Canadians with lung cancer face challenges in access to new molecular testing and treatment
TORONTO, July 15, 2011 /CNW/ - Lung Cancer Canada announces that routine molecular testing should be standard for all Canadians diagnosed with this life-threatening disease.
Similar to molecular testing in breast cancer, molecular testing is standard in advanced non-small cell lung cancer, and important for selecting the best treatment.
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an important protein for lung cancer development and growth. Mutations have been identified in the EGFR gene, and are commonly seen in never-smokers with lung cancer. Lung cancer patients with EGFR mutations have dramatic responses to treatment targeting EGFR, called EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI),and have better outcomes than with traditional chemotherapy as initial treatment for advanced lung cancer. Six studies of nearly 1000 lung cancer patients with EGFR mutations have clearly shown that EGFR TKI treatment up front yields greater cancer shrinkage, longer time to cancer growth and better quality of life with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy for advanced lung cancer.
Testing and molecularly targeted treatment has been a standard for advanced lung cancer patients worldwide since 2009. Health Canada has approved molecularly targeted treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer in 2010, with a drug called gefitinib (IressaTM, Astra Zeneca). However, to date, only British Columbia has approved both routine testing and funding of EGFRTKI treatment as initial treatment for lung cancer patients with EGFR mutations.
Testing and treatments that clearly improve quality of life and cancer outcomes should be available for all Canadians.