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Testing of biomarkers in Oncology
Biomarkers are indicators of a patient’s likelihood to respond to certain treatments. By testing for predictive biomarkers, oncologists can make more informed treatment decisions, leading to better patient outcomes.
IQVIA Belux
Mar 26, 2025

The landscape of oncology has been significantly transformed by the integration of biomarkers, a trend that has been accelerating since the introduction of targeted therapies in the late 1990s. Recent advancements have continued to highlight the critical role of biomarkers in personalizing cancer treatment and improving patient outcomes.

Solid tumor patients, particularly those with Breast Cancer and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), exhibit higher rates of biomarker testing compared to patients with hematological malignancies1. This disparity is largely due to the greater number of predictive biomarkers identified for solid tumors, which are linked to a wider array of targeted therapies. However, certain hematological cancers, such as Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), also show high testing rates for key biomarkers, reflecting the ongoing evolution in this field.

Figure 1The above table is a non-exhaustive list.

Sources: National Cancer Institute | Biomarker; Personalized Medicine. 2010;7(5):517-530; J Immunother Cancer. 2020 Jul;8(2): e000953; Transl Cancer Res. 2015 Jun; 4(3): 256–269., Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2024, Vol. 42, pp. 123-130.Cancer Research, 2023, Vol. 83, pp. 456-462.; Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology, 2023, Vol. 20, pp. 789-798. The Lancet Oncology, 2022, Vol. 23, pp. 1012-1020. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 2023, Vol. 115, pp. 234-240.

Notes: +: overexpression, mut: mutant, wt: wildtype, del: deletion, t(n;n), translocation; CLL: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia; RCC: Renal cell carcinoma; CRC: Colorectal cancer


Over the past decade, Phase III clinical trials have been predominantly focused on Breast Cancer and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), reflecting the high frequency of biomarker testing in these indications. Recent trends indicate a growing share of the predictive biomarker Phase III pipeline being occupied by Ovarian Cancer and Prostate Cancer trials, driven by the success of PARP inhibitors.

Pharmaceutical companies can adopt several strategies to address the challenges of biomarker testing practice and ensure a more efficient uptake of their treatments.

How IQVIA Can Help

To support pharmaceutical companies in addressing the challenges associated with biomarker testing, IQVIA offers a range of services and solutions, including:

  • Patient Journey Mapping: Identifying pain points and designing solutions for specific sub-populations.
  • Patient Flow Insights: Providing precise forecasts and scenario building by biomarker.
  • Qualitative Insights: Offering perspectives from healthcare providers, pathologists, and diagnostics laboratory directors on biomarker test volumes, turnaround times, testing technology, and more.
  • Treatment Dynamics: Analyzing patient initiation, flow, and medicine volume prescribed by biomarker.

As we continue to see advancements in biomarker research and its integration into clinical trials, it is imperative to stay informed about these developments to optimize treatment strategies and improve patient care.

Contact Us

For more information or to discuss how we can support your oncology initiatives, please reach out to us at:

Kristin Van den Daele: kristin.vandendaele@iqvia.com
Sophie Tigranoff : sophie.tigranoff@iqvia.com

1) AIM Specialty Health. (2021). Molecular Testing of Solid and Hematologic Tumors and Malignancies. Clinical Appropriateness Guidelines.

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