Understanding Biomarkers for Lung Cancer
Posted: December 5, 2024
CCNW Medical Oncologist & Lung Cancer Specialist
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Advances in medical research, however, have led to significant improvements in how we detect and treat lung cancer. One key area that’s making a difference is the use of biomarkers in the post-surgical treatment of lung cancer.
What is a Biomarker?
Biomarkers reveal the specific DNA and proteins of an individual’s Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Biomarkers are molecules (such as proteins, genes, among others) in the body that can help diagnose cancer or predict how well a cancer will respond to different treatments. Biomarkers most often help plan treatment for advanced stage lung cancer but are being used more frequently in early-stage lung cancer as well.
How is a Biomarker Test Performed?
Comprehensive biomarker testing uses an advanced type of diagnostic test that analyzes a small piece of your tumor to determine your biomarker status.
How do Biomarker Results Influence Treatment?
Biomarkers have revolutionized the treatment of lung cancer, leading to advanced precision medicine for YOUR lung cancer. Personalized medicine is a medical approach that tailors treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient. In lung cancer, biomarkers allow doctors to pinpoint which treatments are likely to be most effective based on the genetic and molecular makeup of a patient’s cancer. This approach has many benefits:
- Improved Treatment Outcomes: Biomarkers help doctors choose the right treatment from the start, which can lead to better outcomes and fewer side effects.
- Reduced Unnecessary Treatments: By using biomarkers to guide treatment decisions, patients are less likely to receive therapies that may not work for them, sparing them unnecessary procedures and side effects.
- Continuous Monitoring: Biomarkers allow for real-time monitoring of how a patient’s disease is responding to treatment, enabling adjustments as needed for optimal results.
Key Biomarkers in Lung Cancer
- EGFR, KRAS, BRAF and ALK alterations are the most common identified driver mutations in non-small cell lung cancer and have specific targeted therapies.
- Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression helps determine if immunotherapy is appropriate. The immune system is charged with the task of hunting down abnormal cells. Importantly, the immune system has a ‘fail safe’ mechanism to turn it off and make sure it does not hurt healthy tissue. Cancer cells take advantage of this pathway in order to evade detection. PD-L1/PD-1 inhibitors block that fail safe mechanism to allow the immune system to recognize and fight cancer cells.
Biomarkers are transforming how we approach lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, offering hope for more precise, personalized, and effective care. For patients, understanding the role of biomarkers can be empowering, giving them insight into their diagnosis and helping them make informed decisions about their treatment options. If you or a loved one is affected by lung cancer, discussing biomarker testing with a CCNW oncologist may open the door to advanced treatment options that align with the latest in cancer care.
