Question 1

What is comprehensive biomarker testing?

Accepted Answer

There are 2 types of biomarker testing: a test that checks for a specific biomarker and a comprehensive test that checks for thousands of biomarkers. In order to find out if you have BRAF, you need to have a comprehensive biomarker test.

Question 2

What is a biomarker?

Accepted Answer

A biomarker is a way to tell what kind of mutation is driving the cancer in a patient.  When a doctor understands the cancer’s composition, they can help tailor your treatment to your specific composition.

Question 3

I’ve never heard of the word biomarker. Are there other words for it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, while biomarker is the most accurate word, different people use different words for it. You may have heard people refer to it as new patient testing, genomic testing, driver, mutation, among other things.

Question 4

How many types of biomarkers are there?

Accepted Answer

There are thousands of biomarkers. Some of the common biomarkers are KRAS, EGFR, or ALK. There are also many rare biomarkers.

Question 5

What is the biomarker test like?

Accepted Answer

The biomarker test can either be a blood test or a test of the tumor tissue.

Question 6

How do I know if I’ve had a biomarker test done?

Accepted Answer

You can ask your doctor.

Question 7

How do I get the results of my biomarker test?

Accepted Answer

The results will be sent to your doctor and your doctor will interpret the test results for you.

Question 8

Should I get a second opinion?

Accepted Answer

If you’re not confident in your doctor, we recommend that you seek out a second opinion. For decades, the treatment for lung cancer had not changed. All that has changed now. Researchers continually look for new approaches to treating lung cancer.  Before you undergo treatment, seriously consider getting a second opinion from a major research institution.

Question 9

Will I be offending my current doctor by getting a second opinion?

Accepted Answer

It is, of course, important that you have confidence in your doctor. It also is important your doctor have confidence in themselves. A confident doctor will welcome a second opinion. While it may be awkward to tell your doctor that you’d like a second opinion, once you ask, your doctor should be willing – even eager – for you to seek a second opinion.

Question 10

How can getting a second opinion impact my outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Many of our lung cancer friends have sought second opinions. Some of these people credit getting a second opinion with saving their lives. Some were told they were inoperable by one doctor. Yet, a second opinion advised surgery. Another patient was told he could not get a lung transplant. He fired that doctor and found one who gave him a double-lung transplant. versations with survivors.

Question 11

Where should I get a second opinion?

Accepted Answer

When seeking a second opinion, be sure to visit a doctor who is not in your doctor’s network. For many reasons, when you seek a second opinion, you should seek one from a doctor who is not associated with your physician or his/her institution. One reason is that if two physicians are practicing within the same institution, it is highly likely that the second would make the same recommended course of treatment as the first.
 
Also, if you are seeking treatment at a regional cancer center, consider getting your second opinion at a facility designated by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network as a Comprehensive Cancer Center (www.nccn.org/members/network.aspx).

Question 12

I feel so overwhelmed. Is there a document that outlines my options?

Accepted Answer

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is an alliance of 28 leading cancer centers. Their doctors have developed patient guidelines based on the latest research. These documents outline the basics of lung cancer, treatment options, and how to make treatment decisions.
 
Here’s the NCCN Patient’s Guide (early stage)
https://www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/content/PDF/lung-early-stage-patient.pdf

Here’s the NCCN Patient’s Guide (metastatic stage)

Question 13

Are their clinical trials for BRAF?

Accepted Answer

We are in contact with pharmaceutical companies and from time to time, we will email information out about clinical trials targeted at people with BRAF. Generally, we fill these trials in one day. Sign up for emails so you stay up to date.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions