Breast cancer in women at high risk: The role of rapid genetic testing for BRCA1 and -2 mutations and the consequences for treatment strategies. The breast, Oct 2013, Vol. 22(5), p.561-68
Francken, A.B., et al.
http://www.thebreastonline.com/article/S0960-9776(13)00210-5/abstract?rss=yes
Specific clinical questions rise when patients, who are diagnosed with breast cancer, are at risk of carrying a mutation in BRCA1 and -2 gene due to a strong family history or young age at diagnosis. These questions concern topics such as 1. Timing of genetic counseling and testing, 2. Choices to be made for BRCA1 or -2 mutation carriers in local treatment, contralateral treatment, (neo)adjuvant systemic therapy, and 3. The psychological effects of rapid testing. The knowledge of the genetic status might have several advantages for the patient in treatment planning, such as the choice whether or not to undergo mastectomy and/or prophylactic contralateral mastectomy.
