A clinical perspective on genetic counseling and testing during end of life care for women with recurrent progressive ovarian cancer: opportunities and challenges

• DOI: 10.1007/s10689-011-9418-1
• Publication Date: 2011-01-18T11:15:27Z
• Authors: Molly S. Daniels; Jennifer K. Burzawa; Amanda C. Brandt; Kathleen M. Schmeler; Karen H. Lu
• Keywords: Adult; Ovarian Neoplasms; 0301 basic medicine; Terminal Care; 03 medical and health sciences; Humans; Female; Genetic Counseling; Genetic Testing; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; 3. Good health

10-15% of invasive epithelial ovarian cancer is attributable to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. The identification of BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations in women with ovarian cancer allows for accurate predictive genetic testing of their at-risk relatives, who can then avail themselves of early detection and risk reduction strategies. In the case of women with recurrent progressive ovarian cancer, the window of opportunity for genetic testing can be particularly limited. Here we describe our perspective on providing genetic counseling during these patients' end of life care, incorporating two illustrative examples from our clinical practice. While these situations pose unique challenges, they also present a significant opportunity to benefit the patient and her family. Further attention and research should be directed towards provision of genetic counseling and testing during end of life care.