What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're an advanced solid tumor cancer patient trying to figure out whether immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy could work for you. It helps if you have already been diagnosed with cancer and you and your care team are exploring next steps for treatment, including whether you might qualify for certain immunotherapy drugs or clinical trials. It's not a screening test for people without a cancer diagnosis.

What's included in this test?

This test analyzes the genetic material inside a tumor sample to count the number of mutations present, which is reported as a single Tumor Mutation Burden score. This score matters because tumors with more mutations tend to produce more abnormal proteins that the immune system can recognize, which is why a higher score is linked to better responses to certain immunotherapy drugs.

What happens after I get my results?

Your Tumor Mutation Burden result will appear in your account along with an explanation of what a high or low mutation burden score means. Since this result is used to guide immunotherapy treatment decisions, the most important next step is discussing how it fits into your broader treatment plan rather than retesting on your own schedule. You can download the full lab report directly from your account at any time, and if you get repeat testing in the future, you'll be able to track your results over time using the trends feature.

Who should consider this test?

This test is meant for people already diagnosed with an advanced or metastatic solid tumor who are considering immunotherapy as a treatment option. It's especially relevant if standard treatments haven't worked well or if you're interested in learning whether you might qualify for a clinical trial. It is not intended for healthy individuals or as a general cancer screening tool.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

This test isn't based on symptoms — it's used after a solid tumor cancer diagnosis has already been made, typically through imaging or biopsy. If you've been told you have an advanced or metastatic tumor and are exploring treatment options, that's the situation where this test becomes relevant. Symptoms like unexplained weight loss, persistent pain, or fatigue would have already led to the original cancer diagnosis, not to this specific test.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. Because this test involves detailed genetic analysis of tumor tissue, it takes longer than routine blood work. You'll get a notification as soon as your results are posted to your account.

What does a high Tumor Mutation Burden result mean?

A high score means the tumor has a large number of genetic mutations, which often makes it more visible to your immune system. This is generally good news in the context of immunotherapy, since research shows patients with high scores tend to respond better to immune checkpoint inhibitor drugs like pembrolizumab. A high result may also open the door to certain clinical trials designed specifically for high-mutation tumors.

What does a low Tumor Mutation Burden result mean?

A low score means the tumor has fewer detectable mutations, which can make it harder for the immune system to recognize and attack on its own. This doesn't mean treatment options are limited, but it may mean immunotherapy alone is less likely to be the most effective approach compared to other treatments. Other factors like the specific tumor type also play a role in determining which treatments make sense.

What causes a tumor to have a high or low mutation burden?

Mutation burden is influenced by things like the type of cancer, how long the tumor has been developing, and past exposure to things that damage DNA, such as UV light or tobacco smoke. Some cancer types, like melanoma and lung cancer, naturally tend to have higher mutation burdens, while others tend to run lower. It's a feature of the tumor itself rather than something tied to daily lifestyle habits at the time of testing.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your score comes back high, it's worth exploring immunotherapy options and asking about clinical trials that specifically look for high mutation burden. If your score comes back low, that simply means immunotherapy may need to be considered alongside other treatment approaches rather than used alone. In either case, keep a copy of your report handy since this result is typically used together with other test findings to shape your overall treatment plan.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Tumor Mutation Burden Test - Immunotherapy Response

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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