The role of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in prostate, pancreatic and stomach cancers.

Helen Cavanagh,Katherine M.A Rogers

doi:10.1186/s13053-015-0038-x

Helen Cavanagh, Katherine M.A Rogers

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https://doi.org/10.1186/s13053-015-0038-x

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The association of germline mutations in the breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) and the breast cancer susceptibility gene 2 (BRCA2) with the development of breast and ovarian cancers have been widely researched and recognised. It is known that these genes function at multiple sites in the body. Research has subsequently evolved into the connection of BRCA1/2 with cancers at other sites within the body. This review examines the association of BRCA1/2 germline gene mutations with prostate, pancreatic and stomach cancers. An extensive literature search revealed conflicting findings regarding the association of BRCA1/2 gene mutations with these cancers. Most studies suggest that there is an association between BRCA1/2 mutations and carcinoma of the prostate, pancreas and stomach, but some reports propose that such a correlation may be due to factors other than possessing a mutated BRCA1/2 gene, and other associations may be revealed as further epidemiological information becomes available. The review concludes that as more knowledge arises about the mechanisms of BRCA1/2 gene mutations, it should pave the way for future screening programmes to be applied effectively.

Highlights

One of the major advancements in cancer research was the discovery of the breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) and the breast cancer susceptibility gene 2 (BRCA2)
This review examined freely available, full-text, literature reporting on the impact of both BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations and their impact on cancers other than breast or ovarian cancers and identified three main cancers, associated with germline mutations in BRCA1/2 genes
The majority of the literature proposes an association between BRCA1/2 mutations and carcinoma of the prostate, pancreas and stomach

Summary

Introduction

One of the major advancements in cancer research was the discovery of the breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) and the breast cancer susceptibility gene 2 (BRCA2). Studies reported BRCA1 mutation carriers to have a significant increased relative risk of developing prostate cancer [18]. Agalliu et al [24] found that risk of developing prostate cancer was increased in participants who possessed a mutated BRCA1 gene and had a first-degree relative with prostate, breast or ovarian cancer.

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