Abstract 101P
Background
Biomarker testing is vital to ensure optimal treatment for lung cancer, however, uptake of biomarker testing has been suboptimal. To better understand current practices and barriers to biomarker testing, a multi-disciplinary, global survey was performed in 2024. Here we report the results from Europe.
Methods
IASLC assembled a multidisciplinary group of global leaders from medical oncology, pathology, epidemiology, and advocacy to develop this survey of lung cancer providers. We used mixed methods with the quantitative survey, qualitative focus groups, and in-depth interviews. We disseminated the survey (in 6 languages) by email and at in-person meetings after receiving Institutional Review Board approval in the spring of 2024. Associations were evaluated with the chi-square test.
Results:We received 497 responses from 31 European countries (1677 globally from 90 countries). European respondents overwhelmingly (97%) believe biomarker testing significantly impacts patient outcomes and had the highest satisfaction with the conditions of biomarker testing in their country compared to all other regions combined (ORC), (55% Europe v 45% ORC, p=0.001). We found 36% of the European cohort sometimes/often treat patients prior to receiving biomarker results (v 46% ORC, p=0.007). Top barriers reported in Europe were cost (23%), time (13%), and sample quality (13%). Common reasons for re-biopsy were insufficient tumor cells (33%) and poor-quality tissue (22%). 56% of European respondents indicated that reflex testing is standard practice, which was higher than other regions (v 32% ORC, p < 0.001). In Europe, national or regional health authorities were mostly responsible for setting policies on testing practices (66%).
Conclusions
European results were similar to or more favorable than global averages. Most European respondents believe biomarker testing impacts outcomes and are satisfied with conditions around testing, yet they report many patients are still treated without biomarker results and key barriers remain to optimize testing. The IASLC is using data from the 2024 survey to inform implementation of best practices and influence global policy.
Legal entity responsible for the study
International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer.
Funding
International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, with funding from the IASLC Partners for Thoracic Cancer Care.
Disclosure
K. Brunson: Financial Interests, Personal, Full or part-time Employment: Genentech. M. Chau: Financial Interests, Personal, Full or part-time Employment: AstraZeneca. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.