Video
Dr. Janjigian on the Importance of Biomarker Testing in GI Cancers
Author(s):
Yelena Y. Janjigian, MD, a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discusses the importance of biomarker testing in gastrointestinal cancers.
Yelena Y. Janjigian, MD, a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discusses the importance of biomarker testing in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers.
Biomarker testing can play a key role in personalizing and optimizing sequencing strategies for patients with metastatic GI cancer, Janjigian says. Notably, molecular profiling should be conducted early on so that HER2, PD-L1, and Epstein-Barr virus status can be determined. In addition, next-generation sequencing is beneficial in terms of looking at the tumor as a whole and understanding germline predisposition, Janjigian explains.
For example, in gastric cancer, targetable germline alterations are commonly found irrespective of family history. This identification can assist in the treatment selection process, Janjigian concludes.
