Knowledge and Practice Patterns Among Pulmonologists for Molecular Biomarker Testing in Advanced Non-small Cell Lung...

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Oncology
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Targeted therapies have transformed advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) care.
• Biomarker testing is crucial for identifying eligibility for these life-saving treatments.
• Pulmonologists play a key role in obtaining tissue for diagnosis and biomarker analysis via bronchoscopy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current knowledge and practices of pulmonologists concerning biomarker testing for advanced NSCLC.
• To understand the pulmonologists' role in facilitating targeted therapy eligibility.
• To identify factors influencing biomarker testing rates in NSCLC.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study utilizing an electronic survey.
• Survey distributed to a random sample of 7,238 pulmonologists.
• Questions focused on diagnostic procedures and biomarker analyses for NSCLC.

Main Results:

• 453 pulmonologists responded, with varying patient volumes.
• Interventional training, academic settings, and higher EBUS-TBNA use correlated with better guideline knowledge.
• Higher testing rates were linked to interventional training, academic practice, and institutional policies.

Conclusions:

• Discrepancies in pulmonologists' practices and knowledge contribute to underutilization of biomarker testing in advanced NSCLC.
• Interventional training appears to be a stronger driver of improved knowledge and practice than practice setting alone.
• Enhancing tissue acquisition techniques and interdisciplinary collaboration is essential for comprehensive biomarker testing.