The Impact of Next-Generation Sequencing Workflows on Outcomes in Advanced Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis at One Academic Health System

Abstract

Molecular testing is becoming the standard of care across multiple tumor types in oncology. In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the uptake of molecular testing with next-generation sequencing (NGS) has been earlier than in other fields due to the clinical relevance of the molecular results. There are multiple approaches to NGS, ranging from sending testing internally, often reflexively, to referring externally to limited or comprehensive panels. This study aims to identify the differences in time to results, time to treatment, molecular alterations, and clinical outcomes for different molecular workflows in NSCLC. The results may impact the workflows for testing in a variety of cancers.