Rates of appropriate genetic testing referral for breast cancer patients treated in a multidisciplinary cancer care setting.

Abstract

45 Background: Approximately 5% to 10% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a genetic predisposition, which can affect management recommendations. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has established guidelines for genetics referral and testing, however recent publications have indicated low rates of family history documentation and appropriate genetics referral. We sought to assess the impact of standardized family history documentation on rates of appropriate genetics referral in a multidisciplinary breast clinic (MDC) setting. Methods: In advance of MDC consultation, women with newly diagnosed breast cancer complete an intake questionnaire which includes documentation of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry along with a thorough family history. We retrospectively analyzed family history documentation to inform eligibility for genetic testing and rates of appropriate genetics referral. Results: Between June 2012 and April 2014, 202 women with newly diagnosed, nonmetastatic breast cancer were seen in MDC. We noted 100% compliance with family history documentation. Per NCCN Guidelines, genetic testing was indicated in 52% (106 patients), of which 77% were appropriately referred to a genetic counselor for evaluation. All patients who met criteria based on personal history factors including age ≤ 45, triple-negative disease under age 60, or two or more breast primaries under age 50 were appropriately referred. Patients who were eligible but not referred ranged in age from 46 to 93 and were eligible for testing based on Ashkenzi Jewish ancestry (3 patients) or family history factors including a relative with ovarian cancer (3 patients), ≥2 relatives with breast cancer (5 patients), or a relative with breast cancer < age 50 (7 patients). Conclusions: Compared with recently published national averages, rates of appropriate family history documentation and genetic testing referrals are significantly higher in our MDC setting. However, this analysis has identified significant opportunity for improvement via identification of overlooked referral indications. Initiatives are underway to improve future compliance.

Utilization of genetic testing in breast cancer treatment after implementation of comprehensive multi‐disciplinary care

“…Fewer than 1 in 5 individuals with breast cancer who meet National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) criteria have undergone genetic testing . Rates of appropriate referrals for genetic testing have been reported to be higher in a multi‐disciplinary setting . Evidence also suggests that racial disparities exist with genetic referrals in patients with cancer .…”