Dr. Saltos on the Importance of Broad Molecular Testing in NSCLC

Andreas Saltos, MD, medical oncologist, clinical research medical director, Department of Thoracic Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, discusses the importance of broad molecular testing in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

In recent years, a number of effective targeted therapies have emerged for patients with molecular alterations that were not historically considered standard to test for, says Saltos. As such, molecular testing with broad genomic profiling has become important for all patients with advanced NSCLC, Saltos explains.

Broad molecular testing may identify mutations for which no approved targeted therapies are available, Saltos says. However, ongoing clinical trials are evaluating numerous targeted therapies, so it is helpful to understand a patient’s full genetic make-up, Saltos says.

Notably, as the field of precision medicine continues to evolve in NSCLC, it is critical to test for mutations beyond EGFR, ALK, and ROS1, concludes Saltos.