Cancer types · Common solid tumours
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer includes several distinct histological types, of which high-grade serous carcinoma is the most common. Fallopian-tube and primary peritoneal cancers are often discussed together with it.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 status and homologous-recombination deficiency (HRD) are central molecular questions, and many guidelines recommend offering germline testing to people diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer.
Clinical and molecular questions that often arise
- What is the histological type and stage?
- What are the germline and tumour BRCA results, and was HRD assessed?
- What does the CA-125 trend show alongside imaging?
- Are relatives potentially affected by a hereditary finding?
Information that may be part of an individual assessment
- Imaging and CA-125.
- Histopathology confirming histotype.
- Germline testing and tumour BRCA or HRD testing where indicated.
- Other biomarkers in selected settings, such as folate receptor alpha.
Which investigations are appropriate is decided by the treating team for each person.
Molecular profiling and biomarker interpretation
Depending on the setting, molecular and biomarker questions in ovarian cancer may involve:
- Germline and somatic BRCA1 and BRCA2
- Homologous-recombination deficiency (HRD) status
- CA-125 trends
- Folate receptor alpha expression in selected settings
- MMR or MSI status in some histotypes
Biomarkers, panels and available tests vary by subtype, disease setting, assay and guideline version. A detected alteration is not automatically actionable.
How KPCIRC pathways may apply
POAS
POAS may help interpret tumour reports, including BRCA and HRD findings, and set out how evidence differs between germline and somatic results and across disease settings.
Molecular Tumour Board
MTB review may help where histotype is uncertain, where results conflict, or where recurrence raises questions about further testing or trials.
Second opinion and progression review
A second opinion may be considered around surgical or systemic-treatment planning. Progression review can organise platinum sensitivity history and new findings.
Hereditary risk and screening
Inherited variants in BRCA1, BRCA2, RAD51C, RAD51D, BRIP1 and Lynch-syndrome genes are associated with ovarian cancer. A finding can have significant implications for relatives. There is currently no proven population screening test for ovarian cancer, so risk assessment and counselling are particularly important for families.
How to access the relevant pathway
Patients and families
- Talk to your treating oncologist about whether an additional review may help.
- Request a consultation and tell us which question you want answered.
- Share records only when asked, through the secure route.
Referring doctors
- Define the clinical question and the pathway: POAS, MTB, second opinion or progression review.
- Start a case enquiry without patient identifiers.
- Scope, fees and timing are confirmed before any review proceeds.
Questions and limitations
What is the difference between germline and tumour BRCA testing?
Germline testing looks for inherited variants present in every cell; tumour testing looks at the cancer itself and can find both inherited and acquired changes. Both can matter, in different ways.
Is there a screening test for ovarian cancer?
No screening test has been shown to be reliable for the general population. People with a known inherited risk should discuss options with a qualified clinician.
Does this page apply to my situation?
This page is educational. It explains common questions but cannot account for individual circumstances. Your treating clinician is best placed to interpret your reports and plan your care.
Educational content reviewed against the KPCIRC service scope. It is not a diagnosis, a treatment recommendation or a statement that a specialist or service is available for this cancer type.