Latest News
September 28, 2020
HRD Testing Practices
- More information upfront is always better for women
- Differences in germline versus somatic mutations should be noted as these may help predict response to medication
- Depending on your institution, testing availability may vary, as more places are developing HRD tests that are under evaluation for approval
Dr. Rebecca Arend says, “The more information upfront the better for women,” as it relates to HRD testing. “We have them see the genetics counselor before they get germline testing.”
According to Dr. Arend, every woman with ovarian cancer should get panel testing, somatic testing, HR status, and germline testing. Dr. Thomas Herzog notes the importance of an HRD test, “Getting an HRD for me would be important. I think the next gen sequencing doesn’t lead to new treatments all that often. My counter-argument to that is that we’re learning more and more. We really want to move the field forward and we need to get that information. We need a more functional test for HRD.” A more functional test will increase accuracy.
Sloan Kettering developed its own proprietary test called Impact testing, says Dr. Elizabeth Jewell. “We are able to use this Impact testing off of a biopsy. The other benefit of Impact testing is something call ‘basket trials.’ Maybe you don’t have a drug available right now for this mutation, but a drug may be available in a phase 1 clinic [clinical trial], or may be coming down in the future.”
Dr. Dana Chase speaks to frontline work for patient, saying, “HRD testing is what I can do. I stopped doing big testing panels upfront. I use the profiling down the road.”
See More Highlights from Our Discussion
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How Are Oncologists Coping Mentally During COVID?
Should PARP Inhibitors Be Offered to All Women?
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