2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) - ePosters-EP.17A.02 Diagnostic and Treatment Gaps in NSCLC Management Compared to NCCN Recommendations: An Audit Analysis of 214 Cases.

EP.17A.02 Diagnostic and Treatment Gaps in NSCLC Management Compared to NCCN Recommendations: An Audit Analysis of 214 Cases.

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The study "Diagnostic and Treatment Gaps in NSCLC Management Compared to NCCN Recommendations" aimed to identify discrepancies in local practices for managing non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) compared to the guidelines established by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). The audit involved 214 cases from September 2022 to March 2024, focusing on patients with stage IIIA and higher who fit specific health criteria.<br /><br />Key findings showed significant deviations both in diagnostic testing and treatment protocols. For diagnostics, essential tests like FDG-PET, MRI brain scans, and biopsies were underutilized, and genetic testing for cancer markers was inconsistent, with PDL1 testing performed in only 84 out of 214 cases despite recommendations. <br /><br />Regarding treatment, major deviations included insufficient surgery, underuse of concurrent chemoradiotherapy, and a lack of recommended drugs like Durvalumab and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Only 21 patients received these inhibitors against the recommended 148, highlighting a substantial gap in adhering to NCCN's preferred practices.<br /><br />The study concluded that deviations from NCCN guidelines occurred in 82.3% of minor instances and 76% of major instances, often resulting in missed opportunities for improving patient survival. The primary cause was identified as the lack of financial resources and access to necessary medical technologies, common issues in developing countries.<br /><br />These findings underscore the importance of addressing financial and logistical barriers in healthcare to improve adherence to established NSCLC management guidelines, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

Asset Subtitle

Pawan Singh

Meta Tag

Speaker Pawan Singh

Topic Global Health, Health Services, and Health Economics

Keywords

NSCLC

NCCN

diagnostic gaps

treatment gaps

FDG-PET

PDL1 testing

chemoradiotherapy

Durvalumab

immune checkpoint inhibitors

healthcare barriers