mutation in ovarian cancer: testing, implications and treatment considerations.

Ovarian cancer is a heterogeneous disease that encompasses a number of different cellular subtypes, the most common of which is high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). Still today, ovarian cancer is primarily treated with chemotherapy and surgery. Recent advances in the hereditary understanding of this disease have shown a significant role for the gene. While only a minority of patients with HGSOC will have a germline mutation, many others may have tumor genetic aberrations within BRCA or other homologous recombination proteins. Genetic screening for these mutations has allowed improved preventative measures and therapeutic development. This review focuses on the understanding of mutations and their relationship with ovarian cancer development, as well as future therapeutic targets.