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What if you could see what’s making your lung cancer grow?
Noninherited gene mutations are a common driver of cancer growth in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC). A biomarker is what tells your doctor that a mutation may be present—like a red flag in your test results.
Testing for biomarkers has changed the way oncologists approach treating metastatic lung cancer. This testing is important in terms of uncovering biomarker-driven therapy options, including targeted treatments. These types of treatments, which can address certain noninherited gene mutations (such as EGFR, ALK, and METex14) and other traits of the cancer (such as PD-L1 levels) that are linked to cancer growth, have allowed oncologists to center their treatment plans around the unique traits of a person’s mNSCLC.
Watch a short video where lung cancer advocacy experts explain what comprehensive biomarker testing is.
Get comprehensive testing to get a closer look at your lung cancer
There are 2 kinds of biomarker tests that check for gene mutations—single-gene and comprehensive—both of which can be done with a biopsy (a tissue sample from a tumor) or a blood test (also called liquid biopsy or plasma test). Your doctor may be able to reuse tissue from a previous biopsy when testing your mNSCLC for biomarkers.
Single-gene biomarker tests look for 1 specific gene mutation or biomarker. Comprehensive biomarker tests look for multiple gene mutations and biomarkers known to be associated with lung cancer, giving your doctor a complete view of your tumor and which treatments or clinical trials may be an option for you. Discover the differences between single-gene and comprehensive biomarker tests in this quick video.
Experts recommend comprehensive biomarker testing
Many lung cancer organizations encourage patients with mNSCLC to ask their doctors about comprehensive biomarker testing.
Visit our 
Patient Resources page to download materials that can help prepare you for this conversation.
Why test results may be worth the wait
The results of a comprehensive biomarker test can take about 2-4 weeks, but taking this time now may help your doctor complete your diagnosis. Uncovering your cancer’s biomarkers can help your doctor choose the most appropriate treatment option for you. Moving forward, these details can help your doctor decide if you should consider new and emerging treatments.
Hear lung cancer advocacy experts explain why test results may be worth waiting for. Watch now.
To save time, your doctor may be able to run a comprehensive biomarker test at the same time as other tests before choosing an mNSCLC treatment.
See what your test results could mean for your treatment.
ALK, anaplastic lymphoma kinase; EGFR, epidermal growth factor receptor; MET, mesenchymal-epithelial transition; METex14, MET exon 14 skipping; PD-L1, programmed death-ligand 1.
