A GP guide to molecular testing in lung cancer
Need to know:
Lung cancer remains a significant health challenge in Australia, being the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths annually.2
Recent advances in treatment, including immunotherapy and targeted therapies, have improved patient outcomes, and molecular testing plays a crucial role in guiding optimal treatment decisions for lung cancer patients.3
Identification of activating alterations in key oncogenes within a patient’s tumour, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), enable access to specific targeted therapies, such as PBS-reimbursed targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors, which are more effective and generally better tolerated than traditional chemotherapy.4-6
