New molecular testing guidelines launched ahead of lung cancer screening program rollout

Ahead of the upcoming National Lung Cancer Screening program, set to launch in July, new best practice guidelines for Molecular Testing of Lung Cancer have been unveiled by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) in partnership with the Thoracic Oncology Group of Australasia (TOGA).

RCPA President, Associate Professor Trishe Leong, stated “Without local recommendations from a trusted source, laboratories and clinicians may struggle to determine best practice. We hope that these Australian best practice recommendations will improve consistency in molecular testing, align practices with global best standards, and enhance patient care.”

Lead author of the guidelines, Professor Wendy Cooper, added “Lung cancer treatment has advanced significantly in recent years, resulting in increasingly complex treatment plans. Yet, evidence shows that biomarker-driven therapies can significantly improve survival rates and treatment responses compared to traditional methods.”

Pfizer’s Lorbrena (lorlatinib) and Roche’s Alecensa (alectinib) are PBS listed in ALK-positive advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and redefining clinical outcomes.

Jon Graftdyk, a 50-year-old father from Victoria, shared his journey with lung cancer which was diagnosed in April 2022. Despite being a non-smoker for over a decade, Jon’s pathology tests revealed the ALK-positive biomarker, granting him access to oral targeted therapy. This treatment resulted in a complete metabolic response, eradicating all traces of tumours and allowing Jon to manage stage 4 cancer without resorting to traditional chemotherapy, thereby maintaining a relatively normal life.

Professor Nick Pavlakis, Medical Oncologist at Royal North Shore Hospital and Chair of TOGA’s Board of Directors, emphasised the impact of these guidelines. He said, “These best practice recommendations ensure every lung cancer patient in Australia has access to high-quality molecular testing, leading to more effective, targeted treatments. Standardising testing means faster, more precise care, giving patients the best chance at improved outcomes and quality of life.”

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