Why we need to speed up the genomics testing pathway – no one with lung cancer should wait more than 14 days for a genomic test result

Over the past two decades, the landscape of lung cancer treatment has transformed dramatically. Thanks to a growing array of targeted therapies for patients with advanced-stage lung cancer bearing specific mutations, many individuals who once faced a grim prognosis may now enjoy years of quality life. Understanding these mutations is crucial, not only for selecting the right treatment but also for making informed decisions about peri-operative or neo-adjuvant chemo-immunotherapy.

Yet, despite these advancements, many of the up to 30,000 UK lung cancer patients that we estimate have their tissue sent for genomic testing per year, could face significant hurdles on their journey to life-saving treatments. The diagnostic process is often painfully slow, with sample testing in pathology labs and subsequent analysis in specialist genomics labs taking far longer than the recommended maximum 14-day turnaround. In some regions, patients are left waiting for weeks, a delay that is simply unacceptable. This prolonged wait causes immense physical harm and mental distress, delaying the start of optimal treatment.

While some areas have made commendable strides in speeding up these processes, there is an urgent need for consistency across all four UK nations. Accelerating genomic testing is not just about efficiency; it's about ensuring that lung cancer patients receive the most suitable treatment promptly. This approach not only extends patients' lives but is also more cost-effective for the NHS.

The UKLCC’s new report ‘Fasting Testing, Better Outcomes – Genomic Testing in Lung Cancer’ is a call to action. It doesn't just highlight the challenges within the complex genomics pathway but provides a series of recommendations for achieving timely, accurate, and high-quality results. It showcases successful practices across the UK, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts to enhance these processes.

To achieve success, we need greater accountability, transparency, and the implementation of basic digital technologies across the testing pathway.  In England, we also need the NHS to urgently publish the latest data on turnaround times from the seven GLHs.

We owe it to our patients to ensure they receive the best possible treatment as swiftly as possible. No one diagnosed with lung cancer should have to wait more than 14 days for their genomic test results.