Lung Cancer Genetic Tests

Explanation

Lung cancer genetic tests look for acquired gene changes in cancer cells that may help choose targeted treatment, which is designed to act on a particular change found in the cancer.

What do lung cancer genetic tests look for?

These tests examine lung cancer cells for gene changes that may help match the cancer to a targeted treatment. This means treatment chosen to act on a particular change found in the cancer cells. Testing is used most often for non-small cell lung cancer and may examine one gene, such as EGFR, or a panel of several genes.

Are these inherited genetic tests?

Usually not. These changes are generally acquired in the tumour cells during a person’s life. They are different from inherited gene changes that can be passed to children.

Which sample is tested?

Tumour tissue is the preferred sample. If tissue cannot be collected in some situations, a blood test called a liquid biopsy may look for cancer-related genetic material released into the blood.

What are the limits of a liquid biopsy?

A liquid biopsy is less accurate than testing tumour tissue. A result may help guide treatment, but it is interpreted with the cancer type, tissue findings, and other clinical information.

Report excerptExplanation

Confusing Medical Report?

BaluMed makes medicine understandable! Our extensive medical report explanation 'translates' complex medical terms from MRI findings and discharge summaries into easily understandable language. With a combination of artificial intelligence and medical expertise, we offer quickly available and reliable information.

  • Extensive. Summary, explanation per section, glossary.
  • Fast & Reliable. Doctor-reviewed, within 24 hours.
  • Privacy. Documents are automatically anonymized.
  • Multilingual. German, English, Spanish or Italian.