Overview
Biomarker testing is increasingly important for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (eNSCLC), as new immunotherapy and targeted treatments become available. However, it’s unclear how often patients actually receive this testing and what factors influence whether they do. This study used the Flatiron Health Research Database to examine real-world patterns of EGFR and ALK biomarker testing among over 13,000 US and 100 UK patients with stage IB-IIIA eNSCLC who underwent surgery by July 2024.
The study found that more than 75% of patients in the US and more than 50% of patients in theUK received recommended EGFR/ALK biomarker testing for eNSCLC. Testing was more common in patients with higher-stage disease and higher socioeconomic status. In patients who received treatment (neoadjuvant or adjuvant), the time from diagnosis to surgery was similar (within 14 days) in patients who received testing and those who did not. Patients who receive neoadjuvant treatment are likely to receive testing before surgery, implying that clinicians are using the testing to inform treatment decisions.
Why this matters
More patients in the US and UK are now receiving EGFR/ALK testing early — and they're starting treatment just as quickly as those not tested. The modest delays in time to surgery for patients who received biomarker testing and neoadjuvant therapy are not clinically meaningful. Using high-quality real-world data, these findings underscore that biomarker testing for lung cancer patients in the early stage setting is becoming the standard. It suggests that improving access and coordination could help ensure all eligible patients benefit from the latest advances in personalized cancer care.