Addressing Access Barriers and Financial Toxicity in EGFR-Mutant NSCLC

This segment examines the real-world challenges of ensuring timely access to effective therapies for patients with EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Drs. Mark Socinski and Susan Scott discuss how insurance authorization requirements, high out-of-pocket costs, treatment logistics, and administrative delays can postpone initiation of targeted therapies despite their proven clinical benefit. They emphasize the importance of patient assistance programs, multidisciplinary coordination, and proactive navigation of financial barriers to reduce treatment delays and improve the patient experience. Through clinical examples, the faculty illustrate how prompt initiation of EGFR-targeted therapy can rapidly improve symptoms and, in some cases, prevent hospitalization or intensive care admission. The discussion underscores that minimizing financial toxicity and streamlining access to appropriate therapies are essential components of delivering high-quality, patient-centered care for individuals with EGFR-mutant NSCLC.