Learn more about NSCLC treatment plans
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What are biomarkers and
why are they important?

A biomarker is a biological molecule found in your blood, other
bodily fluids, or tissues that is a sign of a condition or disease.2

Cancer biomarkers vary from person to person.1

A biomarker contains important information about your personal non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It can help your doctor gather as much information as possible to understand what’s causing your tumor to grow and spread—and how your body will respond to a treatment plan for that tumor.1

Asking your doctor about biomarkers
may play a role in the course of your
treatment.1

Your biomarkers can help your doctor determine
how to treat your unique type of cancer.

What biomarkers can my doctor test for?

Your biomarker test results may help inform your treatment plan.1 These are the current
biomarkers with FDA-approved targeted agents* that your doctor will test for.3,4
You may test positive for one or more of them, or you may not test positive for any.

  • PD-L1 expression
  • ALK
  • RET
  • EGFR
  • MET
  • NTRK
  • KRAS G12C
  • BRAF
  • HER2
  • EGFR exon 20 insertion
  • ROS1
  • PD-L1 expression
  • EGFR
  • KRAS G12C
  • EGFR exon 20
  • ALK
  • MET
  • BRAF
  • ROS1
  • RET
  • NTRK
  • HER2

*As of November 2022

your individual biomarker result_DT

Click here to download a copy of
the Biomarker Wallet Card and
work with your doctor to fill it out.
Ask them what this may mean to
your NSCLC treatment plan.

Download
question mark

Ask your doctor when
a biomarker test is right for you.

If you have NSCLC, get a biomarker test as soon as
possible because it could affect your treatment options.5,6

Not sure you’ve had a biomarker test?
Give your doctor’s office a call and ask.

How does biomarker testing determine
the right treatment plan for me?

  • Your NSCLC diagnosis

    Your doctor will tell you what kind of lung cancer you have.

  • Biomarker testing

    There are different ways that comprehensive biomarker testing can be done:

    Tissue biopsy, in which tissue is removed from a tumor and tested, is the most common way to test for biomarkers.7

    A blood test, or liquid biopsy, examines DNA in your blood that has been shed by tumor cells.7

    If you’ve already begun a treatment plan, but didn’t get a biomarker test, your doctor may perform a tissue and/or liquid biopsy before discussing a second round of treatment, if necessary.7

  • Your initial NSCLC treatment

    When you get your NSCLC diagnosis, your doctor will talk about treating with either chemotherapy alone or in combination with other treatments.8

  • The talk after the initial treatment

    If your cancer progresses after your first round of treatment, talk to your doctor to learn more about future options.8

  • Additional treatment options

    If your first treatment was not effective, there may be other treatment plans that can help. It’s best to discuss what options are best for you with your doctor and care team.8

References: 1. NCI Biomarker Testing for Cancer Treatment. Cancer.gov. Accessed January 25, 2023. 2. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms. Cancer.gov. Accessed January 25, 2023. 3. Majeed U, et al. J Hematol Oncol. 2021;14:108,Table 1. 4. Federal Drug Administration. FDA.gov. Accessed January 26, 2023. 5. Pennell N, Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ. Book 2019;39:532,Table 1. 6. Lindeman N, et al. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2018;142:33-35,Table 4b. 7. Rolfo C, et al. J Thorac Oncol. 2021;16:1250,1254,1649-1650, Figure 1,1652-1653. 8. American Cancer Society. Cancer.org. Accessed January 26, 2023.