Biomarkers and molecular profiling in non-small cell lung cancer: an expanding role and its managed care implications

Abstract

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancerrelated mortality in the world. The American Cancer Society estimated that in 2013, the disease will account for almost 159,500 deaths in the United States, or approximately 27% of all cancer deaths in the country. Lung cancer accounts for about 14% and 12% of all new cancer diagnoses in males and females, respectively, and nearly 70% of patients with lung cancer will present with locally advanced or metastatic disease at initial diagnosis. Despite evidence-based recommendations and clinical guidelines that support the utility of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation testing in improving targeted therapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common form of lung cancer, EGFR testing continues to be underutilized, as the procedure may cost up to $1000 and require up to 2 weeks for results. Additional research and data collection will be needed to ascertain the costeffectiveness and role of molecular testing and targeted therapies in the management of NSCLC. This article reviews the current testing strategy and treatment guidelines, and provides a pharmacoeconomic evaluation of the use of EGFR testing to guide the management of NSCLC in today's cost-constrained healthcare environment.