Local treatment in patients with hereditary breast cancer: decision-making process in low-, moderate-, high-penetrance pathogenic germline mutation carriers

Purpose of review We summarize recent evidence regarding commonly tested breast cancer susceptibility genes and review indications derived from recently published guidelines regarding management of carriers affected by early breast cancer (BC). Recent findings Management of affected women with a known genetic predisposition to BC was matter of debate at the most relevant international conferences, such as St. Gallen International Consensus Conference and San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium held both in 2021. At the same time, a joint Experts Panel from American Society of Clinical Oncology/American Society for Radiation Oncology/Society of Surgical Oncology (ASCO/ASTRO/SSO) convened to develop recommendations to support clinical decision-making in this specific setting and results about administration of new systemic therapies such as poly adenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors became available. Summary Population of patients affected by BC and carriers of mutations in susceptibility genes is progressively increasing, but new mutations identified do not always have a clear clinical impact. To date, we have data to support consideration of different local management choices for affected patients carrying specific mutations, but some issues especially relating to breast-conserving surgery or administration of radiotherapy in these patients, still need to be better addressed. Opinions about the best way to treat these patients are still he...
Source: Current Opinion in Oncology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: BREAST CANCER: Edited by Giuseppe Curigliano Source Type: research