Segment 6 - Molecular Testing

Panelists continue to discuss the use of screening, including PET scanning. They then transition into discussions about molecular testing.

Dr Langer says that, “Molecular targeted therapy is right now only indicated in advanced either recurrent or metastatic disease. There are ongoing trials that have just started in both locally advanced and in early-stage resected setting that will be studying the role of these agents prospectively, but they are not yet part of the standard core…outside the clinical trial.”

Some people, such as women or those patients of East-Asian backgrounds, are more predisposed to developing mutations. There are also more controversial areas of “reflex testing,” or testing that includes everyone, especially those patients at risk for relapse. However, Dr Langer says that each academic intuition has its own approach to testing, so there is no consensus.