Members of the ALK Positive team at the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting
ASK ABOUT ALK
Ask About ALK is a collaboration between Genentech and the patient advocacy group ALK Positive. Its purpose is to help increase biomarker testing awareness and equip lung cancer patients with the information they need to “Ask About ALK” and other biomarkers in conversations with their healthcare team.
What are Biomarkers?
Biomarkers are changes (mutations) in cancer cells or specific proteins present on cancer cells. These biomarkers can be detected through biomarker testing. Biomarkers often have names that are combinations of letters and numbers, such as EGFR, ALK and ROS-1.
What is ALK-positive Lung Cancer?
ALK-positive cancer is a type of non-small cell lung cancer that occurs when there is a mutation on the ALK gene. This mutation can result in uncontrolled cell replication -- or, cancer. Approximately 2-5% of all lung cancers are ALK-positive.
ALK-positive lung cancer tends to impact people who are younger and have a history of light or never smoking. Approximately 30% of lung cancer patients under the age of 40 are positive for ALK.
Visit alkpositive.org to learn more.
Why Ask About ALK — and Other Biomarkers
Biomarker testing is a critical step to receiving a complete lung cancer diagnosis and may help guide treatment decisions. However, a significant number of people with lung cancer aren’t aware of biomarker testing and do not know to ask for it. Ask About ALK seeks to increase biomarker testing awareness and understanding so that more people with lung cancer have the opportunity to benefit from a personalized approach to their diagnosis.
At the 2024 ALK Positive Summit in Nashville, several ALK-positive lung cancer patients and caregivers shared why they feel it’s so important to Ask About ALK and other lung cancer biomarkers.
Ask About ALK: Mike
For Mike, receiving his biomarker results brought hope after his lung cancer diagnosis. Listen to his story and learn why it's important to discuss biomarker testing with a healthcare provider.
Ask About ALK: Nikki
When Nikki received her lung cancer diagnosis, her doctor suggested biomarker testing. Listen to Nikki’s story and the importance of talking to a healthcare provider about testing.
Ask About ALK:
Matt + Stephanie
Biomarker testing helped Matt and Stephanie navigate his ALK+ lung cancer diagnosis. Hear how the information they learned helped lead to a more personalized treatment approach.
What Does Biomarker Testing Involve?
Biomarker testing can be done using either a tumor sample from surgery or biopsy or a blood sample (liquid biopsy).
The sample may be tested either at the hospital or clinic where a patient is receiving treatment or be sent to a certified company and laboratory. Results from a tissue sample are generally available in 5 weeks, while liquid biopsy results may take less time.
Key Questions to Ask About Testing for ALK and Other Lung Cancer Biomarkers
Talking to a healthcare provider about biomarker testing can be overwhelming, and there is a lot to think about. The below questions are intended to help navigate the discussion about biomarker testing. Please note that this list is not comprehensive, and you should seek the information you need to understand your diagnosis and treatment plan from your medical team.
- How is biomarker testing performed?
- Has biomarker testing been ordered for me? If not, why not?
- What biomarker tests are available for my type and stage of cancer?
- What information might the biomarker test results provide about my condition?
- How long can I expect to wait before receiving results of the biomarker test?
- How accurate is the biomarker test in detecting cancer or predicting treatment response?
- Should I start treatment before my biomarker testing is received?
- If the test reveals specific biomarkers, how might the results influence my treatment plan?
Biomarker testing is crucial to a complete lung cancer diagnosis.
Talk to your healthcare team about testing and Ask About ALK.