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Role of Genetics in Gynecologic Malignancies
Corbyn M Nchako1, Kara C Long1, Ying L Liu2
1Department of Surgery, Gynecology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
The Surgical Clinics of North America
|July 8, 2026
Summary
Cancer genomics advances revolutionize gynecologic cancer care. Genetic alterations guide risk assessment, classification, and targeted therapies, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Gynecologic Oncology
Background:
- Cancer genomics has significantly advanced the understanding and treatment of gynecologic malignancies.
- Germline and somatic genetic alterations play a crucial role in cancer development and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of cancer genomics on the prevention, classification, and management of gynecologic cancers.
- To highlight the role of genetic alterations in hereditary cancer syndromes and molecular tumor classification.
- To discuss the integration of biomarker-driven therapies in gynecologic oncology.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on cancer genomics in gynecologic malignancies.
- Analysis of the application of genetic testing in hereditary cancer risk assessment.
- Examination of molecular classification frameworks and their prognostic value.
- Evaluation of biomarker-driven therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- Germline and somatic genetic alterations are essential for hereditary cancer risk assessment (e.g., BRCA-associated hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, Lynch syndrome).
- Molecular tumor classification (e.g., The Cancer Genome Atlas in endometrial cancer) refines prognosis and treatment strategies.
- Biomarker-driven therapies, including poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and HER2-directed agents, are integral to managing gynecologic cancers.
Conclusions:
- Advances in cancer genomics have transformed gynecologic oncology, enabling personalized prevention, precise classification, and effective targeted therapies.
- Genetic insights are crucial for identifying hereditary cancer predispositions, guiding surveillance, and informing surgical decisions.
- The integration of genomic data and biomarker-driven treatments represents a paradigm shift in improving outcomes for patients with gynecologic malignancies.
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