Successful completion of EGFR/ALK testing in non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (non-sq NSCLC) with the implementation of reflex testing (RT) by pathologists.

2016 
93 Background: EGFR mutation and ALK rearrangement testing is standard in the management of advanced non-sq NSCLC patients (pts). Previously at our centre, EGFR/ALK biomarker testing was requested by medical oncologists (MO). In June 2013 we implemented biomarker RT, defined as pathologists requesting EGFR/ALK at time of diagnosis of non sq-NSCLC irrespective of stage. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that if pathologists requested biomarker testing, appropriate tissue would be preserved and selected for testing, which would improve success rates of biomarker testing. Methods: Retrospective review of advanced non-sq NSCLC pts seen by MO at Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre from March 2010 to April 2014. Pt and EGFR/ALK test characteristics were compared before and after RT using Chi-square tests of association. Time outcomes were compared using Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: Of the 310 pts included, median age was 68, 44% female, 47% Caucasian, 93% adenocarcinoma, 22% EGFR+, 1% ALK+ an...
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