The Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets (IMPACT) gene profiling assay is a diagnostic test devised by MSK to identify a variety of gene mutations (biomarkers) found in a variety of cancers. It was granted FDA approval last month. By identifying the mutations present in a tumor, clinicians can better treat a patient’s cancer for their exact tumor type. The IMPACT test works by comparing tumor tissue to normal tissue or cells to detect changes in the genetic makeup of the tumor that can direct treatment options.

In a recent Newsweek article about prevention and breast cancer concerns for men, MSK’s Dr. Alexandra Heerdt stated that men and women share some of the same risk factors for breast cancer, notably age and genetic mutations. In addition, Dr. Heerdt shared that breast cancer signs are the same for both genders. Common warning signs include: unusual mass, nipple discharge, and changes in the skin.

In an interview with OncLive at the 2017 State of the Science SummitTM on Treatment Options in Ovarian Cancer, Dr. Dmitriy Zamarin from MSK addressed the future potential of deploying combinations of immunotherapy treatments for gynecologic cancers. Read the full interview here.