Molecular Profiling to Identify Biomarkers

Strength in numbers

Some studies estimate that after initial treatment fails, as many as 95% of cancer patients will not respond to the next treatment suggested by conventional methods. However, burgeoning research in biomarkers and their relevance to cancer therapies is changing how we approach the characterization and treatment of cancers.

Strength in information

Biomarkers provide unique clues about each patient’s cancer—which treatments are more likely to be effective, and just as importantly, which therapies are more likely to fail. Armed with focused genetic and molecular information about their patient’s distinct disease, physicians can develop personalized treatment strategies designed for maximum effectiveness.

Strength in results

In a pilot study*, nine different centers used molecular profiling of patients’ tumors to identify potential biomarkers and help guide treatment for refractory cancer. Molecular targets were detected in nearly all of the patients, and of those where targets were found, 27% found success in secondary treatment options, allowing them to experience a longer, progression-free survival.

*Von Hoff DD, Stephenson JJ, Rosen P, et al. Pilot study using molecular profiling of patients' find potential targets and select treatments for their refractory cancers. J Clin Onc. 2010;28:4877-4883.

Decision Tree

For the purposes of this chart, “treatment” is intended to represent treatment(s) selected which may be one or more therapies in combination. Treatment guidelines are provided by the NCCN, based on prospective clinical trial results. Molecular profiling is not used to prescribe treatment and only provides information from published research on biomarker/drug response associations. Treatment selection can only be made by a physician.