Genetic Biomarker Testing for Lung Cancer: What to Know
When you find out you have non-small-cell lung cancer, it’s important to learn if your type of lung cancer has certain genetic markers. It could affect your treatment choices.
Some lung cancer gene mutations can help doctors figure out a treatment plan. Doctors call these mutations “biomarkers.”
Certain lung cancer biomarkers are important to understand and treat differently, says Heather Wakelee, MD, a thoracic oncologist, professor, and chief of the Division of Medical Oncology at Stanford University Medical Center.
EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) is probably the most common one. About 10%-15% of non-small-cell lung…
