Recommendations and Choices for BRCA Mutation Carriers at Risk for Ovarian Cancer: A Complicated Decision

Cancers (Basel). 2018 Feb 21;10(2):57. doi: 10.3390/cancers10020057.

Abstract

Current ovarian cancer screening guidelines in high-risk women vary according to different organizations. Risk reducing surgery remains the gold standard for definitive treatment in BRCA mutation carriers, but research advancements have created more short-term options for patients to consider. The decisions involved in how a woman manages her BRCA mutation status can cause a great deal of stress and worry due to the imperfect therapy options. The goal of this review was to critically analyze the screening recommendations and alternative options for high-risk ovarian cancer patients and evaluate how these discrepancies and choices affect a woman's management decisions.

Keywords: BRCA; CA-125; ovarian cancer; risk-reducing surgery; screening guidelines.

Publication types

  • Review