By pinpointing specific genetic mutations, biomarker testing enables multidisciplinary cancer care teams to select the most effective targeted therapies, improving outcomes and minimizing side effects. However, according to survey results published in 2018, the global adoption of comprehensive biomarker testing remains inadequate.1 The 2017 IASLC Global Survey on Molecular Testing in Lung Cancer showed barriers to the adoption of biomarker testing include cost, access, quality, turnaround time, and lack of awareness.
Since the publication of those results there have been several therapeutic breakthroughs, including multiple approvals for advanced lung cancer treatments targeting MET, RET, KRAS, HER2, and NTRK mutations as well as growing regulatory endorsements for immune checkpoint inhibitor-based treatments in stage II-III disease.
With these advancements, the IASLC has launched a new global survey on biomarker testing to assess recent progress and continued barriers. The survey is open through March 23 and is available in English, Spanish, Japanese, French, Portuguese, and Chinese.
Biomarker Testing in Lung Cancer
The IASLC Global Survey on Biomarker Testing in Lung Cancer will assess recent progress and continued barriers in the adoption of biomarker testing worldwide. The survey is open through March 23, 2024, and is available in multiple languages.
The IASLC has requested all members, healthcare practitioners, and other stakeholders in the global lung cancer community participate in the survey, which takes about 15 minutes to complete. All participants will be eligible for a drawing for five complimentary passes to the IASLC’s 50th-anniversary celebration during the 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer in San Diego.
With the launch of the biomarker survey, IASLC’s official podcast Lung Cancer Considered looks at the importance of biomarker testing and the barriers to implementation. The podcast is available in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and French Canadian.
This survey is in partnership with the IASLC Partners for Thoracic Cancer Care, an initiative that brings IASLC leadership and other stakeholders in thoracic oncology together to collaborate on solutions to big-picture challenges facing those working to conquer lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies.
References
- 1. Smeltzer MP, Wynes MW, Lantuejoul S, et al. The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer Global Survey on Molecular Testing in Lung Cancer. J Thorac Oncol. 2020;15(9):1434-1448. doi:10.1016/j.jtho.2020.05.002
