Tests that look at the tumor’s tumor characteristics and drivers can sometimes find genetic changes or pathways that could be treated with a drug. This can also help decide which drugs to try in lab testing. But, not all changes found actually cause the tumor to grow, and there may not always be drugs available to target them.
Functional drug testing checks how well different drugs work on cancer cells without needing genetic information. Genetic testing can help narrow down which drugs to try, but it isn’t necessary for this type of testing.
Discuss testing options with your oncologist.
Focus on test efforts that may provide actionable results.
Work with your oncologist to determine a list of drugs to test.
Since biomarkers may change over time, consider testing tumor samples after any new relapse/resection.
