2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) - ePosters-EP.16A.01 Patient Experiences of Biomarker Testing: Insights from a Global Patient Experience Survey

EP.16A.01 Patient Experiences of Biomarker Testing: Insights from a Global Patient Experience Survey

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The document presents insights from a global patient experience survey focused on biomarker testing in lung cancer patients. Biomarker testing analyzes changes in tumor cell DNA and is crucial for tailoring individual treatment plans. However, it reveals a significant gap in patient understanding of the process. While 92% of lung cancer patients had discussions about biomarker testing, about 40% initially did not know what it was. A third of the respondents needed to research independently to grasp its significance, indicating a communications shortfall by the medical teams. Only 61.6% understood biomarker testing during or after discussions with their healthcare providers.<br /><br />The survey, which received responses from 905 individuals across 18 countries, emphasized the necessity for healthcare teams to adequately inform patients about biomarker testing and address any knowledge gaps thereafter. It points out that additional research is needed to ascertain why these comprehension gaps exist and how they can be mitigated. Notably, the demographic detail includes a high male respondent ratio at 78% and the age median of 55 years.<br /><br />The survey data highlights actionable insights for better communication strategies to be implemented by medical professionals, ensuring patients comprehend the testing and its relevance to their treatment. Future recommendations include exploring factors affecting patient understanding and developing strategies to enhance information delivery during consultations. Collaborative efforts by multiple international cancer foundations emphasize the global importance of enhancing patient education on biomarker testing.

Asset Subtitle

Merel Hennink

Meta Tag

Speaker Merel Hennink

Topic Patient Advocacy

Keywords

biomarker testing

lung cancer

patient experience

DNA analysis

treatment plans

communication gap

healthcare providers

patient education

global survey

comprehension strategies