Predictive Biomarkers: Understanding Their Use in Treatment Decision Making.

Predictive biomarkers are revolutionizing decisions about colon cancer treatment. Knowing which biomarkers are altered provides valuable information about which treatment may be more effective. DNA mismatch repair and microsatellite instability testing may also identify families that could benefit from further genetic evaluation to determine if there is hereditary risk for colon cancer. Nurses need to be able to explain what these biomarkers mean and how they affect treatment decisions, as well as recommend genetic counseling and testing for hereditary risk when appropriate.