While lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., we have seen incredible progress in survival thanks in part to biomarker testing and targeted treatments.
Unfortunately, not enough people are getting biomarker testing, so the American Lung Association launched BEAT Lung Cancer, a new initiative for biomarker education and awareness, with a focus on increasing biomarker testing rates in communities most impacted by lung cancer disparities.
How much do you know about biomarker testing?
Lung Cancer Biomarker Testing (sometimes also called molecular or genomic testing) looks for changes in a tumor's DNA.
True.
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Biomarker testing can also help look for other key markers like levels of certain proteins or the amount of tumor DNA in the blood.
Biomarker Testing doesn't help doctors to better determine targeted treatment options for lung cancer patients.
False.
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If doctors know exactly what causes the tumor to grow, a person may be able to go on a targeted therapy.
Access to lung cancer screening, biomarker testing, and precision medicine can save lives and may provide for a better quality of life for people living with lung cancer.
The best time to talk to a doctor about biomarker testing is after a biopsy is done.
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False.
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The best time to talk to your doctor about tumor testing is before a biopsy is done so they can remove enough tissue to do biomarker testing.
If your tumor wasn't tested before you started treatment, it might not be too late to ask your doctor about testing leftover tissue or doing a liquid biopsy (blood draw).
Biomarker testing results will show if you have a marker that can be treated with an FDA-approved targeted therapy or if you are likely to benefit from immunotherapy.
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True.
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This helps doctors make better-informed treatment recommendations to customize your treatment plan. If your doctor doesn't recommend biomarker testing for you, you can ask why. It is important to work closely with your doctor to discuss treatment options at every step of your journey.
If you have non-small cell lung cancer, it is important to discuss comprehensive biomarker testing.
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True.
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Comprehensive biomarker testing looks for many genetic alterations and proteins in all the genes known to be associated with lung cancer. This gives doctors a full picture or "genomic profile" of your unique tumor.
Results
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If you or someone you know is diagnosed with lung cancer, talk to your doctor about your options for biomarker testing.
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How Do You BEAT Lung Cancer?
Early diagnosis, biomarker testing and targeted treatment can improve quality of life and chances to beat lung cancer.
Page last updated: July 11, 2024
