BRCA Testing of Women with Ovarian Cancer: Which Strategy Is Best?

Testing women of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry or with family histories of breast or ovarian cancer was projected to be cost-effective for lowering subsequent cancer rates among first-degree relatives.

About 10% of women with ovarian cancer carry BRCA mutations. Investigators developed a simulation model to estimate costs and benefits of BRCA testing in women with ovarian cancer (index cases) using one of four strategies:

1. No BRCA testing (reference strategy)

2. Testing only those index cases who were of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, had personal histories of breast cancer, or had family histories of breast or ovarian cancer (Society of Gynecologic Oncologists [SGO] recommendation)

3. Testing only if index cancer was serous (the most common form of ovarian cancer)

4. Testing all index cases

The model was based on the assumption that, if index cases tested positive, first-degree relatives (FDRs) could be tested and, if positive, could undergo pr…

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health