TITLE:
The Need for a National Guideline for the Management of NSCLC ALK-Positive Lung Cancer in the UK: Results of Patient-Driven Surveys
AUTHORS:
Debra Montague
KEYWORDS:
ALK-Positive, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Oncogene-Driven, Guidelines
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cancer Therapy,
Vol.13 No.7,
July
28,
2022
ABSTRACT: Introduction: There are currently no national guidelines specifically
for the management of NSCLC ALK-positive lung cancer in the UK. National guidelines
exist for lung cancer in general and reference is made to ALK-positive lung cancer.
However, the generic nature of these guidelines is not sufficient for the optimal
management of this specific type of lung cancer, with its unique disease management
requirements. Method: In 2021, members of the charity ALK POSITIVE LUNG CANCER (UK) completed anonymised
surveys to gather real-world data about their treatment. Results: Data were gathered on the prescribing of blood thinners
(n = 127); frequency of brain MRI scans (n = 123); prescribing bone strengthening
medication (n = 127); frequency of CT scans (n = 123); mental health
(n = 132). There was significant variation in each of these five aspects of treatment. Conclusions: The findings, from a representative population of ALK-positive
patients, provide new information on the significant disparities in the treatment
that patients receive. This health inequality is likely to have a detrimental effect
on the survival outcomes for some of these patients. It would improve patient outcomes
and overall survival if ALK-positive lung cancer disease management national guidelines
were established and utilised across the NHS in the UK. The evidence presented.