Achieving equitable, timely and comprehensive biomarker testing for patients with NSCLC

To create best practice recommendations that, if implemented at scale, could facilitate equitable, timely and comprehensive biomarker analysis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the UK.

The complexities and challenges associated with biomarker testing for NSCLC within lung cancer services were discussed by a multidisciplinary expert panel comprising proceduralists, clinicians and a molecular pathologist during a roundtable meeting. This paper outlines best practice recommendations from the expert panel on delivery of comprehensive and efficient molecular profiling of NSCLC patients in the UK.

Current molecular testing practices for NSCLC in the UK should be expanded, with the adoption of a broader model not limited by disease factors such as sub-type or stage and which extends beyond the predictive biomarkers for currently approved therapies. Both the quantity and quality of biopsy material is critical to the success of subsequent molecular profiling so we provide detailed guidance on tissue acquisition in order maximise yield. Strategies for optimising workflow and ensuring best practices in the pathology and molecular laboratories are also reviewed, together with clarification of the role of circulating tumour DNA in biomarker testing pathways. Finally, we consider the importance of timely and clear reporting of test results to develop an individualised biomarker-directed treatment plan for patients.

Reflex and comprehensive biomarker testing via large-panel next generation sequencing should be the standard of care for all patients with NSCLCs, with the implementation of key strategies to optimise the processes from tissue acquisition through to treatment.