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Clinical Practice Guidelines Recommend Genetic Testing of All Patients with Breast Cancer

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, September 22, 2022

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Invitae (NYSE: NVTA), a leading medical genetics company, released a new study in JAMA Network Open, underscoring the clinical utility of the American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS) guidelines recommending universal genetic testing for patients with breast cancer, and showing universal testing improves patient outcomes. Building on a previous study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the current study is the first clinical outcomes study of a cohort of unselected patients with breast cancer who underwent universal germline genetic testing. Our data show that genetic information aids patients and their physicians in implementing effective precision treatments and personalized management for their cancer. 

Key Points: 
  • Building on a previous study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology , the current study is the first clinical outcomes study of a cohort of unselected patients with breast cancer who underwent universal germline genetic testing.
  • "This study and others clearly demonstrate the reason universal genetic testing for patients with breast cancer is the current standard of care in clinical practice," said Pat Whitworth, MD, lead author, breast surgical oncologist and director of the Nashville Breast Center.
  • Prior to the ASBrS guidelines, only about 25% of patients with breast cancer in the U.S. were getting genetic testing.
  • The ASBrS established guidelines recommending germline genetic testing for all patients currently or previously diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 ( Consensus Guidelines on Genetic Testing for Hereditary Breast Cancer from the American Society of Breast Surgeons ), catalyzed and supported by our studies in the Journal of Clinical Oncology and Cancers .