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Article

Improving Molecular Testing and Personalized Medicine in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer in Ontario

1
Division of Medical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
2
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
3
Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
4
Laboratory Medicine Program, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
5
Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
6
LifeLabs Genetics, Toronto, ON, Canada
7
Division of Thoracic Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
8
Division of Respirology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
9
Division of Respirology, Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, ON, Canada
10
Joint Department of Medical Imaging, University Health Network, Mount Sinai Hospital and Women’s College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
11
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
12
Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre, Barrie, ON, Canada
13
Lung Cancer Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Curr. Oncol. 2017, 24(2), 103-110; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.24.3495
Submission received: 2 January 2017 / Revised: 6 February 2017 / Accepted: 8 March 2017 / Published: 1 April 2017

Abstract

Background: Although molecular testing has become standard in managing advanced nonsquamous non-small-cell lung cancer (nsclc), most patients undergo minimally invasive procedures, and the diagnostic tumour specimens available for testing are usually limited. A knowledge translation initiative to educate diagnostic specialists about sampling techniques and laboratory processes was undertaken to improve the uptake and application of molecular testing in advanced lung cancer. Methods: A multidisciplinary panel of physician experts including pathologists, respirologists, interventional thoracic radiologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists developed a specialty-specific education program, adapting international clinical guidelines to the local Ontario context. Expert recommendations from the program are reported here. Results: Panel experts agreed that specialists procuring samples for lung cancer diagnosis should choose biopsy techniques that maximize tumour cellularity, and that conservation strategies to maximize tissue for molecular testing should be used in tissue processing. The timeliness of molecular reporting can be improved by pathologist-initiated reflex testing upon confirmation of nonsquamous nsclc and by prompt transportation of specimens to designated molecular diagnostic centres. To coordinate timely molecular testing and optimal treatment, collaboration and communication between all clinicians involved in diagnosing patients with advanced lung cancer are mandatory. Conclusions: Knowledge transfer to diagnostic lung cancer specialists could potentially improve molecular testing and treatment for advanced lung cancer patients.
Keywords: non-small-cell lung cancer; biomarkers; quality of care; knowledge translation non-small-cell lung cancer; biomarkers; quality of care; knowledge translation

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MDPI and ACS Style

Lim, C.; Sekhon, H.S.; Cutz, J.C.; Hwang, D.M.; Kamel-Reid, S.; Carter, R.F.; Santos, G.d.C.; Waddell, T.; Binnie, M.; Patel, M.; et al. Improving Molecular Testing and Personalized Medicine in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer in Ontario. Curr. Oncol. 2017, 24, 103-110. https://doi.org/10.3747/co.24.3495

AMA Style

Lim C, Sekhon HS, Cutz JC, Hwang DM, Kamel-Reid S, Carter RF, Santos GdC, Waddell T, Binnie M, Patel M, et al. Improving Molecular Testing and Personalized Medicine in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer in Ontario. Current Oncology. 2017; 24(2):103-110. https://doi.org/10.3747/co.24.3495

Chicago/Turabian Style

Lim, C., H.S. Sekhon, J.C. Cutz, D.M. Hwang, S. Kamel-Reid, R.F. Carter, G. da Cunha Santos, T. Waddell, M. Binnie, M. Patel, and et al. 2017. "Improving Molecular Testing and Personalized Medicine in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer in Ontario" Current Oncology 24, no. 2: 103-110. https://doi.org/10.3747/co.24.3495

APA Style

Lim, C., Sekhon, H. S., Cutz, J. C., Hwang, D. M., Kamel-Reid, S., Carter, R. F., Santos, G. d. C., Waddell, T., Binnie, M., Patel, M., Paul, N., Chung, T., Brade, A., El-Maraghi, R., Sit, C., Tsao, M. S., & Leighl, N. B. (2017). Improving Molecular Testing and Personalized Medicine in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer in Ontario. Current Oncology, 24(2), 103-110. https://doi.org/10.3747/co.24.3495

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