Germline and somatic testing for ovarian Cancer: An SGO clinical practice statement

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Genetics
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Germline and somatic genetic testing are integral to ovarian cancer care.
• Identifying pathogenic variants and homologous recombination deficiency aids in predicting treatment response, prognosis, and eligibility for targeted therapies like PARP inhibitors.
• Germline pathogenic variants can also facilitate cascade genetic testing for at-risk family members.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of germline and somatic genetic testing for epithelial ovarian cancer.
• To discuss available testing modalities and care delivery options.
• To highlight the gap between clinical recommendations for universal genetic testing and current patient uptake.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and clinical guidelines.
• Synthesis of information on genetic testing modalities.
• Expert consensus from the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) Clinical Practice Committee.

Main Results:

• Genetic testing identifies variants influencing treatment response and prognosis.
• Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors are a key targeted therapy informed by genetic testing.
• Only about one-third of ovarian cancer patients currently complete germline or somatic genetic testing, despite recommendations.

Conclusions:

• Germline and somatic genetic testing are essential for personalized ovarian cancer management.
• There is a significant underutilization of genetic testing in ovarian cancer patients.
• The SGO Clinical Practice Committee aims to guide testing and care delivery for epithelial ovarian cancer.