Author of

• 17629

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  P2.03b - Poster Session with Presenters Present (ID 465)

  • Event: WCLC 2016
  • Type: Poster Presenters Present
  • Track: Advanced NSCLC
  • Presentations: 1
  • Moderators:
  • Coordinates: 12/06/2016, 14:30 - 15:45, Hall B (Poster Area)

  • 17677

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    P2.03b-048 - Access to Biomarker Testing in Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (ID 4461)

    14:30 - 14:30  |  Author(s): A. Ravelo
    • Abstract

    Background:
    Access to biomarker testing is critical for selecting appropriate treatment for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC). This study assessed rates and patterns of biomarker testing among patients with aNSCLC.
    
    Methods:
    Patients aged ≥65 years diagnosed with aNSCLC between 2007-2011 were identified in the SEER-Medicare database and were followed for ≥4 months post-diagnosis (n = 9,651). Patients’ first biopsy within ±8 weeks of diagnosis was defined as the index date. Biomarker tests included procedure codes for gene analyses to test for EGFR, ALK, and other mutations. IHC tests, which are mostly used for diagnosis, were excluded. The use of biomarker tests was assessed from the index date until the end of data availability (12/31/2013) or end of Medicare Parts A, B and D eligibility. Analyses were replicated in the subgroup with cancer stages IIIB-T4 or IV and adenocarcinoma, adenosquamous or unknown type of NSCLC histology (n = 6,193).
    
    Results:
    Of 9,651 patients observed for a median of 11 months, 18% had a biomarker test during the follow-up. The use of biomarker testing increased from 5% in 2007 to 35% in 2011, and was higher among patients who saw a cancer specialist as compared to those who did not see a cancer specialist. When comparing the patients with and without a biomarker test diagnosed in 2011 (i.e., the most recent year in the data) in the full study sample, a higher proportion of patients without a biomarker test were males (51 vs 43%), non-Hispanic Blacks (13 vs 5%), resided in areas with higher poverty (27 vs 15%) and lower education levels (26 vs 17%), and had larger tumors at diagnosis (median 41 vs 38 mm; p <.05 for all). In addition, a lower proportion of them were married (44 vs. 52%), resided in big metropolitan areas (51 vs 57%), had stage IV cancer (64 vs 69%), and adenocarcinoma histology at diagnosis (43 vs. 77%; p <.05 for all). Among tested, >40% of the patients had their first biomarker test >8 weeks after biopsy. Results were similar in the subgroup, but the rate of biomarker testing was slightly higher and with slightly shorter delays.
    
    Conclusion:
    Among patients with aNSCLC diagnosed in 2007-2011 a substantial proportion did not undergo biomarker testing or had their biomarker test delayed by >8 weeks post-biopsy. Significant differences exist in demographic and cancer characteristics between patients with and without a biomarker test.