A clinical perspective on genetic counseling and t... [Fam Cancer. 2011] - PubMed result

Fam Cancer. 2011 Jan 19. [Epub ahead of print]
A clinical perspective on genetic counseling and testing during end of life care for women with recurrent progressive ovarian cancer: opportunities and challenges.

Daniels MS, Burzawa JK, Brandt AC, Schmeler KM, Lu KH.

U.T.M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Unit 1362, PO Box 301439, Houston, TX, 77230-1439, USA, msdaniel@mdanderson.org.

Abstract

10-15% of invasive epithelial ovarian cancer is attributable to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. The identification of BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations in women with ovarian cancer allows for accurate predictive genetic testing of their at-risk relatives, who can then avail themselves of early detection and risk reduction strategies. In the case of women with recurrent progressive ovarian cancer, the window of opportunity for genetic testing can be particularly limited. Here we describe our perspective on providing genetic counseling during these patients' end of life care, incorporating two illustrative examples from our clinical practice. While these situations pose unique challenges, they also present a significant opportunity to benefit the patient and her family. Further attention and research should be directed towards provision of genetic counseling and testing during end of life care.

PMID: 21246292 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
A clinical perspective on genetic counseling and t... [Fam Cancer. 2011] - PubMed result