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data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1230">Hospice</a></li><li><a href="/resources-support/resources/resource-library" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1081">Resource library</a></li></ul></nav><nav class="site-header-dropdown-link-list" aria-label="Community Support Link List"><div class="eyebrow -medium">Community Support</div><ul data-level="3"><li><a href="/resources-support/community-support/online-communities-colorectal-cancer-patients-and-families" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1082">Online communities</a></li><li><a href="/resources-support/community-support/buddy-program" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1083">Buddy Program</a></li><li><a href="/resources-support/community-support/young-onset-support" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1084">Young-onset support</a></li><li><a href="/resources-support/community-support/stories-hope" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1085">Stories of hope</a></li><li><a href="/resources-support/community-support/community-chat" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1086">Community chat</a></li></ul></nav><div class="site-header-dropdown-promo js-link-event"><div class="site-header-dropdown-promo-image"><picture><img src="/sites/default/files/styles/menu_promo/public/media/images/dressy_couple_selfie_0.png.webp?itok=cOE9ujsv" width="216" height="216" alt="Dressy couple posing for selfie" loading="lazy"></picture></div><div class="site-header-dropdown-promo-text"><div class="eyebrow -medium">YOUR PATIENT PORTAL</div><a href="https://bluehq.org/" class="js-link-event-link"><span>Personalized resources are ready for you on BlueHQ</span></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></li><li class="site-header-nav-item"><button class="site-header-nav-item-link js-site-header-nav-item-link" aria-current="false" type="button" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/research" data-dropdown="true">Research</button><div class="site-header-dropdown js-site-header-dropdown" aria-hidden="true" data-level="1" data-list-count="4"><div class="site-header-dropdown-inner"><div class="site-header-dropdown-content"><a href="/research" class="site-header-dropdown-overview"><span>Research: investments and influence to cure CRC</span></a><div class="site-header-dropdown-links" data-level="2"><nav class="site-header-dropdown-link-list" aria-label="Research Link List"><ul data-level="2"><li><a href="/research/need-research-innovation" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1669">Need for research innovation</a></li><li><a href="/research/plan-cure-crc" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1670">Plan to cure CRC</a></li><li><a href="/research/apply-research-grant" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1087">Apply for a research grant</a></li><li><a href="/research/research-funded-project-cure-crc" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1088">Research funded by Project Cure CRC</a></li></ul></nav><div class="site-header-dropdown-promo js-link-event"><div class="site-header-dropdown-promo-image"><picture><img src="/sites/default/files/styles/menu_promo/public/media/images/summit5.png.webp?itok=O0Ej4la6" width="216" height="216" alt="A researcher speaks on a microphone at the Cure CRC Summit" loading="lazy"></picture></div><div class="site-header-dropdown-promo-text"><div class="eyebrow -medium">Project Cure CRC</div><a href="/research/research-investments/project-cure-crc" class="js-link-event-link"><span>Learn about our effort to fund expedited and novel cancer research</span></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></li><li class="site-header-nav-item"><button class="site-header-nav-item-link js-site-header-nav-item-link" aria-current="false" type="button" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/get-involved" data-dropdown="true">Get Involved</button><div class="site-header-dropdown js-site-header-dropdown" aria-hidden="true" data-level="1" data-list-count="3"><div class="site-header-dropdown-inner"><div class="site-header-dropdown-content"><a href="/get-involved" class="site-header-dropdown-overview"><span>Get involved: help us end colorectal cancer</span></a><div class="site-header-dropdown-links" data-level="2"><nav class="site-header-dropdown-link-list" aria-label="Events Link List"><div class="eyebrow -medium">Events</div><ul data-level="3"><li><a href="/get-involved/events/walk-end-colon-cancer" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1091">Walk to End Colon Cancer</a></li><li><a href="/get-involved/events/attend-blue-hope-bash" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1092">Attend a Blue Hope Bash</a></li><li><a href="/get-involved/events/start-your-own-fundraiser" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1097">Create your own event</a></li><li><a href="/get-involved/events" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/7">View all events</a></li></ul></nav><nav class="site-header-dropdown-link-list" aria-label="Give Link List"><div class="eyebrow -medium">Give</div><ul data-level="3"><li><a href="/get-involved/give/donate-now" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1095">Donate now</a></li><li><a href="/get-involved/give/planned-giving" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1098">Planned Giving</a></li><li><a href="/get-involved/give/honor-loved-one-and-create-blue-star-tribute" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1096">Honor a loved one</a></li><li><a href="/get-involved/events/start-your-own-fundraiser" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1097">Start your own fundraiser</a></li><li><a href="https://shop.colorectalcancer.org">Shop the Alliance store</a></li><li><a href="/get-involved/give/other-ways-give" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1272">Other ways to give</a></li></ul></nav><nav class="site-header-dropdown-link-list" aria-label="Advocate Link List"><div class="eyebrow -medium">Advocate</div><ul data-level="3"><li><a href="/get-involved/advocate/volunteer" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1101">Volunteer</a></li><li><a href="/get-involved/advocate/become-advocate" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1102">Become an advocate</a></li><li><a href="/get-involved/advocate/colorectal-cancer-awareness-month" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1103">Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month</a></li><li><a href="/get-involved/advocate/partner-us" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1104">Partner with us</a></li></ul></nav></div></div></div></div></li><li class="site-header-nav-item"><button class="site-header-search-toggle js-site-header-nav-item-link" type="button" aria-label="Open Menu" aria-expanded="false" data-dropdown="true"></button><div class="site-header-dropdown js-site-header-dropdown"><div class="site-header-dropdown-inner"><div class="site-header-search"><form role="search" method="GET" action="/search"><input class="js-search-field" type="search" name="keywords" placeholder="How can we help you?" aria-label="Search"><button class="js-search-submit" type="submit" aria-label="Submit" disabled>Search</button></form><button class="site-header-search-close btn -circle js-search-close" type="button" aria-label="Close"></button></div></div></div></li></ul></nav></div></div></header><div class="mobile-menu" data-level="1" aria-hidden="true"><div class="mobile-menu-header"><div class="mobile-menu-cta-button"><a href="#XWRCBRCW"></a></div><div class="mobile-menu-logo"><a class="logo" href="/" title="Colorectal Cancer Alliance" aria-label="Colorectal Cancer Alliance"><img class="mobile-menu-logo-svg" src="/themes/custom/alliance/assets/images/logo.svg" alt="Colorectal Cancer Alliance" width="250" height="103"></a><button class="mobile-menu-close js-mobile-menu-close"><span class="sr-text">Close</span></button></div><div class="mobile-menu-search site-header-search"><form role="search" method="GET" action="/search"><input class="js-search-field" type="search" name="keywords" placeholder="How can we help you?" aria-label="Search"><button class="js-search-submit" type="submit" aria-label="Submit" disabled></button></form></div></div><div class="mobile-menu-inner"><nav class="mobile-menu-nav" aria-label="Side Navigation"><ul class="mobile-menu-main"><li class="mobile-menu-items"><button class="mobile-menu-main-link -has-dropdown js-mobile-menu-next" aria-current="false" type="button" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/basics-what-colorectal-cancer" data-dropdown="true">The Basics</button><div class="mobile-menu-secondary" aria-hidden="true"><ul><li class="mobile-menu-back"><button class="js-mobile-menu-back" aria-label="Main Menu"></button><div class="mobile-menu-section-overview"><a href="/basics-what-colorectal-cancer" class="site-header-dropdown-overview mobile-menu-main-link"><span>The basics: what is colorectal cancer?</span></a></div></li><li class="mobile-menu-secondary-items"><div class="mobile-menu-dropdown-links" data-level="2"><nav class="site-header-dropdown-link-list" aria-label="The Basics Link List"><ul data-level="2"><li><a href="/basics/colorectal-cancer-symptoms" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1058">Colorectal cancer symptoms</a></li><li><a href="/basics/facts-and-statistics" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1059">Facts and statistics</a></li><li><a href="/basics/stages-colorectal-cancer" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1060">Stages of colorectal cancer</a></li><li><a href="/basics/health-equity" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1062">Health equity</a></li><li><a href="/basics/glossary" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8">Glossary</a></li></ul></nav><div class="mobile-menu-dropdown-promo js-link-event"><div class="site-header-dropdown-promo-image"><picture><img src="/sites/default/files/styles/menu_promo/public/media/images/male_patient_with_doctor_in_office.jpeg.webp?itok=twfOhIqW" width="216" height="216" alt="male patient with doctor in office" loading="lazy"></picture></div><div class="site-header-dropdown-promo-text"><div class="eyebrow -medium">What to know</div><a href="/treatment/types-treatment/why-biomarkers-matter" class="js-link-event-link"><span>Knowing your biomarker status informs the most effective treatment plan</span></a></div></div></div></li></ul></div></li><li class="mobile-menu-items"><button class="mobile-menu-main-link -has-dropdown js-mobile-menu-next" aria-current="false" type="button" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/screening-prevention" data-dropdown="true">Screening & Prevention</button><div class="mobile-menu-secondary" aria-hidden="true"><ul><li class="mobile-menu-back"><button class="js-mobile-menu-back" aria-label="Main Menu"></button><div class="mobile-menu-section-overview"><a href="/screening-prevention" class="site-header-dropdown-overview mobile-menu-main-link"><span>Screening & prevention: why, when, how?</span></a></div></li><li class="mobile-menu-secondary-items"><div class="mobile-menu-dropdown-links" data-level="2"><nav class="site-header-dropdown-link-list" aria-label="Screening & Prevention Link List"><ul data-level="2"><li><a href="/screening-prevention/get-screened-45" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1064">Get screened at 45</a></li><li><a href="/screening-prevention/how-talk-your-doctor-about-screening" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1065">How to talk to your doctor about screening</a></li><li><a href="/screening-prevention/colonoscopy-prep-tips" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1066">Colonoscopy prep tips</a></li><li><a href="/screening-prevention/screening-methods" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1138">Screening methods</a></li><li><a href="/screening-prevention/prevention" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1068">Prevention</a></li></ul></nav><div class="mobile-menu-dropdown-promo js-link-event"><div class="site-header-dropdown-promo-image"><picture><img src="/sites/default/files/styles/menu_promo/public/media/images/Two%20people%20looking%20at%20phone%20together.png.webp?itok=vIEar2NB" width="216" height="216" alt="two people looking at phone together" loading="lazy"></picture></div><div class="site-header-dropdown-promo-text"><div class="eyebrow -medium">Get Screened</div><a href="/screening-quiz" class="js-link-event-link"><span>Take our free screening quiz for personalized recommendations</span></a></div></div></div></li></ul></div></li><li class="mobile-menu-items"><button class="mobile-menu-main-link -has-dropdown js-mobile-menu-next" aria-current="false" type="button" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/treatment" data-dropdown="true">Treatment</button><div class="mobile-menu-secondary" aria-hidden="true"><ul><li class="mobile-menu-back"><button class="js-mobile-menu-back" aria-label="Main Menu"></button><div class="mobile-menu-section-overview"><a href="/treatment" class="site-header-dropdown-overview mobile-menu-main-link"><span>Treatment: what are your options?</span></a></div></li><li class="mobile-menu-secondary-items"><div class="mobile-menu-dropdown-links" data-level="2"><nav class="site-header-dropdown-link-list" aria-label="For you Link List"><div class="eyebrow -medium">For you</div><ul data-level="3"><li><a href="/treatment/you/patients" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1070">Patients</a></li><li><a href="/treatment/you/survivors" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1071">Survivors</a></li><li><a href="/treatment/you/caregivers" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1072">Caregivers</a></li><li><a href="/treatment/you/newly-diagnosed" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1069">Newly diagnosed</a></li></ul></nav><nav class="site-header-dropdown-link-list" aria-label="Types of Treatment Link List"><div class="eyebrow -medium">Types of Treatment</div><ul data-level="3"><li><a href="/treatment/types-treatment/surgery" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1073">Surgery</a></li><li><a href="/treatment/types-treatment/chemo-radiation-other-therapies" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1074">Chemo, radiation, and other therapies</a></li><li><a href="/treatment/types-treatment/clinical-trials" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1075">Clinical trials</a></li><li><a href="/treatment/types-treatment/why-biomarkers-matter" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1076" class="is-active" aria-current="page">Why biomarkers matter</a></li><li><a href="/treatment/types-treatment/colostomy-ileostomy" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1179">Colostomy and ileostomy</a></li><li><a href="/treatment/types-treatment/side-effects" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1549">Side effects</a></li></ul></nav><div class="mobile-menu-dropdown-promo js-link-event"><div class="site-header-dropdown-promo-image"><picture><img src="/sites/default/files/styles/menu_promo/public/media/images/latina_woman_with_male_doctor_0.jpg.webp?itok=mLUl4MBi" width="216" height="216" alt="Latina woman with male doctor" loading="lazy"></picture></div><div class="site-header-dropdown-promo-text"><div class="eyebrow -medium">RESOURCES FOR YOU</div><a href="/treatment/you/newly-diagnosed/top-10-questions-ask-your-doctor-when-youre-newly-diagnosed" class="js-link-event-link"><span>10 questions to ask your doctor when newly diagnosed</span></a></div></div></div></li></ul></div></li><li class="mobile-menu-items"><button class="mobile-menu-main-link -has-dropdown js-mobile-menu-next" aria-current="false" type="button" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/resources-support" data-dropdown="true">Resources & Support</button><div class="mobile-menu-secondary" aria-hidden="true"><ul><li class="mobile-menu-back"><button class="js-mobile-menu-back" aria-label="Main Menu"></button><div class="mobile-menu-section-overview"><a href="/resources-support" class="site-header-dropdown-overview mobile-menu-main-link"><span>Resources & Support</span></a></div></li><li class="mobile-menu-secondary-items"><div class="mobile-menu-dropdown-links" data-level="2"><nav class="site-header-dropdown-link-list" aria-label="Resources Link List"><div class="eyebrow 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data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1081">Resource library</a></li></ul></nav><nav class="site-header-dropdown-link-list" aria-label="Community Support Link List"><div class="eyebrow -medium">Community Support</div><ul data-level="3"><li><a href="/resources-support/community-support/online-communities-colorectal-cancer-patients-and-families" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1082">Online communities</a></li><li><a href="/resources-support/community-support/buddy-program" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1083">Buddy Program</a></li><li><a href="/resources-support/community-support/young-onset-support" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1084">Young-onset support</a></li><li><a href="/resources-support/community-support/stories-hope" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1085">Stories of hope</a></li><li><a href="/resources-support/community-support/community-chat" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1086">Community chat</a></li></ul></nav><div class="mobile-menu-dropdown-promo js-link-event"><div class="site-header-dropdown-promo-image"><picture><img src="/sites/default/files/styles/menu_promo/public/media/images/dressy_couple_selfie_0.png.webp?itok=cOE9ujsv" width="216" height="216" alt="Dressy couple posing for selfie" loading="lazy"></picture></div><div class="site-header-dropdown-promo-text"><div class="eyebrow -medium">YOUR PATIENT PORTAL</div><a href="https://bluehq.org/" class="js-link-event-link"><span>Personalized resources are ready for you on BlueHQ</span></a></div></div></div></li></ul></div></li><li class="mobile-menu-items"><button class="mobile-menu-main-link -has-dropdown js-mobile-menu-next" aria-current="false" type="button" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/research" data-dropdown="true">Research</button><div class="mobile-menu-secondary" aria-hidden="true"><ul><li class="mobile-menu-back"><button class="js-mobile-menu-back" aria-label="Main Menu"></button><div class="mobile-menu-section-overview"><a href="/research" class="site-header-dropdown-overview mobile-menu-main-link"><span>Research: investments and influence to cure CRC</span></a></div></li><li class="mobile-menu-secondary-items"><div class="mobile-menu-dropdown-links" data-level="2"><nav class="site-header-dropdown-link-list" aria-label="Research Link List"><ul data-level="2"><li><a href="/research/need-research-innovation" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1669">Need for research innovation</a></li><li><a href="/research/plan-cure-crc" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1670">Plan to cure CRC</a></li><li><a href="/research/apply-research-grant" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1087">Apply for a research grant</a></li><li><a href="/research/research-funded-project-cure-crc" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1088">Research funded by Project Cure CRC</a></li></ul></nav><div class="mobile-menu-dropdown-promo js-link-event"><div class="site-header-dropdown-promo-image"><picture><img src="/sites/default/files/styles/menu_promo/public/media/images/summit5.png.webp?itok=O0Ej4la6" width="216" height="216" alt="A researcher speaks on a microphone at the Cure CRC Summit" loading="lazy"></picture></div><div class="site-header-dropdown-promo-text"><div class="eyebrow -medium">Project Cure CRC</div><a href="/research/research-investments/project-cure-crc" class="js-link-event-link"><span>Learn about our effort to fund expedited and novel cancer research</span></a></div></div></div></li></ul></div></li><li class="mobile-menu-items"><button class="mobile-menu-main-link -has-dropdown js-mobile-menu-next" aria-current="false" type="button" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/get-involved" data-dropdown="true">Get Involved</button><div class="mobile-menu-secondary" aria-hidden="true"><ul><li class="mobile-menu-back"><button class="js-mobile-menu-back" aria-label="Main Menu"></button><div class="mobile-menu-section-overview"><a href="/get-involved" class="site-header-dropdown-overview mobile-menu-main-link"><span>Get involved: help us end colorectal cancer</span></a></div></li><li class="mobile-menu-secondary-items"><div class="mobile-menu-dropdown-links" data-level="2"><nav class="site-header-dropdown-link-list" aria-label="Events Link List"><div class="eyebrow -medium">Events</div><ul data-level="3"><li><a href="/get-involved/events/walk-end-colon-cancer" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1091">Walk to End Colon Cancer</a></li><li><a href="/get-involved/events/attend-blue-hope-bash" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1092">Attend a Blue Hope Bash</a></li><li><a href="/get-involved/events/start-your-own-fundraiser" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1097">Create your own event</a></li><li><a href="/get-involved/events" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/7">View all events</a></li></ul></nav><nav class="site-header-dropdown-link-list" aria-label="Give Link List"><div class="eyebrow -medium">Give</div><ul data-level="3"><li><a 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href="/treatment/types-treatment/colostomy-ileostomy" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1179">Colostomy and ileostomy</a></li><li><a href="/treatment/types-treatment/side-effects" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1549">Side effects</a></li></ul></div></li></ul></div></nav><div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div><article class="grid-container"><header type="split" class="hero hero-split-media" data-subnav="true" data-social="false" data-animation="fadeIn" data-animation-delay="0" data-animation-duration="750" ><div class="background"><picture><img loading="eager" src="/sites/default/files/styles/445x610/public/media/images/allycamp22_two_women_embrace.jpg.webp?itok=PVjmKniW" width="445" height="610" alt="AllyCamp 2022 two women embrace"></picture></div><div class="inner"><div class="content"><div class="text"><h1 class="h1"> Why biomarkers matter </h1><div class="wysiwyg-content"><p>Knowing your colorectal cancer biomarkers helps your doctor choose the most effective treatment plan while avoiding treatments that may not work for you.</p></div></div><div class="subnav-mobile js-jump-menu"><select class="subnav-mobile-select"><option class="subnav-mobile-label" value="">In this section</option><option value="/treatment/types-treatment/why-biomarkers-matter/personalized-treatment-program-perthera">Personalized treatment program (Perthera)</option><option value="/treatment/types-treatment/why-biomarkers-matter/sidedness">Sidedness</option><option value="/treatment/types-treatment/why-biomarkers-matter/types-biomarkers">Types of biomarkers</option><option value="/treatment/types-treatment/why-biomarkers-matter/understanding-your-biomarker-test-report">Understanding Your Biomarker Test Report</option></select></div><nav class="subnav" aria-label="Sub Navigation"><div class="subnav-label">In this section</div><ul class="subnav-items"><li class="subnav-item"><a href="/treatment/types-treatment/why-biomarkers-matter/personalized-treatment-program-perthera" class="subnav-link">Personalized treatment program (Perthera)</a></li><li class="subnav-item"><a href="/treatment/types-treatment/why-biomarkers-matter/sidedness" class="subnav-link">Sidedness</a></li><li class="subnav-item"><a href="/treatment/types-treatment/why-biomarkers-matter/types-biomarkers" class="subnav-link">Types of biomarkers</a></li><li class="subnav-item"><a href="/treatment/types-treatment/why-biomarkers-matter/understanding-your-biomarker-test-report" class="subnav-link">Understanding Your Biomarker Test Report</a></li></ul></nav></div><div class="image"><picture><img src="/sites/default/files/styles/445x610/public/media/images/allycamp22_two_women_embrace.jpg.webp?itok=PVjmKniW" width="445" height="610" alt="AllyCamp 2022 two women embrace" loading="lazy"></picture></div></div></header><article class="text-block wysiwyg-content" ><h2>What is biomarker testing?</h2><p>You had probably never even heard of biomarkers until your cancer diagnosis, but they're a very important part of treatment planning.</p><p>Colorectal cancer biomarkers can be detected and measured in your body in a number of ways. The type of biomarker test you receive will depend on what your doctor decides is right for the type and <a href="/node/1060" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="ae40b55c-56b5-4373-ae1c-b26f9148fa8c" data-entity-substitution="canonical">stage</a> of cancer you have.</p><p>Biomarker testing is usually done by taking a sample of your tumor (“tissue biopsy”) or your blood (“liquid biopsy”). This can be done at your doctor’s office or during a surgery.</p><p>The sample will be sent to a certified pathology laboratory where tests are done to find any abnormalities in the DNA, RNA, hormones, or proteins made by your cancer.</p><p>Other names for biomarker testing include molecular testing, genomic testing, tumor gene testing, and mutation testing.</p><p>Many kinds of tests are used, such as</p><ul><li>DNA or RNA sequencing</li><li>next-gen sequencing</li><li>molecular testing</li><li>ctDNA</li><li>immunohistochemistry</li><li>FISH</li></ul><figure class="align-center"><div class="video-container"><iframe src="https://colorectalcancer.org/media/oembed?url=https%3A//youtu.be/cGR0QOqCBp4&max_width=0&max_height=0&hash=Q3LRNAk4COxIxMLYecxeD4rO4CJxzp1ofEuNExprYU8" width="200" height="113" class="media-oembed-content" loading="eager" title="Biomarkers and Biomarker Testing for Colorectal Cancer"></iframe></div></figure><p> </p></article><article class="fifty-fifty" data-image-position="right" data-video="false" data-animation="fadeInUp" ><div class="inner"><div class="image"><div class="image-container"><picture class="fifty-fifty-image"><img src="/sites/default/files/styles/fifty_fifty/public/media/images/3d_cellular_structure.jpg.webp?itok=jX76et0H" width="650" height="530" alt="pink and grey cellular material" loading="lazy"></picture></div></div><div class="text"><h2 class="h2"> What is a biomarker? </h2><div class="wysiwyg-content"><p>Biomarkers, short for biological markers or molecular markers, have characteristics that enable them to be measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal processes, pathogenic processes, or pharmacologic responses to a therapeutic intervention.</p><p>Biomarkers include DNA, proteins, and genetic mutations found in blood, tissue, or other body fluids.</p><p>Your biomarker profile can help you and your doctor personalize your treatment.</p><p>Biomarkers for colorectal cancer are used for diagnosis, progression, prognosis, and for treatment planning.</p><ul><li>Diagnostic biomarkers detect the disease</li><li>Prognostic biomarkers are associated with a clinical outcome regardless of the treatment received</li><li>Predictive biomarkers can predict the benefit or lack of benefit of a treatment</li></ul></div><ul class="link-list"><li><a href="/treatment/types-treatment/why-biomarkers-matter/types-biomarkers" class="-cta-link" hreflang="en"><span>See the different types of colorectal cancer biomarkers</span></a></li></ul></div></div></article><article class="text-block wysiwyg-content" ><h2>How are biomarkers tested?</h2><p>Colorectal cancer biomarkers can be detected and measured in your body in a number of ways. The type of biomarker test you receive will depend on what your doctor decides is right for the type and <a href="/node/1060" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="ae40b55c-56b5-4373-ae1c-b26f9148fa8c" data-entity-substitution="canonical">stage</a> of cancer you have.</p><p>Biomarker testing is usually done in one of two ways:</p><ul><li>A liquid biopsy, which is done by taking a blood sample.</li><li>A tissue biopsy, which takes a sample of cells or tissues from the tumor.</li></ul><p>The biopsy will be sent to a laboratory where a pathologist will run certain tests to find any abnormalities in the DNA, RNA, hormones, or proteins in the sample. The pathologist will then send a report to your doctor about the test results.</p><p>Once testing is complete, your doctor will be able to create <a href="/node/1189" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="f5ad1d8b-6fe3-49af-946c-7c5b37009eea" data-entity-substitution="canonical">a personalized treatment plan</a> based on your unique biomarker traits.</p><h2>Why is biomarker testing important?</h2><p>Biomarker testing reveals very detailed information about your tumor. Your doctor will look at your test results to determine which specific biomarkers are present. The doctor may also see how much of the biomarker is present.</p><p>Biomarkers can also determine if your colorectal cancer has a hereditary genetic mutation or an acquired one. Only 5% of colorectal cancer cases are caused by hereditary mutations, which are called germline mutations. These genetic abnormalities are passed down from parent to offspring.</p><p>That means that 95% of colorectal cancers happen randomly due to somatic mutations (changes in body cells that you didn’t inherit). A somatic mutation means the body acquires the genetic abnormality for reasons researchers still don’t fully understand.</p><p>Biomarker testing is useful in both early and advanced (metastatic) colorectal cancer.</p><p>For patients with advanced cancer, biomarker testing is used to learn whether your cancer has any targetable characteristics. If it does, targeted therapy or <a href="/node/1185" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="91328622-e2e7-405e-867c-ca6e0588ec91" data-entity-substitution="canonical">immunotherapy</a> may be a treatment option. These medicines work by targeting the specific characteristics of a tumor. The results of biomarker testing can also be used to determine whether you meet the criteria for joining certain <a href="/node/1075" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="32577764-6c63-4dea-bfa1-bb6152750983" data-entity-substitution="canonical">clinical trials</a><strong>.</strong></p><p>All of this information can help you and your doctor determine the most effective treatment plan for your unique tumor characteristics, while avoiding any treatment that may not work for you.</p><figure class="align-center"><div class="video-container"><iframe src="https://colorectalcancer.org/media/oembed?url=https%3A//www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3D6OpdkyyEX3U&max_width=0&max_height=0&hash=zPTl75YE5Bk-l4U9MbhvIVGhLTdcoHFqbAnBZXoVadk" width="200" height="113" class="media-oembed-content" loading="eager" title="Christy - Metastatic Colorectal Cancer"></iframe></div></figure></article><article class="accordion accordion-component js-accordion" data-animation="fadeInUp" ><div class="inner"><header class="accordion-intro"><h2 class="h2"> When should I have biomarker testing? </h2><div class="wysiwyg-content"><p>Depending on the biomarkers to be tested, testing could be done at different points during your colorectal cancer diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.</p></div></header><ul class="accordion-items"><li class="accordion-item" data-expanded="false"><h3 class="h3"><button type="button" id="accordion-67b990e63eb97-1" class="accordion-trigger" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="accordion-item-67b990e63eb97-1"><span class="accordion-trigger-text"><span> When you're first diagnosed </span></span><span class="accordion-trigger-icon btn -circle"></span></button></h3><div id="accordion-item-67b990e63eb97-1" class="accordion-content" role="region" aria-labelledby="accordion-67b990e63eb97-1" aria-hidden="true"><div class="accordion-content-inner"><div class="text-block wysiwyg-content"><p>Anyone who is diagnosed with colorectal cancer, regardless of stage, should be tested for high microsatellite instability (MSI-H). In some cases, this can indicate a hereditary, germline mutation that is passed from generation to generation and causes <a href="/node/1151" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="93000ecc-dda3-4485-85af-bb19b2f1317b" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Lynch Syndrome</a><strong>.</strong> However, in most cases, MSI-H is not inherited and happens randomly only in the cancer cells.</p><p>Patients who are diagnosed with stage IV (metastatic) colorectal cancer should be tested for at least four predictive biomarkers:<strong></strong><a href="/node/1196" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="8c1e5801-c02b-43c6-93b1-0b4ea1427221" data-entity-substitution="canonical">KRAS</a><strong>, </strong><a href="/node/1199" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="5442871e-6f6b-4c84-94dc-517ddb544cf5" data-entity-substitution="canonical">NRAS</a><strong>, </strong><a href="/node/1192" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="0335bbcb-5a16-447c-a5a9-4898fa7c36d8" data-entity-substitution="canonical">BRAF</a><strong>, </strong>and<strong></strong><a href="/node/1195" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="2944920f-18b0-4929-a508-a391abd54329" data-entity-substitution="canonical">HER2</a><strong>. </strong>Information about these biomarkers will guide treatment decisions, as the status of these biomarkers can predict how effective certain treatments will be.</p></div></div></div></li><li class="accordion-item" data-expanded="false"><h3 class="h3"><button type="button" id="accordion-67b990e63eb97-2" class="accordion-trigger" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="accordion-item-67b990e63eb97-2"><span class="accordion-trigger-text"><span> During treatment </span></span><span class="accordion-trigger-icon btn -circle"></span></button></h3><div id="accordion-item-67b990e63eb97-2" class="accordion-content" role="region" aria-labelledby="accordion-67b990e63eb97-2" aria-hidden="true"><div class="accordion-content-inner"><div class="text-block wysiwyg-content"><p>If you were diagnosed with stage II, III, or IV colorectal cancer, your doctor will want to test certain prognostic biomarkers such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) during your routine follow-up care. This test will confirm whether the cancer has returned (called recurrence or recurrent cancer), offer insight into treatment effectiveness, and guide further treatment decisions.</p></div></div></div></li><li class="accordion-item" data-expanded="false"><h3 class="h3"><button type="button" id="accordion-67b990e63eb97-3" class="accordion-trigger" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="accordion-item-67b990e63eb97-3"><span class="accordion-trigger-text"><span> If your cancer comes back or does not respond to treatment </span></span><span class="accordion-trigger-icon btn -circle"></span></button></h3><div id="accordion-item-67b990e63eb97-3" class="accordion-content" role="region" aria-labelledby="accordion-67b990e63eb97-3" aria-hidden="true"><div class="accordion-content-inner"><div class="text-block wysiwyg-content"><ul><li>If you were with no evidence of disease (NED) and routine testing shows that cancer has returned and spread to other parts of the body, you should be tested for treatment predictive biomarkers.</li></ul><p>or</p><ul><li>If you were diagnosed with locally advanced colorectal cancer and the tumor continued to grow and spread to other parts of the body during chemotherapy, you should be tested for treatment predictive biomarkers.</li></ul></div></div></div></li></ul></div></article><article class="fifty-fifty" data-image-position="right" data-video="false" data-animation="fadeInUp" ><div class="inner"><div class="image"><div class="image-container"><picture class="fifty-fifty-image"><img src="/sites/default/files/styles/fifty_fifty/public/media/images/female_doctor_with_blue_clipboard.jpeg.webp?itok=7NtyAYst" width="650" height="530" alt="female doctor with blue clipboard" loading="lazy"></picture></div></div><div class="text"><h2 class="h2"> Good questions to ask your doctor </h2><div class="wysiwyg-content"><p>As a colorectal cancer patient, there are some important questions to ask your doctor about biomarkers:</p><ul><li>Have I had biomarker testing?</li><li>What is my biomarker profile?</li><li>How does my biomarker profile affect my treatment plan?</li><li>What do these results mean for my prognosis?</li></ul></div></div></div></article><article class="cta" data-theme="dark" data-image="false" ><div class="inner" data-animation="fadeInUp" ><h2 class="h2"> World-class care </h2><div class="wysiwyg-content"><p>The Alliance and Perthera have partnered to provide personalized treatment options to patients with colorectal cancer. 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js-link-event"><div class="image"><picture><img src="/sites/default/files/styles/450x250/public/media/images/sewell-crop-edit.jpg.webp?itok=z66ZPDgR" width="450" height="250" alt="U.S. Representative Terri Sewell of Alabama" loading="lazy"></picture></div><div class="content"><h3 class="h3"><a href="/article/alliance-supports-legislation-multi-cancer-early-detection" class="js-link-event-link">Alliance supports legislation for multi-cancer early detection </a></h3><p> Learn how the Colorectal Cancer Alliance is advocating for the passage of the Nancy Gardner Sewell Multi-Cancer Early Detection Act (HR 2407), a bipartisan bill that ensures immediate Medicare coverage for life-saving cancer detection tests once approved by the FDA. </p><div class="date"> Last updated <time datetime="2024-08-18">Aug 18, 2024</time></div></div></article><article class="resource-grid-card js-link-event"><div class="image"><picture><img 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