Should we start performing universal germline mutation testing for all newly diagnosed breast cancer?   

The OlympiA study resulted in a statistically significant iDFS and DDFS benefit with adjuvant olaparib vs placebo in high-risk, HER2-negative patients with gBRCA mutation. Given the notable improvement in outcomes, it is imperative that every potentially eligible patient be considered for adjuvant o...

The new NCCN guidelines indicate testing all metastatic breast cancer patients for PARP inhibitor consideration and testing eligible patients (per OlympiA study) for adjuvant Olaparib consideration.There is no ideal way to provide genetic counseling for all eligible breast cancer patients that prese...

One has to bear in mind that BRCA mutations are extremely uncommon in women who are over the age of 60 and do not meet NCCN criteria. Up to 40% of all women with breast cancer fall into this category. Also, not all breast cancer patients would have met the eligibility criteria for OlympiA. So while ...

While universal germline testing for all newly diagnosed breast cancer may not be indicated, I think the majority of patients with a diagnosis of breast cancer should be offered testing given implications on treatment decision-making and future preventive care. I offer genetic testing as per NCCN gu...

Should we start performing universal germline mutation testing for all newly diagnosed breast cancer? Short answer: No, not yet. The argument that expanded multi-gene screening (80 genes or more) for all breast cancer patients should be balanced against the genetic testing for breast cancer pat...