Challenges to Implementation of an Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Testing Strategy for Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer in a Publicly Funded Health Care System

BACKGROUND: Data from seven recent randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that epidermal growth factor (EGFR) mutation status is predictive of improved progression-free survival and quality of life from first-line EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy compared with platinum-based chemotherapy. We examined barriers to the initial implementation of a national EGFR testing policy in Canada. METHODS: Five laboratories across Canada underwent …