Overview
Non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common and deadly cancers worldwide, and recent advances in targeted therapies and immunotherapies have transformed how it is treated. However, understanding real-world testing patterns, treatment patterns, and outcomes remain a challenge, especially in the UK where comprehensive, longitudinal data have been limited.
This study used a novel dataset derived from the electronic health records of over 2,600 UK patients diagnosed with NSCLC between 2016 and 2024. Researchers examined patterns in biomarker testing (such as PD-L1, EGFR, ALK, BRAF, and KRAS), the most commonly used treatments, and overall survival outcomes, with a particular focus on patients diagnosed with metastatic disease. The study found that more than half of patients with metastatic NSCLC received recommended biomarker testing. The most common treatments included carboplatin, pemetrexed, and pembrolizumab. Importantly, both the biomarker testing results and survival outcomes by stage at diagnosis were consistent with current literature and existing clinical expectations, supporting the reliability of the dataset.
Why this matters
By filling critical gaps in real-world data, this research provides new insights into how NSCLC is managed in the UK. These findings not only validate the use of EHR-derived data for research but also lay the groundwork for future studies to further improve patient care and outcomes in the UK. Ongoing efforts to expand analyses of treatment patterns and key clinical endpoints, such as disease progression, will further enhance its role in supporting research on real-world patient care and outcomes in the UK.