HRD Guidelines

Timely, affordable, and equitable access to novel therapies is one of Ovarian Cancer Australia’s advocacy priorities. The landscape of ovarian cancer in Australia is evolving, including the growing role of personalised medicine.

With the introduction of funded HRD testing in Australia (a test that requires more tissue than somatic BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing); and the growing need for engagement with translational research programs to match identified mutations with a targeted trial; we identified a role for consensus guidelines around what optimal care might look like when considering adequate upfront tissue collection for newly diagnosed, advanced ovarian cancer patients.

With the support of Astra Zeneca and GSK, an advisory group was established to consider this issue. We are so thankful to the advisory group members for giving their time and expertise in the development of these guidelines, and also the number of fellow organisations outlined in the guidelines below who supported and endorsed the project and are assisting in dissemination.

The purpose and scope of the guidelines are to ensure equity of access and consistency in the rapidly changing area of molecular tumour testing in ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancers.

These guidelines are focused on the upfront setting, with newly diagnosed advanced, high grade serous ovarian cancer patients, aiming to answer questions such as who should have their tumour tested, when should testing occur, and what constitutes adequate tumour tissue collection.

The target audience for these guidelines are all members of the multidisciplinary team involved in the diagnosis and treatment planning of newly diagnosed, advanced ovarian cancer patients.

Please see below a link to the guidelines document, as well as an accompanying webinar to support the guidelines release.