Regional screening network for characterization of the molecular epidemiology of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and implementation of personalized treatment.

CRA10529 Background: Personalized treatment of genetically stratified subgroups has the potential to substantially improve outcome in NSCLC. A major challenge now is to implement high-quality molecular diagnostics and personalized treatment strategies in routine clinical practice also outside of highly specialized academic centers. Methods: We have established a molecular screening network in the catchment area of our comprehensive cancer center encompassing about 2.5 million inhabitants in March 2010 after review of the local ethics committee (10-242). Lung adenocarcinoma (AD) was screened centrally for ALK translocations, mutations in KRAS, EGFR, BRAF and PIK3CA and for amplification of ERBB2. Squamous cell carcinoma (SQ) was analyzed for FGFR1 amplifications. Results: 2032 NSCLC samples were acquired of which 1782 in the Cologne-Bonn area indicating a capture rate of 60-70% of all NSCLC samples in the area. Material was suitable for molecular analysis in 77%. Distribution of histological subtypes was a...