Bringing Modern Genomics to the Management of Lung Cancer in Queensland

Caring for those with lung cancer

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths in Australia, responsible for a predicted 8,839 deaths in 2016, making up 18.8% of all cancer deaths. Around 2,200 Queenslanders are diagnosed annually, making it the fifth most common cancer type overall, though the most common cause of cancer death in both men and women in our state (Cancer Council Queensland).

As part of the Queensland Genomics Health Alliance (QGHA), the Brown group was awarded funding for a Clinical Demonstration Project to determine the benefits of comprehensive/whole-exome sequencing in lung cancer care. The study will initially involve centres from Metro South, Metro North and Townsville Hospital Health Services, and assess the clinical benefits and cost-effectiveness of genomic profiling lung cancer.

The aims of the project include:

1. Develop and optimise models for the provision of comprehensive genomic profiling of lung cancers to urban, regional city and more remote areas in Queensland.
2. Compare aspects of these models with standard care arrangements already in place, including assessment of costs, treatment outcomes, engagement in clinical trials, and acceptability to patients and lung cancer caring teams.
3. Specifically address provision of genomic medicine services for lung cancer to Indigenous communities in urban, regional city and remote areas in Queensland.