Genetic testing in women with ovarian cancer1
Recent study findings have indicated that women with ovarian cancer may have BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations despite a negative family history, and current NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) guidelines endorse genetic testing for all women with epithelial cancer of the ovary. Despite this, recent reports indicate that most women with ovarian cancer are not being tested, particularly those who are elderly or without a family history. In this paper by Daniels and colleagues, the investigators examined targeted versus universal genetic testing to see if the use of a well-regarded risk model (BRCAPRO) based on personal and family history could discriminate among patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Targeted genetic testing in this group might help lower costs and encourage testing for those women who actually have a significant chance of carrying a deleterious gene mutation.
Recent study findings have indicated that women with ovarian cancer may have BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations despite a negative family history, and current NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) guidelines endorse genetic testing for all women with epithelial cancer of the ovary. Despite this, recent reports indicate that most women with ovarian cancer are not being tested, particularly those who are elderly or without a family history. In this paper by Daniels and colleagues, the investigators examined targeted versus universal genetic testing to see if the use of a well-regarded risk model (BRCAPRO) based on personal and family history could discriminate among patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Targeted genetic testing in this group might help lower costs and encourage testing for those women who actually have a significant chance of carrying a deleterious gene mutation.
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