Dr. Janjigian on the Importance of Biomarker Testing in GI 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.