BRCA1 Mutation Carriers Research Articles

Factors influencing gynecologic risk reduction surgeries for BRCA1 or BRCA2 germline mutation carriers

Factors influencing gynecologic risk reduction surgeries for BRCA1 or BRCA2 germline mutation carriers

Hormonal Contraception and Breast Cancer Risk for Carriers of Germline Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2.

It is uncertain whether, and to what extent, hormonal contraceptives increase breast cancer (BC) risk for germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers. Using pooled observational data from four prospective cohort studies, associations between hormonal contraceptive use and BC risk for unaffected female BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers were assessed using Cox regression. Of 3,882 BRCA1 and 1,509 BRCA2 mutation carriers, 53% and 71%, respectively, had ever used hormonal contraceptives for at least 1 year (median cumulative duration of use, 4.8 and 5.7 years, respectively). Overall, 488 BRCA1 and 191 BRCA2 mutation carriers developed BC during median follow-up of 5.9 and 5.6 years, respectively. Although for BRCA1 mutation carriers, neither current nor past use of hormonal contraceptives for at least 1 year was statistically significantly associated with BC risk (hazard ratio [HR], 1.40 [95% CI, 0.94 to 2.08], P = .10 for current use; 1.16 [0.80 to 1.69], P = .4, 1.40 [0.99 to 1.97], P = .05, and 1.27 [0.98 to 1.63], P = .07 for past use 1-5, 6-10, and >10 years before, respectively), ever use was associated with increased risk (HR, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.04 to 1.60], P = .02). Furthermore, BC risk increased with longer cumulative duration of use, with an estimated proportional increase in risk of 3% (1%-5%, P = .002) for each additional year of use. For BRCA2 mutation carriers, there was no evidence that current or ever use was associated with increased BC risk (HR, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.33 to 1.47], P = .3 and 1.07 [0.73 to 1.57], P = .7, respectively). Hormonal contraceptives were associated with increased BC risk for BRCA1 mutation carriers, especially if used for longer durations. Decisions about their use in women with BRCA1 mutations should carefully weigh the risks and benefits for each individual.

Clinical experience on the limited role of ultrasound for breast cancer screening in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations carriers aged 30–39 years

PurposeIn BRCA germline pathogenic sequence variants (PSV) carriers aged 30–39 years imaging is recommended at six-month intervals. The European society for medical oncology recommendation of the use of 6-monthly MRI six-monthly MRI screening is being considered at our institution, particularly for younger carriers under the age of 35, although it is not mandatory. If 6-monthly MRI is unavailable, annual MRI may be supplemented by ultrasound (with or without mammography). The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of ultrasound screening added to mammography, as a 6-month supplement to annual MRI in BRCA PSV carriers aged 30–39 years. Materials and methodsThis IRB approved retrospective study included BRCA PSV carriers aged 30–39 years, who underwent breast cancer screening at our institution between January 2015 and March 2023. Participants were divided into two groups, those who had supplemental whole-breast US and mammography at six months and underwent screening before March 2019, and those who had only mammography without supplemental US and enrolled in screening after March 2019. Patient characteristics, cancer detection rates and cancer characteristics were compared between the two groups. ResultsOverall, 200 asymptomatic BRCA1/2 PSV carriers undergoing screening in our institution were included in the study. Mean age was 35.7 ± 3.5 years, and mean follow-up time was 37.4 ± 38.0 months. There were 118 (59 %) women screened with supplemental US, and 82 (41 %) women without. Eight cancers were diagnosed during the study period, four in women with supplemental US and four in women without. The sensitivity of whole-breast screening US was 25 % (1/4), specificity 85.7 % (222/259), PPV 2.6 % (1/38), and NPV 98.7 % (222/225). Of the four cancers detected in women screened with supplemental US, one was diagnosed by whole-breast US, two by MRI, and one by mammography. Of eight cancers included in this study, two were not detectable by targeted second-look US. All eight cancers were detectable by MRI. ConclusionThe addition of whole-breast ultrasound to mammography and MRI screening in BRCA PSV carriers aged 30–39 years offered limited incremental benefit. MRI with 6 months supplemental mammography without US detected all cancer cases.

Blood molybdenum level as a marker of cancer risk on BRCA1 carriers

ObjectiveTo investigate whether Molybdenum blood level is a marker of cancer risk on BRCA1 carriers.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted among 989 initially unaffected women with a BRCA1 mutation. Blood samples were collected to measure molybdenum levels, and participants were followed for an average of 7.5 years. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association between blood molybdenum levels and cancer incidence, adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsHigh blood molybdenum levels (> 0.70 µg/L) were significantly associated with an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer (HR = 5.55; 95%CI: 1.59–19.4; p = 0.007) and any cancer (HR = 1.74; 95%CI: 1.17–2.61; p = 0.007) but not breast cancer (HR = 1.46, CI = 0.91–2.33; p = 0.12). The cumulative incidence of ovarian cancer at ten years was 1.2% for the lowest molybdenum tertile, 4.2% for the middle tertile, and 8.7% for the highest tertile.ConclusionElevated blood molybdenum levels are associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer on BRCA1 mutation carriers. Lowering molybdenum levels may potentially reduce cancer risk in this population, and high molybdenum levels could serve as a marker for considering preventive oophorectomy in BRCA1 carriers. Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and explore interventions targeting molybdenum levels as a preventive measure for ovarian cancer in BRCA1 mutation carriers.

PARP Inhibitor Addition to Androgen Receptor Pathway Inhibitors in Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer Should Not Be Limited to BRCA Mutation Carriers

For patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer whose tumors harbor BRCA1/2 alterations, the potential benefits of combining a PARP inhibitor and an androgen receptor pathway inhibitor for first-line treatment outweigh the potential side effects. Further research is required to identify patients without detectable BRCA1/2 defects who would benefit from this approach.

ISGylation enhances dsRNA-induced interferon response and NFκB signaling in fallopian tube epithelial cells

Heritable mutations in BRCA1 associate with increased risk of high-grade serous tubo-ovarian cancer (HGSTOC). Non-genetic risk factors associated with this cancer, which arises from fallopian tube epithelial (FTE) cells, suggests a role for repetitive ovulation wherein FTE cells are exposed to inflammatory signaling molecules within follicular fluid. We previously reported increased NFκB and EGFR signaling in BRCA1-deficient primary FTE cells, with follicular fluid exposure further increasing abundance of interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) transcripts, including the ubiquitin-like protein ISG15 and other ISGylation pathway members. Both NFκB and type I interferon signaling are upregulated by stimulation of cGAS-STING or MDA5 and RIGI pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Since some PRRs and their signal transduction pathway members are ISGylated, we tested the impact of ISG15 and ISGylation on IRF3 and NFκB signaling through cGAS-STING or RIGI and MDA5 activation. Expression of ISG15 or UBA7, the E1-like ISG15 activating enzyme, in immortalized FTE cells was disrupted by CRISPR gene editing. Activation of IRF3 by RIGI or MDA5 but not cGAS-STING was attenuated by loss of either ISG15 or UBA7 and this was reflected by a similar effect on NFκB activation and downstream targets. Loss of ISGylation decreased levels of both MDA5 and RIGI, with knock-down of RIGI but not MDA5, decreasing IRF3 and NFκB activation in parental cells. These finding indicate that ISGylation enhances the ability of dsRNA to activate cytokine release and pro-inflammatory signaling. Further work to explore ISGylation as a target for prevention of HGSTOC in BRCA1 mutation carriers is warranted.

The guidelines for clinical practice for carriers of germline mutations in hereditary breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancer predisposition genes BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, ATM, and CHEK2 (4.2024).

The Guidelines for Clinical Practice for carriers of pathogenic variants in clinically relevant cancer predisposition genes define the steps of primary and secondary prevention that should be provided to these individuals at high risk of developing hereditary cancer in the Czech Republic. The drafting of the guidelines was organized by the Oncogenetics Working Group of the Society for Medical Genetics and Genomics of J. E. Purkyně Czech Medical Society (SLG ČLS JEP) in cooperation with the representatives of oncology and oncogynecology. The guidelines are based on the current recommendations of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) and take into account the capacity of the Czech healthcare system.

Pathologic complete response after neoadjuvant systemic therapy for breast cancer in BRCA mutation carriers and noncarriers

BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variant carriers develop breast cancers with distinct pathological characteristics and mutational signatures that may result in differential response to chemotherapy. We compared rates of pathologic complete response (pCR) after NAC between BRCA1/2 variant carriers and noncarriers in a cohort of 1426 women (92 [6.5%] BRCA1 and 73 [5.1%] BRCA2) with clinical stage I–III breast cancer treated with NAC followed by surgery from 11/2013 to 01/2022 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The majority received doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide/paclitaxel therapy (93%); BRCA1/2 carriers were more likely to receive carboplatin (p < 0.001). Overall, pCR was achieved in 42% of BRCA1 carriers, 21% of BRCA2 carriers, and 26% of noncarriers (p = 0.001). Among clinically node-positive (cN+) patients, nodal pCR was more frequent in BRCA1/2 carriers compared to noncarriers (53/96 [55%] vs. 371/856 [43%], p = 0.015). This difference was seen in HR+/HER2− (36% vs. 20% of noncarriers; p = 0.027) and TN subtypes (79% vs. 45% of noncarriers; p < 0.001). In a multivariable analysis of the overall cohort, BRCA1 status, and TN and HER2+ subtypes were independently associated with pCR. These data indicate that BRCA1 carriers may be more likely to achieve overall and nodal pCR in response to NAC compared with BRCA2 carriers and patients with sporadic disease. Further studies with a larger cohort of BRCA1/2 mutation carriers are needed, as a small sample size may have a restricted ability to detect a significant association between mutational status and pCR in sensitivity analyses stratified by subtype and adjusted for clinically relevant factors.

P-536 Preimplantation Genetic Testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome due to BRCA pathogenic variant : the parisian center experience

Abstract Study question What are the outcomes of Preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disease (PGT-M) for BRCA pathogenic variants? Summary answer Among couples entering a PGT-M program for BRCA pathogenic variants, 23.5% achieved a live-birth. What is known already BRCA pathogenic variants are associated with an oncologic predisposition with variable penetrance and are accessible to screening and preventive procedures to avoid or early detect the development of cancer. Transmission of BRCAmutations to offspring poses a significant reproductive concern for BRCA mutation carriers. PGT-M offers a solution to prevent this mutation transmission. Despite reproductive challenges related to BRCA status, there are no existing international guidelines for applying PGT-M in these situations. In France, authorization for BRCA related PGT-M is case-specific, considering the personal and familial severity of the disease and submitted to a multidisciplinary prenatal diagnosis center (CPDPN). Study design, size, duration This retrospective observational study, is a single-center analysis of 46 requests for PGT-M related to BRCA pathogenic variants at our PGT center from January 2015 to December 2022. Participants/materials, setting, methods Forty-six couples asked for PGT-M for BRCA pathogenic variant carried by one of the partner. The present study involves the examination of data encompassing referrals, decisions as well as clinical outcomes associated with PGT-M. Main results and the role of chance Forty-six requests for PGT-M due to the risk of hereditary predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer have been received: 36 for a pathogenic variant in the BRCA1 gene and 10 for BRCA2. Nine couples ultimately did not proceed and dropped out. Eight requests were declined, either due to the refusal of the multidisciplinary prenatal diagnosis center (CPDPN) based on family history (n = 4) or alteration of ovarian reserve (n = 4), the 2 latter requests are still under investigation. In total, requests from 27 couples (55%) were considered eligible and feasible. Among them, 17 (63%) underwent at least one PGT-M cycles (5 dropped out before the beginning and 5 are still pending). Overall, 33 ovarian stimulation cycles for in vitro fertilization were initiated, resulting in the retrieval of 192 mature oocytes and the formation of 145 embryos. Of these, 97 were biopsied, and 38 did not carried the BRCA pathogenic variant. A total of 21 fresh or frozen embryo transfers were performed and 8 pregnancies were achieved, leading to 4 deliveries and 5 live births (23.5% of couples who started a PGT-M cycle). Limitations, reasons for caution In the absence of established guidelines, there is variability in information regarding PGT-M among oncogeneticists. Thus, only selected carriers of BRCA pathogenic variants are addressed to our PGT centers. Additionally, women participating in a fresh PGT cycle were selected on several criteria including ovarian reserve parameters. Wider implications of the findings PGT-M provides a viable alternative for couples seeking to prevent the transmission of BRCA mutations. To increase the PGT-M cumulative live birth rate, the transfer of male embryos carrying the variant, assumed to have lower tumor risks, should be considered and discussed with patients. Trial registration number Not applicable

Incidence of peritoneal cancer after oophorectomy among BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers

Abstract Background To estimate the incidence of primary peritoneal cancer after preventive bilateral oophorectomy in women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Methods A total of 6310 women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation who underwent a preventive bilateral oophorectomy were followed for a mean of 7.8 years from oophorectomy. The 20-year cumulative incidence of peritoneal cancer post-oophorectomy was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. A left-truncated Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) associated with the age at oophorectomy, year of oophorectomy, and family history of ovarian cancer as well as hormonal and reproductive risk factors. Results Fifty-five women developed primary peritoneal cancer (n = 45 in BRCA1, 8 in BRCA2, and 2 in women with a mutation in both genes). Their mean age at oophorectomy was 48.9 years. The annual risk of peritoneal cancer was 0.14% for women with a BRCA1 mutation and 0.06% for women with a BRCA2 mutation. The 20-year cumulative risk of peritoneal cancer from the date of oophorectomy was 2.7% for BRCA1 carriers and 0.9% for BRCA2 mutation carriers. There were no peritoneal cancers in BRCA1 carriers who had the operation before age 35 or in BRCA2 carriers who had the operation before age 45. Conclusions For BRCA1 mutation carriers, the annual risk of peritoneal cancer for 20 years post-oophorectomy is 0.14% per year. The risk is lower for BRCA2 carriers (0.06% per year).

Pedigree analysis exploring the inconsistency between diverse phenotypes and testing criteria for germline TP53 mutations in Chinese women with breast cancer

PurposeIn the present study, we addressed the inconsistency between the testing criteria and diverse phenotypes for germline TP53 mutation in patients with breast cancer in the Chinese population.MethodWe proposed a new added item (synchronous or metachronous bilateral breast cancer) as one of the testing criteria (aimed at high-penetrance breast cancer susceptibility genes) and applied it for determining TP53 germline mutation status in 420 female patients with breast cancer using multigene panel-based next-generation sequencing, Sanger sequencing, and mass spectrometry.ResultsWe found that 1.4% of patients carried a pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline TP53 mutation. Compared with BRCA mutation carriers (8.0%) and non-carriers (7.1%), TP53 mutation carriers (33.3%) developed breast cancer earlier. The majority of TP53 mutation carriers (66.7%) developed breast cancer after age 30 and had bilateral breast cancer (33.3%). Pedigree investigation of four TP53 carriers and a patient with a TP53 variant of unknown significance revealed that neither of their parents harbored the same mutations as the probands, indicating that the mutations might occur de novo.ConclusionOur study revealed distinguishing features of TP53 carriers among Chinese women with breast cancer, which is inconsistent with the currently used testing criteria; therefore, the newly proposed testing criteria may be more appropriate.

Decision aids for female BRCA mutation carriers: a scoping review

ObjectivesWomen who inherit a pathogenic BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation are at substantially higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer than average. Several cancer risk management strategies exist to address...

The prognostic and predictive value of homologous recombination deficiency status in patients with advanced stage epithelial ovarian carcinoma after first-line platinum-based chemotherapy.

Homologous recombination (HR) comprises series of interrelated pathways that repair double-stranded DNA breaks and inter-strand crosslinks. It provides support for DNA replication to recover stalled or broken replication forks. Compared with homologous recombination proficiency (HRP), cancers with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) are more likely to undergo cell death when treated with DNA-damaging agents, such as platinum agents, and have better disease control. Patients diagnosed with stage III/IV ovarian cancer, early stages with recurrence, who received adjuvant chemotherapy after debulking surgery, and who also had known HR status were eligible. Forty-four patients were included, with 21 in the HRD group (including 8 with germline mutations) and 23 in the HRP group. The HRD group was composed predominantly of serous carcinoma (95.2%), while mucinous (n=3) and clear cell (n=1) cases were all found in the HRP group. Stage III/IV disease was 66.7% and 91.3% in HRD and HRP groups, respectively (p=0.064). Patients who were optimally debulked to no residual disease was 90.0% and 72.7% (p=0.243), respectively. Late line use of PARP inhibitors was 33.3% and 17.4% (p=0.303). Median PFS was 22.5 months (95% CI, 18.5 - 66.6) and 21.5 months (95% CI, 18.3-39.5) (p=0.49) in HRD and HRP respectively. Median platinum free interval (PFI) was 15.8 months (95% CI 12.4-60.4) and 15.9 months (95% CI 8.3-34.1) (p=0.24), respectively. Median OS was 88.2 months (95% CI 71.2-NA) and 49.7 months (95% CI 35.1-NA) (p=0.21). The PFS of the patients with germline BRCA mutations (n=5) was 54.3 months (95% CI 23.1-NA) and 21.5 months (95% CI 18.3-39.5) in the HRP group (p=0.095); the PFI difference was 47.7 months (95% CI 17.6-NA) in the BRCA mutation group, and 15.9 months (95% CI 12.4-60.4) in HRP, showing statistical significance (p=0.039); while the median OS was NA and 49.7 months (95% CI 35.1-NA) respectively (p=0.051). When adding two additional patients with somatic BRCA mutations to the germline BRCA mutation carriers, the median OS is NA (95% CI 73, NA) versus 49.7 months (95% CI 35.1, NA) for HRP (p=0.045). HRD status was not associated with longer PFS or PFI in advanced ovarian cancer who received first line adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy. Its role as a prognostic marker for overall survival is suggested, particularly in the subgroup with germline and somatic BRCA mutations.

Real-world clinical outcomes and prognostic factors of olaparib maintenance in Korean patients with primary or recurrent high-grade ovarian cancer with exploratory analysis of location of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.

e17561 Background: Olaparib is approved for first-line (1L) and second or subsequent-line (2L+) maintenance therapy in BRCA-mutated ovarian cancer (OC). However, the correlation between location of BRCA mutation and benefit of olaparib maintenance therapy has not been thoroughly investigated. We aimed to analyze real-world clinical outcomes and identify prognostic factors for olaparib maintenance therapy in Korean patients with BRCA-mutated OC, focusing on BRCA mutation sites. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included Korean patients with BRCA-mutated OC who received olaparib as 1L or 2L+ at the single center between January 2015 and April 2023. Survival outcomes and toxicity were correlated with BRCA mutation location summaries and patient characteristics by maintenance therapy line. Results: For the 1L group (n = 70), 2-year PFS and 3-year OS were 75.5% (95% CI, 56.4–87.1) and 98.5% (95% CI, 90.0–99.8). For the 2L+ group (n = 83), 2-year PFS and 3-year OS were 54.8% (95% CI, 56.4–87.1) and 87.3% (95% CI, 76.7–93.3). Primary stage (IV vs. ≤ III) was a prognostic factor for PFS in the 1L group (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 5.74; 95% CI, 1.23–26.73; P = 0.026). Notably, Korean-specific pathogenic variant p.Leu1780Pro BRCA1 mutation carriers (n= 8) showed significantly worse PFS than non-carriers (n = 32) in the 1L group (Log-rank P = 0.014). For the 2L+ group, platinum-free interval ≥ 12 months was a good prognostic factor for both PFS (aHR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.23–0.75) and OS (aHR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.11–0.91). Additionally, somatic BRCA1 mutation was a poor prognostic factor for PFS in the 2L+ group (hazard ratio [HR], 3.39; 95% CI, 1.22–9.38; P = 0.029). In the 1L group, the longer interval between the last chemotherapy and maintenance therapy was associated with the lower risk of hematologic toxicity induced by olaparib (odd ratio [OR], 0.75; 95% CI 0.57–0.99; P = 0.04). In addition, age ≥ 65 years (OR, 3.33; 95% CI, 1.05–10.63; P = 0.04) and the dose reduction of the last chemotherapy (OR, 3.80; 95% CI, 1.02–14.18; P = 0.047) were associated with a higher risk of hematologic toxicity in the 1L group. In the 2L+ group, germline BRCA1 (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.14–0.92; P = 0.03) and BRCA2 (OR, 7.47; 95% CI, 1.96–28.39; P = 0.003) mutations showed contrariwise risks for hematologic toxicity. Drug discontinuation due to toxicity was 1.4% and 6.0% in the 1L and the 2L+ groups and no acute myeloid leukemia/myelodysplastic syndrome cases were observed. Conclusions: Olaparib maintenance therapy was effective and tolerable in Korean patients with BRCA-mutated OC. Prognostic factors for survival outcomes and risk factors of hematologic toxicity in olaparib maintenance therapy were different between 1L and 2L+. The prognostic significance of Korean-specific p.Leu1780Pro BRCA1 mutation on olaparib should be further researched.

Long-term oncologic outcome of breast-conserving surgery in breast cancer with BRCA 1/2 mutation (ON-BRCA II, KoREa-BSG 06).

552 Background: Among patients with sporadic breast cancer, it is well known that prognoses are similar following breast-conserving surgery (BCS) versus mastectomy. However, previous data assessing oncologic outcomes between BCS and mastectomy in patients with BRCA mutation are limited and inconsistent. Thus, this study aims to compare the oncologic outcomes including locoregional recurrence (LRR), distant recurrence (DR), and overall survival (OS) among this population. Methods: Patients with BRCA mutation and index breast cancer who underwent BCS or mastectomy between January 2008 and December 2015 were retrospectively screened from 13 institutions. We included patients aged from 20-80 with invasive breast cancer (pT1-3 N0-3). Patients with de novo metastasis were excluded. To minimize selection bias from retrospective nature, the propensity score matching (PSM) with Greedy nearest neighbor method was performed for covariates including age, molecular subtype, and tumor stage. Results: A total of 553 patients with BRCA mutation were identified. Among them, 367 (66.2%) patients received BCS and 186 (33.8%) were treated with mastectomy. After 1:1 PSM, there was no significant differences in age, molecular subtype, tumor size, nodal status, and histologic tumor grade between patients undergoing BCS versus mastectomy. At 8.3 years of median follow up, LRR, DR, and OS rates did not differ between groups (all p &gt; 0.05). On multivariate analysis, type of breast surgery (BCS vs. mastectomy) was not significantly associated with the oncologic outcomes after adjusting covariates including age, molecular subtype, tumor stage, and histologic grade (all p &gt; 0.05). Additionally, we performed subgroup analysis in matched patients based on tumor size, LN metastasis, HG, and subtype. In all subgroup, the type of breast surgery was not a significant risk factor influencing disease recurrence. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that there was no difference in oncologic outcomes among BRCA mutation carriers who underwent BCS or mastectomy. Breast conservation with close surveillance is a reasonable treatment option for BRCA mutation carriers. Further studies combined with prospectively collected data are warranted to validate our findings.

Clinical breast exam contribution to breast cancer diagnosis in BRCA mutation carriers vs. average to intermediate risk women

PurposeThe contribution of clinical breast exam (CBE) to breast cancer diagnosis in average risk women undergoing regular screening mammography is minimal. To evaluate the role of CBE in high-risk women, we compared BC diagnosis by CBE in BRCA mutation carriers undergoing regular BC surveillance to average to intermediate risk women undergoing regular breast cancer screening.MethodsA retrospective chart review of all consecutive screening visits of BRCA mutation carriers (January 2012–October 2022) and average to intermediate risk women (November 2016–December 2022) was completed. Women with histologically confirmed BC diagnosis were included. Additional CBE yield for BC diagnosis, defined as the percentage of all BC cases detected by CBE alone, was assessed in both groups.ResultsOverall, 12,997 CBEs were performed in 1,328 BRCA mutation carriers in whom 134 BCs were diagnosed. In 7,949 average to intermediate risk women who underwent 15,518 CBEs, 87 BCs were diagnosed. CBE contributed to BC diagnosis in 3 (2%) BRCA mutation carriers and 3 (4%) non-carriers. In both groups, over 4,000 CBEs were needed in order to diagnose one cancer. In all 3 BRCA mutation carriers BC was palpated during the surveillance round that did not include MRI. In the average to intermediate risk group, 2 of 3 cancers diagnosed following CBE findings were in a different location from the palpable finding.ConclusionsThe contribution of CBE to BC diagnosis is marginal for all women including BRCA mutation carriers. In BRCA mutation carriers, CBE appears redundant during the MRI surveillance round.

Analysis of the occurrence of germline mutations BRCA1\2, PALB2, CHEK2, NBN in patients with pancreatic malignancies. Single-center cohort non-randomized retrospective study

Objective. To analyze the frequency of carriage of BRCA1\2, PALB2, CHEK2, NBN mutations in patients with malignant neoplasms of pancreas. Materials and methods. The single-center cohort non-randomized retrospective study is based on the data of 82 patients who were examined and treated in Russian Research Center of Radiology and Surgical Technologies named after academician A.M. Granov from 2020 to 2022. Patients with confirmed ductal adenocarcinoma of pancreas were included into the study group. Screening of mutations in exons 2,10, 18, 19 of BRCA1 gene and exon 11 of BRCA2 gene was performed in these patients. In addition, oncological family histories were studied. Results. Analysis of medical documentation data showed that 18 (22 %) patients with pancreatic cancer had a hereditary oncological history. In this cohort of patients, 5 (28 %) had relatives with pancreatic cancer, 9 (50 %) had a family history of ovarian cancer, 2 (11 %) female relatives of patients in the study group were diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 50, also 2 (11 %) patients had a history of more than 2 relatives who suffered from breast cancer and / or prostate cancer. When evaluating the results of revealing the mutations in the entire study group (82 patients), BRCA1 (c.5266dupC) was revealed in 8 patients (9.7 %), PALB-2 (c.1592delT) – in 2 patients (2.4 %), mutations CHEK2, NBN and BRCA2 were not diagnosed in any patient. 5 (6 %) patients who were BRCA1 mutation carriers and one patient with an established PALB2 mutation, according to the analysis of case histories, had no oncological history. None of the patients in the study group was a carrier of the BRCA2, CHEK2 and NBN mutations. Conclusions. Some patients with pancreatic cancer are carriers of germline mutations. Considering our data on the trend of association between germline mutations and pancreatic cancer, we can make an assumption about the prospect of using this indicator as one of the markers for early detection of pancreatic cancer not only in patients with hereditary risk factors for neoplasia, but also in patients without cancer anamnesis. To obtain the results, further observation of patients in the study group and randomized multicenter studies are required.

Zinc and Its Antioxidant Properties: The Potential Use of Blood Zinc Levels as a Marker of Cancer Risk in BRCA1 Mutation Carriers.

BRCA1 mutations predispose women to breast and ovarian cancer. The anticancer effect of zinc is typically linked to its antioxidant abilities and protecting cells against oxidative stress. Zinc regulates key processes in cancer development, including DNA repair, gene expression, and apoptosis. We took a blood sample from 989 female BRCA1 mutation carriers who were initially unaffected by cancer and followed them for a mean of 7.5 years thereafter. There were 172 incident cases of cancer, including 121 cases of breast cancer, 29 cases of ovarian cancers, and 22 cancers at other sites. A zinc level in the lowest tertile was associated with a modestly higher risk of ovarian cancer compared to women with zinc levels in the upper two tertiles (HR = 1.65; 95% CI 0.80 to 3.44; p = 0.18), but this was not significant. Among those women with zinc levels in the lowest tertile, the 10-year cumulative risk of ovarian cancer was 6.1%. Among those in the top two tertiles of zinc level, the ten-year cumulative risk of ovarian cancer was 4.7%. There was no significant association between zinc level and breast cancer risk. Our preliminary study does not support an association between serum zinc level and cancer risk in BRCA1 mutation carriers.

Modern Approaches and Future Perspectives on Breast and Ovarian Cancer Prevention Strategies in BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutation Carriers: A Literature Overview

Individuals with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations face significantly heightened likelihood of developing breast and ovarian cancers. Besides some lifestyle recommendations, like maintaining physical activity, healthy BMI, possibly early parenthood and breastfeeding, the management of BRCA1/2 mutation carriers includes gene mutation early-detection, screening, risk-reducing surgeries, and chemoprevention. Various prevention strategies exist, all aimed at monitoring patients and mitigating the cancer risks. However, even with the existence of national and international guidelines to direct prevention efforts, there is no ideal protocol that would be universally applicable for all individuals with mutated BRCA gene. This article aims to delve into the currently available surveillance and preventive strategies and explore the potential future avenues for early detection and risk reduction in BRCA mutation carriers.

The risk of skin cancer in women who carry BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations

BackgroundIt has not been clearly established if skin cancer or melanoma are manifestations of BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carrier status. Estimating the risk of skin cancer is an important step towards developing screening recommendations.MethodsWe report the findings of a prospective cohort study of 6,207 women from North America who carry BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. Women were followed from the date of baseline questionnaire to the diagnosis of skin cancer, to age 80 years, death from any cause, or the date of last follow-up.ResultsDuring the mean follow-up period of eight years, 3.7% of women with a BRCA1 mutation (133 of 3,623) and 3.8% of women with a BRCA2 mutation (99 of 2,584) reported a diagnosis of skin cancer (including both keratinocyte carcinomas and melanoma). The cumulative risk of all types of skin cancer from age 20 to 80 years was 14.1% for BRCA1 carriers and 10.7% for BRCA2 carriers. The cumulative risk of melanoma was 2.5% for BRCA1 carriers and 2.3% for BRCA2 carriers, compared to 1.5% for women in the general population in the United States. The strongest risk factor for skin cancer was a prior diagnosis of skin cancer.ConclusionThe risk of non-melanoma skin cancer in women who carry a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 is similar to that of non-carrier women. The risk of melanoma appears to be slightly elevated. We suggest that a referral to a dermatologist or primary care provider for BRCA mutation carriers for annual skin examination and counselling regarding limiting UV exposure, the use of sunscreen and recognizing the early signs of melanoma might be warranted, but further studies are necessary.