Every result and every option matters.
Beyond personalized care, testing can also open the door to a clearer understanding of how your cancer will likely behave, and potential clinical trial options — while helping you navigate around treatments that may not be as effective.
Let’s get you ready to take the next step.
Talking to your doctor about biomarker testing can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to ask can help.
About biomarker testing
What are biomarkers?
In cancer, biomarkers are small signals in tumor cells, like gene changes or certain levels of proteins, that can show how your cancer behaves and how it may change, grow, or respond to treatment.
Testing for them — through a liquid or tissue biopsy — can help your doctor develop a personalized treatment plan based on your cancer’s unique characteristics.
Let’s go over a few of the basics.
Biomarker testing can make a difference in how you care for your cancer. You probably have questions. We have answers.
Who should get tested?
Newly diagnosed patients or those who are not responding to treatment
Anyone who’s been newly diagnosed with cancer should ask about biomarker testing, but it’s especially important for those with a type of cancer that grows or changes quickly. It’s also critical if your cancer hasn’t been responding to treatment, since the test results can help guide a new way forward.
How does testing happen?
Tests include two types of biopsies: liquid or tissue, based on cancer type and stage
Depending on your cancer type and its stage, your doctor will order a tissue biopsy or liquid biopsy. Tissue biopsies, considered the gold standard, sample the tumor for detailed testing. Liquid biopsies use fluids, like blood, for faster, less invasive tests, but they can also be less sensitive.
What will the results tell me?
Your results offer a range of insights for your team that can inform your care plan and more
Testing can reveal known biomarkers that show how your cancer is behaving, and how it may change or grow over time and respond to treatment. Even if no biomarkers show up in your test, the results can still help your care team identify care options or potential clinical trials to enroll in.
When do I talk to my doctor?
After a diagnosis, before treatment starts, or if you’re not responding to treatment
Ask about biomarker testing at diagnosis, when discussing treatment options, or if your cancer stops responding to treatment. You may have had testing already; if you’re not sure, you can ask your doctor at your next appointment.
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Talk to your doctor
Your tailored treatment plan really begins with a conversation.
Asking about biomarker testing early can make a big impact on how you approach your care. Even if the process is unfamiliar, your doctor is there to help you understand your options and move forward with clarity.
Still have questions?
Can I get biomarker testing if I've already started another treatment?
Yes, biomarker testing can help you and your care team make decisions about your entire treatment plan, including your existing care. It’s especially critical if your cancer hasn’t been responding to your current treatment, since the test results can help guide a new way forward — so it’s never too late to ask about.
What is the difference between a tissue and liquid biopsy?
Tissue biopsies are the gold standard for biomarker testing. While they’re more invasive than a liquid biopsy, they also go much deeper in the type of information they’re able to identify from a tumor. They can be done in an outpatient setting, with a needle biopsy, or in a hospital for inpatient procedures that surgically remove a small piece of tumor.
Liquid biopsies are typically done in a clinic or your doctor’s office since they’re less invasive, faster to complete, and easier to repeat than tissue biopsies. They generally use samples of your blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and even saliva to test for biomarkers.
After your samples are collected, they’ll be sent to a specialized lab where pathologists will analyze genetic and molecular changes.
How long will it take to get my biomarker test results?
Timing can vary depending on your test type and the individual labs involved. Reported laboratory turnaround times show that the majority of testing is returned within 10 business days.
What if my tumor doesn't have any actionable biomarkers?
If your test results reveal a biomarker with no matching treatments, there are a few next steps you may be able to take:
- If your test reveals no biomarkers, or the results are unclear, ask your doctor when you may be able to test for biomarkers again
- If your test results show biomarkers that do not match any targeted treatments, your doctor may help you enroll in a potential clinical trial
- If there are no targeted treatments or clinical trials available for your biomarkers, your doctor may recommend traditional treatment methods like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery
Additionally, new biomarker-related treatments are always in development, so even more care options may be available in time.
Will I need to get retested?
Depending on how well your current treatment is working, your doctor may want to have you retested for any changes to your disease and the biomarkers that may show up.
Since changes can occur over time, it can reveal the way your tumor is growing or changing, or if it’s developing a resistance to treatment.
New biomarkers can indicate alternative treatment options that may work more effectively.
Will my biomarker testing be covered by insurance?
Your care team can help you understand your payment options, including insurance.
In general, private insurance companies will cover the cost of testing* when it’s deemed medically necessary, but some states may require insurance providers to cover biomarker testing based on clinical guidelines.
Additionally, some labs may offer financial support, while advocacy and patient support groups may offer affordability programs.
body: *Not including any deductibles and co-payments
If I test positive for a biomarker, should my family members also get tested?
Not all biomarkers are based on genetic disposition, so ask your doctor if your specific biomarkers are indicative of a genetic link — and if your family may be candidates for screening or other testing.