What are Biomarkers and Why Should You Get Tested?

What are biomarkers, why do they matter, and what should every person living with lung cancer know about getting tested? Dr. Ross Camidge, a world-renowned thoracic oncologist and lung cancer researcher at the University of Colorado, joins Ann Steagall and Dr. Misty Shields to explain the ins and outs of biomarkers. Dr. Camidge helped pioneer biomarker testing as a standard of care, but he also brings the patient perspective as well - he was diagnosed with EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer several years ago. They discuss what biomarkers are, how biomarker testing works, why you might need to repeat your testing over time, and why you should know your biomarker status before you begin treatment. “ If you don't have a specific biomarker identified, you've got to ask the question: was the testing complete?” – Dr. Ross Camidge, lung cancer world expert and survivor What You'll Hear: Biomarker testing in lung cancer from a patient and expert perspective What is biomarker testing and why does it matter for lung cancer treatment The evolution of lung cancer biomarker testing Liquid biopsy vs. tissue biopsy for lung cancer Who should get lung cancer biomarker testing and when Repeat biomarker testing and treatment resistance Resources & Support: Biomarker Testing – What it is, why it matters, and how to ask your team about it LUNGevity’s No One Missed – Biomarker testing information for lung cancer What to Ask Your Doctor – Questions to guide your treatment conversations at every step LUNGevity Patient Gateways – Information and resources specific to your lung cancer type EGFR Resistors – Patient-led community for people living with EGFR-positive lung cancer ALK Positive – Community for patients with ALK-positive lung cancer ROS1ders – Community for patients with ROS1-positive lung cancer Virtual Meetups – Connect with other lung cancer patients and survivors, including LUNGevity's weekly Tuesday calls