Panel Testing for Hereditary Breast Cancer: More or Less?

Abstract

Panel testing is increasingly being offered to patients. Currently, women may be offered a panel of up to 80 genes. Oncologists are tasked with understanding the indications for this testing as well as the potential implications. In this review, we outline which patients should undergo genetic testing for hereditary breast cancer, when this testing should be performed, and which genes should be tested for. Our understanding of hereditary breast cancer has drastically changed with the advent of next generation sequencing (NGS), and many additional genes have been associated with increased breast cancer risk. Some have advocated for genetic testing of all women with breast cancer. Routine genetic testing for all women with breast cancer is not warranted. Women with a phenotype associated with hereditary breast cancer, with a family history of cancer, or for whom a positive genetic test would change management should be offered genetic testing.