Doctor and patient communication bridge over a lung, symbolizing shared decision-making in lung cancer treatment.

Lung Cancer Biopsies: Are Patients and Doctors on the Same Page?

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the key factors influencing decisions about repeat biopsies for lung cancer, and why oncologist recommendations matter most."

In the ever-evolving landscape of cancer treatment, personalized medicine is gaining traction, especially for lung cancer. This approach hinges on understanding the unique molecular characteristics of a tumor, guiding the use of targeted therapies that can significantly improve outcomes. However, this precision often requires repeat biopsies to monitor changes in the cancer and identify resistance mechanisms.

Repeat biopsies aren't always straightforward. They involve potential risks, costs, and patient concerns. To ensure the best possible care, it's essential to understand the perspectives of both patients and physicians on the value and necessity of these procedures.

A recent study published in the Expert Review of Quality of Life in Cancer Care sheds light on the attitudes of patients and physicians toward repeat biopsies in lung cancer. The findings reveal key factors influencing decision-making and highlight the importance of clear communication between oncologists and their patients.

The Key Factor: Your Doctor's Recommendation

Doctor and patient communication bridge over a lung, symbolizing shared decision-making in lung cancer treatment.

The study, which surveyed both lung cancer patients and physicians, revealed a striking finding: the most important factor influencing a patient's decision to undergo a repeat biopsy was their oncologist's recommendation. A significant 57% of patients cited this as the primary driver behind their choice.

This underscores the immense trust patients place in their oncologists. It also highlights the responsibility of physicians to provide clear, comprehensive information about the benefits, risks, and alternatives to repeat biopsies.

Here are the other significant factors influencing patients' decisions:

Whether the biopsy will provide results that change their treatment (14%)
Understanding how the cancer cells are behaving (14%)
Opportunity to participate in a clinical trial (11%)

While patients rely heavily on their doctor's advice, physicians prioritize the potential impact of the biopsy on treatment decisions. 62% of physicians felt that the most important factor influencing their recommendation was whether the biopsy would change the course of treatment. Interestingly, only 28% believed that patients would see their recommendation as the most important factor, revealing a potential disconnect in understanding.

Bridging the Gap: Communication is Key

The study underscores the critical role of oncologists in guiding patients through complex decisions about repeat biopsies. However, it also reveals a potential gap in understanding between patients and physicians regarding their respective priorities.

To bridge this gap, healthcare providers should: <ul><li>Clearly explain the rationale for repeat biopsies, emphasizing the potential impact on treatment decisions.</li> <li>Address patient concerns about risks, pain, anxiety, and time commitment.</li> <li>Discuss the availability of less invasive methods like liquid biopsies (blood tests) where appropriate.</li> <li>Acknowledge and respect patient autonomy in decision-making.</li></ul>

By fostering open communication and shared decision-making, oncologists can empower patients to make informed choices about their care and ensure that repeat biopsies are used effectively to advance personalized lung cancer treatment.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1080/23809000.2017.1339557, Alternate LINK

Title: Attitudes Of Patients And Physicians On Repeat Biopsies For Lung Cancer

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Expert Review of Quality of Life in Cancer Care

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Puey Ling Chia, Bianca Devitt, Timothy Clay, Sue-Anne Mclachlan, Paul Mitchell, Thomas John

Published: 2017-05-04

Everything You Need To Know

What is a repeat biopsy, and why is it important?

A **repeat biopsy** is a medical procedure where a sample of tissue is taken from a patient, in this case, a patient with lung cancer. This is typically done to understand how the cancer is responding to treatment, to identify any changes in the cancer cells, or to look for new targets for therapy. The significance lies in the potential to refine treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes in the context of the evolution of cancer.

Why are oncologist recommendations so important in the decision to have a repeat biopsy?

Oncologist recommendations are very important because the study found that the most important factor influencing a patient's decision to undergo a **repeat biopsy** was their **oncologist's recommendation**. A significant 57% of patients cited this as the primary driver behind their choice. This highlights the trust patients place in their oncologists and underscores the importance of clear, comprehensive communication about the benefits, risks, and alternatives.

What is personalized medicine, and how does it relate to repeat biopsies?

In the context of lung cancer treatment, **personalized medicine** is gaining traction. This approach tailors treatment plans based on the unique characteristics of a patient's tumor. This involves using **repeat biopsies** to monitor the cancer's evolution, identify resistance mechanisms, and guide the use of targeted therapies. The implications of **personalized medicine** are far-reaching, offering the potential for improved outcomes and a more tailored approach to patient care.

What information can be gained from a repeat biopsy?

The primary goal of a **repeat biopsy** is to understand changes in the cancer and identify resistance mechanisms. The study showed that 14% of patients are influenced by understanding how the cancer cells are behaving, and 14% of patients are influenced by if the results would change the treatment. This information guides the use of targeted therapies that can significantly improve outcomes. Repeat biopsies are important to allow oncologists to change the treatment.

Why is communication so important when it comes to repeat biopsies?

The study showed that clear communication is essential when discussing **repeat biopsies**. The findings revealed a potential gap in understanding between patients and physicians regarding their respective priorities. The **oncologist** should explain the benefits, risks, and alternatives to a **repeat biopsy**. The doctor should discuss the importance of the **repeat biopsy** and how it will influence the treatment of the patient.