A recent survey found 62% of pulmonologists said they order biomarker testing for non-small cell lung cancer patients. Among those who said they do not order such testing, 84% said the reason is they believe it is the oncologist's responsibility, according to a study published June 19 in CHEST Journal.
Researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston distributed the survey to 401 practicing pulmonologists who are members of the American College of Chest Physicians.
Only 22% of respondents said pulmonologists bore the leading responsibility for ordering biomarker testing, though 83% said pulmonologists were responsible for ordering an initial diagnostic biopsy.
Characteristics associated with pulmonologists who said they order biomarker testing were longer practice tenure, higher case volumes and participation in a multidisciplinary tumor board, according to the study.