For those patients with ovarian cancer curious about genetic testing to determine their risk of mutations, doctors can either refer them to genetic counselors who can conduct thorough family histories to talk about the risks and benefits and/or some doctors may discuss this with the patients themselves.
For germline (inherited) mutation testing, a blood or saliva test is often used. For somatic (non-inherited) mutation testing, tissue from the tumor will be tested in addition to the blood. The tumor tissue can be obtained from cancer tissue obtained either during surgery or from a biopsy. This tissue has to be obtained from the hospital or pathology lab where your surgery or biopsy was performed.
Dr. Erin Salinas tells us that “with the newer indications for PARP inhibitors,” they’re often testing “all of their patients for germline mutations or inherited mutations specifically in BRCA.” Some doctors may also chose to test the tumors and/or patients for other mutations that may be similar to BRCA mutations.
These types of test are important as they can affect treatment choices and recommendations. For example, some patients may be better candidates for PARP inhibitors as maintenance or treatment.
Some family members might be interested in genetic testing for BRCA and other mutations. Should someone test positive, they can discuss with their doctors things such as chemo prevention using birth control pills and surgery to decrease risks of getting cancer.
While PARP inhibitors are available to almost all women, women with BRCA gene mutations or who are HRD proficient may benefit the most from these drugs. However, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) released new guidelines recommending PARP inhibitors be offered to women, with or without genetic mutations, who are newly diagnosed with stage III or IV ovarian cancer and have improved with chemotherapy.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Dr. Erin Salinas is a gynecologic oncologist at Compass Oncology. Read More
For those patients with ovarian cancer curious about genetic testing to determine their risk of mutations, doctors can either refer them to genetic counselors who can conduct thorough family histories to talk about the risks and benefits and/or some doctors may discuss this with the patients themselves.
For germline (inherited) mutation testing, a blood or saliva test is often used. For somatic (non-inherited) mutation testing, tissue from the tumor will be tested in addition to the blood. The tumor tissue can be obtained from cancer tissue obtained either during surgery or from a biopsy. This tissue has to be obtained from the hospital or pathology lab where your surgery or biopsy was performed.
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Dr. Erin Salinas tells us that “with the newer indications for PARP inhibitors,” they’re often testing “all of their patients for germline mutations or inherited mutations specifically in BRCA.” Some doctors may also chose to test the tumors and/or patients for other mutations that may be similar to BRCA mutations.
These types of test are important as they can affect treatment choices and recommendations. For example, some patients may be better candidates for PARP inhibitors as maintenance or treatment.
Some family members might be interested in genetic testing for BRCA and other mutations. Should someone test positive, they can discuss with their doctors things such as chemo prevention using birth control pills and surgery to decrease risks of getting cancer.
While PARP inhibitors are available to almost all women, women with BRCA gene mutations or who are HRD proficient may benefit the most from these drugs. However, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) released new guidelines recommending PARP inhibitors be offered to women, with or without genetic mutations, who are newly diagnosed with stage III or IV ovarian cancer and have improved with chemotherapy.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Dr. Erin Salinas is a gynecologic oncologist at Compass Oncology. Read More
