Raise the volume
on ovarian cancer

It's time to amplify the message that biomarker testing can be an important first step toward understanding treatment options for people with ovarian cancer.1

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What are biomarkers?1

Biomarkers are genes or proteins found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues. They help doctors check if the body is functioning properly, or if there might be signs of illness. Doctors use biomarkers to:

Make a diagnosis

Make a diagnosis

Some biomarkers can help doctors figure out if a person has a certain disease.

Make a diagnosis

Understand someone’s disease better

Other biomarkers give doctors an idea about how a disease might change over time.

Make a diagnosis

Figure out what treatments could help

Certain biomarkers help doctors know if a treatment may be appropriate for a patient.

Make a diagnosis

Keep track of a disease

Some biomarkers help doctors monitor how a disease is doing or if a treatment is working.

Make a diagnosis

Tell if someone is more susceptible to a disease

There are some biomarkers that can help doctors predict if a person has a higher risk of getting a disease.

The role of biomarkers in the ovarian cancer treatment journey

Biomarkers can help doctors understand how well certain cancer treatments could work. These treatments include targeted therapies and immunotherapies, which may only be effective if specific biomarkers are present. Testing for these biomarkers may help patients and doctors make better decisions about which treatment could be right.1

By knowing about and advocating for biomarker testing, people with ovarian cancer can take a more active role in their ovarian cancer journey and make sure they get the most appropriate treatment for them.

Common biomarkers in ovarian cancer

BRAF2

(B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase)

Knowing if someone has a mutation in this gene can help doctors understand if a patient might be eligible for a specific medicine.

BRCA1/22,3

(BReast CAncer genes 1 and 2)

Mutations in BRCA1/2 genes can help doctors know if someone is more likely to get ovarian cancer because of genetics and determine which treatment could be right for them.

CA-1252,4

(Cancer antigen 125)

CA-125 can help doctors tell how well a treatment is working and see if someone’s cancer has gotten worse or come back.

FRα or FOLR15

(Folate receptor alpha or folate receptor 1)

FRα is a biomarker that helps doctors know whether a type of targeted treatment might be effective.

HER22

(Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2)

Knowing someone’s HER2 status can determine whether a type of targeted treatment might be effective.

HRD status2

(Homologous recombination deficiency)

If someone doesn't have BRCA1/2 mutations, HRD status can help doctors know if a certain targeted therapy might be appropriate.

MMR2

(Mismatch repair)

Knowing someone’s MMR status can tell doctors if they could be appropriate for a type of immunotherapy.

MSI2

(Microsatellite instability)

Someone’s MSI status can help doctors know if they are eligible for a type of immunotherapy.

NTRK2

(Neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase)

If doctors find a change in this gene, their patient may be a good fit for a certain kind of targeted treatment.

RET2

(Rearranged during transfection)

Finding out if someone has a change in this gene can help doctors decide if a patient might be able to receive a type of targeted treatment.

TMB2

(Tumor mutational burden)

Having this information can help doctors tell if a type of immunotherapy might be a good fit for a patient.

How biomarker testing works1

Make a diagnosis

Sample collection

Doctors may collect samples of cancer cells through various methods such as a biopsy, during which a small piece of the tumor is removed, or surgery. Samples might also be taken from blood, skin, or saliva.

Make a diagnosis

Laboratory analysis

The collected samples are analyzed in a specialized lab where scientists look for the presence or levels of specific relevant biomarkers.

Make a diagnosis

Treatment options

Based on the reports from the testing, healthcare teams can better assess the characteristics of the tumor. They then work with patients to select the treatment strategy that will be most likely to be effective in combating the cancer.

Knowing biomarkers
provides options1

When diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it's important to discuss biomarker testing. Being aware of biomarker status can open doors to different treatment options and help patients and their doctors figure out the best path forward for them.

knowing biomarkers