BIOMARKER TESTING

 
BIOMARKER TESTING IMPROVES LUNG CANCER SURVIVAL
Studies show that use of upfront biomarker testing led to an increase in patient survival rates when compared to no testing, with a near doubling of the progression-free disease phase with NGS, and a decrease in the number of treatment-related adverse events. Biomarker testing improves survival primarily by helping doctors choose the most effective treatments for individual patients. 
 
Lung cancer biomarker testing is a process used to identify specific genetic changes or proteins in a tumor, helping doctors tailor treatment plans and understand a patient’s individual cancer. It involves analyzing tissue or blood samples to detect biomarkers that can influence treatment choices, particularly for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Biomarker testing helps determine if a patient is eligible for targeted therapies, such as drugs that specifically target certain mutations, or if they might benefit from immunotherapy, which uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer.

BENEFITS

  • Personalized Treatment: By identifying specific biomarkers, doctors can choose the most effective treatment options for an individual patient, eading to better outcomes and improved quality of life.
  • Predicting Treatment Response: Some biomarkers can predict how well a patient might respond to certain treatments, such as immunotherapy.
  • Monitoring Progress: Biomarker testing can be used to monitor how well a treatment is working and to detect if cancer has returned.
  • Clinical Trials: Many promising new therapies can only be accessed through a clinical trial, which often requires biomarker testing.
 
Biomarker testing may be done with a tissue biopsy or liquid biopsy (blood draw). Samples will be sent to a laboratory for analysis and may take a few weeks to assess. It is important to wait for the results to ensure you receive the very best treatment for your cancer.

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