What to Ask Your Doctor About Tumor Biomarker Testing

Reminders:

• Tumor biomarker testing looks for changes in specific genes and proteins in your cancer cells. This is different from genetic testing, which looks for specific, inherited changes in all of the cells of your body.
• Biomarkers tell your doctor what subtype of cancer you have.
• The results of tumor biomarker testing can help your doctor choose the most effective drugs to treat your specific type of cancer.

Tumor biomarker testing is standard for people with ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer, so your doctor will most likely discuss it with you. However, if your doctor does not bring it up, you can always ask if and when tumor biomarker testing will be done. If your doctor does not suggest tumor biomarker testing, consider getting a 2^nd opinion at a National Cancer Institute Designated Center where these tests can be done. 

Questions for your oncologist BEFORE tumor biomarker testing:

• Was my tumor sample sent for tumor biomarker testing?
  • If so, what biomarkers will you be looking for?
    • What test/test panel did you order?
    • Which laboratory will do the testing?
    • How long will it take for all of the results to be ready and how will I receive them
  • If not, how can I get a sample of my cancer tested for biomarkers to see if there are any targeted therapies that might work for me?
• How will you use the information to inform my treatment plan?
• Does my insurance pay for tumor biomarker testing?
  • Does your office have a social worker, financial counselor, or navigator who can help me learn about financial assistance to help me cover the costs?
    • Does the laboratory performing the tumor biomarker testing provide any financial assistance?

Questions for your oncologist AFTER tumor biomarker testing:

• Which biomarkers came back positive after the tumor biomarker test?
  • Were the test results clear enough or should I get tested again?
• Will my treatment be different now that you know the results of my tumor biomarker test?

Check Out These Additional Resources: 

Cancer Support Community - Talking About Biomarkers Worksheet

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition - Expert Video- How is Biomarker Testing Done? (3 minutes)

National Cancer Institute - Biomarker Testing for Cancer Treatment

Triage Cancer – Health Insurance State Laws: Biomarker Testing

Sources:

Cancer Support Community. (2021). Talking about biomarker testing: A worksheet to help you discuss precision medicine and biomarker testing with your health care team. 

Force. (n.d.). Biomarker tests and cancer treatment. https://www.facingourrisk.org/info/risk-management-and-treatment/biomarker-testing-overview#

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