Physician knowledge, use, and perceptions of genetic biomarker testing for the management of patients with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer: an international physician survey

Aims: To explore physician-reported knowledge, use, and perceptions of genetic testing for advanced ovarian cancer management. Materials & methods: Gynecology/oncology specialists (n = 390) in the US, Europe, Canada, Japan, and Australia completed an online survey spanning March 2021 to April 2022. Results: Physician-reported breast cancer gene mutation (BRCAm) testing rates increased over the 2 years before the survey; most patients underwent testing in the preceding 6 months. Homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) genomic instability testing rates and physicians’ confidence interpreting results remained relatively low. Genetic testing was driven by the associated treatment implications of the findings. Poor performance status, inadequate tissue, and patients’ willingness to undergo testing were reported barriers to testing. Conclusions: Findings indicate that there is a need to improve both access to and information about HRD testing.