If biomarker testing shows that you are positive for a certain biomarker (positive means you have it), your doctor can choose treatments that work to attack the specific biomarker you have.
A biomarker is a substance that doctors can measure in your tissues, blood, or other body fluids, like fluid around your lungs. Cells with certain biomarkers have errors (mutations) in their genes or changes in their protein levels that cause cells to divide in an uncontrolled way. This can cause lung cancer. It’s important to note that biomarker testing looks at your cancer’s cells and is not the same thing as genetic testing which looks for inherited changes to cells.
If biomarker testing shows that you are positive for a certain biomarker (positive means you have it), your doctor can choose treatments that work to attack the specific biomarker you have.
Ideally, you should wait for your biomarker testing results before deciding on treatment. It can take up to 4 weeks or longer to get your results. Your doctor needs the complete picture of your biomarkers to make the best treatment plan.
This project was made possible by Pfizer.
At the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting, the Louisiana Oncology Society received the ASCO Jeffrey C Ward Affiliate Advocacy Award for advancing critical advocacy priorities that have translated into meaningful legislative victories. The Iowa Oncology Society and Washington State Medical Oncology Society were also recognized for their advocacy efforts in 2025 at the meeting, receiving second place awards.
