Mayo Clinic Laboratories > Oncology > Hereditary

Hereditary cancer

Individualized insights to guide personalized care

Our hereditary cancer panels, developed by Mayo Clinic oncologists and backed by genetic counselors, utilize next- generation sequencing to evaluate dozens of genes associated with cancer risk. Test results, analyzed by Mayo Clinic experts, enable precision insights for individuals identified with hereditary cancer syndromes and those who are not.

Our hereditary cancer panels provide family members with a deeper understanding of their risk for developing certain types of cancer, which can be helpful in planning for the future. Our comprehensive germline cancer analyses complement our somatic offerings, allowing for streamlined cancer evaluations in one laboratory.

1 in 8

1 in 8 patients have a germline variant1

50+

50+ hereditary cancer syndromes have been described2

33%

33% of patients identified to have germline variants benefit from TAILORED cancer treatment3

Comprehensive panels Comprehensive panels
Comprehensive panels

Our expanded and common cancer panels assess dozens of genes with known associations for a variety of cancers, including breast, colorectal, gastric, ovarian, pancreatic, and more. Results from our evaluations can help identify patients at risk for hereditary cancer syndromes.

Custom gene ordering Custom gene ordering
Custom gene ordering

In instances when our established test offerings do not meet your patients’ needs, custom gene ordering is available to explore potential genetic causes for a patient’s phenotype or to characterize a specific finding. Custom gene ordering may be used to create a unique panel, add or remove genes from established panels, or order a single gene. Our tailored approach to testing helps ensure patients receive the right test. In addition, genetic counselors are available to consult on testing appropriateness.

Disease-specific panels Disease-specific panels
Disease-specific panels

Featuring more than 10 focused hereditary cancer panels, our test menu covers the spectrum of specialties and uses next-generation sequencing to detect germline variations associated with an increased cancer risk.

Familial studies Familial studies
Familial studies

We offer familial testing for specific conditions when a genetic variant of interest has been previously identified in an individual and follow-up testing for the specific variant in  family members is desired. Our genetic counselors can provide additional details about the importance of testing a family member for the known variant and their level of risk.

Genetic counselors Genetic counselors
Genetic counselors

Our genetic experts continuously expand their understanding of genetic discoveries. Laboratory genetic counselors can help guide test ordering and provide interpretive results reporting.

Single-gene assays Single-gene assays
Single-gene assays

Our single-gene evaluations include targeted analysis of genes associated with hereditary cancer syndromes.

News and updates

The latest

Optimizing Cancer Care: ASCO Guidelines for Germline Genetic Testing

Register now – Dec. 12, 2024 PACE / State of FL This webinar will delve into the latest ASCO guidelines for selection of germline genetic testing panels for cancer patients. Key topics include the importance of taking and recording a detailed family and personal history, selecting the appropriate genes for testing, and determining when and to whom germline testing should be offered. The session will also address the practical implications of the ASCO guidelines, such as balancing the potential benefits of broader gene panel testing with the risks associated with uncertain results. Additionally, participants will gain insights into the specific technical challenges associated with germline genetic testing in cancer care and risk management.

Learn more
Hereditary Oncology Testing [Test in Focus]

Wei Shen, Ph.D., explains Mayo Clinic Laboratories' new expert-backed, hereditary oncology panels, which use next-generation sequencing to identify genetic mutations linked to increased cancer risk. By only including clinically significant genes, the panels provide clarity on diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment approaches.

Hereditary oncology: Molecular testing for solid tumors

In this episode of Lab Medicine Rounds, Sounak Gupta, M.B.B.S., Ph.D., assistant professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, discusses hereditary oncology and the importance of performing molecular testing of solid tumors.

References
  1. The genetics of cancer. The National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics. Updated August 17, 2022. Accessed July 10, 2023
  2. Samadder NJ, et. al. Comparison of universal genetic testing vs guideline-directed targeted testing for patients with hereditary cancer syndrome. JAMA Oncol. 2021 Feb 1;7(2):230-237. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2020.6252. Erratum in: JAMA Oncol. 2021 Feb 1;7(2):312. PMID: 33126242; PMCID: PMC7600058.
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