2022 World Conference on Lung Cancer (ePosters)-EP16.03-011. The European Program for ROutine Testing of Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer (EPROPA) 1 Year Activity

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The European Program for Routine testing of Patients with Advanced lung cancer (EPROPA) is an initiative by the Women Against Lung Cancer Europe (WALCE) Association that aims to improve testing and treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients in Europe. The program provides a free molecular screening platform for NSCLC samples, with the goal of identifying targetable drivers and enhancing patients' access to biomarker-driven clinical trials.<br /><br />From January 2021 to February 2022, 27 centers from six European countries joined EPROPA, with a total of 205 advanced NSCLC patients enrolled in the program. Clinical-pathological data of the patients were shared through the EPROPA platform, and tissue samples were sent to the University of Turin for molecular analysis. A targeted next-generation sequencing approach was used, covering 161 cancer-associated genes and including analysis of copy number variations and gene fusions.<br /><br />The molecular results were discussed within a centralized molecular tumor board (MTB) to determine patients' eligibility for targeted therapies, either in clinical trials or in real-world practice. For patients enrolled in clinical trials, WALCE provides logistical and financial support to patients and caregivers throughout the treatment journey.<br /><br />EPROPA represents a successful example of a free NSCLC molecular profiling initiative supported by an advocacy group. The preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of the program, supporting the implementation of next-generation sequencing-based molecular characterization of advanced NSCLC samples in specialized centers. This program aims to reduce disparities in access to tests, drugs, and clinical trials across Europe.<br /><br />Overall, EPROPA is working towards enhancing the heterogeneity of molecular testing and cancer care for NSCLC patients in Europe, with the ultimate goal of optimizing treatment options and improving outcomes.

Asset Subtitle

Francesco Passiglia

Meta Tag

Speaker Francesco Passiglia

Topic Tumour Biology and Biomarkers - Molecular Profiling and Targeted Therapies

Keywords

European Program for Routine testing of Patients with Advanced lung cancer

EPROPA

Women Against Lung Cancer Europe

WALCE

non-small cell lung cancer

NSCLC

molecular screening platform

biomarker-driven clinical trials

next-generation sequencing

molecular tumor board