Comparison of Next-Generation Sequencing Platforms for Clinical Testing of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Abstract

Personalized treatment of lung cancer using therapies that target activating oncogenic mutations such as EGFR and ALK has become the standard of care. Current molecular testing is routinely performed for single genes and increasingly in a multiplex format. However, the scarcity of sufficient biopsy material has necessitated a more high-throughput and comprehensive testing approach. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) offers great promise as a highly sensitive method of detection for a variety of biopsy sources (tissue, blood, pleural effusions). However, there are multiple NGS platforms and panels with varying advantages and disadvantages.