Dr. Litton on Genetic Testing in Breast Cancer

Jennifer Litton, MD, associate professor in the Department of Breast Medical Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses the role of genetic testing in the treatment of patients with breast cancer.

Genetic testing has drastically changed from when it first started, explains Litton. Previously, there was one lab that did the testing and there were narrow testing guidelines. Currently, it is much more widespread and testing can also identify family history of prostate, ovarian, breast, pancreatic cancer, and more.

With next-generation sequencing and panels, the labs can have results from testing within 2 weeks, which makes testing and therapeutic decisions easier for the clinician. Testing women who are appropriate is going to remain important, particularly now that there are drug options for these patients, says Litton.