Dr Kim on the Collaborative, Forward-Thinking Nature of the 2025 BTG in Lung Cancer Meeting

"At this meeting, we expect the unexpected. We know the field is changing so quickly. We know that new biomarkers are being reported, and I think we just see where more people in the room are bringing in more thoughts of where their scientific expertise is."

Edward S. Kim, MD, MBA, vice physician-in-chief at City of Hope National Medical Center and physician-in-chief for City of Hope Orange County, highlighted the collaborative, forward-thinking nature of the Bridging the Gaps in Lung Cancer consensus meeting, as well as the ever-changing nature of the lung cancer field.

Kim stated that this meeting is distinct in its aim to identify and explore unresolved challenges in clinical practice, rather than reiterate existing standards of care. Approximately 30 experts were gathered together to not only discuss the data that leads to new standards of care, but to identify where the gaps are in lung cancer management, he added. These gaps include nuances in biomarker validation, questions regarding treatment selection in specific clinical scenarios, and uncertainties about the use of combination vs monotherapy.

Now in its third year, the meeting continues to evolve, embracing an open format where participants are encouraged to raise controversial or unresolved questions they face in real-world practice, Kim said. For example, the rapid emergence of new biomarkers and the complexity of molecular testing have expanded discussions to include rare alterations and areas lacking clear clinical guidance, he shared. Kim emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming environment for sharing expert opinions and scientific uncertainties.

New features this year include a livestream and integrated social media engagement to share polling results and discussion points in real time. These additions aim to broaden the reach of the meeting and illustrate the variability of expert perspectives. Although recommendations and consensus from the meeting will never be unanimous, they will illuminate the "gray areas" in lung cancer care and prepare the field for future advancements, Kim concluded.