Update to NCCN Genetic Risk Assessment Recommendations

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) reviewed two important resources to help cancer care professionals and other stakeholders stay informed about research on genetic and familial cancer risk assessment.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®), an alliance of leading oncology institutions dedicated to developing and maintaining evidence-based patient care guidelines based on expert consensus, announced the publication of an expanded version of the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology for those Assessing high genetic/familial risk for breast, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancer.

The update was published shortly after the release of the corresponding NCCN® guidance for assessment of genetic and familial risk of colorectal, endometrial and gastric cancer. In both cases, new cancer types were added to the title and content. The updates take into account the growing use of genetic testing in cancer prevention, screening and treatment.

“These expanded recommendations reflect recommendations from leading genetic testing experts based on the latest scientific research across the cancer spectrum, combined into two practical resources,” said Crystal S. Denlinger, executive director of NCCN. “This information necessary for shared decision making between healthcare professionals and their patients

, improve screening practices as needed and potentially target specific prevention and treatment options. Genetic testing recommendations allow us to better care for people with cancer and their families.”

Recommendations for assessing genetic cancer risk

NCCN recommendations include information about when genetic testing is recommended and what types of tests may be most appropriate. They detail which inherited diseases and genetic mutations are associated with an increased risk of cancer, and include monitoring of what people with these diseases should do. Next steps may include instructions to increase screening or even preventive surgeries or other interventions.

– Breast, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancer

“NCCN has played a critical role in this area by establishing guideline development groups that specifically address the genetics of major cancers and developing evidence-based recommendations to help providers offer the best evidence-based care to their patients,” Mary said. B. Daly, chair of the NCCN Guideline Development Group for Assessing Increased Genetic Risk for Breast, Ovarian, Pancreatic, and Prostate Cancers. “Updates include spectrum of genes associated with genetic syndromes

the range of risk associated with each pathogenic variant, improvements in screening and prevention strategies, the role of genetic data in informing cancer treatment, and the expanding role of genetic counseling as the field matures.”

– Colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer and stomach cancer

“The recently updated NCCN Guidelines for Assessing Increased Genetic and Familial Risk for Colorectal, Endometrial, and Gastric Cancers incorporate the latest published research and the opinions of more than 30 experts on the care of people at risk for hereditary cancers.” emphasized Samir Gupta, chairman of the expert group for this guide. “For the first time we present Improved guidelines for risk assessment of endometrial and gastric cancer

including: 1) new recommendations to consider hereditary cancer screening for all individuals newly diagnosed with endometrial cancer; 2) new recommendations for assessing and managing the risk of gene-associated gastric cancer CDH1; 3) discontinuation of intensive colorectal cancer screening in individuals with pathogenic CHEK2 variants; and 4) improved recommendations for managing the risk of gastric cancer in patients with pathogenic variants in armored personnel carrier“

The NCCN guidelines are the recognized standard for clinical and policy recommendations in cancer care and the most frequently updated clinical practice guidelines available in any area of ​​medicine. There are 88 topic guides supported by more than 1,900 subject matter experts from 33 NCCN member organizations. Panels may also include primary care physicians and patient advocates. NCCN Guidelines are available free for non-commercial use at NCCN.org or through the NCCN Guidelines® Virtual Library app.

Guides are available at:

Genetic/familial high risk assessment: breast, ovarian, pancreas and prostate. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/guidelines-detail?category=2&id=1545

Genetic/familial assessment for high risk: colorectal, endometrial and gastric. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/guidelines-detail?category=2&id=1544

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