Choices for Young Women at Intermediate Risk of Breast Cancer

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Choices for Young Women at Intermediate Risk of Breast Cancer Curr Oncol, Vol. 19, pp. e112-114; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3747/co.19.925 CHOICESGUEST IN INTERMEDIATE-RISK BREASTEDITORIAL CANCER Choices for young women at intermediate risk of breast cancer J. Iqbal MD* and S.A. Narod MD* Women with an inherited mutation in BRCA1 or node-positive or larger than 2 cm in size. Duffy and BRCA2 have a lifetime risk of breast cancer that ap- colleagues estimated that, at 10 years, the breast- proaches 80% 1–3. At that level of risk, many women cancer-specific mortality was lower by 20% in the will entertain prevention options that are drastic (for experimental cohort than in the control subjects example, preventive mastectomy) or expensive (for (relative risk: 0.80; 95% confidence interval: 0.66 to example, a lifetime of annual screening by magnetic 0.96; p = 0.02). Even if the difference in the mortality resonance imaging). But what of women at interme- rate was in fact attributable to screening (and not to diate levels of risk ... 10%–25%, say? treatment differences), a 20% lowering of mortality The latter group of women includes those with a is modest, and other options must be entertained. strong family history of breast cancer but no BRCA In favour of the program, almost all women mutation 4, those with a mutation in CHEK2 5,6, those offered mammography were compliant with the in the highest category of mammographic density 7, recommendation. How does their compliance com- and those with a past history of lobular carcinoma pare with compliance to tamoxifen? Two large tri- in situ or atypical hyperplasia 8,9. At this level of als—National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel risk, surgical prevention is chosen by few. Dietary Project P-1 and IBIS-I (International Breast Cancer modification and exercise have not been shown to Intervention Study)—demonstrated a reduction be very helpful in premenopausal women. In 2012 of up to 43% in the incidence of breast cancer in (as in 2001), options come down to tamoxifen and high-risk women (most being women who did not mammography. Currently, tamoxifen is the sole drug carry a BRCA mutation) 13,14. The protective effect approved for chemoprevention in premenopausal of tamoxifen appeared to extend beyond the 5-year women (raloxifene and aromatase inhibitors are to period of active treatment. be avoided in ovulating women), and mammography Despite the established benefit of tamoxifen remains the cornerstone of screening. in the prevention of breast cancer, only a small In the United Kingdom, the Family History proportion of eligible women take that option 15. In Study was undertaken to estimate how much life our cohort of established BRCA carriers, fewer than expectancy might reasonably be gained by an offer of 5% under the age of 50 opted for tamoxifen chemo- annual mammography to women at moderate risk 10. prevention 16. Fear of side effects seems to be the Annual mammography was offered for 4 years to major deterrent 17,18. However, data from tamoxifen 6710 women with a family history of breast cancer prevention trials suggest that serious adverse events who were younger than 50 years of age, but who were (endometrial cancer and venous thromboembolism) negative for both BRCA mutations. Their mortality are rare in women younger than 50 19. The risks fall experience was compared with that of two historical off rapidly after the active phase of treatment. Side cohorts 11,12. During the study, 96 invasive cancers effects in women younger than 50 are generally be- were found, and the sensitivity of mammographic nign—notably, hot flashes, vaginal discharge, and screening was 72% for invasive cancers. Compared irregular vaginal bleeding 20—and don’t significantly with women in the control cohorts who developed affect quality of life 21,22. invasive breast cancer, women who received an an- Perhaps a combination of mammography and nual mammogram had smaller tumors (<2 cm: 70% tamoxifen is best. Tamoxifen causes a significant vs. 55%, p = 0.0094) that were more likely to be reduction in breast tissue density in young women, node-negative (68% vs. 53%, p = 0.0083) and grade I thereby increasing the sensitivity of mammogra- or II (54% vs. 51%, p = 0.0072). Nevertheless, 32% phy 23,24. In a subset of patients in the Breast Cancer of the cancers in the mammography cohort were Prevention Trial, chemoprevention with tamoxifen CURRENT ONCOLOGY—VOLUME 19, NUMBER 3, JUNE 2012 e112 Copyright © 2012 Multimed Inc. Following publication in Current Oncology, the full text of each article is available immediately and archived in PubMed Central (PMC). IQBAL and NAROD (compared with placebo) resulted in a 44.4% reduc- 11. Moss S, Waller M, Anderson TJ, Cuckle H on behalf of the tion in mammographic density (15.2%, p = 0.01) 25. Trial Management Group. Randomised controlled trial of Also, a reduction in breast density appears to be a mammographic screening in women from age 40: predicted good surrogate marker for a reduction in cancer risk: mortality based on surrogate outcome measures. Br J Cancer the IBIS-I study 26 observed a reduction of 63% in the 2005;92:955–60. risk of breast cancer incidence in women who expe- 12. Brekelmans CT, Tilanus–Linthorst MM, Seynaeve C, et al. rienced a 10% or greater decline in mammographic Tumour characteristics, survival and prognostic factors of her- density with tamoxifen. editary breast cancer from BRCA2-, BRCA1- and non-BRCA1/2 Given the foregoing observations, the combina- families as compared to sporadic breast cancer cases. Eur J tion of tamoxifen with mammographic surveillance Cancer 2007;43:867–76. seems to us to be a much better option than relying 13. Fisher B, Costantino JP, Wickerham DL, et al. Tamoxifen for on mammography alone. If a 40% reduction in can- the prevention of breast cancer: current status of the National cer incidence with tamoxifen is coupled with a 20% Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project P-1 study. J Natl reduction in mortality from screening, perhaps a Cancer Inst 2005;97:1652–62. halving of the mortality rate is within reach. 14. Cuzick J, Forbes JF, Sestak I, et al. Long-term results of tamoxifen prophylaxis for breast cancer—96-month CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURES follow-up of the randomized IBIS-I trial. J Natl Cancer Inst 2007;99:272–82. The authors have no financial conflicts of interest 15. Kaplan CP, Haas JS, Pérez–Stable EJ, et al. Breast cancer to declare. risk reduction options: awareness, discussion, and use among women from four ethnic groups. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers REFERENCES Prev 2006;15:162–6. 16. Metcalfe KA, Birenbaum–Carmeli D, Lubinski J, et al. 1. Antoniou A, Pharoah PD, Narod S, et al. Average risks of breast International variation in rates of uptake of preventive op- and ovarian cancer associated with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations tions in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers. Int J Cancer detected in case series unselected for family history: a combined 2008;122:2017–22. analysis of 22 studies. Am J Hum Genet 2003;72:1117–30. 17. Yeomans–Kinney A, Vernon SW, Frankowski RF, Weber DM, 2. Claus EB, Schildkraut JM, Thompson WD, Risch NJ. The Bitsura JM, Vogel VG. Factors related to enrollment in the genetic attributable risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Cancer breast cancer prevention trial at a comprehensive cancer center 1996;77:2318–24. during the first year of recruitment.Cancer 1995;76:46–56. 3. Ford D, Easton DF, Stratton M, et al. Genetic heterogeneity and 18. Taylor R, Taguchi K. Tamoxifen for breast cancer chemo- penetrance analysis of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in breast prevention: low uptake by high-risk women after evaluation cancer families. The Breast Cancer Linkage Consortium. Am of a breast lump. Ann Fam Med 2005;3:242–7. J Hum Genet 1998;62:676–89. 19. Iqbal J, Ginsburg OM, Wijeratne TD, et al. Endometrial cancer 4. Metcalfe KA, Finch A, Poll A, et al. Breast cancer risks in and venous thromboembolism in women under age 50 who take women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer who tamoxifen for prevention of breast cancer: a systematic review. have tested negative for a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Br J Cancer Treat Rev 2012;38:318–28. Cancer 2009;100:421–5. 20. Chalas E, Costantino JP, Wickerham DL, et al. Benign gyne- 5. Bell DW, Varley JM, Szydlo TE, et al. Heterozygous germ cologic conditions among participants in the Breast Cancer line hCHK2 mutations in Li–Fraumeni syndrome. Science Prevention Trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2005;192:1230–7. 1999;286:2528–31. 21. Day R on behalf of the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and 6. Schmidt MK, Tollenaar RA, de Kemp SR, et al. Breast cancer Bowel Project P-1 study (NSABP-1). Quality of life and tamoxi- survival and tumor characteristics in premenopausal women fen in a breast cancer prevention trial: a summary of findings carrying the CHEK2*1100delC germline mutation. J Clin from the NSABP P-1 study. National Surgical Adjuvant Breast Oncol 2007;25:64–9. and Bowel Project. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2001;949:143–50. 7. Boyd NF, Guo H, Martin LJ, et al. Mammographic density 22. Fallowfield L, Fleissig A, Edwards R,et al. Tamoxifen for the and the risk and detection of breast cancer. N Engl J Med prevention of breast cancer: psychosocial impact on women 2007;356:227–36. participating in two randomized controlled trials. J Clin Oncol 8. Dupont WD, Page DL. Risk factors for breast cancer in women 2001;19:1885–92. with proliferative breast disease. N Engl J Med 1985;312:146–51.
Recommended publications
  • Understanding Hereditary Breast & Ovarian Cancer
    Understanding Hereditary Breast & Ovarian Cancer – the BRCA genes understanding hereditary breast & ovarian cancer – the brca genes 3 Contents Introduction Introduction ___________________________________________________________ 3 The purpose of this booklet is to review the information How are cancer & genes related? _________________________________________ 4 about hereditary breast and ovarian cancer as discussed in What is known about hereditary cancer? ___________________________________ 5 a genetic counselling session. You may also wish to use this Is my family at risk? _____________________________________________________ 6 booklet to help you share information with other family members. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes _____________________________________________ 7 What happens if there is a mutation in a BRCA gene? _________________________ 7 This booklet was prepared by staff of the Hereditary Cancer What happens if a person inherits a BRCA gene mutation? ____________________ 8 Program, based on information that was current at the time What are the risks for the children of a BRCA gene mutation carrier? ___________ 9 of printing. What is the risk of cancer for a BRCA gene mutation carrier? __________________10 What is genetic testing? _________________________________________________ 11 Words that may be new to you are highlighted and are Who can have BRCA genetic testing? ______________________________________ 11 defined in the Glossary on page 28. How is BRCA genetic testing done? ________________________________________12 Results
    [Show full text]
  • BRCA in Gastrointestinal Cancers: Current Treatments and Future Perspectives
    cancers Review BRCA in Gastrointestinal Cancers: Current Treatments and Future Perspectives Eleonora Molinaro, Kalliopi Andrikou, Andrea Casadei-Gardini * and Giulia Rovesti Department of Oncology and Hematology, Division of Oncology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy; [email protected] (E.M.); [email protected] (K.A.); [email protected] (G.R.) * Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 10 October 2020; Accepted: 11 November 2020; Published: 12 November 2020 Simple Summary: BRCA gene mutations are progressively gaining more attention in the context of gastrointestinal malignancies, especially in pancreatic cancer where their identification can have both therapeutic and surveillance relevance. Abstract: A strong association between pancreatic cancer and BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations is documented. Based on promising results of breast and ovarian cancers, several clinical trials with poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) are ongoing for gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies, especially for pancreatic cancer. Indeed, the POLO trial results provide promising and awaited changes for the pancreatic cancer therapeutic landscape. Contrariwise, for other gastrointestinal tumors, the rationale is currently only alleged. The role of BRCA mutation in gastrointestinal cancers is the subject of this review. In particular, we aim to provide the latest updates about novel therapeutic strategies that, exploiting DNA repair defects, promise to shape the future therapeutic scenario of GI cancers. Keywords: BRCA1; BRCA2; gastrointestinal cancers; HRD; pancreatic cancer; Olaparib; PARP inhibitors; surveillance 1. Introduction BRCA1 and BRCA2 are famous tumor susceptibility genes. They encode for proteins playing a crucial role in the correct repair of damaged DNA. Indeed, these genes are key components of the homologous recombination (HR) pathway [1].
    [Show full text]
  • Genetic Testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2: Information for Texas Health Care Professionals
    Genetic Testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2: Information for Texas Health Care Professionals How common are BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in the general population? Inherited mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are relatively uncommon in the general population. The carrier frequency is estimated to range from 1 in 300 to 1 in 800.1,3 Certain ethnic groups have been shown to have a higher carrier frequency (i.e., 1 in 40 for individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent). What percentage of breast and ovarian cancer cases are estimated to be caused by BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations? Five to 10 percent of all breast cancer cases and up to 14 percent of all ovarian cancer cases are thought to be caused by BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.1,2,3,4 Can BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations be inherited from either side of the family? Yes, either parent can pass along a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Therefore, it is important for clinicians to obtain a complete cancer history on both the maternal and the paternal sides of the family when assessing genetic risk.4 Which patients should I consider referring to a genetic counselor for risk assessment and to discuss the option of genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations? Most individuals do not have a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. While specific indications for genetic counseling and testing vary among professional organizations, certain aspects of your patient’s personal and/or family history may increase his or her likelihood of carrying a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. The indications below are to be used as a guide and are not a substitute for clinical judgment.
    [Show full text]
  • BRCA1 and BRCA2 in Men
    BRCA1 and BRCA2 in Men Everyone has BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These genes help repair damage to the DNA within cells. However, some individuals inherit a mutation in one of their BRCA genes, which increases their risk for certain cancers, including breast (female and male), ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancers, as well as melanoma. Those who test positive for a gene mutation have options available to lower and manage their cancer risks. Man can carry BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations and can be at increased risk for certain cancers. While cancer risks in male BRCA mutation carriers are not as dramatically elevated as those of female BRCA mutation carriers, cancer risk management and early detection are crucial. It is important for both men and women to remember that a family history of breast, ovarian, prostate or pancreatic cancers on their father’s side of the family may indicate a hereditary gene mutation. Many people mistakenly believe a family history of breast or ovarian cancer only matters on their mother’s side of the family. Men can inherit a BRCA gene mutation from their mother or father and can pass on their BRCA gene mutation to their male and female children. Medical management for men with BRCA1/2 mutations changes at age 35–40. Starting at age 35, male BRCA mutation carriers should begin yearly clinical breast exams with a physician. At age 40, prostate cancer screenings are recommended for BRCA2 carriers and considered for BRCA1 carriers. Men with a BRCA mutation and a family history of pancreatic cancer or melanoma should speak to a physician to develop a personalized screening plan for those cancers.
    [Show full text]
  • Genetic Risk Assessment and BRCA Mutation Testing for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility: Evidence Synthesis
    Evidence Synthesis Number 37 Genetic Risk Assessment and BRCA Mutation Testing for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility: Evidence Synthesis Prepared for: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 540 Gaither Road Rockville, MD 20850 www.ahrq.gov Contract No. 290-02-0024 Task Order No. 2 Technical Support of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Prepared by: Oregon Evidence-based Practice Center Portland, Oregon Investigators Heidi D. Nelson, MD, MPH Laurie Hoyt Huffman, MS Rongwei Fu, PhD Emily L. Harris, PhD, MPH Miranda Walker, BA Christina Bougatsos, BS September 2005 This report may be used, in whole or in part, as the basis of the development of clinical practice guidelines and other quality enhancement tools, or a basis for reimbursement and coverage policies. AHRQ or U.S. Department of Health and Human Services endorsement of such derivative products may not be stated or implied. AHRQ is the lead Federal agency charged with supporting research designed to improve the quality of health care, reduce its cost, address patient safety and medical errors, and broaden access to essential services. AHRQ sponsors and conducts research that provides evidence-based information on health care outcomes; quality; and cost, use, and access. The information helps health care decisionmakers—patients and clinicians, health system leaders, and policymakers—make more informed decisions and improve the quality of health care services. Preface The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) sponsors the development of Systematic Evidence Reviews (SERs) and Evidence Syntheses through its Evidence-based Practice Program. With guidance from the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • ACOG: Practice Bulletin for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer
    ACOG PRACTICE BULLETIN Clinical Management Guidelines for Obstetrician–Gynecologists NUMBER 182, SEPTEMBER 2017 (Replaces Practice Bulletin Number 103, April 2009) Committee on Practice Bulletins–Gynecology, Committee on Genetics, Society of Gynecologic Oncology. This Practice Bulletin was developed by the American College of Obstetrician and Gynecologists’ Committee on Practice Bulletins–Gynecology and Committee on Genetics in collaboration with Susan C. Modesitt, MD, and Karen Lu, MD, and by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology in collaboration with Lee-may Chen, MD, and C. Bethan Powell, MD. Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome is an inherited cancer-susceptibility syndrome characterized by mul- tiple family members with breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or both. Based on the contemporary understanding of the origins and management of ovarian cancer and for simplicity in this document, ovarian cancer also refers to fallopian tube cancer and primary peritoneal cancer. Clinical genetic testing for gene mutations allows more precise identifica- tion of those women who are at an increased risk of inherited breast cancer and ovarian cancer. For these individuals, screening and prevention strategies can be instituted to reduce their risks. Obstetrician–gynecologists play an impor- tant role in the identification and management of women with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. If an obstetrician–gynecologist or other gynecologic care provider does not have the necessary knowledge or expertise in cancer genetics to counsel a patient appropriately, referral to a genetic counselor, gynecologic or medical oncologist, or other genetics specialist should be considered (1). More genes are being discovered that impart varying risks of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and other types of cancer, and new technologies are being developed for genetic test- ing.
    [Show full text]
  • Insights Into Molecular Classifications of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Improving Patient Selection for Treatment
    Published OnlineFirst January 24, 2019; DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.CD-18-1177 REVIEW Insights into Molecular Classifications of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Improving Patient Selection for Treatment Ana C. Garrido-Castro1,2, Nancy U. Lin1,2, and Kornelia Polyak1,2 ABSTRACT Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains the most challenging breast cancer subtype to treat. To date, therapies directed to specific molecular targets have rarely achieved clinically meaningful improvements in outcomes of patients with TNBC, and chemo- therapy remains the standard of care. Here, we seek to review the most recent efforts to classify TNBC based on the comprehensive profiling of tumors for cellular composition and molecular features. Technologic advances allow for tumor characterization at ever-increasing depth, generating data that, if integrated with clinical–pathologic features, may help improve risk stratification of patients, guide treatment decisions and surveillance, and help identify new targets for drug development. Significance: TNBC is characterized by higher rates of relapse, greater metastatic potential, and shorter overall survival compared with other major breast cancer subtypes. The identification of biomarkers that can help guide treatment decisions in TNBC remains a clinically unmet need. Under- standing the mechanisms that drive resistance is key to the design of novel therapeutic strategies to help prevent the development of metastatic disease and, ultimately, to improve survival in this patient population. INTRODUCTION with TNBC, and chemotherapy remains the standard of care. Although many patients with early stages of TNBC are cured Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer with chemotherapy, in those who develop metastatic disease, and the second most common cause of cancer mortality in median overall survival (OS) with current treatment options women worldwide (1).
    [Show full text]
  • The BRCA Guide
    BRCA Guide: Navigating Your Journey A guide to BRCA mutations and their influence on cancer from beBRCAware beBRCAware @beBRCAware @beBRCAware WHAT IS BRCA? Everyone is born with BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Normally, these genes ensure that cancerous cells don’t grow and multiply. However, these genes can be mutated, causing their function to change. Mutated BRCA genes are less likely to have control over cancerous cells, leading to an increased risk of ovarian, breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancer. Ovarian cancer can be deadly among women and those with a BRCA mutation are at an increased risk of developing this disease. If you have a BRCA1 mutation, you have a 39% chance of developing ovarian cancer by age 70. If you have a BRCA2 mutation, you have an 11% chance of developing ovarian cancer by age 70. WHY GET TESTED? If you have cancer: If you do not have cancer: Knowing your BRCA status can help your health Knowing your BRCA status will let you know if care team plan potential treatment options, such as you have an increased risk for developing certain targeted therapy. It can also help inform others in cancers. From there, you and your doctor can then your family about their own cancer risk. Remember, decide to screen for cancer more frequently or take you can get tested at any time—even after your preventive action. Finding out that you have a BRCA initial diagnosis. mutation can also prompt other family members to get tested to see if they are at risk. Talk to your doctor about getting BRCA tested BRCA Guide: Navigating Your Journey 1 YOUR FAMILY COULD BE AT RISK Because BRCA mutations may be hereditary, they can be passed down to family members regardless of gender.
    [Show full text]
  • Endometrial Cancer Occurence Five Years After Breast Cancer in BRCA2 Mutation Patient
    Case Report Obstet Gynecol Sci 2015;58(2):175-178 http://dx.doi.org/10.5468/ogs.2015.58.2.175 pISSN 2287-8572 · eISSN 2287-8580 Endometrial cancer occurence five years after breast cancer in BRCA2 mutation patient Sang Eun Oh1, Soo Hyun Kim1, Mee Seon Kim2, Min Kyu Kim3 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul; Departments of 2Pathology and 3Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea We recently experienced a case of endometrial cancer 5 years after the diagnosis of breast cancer in a patient with a mutation in the BRCA2 gene. A 55-year-old Korean woman who had a past history of breast cancer in her 50s underwent an operation for endometrial cancer. Final pathology confirmed stage Ia, and no adjuvant treatment was performed. After surgery, considering her history of sequential cancer occurrence, genetic counseling was offered. The result showed the BRCA2 variation of unknown significance mutation. This is the first case report of sequential cancers (endometrial and breast) in a patient with a BRCA2 mutation among a Korean population. Keywords: BRCA; Breast neoplasms; Endometrial neoplasms Introduction In breast cancer, the average lifetime risk is 65% and 45% in women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, respectively. In Endometrial cancer is one of the most common and curable ovarian cancer, the average lifetime risk is 39% and 11% in gynecologic cancers. It usually occurs in women over the age women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, respectively [6]. of 50 years. The risk factors for endometrial cancer are associ- Recently, BRCA genes have been studied in association with ated with exposure to unopposed estrogen, obesity, diabetes endometrial cancer.
    [Show full text]
  • Differences in Ovarian and Other Cancers Risks by Population and BRCA Mutation Location
    G C A T T A C G G C A T genes Review Differences in Ovarian and Other Cancers Risks by Population and BRCA Mutation Location Masayuki Sekine * , Koji Nishino and Takayuki Enomoto Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan; [email protected] (K.N.); [email protected] (T.E.) * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +81-25-227-2320; Fax: +81-25-227-0789 Abstract: Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer is caused by a germline mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. The frequency of germline BRCA1/2 gene mutation carriers and the ratio of germline BRCA1 to BRCA2 mutations in BRCA-related cancer patients vary depending on the population. Genotype and phenotype correlations have been reported in BRCA mutant families, however, the correlations are rarely used for individual risk assessment and management. BRCA genetic testing has become a companion diagnostic for PARP inhibitors, and the number of families with germline BRCA mutation identified is growing rapidly. Therefore, it is expected that analysis of the risk of developing cancer will be possible in a large number of BRCA mutant carriers, and there is a possibility that personal and precision medicine for the carriers with specific common founder mutations will be realized. In this review, we investigated the association of ovarian cancer risk and BRCA mutation location, and differences of other BRCA-related cancer risks by BRCA1/2 mutation, and furthermore, we discussed the difference in the prevalence of germline BRCA mutation in ovarian cancer patients.
    [Show full text]
  • BRCA1 Mutation in Breast Cancer Patients: Analysis of Prognostic Factors and Survival
    1986 ONCOLOGY LETTERS 17: 1986-1995, 2019 BRCA1 mutation in breast cancer patients: Analysis of prognostic factors and survival JOANNA HUSZNO1, ZOFIA KOŁOSZA2 and EWA GRZYBOWSKA3 1Outpatient Clinic; 2Biostatistics Unit; 3Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Skłodowska‑Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, 44‑101 Gliwice, Poland Received March 11, 2018; Accepted August 30, 2018 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.9770 Abstract. The presence of BRCA1 mutations is associated mutations in breast and ovarian cancer are <1-7% for BRCA1 with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer. The and 1-3% for BRCA2 independently from family history or age present study compared clinicopathological characteristics at diagnosis. In literature, a family history of breast or ovarian and overall survival (OS) of hereditary and sporadic breast cancer, young age at diagnosis, male breast cancer or multiple cancer. Using data collected from a previous study conducted tumors (bilateral breast cancer or breast and ovarian cancer in between 2007-2016 at the Maria Skłodowska Curie Cancer the same patient) occur more often in BRCA mutation carriers. Center and Institute of Oncology (Gliwice, Poland), the The median time of diagnosis of breast cancer in patients with prognostic factors and survival in 60 breast cancer mutation germline BRCA mutation is lower (in age under 50 years) than carriers were analyzed. A control group was selected from for patients with sporadic cancer (1). External factors which the breast cancer patients without BRCA mutations (n=386). can modify BRCA associated breast cancer risk are hormonal BRCA mutation carriers had significantly worse survival and reproductive factors such as pregnancy, history of breast when compared with non-carriers (P=0.017).
    [Show full text]
  • Re-Flections Medical Newsletter June, 2000
    reinventing reinsuranceSM LETTER FROM THE EDITOR GENETICS AND NEW TREATMENTS IN Dear Reader: BREAST CANCER Approximately 180,000 In this issue we present articles on breast cancer and a review of Type 1 women in the U.S. alone are diag- Diabetes Mellitus. We also introduce a new contributor, Jeanne Mariani, a nosed with breast cancer each year. ® member of the RGA Underwriting Group. Considering that breast cancer accounts for 29 percent of all can- In recent years, breast cancer statistics have shown a very gradual reduction in cers in women, it’s no wonder that mortality in populations around the world. The mortality remains high in we, as underwriters, are faced with most countries in the Northern Hemisphere while in countries such as Japan numerous applications from and China the mortality rate remains quite low. These changes have been breast-cancer survivors. What fol- attributed to early diagnosis, improvement in therapy and possibly, lifestyle lows are a few topics of interest on changes. As a result of these changes, we are likely to see increasing numbers the genetics and treatment of of applications from women with breast-cancer histories. The challenge will breast cancer. be to stratify these applicants appropriately. In cases of early disease (carci- noma in situ and early Stage 1 disease) the majority of these women may Genetics of Cancer approach close to standard mortality. More advanced disease is associated There are two types of with 10-year survival rates, ranging from 66 percent with Stage II disease to genetic lesions that can lead to the 7 percent with Stage IV disease.
    [Show full text]