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Cancer Services

Cancer Biomarkers

Biomarker testing looks for specific genes, proteins and other substances in a tumor. It is different from genetic testing in that it tests a person's specific tumor makeup once they have a cancer diagnosis, not their inherited mutations that may make them more likely to get cancer.

Cancer biomarkers are used in many different ways for cancer care:

Cancer screening
Cancer diagnosis
Determining the best plan for cancer treatment (including targeted therapies, immunotherapies and clinical trials)
Tracking treatment results
Monitoring cancer growth if a person is not on treatment

Cancer biomarking testing is done by taking a sample of cancer cells, through surgery or biopsy. A special lab creates a customized report of the findings.

Talk with your doctor about whether biomarking testing is right for your situation.