USF Breast Health

Genetic Testing

     The USF Breast Health Program provides a number of genetic tests and counseling that help determine your risk for developing breast cancer or having a recurrence.  We also have begun a number of research projects with some of these tests to see if we can  predict a patients’ responsiveness to chemotherapy. This will dramatically improve care for many patients. Here are some of the tests that currently provide:

• Myriad® performs a test that will determine if you have a mutation or alteration in either the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 genes. These genes help repair DNA and help to control cell growth. A harmful change in either of these genes means a person has Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome, which causes a significantly increased risk for breast cancer and ovarian cancer.  Knowing your risk can help you and your doctor make better, more informed decisions about your health, before cancer has a chance to develop. Our physicians will help you understand if this is a good option for you.

• MammaPrint™ is a gene expression profiling system to assess the risk of cancer recurrence in patients with breast cancer. The system is based on the expression of 70 of the most informative genes in the tumor, quantified simultaneously to ensure a high degree of accuracy in determining the risk of breast cancer recurrence.  MammaPrint™ results are indicated for use by physicians as a prognostic marker in combination with other clinical information and laboratory tests.  MammaPrint™ is also the first in vitro diagnostic multivariate index assay (IVDMIA) to acquire market clearance from the FDA.

• Oncotype DX® is a diagnostic test that can help women with some types of breast cancer learn more about the biological activity of their specific tumor. The test looks at a group of 21 genes within a woman’s tumor sample—16 cancer genes and 5 control genes—to see how they are expressed or how active they are. Along with other pieces of information, the results from the Oncotype DX test can help women and their doctors make decisions about whether or not to include chemotherapy in their treatment plan.  It can also help indicate how likely it is that a woman’s cancer may return in the future (distant recurrence).

• OncoVue® Breast Cancer Risk Test helps a woman put her risk into perspective by predicting the chance of developing breast cancer at different stages throughout her lifetime so she can take a more pro-active approach to breast health care. The OncoVue® test is built upon InterGenetics® proprietary technology platform called "CombiSNP®".  A "SNP" is a small inherited change in the DNA in a person's genes.  It is not the mere presence of these SNPs that increases cancer risk but certain combinations of SNPs occurring together that increase and decrease the likelihood of developing cancer.  OncoVue® will estimate a woman's individual risk and place women in standard, moderate, or high risk groups relative to the average risk for women of their age.  The OncoVue® results will give women a score at different stages in her life.