Developments in predictive biomarker testing and targeted therapy in advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer and their application across European countries

Future perspective for the application of predictive biomarker testing in advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer

“… 3 , 4 As of July 2023, for all these biomarkers, except for ERBB2 , at least one EMA-approved targeted therapy is available. 1 However, beyond predictive markers for EMA-approved therapies, drugs are available through clinical trials, off-label use, or compassionate use programs, which require additional molecular testing. There are several emerging biomarkers that affect optimal treatment decision-making due to their predictive and/or prognostic value (for some examples see Table 1 ).…”

“…In the corresponding review of this Clinical Series on lung cancer, we describe the current application of predictive molecular testing in patients with advanced stage NSCLC from a European perspective, in relation to European Medicines Agency (EMA)-approved targeted therapies. 1 The review paper provides an overview of EMA-approved targeted therapies in patients with NSCLC and presents the current availability of targeted therapies and guidelines on predictive biomarker testing in patients with NSCLC in eleven European countries. In the current viewpoint paper, we look beyond the current guidelines and provide our perspective of what is required with regard to biomarker testing in the (near) future to be able to provide optimal care to patients with advanced stage NSCLC.…”

Biomarker testing in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer: the never-ending story

“…Two papers published in The Lancet Regional Health—Europe for the Series on “Advancements in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer” provide an overview of the major recent developments in targeted therapy treatment for advanced NSCLC, the differences in predictive biomarker testing rates and targeted therapy availability for patients across Europe 2 and a future perspective of the application of molecular testing in advanced stage NSCLC. 3 …”

“…As reported in the first paper by Jager et al., 2 it is now strictly necessary to implement routine large-panel next-generation sequencing (NGS) for all patients with advanced stage NSCLC to enable testing of all clinically relevant biomarkers, both for biomarkers relevant at the present time as well as for those who will be relevant in the near future. Unfortunately, in the real world setting the access to this type of approach is still limited, as highlighted by Bayle et al.…”

“…Among them, NRG1 fusions; MAP2K1 , ERBB2 , BRCA1/2 mutations, BRAF non-p.V600 and KRAS non-p.G12C mutations are currently being investigated in clinical trials as potential drug-susceptible alterations and represent only a small part of this never ending story. 2 …”