Optimizing Personalized Care Plans for Patients With Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

STATEMENT OF NEED

An estimated 228,150 new cases of lung cancer are reported in the United States annually, and 142,670 people die of the disease. The major subtypes are non-­small cell (84%) and small cell (13%). Most patients with lung cancer are diagnosed at a locally advanced or metastatic stage, making systemic therapy the cornerstone of management. Although 70% of patients receiving first-line classical doublet chemotherapy demonstrate clinical benefit, most develop progressive disease within 5 months of their final cycle. Recently, the use of tumor histology in determining optimal treatment strategies and relevant molecular biomarkers to further refine selection of novel therapies has improved outcomes for some patients. However, the 5-year survival rates remain dismal for both non-small cell (18%) and small cell lung cancer (5% to 10%), indicating a need for continued research on more effective approaches to tumor control.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Oncologists, pathologists, oncology advanced practitioners, oncology nurses, and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

1.) Assess predictive and prognostic markers that can inform personalized care plans for patients with advanced NSCLC
2.) Evaluate current and emerging data on first-line, second-line, and salvage therapy for patients with advanced NSCLC
3.) Apply strategies to manage adverse events and optimize treatment outcomes of patients with advanced NSCLC

Note: The learning objectives listed above apply to nurse practitioners and registered nurses in addition to physicians.