Dr Patel on Establishing a Consensus for Lung Cancer Treatment

Sandip P. Patel, MD, medical oncologist, professor, medicine, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), UCSD Health, discusses the 2023 Bridging the Gaps in Lung Cancer meeting, highlighting the similarities and differences between treating lung cancer in community oncology settings vs academic medical center settings.

he Bridging the Gaps in Lung Cancer meeting is a new initiative aimed at addressing the pressing questions that pertain to the current state of clinical practice in the field of thoracic oncology, Patel begins. Often, clinical guidelines are rooted in best available clinical data, providing a framework for optimal practice, he says. However, the evolving field of therapeutic options and interventions in lung cancer necessitates well-informed decisions tailored to individual patients, Patel explains. In turn, these evolutions mandate a consensus on clinical practices, even in the absence of complete evidence, which was a focal point of discussion across various facets of thoracic oncology during the meeting, Patel emphasizes. 

In the realm of community oncology, health care providers have access to a comprehensive arsenal of diagnostic tools and a wide array of therapeutic options that are similar to those oftheir counterparts in academic medical centers, he expands. The democratization of genomic technologies, encompassing both liquid and tissue biopsies, has expanded the horizons of precision medicine. Multiple commercial vendors now offer state-of-the-art sequencing services, mirroring those achievable in academic research labs, Patel details. This democratization extends to biomarker testing and the availability of advanced therapeutics, he notes. 

While academic settings often excel in niche areas, such as clinical trials, cell therapy, and novel multidisciplinary care, community oncologists are empowered by the democratization of diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities, particularly in precision oncology, Patel continues. Molecular reports, on par with those from academic centers, frequently provide actionable therapeutic recommendations. In some cases, these reports are akin to routine tests, such as complete blood counts or comprehensive metabolic panels, which effectively guide treatment decisions, Patel explains. The democratization of molecular testing platforms confers an invaluable advantage to community oncologists, allowing them to consistently deliver high-quality, tailored care to each patient, he concludes.