Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 isoform IIIb (FGFR2b) is an emerging biomarker present in about 38% of patients with advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Nataliya Uboha, MD, PhD, a medical oncologist at University of Wisconsin Health, about current recommendations for biomarker testing in this population, emerging biomarkers such as FGFR2b, and how multidisciplinary collaboration can ensure patients receive timely biomarker testing. CANCER BUZZ also interviews Wendi Waugh, BS, RT(R)(T), CMD, ODS, FACCC, administrative director of cancer services and ambulatory infusion at Southern Ohio Medical Center, about care coordination strategies and lessons learned from her team's experience administering biomarker testing. Finally, Kristina A. Matkowskyj, MD, PhD, pathologist at Mayo Clinic, explains the vital role of pathologists in identifying biomarkers and strategies for success in biopsies.

"We have to work closely with our pathology colleagues to make sure that all of the tests are done quickly and so that they are readily available by the time the patient is seen in clinic." - Nataliya Uboha, MD, PhD

"Tracking, knowing what and when new things come out, being able to mine your data to find those things, I think is going to be uber critical." - Wendi Waugh, BS, RT(R)(T), CMD, ODS, FACCC

"I believe that the precision medicine testing that we're doing today... is going to change the face of cancer care." - Wendi Waugh, BS, RT(R)(T), CMD, ODS, FACCC

"As a pathologist, if I was able to stress one thing, it would be to collect as many biopsies as is safely possible for that particular patient." - Kristina A. Matkowskyj, MD, PhD

Guests:

Nataliya Uboha, MD, PhD

Medical Oncology

University of Wisconsin Health

Madison, WI

Wendi Waugh, BS, RT(R)(T), CMD, ODS, FACCC

Administrative Director of Cancer Services & Ambulatory Infusion

Southern Ohio Medical Center

Portsmouth, OH

Kristina A. Matkowskyj, MD, PhD

Pathologist

Mayo Clinic

Rochester, MN