Reasons for Lack of Referral to Medical Oncology for Systemic Therapy in Stage Iv Non-small-cell Lung Cancer: Comparison of 2003–2006 with 2010–2011

Abstract

Our experience confirms that, over time, uptake of systemic therapy, including tctx and targeted therapy, changed little despite their established efficacy. Most of the factors limiting systemic therapy uptake appear to be non-modifiable at the time of referral. Rapid diagnosis and the availability of well-tolerated drugs for all nsclc patients will likely be the most important factors in increasing systemic therapy uptake in this population.