Since 2014, the widespread use of germline and somatic testing in gynecologic oncology has dramatically increased. The use of genetic testing can support actionable changes which may influence treatment decisions. Test results can inform risk for other malignancies and prompt preventive screenings for at-risk relatives. Despite an increasing awareness of the benefits of genetic testing, many patients are not receiving consistent or equitable testing.

CANCER BUZZ spoke to Melissa Frey, MD, MS, Assistant Professor, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, and Director, Genetics and Personalized Cancer Prevention Program, Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, New York, and Leigha Senter, MS, CGC, Professor, Clinical Internal Medicine, Associate Director, Division of Human Genetics, and Licensed Genetic Counselor, The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Listen as we discuss germline and somatic testing for patients with ovarian cancer.

"Ovarian cancer is probably one of the most exciting examples of the way genetics and genomics can inform treatment, and also improve patient care, and patient outcomes."

Melissa Frey, MD, MS

"While we are putting a lot of effort into making sure patients get the testing they need, we also need to have a support web in place for their family members too. And that is actually a service to our patients."

Leigha Senter, MS, CGC

Melissa Frey, MD, MS

Assistant Professor, Division of Gynecologic Oncology

Director, Genetics and Personalized Cancer Prevention Program

Weill Cornell Medicine

New York, New York

Leigha Senter, MS, CGC

Professor, Clinical Internal Medicine

Associate Director, Division of Human Genetics

Licensed Genetic Counselor

The Ohio State University

Columbus, Ohio

Resources:

Cancer Support Community

This project is supported by AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline.