Gene Panel Testing For Hereditary Breast Cancer

Genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer looks for mutations in the brca1 and brca2 genes.

Gene panel testing for hereditary breast cancer.

A multi gene panel test provides better diagnostic yield compared with a limited brca1 2 genetic test for patients at risk for hereditary breast cancer. This panel is designed to detect heritable germline mutations and should not be used for the detection of somatic mutations in tumor tissue. The breast cancer comprehensive panel examines 20 genes associated with an increased risk for hereditary breast cancer. The primary panel includes 14 genes associated with hereditary breast cancer.

Genetic testing does not detect breast cancer itself it identifies people who are at higher than average risk and helps us to determine the best ways to screen them hilliard said. Your doctor might suggest testing using a multigene panel which looks for mutations in several genes at the same time including brca1 and brca2. These genes can be added at no additional charge. Studies have shown that testing with myriad myrisk increases mutation detection between 40 and 50 percent.

Myriad myrisk captures more mutation carriers than bracanalysis and colaris combined. This single reliable test provides more information for women suspected to have hereditary cancer predisposition particularly for breast and ovarian cancers. This test includes both well established breast cancer susceptibility genes as well as candidate genes with limited evidence of an association with breast cancer. At this time the association of these genes with breast cancer remains uncertain.

Gene panel testing for hereditary breast cancer inherited predisposition to breast cancer is explained only in part by mutations in the brca1 and brca2 genes. However some clinicians may wish to include genes that may prove to be clinically significant in the future. Is ideal for patients with a clinical suspicion of hereditary breast or ovarian cancer who only wish assessment of genes with established management guidelines.