The role of the breast cancer surgeon in personalized cancer care: clinical utility of the 21-gene assay

BackgroundBreast cancer surgeons represent the first line of defense for many patients battling this disease. They often have the first contact to discuss treatment options with the patient after diagnosis. However, the potential impact of this consultation has evolved with the arrival of commercialized multigene prognostic and predictive tests that continue to reshape the landscape of breast cancer management, including modern surgical practice.MethodThis review was compiled from peer-reviewed literature indexed in PubMed.ConclusionsThe advent of genomic analysis has advanced the treatment and management of breast cancer toward the goal of personalized care. Therefore, the role of the surgeon now extends beyond extirpation of the tumor and includes an understanding of the biology of the disease as well as an appreciation of this new technology. Breast cancer surgeons should seize this opportunity to provide patients and colleagues with this information in an expeditious manner to optimize clinical outcomes.