1798 – Liquid biopsy genetic testing in patients with non-small cell lung cancer

New Medicare Benefits Schedule item.

A liquid biopsy test, through the collection and analysis of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) from plasma isolated from whole blood samples, for the detection of oncogenic alterations in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The service is proposed to be used with next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, enabling the detection of multiple oncogenes simultaneously according to a defined gene panel.

Type: Investigative

Lung cancer is the fifth most-diagnosed cancer in Australia, with an estimated 14,714 new cases in 2023. There are two main types of lung cancer, small cell (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC is the more common, accounting for 85-90% of lung cancers. NSCLC can be further classified according to the presence of oncogenic alterations that affect tumour growth and invasiveness. It is estimated that over 65% of patients with advanced NSCLC have a targetable genomic alteration and biomarker testing is indicated in advanced NSCLC to detect actionable driver alterations and inform appropriate treatment.

The following consultation deadlines apply:

• Pre-PASC consultation deadline: 14 March 2025
• Pre-MSAC consultation deadline: -

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This application will be considered at the following meetings:

• PASC meeting: 16 to 17 April 2025
• ESC meeting: -
• MSAC meeting: -

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The outcome of this application is pending.

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