Test Your Biomarkers

Were you or someone you know just diagnosed with stomach cancer? You are not alone and we are here to help. Our website is full of resources for patients and caregivers to help along this journey. First: What questions should you ask your health care team about getting tested for biomarkers? Download a script on our website to take with you to your next appointment. https://lnkd.in/gndFHi2T

Thank you to Founding Supporter @Amgen for your dedication and commitment to raising awareness about the importance of biomarker testing in treating stomach cancer. Amgen is one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies and remains committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. Click the link in our bio to learn more. https://lnkd.in/eCnqzWGu

MYTH Stomach cancer is incurable FACT Stomach cancer is treatable – your prognosis is dependent on the stage of your cancer and your treatment plan. Stomach cancer is not often detected until it is at a later stage or an advanced stage, which can make it more difficult to treat. Talk to your health care team about biomarker testing. It is important to know which biomarker is driving your cancer and to disable that biomarker if a drug is available. Not all stomach cancers have the same biomarkers. Biomarkers can also change during the course of treatment.

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. Microsatellite Instability High (MSI-high) are short, repeated strings of DNA. Cancer cells that are MSI-high contain a high number of mutations, which can make them extra sensitive to drugs called immunotherapy checkpoint inhibitors. Several known MSI-high biomarkers can be targeted in treatment.

MYTH All stomach cancers are the same, and every patient has the same treatment plan. FACT Stomach cancers are NOT all the same, and each patient’s type of stomach cancer has a unique set of biomarkers. – Biomarkers are bits of information unique to you and your cancer. Cancer cell biomarkers can be genes, gene mutations, or proteins that cause cancer cells to grow and spread to other locations. It is important to check for stomach cancer biomarkers because new drugs can potentially target them and stop cancer growth. Click the link in our bio to learn more on our site.

Biomarkers can play a crucial role in tailoring targeted therapies and personalized treatment plans for stomach cancer patients. While new biomarkers are being discovered at a rapid rate, those listed below are among the most common biomarkers impacting stomach cancer treatment right now. PD-L1 (Programmed Death-Ligand-1) If tumor cells contain abnormally high amounts of a protein called PD-L1, targeted drugs such as nivolumab (Opdivo) and pembrolizumab (Keytruda) can be used to prevent the suppression of T cells and free up the immune system to fight the cancer.

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

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.