Patient Stories: How biomarker testing impacted their cancer treatment
Patient Stories: How biomarker testing impacted their cancer treatment
Tumor testing, genomic testing, biomarker testing – these are all complicated names for the same thing. Regardless of how you refer to it, biomarker testing plays an important role in personalizing your cancer treatment, and advancements continue to be made as research into biomarker directed therapy continues.
We talked with several survivors about how biomarker testing impacted their treatment options and want to share their first-hand experiences with you, so you know you’re not alone.
Phuong Gallagher
KRAS, BRAF, HER2 NEGATIVE AND MSS/PMM
Phuong Gallagher, mutant KRAS, BRAF, HER2 negative and MSS/pMMR, had her therapy directly impacted by her tumor testing results. When she was initially tested, she was KRAS wild type (not mutated), which allowed her to use cetuximab for a long period of stability. Eventually, disease progression was seen during a scan, and she was found to now have a KRAS mutation. This led to her stopping cetuximab and beginning chemotherapy as it was deemed more appropriate.
However, in a testament to the rapid pace of change in treatment options, she is now able to participate in an immunotherapy clinical trial, despite her KRAS mutation.
“Testing for biomarkers should not be “one and done.” Time and treatments can alter your biomarkers, so you will want to ensure that you have the most accurate information available when making major treatment decisions.”
Wenora Johnson
MSI-H, MSH2 MUTATION
Wenora Johnson has microsatellite instability – high (MSI-H), specifically a MSH2 mutation, which is often seen in colorectal cancer associated with Lynch syndrome. Lynch syndrome is an inherited condition that increases your risk of developing several cancers, including CRC. In fact, Wenora was initially diagnosed with stage IIIB colorectal cancer, followed by endometrial cancer and basal cell carcinoma.
Looking on the bright side, Wenora notes “…the positive side of MSI-H tumors is that they tend to have better prognosis and may respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors.” Wenora also notes that biomarker testing plays a critical role in her ongoing monitoring and risk management to ensure early detection of recurrences or other cancers associated with her Lynch syndrome.
“Biomarkers are powerful tools that may help doctors understand your cancer better and guide your treatment, but they don’t define you or your journey. While they may seem overwhelming at first, they’re here to give you more personalized, effective care and open up treatment options that are right for you.”
Amy Jensen
RAS wild type, RAF mutated, MSI stable, BRAF mutation D594G, APC and TP53 mutated
Amy, who has multiple mutations, notes that her biomarkers made an impact in her treatment plan and let her doctors know that immunotherapy would be an option in her case. She knows her biomarkers now but also acknowledges that the topic is confusing and that there is a lot to know, especially when you’re facing a new diagnosis.
“Ask your doctor if they tested your biomarkers, and if they haven’t, ask if they can! Ask what your biomarkers mean to you. Even with what I know about biomarkers, it is still confusing!”
Tim McDonald
MSS, KRAS, BRAF, and NRAS wild types
Biomarker testing can not only guide which treatments you should try, but they can help you avoid treatments that are likely to be ineffective against your unique type of tumor. Tim McDonald, who is MSS, and KRAS/BRAF/NRAS wild types, notes that knowing his biomarkers helped guide his treatment team on which chemotherapies were likely to be most effective, while also informing them that immunotherapy should also be avoided.
Tim also eventually received a liver transplant during his course of treatment, and notes that “having MSS (microsatellite stable) made it more likely that he would be a strong candidate (for a transplant).”
How do you take the next step?
Regardless of where you are in your treatment journey, we want you to understand the importance of biomarker testing and the role it plays in the therapy you receive.
We offer a wide variety of medically reviewed biomarker information, informative webinars, digital and physical brochures, and an interactive biomarker school where you can test your knowledge. You can find all this and more by visiting our resource library!
If you know your biomarkers, be sure to share your story with us. If you’re undergoing treatment and are unsure if you’ve had your biomarkers tested, ask! If you don’t understand your test results, ask to have them explained in a way that makes sense. Advocate for yourself and make sure you are getting the treatment you deserve!
Thank you to our sponsors for supporting our biomarker education!
 |  |  |  |  |  |
Tumor testing, genomic testing, biomarker testing – these are all complicated names for the same thing. Regardless of how you refer to it, biomarker testing plays an important role in personalizing your cancer treatment, and advancements continue to be made as research into biomarker directed therapy continues.
We talked with several survivors about how biomarker testing impacted their treatment options and want to share their first-hand experiences with you, so you know you’re not alone.
Phuong Gallagher
KRAS, BRAF, HER2 NEGATIVE AND MSS/PMM
Phuong Gallagher, mutant KRAS, BRAF, HER2 negative and MSS/pMMR, had her therapy directly impacted by her tumor testing results. When she was initially tested, she was KRAS wild type (not mutated), which allowed her to use cetuximab for a long period of stability. Eventually, disease progression was seen during a scan, and she was found to now have a KRAS mutation. This led to her stopping cetuximab and beginning chemotherapy as it was deemed more appropriate.
However, in a testament to the rapid pace of change in treatment options, she is now able to participate in an immunotherapy clinical trial, despite her KRAS mutation.
“Testing for biomarkers should not be “one and done.” Time and treatments can alter your biomarkers, so you will want to ensure that you have the most accurate information available when making major treatment decisions.”
Wenora Johnson
MSI-H, MSH2 MUTATION
Wenora Johnson has microsatellite instability – high (MSI-H), specifically a MSH2 mutation, which is often seen in colorectal cancer associated with Lynch syndrome. Lynch syndrome is an inherited condition that increases your risk of developing several cancers, including CRC. In fact, Wenora was initially diagnosed with stage IIIB colorectal cancer, followed by endometrial cancer and basal cell carcinoma.
Looking on the bright side, Wenora notes “…the positive side of MSI-H tumors is that they tend to have better prognosis and may respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors.” Wenora also notes that biomarker testing plays a critical role in her ongoing monitoring and risk management to ensure early detection of recurrences or other cancers associated with her Lynch syndrome.
“Biomarkers are powerful tools that may help doctors understand your cancer better and guide your treatment, but they don’t define you or your journey. While they may seem overwhelming at first, they’re here to give you more personalized, effective care and open up treatment options that are right for you.”
Amy Jensen
RAS wild type, RAF mutated, MSI stable, BRAF mutation D594G, APC and TP53 mutated
Amy, who has multiple mutations, notes that her biomarkers made an impact in her treatment plan and let her doctors know that immunotherapy would be an option in her case. She knows her biomarkers now but also acknowledges that the topic is confusing and that there is a lot to know, especially when you’re facing a new diagnosis.
“Ask your doctor if they tested your biomarkers, and if they haven’t, ask if they can! Ask what your biomarkers mean to you. Even with what I know about biomarkers, it is still confusing!”
Tim McDonald
MSS, KRAS, BRAF, and NRAS wild types
Biomarker testing can not only guide which treatments you should try, but they can help you avoid treatments that are likely to be ineffective against your unique type of tumor. Tim McDonald, who is MSS, and KRAS/BRAF/NRAS wild types, notes that knowing his biomarkers helped guide his treatment team on which chemotherapies were likely to be most effective, while also informing them that immunotherapy should also be avoided.
Tim also eventually received a liver transplant during his course of treatment, and notes that “having MSS (microsatellite stable) made it more likely that he would be a strong candidate (for a transplant).”
How do you take the next step?
Regardless of where you are in your treatment journey, we want you to understand the importance of biomarker testing and the role it plays in the therapy you receive.
We offer a wide variety of medically reviewed biomarker information, informative webinars, digital and physical brochures, and an interactive biomarker school where you can test your knowledge. You can find all this and more by visiting our resource library!
If you know your biomarkers, be sure to share your story with us. If you’re undergoing treatment and are unsure if you’ve had your biomarkers tested, ask! If you don’t understand your test results, ask to have them explained in a way that makes sense. Advocate for yourself and make sure you are getting the treatment you deserve!
Thank you to our sponsors for supporting our biomarker education!
 |  |  |  |  |  |
Tumor testing, genomic testing, biomarker testing – these are all complicated names for the same thing. Regardless of how you refer to it, biomarker testing plays an important role in personalizing your cancer treatment, and advancements continue to be made as research into biomarker directed therapy continues.
We talked with several survivors about how biomarker testing impacted their treatment options and want to share their first-hand experiences with you, so you know you’re not alone.
Phuong Gallagher
KRAS, BRAF, HER2 NEGATIVE AND MSS/PMM
Phuong Gallagher, mutant KRAS, BRAF, HER2 negative and MSS/pMMR, had her therapy directly impacted by her tumor testing results. When she was initially tested, she was KRAS wild type (not mutated), which allowed her to use cetuximab for a long period of stability. Eventually, disease progression was seen during a scan, and she was found to now have a KRAS mutation. This led to her stopping cetuximab and beginning chemotherapy as it was deemed more appropriate.
However, in a testament to the rapid pace of change in treatment options, she is now able to participate in an immunotherapy clinical trial, despite her KRAS mutation.
“Testing for biomarkers should not be “one and done.” Time and treatments can alter your biomarkers, so you will want to ensure that you have the most accurate information available when making major treatment decisions.”
Wenora Johnson
MSI-H, MSH2 MUTATION
Wenora Johnson has microsatellite instability – high (MSI-H), specifically a MSH2 mutation, which is often seen in colorectal cancer associated with Lynch syndrome. Lynch syndrome is an inherited condition that increases your risk of developing several cancers, including CRC. In fact, Wenora was initially diagnosed with stage IIIB colorectal cancer, followed by endometrial cancer and basal cell carcinoma.
Looking on the bright side, Wenora notes “…the positive side of MSI-H tumors is that they tend to have better prognosis and may respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors.” Wenora also notes that biomarker testing plays a critical role in her ongoing monitoring and risk management to ensure early detection of recurrences or other cancers associated with her Lynch syndrome.
“Biomarkers are powerful tools that may help doctors understand your cancer better and guide your treatment, but they don’t define you or your journey. While they may seem overwhelming at first, they’re here to give you more personalized, effective care and open up treatment options that are right for you.”
Amy Jensen
RAS wild type, RAF mutated, MSI stable, BRAF mutation D594G, APC and TP53 mutated
Amy, who has multiple mutations, notes that her biomarkers made an impact in her treatment plan and let her doctors know that immunotherapy would be an option in her case. She knows her biomarkers now but also acknowledges that the topic is confusing and that there is a lot to know, especially when you’re facing a new diagnosis.
“Ask your doctor if they tested your biomarkers, and if they haven’t, ask if they can! Ask what your biomarkers mean to you. Even with what I know about biomarkers, it is still confusing!”
Tim McDonald
MSS, KRAS, BRAF, and NRAS wild types
Biomarker testing can not only guide which treatments you should try, but they can help you avoid treatments that are likely to be ineffective against your unique type of tumor. Tim McDonald, who is MSS, and KRAS/BRAF/NRAS wild types, notes that knowing his biomarkers helped guide his treatment team on which chemotherapies were likely to be most effective, while also informing them that immunotherapy should also be avoided.
Tim also eventually received a liver transplant during his course of treatment, and notes that “having MSS (microsatellite stable) made it more likely that he would be a strong candidate (for a transplant).”
How do you take the next step?
Regardless of where you are in your treatment journey, we want you to understand the importance of biomarker testing and the role it plays in the therapy you receive.
We offer a wide variety of medically reviewed biomarker information, informative webinars, digital and physical brochures, and an interactive biomarker school where you can test your knowledge. You can find all this and more by visiting our resource library!
If you know your biomarkers, be sure to share your story with us. If you’re undergoing treatment and are unsure if you’ve had your biomarkers tested, ask! If you don’t understand your test results, ask to have them explained in a way that makes sense. Advocate for yourself and make sure you are getting the treatment you deserve!
Thank you to our sponsors for supporting our biomarker education!
 |  |  |  |  |  |
