I was just diagnosed with cancer. Should I ask for biomarker testing before treatment starts?
For many cancers, yes. Guidelines recommend biomarker testing at diagnosis for advanced lung, colorectal, breast, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic, and several other cancers, because the results can change first-line treatment. Ask your oncologist which tests are recommended for your cancer type and stage, and whether results will be back before treatment begins.
Why timing matters
Some results point to a targeted therapy or immunotherapy as the best first treatment. If treatment starts before results return, that choice can be harder to make cleanly later.
- Which biomarker tests are recommended for my cancer type and stage?
- Is the testing comprehensive, or a small panel?
- Should germline (inherited) testing also be done?
- When will results be back, and will we wait for them?
Getting organized early
A Case Review in the first weeks organizes your records, flags testing that may be missing, and gives you a short list of questions so first appointments are more productive.
Related questions
Will insurance cover biomarker testing?
Many US states now require coverage of guideline-supported biomarker testing, and Medicare covers comprehensive profiling for many advanced cancers. Coverage still varies by plan, so ask the lab about cost and assistance programs.
Reviewed 2026-10-11 by Kim Lockheimer, PhD, DFM.