Dr. Monk on the Need for Molecular Testing in Ovarian Cancer

Bradley J. Monk, MD, FACS, FACOG, professor, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Arizona Oncology (US Oncology Network), University of Arizona College of Medicine, Creighton University School of Medicine at St. Joseph’s Hospital, medical director, Gynecologic Program, US Oncology Research Network, co-director, GOG Partners, discusses the importance of molecular testing in ovarian cancer.

Germline testing is necessary for all patients with epithelial, ovarian, and peritoneal cancer, Monk says. Though testing for BRCA mutations is required, testing for other hereditary genes is also needed, Monk explains. MyRisk, a hereditary cancer test from Myriad Genetics, tests for 48 gene alterations, Monk says.

When patients in these populations undergo genetic testing and are found to have anything beyond a BRCA mutation, MyChoice, a homologous recombination deficiency test, is then utilized, Monk explains.

Myriad features a platform known as Precise to guide treatment decisions using precision medicine, Monk adds. Germline and tumor testing can provide valuable information for guiding treatment decisions, and the testing is vital in patients with ovarian cancer, Monk concludes.