Delayed EGFR Testing in Early-Stage NSCLC Linked to Increased Health Care Utilization and Cost Burden
Timely molecular testing is essential for guiding targeted treatment in patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (eNSCLC), particularly those with EGFR mutations. Findings presented at the 2025 NCCN Annual Conference highlight the consequences of delayed EGFR testing on health care resource utilization and out-of-pocket (OOP) costs.
Using IQVIA claims data, investigators identified 1788 EGFR mutation-positive patients with eNSCLC diagnosed between January 2022 and June 2023. Delayed testing—defined as EGFR testing initiated more than 6 weeks after diagnosis—was observed in 24% of patients. Propensity score matching yielded 872 matched patients for analysis. Patients who experienced testing delays had significantly higher rates of hospitalization (IRR = 1.15; 95% CI, 1.03–1.28; P = .011) and emergency room visits (IRR = 1.27; 95% CI, 1.03–1.57; P = .027) within 1 year of testing. Additionally, delayed testing was associated with an average increase of $662 in OOP costs related to lung cancer care, approaching statistical significance (P = .057).
These real-world findings underscore the need for streamlined testing workflows and timely biomarker assessment to improve care delivery and reduce avoidable health care burdens in patients with EGFR mutation-positive eNSCLC.
Reference
Prasad M, Hu T, Sharma A, et al. Empirical study to estimate real world impact of delay in EGFR testing on healthcare resource utilization and cost burden among early-stage NSCLC patients. Presented at: 2025 NCCN Annual Conference; March 28-March 30, 2025; Orlando, Florida, and virtual.
