Advancing Precision Medicine in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Diagnostics in a Southeast Asian Country

Purpose: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has transformed molecular diagnostics and precision oncology by enabling broad genomic profiling and informed treatment selection for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, adoption in Southeast Asia remains limited, particularly in public healthcare settings. This study aimed to assess the landscape of NGS testing for NSCLC in Malaysia, identify barriers, and explore strategies clinicians use to improve patient access. Patients and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey comprising 18 questions was distributed to clinical oncologists and respiratory physicians across Malaysia over an eight-week period. The survey collected data on clinical experience with NGS, testing practices, perceived barriers, and access strategies. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis, and associations between healthcare sectors (public vs private) and NGS usage frequency were evaluated using the Chi-square test. Results: Seventy-one clinicians participated - 67.6% clinical oncologists and 32.4% respiratory physicians. Private hospitals had the highest NGS uptake (38.5% testing all NSCLC patients), with the lowest in Ministry of Health (MoH) institutions (8.3%) (p