The Presence of a BRCA Mutation in Patients with Breast Cancer

Penny Daugherty, RN, MS, OCN, Southeastern Gynecologic Oncology, comments on the presence of a BRCA mutation in her patients.

Clinical Pearls

While a BRCA mutation used to be considered a negative prognostic factor in patients with breast cancer, it can now be considered a good thing, Daugherty says. Patients with the BRCA mutation are more amenable to platinum therapy and are eligible for PARP trials. It remains important for nurses and doctors to inform patients about new knowledge concerning BRCA.

• While the presence of a BRCA mutation used to be considered negative, it can now be considered positive, Daugherty says
• Patients with BRCA mutations are more amenable to platinum therapy and are eligible for PARP trials