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BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are associated with excess risk for breast and epithelial ovarian cancer, and mutation carrier status can influence treatment and prognosis. Referral criteria for genetic testing rely heavily on family history, but what role might histologic tumor type play? Researchers in Vancouver conducted pathology reviews of tumor tissue from women who underwent surgery for ovarian cancer; those with endometrioid, clear cell, or serous tumors were referred for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation analysis. Family histories obtained by gynecologic oncologists and surgeons at initial consults or by genetic counselors at referrals for testing also were reviewed.
Of the 131 participants who underwent genetic testing, 103 had high-grade serous …