Germline and Somatic Tumor Testing in Gynecologic Cancer Care

Jill Alldredge; Leslie Randall

doi:10.1016/j.ogc.2018.09.003

Germline and Somatic Tumor Testing in Gynecologic Cancer Care

Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2019 Mar;46(1):37-53. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2018.09.003.

Authors

Jill Alldredge¹, Leslie Randall²

Affiliations

¹ University of California, Irvine, 333 The City Boulevard, Suite 1400, Orange, CA 92868, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].
² University of California, Irvine, 333 The City Boulevard, Suite 1400, Orange, CA 92868, USA.

Abstract

New technologies have advanced the science of tumor biology and genomics. Commercially available germline and somatic testing modalities have the downstream benefits of enabling prevention strategies in women with hereditary cancers and their family members in addition to identifying women who benefit most from novel targeted therapeutics. The matrix of available testing is complex and evolving. Women's health providers need to be versed in benefits and limitations of available testing. Genetic counselors play a pivotal role in interpretation of relevant mutations, and in avoiding common pitfalls, but their skill set is not sufficient to optimally integrate cancer genomics into clinical practice.

Keywords: Genomics; Germline; Gynecologic cancer; Somatic; Tumor testing.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

DNA Mutational Analysis
Early Detection of Cancer*
Female
Genetic Counseling
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
Genetic Testing
Genital Neoplasms, Female / diagnosis*
Genital Neoplasms, Female / genetics*
Genital Neoplasms, Female / prevention & control
Germ-Line Mutation / genetics*
Humans
Immunohistochemistry

Grants and funding

T32 CA060396/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States