Biomarkers & Genetic Testing
Understanding the Tests That Help Personalize Your Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Biomarker and genetic testing help your doctors understand what is happening inside your tumor so they can choose the treatments most likely to work for you.
This page explains what these tests are, why they matter, and the questions every man should ask.
Genetic (Germline) Testing: What You Were Born With
This test looks at inherited mutations that are passed down by your parents.
These mutations are present in every cell of your body and can:
- Increase your lifelong cancer risk
- Affect your family members
- Help to guide your treatment plan
Examples:
BRCA1, BRCA2, HOXB13
Sample types:
Blood or saliva
Biomarkers vs. Genetic Testing: What Is the Difference?
Biomarkers: What Your Tumor Is Telling You
Biomarkers are changes inside the cancer cells.
These changes help your care team understand:
- How your tumor behaves
- Which treatments are more likely to work
- Whether your cancer may grow quickly or resist certain therapies
- If you qualify for certain clinical trials
Examples:
- A BRCA2 mutation inside the tumor may mean you could benefit from a PARP inhibitor.
- An AR V7 biomarker may mean hormone therapy will not work.
Sample types:
Tumor tissue, blood, or other fluids.
Biomarker Match Chart
Examples of what biomarkers can tell your care team:
Different cancers have different biomarkers. Each biomarker points to specific treatment options.
- HRRm or BRCA mutations: May qualify you for PARP inhibitors
- AR V7: Can show that hormone therapy will not work
- FGFR3 (bladder cancer): May qualify you for FGFR targeted therapy
- EGFR or ALK (lung cancer): May allow targeted drugs instead of chemo
- MSI H or dMMR (colorectal cancer): Often respond well to immunotherapy
- HER2 (rare in colorectal): Opens access to HER2 targeted treatment
* This information does not replace medical advice, but it shows how powerful biomarker results can be in shaping your plan.
* Right click on the image and select open in a new window or tab to see the full Biomarker Match Chart.
You Deserve Clear Information & Personalized Cancer Plan
Biomarker and genetic testing give you the information needed to make confident decisions and avoid guesswork.
Understanding your cancer at the molecular level can shape your entire treatment plan and can sometimes save your life.
