Precision Oncology of High-Grade Ovarian Cancer Defined through Targeted Sequencing

Sandra Wessman1, Beatriz Bohorquez Fuentes1, Therese Törngren2

  • 1Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden.

Cancers
|October 23, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Molecular characterization of high-grade ovarian cancer identified actionable targets and new BRCA1/2 carriers. Genomic profiling guided PARP inhibitor therapy in 20 patients, improving treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genomics
  • Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

  • High-grade epithelial ovarian cancer (HGEOC) diagnosis can be challenging.
  • Molecular characterization may reveal actionable targets for HGEOC treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess if molecular characterization of HGEOC can aid diagnosis.
  • To identify potential actionable therapeutic targets in HGEOC.

Main Methods:

  • 274 HGEOC tumors underwent next-generation sequencing (NGS) using a targeted panel.
  • Clinical data was extracted from patient medical records.
  • Selected patients received PARP inhibitor therapy based on sequencing results.

Main Results:

  • Genomic profiling did not alter the initial histologic diagnosis.
  • Mutations were identified in key genes including TP53, BRCA1, BRCA2, and other homologous recombination repair (HRR) pathway genes.
  • Somatic mutations with germline testing implications were found, leading to the identification of 16 new BRCA1/2 carriers.

Conclusions:

  • Molecular characterization of HGEOC identified numerous mutations in cancer-related genes.
  • Genomic profiling identified actionable targets, leading to PARP inhibitor treatment in 20 patients.
  • This approach can uncover germline mutations and guide targeted therapy selection.