Posted by Michael Wonder on 12 Nov 2019
Lung cancer ALK+NSCLC genetic mutation screening could save lives - doctors
12 November 2019 - Lives are being needlessly cut short because there's no universal testing for a type of lung cancer mutation, cancer patient advocates say.
About 8 per cent of advanced lung cancer patients have the ALK+NSCLC mutation, and oncologists say drugs available from December can help those people live up to five years longer - but most district health boards are not testing for it.
Lung Foundation NZ medical director Chris Atkinson, an oncologist, wants national guidelines across DHBs to ensure people with the mutation are diagnosed and can access the life-saving medication.
