Germline BRCA1/2 mutation testing is indicated in every patient with epithelial ovarian cancer: A systematic review

Arts-de Jong, Marieke
de Bock, Geertruida H.
van Asperen, Christi J.
Mourits, Marian J. E.
de Hullu, Joanne A.
Kets, C. Marleen

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Publication date

July 2016

DOI

10.1016/j.ejca.2016.03.009

ISSN

0959-8049

Citation count (estimate)

Abstract

The presence of a germline BRCA1/2 mutation improves options for tailored risk-reducing strategies and treatment in both breast and ovarian cancer patients and their relatives. Currently, referral for germline BRCA1/2 mutation testing of women with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) varies widely, based on different criteria, such as age of onset, family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer and histological type of EOC. The overall probability of a germline BRCA1/2 mutation in women with EOC is above 10%, and a substantial part of the germline BRCA1/2 mutation carriers is missed when applying these criteria for referral. Therefore, we strongly recommend referral of all women with EOC for genetic counselling and DNA analysis. (C) 2016 Elsevi...