Whole Exome Sequencing: The Next Phase of Genetics Care

Exome sequencing is a technique for sequencing all of the genes that code for functioning proteins in the genome. It is now being used to identify mutations in families with suspected hereditary cancer syndromes where single-gene testing or testing for a panel of genes has not been able to detect a mutation. Oncology nurses need to anticipate that more patients and families will be undergoing this testing and be prepared to explain basic concepts about this new technology.