This information is taken from
https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2018/209/5/medicare-funded-cancer-genetic-tests-note-caution#tbox1
"these tests are now being mainstreamed and they can be ordered for selected patients, with a new Medicare benefit, by non-genetic specialists in either public or private practice".
"Breast cancer genetic tests: key points"
"1.Genetic testing is not necessary for most women with breast cancer, but it should be considered in those with breast cancer at a younger age and those with a relevant family history
2. From 1 November 2017, several new Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item numbers cover the cost of breast and ovarian cancer-related genetic testing, when the defined criteria are met
3. Eligibility for the MBS rebate is based on a quantitative algorithm indicating that the patient is at > 10% risk of having a pathogenic mutation identified
4. The item numbers cover testing for heritable germ-line mutations in seven genes: the two major genes involved in breast and ovarian cancer predisposition (BRCA1 and BRCA2); the breast (but probably not ovarian) cancer predisposition gene PALB2; and four genes (STK11, PTEN, CDH1 and TP53) in which mutations are associated with breast cancer, but which often present with a non-breast cancer phenotype.
5. Testing of these additional genes in the absence of the usual syndrome features should be approached with caution
6. Genetic testing is complex and the identification of variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in cancer genes is a major challenge. The more genes you test, the more VUS you will find
7. The clinician who orders the test must be able to interpret the results and communicate the implications of the results, including the uncertainties, to the patient and their genetic relatives
8. Patients must be well informed and written consent is required before genetic testing"
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