Choosing the treatments most likely to be effective for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a highly precise process. The Blue Ridge Cancer Care team will use biomarker testing to determine if the cancer cells contain genetic changes that can be treated with approved targeted therapy drugs.
What Is Biomarker Testing?
Biomarker testing looks for specific genes, proteins, or other molecular changes in cancer cells. These biomarkers provide important information about how the cancer is likely to behave and which treatments may be most effective.
In NSCLC, many tumors have identifiable genetic changes that can be targeted with specific medications. Identifying these changes allows doctors to match patients with therapies that attack the cancer more precisely.
How Biomarker Testing Is Performed
Biomarker testing is usually done using a sample of tumor tissue collected during a biopsy. If there is not enough tissue available, a blood test, sometimes called a liquid biopsy, may be used to look for tumor DNA circulating in the bloodstream.
The sample is analyzed in a specialized laboratory to identify any genetic mutations or abnormalities. Results from this testing help guide the next steps in treatment planning.
Common Biomarkers Found in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Several biomarkers are commonly tested in NSCLC because they can directly impact treatment options. These include changes in genes such as EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, KRAS, MET, NTRK, and others. Some tumors may also be tested for PD-L1 expression, which can help determine whether immunotherapy is likely to be effective. Clinical research is moving at a rapid pace, and testing for additional genetic changes may be part of the biomarker testing process.
Not every patient will have a targetable biomarker, but when one is found, it can open the door to more personalized treatment options.
How Biomarker Test Results Guide Treatment Planning
The results of biomarker testing help doctors decide whether targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or other treatments are the best approach. For example, if a tumor has a specific genetic mutation, a targeted therapy drug may be used to block that mutation and slow cancer growth.
If certain markers are present, immunotherapy may also be an option, helping the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.
This personalized approach allows treatment to be tailored to the individual, rather than using the same therapy for every patient.
When is Biomarker Testing Performed?
Biomarker testing is recommended for all patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer. Targeted therapies are most commonly available to those who have stage IV or recurrent NSCLC. However, those who are young at the time of diagnosis or have never smoked are also likely to be tested for biomarkers that led to the development of this type of cancer.
Testing is often performed soon after diagnosis to ensure the most appropriate treatment is started as early as possible. A sample of the biopsied tumor or a blood test can often be used to gather the information that’s needed.
Precision Lung Cancer Care in Southwest Virginia
At Blue Ridge Cancer Care, we use biomarker testing as part of a comprehensive approach to accurately diagnosing and treating non-small cell lung cancer. We will also review the available clinical trials for specific lung cancer genetic mutations to see if one is right for you. If so, a member of the Research Institute and Blue Ridge Cancer Care will discuss this emerging treatment option with you.
Request an appointment at a location that’s convenient for you or a second opinion with our team to discuss a personalized treatment plan.
