Molecular Diagnosis, Clinical Trial Representation, and Precision Medicine in Minority Patients with Oncogene-Driven...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Genetics
• Public Health

Background:

• Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer death globally.
• Advances in molecular profiling have led to targeted therapies for oncogene-driven non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
• Existing disparities disproportionately affect minority patients in diagnostics and treatment access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current state of molecular diagnostics and precision medicine for minority patients with oncogene-driven lung cancer.
• To highlight challenges and opportunities in achieving equity in precision oncology.
• To discuss population-specific differences in oncogenic driver mutations and the need for diverse clinical research.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of molecular diagnostics and targeted therapies in NSCLC.
• Analysis of disparities in clinical trial participation and treatment access for minority populations.
• Examination of oncogenic driver mutation prevalence across diverse patient groups.

Main Results:

• Targeted therapies for specific mutations (EGFR, ALK, KRAS, etc.) have improved outcomes in NSCLC.
• Minority patients experience underrepresentation in clinical trials and face barriers to molecular testing and treatment.
• Prevalence of oncologic driver mutations varies across different populations.

Conclusions:

• Achieving equity in precision oncology requires addressing disparities in molecular testing and treatment access.
• Increased diversity in clinical research is essential to ensure findings are generalizable to all populations.
• Equitable access to personalized lung cancer care is critical for improving survival outcomes for all patients.