Biomarker Stories
Biomarker testing, which you may have heard referred to as “molecular testing” or “genomic testing,” is done by obtaining a small amount of tissue (called a biopsy) from a patient's tumor, or by drawing a blood sample.
The tissue or blood sample is tested at a lab, which can provide information about a patient's tumor. Results from biomarker testing help to develop a personalized treatment path, including whether targeted therapy is appropriate for the patient.
The Foundation teamed up with Bayer Pharmaceuticals to share eight patient stories for whom biomarker testing positively impacted. A list of known biomarkers and how prevalent they are in cancers is provided for your review. Additional information and resources are also provided.

Cholangiocarcinoma Patient
Matt Reidy's Biomarker Story
Cholangiocarcinoma Patient
John Pierce's Biomarker Story
Cholangiocarcinoma Patient
Sharon Hockenberry's Biomarker Story
Cholangiocarcinoma Patient
Julie Thole's Biomarker Story
Lung Cancer Patient
Gina Hollenbeck's Biomarker Story
Lung Cancer Patient
Ivy Elkins's Biomarker Story
Lung Cancer Patient
Hadley Recor's Biomarker Story
Thyroid Cancer Patient
Ben Lazcano's Biomarker Story
Some Common Biomarkers
Tumor mutational burden (TMB) is measured by counting the number of reported somatic alterations. It can be measured in molecular profiling tests using tissue samples or liquid biopsy. According to the number of alterations, tumors are classified into low, intermediate, and high-TMB. Several studies showed that TMB is a predictor of treatment response, and patients with TMB-high have a better response to immunotherapy.