Biomarker Testing for Cancer

A complete cancer diagnosis is more than just a positive test for cancer. Doctors use different tests and scans to learn as much as possible about each cancer they treat. Every cancer is unique just as every person is unique. The treatment that is most likely to work for you is the one that is tailored just for you. This means that it is tailored to the precise subtype of cancer you have. Biomarker testing is one kind of test that may help determine the best treatment for you.

If you are hearing about biomarkers for the first time, you may wonder what to do next. Here is some information and advice to help you get started.

Biomarker testing helps your cancer care team match targeted therapy or immunotherapy drugs to the specific subtype of cancer you have. Your doctor will collect a sample of your blood, bodily fluid, or tumor tissue. A tissue sample may be taken during a surgery or biopsy. The sample is then sent to a lab for testing. When your test results come back, they can be used to help guide your treatment options.

Biomarker testing is also called molecular testing, tumor profiling, somatic testing, or genomic testing of cancer cells. When it is called for, biomarker testing can help identify the best treatment. It can also determine if you are eligible for clinical trials.

There are many useful biomarkers. Not every test covers them all. Some doctors and hospitals still make treatment decisions without doing the testing. This can result in incorrect treatment choices. 

For many cancer types and stages, biomarker testing is the standard care. Some doctors will test for biomarkers without you having to ask. For other cancers, biomarker testing is only done by doctors at university hospitals and major cancer centers. Sometimes it is only done when you ask for it. Even when biomarker testing is not offered, it still may be helpful. It is always a good idea to ask your health care provider about comprehensive biomarker testing. If possible, ask before you start treatment.

• If you have cancer, talk to your doctor about getting “comprehensive biomarker testing” before starting treatment. This is especially important if you have advanced cancer. It also might be helpful for locally advanced or early-stage cancer. Locally advanced cancer has spread to nearby tissue or lymph nodes. Advanced cancer means that the cancer has spread to other organs. This is also called metastatic or stage 4. 
• Different biomarkers play a role in different cancers. Ask your doctor or learn a little on your own about the biomarkers that matter for the kind of cancer you have. For example, if you have colon cancer, ask to be tested for a biomarker called MSI-H. 
• The need for biomarker testing is not based on any risk factors. For example, if you have lung cancer, it does not matter if you smoked or didn't smoke.
• It can take a few weeks to get the results of biomarker tests. Patients who test positive for biomarkers often do not respond as well to other treatments. For this reason, it may be worth waiting for these test results before starting treatment.