Listen as we discuss germline and somatic testing for patients with ovarian cancer.
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Since 2014, the widespread use of germline and somatic testing in gynecologic oncology has dramatically increased. The use of genetic testing can support actionable changes which may influence treatment decisions. Test results can inform risk for other malignancies and prompt preventive screenings for at-risk relatives. Despite an increasing awareness of the benefits of genetic testing, many patients are not receiving consistent or equitable testing.
CANCER BUZZ spoke to Melissa Frey, MD, MS, Assistant Professor, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, and Director, Genetics and Personalized Cancer Prevention Program, Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, New York, and Leigha Senter, MS, CGC, Professor, Clinical Internal Medicine, Associate Director, Division of Human Genetics, and Licensed Genetic Counselor, The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Listen as we discuss germline and somatic testing for patients with ovarian cancer.
Melissa Frey, MD, MS
Assistant Professor, Division of Gynecologic Oncology
Director, Genetics and Personalized Cancer Prevention Program
Weill Cornell Medicine
New York, New York
Leigha Senter, MS, CGC
Professor, Clinical Internal Medicine
Associate Director, Division of Human Genetics
Licensed Genetic Counselor
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio
“Ovarian cancer is probably one of the most exciting examples of the way genetics and genomics can inform treatment, and also improve patient care, and patient outcomes.” - Melissa Frey, MD, MS
“While we are putting a lot of effort into making sure patients get the testing they need, we also need to have a support web in place for their family members too. And that is actually a service to our patients.” - Leigha Senter, MS, CGC
This project is supported by AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline.
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s)/faculty member(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer(s) or the Association of Cancer Care Centers.
July 8, 2026
June 30, 2026
At the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting, the Louisiana Oncology Society received the ASCO Jeffrey C Ward Affiliate Advocacy Award for advancing critical advocacy priorities that have translated into meaningful legislative victories. The Iowa Oncology Society and Washington State Medical Oncology Society were also recognized for their advocacy efforts in 2025 at the meeting, receiving second place awards.
