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Opinion|Videos|February 13, 2025

Barriers and Challenges in Biomarker Testing for ALK+ NSCLC

Author(s)Rajat Thawani, MD, MBBs , Edward S. Kim, MD, MBA, Edward B. Garon, MD, MS

Dr. Garon discusses the factors that make a patient a strong candidate for ALK inhibitor therapy in ALK+ NSCLC, the importance of biomarker testing in guiding treatment selection, and his approach to testing along with challenges encountered, especially in community settings.

Episodes in this series

6 experts are featured in this series.

EP. 1 Robert’s Journey With EGFR+ Metastatic NSCLC

6 experts are featured in this series.

EP. 2 The Impact of Molecular Testing on Treatment Choices for NSCLC

6 experts are featured in this series.

EP. 3 Overview of FLAURA and MARIPOSA-2 Clinical Trials

6 experts are featured in this series.

EP. 4 Clinical Experience of Amivantamab in EGFR+ NSCLC Patients

6 experts are featured in this series.

EP. 5 Factors in Selecting Treatment Options for EGFR+ NSCLC

6 experts are featured in this series.

EP. 6 Evaluating Treatment Options of EGFR Inhibitors

6 experts are featured in this series.

EP. 7 Considerations for Second-Line Treatment Decisions in EGFR+ NSCLC: Sequencing Strategies and First-Line Choices

6 experts are featured in this series.

EP. 8 Jason’s Journey with ALK+ Metatstatic NSCLC

6 experts are featured in this series.

EP. 9 Barriers and Challenges in Biomarker Testing for ALK+ NSCLC

6 experts are featured in this series.

EP. 10 Overview of Efficacy of Lorlatinib in the Treatment of ALK+ NSCLC

6 experts are featured in this series.

EP. 11 Overview of Current Treatment Landscape of ALK Inhibitors

6 experts are featured in this series.

EP. 12 Clinical Experience of Lorlatinib ALK+ NSCLC Patients

6 experts are featured in this series.

EP. 13 Patient Factors Considered when Choosing Treatment Selection

6 experts are featured in this series.

EP. 14 Treatment Strategies in Disease Progression in ALK+ NSCLC

6 experts are featured in this series.

EP. 15 Evaluating ALK Inhibitors in Treatment Sequencing and Testing

6 experts are featured in this series.

EP. 16 Future Therapies for ALK+ Metastatic NSCLC

This is an actor portrayal of a hypothetical patient profile developed for educational purposes based on characteristics of patients with ALK+ non-small cell lung cancer as seen in clinical practice. The hypothetical case was co-developed by staff Medical Writers with Cancer Network/ONN.

Dr. Thawani asks Dr Garon: What factors make this patient a strong candidate for ALK inhibitor therapy?

How critical is biomarker testing in guiding treatment selection?
Could you share your approach to biomarker testing and any barriers faced, particularly in community settings?

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