Risk modeling in breast cancer.
Women with BRCA-1 or BRCA-2 mutations have a significantly increased risk for breast cancer. While genetic testing can provide valuable information concerning this increased risk and the proposed benefit of risk-reducing interventions, the absolute breast cancer risk conferred by BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 mutations remains to be fully determined. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guidelines indicate that testing should be considered in women whose mutation probability is greater than 10%. None of the currently available approaches for determining BRCA gene mutation probability are 100% accurate. The computer program BRCAPRO is a useful adjunct for estimating these probabilities, but limitations inherent in mathematical models make it essential that genetic counselors are involved in decisions to perform genetic testing.
Euhus
David
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Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9155, USA.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001499:Bayes Theorem; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005260:Female; D019398:Genes, BRCA1; D024522:Genes, BRCA2; D005817:Genetic Counseling / Q000379:methods; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008875:Middle Aged; D009154:Mutation; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics; D012306:Risk; D014481:United States