when it comes to the emerging prevalence of molecular monitoring.  

That was the central topic of Prime Therapeutics (Prime)’s latest “Oncology Trends” webinar, “The rise of molecular monitoring and what health plans should prepare for,” which explored the rapid rise of this form of testing and its growing role across cancer care, payer policy and health care economics.  

Hosted by Abby Kim, PharmD, BCOP, senior director of clinical strategy and oncology specialty solutions, and Taylor Cimperman, PharmD, drug information pharmacist, the webinar focused on how tools such as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and minimal residual disease (MRD) testing are enabling more dynamic, data-driven decision-making throughout the cancer treatment journey.  

“As precision oncology expands, molecular monitoring becomes another lever influencing treatment decisions, drug utilization and ultimately total cost,” Cimperman said.  

What is molecular monitoring and why it matters 

Molecular monitoring involves checking for small biological signals in the body, often through blood tests, to see how cancer is responding to treatment or if it might come back. This helps providers adjust treatment sooner, such as continuing, changing or stopping a therapy based on what’s happening at the molecular level.  

In the webinar, Kim and Cimperman shared how molecular monitoring fits within the broader biomarker ecosystem, highlighting how it complements companion diagnostics and evolving genomic tools rather than replacing them. This context is increasingly important as oncology care becomes more personalized — and more complex.  

“Unlike genetics or baseline genomics, molecular monitoring introduces repeat testing, evolving evidence, and direct implications for treatment decisions,” Kim said.  

Implications for payers and managed care 

Beyond clinical applications, the webinar explored what molecular monitoring means for health plans and pharmacy leaders. As adoption accelerates, payers are grappling with questions around coverage, evidence standards, operational readiness and cost impact.  

“One of the most important dynamics for payers is the relentless rise in oncology spend,” Cimperman said. “The United States is projected to reach $165 billion in oncology spending by 2029, which is driven by more FDA approvals, targeted therapies, and the rapid expansion of precision guided care. What's important here is that growth in precision medicine is directly fueling this trajectory.” 

The session also outlined several considerations for plans, including how molecular monitoring may influence utilization patterns, downstream treatment costs and long-term care planning.  

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