When a patient hears terms like HER2 and BRCA after a cancer diagnosis, it can feel overwhelming. But these biomarkers are critical pieces of the cancer puzzle.
Cancer biomarkers are measurable substances-proteins, genes, and other molecules-that reveal details about a person's cancer or risk. Biomarker testing enables precision medicine, allowing healthcare providers to tailor treatment to the individual patient.
"Some biomarkers help providers identify the exact subtype of cancer. Others predict whether a patient will benefit from a specific therapy, like a targeted drug or immunotherapy," said Dr. Leyre Zubiri Oteiza, medical oncologist at Massachusetts General Hospital. "For instance, lung cancers with an EGFR mutation can be treated with pills that target that mutation, often outperforming standard chemotherapy."
Biomarker testing also helps avoid ineffective treatments, sparing patients from unnecessary side effects.
The Latest Actionable Biomarkers
Actionable biomarkers have a direct treatment available. Key examples:
- PD-L1: Found in many cancers, high levels may predict response to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
- TROP2: A marker of tumor aggressiveness, targeted by antibody-drug conjugates.
- EGFR: Mutated or overexpressed in lung cancer, treatable with tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
- FLT3-ITD: An aggressive mutation in acute myeloid leukemia, guiding FLT3 inhibitors and early transplant.
- HER2: Drives rapid growth in breast, stomach, and other cancers; targeted therapies are effective.
These advances are helping patients live longer with better quality of life, making cancer treatment more precise and individualized.