Dr. Ruddy on the Importance of Genetic Testing in Breast Cancer

Kathryn Ruddy, MD, associate professor of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, discusses how genetic testing could impact treatment of patients with breast cancer.

According to Ruddy, it’s important to perform genetic testing for genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2, which have already been determined to play a role in care of women with strong family history of breast cancer or patients diagnosed at a younger age.

Because rates of these mutations are higher in younger women diagnosed with breast cancer, it is best to do genetic testing early as it can impact surgical treatment decisions. It can also be useful in metastatic disease where PARP inhibitors are more effective in patients with BRCA mutations. Ruddy says that even though a patient here may not undergo breast surgery, understanding the mutations can still play a role in selecting systemic therapies.