Dr. Khong on the Importance of BRCA Testing in Breast Cancer

Hung Khong, MD, breast cancer oncologist, Moffitt Cancer Center, underscores the importance of testing for BRCA mutations in patients with breast cancer. 

Results from the phase 3 OlympiA trial (NCT02032823) showed improved outcomes when the PARP inhibitor olaparib (Lynparza) was given in the adjuvant setting for patients with TNBC or estrogen receptor (ER)–positive breast cancer that harbors BRCA mutations, Khong says. Most patients enrolled to the study had TNBC, although approximately 18% had ER-positive disease, and benefit was seen across both patient populations, according to Khong.

Currently, any patient under the age of 50 years will receive testing for BRCA mutations, although those with TNBC are tested for the mutation under the age of 70 years, as well, Khong continues. Based on the positive results from the OlympiA trial, testing patients for BRCA mutations is crucial to ensuring that they receive the regimen that could yield the most benefit for them, Khong concludes.