Cancer Risk Genes Research Articles

Diagnostic yield of genetic screening in a diverse, community-ascertained cohort

BackgroundPopulation screening for genetic risk of adult-onset preventable conditions has been proposed as an attractive public health intervention. Screening unselected individuals can identify many individuals who will not be identified through current genetic testing guidelines.MethodsWe sought to evaluate enrollment in and diagnostic yield of population genetic screening in a resource-limited setting among a diverse population. We developed a low-cost, short-read next-generation sequencing panel of 25 genes that had 98.4% sensitivity and 99.98% specificity compared to diagnostic panels. We used email invitations to recruit a diverse cohort of patients in the University of Washington Medical Center system unselected for personal or family history of hereditary disease. Participants were sent a saliva collection kit in the mail with instructions on kit use and return. Results were returned using a secure online portal. Enrollment and diagnostic yield were assessed overall and across race and ethnicity groups.ResultsOverall, 40,857 people were invited and 2889 (7.1%) enrolled. Enrollment varied across race and ethnicity groups, with the lowest enrollment among African American individuals (3.3%) and the highest among Multiracial or Other Race individuals (13.0%). Of 2864 enrollees who received screening results, 106 actionable variants were identified in 103 individuals (3.6%). Of those who screened positive, 30.1% already knew about their results from prior genetic testing. The diagnostic yield was 74 new, actionable genetic findings (2.6%). The addition of more recently identified cancer risk genes increased the diagnostic yield of screening.ConclusionsPopulation screening can identify additional individuals that could benefit from prevention, but challenges in recruitment and sample collection will reduce actual enrollment and yield. These challenges should not be overlooked in intervention planning or in cost and benefit analysis.

Perceptions of control over different causes of death and the accuracy of risk estimations

BackgroundA large number of deaths could be avoided by improving health behaviours. The degree to which people invest in their long-term health is influenced by how much they believe they can control their risk of death. Identifying causes of death believed to be uncontrollable, but likely to occur, may provide actionable targets for health interventions to increase control beliefs and encourage healthier behaviours.MethodWe recruited a nationally representative online sample of 1500 participants in the UK. We assessed perceived control, perceived personal likelihood of death, certainty of risk estimation, and perceived knowledge for 20 causes of death. We also measured overall perceived uncontrollable mortality risk (PUMR) and perceived prevalence for each of the Office for National Statistics’ categories of avoidable death.FindingsRisk of death due to cancer was considered highly likely to occur but largely beyond individual control. Cardiovascular disease was considered moderately controllable and a likely cause of death. Drugs and alcohol were perceived as risks both high in control and low in likelihood of death. However, perceptions of control over specific causes of death were found not to predict overall PUMR, with the exception of cardiovascular disease. Finally, our sample substantially overestimated the prevalence of drug and alcohol-related deaths in the UK.ConclusionsWe suggest that more can be done by public health communicators to emphasise the lifestyle and behavioural changes that individuals can make to reduce their general cancer risk. More work is needed to understand the barriers to engaging with preventative behaviours and maintaining a healthy heart. Finally, we call for greater journalistic responsibility when reporting health risks to the public.

PD21-11 REAL WORLD IMPACT OF GERMLINE GENETIC TESTING ON CLINICAL DECISION MAKING FOR PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS

PD21-11 REAL WORLD IMPACT OF GERMLINE GENETIC TESTING ON CLINICAL DECISION MAKING FOR PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS

MP40-12 INTENSIFIED PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING IN GERMLINE CARRIERS OF RARE PATHOGENIC VARIANTS: INTERIM RESULTS FROM THE INITIAL SCREENING ROUND OF THE PROGRESS STUDY

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP40-12 INTENSIFIED PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING IN GERMLINE CARRIERS OF RARE PATHOGENIC VARIANTS: INTERIM RESULTS FROM THE INITIAL SCREENING ROUND OF THE PROGRESS STUDY Keyan Salari, Alexandra Hunter, Andrew Amini, Aya Almashad, Shelley McCormick, and Linda Rodgers Keyan SalariKeyan Salari More articles by this author , Alexandra HunterAlexandra Hunter More articles by this author , Andrew AminiAndrew Amini More articles by this author , Aya AlmashadAya Almashad More articles by this author , Shelley McCormickShelley McCormick More articles by this author , and Linda RodgersLinda Rodgers More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003278.12AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Men with germline pathogenic variants in prostate cancer risk genes (e.g., BRCA2) may be at increased risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer and thus warrant special considerations regarding prostate cancer screening. The Prostate Cancer Genetic Risk Evaluation and Screening Study (PROGRESS) is evaluating an intensified screening program for men at high genetic risk for prostate cancer that incorporates prostate MRI-based screening for early detection of prostate cancer. METHODS: Men between 35-75 years old with a pathogenic/likely pathogenic germline variant in one of 19 prostate cancer risk genes and no prior diagnosis of prostate cancer were prospectively enrolled. Screening paradigm included annual DRE and PSA testing and a multiparametric MRI of the prostate every three years. PSA was considered elevated using an age-adjusted threshold of >1.5 ng/mL for 35-49 years of age, >2.0 ng/mL for 50-54 years of age, and >3.0 ng/ml for 55-70 years of age. Patients with an abnormal DRE, elevated age-adjusted PSA, or a positive MRI (PI-RADS ≥3) were recommended to undergo prostate biopsy. RESULTS: A total of 81 patients have been enrolled to date, 78 of whom have completed the first round of screening. Median age is 55 years (45-64), and median PSA is 0.84 ng/mL (0.57-1.76). Most patients harbored pathogenic variants in either BRCA2 (n=31 [39%]) or BRCA1 (n=29 [37%]). After the first round of screening, 2 (3%) patients had an abnormal DRE, 10 (13%) had an elevated age-adjusted PSA, and 12 (15%) had a positive MRI. All 12 patients with an abnormal MRI, and 1 patient with a normal MRI but elevated PSA, underwent prostate biopsy. MRI was the sole indication for biopsy in 6 of the 13 (46%) patients. Eight (10%) patients were diagnosed with prostate cancer (3 BRCA1, 3 BRCA2, 1 ATM, 1 TP53), half of which were grade group ≥2. MRI-based screening did not miss any of the cancers, whereas age-adjusted PSA would have missed 7 of the 8 cancers (included 3 of the 4 grade group ≥2 cancers). CONCLUSIONS: Our early findings suggest prostate cancer is prevalent among men with high-risk germline genetic variants. MRI-based screening may enhance early detection of prostate cancer beyond PSA-based strategies in this patient population. Source of Funding: Prostate Cancer Foundation, Urology Care Foundation © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e549 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Keyan Salari More articles by this author Alexandra Hunter More articles by this author Andrew Amini More articles by this author Aya Almashad More articles by this author Shelley McCormick More articles by this author Linda Rodgers More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Psychological distress and decision-making factors for prophylactic bilateral mastectomy in cancer-unaffected BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant carriers.

Women carrying a BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant have an increased risk for breast cancer and may opt for risk-reducing bilateral mastectomy. In this study, we examine which demographic, psychosocial, and personality factors are associated with their decision to undergo risk-reducing bilateral mastectomy. Cancer-unaffected women with a pathogenic variant in BRCA1 or BRCA2 were recruited before receiving their genetic test result and completed follow-up including decision to undergo mastectomy over 6-8months after genetic test result disclosure. Anxiety, depression, breast cancer worry, personality and sociodemographic data were assessed. A total of 125 cancer-unaffected women were included in the analysis. Participants were found to have higher anxiety levels than the general female population regardless of mastectomy decision. Breast cancer worry was higher among women who opted for risk-reducing mastectomy and did not decrease over time. By contrast, women who did not opt for surgery experienced decreasing levels of breast cancer worry. Regression analysis found that women with a pathogenic variant in BRCA1, younger women and women with higher breast cancer worry were more likely to opt for surgery. Our study provides valuable insights into the factors that influence women with a BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant to undergo risk-reducing mastectomy. These findings may be helpful in understanding individual differences in decision-making concerning preventive options and show the need to address negative anticipatory feelings associated with carrying a pathogenic variant in a high breast cancer risk gene in clinical care.

Abstract P6-02-03: Breast Health Assessment: A family health history tool using the electronic health record and clinical decision support to facilitate guidelines-driven hereditary breast cancer genetic testing at the time of screening mammogram

Abstract Background: Genetic testing (GT) is recommended for women who have a personal or family history of breast cancer and are at increased risk of carrying an inherited breast cancer risk gene pathogenic variant (PV) as defined by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines. Data shows that traditional GT workflows do not reach a large proportion of women eligible for GT. NorthShore University HealthSystem previously implemented the Genetic Wellness Assessment, a family health history (FHH) screening tool utilizing the electronic health record (EHR) and clinical decision support, to identify individual and familial risks to health conditions and personalize screening and prevention practices in primary care. To increase access to hereditary breast cancer GT, we implemented a similar FHH screening tool called the Breast Health Assessment (BHA) for patients completing routine screening mammogram. We describe uptake and results from implementation of the BHA in conjunction with routine screening mammogram. Methods: Patients scheduled for screening mammogram were assigned the BHA prior to their mammogram via the EHR portal. BHA questions addressed personal and family history of breast cancer and other cancer types associated with hereditary breast cancer syndromes. Upon completion of the BHA, patients who screened positive, i.e. identified as having a high-risk personal or family cancer history based on NCCN guidelines, were offered a comprehensive hereditary cancer panel (HCP). HCP included 38 genes associated with common cancer types, including all high and moderate risk breast cancer genes for which there are NCCN management guidelines. Individuals who were not identified as high-risk were offered a genetic health screen, which consisted of 148 genes associated with common cancer types, genetic forms of heart disease, medication response, and other health conditions. Saliva sample collection for GT occurred at the time of the patient’s screening mammogram appointment. Results: From August 2021 through May 2022, 32,438 patients were assigned the BHA prior to screening mammogram. Of these patients, 14,128/32,438 (44%) completed the BHA questionnaire. Based on BHA reponse, 3,490/14,128 (25%) screened positive and met NCCN criteria for GT for hereditary breast cancer risk genes and 529/3,490 (15%) completed GT. Additionally, 713/10,638 (7%) patients who screened negative on the BHA completed testing. In total, 1,242/14,128 patients (9%) completed GT and 78/1,242 (6%) were found to carry an inherited PV in a cancer risk gene, 35 of which were in an NCCN guidelines breast cancer risk gene. Of the 78 patients with a positive GT result, 57/78 (73%) had not been previously recommended for a genetics evaluation and/or received a genetics referral. Conclusion: The BHA is a novel FHH tool which increases access to hereditary breast cancer GT at the time of screening mammogram. Nearly half of women who completed screening mammogram completed the BHA and learned valuable information about their breast cancer risk and were invited to complete GT. Genetic testing completed through the BHA identified 78 patients with an actionable inherited PV in a cancer risk gene. This invaluable information will lead to potentially lifesaving personalized cancer screening and risk reduction and help identify additional at risk family members. Notably, 73% of patients who carried an inherited PV had not been previously recommended by their medical teams for genetic counseling and/or testing. The BHA has the potential to help close the care gap in GT for women at increased risk of breast cancer. Citation Format: Allison DePersia, Sarah Choi, Katharine Yao, Henry Dunnenberger, Peter Hulick. Breast Health Assessment: A family health history tool using the electronic health record and clinical decision support to facilitate guidelines-driven hereditary breast cancer genetic testing at the time of screening mammogram [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-02-03.

Abstract P6-02-07: Uptake of Breast Cancer MRI Screening in Patients After Multiplex Gene Panel Testing

Abstract Purpose: Multiplex gene panel testing (MGPT) is used to identify individuals with an inherited susceptibility to cancer. However, little is known about the uptake of screening and surveillance among patients after MGPT and genetic counseling. The purpose of this study was to measure the uptake of guideline-concordant breast cancer screening after genetic testing and counseling. Patients and Methods: 2,000 patients who met NCCN testing guidelines or had ≥2.5% probability of a pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant (PV) were recruited at three cancer genetics clinics (University of Southern California (USC) Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center, Stanford Cancer Institute) from July 2014 through November 2016. All patients had 25- or 28-gene MGPT and results were disclosed by a genetic counselor, who provided screening recommendations to patients based on their risk. Post-test surveys were administered at three months, six months, one year, two years, and three years. Results: 1,614/2,000 (80.7%) patients were female and 1,147/1,614 (71.7%) completed at least one survey regarding MRI screening for breast cancer over the three years of longitudinal follow-up. Of these, 94/1,147 (8.2%) patients tested positive for at least one PV in a breast cancer risk gene; 58/94 (61.7%) tested positive for PVs in a high-risk breast cancer gene (BRCA1/2 (n=53), CDH1, PALB2, TP53 (n=5)), and 34/94 (36.2%) of patients tested positive for a PV in a gene characterized as moderate-risk at the time of disclosure (CHEK2, ATM, NBN). MRIs were recommended to 43/58 (74.1%) patients with a high-risk breast cancer gene PV, 20/34 (58.8%) patients with a moderate-risk gene PV, and 171/1,053 (16.2%) patients without a breast cancer risk gene PV. Multivariate logistic regression models revealed that patients with a high-risk gene PV were more likely to undergo MRI screening within 3 months of receiving genetic test results (OR=6.54 95% CI [3.09 - 14.43], p< 0.001), within one year (OR=1.34 95% CI [1.18 - 1.52], p< 0.001), two years (OR=1.43 95% CI [1.24 – 1.65], p< 0.001), and three years (OR=1.44 95% CI [1.25 – 1.66], p< 0.001) when compared to patients without a PV. Patients with a moderate-risk PV were also more likely to have undergone MRI within 3 months of receiving genetic test results (OR=2.89 95% CI [1.05 - 7.81], p=0.036), within one year (OR=1.33 95% CI [1.10 - 1.62], p=0.004), two years (OR=1.31 95% CI [1.09 - 1.59], p=0.004), and three years (OR=1.44 95% CI [1.18 - 1.76], p< 0.001), compared to those without a PV (Table 1). Conclusions: After three years of longitudinal follow up of 2000 patients in this multicenter prospective cohort study, patients with a PV in a breast cancer susceptibility gene were more likely to undergo guideline concordant breast MRI compared to patients without a PV. Carriers of high-risk breast cancer gene PVs were over six times as likely to have undergone MRI compared to patients without PVs within the first three months after genetic results disclosure and counseling. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of MGPT and genetic counseling in guiding patients with PVs in breast cancer susceptibility genes to the appropriate adoption of guideline-concordant screening. Odds ratios of MRI screening in patients carrying PV in breast cancer risk genes. Odds in relation to patients who do not carry a PV High risk gene PV: BRCA1/2, CDH1, PALB2, TP53; Moderate Risk PV: CHEK2, ATM, NBN. Percent of patients having undergone an MRI at the specified time points High risk gene PV: BRCA1/2, CDH1, PALB2, TP53; Moderate Risk PV: CHEK2, ATM, NBN. Citation Format: Leah A. Naghi, Charite N. Ricker, Duveen Sturgeon, Julie Culver, Kerry Kingham, Rachel Hodan, Nicolette M. Chun, John Kidd, Joseph Bonner, Christine Hong, Meredith Mills, Sidney S. Lindsey, Kevin McDonnell, Uri Ladabaum, James M. Ford, Stephen Grube, Allison W. Kurian, Gregory E. Idos. Uptake of Breast Cancer MRI Screening in Patients After Multiplex Gene Panel Testing [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-02-07.

Abstract P5-03-15: Application of 21-gene Breast Recurrence Score® assay to evaluate prognosis and benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy in BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variant carriers with early stage, estrogen receptor positive breast cancer

Abstract Background: Minimal data exists for the utilization of the Oncotype Dx® assay specifically in breast cancers associated with BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants (PVs). It is unknown whether estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer associated with an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) PV is more aggressive than disease seen in patients who do not carry an inherited PV, and whether there are differences between BRCA1 and BRCA2. In prostate cancer patients with inherited cancer predisposition due to a BRCA2 PV, more aggressive cancers are observed, which influences first-line treatment. Limited data exists for the optimal management of early stage ER+ breast cancer in BRCA1/2 PV carriers. Comparing Recurrence Score® (RS) results in ER+ breast cancer patients with an inherited BRCA1/2 PV (cases) versus matched patients who test negative for a PV in BRCA1/2 (controls) may inform whether biologically more aggressive breast cancer is seen in BRCA1/2 carriers and optimal treatment approaches. Methods: A retrospective case control study was performed to compare RS results in women with breast cancer with an inherited BRCA1/2 PV versus patients who tested negative for an inherited BRCA1/2 PV. Female breast cancer patients seen between 2005-2020 at NorthShore University Health System with ER+Her2- early stage invasive breast cancer with 0-3 lymph nodes who completed genetic testing for BRCA1/2 were eligible for enrollment. BRCA1/2 cases were defined as individuals with an inherited PV in BRCA1/2 and controls were negative for BRCA1/2 or other known breast cancer risk gene PVs tested. Subjects were excluded if they had neoadjuvant therapy (hormonal or cytotoxic chemotherapy). Eligible cases were matched to control patients by age, grade, and stage. The Recurrence Score result was obtained by chart review; if not previously evaluated, Oncotype Dx assay was performed by Exact Sciences. Statistical analysis of the primary outcome used the paired t-test to determine mean difference in RS results between BRCA1/2 PV carriers and patients negative for a PV in BRCA1/2 using a 1:1 matched pairs design. Results: A total of 46 matched cases and controls were analyzed. Median age was 50 with a range of 28-74. Of the cases, 18 had a BRCA1 PV and 28 had a BRCA2 PV. Cases and controls were well matched for age (> 50 and ≤ 50); race, grade, stage, and progesterone receptor status. As expected, a higher number of BRCA1/2 carriers were treated with mastectomy while more of the controls received breast-conserving surgery. Chemotherapy was utilized more frequently in the cases (67.4%) versus the controls (54.4%). The average RS result was higher in the cases (27) than the controls (21.3) by a mean difference of 5.7 (p = 0.0195). Using Oncotype Dx cutoffs of low < 18, intermediate 18-30 and high ≥ 31, a statistically significant difference in RS result was noted in the cases versus controls. For cases in the highest risk group (Oncotype Dx ≥ 31), only 20% of their matches also had a score in the highest risk group while 35% had a score in the lowest risk group. Subgroup analysis showed that the cases had the largest difference in RS result from their controls in premenopausal women (age ≤ 50), BRCA1 carriers, and the node negative population. Conclusion We present one of the largest data sets available to date of a well-matched cohort of cases and controls which shows that BRCA1/2 PV carriers are more likely to have a higher Recurrence Score result than their matched controls when matched for age, grade, and stage. These findings suggest ER+ breast cancer in BRCA1/2 PV carriers is biologically more aggressive. Further investigation is warranted to evaluate how this important finding impacts adjuvant therapy recommendations for BRCA1/2 PV carriers. Citation Format: Poornima Saha, Ashley Aller, Amanda Deliere, Peter Hulick, Katharine Yao, Kristine Kuchta, Megan Sullivan, Allison DePersia. Application of 21-gene Breast Recurrence Score® assay to evaluate prognosis and benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy in BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variant carriers with early stage, estrogen receptor positive breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-03-15.

Measuring high-risk parents' opinions about direct-to-consumer genetic testing for adult-onset inherited cancer syndromes in their adolescent and young adult children.

Neither direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing nor predictive genetic testing for adult-onset conditions is recommended for minor children due to ethical concerns and low clinical utility. However, parents with pathogenic variants (PVs) in disease-causing genes may be interested in pursuing genetic testing that includes the familial PV for their children. The Pediatric Testing Attitudes Scale (P-TAS) was previously developed to examine high-risk parents' opinions about pediatric BRCA genetic testing for adult-onset breast/ovarian cancer. Here, the psychometric properties of the P-TAS were examined in a new sample of N=126 parents (M age=47.2 years) with PVs in a more complete set of cancer risk genes represented on DTC panel tests. The mean score on the P-TAS was 44 out of a maximum score of 60, indicating that a majority of parents generally held favorable opinions about testing their children for adult-onset inherited cancer syndromes. The internal consistency of the full scale was high (α=0.91). A factor analysis identified two-component scales, labeled Attitudes and Beliefs (α=0.93) and Decision Making and Communication (α=0.83). In a multivariable regression model, P-TAS co-factors accounted for 34% of variance in parental opinions, including the frequency of prior family communication about cancer and the likelihood of utilizing DTC genetic testing with children (R2 =0.34, p < 0.001). Results suggest that the P-TAS remains a reliable measure to assess high-risk parents' opinions about pediatric DTC genetic testing for adult-onset conditions, with promising validity. Applications of the P-TAS include informing genetic counseling practice, pediatric medical care, and policy guidelines surrounding DTC genetic testing.

The Role of MCM9 in the Etiology of Sertoli Cell-Only Syndrome and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency.

Infertility in couples is a common problem, with both female and male factors contributing to similar extents. Severe, congenital disorders affecting fertility are, however, rare. While folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis are generally orchestrated via different mechanisms, some genetic anomalies can impair both female and male gametogenesis. Minichromosome maintenance complex component 9 (MCM9) is involved in DNA repair and mutations of the MCM9 gene have been previously reported in females with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). MCM9 is also an emerging cancer risk gene. We performed next-generation and Sanger sequencing of fertility and related genes and hormonal and imaging studies in a kindred whose members had POI and disordered spermatogenesis. We identified a homozygous pathogenic MCM9 variant, c.394C>T (p.Arg132*) in three sisters affected by POI due to ovarian dysgenesis and their brother who had normal pubertal development but suffered from non-obstructive azoospermia. Testicular biopsy revealed Sertoli cell-only testicular histopathology. No evidence of early onset cancer was found in the homozygotic family members, but they were all young (<30 years) at the time of the study. In the male patient the homozygous MCM9 variant led to normal pubertal development and hormonal levels but caused a Sertoli-cell-only syndrome with non-obstructive azoospermia. In the homozygous females studied, the clinical, hormonal, and gonadal phenotypes revealed ovarian dysgenesis consistent with previous reports. Active screening for potential colorectal and other cancer risks in the homozygotic MCM9 subjects has been instigated.

The Contribution of Germline Pathogenic Variants in Breast Cancer Genes to Contralateral Breast Cancer Risk in BRCA1/BRCA2/PALB2-Negative Women.

Contralateral breast cancer (CBC) is associated with younger age at first diagnosis, family history and pathogenic germline variants (PGVs) in genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2 and PALB2. However, data regarding genetic factors predisposing to CBC among younger women who are BRCA1/2/PALB2-negative remain limited. In this nested case-control study, participants negative for BRCA1/2/PALB2 PGVs were selected from the WECARE Study. The burden of PGVs in established breast cancer risk genes was compared in 357 cases with CBC and 366 matched controls with unilateral breast cancer (UBC). The samples were sequenced in two phases. Whole exome sequencing was used in Group 1, 162 CBC and 172 UBC (mean age at diagnosis: 42 years). A targeted panel of genes was used in Group 2, 195 CBC and 194 UBC (mean age at diagnosis: 50 years). Comparisons of PGVs burdens between CBC and UBC were made in these groups, and additional stratified sub-analysis was performed within each group according to the age at diagnosis and the time from first breast cancer (BC). The PGVs burden in Group 1 was significantly higher in CBC than in UBC (p = 0.002, OR = 2.5, 95CI: 1.2-5.6), driven mainly by variants in CHEK2 and ATM. The proportions of PGVs carriers in CBC and UBC in this group were 14.8% and 5.8%, respectively. There was no significant difference in PGVs burden between CBC and UBC in Group 2 (p = 0.4, OR = 1.4, 95CI: 0.7-2.8), with proportions of carriers being 8.7% and 8.2%, respectively. There was a significant association of PGVs in CBC with younger age. Metanalysis combining both groups confirmed the significant association between the burden of PGVs and the risk of CBC (p = 0.006) with the significance driven by the younger cases (Group 1). In younger BRCA1/BRCA2/PALB2-negative women, the aggregated burden of PGVs in breast cancer risk genes was associated with the increased risk of CBC and was inversely proportional to the age at onset.

O24: Patient engagement following identification of a pathogenic variant in a breast cancer risk gene through population-based genetic testing*

O24: Patient engagement following identification of a pathogenic variant in a breast cancer risk gene through population-based genetic testing*

Pathogenic Variant Spectrum in Breast Cancer Risk Genes in Finnish Patients.

Recurrent pathogenic variants have been detected in several breast and ovarian cancer (BC/OC) risk genes in the Finnish population. We conducted a gene-panel sequencing and copy number variant (CNV) analysis to define a more comprehensive spectrum of pathogenic variants in BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, CHEK2, ATM, BARD1, RAD51C, RAD51D, BRIP1, and FANCM genes in Finnish BC patients. The combined frequency of pathogenic variants in the BRCA1/2 genes was 1.8% in 1356 unselected patients, whereas variants in the other genes were detected altogether in 8.3% of 1356 unselected patients and in 12.9% of 699 familial patients. CNVs were detected in 0.3% of both 1137 unselected and 612 familial patients. A few variants covered most of the pathogenic burden in the studied genes. Of the BRCA1/2 carriers, 70.8% had 1 of 10 recurrent variants. In the other genes combined, 92.1% of the carrier patients had at least 1 of 11 recurrent variants. In particular, PALB2 c.1592delT and CHEK2 c.1100delC accounted for 88.9% and 82.9%, respectively, of the pathogenic variation in each gene. Our results highlight the importance of founder variants in the BC risk genes in the Finnish population and could be used in the designing of population screening for the risk variants.

Recurrent EWSR1::COLCA2 Fusions Define a Novel Sarcoma With Spindle/Round Cell Morphology and Strong Predilection for the Sinonasal Tract.

The last 2 decades have attended a dynamic evolution in the nosology of poorly differentiated sinonasal tract malignancies, with several new molecularly defined entities having been described in addition to delineation of the genetic driver/s of some established older entities. These discoveries, however, mostly concerned epithelial-derived neoplasms (carcinomas). Adamantinoma-like Ewing sarcoma and biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma are the major representatives of the newly defined mesenchymal categories. The colorectal cancer associated 2 (COLCA2) has been discovered recently as a colorectal cancer risk gene locus, but fusions involving this gene have not been well characterized. We, herein, describe clinicopathologic and molecular features of a novel sinonasal sarcoma characterized by undifferentiated spindle/round cell morphology and defined by recurrent EWSR1::COLCA2 fusions. All patients (n=5) were adults (3 female and 2 male) with a median age of 46 years (range, 23 to 60y). The tumors originated in different subsites of the sinonasal tract with frequent multisite involvement. Original diagnoses were undifferentiated or unclassified round cell/spindle cell neoplasm/sarcoma (n=4) and neuroendocrine carcinoma (n=1). Surgery with or without adjuvant chemoradiation was the treatment in all cases. At the last follow-up, 1 patient developed multiple local recurrences over 21 years and another developed local recurrence and distant metastasis to bone 27 months after diagnosis. A third patient developed local recurrence 11 months later. Two patients were disease-free at 23, and 24 months. Histology showed nondescript highly cellular neoplasms with an admixture of spindled and round cells disposed into solid sheets and fascicles with brisk mitotic activity. Immunohistochemistry was negative for all lineage-specific markers with only limited focal membranous CD99 (4 of 5 cases) and weak pankeratin (1 of 5 cases) expression. Targeted RNA sequencing revealed an EWSR1::COLCA2 fusion, verified by EWSR1 fluorescence in situ hybridization, in all cases. This series identifies a novel member in the undifferentiated spindle/round cell sarcoma category with strong predilection for the sinonasal tract. None of >10,000 epithelial and mesenchymal neoplasms tested at the authors' centers during the same period showed this fusion, highlighting rarity of tumors carrying this gene fusion. Accordingly, molecular testing of unclassified sinonasal malignancies/sarcomas showing round and spindle cell morphology is recommended to enhance the identification and further characterization of this entity.

Glucocorticoids unmask silent non-coding genetic risk variants for common diseases.

Understanding the function of non-coding genomic sequence variants represents a challenge for biomedicine. Many diseases are products of gene-by-environment interactions with complex mechanisms. This study addresses these themes by mechanistic characterization of non-coding variants that influence gene expression only after drug or hormone exposure. Using glucocorticoid signaling as a model system, we integrated genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic approaches to unravel mechanisms by which variant function could be revealed by hormones or drugs. Specifically, we identified cis-regulatory elements and 3D interactions underlying ligand-dependent associations between variants and gene expression. One-quarter of the glucocorticoid-modulated variants that we identified had already been associated with clinical phenotypes. However, their affected genes were 'unmasked' only after glucocorticoid exposure and often with function relevant to the disease phenotypes. These diseases involved glucocorticoids as risk factors or therapeutic agents and included autoimmunity, metabolic and mood disorders, osteoporosis and cancer. For example, we identified a novel breast cancer risk gene, MAST4, with expression that was repressed by glucocorticoids in cells carrying the risk genotype, repression that correlated with MAST4 expression in breast cancer and treatment outcomes. These observations provide a mechanistic framework for understanding non-coding genetic variant-chemical environment interactions and their role in disease risk and drug response.

136 (PB-049) Poster - Risk factors of complications after nipple-sparing mastectomies in women with breast cancer risk gene mutations (BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2)

Background: Nipple-sparing mastectomies (NSM) or skin-sparing mastectomies (SSM) and immediate breast reconstruction are performed as a therapeutic, as well as, prophylactic procedures in women with breast cancer risk gene mutations (BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2). This study aimed to investigate the complications and risk factors associated with the surgical techniques used for breast reconstruction.

Partial Reduction in BRCA1 Gene Dose Modulates DNA Replication Stress Level and Thereby Contributes to Sensitivity or Resistance.

BRCA1 is a well-known breast cancer risk gene, involved in DNA damage repair via homologous recombination (HR) and replication fork protection. Therapy resistance was linked to loss and amplification of the BRCA1 gene causing inferior survival of breast cancer patients. Most studies have focused on the analysis of complete loss or mutations in functional domains of BRCA1. How mutations in non-functional domains contribute to resistance mechanisms remains elusive and was the focus of this study. Therefore, clones of the breast cancer cell line MCF7 with indels in BRCA1 exon 9 and 14 were generated using CRISPR/Cas9. Clones with successful introduced BRCA1 mutations were evaluated regarding their capacity to perform HR, how they handle DNA replication stress (RS), and the consequences on the sensitivity to MMC, PARP1 inhibition, and ionizing radiation. Unexpectedly, BRCA1 mutations resulted in both increased sensitivity and resistance to exogenous DNA damage, despite a reduction of HR capacity in all clones. Resistance was associated with improved DNA double-strand break repair and reduction in replication stress (RS). Lower RS was accompanied by increased activation and interaction of proteins essential for the S phase-specific DNA damage response consisting of HR proteins, FANCD2, and CHK1.

Next-generation universal hereditary cancer screening: implementation of an automated hereditary cancer screening program for patients with advanced cancer undergoing tumor sequencing in a large HMO

Variants in hereditary cancer risk genes are frequently identified following tumor-based DNA sequencing and represent an opportunity to diagnose hereditary cancer. We implemented an automated hereditary cancer screening program in a large HMO for all patients who underwent tumor-based DNA sequencing to identify patients with hereditary cancer and determine if this approach augmented existing genetic counseling approaches driven by personal/family history criteria. Regular automated searches of a centralized tumor DNA variant database were performed for ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PALB2, and/or PMS2 variants, and germline hereditary cancer gene panel testing was offered to patients with tumor variants who had never undergone germline testing. Patients completing germline testing due to their tumor DNA test results were considered part of the tumor DNA safety net. Patients previously completing germline testing via traditional genetic counseling and tumor DNA safety net were compared for demographics, tumor type, presence of germline pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variant, and whether NCCN criteria were met for hereditary cancer genetic testing. Germline P/LP variants were common in both groups. Patients who received germline testing through traditional genetic counseling were more likely to have cardinal hereditary tumors than the tumor DNA safety net group. Patients identified with hereditary cancer through traditional genetic counseling were more likely to meet NCCN personal/family history criteria for germline testing than the tumor DNA safety net group (99% versus 34%). A universal tumor DNA safety net screen is an important diagnostic strategy which augments traditional genetic counseling approaches based on personal/family history.

CANCER PREDISPOSITION GENE MUTATIONS AND ONCOFERTILITY: PREVALENCE IN REPRODUCTIVE AGE CANCER PATIENTS AND EFFECTS ON OVARIAN RESERVE

Emerging evidence suggests pathogenic variants (PVs) in cancer risk genes may affect both oncofertility decision-making and ovarian reserve. However, the prevalence of PVs in the female oncofertility population is poorly understood. We assessed the prevalence of germline PVs in cancer risk genes among reproductive age females seeking oncofertility consult, as well as the relationship between such PVs and pre-treatment ovarian reserve.

Communication of Family Health History among College Students and Their Families

It is essential that college students are knowledgeable about their family health history to make informed decisions about health behaviors and cancer screening. In the transitional phase from adolescence to adulthood, engaging in healthy behaviors and communication between family members can be challenging for college students. In this study, the Communication Privacy Management theory provided a framework to examine health and cancer communication among college students and their families. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among college students aged 18 years and over (n = 106). Results: Knowledge of participants’ family health history was significantly associated with family health and cancer communication, religious beliefs, and higher annual household income (&gt; $75,000). Being young (&lt; 22 years) and female was significantly associated with knowledge of family health history and family health and cancer communication. Conclusion: Demographic, socioeconomic, and sociocultural factors may influence college students’ level of knowledge about their family health history and communication within their family about general health and cancer risk.