Usefulness of Retrospective Analysis of BART Eligibility

ABSTRACT

In 2006 Myriad Genetic Laboratories, Inc. introduced BRACAnalysis Large Rearrangement Test (BART) to detect additional large genomic rearrangements in BRCA1 and BRCA2, which went undetected by Comprehensive BRACAnalysis. We retrospectively identified all patients within our community oncology practice that underwent Comprehensive BRACAnalysis testing from 2002 through 2006 and evaluated each of the 37 negative patients for BART eligibility to identify potential candidates for the additional testing. Two patients met published criteria, of which one was deceased and the other is considering BART testing. Overall, retrospective systematic review to identify patients eligible to undergo BART testing who have previously tested negative by BRACAnalysis will have a very low yield. We recommend patients with prior negative Comprehensive BRACAnalysis be evaluated for BART eligibility as they are seen in clinic for follow-up and offered the additional testing at that time if clinically appropriate.