Next Generation Sequencing and Molecular Biomarkers in Ovarian Cancer-An Opportunity for Targeted Therapy

Laura M Harbin; Holly H Gallion; Derek B Allison; Jill M Kolesar

doi:10.3390/diagnostics12040842

Next Generation Sequencing and Molecular Biomarkers in Ovarian Cancer-An Opportunity for Targeted Therapy

Diagnostics (Basel). 2022 Mar 29;12(4):842. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics12040842.

Authors

Laura M Harbin¹, Holly H Gallion¹, Derek B Allison², Jill M Kolesar^{1

3}

Affiliations

¹ Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, 800 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536-0596, USA.
² Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536-0596, USA.
³ Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, 760 Press Avenue, Lexington, KY 40536-0596, USA.

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynecologic malignancies claiming the lives of nearly 14,000 women in the United States annually. Despite therapeutic advances, the ovarian cancer mortality rate has remained stagnant since the 1980's. The molecular heterogeneity of ovarian cancers suggest they may be more effectively treated via precision medicine. Current guidelines recommend germline and somatic testing for all new epithelial ovarian cancer diagnoses to assist providers in identifying candidates for targeted therapies. Next generation sequencing (NGS) identifies targetable, driver, and novel mutations used to guide treatment decisions. Performing NGS is standard of care in many other malignancies, but for ovarian cancer the use of NGS in daily practice is still emerging. This review discusses the targetable genetic mutations and role of NGS and molecular biomarker testing in the treatment of ovarian cancer.

Keywords: NTRK inhibitors; PARP inhibitors; immunotherapy; next generation sequencing; ovarian cancer; precision medicine; targeted therapy.

Publication types

Review