Challenges in breast cancer genetic testing. A call for novel forms of multidisciplinary care and long-term evaluation

Abstract

Current methods of next generation sequencing may simultaneously detect multiple germline breast cancer susceptibility variants. However, it is a challenge to maximize the clinical benefit of genetic analysis for patients and family members while minimizing potentially harmful effects. Relevant issues include criteria for referral, the choice of gene panel, handling of variants of unknown significance, cancer risk counselling in clinical context including family history data, risks of tumours other than breast cancer, handling of potential germline findings revealed by tumour testing and the clinical management of gene variant carriers, including surveillance, targeted therapy, radiotherapy and risk-reducing surgery. We outline current challenges in the field of breast cancer genetics and call for novel forms of multidisciplinary care and long-term evaluation.

Keywords: Gene panels; Hereditary cancer; Multidisciplinary care; Next generation sequencing; Secondary findings.