Lung Cancer Genetic Tests
Reviewed
Also called: Lung cancer targeted gene panel, category: LABORATORY, summary: , specimen: , collection: , preparation:
These tests look for changes (mutations) in the genes of lung cancer cells, most often in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The results help your provider match your cancer to a targeted therapy that is most likely to help you and avoid treatments that are unlikely to work.
Specimen: Tissue from a lung tumor (biopsy) or blood (liquid biopsy)
Why this test may be ordered
- To help guide treatment choices for targeted therapy if you have been diagnosed with lung cancer.
- To predict how your lung cancer may develop over time.
- To identify gene changes that may prevent a certain therapy from working.
Preparation and collection
Ask your provider if you need to do anything to prepare for your test.
The best sample is tissue from a tumor in your lung, collected during a biopsy. If you had a biopsy to diagnose your cancer, the same tissue may be used. If tumor tissue cannot be collected, a blood test (liquid biopsy) may be used in certain cases, but it is not as accurate as tissue-based testing.
If you have a biopsy, the risks depend on the type of procedure. In general, you may have a little bruising or bleeding at the biopsy site, and you may also have some discomfort. Ask your provider about any risks involved with the test you are having.
Understanding results
If your lung cancer cells have a gene change that may respond well to a targeted therapy, your provider may start you on that treatment. If your results show you don't have a gene change that matches a targeted therapy, your provider may discuss other treatment options.
- Targetable mutation detected: A gene change was found in your lung cancer cells that may respond well to a targeted therapy available for your type of lung cancer. Limitation: This result does not guarantee that the targeted therapy will be effective; response varies by individual. Genetic testing may take longer than many other lab tests, so results may take a few days to a week or more. Next step: Your provider may start you on a targeted therapy matched to the specific gene change.
- No targetable mutation detected: No gene change was found that matches a currently available targeted therapy for your lung cancer. Limitation: If you were tested for one gene change, other tests may be done to look for other gene changes that have targeted therapies. Genetic testing may take longer than many other lab tests, so results may take a few days to a week or more. Next step: Your provider will discuss other treatment options, such as chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy.
- Mutation with uncertain or resistance potential detected: A gene change was found that may prevent a certain therapy from working, or its significance for treatment is not yet known. Limitation: Researchers do not understand the importance of all the gene changes found in cancer. This result may be uncertain. Genetic testing may take longer than many other lab tests, so results may take a few days to a week or more. Next step: Your provider will explain whether this result affects your treatment choices and may recommend additional testing.
- Liquid biopsy (blood test) is not as accurate as tests that use tumor tissue.
- Genetic testing may take longer than many other lab tests; results may take a few days to a week or more.
- Researchers are still learning about the importance of all the gene changes found in cancer.
What to do next
Discuss all results with your healthcare provider to understand how they affect your treatment options.
- What type of lung cancer do I have?
- Will the test use tissue from my earlier biopsy or a new sample?
- How long will it take to get the results?
- What are the risks of the biopsy procedure?
Evidence source
U.S. National Library of Medicine: Lung Cancer Genetic Tests