In early 2020, Maria was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer that had metastasized to her brain, rib, and spine. She was given one year to live. She had never smoked, so lung cancer was the last thing on her mind.
She underwent radiation and then a type of biomarker testing that showed that she was EGFR positive – indicating changes to a specific gene – she was placed on a targeted therapy called an EGFR blocker. She has been on it ever since. During her initial visit with her doctor, she was given one year to live, five years later, she is still here.
Due to advances in cancer research, the biomarker testing led Maria to the treatment she needed. She is living proof that advances in cancer research, such as biomarker testing, save lives.
I am living proof that no cancer patient who could benefit from biomarker testing should be denied access. Biomarker testing and other advances in cancer research save lives.”