The Keio HBOC Center: A Model of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Management
The management of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) in Japan has changed drastically with the expansion of indications for poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors, the increase in diagnostic opportunities with the spread of companion diagnoses, and partial insurance coverage of HBOC management. These circumstances require a response that is coordinated across the entire hospital rather than from individual departments. In April 2021, we established the HBOC Center, which is operated by nine departments: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproduction, Surgery (breast group, hepato-pancreato-biliary group), Urology, Dermatology, Neuropsychiatry, the Center for Medical Genetics, and the Cancer Center. In addition to discussions of individual cases, our monthly conferences have enabled us to establish indication criteria and appropriate items for surveillance, visualize the examination flow in the hospital, construct a patient database, and provide open lectures to educate the public. The future HBOC management system should not only fulfill the existing requirements for risk-reducing surgery and facility standards but also offer comprehensive and diversified attention based on the needs of patients and their family members.