Comprehensive Genomic Profiling for Lung Cancer Treatment
A new type of lung cancer test known as comprehensive genomic profiling is helping to guide treatment decisions for newly diagnosed patients. Doctors use this test to check for biomarkers (substances that indicate cancer) and recommend treatments based on the results. Learn how this testing could help in your case.
What Is Comprehensive Genomic Profiling for Lung Cancer?
Comprehensive genomic profiling uses next-generation sequencing to analyze hundreds of genes simultaneously and create a full picture of a tumor’s molecular landscape.
It’s more in-depth than single-gene or small-panel testing, which looks for only one or a few genetic changes. Doctors use genomic profiling to study specific biomarkers in a tumor and guide treatment plans.
JCO Precision Oncology found that 32% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who underwent genomic profiling had an actionable biomarker, meaning one for which targeted therapy was available.
Smaller panel testing identified the same biomarkers in only 14% of those patients. If they hadn’t received genomic profiling, more than half of the group may never have received targeted therapy.
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How Genomic Profiling Influences Lung Cancer Treatment & Survival
Ongoing research shows that tests like genomic profiling can have a significant impact on lung cancer prognosis by influencing which treatments patients receive.
A JCO Oncology Practice study found stark differences in long-term survival among patients who received genomic tests before starting treatment compared to those who didn’t.
Study authors found:
- Patients who began non-targeted treatment before getting their biomarker results lived for less than 9 months.
- Patients who underwent targeted treatment thanks to genomic profiling lived nearly 16 months.
Patients with certain biomarkers may benefit more from targeted therapy than immunotherapy. Starting immunotherapy too soon could increase the risk of side effects like pneumonitis if patients switch to targeted treatments afterward.
Additionally, testing is particularly important for guiding treatment plans for patients with stage 4 lung cancer. The presence or absence of biomarkers helps determine which treatments will be used first for these patients.
How Delays in Genomic Profiling Impact Lung Cancer Care
While comprehensive genomic profiling is often very helpful for lung cancer, in some cases it’s delayed or never pursued.
The Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that among 34,000 patients with metastatic NSCLC, Black patients and those living in areas with greater poverty were less likely to undergo molecular testing.
More factors that influenced the odds of getting genomic testing included:
- Insurance coverage
- Lung cancer type
- Sex
- Smoking status
Further, the timing of genomic profiling tests can play a significant role in when patients receive specific treatments.
A nationwide analysis of 3,250 patients with stage 4 NSCLC mutations found they started targeted therapy around 7 weeks from diagnosis on average. Only 26.4% of patients began it within one month.
Considering genomic testing soon after a diagnosis may help guide quicker treatment decisions without losing accuracy.
Looking to find the best tests and treatments for lung cancer? Call (877) 446-5767 now to get started with our help.
Asking Lung Cancer Doctors About Genomic Profiling
Patients newly diagnosed with NSCLC — particularly adenocarcinoma, which carries the highest prevalence of actionable biomarkers — can talk with their doctors about genomic tests before starting treatment.
While it may not be appropriate for everyone, speaking with a doctor before starting treatment can give you a better idea of how it could help.
Questions to ask lung cancer doctors include:
- Can I get comprehensive genomic profiling?
- Which specific biomarkers will be tested?
- Should I wait to get treatment until after receiving the results?
- Has the treating team reviewed if targeted therapy is right for me given my genomic profile results?
At Lung Cancer Group, we’re here to assist families in understanding how tests like genomic profiling could guide discussions with doctors.
Get our Free Lung Cancer Guide now or call (877) 446-5767 to get more information on essential lung cancer tests, treatments, and financial resources to make your cancer journey easier.
Written by:Lung Cancer GroupLung Cancer Group was established by a team of caring advocates so those with lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases can get the help they deserve. Our site provides the most accurate and up-to-date information about lung cancer, its link to asbestos, and financial compensation available to patients. Contact us to learn more and get assistance.
