Biomarker testing (also called molecular testing) looks for biological changes in genes or proteins, like EGFR or ALK, that may be associated with your cancer. In most cases, this involves testing a piece of tissue from the cancer (a biopsy).
Who should be tested?
Due to the exploding number of treatment options, we recommend all patients with non-small cell lung cancer be tested. For additional information, contact our LungMATCH specialist at 1-800-298-2436 or support@go2.org. Download our one-page resource on biomarker testing to learn more.
Why is it important?
Because every person’s cancer is different. This testing offers you and your treatment team the information you need to identify the best treatment for your individual case.
Treatment options
Many of the changes that have been identified in genes and proteins of those with lung cancer occur in a small percentage of those impacted by the disease. There are only approved treatments for some of those changes. If there is not an approved treatment for the changes in your cancer, there may be a clinical trial that would be a good match for you.
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