Tumor gene testing before lung cancer treatment
Many non-small cell lung cancers have a gene change with a matched drug.
What studies found
The American Cancer Society lists matched drugs for changes in EGFR, ALK, ROS1, KRAS G12C, BRAF, MET, RET, HER2, NTRK and NRG1. About 5% of non-small cell lung cancers have an ALK change, 1% to 2% a ROS1 change, and about 1 in 8 a KRAS G12C change. The National Cancer Institute notes that biomarker tests help predict which targeted drugs will work.
The catch
Testing guides treatment; it doesn't change outcomes by itself.
What to do
Before treatment starts, ask whether your tumor has been tested for gene changes.
Sources
Rung 5 of 5, Established: Large randomized trials or overwhelming, consistent human evidence; reflected in major guidelines. How we score
Step by step
For the whole picture, from prevention and screening to treatment and life after, see the lung cancer page.
Related
- Amivantamab plus lazertinib for advanced EGFR lung cancerRung 4 · StrongWith your doctorRung 4 · StrongTreatmentWith your doctor
- Durvalumab after chemoradiation for limited-stage small cell lung cancerRung 4 · StrongWith your doctorRung 4 · StrongTreatmentWith your doctor
- Immunotherapy around surgery for non-small cell lung cancerRung 4 · StrongWith your doctorRung 4 · StrongTreatmentWith your doctor
- Targeted pills after surgery or chemoradiation for EGFR or ALK lung cancerRung 4 · StrongWith your doctorRung 4 · StrongTreatmentWith your doctor
- Tarlatamab for small cell lung cancer that returns after chemotherapyRung 4 · StrongWith your doctorRung 4 · StrongTreatmentWith your doctor