Utilization of Advanced Molecular Analyses in Clinical Practice in Lung Cancer: A Country Perspective
Haci Ibrahim Petekkaya1, Veysel Atilla Ayyildiz21Department of Internal Diseases (Medical Oncology), Izmir Tinaztepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey, 2Department of Radiology, Suleyman Demirel University, Faculty of Medicine, Isparta, Turkey
Objectives: This study evaluated the clinical practices of medical oncologists in Turkey for utilization of molecular and genetic analyses in lung cancer. Methods: All medical oncologists registered to the Turkish Medical Oncology Society participated in an online survey about their practices of molecular and genetic analyses for management of lung cancer patients. Results: Participants were 189 medical oncologists. Results showed that 88.4% checked mutations in adenocancer, 75.7% checked EGFR, EML-ALK, and ROS-1 in NSCLC, 75.1% checked markers only for locally advanced/metastatic diseases; 45% obtained results in 8–14 days and 31.2% in 15–21 days. A positive EGFR/ALK report after initiating chemo led 68.3% to re-evaluate patient after 2/3 cycles, 20.6% to stop chemo and shift to targeted therapy and 12.2% to continue full-regimen. Of the participants, 46% requested secondary biopsy in progressions under treatment, 22.2% in young patients, 34.9% in never-smokers, 46.6% in patients testing negative but presumed to be clinically positive. Conclusion: Most medical oncologists in Turkey use molecular/genetic analyses in their clinical practice. However, the limited availability and delays in results lead oncologists to initiate treatment primarily based on clinical findings. Once these methods become widespread, targeted therapies and consequent favorable outcomes will increase in the practice of oncology. Keywords: Molecular analyses, precision oncology, medical oncologist, perspective, Turkey
Cite This Article
Petekkaya H, Ayyildiz V. Utilization of Advanced Molecular Analyses in Clinical Practice in Lung Cancer: A Country Perspective. EJMI. 2021; 5(3): 347-353
Corresponding Author: Haci Ibrahim Petekkaya