Test Your Biomarkers

Test first. Because the best treatment for your stomach cancer can be individualized. Learn more: www.TestYourBiomarkers.org www.GICancersAlliance.org

Currently, there are two known categories of stomach cancer biomarkers: genetic and MSI-high (microsatellite instability-high). Biomarkers are often referred to by a three- or four-letter abbreviation. Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) is a genetic biomarker. The HER2 gene makes HER2 proteins, which can make cancer grow. When stomach cancer cells contain a higher-than-normal amount of the HER2 protein, they can grow more quickly and spread to other parts of the body. These tumors can be treated with targeted antibody drugs.

Thank you to our founding supporter @Astellas for your dedication and commitment to raising awareness about the importance of biomarker testing in treating stomach cancer. Astellas is relentless in its pursuit of scientific progress and in identifying unmet medical needs by monitoring the changes in healthcare from multiple perspectives. They are committed to the realization of greater VALUE by patients and healthcare systems around the world. They achieve this by leveraging their strengths to create innovative new drugs and to find solutions that drive patient access to healthcare and better outcomes. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/g7DiFPsB

Clinical trials are key to advancing future treatment for stomach cancer and have the potential to help patients right now. If you are interested in participating in this type of research, there are many places to explore which trials are relevant to your type of stomach cancer. www.ClinicalTrials.gov : This U.S. government-run online database of clinical research studies and their results. ResearchMatch : This site matches U.S.-based volunteers with researchers so patients can more easily find appropriate clinical trials or research studies. Find Me Cure : This site allows patients to check for relevant clinical trials, then helps trial applicants connect with the trial team. www.centerwatch.com : This is another site with a large searchable database of clinical trials. National Cancer Institute : The site lists NCI-supported clinical trials, and provides a guide that helps patients find non-NCI trials. Gastric Cancer Foundation : Log on to this site to identify clinical trials for your specific diagnosis, stage, and treatment history. Save this for later!

Stomach cancer is considered a rare disease. Being open about your experiences with biomarkers and stomach cancer will broaden understanding and shine a light that may result in someone making a decision that improves or lengthens their life. Help us grow our reach by sharing these informational posts with your personal social networks. Visit our website to download some editable graphics to share.

How might my biomarkers be tested? Biomarkers can be tested for in biopsies or in blood. It is important to test for biomarkers as soon as treatment is being considered. Every stomach cancer is unique, and testing early for your cancer’s specific biomarkers ensures that you and your healthcare team can identify the very best personalized treatment options – now and in the future.

DID YOU KNOW There are 6 common stomach cancer biomarkers? Currently, there are two known categories of stomach cancer biomarkers: genetic and MSI-high (microsatellite instability-high). HER2: HER2 positive tumors have above normal HER2 protein, which causes cancer cells to grow. MSI-high and dMMR: When cells are unable to correct DNA errors, they can replicate uncontrollably, and cause cancer. PD-L1: Cells with too much of the PD-L1 protein allow gastric cancer cells to evade the immune system. TMB: Tumors with more than one mutation have a high tumor mutational burden (TMB). EBV: Epstein-Barr virus may play a role in transforming normal stomach cells into cancerous ones. Tumor-agnostic biomarkers: Some biomarkers such as NTRK, BRAF mutations and RET fusions are not specific to stomach cancer. There are also emerging biomarkers: As new biomarkers are identified and researched, more individualized treatment will become available.

Did You Know Stomach cancer is the 5th most common cancer worldwide? Test Your Biomarkers is a collaborative effort that involves researchers, oncologists, patients, advocacy groups and caregivers dedicated to providing newly-diagnosed stomach cancer patients with accurate, current, informative, actionable biomarker information. Our only goal is ensuring all patients understand the need to have biomarker testing early in diagnosis so those results can be factored into current and future treatment decisions.

Just Diagnosed? Why is early biomarker testing important to my stomach cancer treatment? Tumor-related biomarkers, as well as a person’s unique genetic biomarkers, have the potential to impact a patient’s stomach cancer diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. It is important to test for biomarkers as soon as treatment is being considered, because it is important to know if a particular biomarker is driving your cancer. Not all stomach cancers have the same biomarkers, and there are a variety of drugs available that may only be useful and available when certain biomarkers are present. Every stomach cancer is unique, and testing early for your cancer’s specific biomarkers ensures that you and your healthcare team can identify the very best personalized treatment options – now and in the future.

Thank you to our medical advisory committee members for your invaluable guidance in creating this much-needed resource. You are helping newly-diagnosed stomach cancer patients access accurate, current, informative, actionable and potentially life-saving information about the importance of biomarker testing. Jaffer Ajani, M.D. MD Anderson Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine Jeremy L. Davis, M.D. National Cancer Institute Associate Research Physician, Surgical Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research Sandra Ryeom, Ph.D. Columbia University Irving Medical Center Associate Professor, Division of Surgical Sciences in Surgery Associate Dean for Postdoctoral Affairs and New Master’s Degree Programs, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, CUIMC