The new Tumor-First workflow for genetic diagnosis of ovarian cancer is aimed at effectively and efficiently detecting women with a hereditary predisposition to this tumor.

The Tumor-First workflow means that the tumor DNA of patients with ovarian cancer is examined at diagnosis for the presence of pathogenic variants of i.a. the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Only women with an abnormal result of this tumor DNA test are eligible for DNA testing of blood cells to detect a hereditary predisposition. The tumor DNA test also provides information about the effectiveness of additional treatment with PARP inhibitors.

The Tumor-First workflow saves time and healthcare costs. This workflow is currently being implemented nationally in the Netherlands. By implementing this workflow nationally, a hereditary predisposition can be detected in more women with ovarian cancer, which may have consequences for their treatment.