Delivery of precision oncology in advanced lung cancer: Gaps, barriers, and potential solutions.

Authors

Jacob Stein

Jacob Newton Stein

UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC

Jacob Newton Stein , Mary E. Grewe , Alayah Johnson-Jennings , Courtney Canter , Marjory Charlot

Organizations

UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, NC Translational and Clinical Sciences Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, University of North Carolina School of Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, North Carolina Translational and Clinical Sciences Institute, Chapel Hill, NC

Research Funding

Other Foundation
North Carolina Lung Cancer Initiative

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death. Significant survival gains have been achieved due to precision oncology, which involves testing for molecular markers that indicate sensitivity to targeted therapies. Precision oncology is essential to high-quality lung cancer care, but shortfalls in biomarker testing and targeted therapies limit improvements in lung cancer outcomes. We sought to characterize barriers and facilitators to precision oncology in academic and community practice settings. Methods: We conducted a mixed methods study on the delivery of precision medicine for patients with advanced lung cancer, including use of next generation sequencing (NGS), liquid biopsy, and targeted therapies, and the barriers and facilitators to effective delivery. Surveys and semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of patient navigators, pathologists, and clinicians. Participants were recruited from community and academic settings in North Carolina (NC), using the NC Oncology Navigation Association and existing research networks. Results: Thirty-two participants completed the survey—9 navigators, 10 pathologists and 13 clinicians—with representation from community and academic sites. Five participants completed interviews—2 navigators, 2 pathologists and 1 clinician. Knowledge gaps about precision medicine were observed, with clinicians answering “not at all” or “a little bit” knowledgeable about NGS (23%), liquid biopsy (38%) and targeted therapies (23%). Navigators indicated feeling “somewhat” or “very” uncomfortable discussing these topics (55% for NGS, 44% for targeted therapies), and indicated having limited confidence in resolving barriers related to precision medicine. In interviews, potential solutions were highlighted, including use of financial aid from pharmaceutical companies, dedicated molecular pathology support, and partnership with social work and financial navigation to resolve barriers. Conclusions: Clinicians and navigators report gaps in knowledge and confidence in discussing precision oncology in advanced lung cancer. Qualitative data highlight several potential strategies for improving access, including addressing financial barriers. These findings suggest a need for education and financial assistance to support delivery of precision oncology in advanced lung cancer.

Precision oncology knowledge in advanced lung cancer.

Clinicians (n=13)
How knowledgeable do you feel about: Not at allA little bitSomewhatVery
-NGS 0% 23% 15% 62%
-Liquid Biopsy 23% 15% 15% 46%
-Targeted Therapies 8% 15% 15% 62%
Navigators (n=9)
How comfortable do you feel discussing: Very uncomfortableSomewhat uncomfortableNeutralSomewhat ComfortableVery Comfortable
-NGS 11% 44% 22% 11% 11%
-Liquid Biopsy 11% 33% 33% 11% 11%
-Targeted Therapies 11% 33% 22% 33% 0%

Disclaimer

This material on this page is ©2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology, all rights reserved. Licensing available upon request. For more information, please contact licensing@asco.org

Abstract Details

Meeting

2023 ASCO Annual Meeting

Session Type

Publication Only

Session Title

Publication Only: Care Delivery and Regulatory Policy

Track

Care Delivery and Quality Care

Sub Track

Care Delivery

Citation

J Clin Oncol 41, 2023 (suppl 16; abstr e13533)

DOI

10.1200/JCO.2023.41.16_suppl.e13533

Abstract #

e13533

Abstract Disclosures

Similar Abstracts

Abstract

2023 ASCO Annual Meeting

Comparison between liquid biopsy and tissue NGS in two cohorts of advanced NSCLC.

First Author: Helena Bote

First Author: Marco Galvez-Nino

First Author: Vishal Vashistha