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Patients & Families
Ask about testing before treatment starts.
Biomarker testing can match you to the treatment or trial most likely to work for your cancer. Here’s what it is and what to ask.
What biomarker testing is
Biomarker testing looks for genes, proteins and other markers in a sample of your tumor or your blood. You may also hear it called tumor testing, molecular testing, genomic testing or comprehensive genomic profiling.
The results can show whether a targeted therapy or immunotherapy may work for your cancer, or whether a clinical trial could be a fit. That’s why timing matters: results help most when they’re back before your first treatment starts.
Biomarker testing of a tumor is different from genetic testing for changes you inherited from your family, though your care team may recommend both.
Which cancers?
Testing is recommended for many cancers, including some lung, breast, colorectal and prostate cancers, melanoma and blood cancers. It matters most when cancer is advanced or has spread. Ask whether it’s recommended for yours.
- Biomarker testing for cancer treatment →National Cancer Institute
- Does your state require coverage? →State-by-state list
Questions to ask
Before treatment starts, ask.
Bring these to your next appointment, or share them with someone who’s going with you.
- Has my cancer been tested for biomarkers? Which ones?
- Is comprehensive testing, which looks at many biomarkers at once, right for my cancer?
- When will my results be back? Will we have them before I start treatment?If treatment needs to start sooner, ask how the results could change your plan later.
- Was there enough tissue to test? Would a blood test (liquid biopsy) help?
- What do my results mean for my treatment options, including clinical trials?
- Is the test covered by my plan? Who can help me with costs or a prior authorization?
- Should I also have genetic testing for inherited changes?
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Facing a cancer diagnosis? Before treatment starts, ask: “Has my cancer been tested for biomarkers, and will results be back in time?” biomarkertestingawarenessmonth.org/patients/ #BiomarkerTestingAwarenessMonth #TestBeforeTreatment
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