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
The acronym ALK, which stands for Anaplastic lymphoma receptor tyrosine kinase, is a gene that produces a specific active protein to help cell growth. Several types of alterations in the ALK gene have been found. It has been found in many solid tumors, including 5-10% in lung and uterine cancers, as well as skin melanoma, and less than 5% in the colon, breast, prostate, and hepatobiliary cancers. Two ALK inhibitors have received FDA approval for certain ALK-positive hematological and solid tumors but not including cholangiocarcinoma so far. Currently, there are one ongoing clinical trials for ALK-positive solid tumors, which includes cholangiocarcinoma patients (NCT02568267).