Definition

Multi-gene hereditary cancer panels provide cost-effective screening in situations where a single family phenotype may be explained by more than one gene; they can include 14 to 30 cancer susceptibility genes. NCCN offers management recommendations for genes such as CDH1, MSH2, MLH1, MSH6, PMS2, PTEN, STK11 and TP53.

Method

Next Generation Sequencing

Accepted sample types

Blood (EDTA)

Description

275 gene regions associated with familial cancers are analyzed.

Inheritance

This is a germline (hereditary) multi-gene analysis; it forms the basis for cascade testing in family members and risk-reducing follow-up decisions.

Related Tests

Inheritance Patterns

Describes how a genetic condition is passed on within a family. There are five main patterns

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Carrier (Heterozygous / Homozygous)

Why it matters: In autosomal recessive inheritance, when each parent is a carrier (while both appear healthy), the chance of their child being born with the disease is 25% in each

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VUS (Variant of Uncertain Significance)

This is the situation where the test has detected a change in the DNA, but the role of this change in the development of disease is unconfirmed.

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How to Read a Genetic Test Result (Positive / Negative / VUS)

A genetic test result falls into three main categories

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Types of Genetic Tests

A genetic test is a type of medical test that detects changes in genes, chromosomes or proteins. Today there are more than 77,000 genetic tests available.

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