OREANDA-NEWS. December 01, 2015. Insights from experts working on-the-ground in lung cancer, compiled by Boehringer Ingelheim, shed light on challenges faced by patients with advanced stage adenocarcinoma, a type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), in being tested for EGFR mutations, leaving some without access to the most appropriate treatment for them.

A new insights report sees healthcare professionals and patient group representatives reflect on existing gaps in nationwide EGFR testing, which should be conducted for eligible patients upon diagnosis according to guidelines.1

Dr Matthew Peters, Professor of Respiratory Medicine, Macquarie University Australia and Chair, Global Lung Cancer Coalition commented, “Whilst country-level insights within this report do vary, common barriers to achieving EGFR testing and personalised treatment for all eligible patients are clear. Education is key: for patients, healthcare professionals and the wider community. More is needed to bring us closer to helping each and every NSCLC patient receive the right treatment for them.”

Country-level themes identified by experts from Western Europe and North America include:

  • Germany: insufficient reimbursement for mutation tests impacts EGFR testing rates for inpatients (majority of patients are diagnosed in an inpatient setting)
  • Italy: high number of patients are tested for EGFR mutations, but some patients and caregivers ask to start first-line treatment before receiving test results
  • Spain: many cancer centres are currently achieving high EGFR testing rates, but disparity exists as some centres are increasingly impacted by the growing economic crisis
  • UK: despite high levels of EGFR testing, some patients start treatment before results of this testing are available, so treatment is not personalised for their mutation
  • Canada: a healthcare system which is publically funded through each province and territory brings forth challenges in ensuring all eligible patients across the country are EGFR tested at diagnosis
  • USA: a substantial percentage of treatment decisions are not based on EGFR mutation subtype resulting in patients not receiving the most appropriate personalised treatment plans

Experts unite with a shared vision where all eligible NSCLC patients have the most appropriate diagnostic tests and access to personalised treatment. Common barriers holding back the realisation of this vision include difficulties in obtaining adequate tumour tissue samples to test, and delays in receiving test results. This is important as data have shown that EGFR targeted treatments significantly delay disease progression when compared to chemotherapy. For a specific targeted therapy, extended overall survival of patients with the most common type of mutation (del19) when compared to chemotherapy has also been observed.2

Dr Mehdi Shahidi, Medical Head, Solid Tumour Oncology, Boehringer Ingelheim added, “EGFR testing rates have improved dramatically over recent years, but there is still work to be done. Targeted therapies can benefit patients with EGFR mutation-positive lung cancer by delaying disease progression and for some, offering survival advantages compared to chemotherapy. This is why EGFR mutation testing and acting on the results of these tests is so important. Healthcare teams need to optimise the tools, resources and tests available to improve access to personalised treatment, for the ultimate benefit of patients.”

Notes to Editors

Intended audiences:
This press release is issued from our Corporate Headquarters in Ingelheim, Germany and is intended to provide information about our global business. Please be aware that information relating to the approval status and labels of approved products may vary from country to country, and a country-specific press release on this topic may have been issued in the countries where we do business.

About the international insights report
To help contextualise similarities, differences and barriers in daily practice across countries with regards to EGFR mutation testing and personalised treatment, the ‘Improving the Use of EGFR Mutation Testing in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer – Insights from Around the World’ insights report has been compiled using real-life perceptions from those working on the ground in lung cancer; healthcare professionals and patient organisations. Insights have been obtained from Canada, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, US. To view the full report: http://lifewithlungcancer.info/content/global-insights-report-egfr-testing

This insights report builds on findings from a recent international survey of lung cancer oncologists and respiratory experts about advanced NSCLC.3 For more view http://newscentre.boehringer-ingelheim.com/diru/news_releases/press_releases/2015/17_april_2015_oncology.html

About Boehringer Ingelheim in Oncology:http://newscentre.boehringer-ingelheim.com/education_hub1/oncology/backgrounder/bi_oncology_backgrounder.html

Boehringer Ingelheim
The Boehringer Ingelheim group is one of the world’s 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, Boehringer Ingelheim operates globally with 146 affiliates and a total of more than 47,700 employees. The focus of the family-owned company, founded in 1885, is researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing new medications of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine.

Social responsibility is an important element of the corporate culture at Boehringer Ingelheim. This includes worldwide involvement in social projects, such as the initiative “Making more Health” and caring for the employees. Respect, equal opportunities and reconciling career and family form the foundation of the mutual cooperation. In everything it does, the company focuses on environmental protection and sustainability.

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