Dr Patel on the Importance of Real-World Data in Lung Cancer Treatment

Sandip P. Patel, MD, medical oncologist, professor, medicine, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), UCSD Health, discusses the 2023 Bridging the Gaps in Lung Cancer meeting, expanding on the continued importance of replicating clinical trial approaches in the real-world setting.

It is a well-established fact that clinical practice guidelines often mirror high-level evidence, Patel begins. However, the introduction of novel therapies and targets into the medical landscape necessitates a more dynamic approach, according to Patel. Real-world decision-making requires a consensus among specialists who have direct, hands-on experience managing these diseases, he explains. The Bridging the Gaps meeting aimed to facilitate such consensus-building, forging common ground among experts to address and navigate these intricate and atypical clinical situations that regularly present in thoracic oncology, Patel emphasizes.

The spectrum of topics covered in the conference were diverse, spanning from early detection strategies to the management of clinical challenges that currently lack definitive solutions, he continues. One such challenge explored was the scenario of patients who receive neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy but do not achieve a pathologic complete remission, Patel explains. The optimal course of action in these cases was deliberated, underlining the pressing need for guidance in this area, he notes. The meeting also delved into the realm of advanced therapies and considerations for second-line treatment and beyond, specifically addressing the intricate issue of brain metastases, Patel says.

A key takeaway from the meeting is the continued importance of asking more purposeful questions, Patel emphasizes. As the realm of thoracic oncology continues to evolve, asking the right questions becomes pivotal in the endeavor to facilitate patient care, he explains. Framing inquiries in an informative manner empowers health care professionals to enhance patient outcomes, according to Patel. The conference underscored its commitment to aiding both patients and the dedicated physicians who grapple with the intricacies of managing a diverse array of cancer types, Patel concludes.