BIOMARKER TESTING
BEFORE TARGETED THERAPY
Biomarker testing is not a preliminary step before the real treatment discussion. It is the treatment discussion. Everything that follows depends on what the results show.
analyticsAt a Glance
- check_circleBiomarker testing identifies genetic mutations that predict response to targeted drugs
- check_circleNGS (next-generation sequencing) panels can test for hundreds of mutations simultaneously
- check_circleKey biomarkers include EGFR, ALK, BRAF, HER2, KRAS, MSI-H, and TMB
- check_circleTesting should be done before treatment decisions — it changes the treatment pathway
Biomarker Testing Methods
| Test Type | What It Detects | Sample Required | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive NGS Panel | Dozens to hundreds of mutations, fusions, amplifications simultaneously | Tumour tissue | 7-14 days |
| IHC (Immunohistochemistry) | Protein expression: HER2, PD-L1, MMR proteins | Tumour tissue | 1-3 days |
| FISH | Gene amplifications and rearrangements: HER2, ALK, ROS1 | Tumour tissue | 3-5 days |
| Liquid Biopsy (ctDNA) | Circulating tumour DNA mutations and resistance variants | Blood draw | 7-14 days |
| MSI / MMR Testing | Microsatellite instability; mismatch repair deficiency | Tumour tissue or blood | 1-5 days |
| TMB (Tumour Mutational Burden) | Overall mutation count; guides immunotherapy selection | Tumour tissue | 7-14 days (part of NGS) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How CancerFax Helps
CancerFax is a specialist cancer access and patient-navigation platform. We help patients and families understand their options, organise medical records, coordinate hospital communication, and support cross-border treatment planning where appropriate.
We help collect and organise reports, scans, pathology, biomarker results, and treatment history for structured case review.
We communicate with hospitals or trial teams to assess whether a case may be suitable for further screening.
We support appointment coordination, document submission, translation, and direct communication with international departments.
For international patients, we help with practical coordination — travel planning, hospital admission guidance, and local support.
If this option is not suitable, we help explore other relevant treatments, clinical trials, or advanced care pathways.
From inquiry through to follow-up, our coordinators provide a single point of contact for the family.
CancerFax does not guarantee treatment access, eligibility, or clinical outcome. Our role is to help patients access accurate information, structured review, and appropriate specialist pathways.
Need Help Interpreting Your Biomarker Test Results?
CancerFax reviews your molecular test reports and connects you with oncologists who can explain what each finding means for your treatment options.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified oncologist before making treatment decisions.