UnitedHealthcare’s Nationwide Coverage of CNSide Assay Expands Access for CNS Cancer Patients
More Than 51 Million Americans Now Have Access to Advanced Cancer Diagnostic Testing
In a significant move for cancer care, UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company (NYSE: UNH) has finalized a national agreement with CNSide Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Plus Therapeutics, to cover the CNSide Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Assay for patients battling metastatic cancers of the central nervous system (CNS). The agreement, effective September 15, 2025, extends this cutting-edge test to over 51 million individuals across the United States.
High Sensitivity and Specificity of CNSide Test Bolsters Clinical Confidence
The CNSide CSF Assay has established itself as a standout tool for physicians managing leptomeningeal metastases—a severe complication in cancer patients. Boasting a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 95%, the assay significantly outperforms many traditional diagnostic options. Since its introduction in 2020, more than 11,000 CNSide tests have been performed across over 120 U.S. cancer institutions. Most notably, the test influenced treatment decisions in 90% of cases, demonstrating a clear clinical impact.
| Key Metrics | CNSide CSF Assay |
|---|---|
| Patients Covered | 51,000,000+ |
| Sensitivity | 92% |
| Specificity | 95% |
| Institutions Utilizing Test | 120+ |
| Total Tests Performed | 11,000+ |
| Treatment Influence Rate | 90% |
Clinical Validation Supported by Real-World Data and Multiple Studies
The utility of the CNSide platform isn’t just theoretical. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in nine peer-reviewed publications and through the FORESEE clinical trial. Real-world experience echoes these findings, as high accuracy and decision-altering capabilities become more evident with growing use in diverse cancer centers.
Wider Coverage May Shift Clinical Practice Standards for Metastatic CNS Cancer
With UnitedHealthcare’s vast membership now having access to this test, the potential exists to set a new standard of care for diagnosing and managing leptomeningeal metastases and similar CNS complications. CNSide's ability to quantitatively analyze tumor cells and circulating tumor DNA in cerebrospinal fluid offers oncologists actionable molecular insights previously unavailable in standard diagnostics.
Implications for UnitedHealthcare, Providers, and Cancer Patients
This agreement strengthens UnitedHealthcare’s reputation for broadening access to advanced medical technologies, while also reinforcing Plus Therapeutics’ footprint in precision diagnostics. Providers can now offer their patients improved options for monitoring and guiding therapy—an important step as precision medicine gains momentum in oncology.
Key Takeaway: Expanded Access Could Redefine Care for CNS Cancer Patients
As UnitedHealthcare’s 51 million members become eligible for the CNSide CSF Assay, patients facing complex cancer diagnoses may benefit from more informed and timely treatment decisions. With its impressive performance record and validation in both studies and clinical settings, CNSide’s broader availability is a development worth monitoring for investors, clinicians, and patients alike.
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