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Updated: Apr 12, 2026
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Molecular Biomarker Testing for Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Published on: September 8, 2023
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Version 6.2015
David S Ettinger1, Douglas E Wood1, Wallace Akerley1
1The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins; University of Washington/Seattle Cancer Care Alliance; Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah; UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center; Fox Chase Cancer Center; University of Colorado Cancer Center; Roswell Park Cancer Institute; Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center; Duke Cancer Institute; Moffitt Cancer Center; University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center; Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine; City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center; Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center; UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center; Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center; Yale Cancer Center/Smilow Cancer Hospital; University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center; Stanford Cancer Institute; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center/Seattle Cancer Care Alliance; The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University; Mayo Clinic Cancer Center; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital/The University of Tennessee Health Science Center; and National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
Abstract:
These NCCN Guidelines Insights focus on recent updates to the 2015 NCCN Guidelines for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Appropriate targeted therapy is very effective in patients with advanced NSCLC who have specific genetic alterations. Therefore, it is important to test tumor tissue from patients with advanced NSCLC to determine whether they have genetic alterations that make them candidates for specific targeted therapies. These NCCN Guidelines Insights describe the different testing methods currently available for determining whether patients have genetic alterations in the 2 most commonly actionable genetic alterations, notably anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements and sensitizing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations.
Insights
Testing for specific genetic alterations like anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations is crucial for guiding targeted therapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). These updates highlight essential testing methods for patient care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Clinical Guidelines
Background:
- Recent advancements in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment emphasize targeted therapies.
- The efficacy of targeted therapy is contingent upon the presence of specific genetic alterations in tumors.
- The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) provides guidelines for optimal cancer care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize recent updates to the 2015 NCCN Guidelines for NSCLC.
- To underscore the importance of genetic testing in advanced NSCLC.
- To describe available testing methods for actionable genetic alterations.
Main Methods:
- Review of the 2015 NCCN Guidelines for NSCLC.
- Identification of key genetic alterations relevant to targeted therapy.
- Description of current diagnostic testing methodologies for these alterations.
Main Results:
- Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements and sensitizing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are the most common actionable targets.
- Testing tumor tissue is essential to identify patients eligible for targeted therapies.
- Various testing methods are available to detect these specific genetic alterations.
Conclusions:
- Genetic testing is a critical component of personalized medicine for advanced NSCLC.
- Accurate and timely testing ensures appropriate patient selection for targeted treatments.
- Adherence to updated NCCN guidelines facilitates effective management of NSCLC.
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