Molecular testing for lung cancer mutations plays an important role in the care of patients, by enabling quicker access to the most appropriate treatments. The guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellent (NICE) are clear on what molecular testing is required for patients in the England. However, although testing rates are high, further work is ongoing to improve this process.

In this podcast, Neal Navani, MA, MRCP, MSc, PhD, Care Quality Improvement Department, Royal College of Physicians, London, UK firstly discusses molecular testing in the UK, highlighting real-world evidence from the National Lung Cancer Audit. Next, Sanjay Popat, BSc, MBBS, FRCP, PhD, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, highlights the importance of molecular testing and the formation of the Genomic Laboratory Hubs (GLHs) in England, which will help to coordinate the national approach to providing molecular diagnostic tests for patients. Finally, Angela George, MB, ChB, FRACP, MD, the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, then reviews a paper she co-authored investigating next-generation sequencing (NGS) and single-gene testing for lung cancer testing, and how comprehensive genomic profiling aids patient care.

These interviews took place at the 18th British Thoracic Oncology Group (BTOG) 2020 congress held in Dublin, UK.