Nathan A. Pennell, MD, PhD, FASCO - Fine-Tuning Biomarker Testing to Identify and Target RET Fusions as Uncommon But Actionable Genomic Alterations in NSCLC

PeerView Oncology & Hematology CME/CNE/CPE Audio Podcast

Go online to PeerView.com/JBE860 to view the activity, download slides and practice aids, and complete the post-test to earn credit. Less common genomic alterations such as gene fusions represent actionable and important therapeutic targets in a substantial proportion of patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although they are relatively rare, it is essential to conduct appropriate biomarker testing to identify these alterations because highly effective targeted therapies have become available that can significantly improve patient outcomes versus older targeted therapies or cytotoxic agents. RET fusion–positive NSCLC is one such example. Next-generation, more selective tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have demonstrated remarkable efficacy and improved safety in patients with tumors exhibiting RET fusions. However, testing for these fusions and other less common alterations as well as interpreting reports of testing results can be challenging, which can lead to missed opportunities to offer the best possible therapy to patients who could benefit from them. This educational activity is designed to help professionals involved in the testing and treatment of patients with NSCLC develop their knowledge and skills to bridge the current gaps in the care of patients with lung cancer. Expert faculty provide practical guidance on how to select the correct biomarker testing approach and platform to identify gene fusions and other less common alterations in NSCLC, implement the testing in-house or externally, and decipher the results or interpret the information in send-out testing reports. The experts also share tips and case-based examples of effectively collaborating with multidisciplinary and interprofessional colleagues to identify suitable candidates for the latest targeted therapies matched to the results of biomarker testing and, consequently, positively impact the outcomes of these patients. Upon completion of this activity, participants should be better able to: Describe the role of gene fusions and other less common alterations in NSCLC, importance of appropriate biomarker testing to identify patients with these alterations, and clinical evidence supporting the use of matched targeted therapies to optimize patient outcomes; Implement team-based strategies to identify patients with NSCLC for biomarker testing, select appropriate tests to capture all actionable genomic alterations, and interpret testing results to guide treatment selection; Apply the latest evidence and guidelines to individualize targeted therapy for patients with lung cancers harboring uncommon gene fusions and other alterations; and Educate patients about the role of biomarker testing in lung cancer, risks and benefits of targeted therapies, and importance of selecting optimal therapy based on biomarker testing results and patient needs, values, and preferences.