2022 World Conference on Lung Cancer (ePosters)-EP04.01-011. Diagnostic Approach and Treatment of Lung Cancer Patients in Portugal: Portuguese Lung Cancer Study Group Survey

EP04.01-011. Diagnostic Approach and Treatment of Lung Cancer Patients in Portugal: Portuguese Lung Cancer Study Group Survey

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A study conducted by the Portuguese Lung Cancer Study Group aimed to assess the diagnostic approach and treatment of lung cancer patients in Portugal. The study involved an online survey with 47 questions, which was sent to all Portuguese hospitals that are part of the study group. The survey captured data from the pre-COVID-19 pandemic experience.<br /><br />The results of the survey showed that lung cancer is the third most common cancer in Portugal and the leading cause of cancer mortality. In 2020, there were 5,415 new cases of lung cancer and 4,797 deaths caused by the disease.<br /><br />The survey assessed the availability and waiting time for diagnostic and staging tools. It found that bronchoscopy, image-guided transthoracic needle biopsy, and endobronchial ultrasound-transbronchial needle aspiration were widely available and performed in the hospitals. However, there were delays in accessing these tests, with some patients waiting more than 30 days.<br /><br />Next generation sequencing (NGS) for molecular biology testing was available in 68% of hospitals, and liquid biopsies were accessible in 94% of hospitals.<br /><br />In terms of treatment, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was the main surgical technique, followed by classic thoracotomy. Clinical trials were available in 61% of hospitals, and the majority of doctors expressed a desire for more clinical trials.<br /><br />The survey also revealed that 81% of hospitals had Palliative Care Teams, and 71% of hospitals were able to provide Palliative Care Consultations to patients receiving systemic anticancer therapy.<br /><br />In conclusion, the study provided valuable insights into the diagnostic and treatment options for lung cancer patients in Portugal. It identified areas for improvement, such as increasing accessibility to diagnostic tools and expanding clinical trial opportunities. The findings will help guide future efforts to enhance lung cancer care in Portugal.

Asset Subtitle

Fernanda Estevinho

Meta Tag

Speaker Fernanda Estevinho

Topic Global Health, Health Services Research, and Health Economics - Cost Issues

Keywords

Portuguese Lung Cancer Study Group

diagnostic approach

treatment

lung cancer patients

Portugal

online survey

cancer mortality

bronchoscopy

clinical trials

Palliative Care Teams