Mini review: Molecular pathology of personalized medicine in cancer susceptibility syndromes

Abstract

In current times, medical oncology is increasingly incorporating cancer genetics and genetic testing into its practice. About 5–10% of all cancers are caused due to inherited genetic mutation that increases susceptibility to a particular malignancy. There is an increasing practice of incorporation of genetic testing and results with potential benefits that have been seen in current-day oncology practice. The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics highly advises conducting clinical molecular genetic testing within a laboratory that has received CLIA approval with results accurately interpreted by molecular geneticists. The patient is highly recommended to talk to a genetic specialist to explain about the risk, document the family history, and also explain the limitations and outcomes of the genetic testing. Nonetheless, significant discussions and ambiguity persist regarding the optimal approach for providing genetic testing services. These include considerations such as which tests should be employed, which patients should undergo testing, the order and timing of the tests, who should administer them, and the appropriate course of action for follow-up.