Multi-disciplinary summit on genetics services for women with gynecologic cancers: A Society of Gynecologic Oncology White Paper

• Published in: Gynecologic oncology Vol. 146; no. 2; pp. 217 - 224
• Main Authors: Randall, Leslie M., Pothuri, Bhavana, Swisher, Elizabeth M., Diaz, John P., Buchanan, Adam, Witkop, Catherine T., Bethan Powell, C., Smith, Ellen Blair, Robson, Mark E., Boyd, Jeff, Coleman, Robert L., Lu, Karen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.08.2017
• Subjects: Congresses as Topic; Consensus Development Conferences as Topic; Female; Genetic Counseling - methods; Genetic Services; Genetic Testing - methods; Genital Neoplasms, Female - genetics; Gynecology; Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine; Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome - diagnosis; Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome - genetics; Humans; Lynch Syndrome II - diagnosis; Lynch Syndrome II - genetics; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Patient Selection; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Societies, Medical; Surgical Oncology
• ISSN: 0090-8258; 1095-6859; 1095-6859
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2017.06.002

•The Society of Gynecologic Oncology convened a multidisciplinary Genetics Summit.•The benefits and challenges of genetic risk assessment were discussed.•Minimum standards for genetic risk assessment are suggested.•Suggestions for further research and educational efforts are communicated. To assess current practice, advise minimum standards, and identify educational gaps relevant to genetic screening, counseling, and testing of women affected by gynecologic cancers. The Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) organized a multidisciplinary summit that included representatives from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Society Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC), and patient advocacy groups, BrightPink and Facing our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE). Three subject areas were discussed: care delivery models for genetic testing, barriers to genetic testing, and educational opportunities for providers of genetic testing. The group endorsed current SGO, National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), and NSGC genetic testing guidelines for women affected with ovarian, tubal, peritoneal cancers, or DNA mismatch repair deficient endometrial cancer. Three main areas of unmet need were identified: timely and universal genetic testing for women with ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancers; education regarding minimum standards for genetic counseling and testing; and barriers to implementation of testing of both affected individuals as well as cascade testing of family members. Consensus building among all stakeholders resulted in an action plan to address gaps in education of gynecologic oncology providers and delivery of cancer genetics care.