Abstract:
The identification of tumor biomarkers provides information on the prognosis and guides the implementation of
appropriate treatment in patients with many different cancer types. In nonesmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), targeted
treatment plans based on biomarker identification have already been used in the clinic. However, such predictive
molecular testing is not currently a universally used practice. This is the case, in particular, in developing countries
where lung cancer is increasingly prevalent. In September 2012 and November 2013, a committee of 16 lung cancer
experts from Africa and the Middle East met to discuss key issues related to diagnosis and biomarker testing in
NSCLC and the implementation of personalized medicine in the region. The committee identified current challenges
for effective diagnosis and predictive analysis in Africa and the Middle East. Moreover, strategies to encourage the
implementation of biomarker testing were discussed. A practical approach for the effective diagnosis and predictive
molecular testing of NSCLC in these regions was derived. We present the key issues and recommendations arising
from the meetings.
