Genetics

The acceptance of next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) have enabled oncologists to more specifically target genetic mutations in the treatment of patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to Benjamin P. Levy, MD.

The FDA has granted an accelerated approval to larotrectinib (Vitrakvi) for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with solid tumors that have an NTRK gene fusion without a known acquired resistance mutation, are metastatic or where surgical resection is likely to result in severe morbidity, and have no satisfactory alternative treatments or that have progressed following treatment.

With the inception of its Precision Cancer Therapies Program, the Ochsner Cancer Institute has been able to expand availability of early phase clinical trials to patients who might otherwise have had to drive up to 5 or 6 hours to participate in one.

There is an increasing need for board-certified genetic counselors in the United States, says Stephanie A. Cohen, MS, LCGC, and she is looking to nurses to help improve patient access to hereditary cancer risk assessment and genetic testing.

Patients with advanced cancers associated with NTRK gene fusions showed an 80% objective response rate (ORR) with larotrectinib, a TRK inhibitor, according to pooled results from 3 small trials.

This article reviews the types of genes included in multigene panels for breast cancer, and the risks associated with those genes.

There are still no simple answers to the question of screening for prostate cancer.

Broad-based genomic sequencing, while useful in identifying tumor mutations in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), may not improve survival outcomes when compared to routine genomic testing.

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) in metastatic non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can save Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) payers $1.4 million to $2.1 million.

Mail-in DNA tests may not provide enough information to people looking for answers about their genetic predisposition to cancer.

A shortage of genetic counselors inspired researchers to find a way to streamline testing to prevent delays in treatment for patients with ovarian cancer who require BRCA testing.

Genetic testing for cancer may result in unforeseen revelations.

Direct-to-consumer genetic testing enables individuals to pursue testing independently and without interference from a healthcare professional. But is there a downside?

Based on results from the phase III OlympiAD trial, the FDA approved olaparib (Lynparza), a PARP inhibitor, for the treatment of patients with germline BRCA-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer who have previously received chemotherapy. HR-positive patients must also have had prior endocrine therapy.

The combination of olaparib (Lynparza) and durvalumab (Imfinzi) for pretreated patients with germline BRCA-mutated (gBRCAm), HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer shows great promise for future treatment.

Megan Hoffman, MSN, RN, CMSRN, AOCNS, discusses the importance of nurse's understanding genomics so their patients can get the full benefit.

A recent study has shown that the cancer risks for women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations depend on the extent of the woman’s family history of cancer and the position of the specific fault within the gene.

Megan Hoffman, MSN, RN, CMSRN, AOCNS, discusses the importance of having a nurse's perspective when discussing genomics and precision medicine.

Krista Qualmann discusses hereditary cancer syndromes.

Krista Qualmann explains what a meeting with a genetic counselor will look like for a patient.

A recent study found that young women with breast cancer who are BRCA-positive have similar, or better, outcomes than those who do not, and that preventative bilateral mastectomy in this population does not improve the risk for recurrence or death.

Krista Qualmann discusses the nurse's role once a patient has gone for genetic testing.

Expert Kristin Zorn, MD discusses the importance that genetics plays in oncology, and the why genetic counseling and testing are vital.

Dr. Erin Hofstatter gives some "red flags" that indicate a patient or family member should consider genetic counseling and testing.

Genetic testing can be used to stratify the risk of a patient experiencing complications during cancer, such as venous thromboembolism (VTE).

In a recent phase III study, the PARP-inhibitor olaparib was shown to improve progression-free survival for patients with BRCA-positive ovarian cancer.

The Society for Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) released a toolkit of case studies and resources on genetic testing for healthcare providers, patients, and their families.

Cathy Belt, RN, MSN, AOCN, Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, discusses possible steps individuals can take upon finding out they have an inherited cancer syndrome, such as mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.

With approximately 5% to 10% of cancers attributable to a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome, identifying those patients with cancer who are at risk has significant benefit both to patients and their relatives.

Ignacio I. Wistuba, MD, chair of the department of Translational Molecular Pathologies at MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses the role nurses play in the field of molecular testing.