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MEDTECH New Research Highlights the Importance of Biomarker Testing in Tailoring Lung Cancer Treatment
In a significant advancement for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a recent study has underscored the life-extending benefits of biomarker-guided first-line therapy. Published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, the research shows that patients who undergo biomarker testing and receive concordant treatment have a substantially lower risk of death compared to those who don’t.
HCN Medical Memo
These findings emphasize the critical role of biomarker testing in optimizing treatment for advanced NSCLC patients. Not only does it guide the selection of the most effective first-line therapies, but it also significantly improves patient survival rates. Therefore, it is imperative to advocate for comprehensive biomarker testing and ensure that targeted therapies are readily accessible to those who need them.
Key Points
- Patients who never underwent biomarker testing had a 30% higher risk of death.
- Those who underwent testing but did not receive biomarker-concordant first-line treatment had a 25% higher risk of death.
- The study analyzed 21,572 patients with advanced or metastatic nonsquamous NSCLC.
- Median overall survival was 27.7 months for patients who received biomarker-concordant therapy, compared to 19.5 months for those who received discordant therapy.
- Perspectives: Healthcare professionals stress the need to overcome barriers to comprehensive biomarker testing and access to targeted therapies.
Eighty-eight percent (88%) of the patients in the study had undergone testing for at least one biomarker, highlighting the growing recognition of its importance in cancer treatment.
Additional Points
- 69% underwent testing before or at the start of first-line treatment.
- Proportions of patients receiving guideline-concordant therapy varied depending on the specific biomarker tested.
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