Dr. Brown on the Importance of Genetic Testing in Ovarian Cancer

Jubilee Brown, MD, professor of gynecologic oncology, Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health, discusses the importance of genetic testing in patients with ovarian cancer.

There are a number of reasons why genetic testing could have an impact on patient outcomes. First, by detecting women with hereditary mutations, clinicians can identify those who are at risk for ovarian cancer and intervene before they ever get the disease. There is approximately a 95% reduction in risk if these patients are identified, Brown says. The other key component is that in patients who have ovarian cancer, genetic testing can help decide if their family members are also at risk. Additionally, if a patient’s mutation profile is identified, it helps the process of deciding which targeted therapy to use.

The implementation of PARP inhibitors in ovarian cancer has greatly improved outcomes for patients with BRCA mutations, Brown says.