2023 World Conference on Lung Cancer (Posters)-P1.22. Biomarker Testing Trends from a Global Patient-Reported Outcomes Registry

Pdf Summary

A study analyzing data from a patient-reported outcomes registry has found disparities in biomarker testing rates for individuals diagnosed with lung cancer. Despite clinical guidelines recommending testing for all individuals with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), variability in testing rates has been observed. The analysis used data from the Lung Cancer Registry (LCR), an online collection of surveys that follow the journey of individuals with lung cancer. Factors such as demographics, histology, stage, active tobacco use, and diagnosis year were evaluated to determine associations with testing.<br /><br />The analysis included data from 571 individuals with lung cancer, with the majority being female (76.9%) and white (87.7%). Only a third of individuals with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) reported testing, compared to 70.4% overall. Biomarker testing also decreased with increased age and earlier stage. Notably, individuals with a history of active tobacco use were less likely to receive testing.<br /><br />A significant finding from the study was that a tenth of participants were unsure if they had been tested, indicating a gap in patient education. Knowledge of testing decreased with age, with 19.2% of those aged 70 and older unsure if they received testing.<br /><br />The study has limitations, including a study population consisting mainly of females and White participants, and the accessibility of the LCR being limited to online access.<br /><br />More research is needed to understand and address barriers to biomarker testing, as disparities in testing rates may be exacerbated among medically underserved populations. This includes people of color, the LGBTQ community, rural residents, uninsured/underinsured individuals, and low-income individuals. Understanding and addressing these barriers is essential to ensure equitable access to biomarker testing for all individuals diagnosed with lung cancer.

Asset Subtitle

Heather Law

Meta Tag

Speaker Heather Law

Topic Pathology & Biomarkers: Genetic Biomarkers

Keywords

biomarker testing rates

lung cancer

disparities

clinical guidelines

non-small cell lung cancer

Lung Cancer Registry

tobacco use

age

patient education

barriers to biomarker testing