3. Complete the Biomarker Picture
In NSCLC, treatment selection can depend on the tumor’s molecular characteristics. Testing can identify alterations such as EGFR mutations that match an available targeted therapy. Protein biomarkers, including PD-L1, also inform treatment decisions. These tests answer different questions; one result does not replace the others.1,2
Biomarker testing may use tumor tissue or, in selected circumstances, a blood-based liquid biopsy. Testing is not always informative: a specimen may contain insufficient material, or testing may fail to identify a treatment-matching alteration.2
Pharmacists can help identify whether relevant results remain outstanding before a proposed regimen begins. When disease requires urgent treatment, the oncology team must weigh the patient’s clinical condition against the value of additional information. The practical question is whether pending findings could change the planned therapy.1,2
4. Check Whether the Patient Is Ready for the Regimen
Selecting an appropriate drug does not complete the safety assessment. Treatment decisions also account for comorbidities and the patient’s ability to tolerate therapy. Chemotherapy and targeted therapies have different safety profiles and adverse effects, so preparation should reflect the actual regimen.1,3,4
A pharmacist’s pretreatment review should reconcile prescription medications with OTC products and supplements, then check for regimen-specific interactions. Baseline laboratory results and any additional monitoring requirements should be reviewed against the selected treatment’s prescribing information.
Education belongs here, too. For an oral therapy, patients need clear instructions about administration and missed doses. For any regimen, they should understand which symptoms require prompt contact and how to reach the care team. Supportive medications should be explained before patients need them.
5. Make Sure the Plan Can Reach the Patient
The final barrier may be practical. Cancer care can create substantial expenses even for insured patients, and costs extend beyond the medication itself. Travel and missed work can affect whether a treatment plan is manageable.5
Before treatment starts, pharmacy teams can help clarify coverage requirements and connect patients with financial assistance resources. For oral treatment, confirming the dispensing pharmacy and expected delivery helps establish a realistic start date. Patients receiving infusions may need help coordinating transportation.
These conversations should occur early enough to address problems. A treatment plan becomes actionable when the patient can obtain the medication, understands how to use it, and knows where to turn when difficulties arise.
REFERENCES
PDQ Adult Treatment Editorial Board. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment (PDQ®): Health Professional Version. 2025 May 7. In: PDQ Cancer Information Summaries [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Cancer Institute (US); 2002. Accessed October 30, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK65865/
Biomarker testing for cancer treatment. National Cancer Institute. Accessed October 30, 2026.
biomarker-testing-cancer-treatment Chemotherapy to treat cancer. National Cancer Institute. Accessed October 30, 2026.
chemotherapy Targeted therapy to treat cancer. National Cancer Institute. Updated October 21, 2024. Accessed October 30, 2026.
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/targeted-therapies Managing cancer costs and medical information. National Cancer Institute. Updated May 31, 2022. Accessed October 30, 2026.
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/managing-care/track-care-costs
