2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) - Posters-P1.06C.01 Evaluation of Small Pulmonary Pathology Specimen Management in the Province of Quebec, Canada

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The study focuses on the management of small pulmonary pathology specimens in Quebec, Canada, specifically examining how efficiently lung cancer samples are handled in various healthcare settings. It highlights the need for improved specimen management to ensure better treatment outcomes, especially given the advancements in lung cancer treatments such as targeted therapies and immunotherapy.<br /><br />Key findings include:<br />- Lung cancer specialized centers demonstrate more efficient management, with shorter turnaround times and fewer immunohistochemistry (IHC) tests, compared to academic and regional centers.<br />- Proper specimen management correlates with shorter turnaround times overall, emphasizing its importance.<br />- A considerable number of samples lacked sufficient tissue for biomarker analysis, critical for personalized cancer treatment.<br />- Despite the WHO guidelines on tissue management established nearly a decade ago, many specimens are still not managed adequately, underlining ongoing issues in following best practices.<br /><br />The study gathered data from over 2,000 cases diagnosed as lung adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or non-small cell lung cancer submitted to a specialized reference center for molecular testing between 2022 and 2023. Institutions were categorized based on expertise and location, demonstrating that specialized centers outperformed others in terms of processing efficiency and adequacy of specimen management.<br /><br />The results emphasize the importance of continuous education and adherence to guidelines to improve tissue utilization. Improving these processes is critical to reducing negative impacts on patient outcomes, ensuring that enough tissue is available for essential biomarker evaluation necessary for formulating tailored treatment plans.<br /><br />Overall, the study highlights the crucial role of proper tissue management in optimizing lung cancer treatment by making necessary improvements in specimen handling and adherence to established guidelines, ultimately benefiting patient care.

Asset Subtitle

Michael Maranda-Robitaille

Meta Tag

Speaker Michael Maranda-Robitaille

Topic Pathology & Biomarkers

Keywords

pulmonary pathology

lung cancer

specimen management

Quebec healthcare

tissue utilization

biomarker analysis

targeted therapies

immunotherapy

WHO guidelines

personalized treatment