Does genomic tumour profiling treat lung cancer?

A laboratory analyses DNA from lung tumour tissue, and sometimes another sample is considered when tissue is limited. The report may identify a molecular change linked with a treatment option, or it may find no change that currently alters care. This information is combined with the lung cancer type and stage, scan findings, other biomarker results, previous treatment and your overall health. A molecular match does not mean a medicine is appropriate for everyone, and the test does not shrink a tumour or replace treatment.

Ask your oncologist what question the profiling is meant to answer and whether the available tissue is enough. Discuss whether the report could affect the choice between targeted treatment, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or another approach. Ask how quickly the result is needed, who will review it and what happens while you wait. If a possible option is identified, discuss its expected purpose, administration and monitoring. Keep taking medicines and attending appointments as directed unless your team changes the plan.

Contact your cancer team promptly for worsening breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood, a new confusion, or difficulty eating and drinking. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, blue lips, fainting, or more than a small amount of bleeding. The urgency comes from the symptom itself, not from whether profiling has found a molecular target.

Consider asking: What can this test change in my lung cancer plan? Is tissue testing enough, or is another sample needed? Which findings are actionable for my tumour type? How does the report fit with my scan and biomarker results? What are the next steps if no target is found?