In pathology, evaluating a tumor’s cellular architecture and, if necessary, selecting from amongst established diagnostic markers generally leads to a proper diagnosis. Interrogating a tumor’s underlying biology may confirm a suspected diagnosis – the sarcoma family of tumors serve as classic examples. Although uncommon, a new diagnosis is found after a thorough molecular evaluation of a tumor specimen, sometimes dramatically altering the course of management.
Prognosis
Biomarkers used in prognosis determine a malignancies’ likely course (e.g. odds of recurrence). Should a prognostic biomarker predict for a poor outcome, the treating oncologist may opt for more intensive therapy.
Prediction
Predictive biomarkers are those which select for a specific medication. In advanced and metastatic NSCLC alone, various biomarkers – EGFR, ALK, ROS1, MET, RET, and PD-L1 – are recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) upon diagnosis for the purpose of determining therapy options. These results determine whether a patient receives targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy based on testing results.