Simplifying testing for ovarian cancer could save lives

A new approach to genetic testing for women with ovarian cancer could allow more patients to benefit from personalised cancer management and save lives.

Fewer than a third of patients currently have tumour DNA tested. But researchers say that it could help identify the most effective drugs and finds out if other family members are at risk.

Researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London, also said that the new approach would allow cancer patients the chance to get gene testing at one of their routine cancer clinic appointments instead of having to be referred to a separate genetic testing clinic.

The researched analysed BRCA, genetic mutations which run in families, which cause 15 per cent of the 7,100 ovarian cancers detected in the UK each year. Discovering is a tumour is within that 15 per cent can help improve treatment. Certain drugs, such as PARP, only work with BRCA mutations.

The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, showed the new testing approach was welcomed by patients, with all 207 ovarian cancer patients accepting the offer of BRCA gene testing. The new testing pathway reduced the need for hospital visits, limited the time taken for tests, and ensures that all eligible ovarian cancer patients across the UK can be tested.

Nazneen Rahman, head of Cancer Genetics at the ICR and The Royal Marsden, said: “We know BRCA gene testing can be greatly beneficial for women with ovarian cancer, allowing their care to be tailored to their individual genetic information, and improving the cancer risk information we can provide to their families.

“Our new gene testing pathway is faster, simpler and better designed for cancer patients’ needs than the standard NHS process. Our study has shown that it is not only a feasible way of providing BRCA testing to all eligible women with ovarian cancer, but could also prevent cancers and save the NHS millions of pounds a year.”