2nd Lung Cancer Europe Report
Disparities in diagnosis, care and treatment access
Published November 2017
Lung Cancer Europe’s second report examined inequalities in access to lung cancer diagnosis, care and treatment across Europe.
Published as new targeted treatments and immunotherapies were changing lung cancer care, the report looked at whether people could access molecular testing, innovative treatments, clinical trials and specialist care equally across different European countries. It combined policy research, interviews, surveys and access data collected between May and September 2017.
16 countries
represented in the healthcare professional survey
54 HCPs
responded to questions about access to lung cancer medicines
18 countries
included in additional data on access to treatments and diagnostic tests
Data was collected between May and September 2017.
What the report looked at
Molecular testing
Differences in access to ALK, EGFR, PD-L1 and ROS1 testing across European countries.
Access to treatment
Variation in the availability and reimbursement of newer lung cancer medicines.
Clinical trials
Unequal access to research, with most lung cancer clinical trials concentrated in Western Europe.
Specialist care
Differences in access to multidisciplinary teams, specialist centres, radiotherapy and coordinated care.
“Unequal access to molecular diagnostics across, and sometimes within, European countries.”
The report highlighted significant inequalities in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment across Europe. Access to newer treatments varied between countries, while molecular testing was becoming increasingly important in deciding which treatments could be appropriate.
What Lung Cancer Europe called for
Improve European lung cancer data
Collect better data to identify unmet needs, monitor access to treatment and improve the consistency of lung cancer data across Europe.
Set common standards of care
Develop and implement lung cancer guidelines, strengthen national lung cancer plans and expand access to accredited specialist lung cancer centres.
Close gaps in access
Shorten the time taken for new treatments to become available, improve cross-border access to clinical research and bring greater consistency to health technology assessment.
A closer look at inequalities in care
Published in 2017, Disparities in diagnosis, care and treatment access built on Lung Cancer Europe’s first report by examining in more detail how access to lung cancer diagnosis, testing, treatment and specialist care differed across Europe.
Disparities in diagnosis, care and treatment access
2nd Lung Cancer Europe Report, 2017