Biomarker Testing Practices for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: Survey Insights from South Korean Pathology Laboratories
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Purpose: Molecular biomarker testing is essential for lung cancer management and precision medicine. This study evaluated biomarker testing practices for non-small cell lung cancer across pathology laboratories in South Korea. Materials and Methods: A nationwide survey of 30 pathology laboratories assessed testing policies, biomarker adoption, testing platforms, next-generation sequencing (NGS) implementation, reporting practices, turnaround times (TATs), and perceived challenges. Results: All institutions routinely performed biomarker testing; 20 (66.7%) employed reflex testing at least in part. Tissue was the primary specimen type, and cytology and liquid biopsy specimens were accepted by 90.0% and 46.7% of institutions, respectively. For non-squamous NSCLC, all institutions tested EGFR, ALK, ROS1, and PD-L1, with additional testing for BRAF (86.7%) and KRAS (80.0%); other actionable targets were rarely tested outside NGS. In squamous NSCLC, PD-L1 was routinely assessed, whereas other drivers were tested less frequently. All institutions performed tissue-based NGS using companion diagnostic (CDx) and/or non-CDx platforms, and liquid biopsy-based NGS was available in 46.7% of institutions. Median TATs were 2-3, 5, 9, 19, and 15 days for immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction, fluorescence in situ hybridization, tissue-based NGS, and liquid biopsy-based NGS, respectively. Reported barriers included limited sample availability, workforce shortages, prolonged TATs, regulatory restrictions, and lack of standardization. Conclusion: Biomarker testing is widely implemented in South Korea, with increasing integration of NGS. Despite alignment with international recommendations, systemic and policy reforms are needed to harmonize workflows, reduce variability, and optimize precision oncology.
Source: Cancer Research and Treatment
DOI: 10.4143/crt.2025.927
Authors: Sehui Kim, Dajeong Kim, Lucia Kim, Wan-Seop Kim
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
Funders: International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University Medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center, Hanyang University, Chonbuk National University, Dong-A University, Konyang University, Seoul National University, University of Ulsan, Yonsei University, Gyeongsang National University, Kyung Hee University, Ewha Womans University, Gachon University, Inha University, Inje University, Konkuk University, Korea University, Sungkyunkwan University, Chonbuk National University Hospital, National Health Insurance Service, Seoul National University Hospital, CHA University, NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE SERVICE ILSANHOSPITAL, Korea University Anam Hospital, Inha University Hospital, Samsung, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic University of Korea, Ulsan University Hospital, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic University of Korea
OpenAlex ID: W7126213187