Expert Highlights Importance of Molecular Testing in Patients With Lung Cancer
Fred R. Hirsch, MD, PhD, shares a message with oncologists regarding molecular testing in patients with lung cancer. He says the most important message is that molecular characterization of the patient’s tumor must be done in order to best treat the patient.
Fred R. Hirsch, MD, PhD, professor of medicine and executive director for the Center for Thoracic Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai Health System, shares a message with oncologists regarding molecular testing in patients with lung cancer. He says the most important message is that molecular characterization of the patient’s tumor must be done in order to best treat the patient.
It sounds simple, but Hirsch says not all patients with lung cancer undergo molecular testing at this time, especially in the community setting. It is not natural in that setting to get molecular testing on every patient’s tumor, but it is necessary.
Today’s lung cancer treatments are mainly based on the molecular profile of patients, especially in the setting of advanced disease. Understanding a patient’s molecular profile is essential in selecting the right treatment.
