1) BRCA status is important for treatment planning in breast cancer patients. Those with BRCA1/2 mutations have increased risk of contralateral breast cancer and benefit more from risk-reducing bilateral mastectomies.
2) Patients with BRCA mutations, especially BRCA1, have better responses to platinum-based chemotherapy compared to non-carriers. Platinum drugs may be a better option for these patients.
3) Testing for a wide panel of hereditary cancer genes is now possible using new sequencing technologies, which may help guide more personalized treatment decisions.