Hereditary Cancer Panel (HCP)

What Is the Hereditary Cancer Panel (HCP)?

The Hereditary Cancer Panel (HCP) is an advanced genetic screening test that evaluates a broad range of genes linked to hereditary cancer syndromes. The panel includes clinically significant genes involved in DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, tumor suppression, and cancer susceptibility, such as BRCA1, BRCA2, TP53, APC, PTEN, ATM, CHEK2, PALB2, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and many others.

Inherited mutations in these genes can increase the lifetime risk of developing various cancers, including breast, ovarian, colorectal, prostate, pancreatic, gastric, thyroid, kidney, skin, and other cancer types. The test helps determine whether an individual carries genetic changes that may be passed down through families.

What Does the Test Analyze?

This panel examines approximately 107 genes associated with hereditary cancer predisposition. These genes are involved in critical biological processes such as:

• DNA damage detection and repair
• Tumor suppression
• Cell growth and division regulation
• Hereditary cancer syndrome pathways
• Genomic stability maintenance

The test identifies pathogenic or likely pathogenic genetic variants that may increase cancer susceptibility and provides valuable information for personalized healthcare planning.

Genes Included in the Hereditary Cancer Panel (HCP)

• Breast, Ovarian, and Related Hereditary Cancer Genes: ATM, BARD1, BRCA1, BRCA2, BRIP1, CHEK2, PALB2, PTEN, RAD51C, RAD51D, TP53, CDH1.
• Lynch Syndrome and DNA Mismatch Repair Genes: EPCAM, MLH1, MLH3, MSH2, MSH3, MSH6, PMS1, PMS2, TGFBR2.
• Colorectal Cancer and Polyposis Syndrome Genes: APC, BMPR1A, MUTYH, SMAD4, STK11.
• DNA Repair and Genomic Stability Genes: ATM, BLM, BRCA1, BRCA2, BRIP1, CHEK2, DDB2, ERCC2, ERCC3, ERCC4, ERCC5, FANCA, FANCB, FANCC, FANCD2, FANCE, FANCF, FANCG, FANCI, FANCL, FANCM, MRE11A, NBN, PALB2, RAD50, RAD51C, RAD51D, RECQL4, SLX4, WRN, XPA, XPC.
• Endocrine Tumor and Neuroendocrine Cancer Genes: AIP, CDC73, MAX, MEN1, PHOX2B, PRKAR1A, RET, SDHAF2, SDHB, SDHC, SDHD, TMEM127.
• Kidney Cancer Predisposition Genes: BAP1, FH, FLCN, MET, PTEN, TSC1, TSC2, VHL.
• Melanoma and Skin Cancer Susceptibility Genes: BAP1, CDK4, CDKN2A, DDB2, PTCH1, RHBDF2, SUFU, TP53, XPA, XPC.
• Brain, Nerve, and Central Nervous System Tumor Genes: NF1, NF2, PTCH1, SMARCB1, SUFU, TSC1, TSC2.
• Prostate Cancer Susceptibility Genes: AR, ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, ELAC2, MSR1, MXI1, PALB2, RNASEL, TP53.
• Hematological Cancer Predisposition Genes: CEBPA, GATA2, PRF1, RUNX1, SBDS, TP53.
• Pediatric Cancer and Developmental Tumor Genes: BUB1B, CEP57, DICER1, DIS3L2, GPC3, NSD1, RB1, RECQL4, WT1.
• Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Genes: EXT1, EXT2, RECQL4, SBDS.
• Tumor Suppressor Genes: APC, BAP1, CDH1, CDKN2A, FH, NF1, NF2, PTEN, RB1, SMAD4, STK11, TP53, TSC1, TSC2, VHL.
• Cell Growth Signaling and Oncogene-Associated Genes: ALK, EGFR, HRAS, KIT, MET, RET.
• Other Hereditary Cancer Susceptibility Genes: CD82, CDKN1C, CYLD, ENG, EZH2, SMARCB1.

Who Should Consider This Test?

The Hereditary Cancer Panel (HCP) may be recommended for individuals who:

• Have a personal history of cancer diagnosed at a young age
• Have multiple primary cancers or rare cancer types
• Have a family history of breast, ovarian, colorectal, prostate, pancreatic, or other hereditary cancers
• Have relatives with known cancer-associated genetic mutations
• Belong to families with suspected hereditary cancer syndromes
• Seek to understand their inherited cancer risk for preventive health planning

A healthcare provider or genetic counselor can help determine whether this test is appropriate based on personal and family medical history.

What Are the Benefits of This Test?

The Hereditary Cancer Panel (HCP) offers several important benefits:

• Identifies inherited genetic variants associated with increased cancer risk
• Supports personalized cancer screening and surveillance strategies
• Helps guide preventive and risk-reducing healthcare decisions
• Assists healthcare providers in treatment planning for certain cancers
• Provides valuable information for family members who may also be at risk
• Enables earlier detection and intervention when appropriate

Why Is Early Genetic Risk Identification Important?

Many hereditary cancer syndromes may not cause symptoms until cancer develops. Identifying genetic risk factors before disease onset allows individuals and healthcare providers to implement appropriate monitoring, lifestyle modifications, preventive measures, and screening protocols. Early risk assessment can contribute to timely detection and improved clinical outcomes for individuals and their families.