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A cancer diagnosis often brings a lot of information at once: the type of cancer, its stage, imaging results, and possible treatment paths. Tumor profiling adds another layer. It looks at the biology of the cancer itself to identify genes, proteins, or other biomarkers that may help a care team understand which treatments could be relevant.
Tumor profiling is also called biomarker testing, tumor testing, genomic profiling, molecular profiling, or somatic testing. Although the names vary, the purpose is similar: to learn more about the features of a specific cancer so treatment discussions can be more informed.
It does not replace a physician’s judgment, and it does not guarantee that a particular therapy will work. But when clinically appropriate, it can give patients and their oncology teams more information to consider at an important point in care.
Tumor profiling is a laboratory analysis of a cancer sample. Depending on the cancer and the test, it may look for changes in DNA, proteins, RNA, or other biomarkers that can affect how a cancer grows or responds to treatment.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) explains that biomarker testing may help a doctor select treatment because some targeted therapies and immunotherapies work only when a cancer has particular biomarkers. It can also help identify clinical trials that match a cancer’s molecular features. Source: NCI, Biomarker Testing for Cancer Treatment.
For many solid tumors, testing begins with tissue from a biopsy or surgery. In some situations, a clinician may consider a blood-based test, often called a liquid biopsy, when it is appropriate for the person’s cancer and clinical question.
Each cancer has its own molecular profile. Even tumors that begin in the same organ can have different biomarkers, which can affect whether a treatment may be considered. Tumor profiling may identify:
For example, the NCI notes that a tumor with an EGFR gene change may be eligible for a treatment that targets that change. Other biomarkers can help oncologists consider whether certain therapies are relevant across cancer types, not only by where the cancer started. Source: NCI.
That is why results are most useful when interpreted in context. A molecular finding is not a treatment plan by itself; the care team also considers the diagnosis, stage, previous treatment, overall health, and patient preferences.
Different types of genetic testing can provide different kinds of information after a cancer diagnosis.
Hereditary cancer-risk testing examines DNA a person was born with. It looks for inherited gene changes that may increase lifetime cancer risk and may have implications for biological relatives.
Tumor profiling examines genetic changes and biomarkers in the cancer itself. These changes may help healthcare professionals better characterize the cancer and consider treatment options that may be relevant.
Pharmacogenomic testing looks at how a person’s inherited genetic differences may affect the way their body processes or responds to certain medications.
More than one type of testing may be relevant after a cancer diagnosis, but each serves a different purpose and provides a different type of information.
For a deeper overview of the broader testing landscape, see Kadance’s guide to genetic testing for cancer.
The right time for tumor profiling depends on the cancer type and clinical situation. The NCI notes that genomic biomarker testing is often recommended for cancers that have spread or returned after treatment. It is also routinely used to guide treatment in some specific cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer. Source: NCI.
A person’s oncologist can explain whether testing is appropriate now, whether an existing sample can be used, and whether a new biopsy or a blood-based approach is relevant.
Questions worth bringing to an appointment include:
Tumor profiling is powerful, but it has limits. A test may identify a biomarker without identifying a clear treatment match. A therapy that targets a biomarker may still not work for every person. And because cancers can change over time, a result is a snapshot of the tumor at the time the sample was collected.
Results can also be limited by the amount or quality of tissue available. This is one reason testing decisions and report interpretation belong in a conversation with an oncology team.
The NCI emphasizes that biomarker tests do not help everyone who receives them. A report can provide useful information even when it does not lead to a new treatment option. However, the results do not guarantee that a particular treatment will be effective. Source: NCI.
When a result could inform treatment, timing matters. The test must be ordered, the sample obtained, the laboratory analysis completed, and the report reviewed in time for the information to be useful in a treatment discussion.
This can be difficult to navigate while managing appointments, decisions, and the emotional weight of a diagnosis. Kadance’s article on how precision medicine is changing cancer treatment decisions explores how biomarker testing, expert interpretation, and coordination can work together.
For examples of how molecular findings can shape conversations in lung, breast, and colorectal cancer, see Why Tumor Profiling Matters: Real-World Examples.
Tumor profiling examines genetic changes and biomarkers in the cancer itself. Hereditary cancer-risk testing looks for inherited genetic changes a person was born with that may increase the risk of certain cancers and may also have implications for biological relatives.
It may identify biomarkers that help your care team consider certain treatments or trials. It cannot guarantee that a treatment will work, and it is only one part of a treatment decision.
It may identify a biomarker that is one of the eligibility criteria for a particular clinical trial. Eligibility depends on many factors, including cancer type, prior treatment, overall health, trial location, and the study’s specific criteria.
Not always. In some cases, an existing tissue sample can be used. Your oncologist can explain whether the available sample is sufficient or whether a new tissue or blood-based sample is appropriate.
Kadance Navigate is designed for people who have been recently diagnosed with cancer or are currently in treatment. Members receive oncology nurse navigation, pharmacogenomic testing and medication optimization, clinical-trial search and enrollment support, and resources to help them understand their care path.
When clinically appropriate, Kadance can help members explore advanced diagnostic options, including comprehensive genomic profiling or biomarker testing. These advanced tests are offered separately and may require an additional fee.
Kadance complements a member’s relationship with their treating physician; it does not replace medical care.