The challenge of NSCLC diagnosis and predictive analysis on small samples. Practical approach of a working group

Until recently, the division of pulmonary carcinomas into small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was adequate for therapy selection. Due to the emergence of new treatment options subtyping of NSCLC and predictive testing have become mandatory. A practical approach to the new requirements involving interaction between pulmonologist, oncologist and molecular pathology to optimize patient care is described. The diagnosis of lung cancer involves (i) the identification and complete classification of malignancy, (ii) immunohistochemistry is used to predict the likely NSCLC subtype (squamous cell vs. adenocarcinoma), as in small diagnostic samples specific subtyping is frequently on morphological grounds alone not feasible (NSCLC-NOS), (iii) molecular testing. To allow the extended diagnostic and predictive examination (i) tissue sampling should be maximized whenever feasible and deemed clinically safe, reducing the need for re-biopsy for additional studies and (ii) tissue handling, processing and sectioning should be optimized. Complex diagnostic algorithms are emerging, which will require close dialogue and understanding between pulmonologists and others who are closely involved in tissue acquisition, pathologists and oncologists who will ultimately, with the patient, make treatment decisions. Personalized medicine not only means the choice of treatment tailored to the individual patient, but also reflects the need to consider how investigative and diagnostic strategies must also be planned according to individual tumour characteristics.