Lung Cancer Genetic Tests
Reviewed
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.
Preparation and collection
Ask your provider if you need to do anything to prepare for your test.
Understanding this test
Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.
- 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.
Evidence source
U.S. National Library of Medicine: Lung Cancer Genetic Tests