We want to hear from you! Your input and insights will inform our new programme of research around developing biomarkers for follicular lymphoma – helping to reshape the treatment journey for those living with FL.
This survey is open until the end of Monday 20th November 2023:
In English – http://bit.ly/47aIjns
En Español – https://bit.ly/3FMHRQw
What is a biomarker?
A biomarker is like a special clue in your body that tells doctors about a specific kind of cancer. It’s a tiny thing, not visible, but scientists can find it in your blood, urine, or tissues. Think of it as a sign like smoke coming from a car’s engine when something’s wrong. These signs can be molecules, proteins, or genes. When doctors and scientists measure these biomarkers, it’s like getting clues about your health. For example, if there’s a specific biomarker in your blood that goes up when you’re unwell, it tells doctors you might have an infection, even if you don’t feel unwell. Another example is in breast cancer, they test for a clue called HER2 (a type of protein) to decide if a drug called Trastuzumab will work for the patient.
What are we doing and why?
In follicular lymphoma, biomarkers are not well researched or developed, yet. The Follicular Lymphoma Foundation are looking at ways to improve research and development of biomarkers to be used specifically for follicular lymphoma patients to help improve how FL treated.
We are planning a meeting with some of the top FL experts from around the world to understand how we can overcome this problem. We would love to hear your views and experiences on the topic. Results will be shared with the experts to make sure your voice is heard. Following this we will have a meeting with patient representatives to review the results of the survey and the expert discussion. This will then be collated and shared back with the FL community early next year.
Below, hear our Chief Medical Officer, Dr Mitchell Smith, explain what a biomarker is and why we think it’s an important area of research for follicular lymphoma.
