STK11: Options for Cancer Treatment
Medical Decisions for People with an Inherited Mutation Diagnosed with Cancer
There are no specific guidelines for treating cancer in people with . Treatment options depend on the type and of cancer. To learn more about standard of care treatment options for specific types of cancer, visit our section on Cancer Treatment by Cancer Type.
What are the surgical considerations for people with an mutation who are diagnosed with breast cancer?
People with an mutation and have an increased risk for a second breast cancer diagnosis. Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer who test positive for an mutation may choose mastectomy rather than and radiation. Mutation carriers who undergo mastectomy are less likely to develop a second breast cancer.
Are there targeted therapies for treating cancer in people with an mutation?
Currently there are no FDA-approved targeted therapies or guidelines developed specifically for treating cancer in people with an mutation, however, there are research studies looking at treatments that may work well for people with acquired (somatic) or inherited () mutations.
People with a cancer diagnosis and an inherited mutation may benefit from testing and may qualify for clinical trials looking for more effective treatments for cancer.