Getting Tissue for Molecular Testing: An NSCLC Strategic Initiative

The Temple University School of Medicine (Temple) in collaboration with the Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC), Fox Chase Cancer Center and MCM Education propose a continuing medical education initiative on the topic of non-small cell lung cancer entitled Getting Tissue for Molecular Testing: A NSCLC Strategic Initiative. The overall aim of this initiative is to improve how lung biopsies are performed in patients with NSCLC so that adequate tissue is available for molecular testing.

To accomplish this, Temple/Fox Chase/ACCC will recruit five (5) ACCC member organizations to participate in this initiative with Fox Chase Cancer Center being of the selected sites. Within each organization, we will identify baseline performance around: 1) percentage of NSCLC adenocarcinoma tumors that undergo molecular testing; 2) adequacy of lung biopsy samples for molecular testing; 3) types of protocols and workflow processes in place that are designed to increase molecular testing in patients with NSCLC; and 4) types of protocols and algorithms that are used by oncologists to guide the treatment of NSCLC patients based on molecular test data. The baseline data will be determined through the implementation of focus groups and surveys within each of the 5 centers and the use of available cancer registries.

After obtaining and reviewing baseline data within each of the 5 organizations, a focused strategy will be tailored to each individual organization with the intent of increasing the percentage of lung biopsies that are adequate for molecular testing. The tactics to improve the percentage include a CME workshops lectures/presentations and tumor boards, the creation of task forces, process changes that leverage electronic health record capabilities, routine reminders/alerts, and other educational and process change activities. To assess the effectiveness of the tailored strategy within each organization and measure performance changes, outcomes data will be collected to at 6, 9, and 12 months.