Hereditary Breast & Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) Extended Panel

What is Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) extended panel test?

The Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) extended panel test is a comprehensive genetic test that analyzes multiple genes associated with an increased risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. It goes beyond BRCA1 and BRCA2 to include other high-, moderate-, and low-risk genes linked to cancer susceptibility.

Why consider Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) extended panel test?

Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) extended panel often preferred when there’s a strong family history of multiple cancers and BRCA testing was negative, but suspicion of hereditary cancer remains.

• To identify inherited genetic mutations that significantly increase cancer risk
• To inform personalized cancer prevention and screening strategies
• To guide treatment decisions, especially if the patient is already diagnosed (e.g., eligibility for PARP inhibitors)
• To enable cascade testing in family members who may also be at risk

Who should get tested for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) extended panel test?

This test is appropriate for:

• Individuals with a personal or family history of:
• Breast cancer (especially before age 50)
• Ovarian cancer (any age)
• Male breast cancer
• Pancreatic or prostate cancer (in combination with breast/ovarian history)
• Multiple related cancers in one person or family
• People from populations with higher mutation rates (e.g., Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry)
• Those with known familial mutations
• Patients diagnosed with cancer who are considering targeted therapies

More Information

OTHER NAMES: Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Panel, Comprehensive Breast/Ovarian Cancer Risk Panel, BRCA & Related Genes Panel, Multigene Hereditary Cancer Panel

Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) syndrome is an inherited genetic condition that significantly increases a person's risk of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer and in some cases, prostate, pancreatic, and male breast cancers. It is caused by mutations in certain genes — most commonly BRCA1 and BRCA2. These mutations are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern — meaning one copy of the mutated gene from either parent can cause the condition.