biomarker testing
(BY-oh-MAR-ker TES-ting)
A laboratory method that uses a sample of tissue, blood, or other body fluid to check for certain genes, proteins, or other molecules that may be a sign of a disease or condition, such as cancer. Biomarker testing can also be used to check for certain changes in a gene or chromosome that may increase a person’s risk of developing cancer or other diseases. Biomarker testing may be done with other procedures, such as biopsies, to help diagnose some types of cancer. It may also be used to help plan treatment, find out how well treatment is working, make a prognosis, or predict whether cancer will come back or spread to other parts of the body. Also called molecular profiling and molecular testing.