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

• Main Authors: Kelsey E. Lewis, Karen H. Lu, Amber M. Klimczak, Samuel C. Mok
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2018-02-01
• Series: Cancers
• Subjects: BRCA; ovarian cancer; risk-reducing surgery; CA-125; screening guidelines
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/10/2/57

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.