May 2020 – Biomarkers & Genetic Testing
Issue IntroductionsBiomarkers
This special issue of CONQUER magazine is focused
on very innovative diagnostic tests that involve
biomarkers associated with cancer. For
many past decades we have provided the same
types of treatments for patients with cancer, basing
the treatments on the type of cancer the patient
had, and where it was in the body, such as
lung cancer or breast cancer.
BiomarkersPersonalized Medicine
Understanding the specific biomarkers associated with each patient’s cancer helps to select the best therapy that targets that unique biomarker to improve the chance of survival for that patient.
BiomarkersGenetics & Cancer
By Wayne Kuznar
Genetic testing, genomic testing, molecular profiling—how can you make sense of these terms to ensure you receive the best test and best treatment in this era of targeted therapies? A group of experts and patient advocates provide answers to these questions.
CaregiversCOVID-19
Shera Dubitsky, MEd, MA, uses her personal experience caring for her father from afar during the COVID-19 pandemic to offer tips on distant caregiving for patients with cancer.
BiomarkersCholangiocarcinomaGenetics & Cancer
By Wayne Kuznar
New treatments are becoming available for patients with cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). Testing for specific biomarkers is crucial to ensure each patient receives the best available treatment for any associated biomarker.
CholangiocarcinomaFDA Approvals, News & Updates
In April, the FDA approved Pemazyre, the first targeted drug for patients with advanced cholangiocarcinoma and a biomarker called FGFR2 gene fusion.
Breast Cancer
By Dana Taylor
Breast cancer is the second
most common cancer
among women, but it
is important to remember
that men can also have breast
cancer. Recent advances in
therapy have led to the discovery
of specific biologic markers
(biomarkers) in cancer cells,
which has further led to the development
of drugs known as
targeted therapies.
Breast CancerFDA Approvals, News & Updates
Another drug approved by the FDA in April, Tukysa, a kinase inhibitor, is a new treatment option for the treatment of patients with advanced HER2-positive breast cancer.
BiomarkersGenetics & CancerLung Cancer
Patients with advanced lung cancer should be tested for the 5 most common biomarkers so they may receive the best treatment options for their disease.
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