WCLC 2025 - Posters & ePosters-EP.06.86 Evaluating Sustainment of Results in Quality Improvement Focused on Molecular Testing in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients

EP.06.86 Evaluating Sustainment of Results in Quality Improvement Focused on Molecular Testing in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients

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This quality improvement (QI) project conducted by Integra Connect and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center aimed to enhance molecular testing in patients with newly diagnosed stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing first-line therapy. The focus was on increasing rates of EGFR testing, comprehensive molecular testing as per NCCN guidelines, and ensuring EGFR test results were available prior to starting treatment. The initial QI phase ran from January 2017 to September 2021, after which the team evaluated whether improvements were sustained through additional periods in 2022, and early 2024-2025.<br /><br />Results showed a significant increase in full biomarker panel testing from 59% in 2019 to 90-92% by 2024. EGFR testing ordering rates remained high (~93-98%) throughout all phases. However, while the rate of patients having EGFR results prior to initiating treatment improved from a baseline of 72% to 88% by 2021, it declined slightly to 76% in recent periods. This indicates some regression in timeliness of EGFR results despite stable testing uptake. The median patient age was approximately 68-70 years, with a roughly even gender distribution.<br /><br />The findings highlight sustained gains in comprehensive molecular testing but a decrease in the critical metric of effective EGFR testing—having results before treatment starts—which is vital for guiding targeted therapies. The authors emphasize the need for ongoing monitoring and quality initiatives to maintain and further improve timely molecular testing to optimize NSCLC patient care. This study underscores that even after successful QI projects conclude, vigilance is necessary to prevent regression in key quality metrics.

Asset Subtitle

Mike Gart

Meta Tag

Speaker Mike Gart

Topic Pathology and Biomarkers

Keywords

quality improvement

molecular testing

non-small cell lung cancer

NSCLC

EGFR testing

biomarker panel

NCCN guidelines

first-line therapy

timeliness of test results

patient care optimization