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Cancer genetics

We provide several specialised cancer genetic tests including:

BRCA testing for familial breast and ovarian cancer

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the genes best known as being associated with an inherited risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers.

An inherited error (or mutation) in any one of a number of genes can place a person at increased risk of cancer. Inherited mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most common cause of a familial tendency to develop breast or ovarian cancer.

Genetic testing is used to determine the underlying genetic cause of your condition. The outcome of a genetic test may have medical and psychological ramifications for both the person tested and for their relatives. It is important that these issues are discussed and considered before the test is undertaken.

For further information, please ask your doctor.

Breast cancer gene signature assay

For many women diagnosed with breast cancer, the overriding questions after breast surgery are:

  • “Will the cancer come back?”
  • “What are the best treatment options for me?”
  • “Should I have chemotherapy”?

The treatment decisions that you and your doctor make require careful consideration.

Sonic Genetics provides the Prosigna breast cancer gene signature assay and it is performed in Australia to Australian testing standards. The implementation of this test has been accredited by Australian regulatory authorities.

For further information, please ask your doctor for our “Making the right decision about chemotherapy” brochure.

Genomic testing of your tumour

Sonic Genetics provides somatic mutation panels that document the pattern of faulty genes, i.e. the genetic signature, of solid cancers. The somatic mutation hotspot panels can help doctors by identifying the genetic signature of a solid cancer and the therapy that is most likely to work. There are separate tests for blood cancers.

Your doctor can advise you if our somatic mutation panels may be helpful in making decisions about your treatments. The standard cancer treatments, which have been used for many years, are still the mainstay of cancer care for many patients. It may not be necessary for you to have a somatic mutation test. Your doctor will be your guide.

Cost

Costs will vary widely depending upon the tests required. This will need to be discussed with your doctor.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration limits the information that we can place in the public domain regarding the use of such tests. We recommend that patients seek further information from their doctors.

The information on this website is provided for your general information and is not a substitute for the specific advice of your treating doctor.