P2.08-009 Need for Consistent Language around Biomarker Testing in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer: Topic: Other

Abstract

Lung cancer patients now have the option of targeted therapies or immunotherapies. However, not all eligible patients are benefiting from these treatment approaches, partly due to lack of tumor testing. To determine whether inconsistent communications could be a contributor to the suboptimal biomarker testing rates, we conducted a communications audit to determine what terminology is currently being used, to come to a consensus on consistent terminology to describe the testing used to help choose lung cancer treatments. In phase I, we surveyed 28 organizations (patient advocacy organizations, pharmaceutical/testing companies, government and health sites) with the aim of identifying various terms being used to reference molecular tumor testing. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 lung cancer patients to gain insights into their understanding of molecular testing. Results from Phase I were discussed during a stakeholder meeting (Phase II) with 21 representatives of 11 different advocacy and pharmaceutical companies to come to agreement on terminology. In Phase I, 9,379 mentions of eight different terms to reference molecular testing and targeted therapy were inventoried (Table). Overall, there were too many terms, with inconsistent usage. Patient interviews revealed that there was disparity between the terms used to talk to health care practitioners and to patients, thereby setting up a communications gap. In the Phase II meeting, stakeholders agreed on the importance of a more unified message to achieve common understanding of molecular testing and targeted therapies. Biomarker testing was the strong favorite. It integrates the concept of “biology” of the tumor and is more inclusive than “molecular testing,” now that PD-L1 testing is also a consideration for the new class of immunotherapy.Tabled 1Searched TermsPharma/BioTechTestingGov’t/PrivateCancer OrgsLung Cancer OrgsGenetic Testing77651082295395Molecular Testing173270742124331Mutation Testing21111485143274Biomarker Testing10917239029156Genetic Diagnostic2666770111109Molecular Diagnostic1132317989498Mutation Profiling2278254288Molecular Pathways74917873588 Open table in a new tab Consistent use of the term “biomarker testing” to encompass both targetable molecular mutations and PD-L1 protein expression is recommended for all stakeholders, allowing for additional elaboration on specific tests.