Just Diagnosed
As you adjust to a stomach cancer diagnosis, you may want to dig deeper into information related to stomach cancer biomarker testing. In addition to answering some common questions below, we are also providing links to more robust information about a variety of topics.
What questions
should I ask my
health care team
about getting
tested for
biomarkers?
Fill out this form for a downloadable script to bring to your next appointment.
Why is early biomarker testing important to my stomach cancer treatment?
Tumor-related biomarkers, as well as a person’s unique genetic biomarkers, have the potential to impact a patient’s stomach cancer diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. It is important to test for biomarkers as soon as treatment is being considered, because it is important to know if a particular biomarker is driving your cancer. Not all stomach cancers have the same biomarkers, and there are a variety of drugs available that may only be useful and available when certain biomarkers are present. Every stomach cancer is unique, and testing early for your cancer’s specific biomarkers ensures that you and your healthcare team can identify the very best personalized treatment options – now and in the future.
How might my biomarkers be tested?
Biomarkers can be tested for in biopsies or in blood. It is important to test for biomarkers as soon as treatment is being considered. Every stomach cancer is unique, and testing early for your cancer’s specific biomarkers ensures that you and your healthcare team can identify the very best personalized treatment options – now and in the future.
How much does biomarker testing cost, and will insurance cover it?
Many common insurers cover the cost of most biomarker testing. Liquid biopsies are an exception, however, and sometimes it can cost a patient up to $4000 out of pocket.
Where can I get tested for biomarkers?
Stomach cancer biomarker testing will typically be ordered by your oncologist, and may be conducted in an oncology center, hospital or pathology lab.
