Conversation Starters

The first step is starting the conversation with your healthcare team.
Here are some ways to bring up the topic:

I’ve heard that biomarker testing is recommended for people with metastatic breast cancer to help inform treatment decisions. Can I get biomarker testing?

I’d like to get biomarker testing to learn more about my cancer. I know this may help us decide on the best treatment plan.

I know that TRUQAP + fulvestrant may be an option for some people with HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer that has progressed on or after hormone therapy who test positive for abnormal PIK3CA, AKT1, and/or PTEN genes. Would it be right for me?

Questions

Your healthcare team can also help answer specific questions about biomarker testing and treatment. Here are some questions you might want to ask:

What is biomarker testing?

Have I already received biomarker testing? If so, did my biomarker test results identify any alterations in the PIK3CA, AKT1, or PTEN genes?

Can you explain how biomarker testing could help inform my treatment plan?

Is now a good time for me to get tested for biomarker alterations in the PIK3CA, AKT1, or PTEN genes?

What can I expect from the test?

Is any special preparation required?

Are there any risks involved in biomarker testing?

How long will it take to get results?

What happens after we get the results?

Can I get a copy of my test results?

Can your office help me understand cost and/or insurance coverage for biomarker testing?

Could you tell me more about TRUQAP with fulvestrant?

Test Tube Icon for Biomarker Testing

AKT1=serine/threonine protein kinase 1; HER2-=human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative; HR+=hormone receptor positive; PIK3CA=phosphatidylinositol-4, 5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha; PTEN=phosphatase and tensin homolog.