Familial Breast Cancer Patients Research Articles

Contribution of constitutional BRCA1 promoter methylation to early-onset and familial breast cancer patients from Pakistan.

Constitutional BRCA1 promoter methylation has been identified as a potential risk factor for breast cancer (BC) in the Caucasian population. However, this data is lacking for BC patients of Asian origin. Therefore, we assessed the contribution of constitutional BRCA1 promoter methylation in Pakistani BC patients. A total of 385 BRCA1/2-negative index BC patients (197 early-onset BC (≤ 30years), 152 familial BC, 17 familial BC and ovarian cancer, 19 male BC) and 107 healthy controls were screened for the constitutional BRCA1 promoter methylation by methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting assay. Overall, 131 patients displayed triple-negative BC (TNBC) and 254 non-TNBC phenotypes. The prevalence of BRCA1 promoter methylation was calculated based on clinicopathological characteristics using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. Constitutional BRCA1 promoter methylation was identified in 19.5% (75/385) of BC patients and 13.1% (14/107) of controls. The frequency of methylation was higher in early-onset BC (23.4% vs. 13.1%, P = 0.035) and TNBC patients (29.0% vs. 13.1%, P = 0.004) compared to controls. Methylation was also more prevalent in patients with high-grade than low-grade tumors (21.7% vs. 12.2%, P = 0.034) and progesterone receptor (PR)-negative than PR-positive tumors (26.0% vs. 13.9%, P = 0.004). Constitutional BRCA1 promoter methylation remained independently associated with TNBC phenotype (odds ratio 1.99; 95% CI 1.12-3.54; P = 0.02) after adjusting for BC diagnosis age, tumor grade, ER, and PR status. Constitutional BRCA1 promoter methylation is associated with TNBC and can serve as a non-invasive blood-based biomarker for Pakistani TNBC patients.

The APOBEC3B c.783delG Truncating Mutation Is Not Associated with an Increased Risk of Breast Cancer in the Polish Population.

The APOBEC3B gene belongs to a cluster of DNA-editing enzymes on chromosome 22 and encodes an activation-induced cytidine deaminase. A large deletion of APOBEC3B was associated with increased breast cancer risk, but the evidence is inconclusive. To investigate whether or not APOBEC3B is a breast cancer susceptibility gene, we sequenced this gene in 617 Polish patients with hereditary breast cancer. We detected a single recurrent truncating mutation (c.783delG, p.Val262Phefs) in four of the 617 (0.65%) hereditary cases by sequencing. We then genotyped an additional 12,484 women with unselected breast cancer and 3740 cancer-free women for the c.783delG mutation. The APOBEC3B c.783delG allele was detected in 60 (0.48%) unselected cases and 19 (0.51%) controls (OR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.56-1.59, p = 0.94). The allele was present in 8 of 1968 (0.41%) familial breast cancer patients from unselected cases (OR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.35-1.83, p = 0.74). Clinical characteristics of breast tumors in carriers of the APOBEC3B mutation and non-carriers were similar. No cancer type was more frequent in the relatives of mutation carriers than in those of non-carriers. We conclude the APOBEC3B deleterious mutation p.Val262Phefs does not confer breast cancer risk. These data do not support the hypothesis that APOBEC3B is a breast cancer susceptibility gene.

Prevalence of TP53 gene Pro72Arg (rs1042522) single nucleotide polymorphism among Egyptian breast cancer patients

BackgroundThe P53 protein has an essential role in several cellular processes, including DNA repair, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest. The pathophysiology of many cancer types has frequently been linked to polymorphisms in the TP53 locus. Over 200 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified in TP53. However, Pro72Arg (rs1042522) at codon 72, shows contradictory results in terms of cancer risk. In this study, we aimed to determine if the Pro72Arg (rs1042522) SNP in the TP53 gene would be linked to breast cancer (BC) risk among Egyptian patients.Materials and MethodsGenomic DNA was extracted from blood samples of 100 healthy volunteers and 100 breast cancer patients (50 familial and 50 non-familial). TP53 Genotyping was performed using tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation (Tetra-ARMS) PCR. Data were analyzed using SNPstat software.ResultsThe prevalence of TP53 (Pro72Arg) rs1042522 genotypes carrying the high-risk allele [Pro/Arg (CG) and Arg/Arg (GG)] were significantly higher in BC patients compared to healthy volunteers and were associated with BC susceptibility (OR 0.2; [95% CI 0.11–0.38]; P = 0.0001). However, there was no statistical significant difference in the prevalence of TP53 (Pro72Arg) rs1042522 genotypes carrying the high-risk allele between familial and non-familial BC patients. In addition, there was no association between the prevalence of TP53 (Pro72Arg) rs1042522 genotypes carrying the high-risk allele and BC patients’ clinical and pathological characteristics including tumor size, tumor grade, lymph node status, presence of lymphovascular invasion, expression of ER, PR and Her-2 in both of familial and non-familial BC patients.ConclusionsTP53 (Pro72Arg) rs1042522 is more prevalent among BC patients but not associated with disease progression.

Frequency of Pathogenic Germline Mutations in Early and Late Onset Familial Breast Cancer Patients Using Multi-Gene Panel Sequencing: An Egyptian Study.

Precision oncology has been increasingly used in clinical practice and rapidly evolving in the oncology field. Thus, this study was performed to assess the frequency of germline mutations in early and late onset familial breast cancer (BC) Egyptian patients using multi-gene panel sequencing to better understand the contribution of the inherited germline mutations in BC predisposition. Moreover, to determine the actionable deleterious mutations associated with familial BC that might be used as biomarker for early cancer detection. Whole blood samples were collected from 101 Egyptian patients selected for BC family history, in addition to 50 age-matched healthy controls. A QIAseq targeted DNA panel (human BC panel) was used to assess the frequency of germline mutations. A total of 58 patients (57.4%) out of 101 were found to have 27 deleterious germline mutations in 11 cancer susceptibility genes. Of them, 32 (31.6%) patients carried more than one pathogenic mutation and each one carried at least one pathogenic mutation. The major genes harboring the pathogenic mutations were: ATM, BRCA2, BRCA1, VHL, MSH6, APC, CHEK2, MSH2, MEN1, PALB2, and MUTYH. Thirty-one patients (30.6%) had BRCA2 mutations and twenty (19.8%) had BRCA1 mutations. Our results showed that exon 10 and exon 11 harbored 3 and 5 mutations, respectively, in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Our analysis also revealed that the VHL gene significantly co-occurred with each of the BRCA2 gene (p = 0.003, event ratio 11/21), the MSH2 gene (p = 0.01, 4/10), the CHEK2 gene (p = 0.02, 4/11), and the MSH6 gene (p = 0.04, 4/12). In addition, the APC gene significantly co-occurred with the MSH2 gene (p = 0.01, 3/7). Furthermore, there was a significant mutually exclusive event between the APC gene and the ATM gene (p = 0.04, 1/36). Interestingly, we identified population specific germline mutations in genes showing potentials for targeted therapy to meet the need for incorporating precision oncology into clinical practice. For example, the mutations identified in the ATM, APC, and MSH2 genes. Multi-gene panel sequencing was used to detect the deleterious mutations associated with familial BC, which in turns mitigate the essential need for implementing next generation sequencing technologies in precision oncology to identify cancer predisposing genes. Moreover, identifying DNA repair gene mutations, with focus on non-BRCA genes, might serve as candidates for targeted therapy and will be increasingly used in precision oncology.

Psychosocial Status Equality between Familial and Non-Familial Breast Cancer Patients

Aims: To compare psychosocial status between familial and non-familial breast cancer patients. Methods: This study used a descriptive analytic design with a cross-sectional approach. Population and sampling were taken at Baladika Husada Hospital Jember with a total sampling technique of 90 respondents. The inclusion criteria in this study were a native Jember Regency diagnosed since the end of 2021, histologically documented diagnosis of breast cancer, age range 30-55 years, has a partner (husband), can write and read and is an outpatient or inpatient at a hospital. Baladika Husada Kab. Jember. Patients were excluded if they had stage 4 metastases, were unmarried or divorced, and diagnosed with other chronic diseases. The instrument used was the DASS 21 questionnaire (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21) which consisted of 21 self-declaration items. The process of collecting, cleaning, editing and analyzing data was carried out with SPSS version 25.0 using the Mann Withney U Test statistical test. Results: This study involved 90 total respondents consisting of 40 in the category of familial breast cancer and 50 non-familial breast cancer. The p-value >0.05 indicates that there is no significant difference between psychosocial status in familial breast cancer and non-familial breast cancer. Conclusion: Psychosocial status of familial breast cancer patients was not different from that of non-familial. Clinically, these findings indicate the importance of the same model of nursing care between the two patient groups. In the next study, the researcher recommends experimental research that examines various nursing interventions on psychosocial status in both groups.

Abstract 5842: High resolution melting technique as an economic prognostic tool for identifying deleterious mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, and P53 genes amongst breast cancer women

Abstract Introduction: The incidence of breast cancer (BC) has substantially increased among women younger than 50. Due to fragile economic situation in the middle east and lack of awareness, BC women are characterized by late diagnosis and thus, there is an urgent need for a cheap early prognostic tool. BC progression involves several genetic mutations via activating oncogenes or disrupting the functions of tumor suppressor genes, such as; BRCA1, BRCA2, P53. Mutation in these genes are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and thereof, can be used as prognostic markers. High throughput technologies such as next generation sequencing (NGS) with help of different bioinformatic analysis tools give massive data about deleterious mutations in tumor suppressor genes. Therefore, in this study we aimed to establish High Resolution Melting (HRM) technique as an economic prognostic tool for identifying deleterious mutations in BRCA1/2 and P53 genes amongst familial and non-familial breast cancer patients. Patients and Methods: Forty-eight breast cancer patients (15 Familial and 33 non-familial) and 2 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the present study. Genomic DNA was extracted from breast cancer tissues and screened using NGS to identify types of mutations in both BRCA1/2 genes. All positive samples were screened for presence of mutations in BRCA 1(exon 19), BRCA2 (Exon 11F) and P53 (exon 5) using HRM. All samples were analyzed for identifying types of mutations using sanger sequencing. Results: Our results identified 57 different mutations in the three genes. Deleterious mutations are identified as follows; 13 frameshift (c.5345delA (36.3%), c.5321delC (36%), c.5337delA (27.2%)) and 8 missense mutations (c.T5320C (36.3%), c.T5330W(A/T) (27.2%)) in BRCA1 (Exon 19). 6 frameshift mutations (c.3528delA (27.2%)), 13 missense mutations (c.T3840G (72.7%), c.G3839K(G/T) (27.2%)) and 6 synonymous mutations (c.A3895R (A/G) (45.4%)) in BRCA2 (exon11F). Regarding P53 (exon 5), 10 frameshift mutations (c.813insC (63.6%)) were detected. Additionally, some of the sequences were sent to GenBank and obtained the following accession numbers; (OL512955 and OL512956 for BRCA1(Exon 19) and OL512957 for BRCA2 (Exon 11)). Moreover, mutations in the three high penetrance genes; BRCA1, BRCA2 and P53 were correlated with some clinical parameters and results showed that young age and family history were the most prominent ones. Conclusion: The present study successfully established HRM as an economic prognostic tool for identifying the presence of deleterious mutations in BRCA1/2 and P53 genes which will help correlate the presence of mutations on other affected exons when present with other risk factors as prognostic tool in BC women. STDF Acknowledgement: This project was funded by the Science and Technology Development Fund (STDF), Egypt Grant No.22944. Citation Format: Shaza Ahmed, Nasra F. Abdel Fattah, Shimaa A. Metwally, Marwa A. Abdelwahed, Hossam Taha Mohamed, Sara H. Agwa, AbdelWahab El Ghareeb, Gehan Safwat, Ahmed A. El Sherif, Mohamed M. Moneer, Samah A. Loutfy. High resolution melting technique as an economic prognostic tool for identifying deleterious mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, and P53 genes amongst breast cancer women [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5842.

Identified potential pathogenic variants of BARD1 in 1449 Chinese high-risk breast cancer patients.

e22525 Background: BARD1 (BRCA1-associated ring domain 1), nuclear partner of BRCA1, has been recognized as a breast cancer predisposition gene. Recently, two large-scale population-based case–control studies confirmed that germline loss-of-function mutations in BARD1 were associated with a risk of breast cancer. Since the germline mutation frequency of BARD1 is much less than that of BRCA1/2, the distinct mutation spectrum of BARD1 is still obscure, especially in Chinese breast cancer patients. To verify the utility of BARD1 genetic testing in Chinese population, we assessed the mutational frequency and spectrum of BARD1 in a sequential series of Chinese high-risk breast cancer patients. Methods: A cohort of high-risk breast cancer patients (n = 1449) were collected in Zhejiang Cancer Hospital from 2008 through 2020, including 608 familial breast cancer (BC) cases, 173 bilateral BC cases, 222 triple negative BC cases, 436 early-onset BC cases (≤40 years) and 10 male BC cases. The complete coding sequence and intron–exon boundaries of BARD1 were screened by a 98-gene panel sequencing assay. The SIFT, Polyphen2 and MutationTaster prediction programs were used for analyzing the effect of the variants of unknown significance (VUS) on the BARD1 protein function. Results: A total of three BARD1 pathogenic mutations (c.1348_1349delinsCAT, c.70_71insGT and c.373G > T) were identified, which had been all reported, and accounting for 0.2% (3/1449) in Chinese high-risk breast cancer patients. The frequencies were 0.33% (2/608) and 0.12% (1/841) in familial and non-familial breast cancer patients, respectively. In total, 19 VUSs including 17 missenses, one inframe deletion and one inframe insertion of BARD1 were identified in this study. Based on in silico analysis, nine BARD1 missense variants (c.76A > G, c.1912G > A, c.1693C > T, c.2191C > T, c.127C > A, c.1601C > T, c.443G > A, c.233G > A and c.1972C > T) were classified as potentially damaging. However, the two newly variants c.420_422del and c.68_69insTCCGGGAACGAGCCTCGTTCC still remain VUS, and the other eight variants were classified as benign. Conclusions: Our data presented the germline mutations of BARD1 in a large-scale Chinese high-risk breast cancer population, which accounted for 0.2% in our cohort. Moreover nine potential pathogenic variants were found based on in silico analysis. Clinically, these data may be helpful in genetic counseling of breast cancer patients with BARD1 germline mutation. While the further research on the VUS are needed.

Molecular phenotypes and clinical characterization of familial hereditary breast cancer among half and full sisters

BackgroundPreliminary clinical observations show that contemporaneous hereditary breast cancer (CHBC) patients suffered breast cancer at an early age, which requires further analysis.Methods38 familial hereditary breast cancer patients (18 CHBC patients and 20 non-CHBC patients) were screened out and 152 non-hereditary breast cancer patients were used as control subjects. Clinical pathologic subtypes, age, tumor location, histological grade, lymph node metastasis, and molecular phenotype expression (ER, PR, HER-2, Ki-67, CK5/6, E-cad, P63, and P120) were compared across all subgroups.ResultsThe incidence of CHBC was 9.47% (18/190) in breast cancer patients. The average ages of onset of CHBC patients, non-CHBC patients, and non-hereditary breast cancer patients were 49.06 ± 6.42, 60.75 ± 9.95 and 61.69 ± 14.34 respectively; whereas there were no significant differences with respect to pathological type or tumor location. There were significant differences in some histological grading (grade II/III), lymph node metastasis and PR expression between hereditary and non-hereditary breast cancers (P < 0.05; P < 0.05 and P < 0.005, respectively). Significantly different HER-2 expression was observed when comparing all hereditary or CHBC patients with non-hereditary breast cancers (P < 0.05 and P < 0.005, respectively). There were significant differences in E-cad and P63 between contemporaneous hereditary and non-hereditary breast cancers (P < 0.005 and P < 0.05, respectively).ConclusionsCHBC patients accounted for 9.47% (18/190) of breast cancer patients, had earlier disease onset, and showed differences compared to non-hereditary breast cancer patients with respect to molecular phenotype and clinical characteristics.

High chromosome instability identified by low-pass whole-genome sequencing assay is associated with TP53 copy loss and worse prognosis in BRCA1 germline mutation breast cancer

BackgroundThough BRCA1 mutation is the most susceptible factor of breast cancer, its prognostic value is disputable. Here in this study, we use a novel method which based on whole-genome analysis to evaluate the chromosome instability (CIN) value and identified the potential relationship between CIN and prognosis of breast cancer patients with germline-BRCA1 mutation.Materials and methodsSanger sequencing or a 98-gene panel sequencing assay was used to screen for BRCA1 germline small mutations in 1151 breast cancer patients with high-risk factors. MLPA assay was employed to screen BRCA1 large genomic rearrangements in familial breast cancer patients with BRCA1 negative for small mutations. Thirty-two samples with unique BRCA1 germline mutation patterns were further subjected to CIN evaluation by LPWGS (low-pass whole-genome sequencing) technology.ResultsFirstly, 113 patients with germline BRCA1 mutations were screened from the cohort. Further CIN analysis by the LPWGS assay indicated that CIN was independent from the mutation location or type of BRCA1. Patients with high CIN status had shorter disease-free survival rates (DFS) (HR = 6.54, 95% CI 1.30–32.98, P = 0.034). The TP53 copy loss was also characterized by LPWGS assay. The rates of TP53 copy loss in CIN high and CIN low groups were 85.71% (12/14) and 16.67% (3/18), respectively.ConclusionCIN-high is a prognostic factor correlated with shorter DFS and was independent with the germline BRCA1 mutation pattern. Higher CIN values were significantly correlated with TP53 copy loss in breast cancer patients with germline BRCA1 mutation. Our results revealed a reliable molecular parameter for distinguishing patients with poor prognosis from the BRCA1-mutated breast cancer patients.

Soluble interleukin-2 receptor as a predictive and prognostic marker for patients with familial breast cancer.

The incidence of breast cancer increases annually, and it has become common within families of breast cancer patients. Interleukin-2 activates cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which are important for cancer immunity. To identify markers of increased familial breast cancer risk, soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels and immunologic factors were investigated in familial breast cancer and non-familial breast cancer patients. Of 106 untreated breast cancer patients in this study, 24 had familial breast cancer and 82 had non-familial breast cancer. The patients' soluble interleukin-2 receptor, interleukin-10, vascular endothelial growth factor, interleukin-17, regulatory T cell, myeloid-derived suppressor cell, white blood cell, and C-reactive protein levels, and their neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios were measured, and their prognoses were compared according to the soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels. Additionally, postoperative tissues from the patients with high soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels were stained with programmed cell death ligand 1 and cluster of differentiation 8. The soluble interleukin-2 receptor level in the familial breast cancer patients was significantly higher, and it showed significantly stronger correlations with the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and the interleukin-10, vascular endothelial growth factor, interleukin-17, regulatory T cell, myeloid-derived suppressor cell, white blood cell, and C-reactive protein levels, than in the non-familial breast cancer patients. The regulatory T cell and myeloid-derived suppressor cell levels were significantly higher in the patients with high soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels, and the overall survival and disease-free-survival rates were significantly worse for the familial breast cancer patients than for the non-familial breast cancer patients. Triple-negative breast cancer tissues from the familial breast cancer patients with high soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels stained well for programmed cell death ligand 1 and cluster of differentiation 8. Soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels can be used to predict the prognosis of familial breast cancer patients. Prospectively identifying patients who are less likely to have non-familial breast cancer is vital for improving their overall survival.

Abstract 2512: BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations and its clinical relevance among egyptian breast cancer women

Abstract Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) is a multifactorial disease, that is attributed to non-familial factors such as environmental or genetic factors that play a vital role in the development of the disease. BRCA1/2 mutations represent a high risk of breast cancer. The current study focused on exploring the relationship between the presence of BRCA1/2 mutations and some clinicopathological characteristics which might impact the pathogenesis of BC disease. Material and Methods: Genomic DNA samples were obtained from 19 fresh tissues using Gene JET Extraction Kit (Thermo Scientific/US, Canada), and 29 FFPE using QIAamp DNA FFPE Tissue Kit (Qiagen, Valencia, USA) obtained from pretreatment BC patients. Library preparation was performed using Devyser BRCA NGS kit (DEVYSER, Stockholm, Sweden), according to the manufacturer's instructions. The reagent kit V2, 500 Cycles PE, on the Illumina MiSeq System (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes reference were: NM_007300 and NM_000059, respectively. Variants were called using freebayes (1.1.0.46) and annotated using ANNOVAR(version2019Oct24). All samples were subjected for detection of Human Mammary Tumor Virus (HMTV) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNAs using qualitative PCR assay. Result: The study identified 40 and 54 different BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, mostly in the form of frameshift and stop codon mutations. Regarding, BRCA1, 14 pathogenic mutations were detected, exon10 and exon 9 showed to be the most affected exons representing (c.C1612T (25%) and c.C1471T(22.9%), respectively. For BRCA2, only five pathogenic mutations were identified, exon 11 and exon 14 showed to be the most affected exons (cT4001A(6.25%) and c.7231delA(4.16%), respectively. Regarding relation between BRCA1/2 genes mutations and clinicopathological parameters, BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers were younger than non-carriers though not significant (p=0.440). Regarding the tumor characteristics, BRCA1/2 carriers had large tumor size (p=0.091), high tumor grade compared to non-carriers but without significance (P=0.098). Micro-classifications positivity (60%) was also more frequently among BRCA1/2 carrier than non-carrier (p= 0.082). Regarding detection of HMTV and HPV, BRCA1/2 mutation carriers has a skew towards negative results (P=&amp;lt;0.001 and 0.004, respectively). Conclusion: Our data suggest that BRCA1/2 mutations might contribute to the pathogenesis among both familial and non-familial Egyptian breast cancer patients, but we need more sample size to confirm the findings. It also identifies the most affected exons in preparation for establishing a diagnostic tool like HRM for genetic counseling, which will help when selecting treatment modalities for BC patients. STDF Acknowledgment: This project was supported financially by the Science and Technology Development Fund (STDF), Egypt, Grant No.22944 Citation Format: Samah A. Loutfy, Nasra F. Abdel Fattah, Ahmed B. Barakat, Omar R. Alfarouk, Tarek M. Hashem, Ahmed M. Osman, Shimaa A. Metwally, Maha A. Abo-Shadi, Amany M. Helal, Shaza A. Habib, Ahmed A. El Sherif, Abdel Wahab El Ghareeb, Mohamed M. Mouneer, Manar M. Moneer, Marwa A. Abdel-Wahed, Mona A. Salem, Asmaa M. M. M. Salama, Fatma S. Hafez, Sara H. Agwa, Hesham Elghazaly, Manal M. El-Mahdy, Mark J. Dunning, Sherif F. El-Khamisy. BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations and its clinical relevance among egyptian breast cancer women [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2512.

Prevalence of MMTV-Like env Sequences and Its Association with BRCA1/2 Genes Mutations Among Egyptian Breast Cancer Patients.

BackgroundMouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) is thought to have a role in human breast cancer (BC) pathogenesis. BRCA1 and 2 genes mutations are well-established risk factors for BC. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of MMTV in familial and non-familial Egyptian breast cancer patients. We also aimed to establish a correlation between BRCAs genes mutations and MMTV infection in those patients.Patients and MethodsThe study was included 80 BC patients and 10 healthy women were included as a control group. We used PCR to amplify a 250-bp MMTV-like env sequence. We also used PCR followed by direct sequencing to identify the genetic variation of exons 2, 13, 19 of BRCA1 gene and exon 9 and region f of exon 11 of BRCA2 gene. High resolution melting (HRM) analysis was used to screen the selected exons of BRCA1/2 genes in order to detect different variants.ResultsMMTV DNA-like env sequences were detected in 70%, 76% of familial and non-familial BC patients, respectively, and it was not detected in any of the control subjects. The presence of viral sequences was associated with larger tumor size in the sporadic patients. Seventy BC patients showed variations in BRCA1/2 genes according to HRM analysis and sequencing analysis showed two different sequences of polymorphism among 22 familial and non-familial BC patients.ConclusionMMTV DNA was present among BC patients and it was associated with increased tumor growth. This indicates a potential role for MMTV in BC patients with and without deleterious mutation in BRCA1/2 genes.

A comparative survival study between familial and sporadic breast cancer in iranian women

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in Iranian women, with 13400 new cases annually. A few studies have reported that BC patients with a positive familial history had different prognoses and outcomes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare survival between familial BC (FBC) patients and sporadic BC (SBC) patients in Iranian women. Materials and Metshods: In a longitudinal study, 1710 patients with complete medical records from the Cancer Research Center database were extracted and divided into two groups: The FBC group (n = 311) and the SBC group (n = 1399). Then, 5-year overall survival (OS) and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) for these two groups were evaluated and compared. Results: The FBC group and SBC group represented 18.2% and 81.8% of all cases, with mean ages of 44.2 years and 47.7 years, respectively (P = 0.0024). There were more advanced stage and positive lymph nodes, higher grade of tumor, more positive lymphovascular invasion and P53 status and higher degrees of negative progesterone receptor status in the FBC group than in the SBC group (P = 0.0200, P = 0.0001, P = 0.0001, P = 0.0386, P = 0.0182 and P = 0.0003, respectively). In the FBC group and SBC group, the 5-year DFS was 81% and 86.5% (P = 0.0121), and the 5-year OS was 71.1% and 76.5%, respectively (P = 0.0401). Conclusions: The findings of this study showed better 5-year OS, 5-year DFS, and favorable prognostic factors in the SBT group than in the FBC group. The initial results might be helpful as better treatment modalities and careful follow-up in the FBC group.

BRCA1 Antibodies Matter.

Breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) encodes a tumor suppressor that is frequently mutated in familial breast and ovarian cancer patients. BRCA1 functions in multiple important cellular processes including DNA damage repair, cell cycle checkpoint activation, protein ubiquitination, chromatin remodeling, transcriptional regulation, as well as R-loop formation and apoptosis. A large number of BRCA1 antibodies have been generated and become commercially available over the past three decades, however, many commercial antibodies are poorly characterized and, when widely used, led to unreliable data. In search of reliable and specific BRCA1 antibodies (Abs), particularly antibodies recognizing mouse BRCA1, we performed a rigorous validation of a number of commercially available anti-BRCA1 antibodies, using proper controls in a panel of validation applications, including Western blot (WB), immunoprecipitation (IP), immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry (IP-MS), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and immunofluorescence (IF). Furthermore, we assessed the specificity of these antibodies to detect mouse BRCA1 protein through the use of testis tissue and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) from Brca1+/+ and Brca1Δ11/Δ11 mice. We find that Ab1, D-9, 07-434 (for recognizing human BRCA1) and 287.17, 440621, BR-64 (for recognizing mouse BRCA1) are specific with high quality performance in the indicated assays. We share these results here with the goal of helping the community combat the common challenges associated with anti-BRCA1 antibody specificity and reproducibility and, hopefully, better understanding BRCA1 functions at cellular and tissue levels.

Prevalence of RECQL germline variants in Pakistani early-onset and familial breast cancer patients

BackgroundThe RecQ Like Helicase (RECQL) gene has previously been shown to predispose to breast cancer mainly in European populations, in particular to estrogen receptor (ER) and/or progesterone receptor (PR) positive tumor. Here, we investigated the contribution of pathogenic RECQL germline variants to hereditary breast cancer in early-onset and familial breast cancer patients from Pakistan.MethodsComprehensive RECQL variant analysis was performed in 302 BRCA1 and BRCA2 negative patients with ER and/or PR positive breast tumors using denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography followed by DNA sequencing. Novel variants were classified using Sherloc guidelines.ResultsOne novel pathogenic protein-truncating variant (p.W75*) was identified in a 37-year-old familial breast cancer patient. The pathogenic variant frequencies were 0.3% (1/302) in early-onset and familial breast cancer patients and 0.8% (1/133) in familial patients. Further, three novel variants of unknown significance, p.I141F, p.S182S, and p.C475C, were identified in familial breast cancer patients at the age of 47, 68, and 47 respectively. All variants were absent in 250 controls.ConclusionsOur data suggest that the RECQL gene plays a negligible role in breast cancer predisposition in Pakistan.

RASAL1 and ROS1 Gene Variants in Hereditary Breast Cancer.

Simple SummaryBreast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women. Identifying novel genetic factors conferring BC predisposition is crucial to predict who is at increased risk of developing the disease, allowing for early detection and therapy, and optimized patient management. We identified germline pathogenic variants in familial breast cancer patients in ROS1 and RASAL1 genes. Further analysis in independent patient group will help understanding the role of these novel genes in breast cancer predisposition.Breast cancer (BC) is the second leading cause of death in women. BC patients with family history or clinical features suggestive of inherited predisposition are candidate to genetic testing to determine whether a hereditary cancer syndrome is present. We aimed to identify new predisposing variants in familial BC patients using next-generation sequencing approaches. We performed whole exome sequencing (WES) in first-degree cousin pairs affected by hereditary BC negative at the BRCA1/2 (BReast CAncer gene 1/2) testing. Targeted analysis, for the genes resulting mutated via WES, was performed in additional 131 independent patients with a suspected hereditary predisposition (negative at the BRCA1/2 testing). We retrieved sequencing data for the mutated genes from WES of 197 Italian unrelated controls to perform a case-controls collapsing analysis. We found damaging variants in NPL (N-Acetylneuraminate Pyruvate Lyase), POLN (DNA Polymerase Nu), RASAL1 (RAS Protein Activator Like 1) and ROS1 (ROS Proto-Oncogene 1, Receptor Tyrosine Kinase), shared by the corresponding cousin pairs. We demonstrated that the splice site alterations identified in NPL and ROS1 (in two different pairs, respectively) impaired the formation of the correct transcripts. Target analysis in additional patients identified novel and rare damaging variants in RASAL1 and ROS1, with a significant allele frequency increase in cases. Moreover, ROS1 achieved a significantly higher proportion of variants among cases in comparison to our internal control database of Italian subjects (p = 0.0401). Our findings indicate that germline variants in ROS1 and RASAL1 might confer susceptibility to BC.

Identification of novel candidate genes by exome sequencing in Tunisian familial male breast cancer patients.

Male Breast Cancer (MBC) is a rare and aggressive disease that is associated with genetic factors. Mutations in BRCA1andBRCA2account for 10% of all MBC cases suggesting that other genetic factors are involved. The aim of the present study is to screen whole BRCA1 and BRCA2 exons using the Ampliseq BRCA panel in Tunisian MBC patients with family history. Furthermore, we performed exome sequencing using the TruSight One sequencing panel on an early onset BRCA negative patient. We showed that among the 6 MBC patients, only one (MBC-F1) harbored a novel frameshift mutation in exon 2 of the BRCA2 gene (c.17-20delAAGA, p.Lys6Xfs) resulting in a short BRCA2 protein of only 6 amino-acids. We selected 9 rare variants after applying several filter steps on the exome sequencing data. Among these variants, and based on their role in breast carcinogenesis, we retained 6 candidate genes (MSH5, DCC, ERBB3, NOTCH3, DIAPH1, and DNAH11). Further studies are needed to confirm the association of the selected genes with family MBC.

Complex Characterization of Germline Large Genomic Rearrangements of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genes in High-Risk Breast Cancer Patients-Novel Variants from a Large National Center.

Large genomic rearrangements (LGRs) affecting one or more exons of BRCA1 and BRCA2 constitute a significant part of the mutation spectrum of these genes. Since 2004, the National Institute of Oncology, Hungary, has been involved in screening for LGRs of breast or ovarian cancer families enrolled for genetic testing. LGRs were detected by multiplex ligation probe amplification method, or next-generation sequencing. Where it was possible, transcript-level characterization of LGRs was performed. Phenotype data were collected and analyzed too. Altogether 28 different types of LGRs in 51 probands were detected. Sixteen LGRs were novel. Forty-nine cases were deletions or duplications in BRCA1 and two affected BRCA2. Rearrangements accounted for 10% of the BRCA1 mutations. Three exon copy gains, two complex rearrangements, and 23 exon losses were characterized by exact breakpoint determinations. The inferred mechanisms for LGR formation were mainly end-joining repairs utilizing short direct homologies. Comparing phenotype features of the LGR-carriers to that of the non-LGR BRCA1 mutation carriers, revealed no significant differences. Our study is the largest comprehensive report of LGRs of BRCA1/2 in familial breast and ovarian cancer patients in the Middle and Eastern European region. Our data add novel insights to genetic interpretation associated to the LGRs.

Overall survival and related prognostic factors for familial breast cancer patients: A single institution study in Iran.

Overall survival and related prognostic factors for familial breast cancer patients: A single institution study in Iran.

Presence of Oncogenic Viruses: Clinical Relevance Among Egyptian Familial and Non-Familial Breast Cancer

Presenting Author: Loutfy SA Introduction: Oncogenic viruses including Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus (MMTV), Adenovirus (ADV), Polyomavirus (PoV), Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) are one of the leading probable direct causes of Breast cancer (BC) worldwide. According to the National population-based registry program in Egypt (2008-2011) accounting for 32% of all female cancers. The present study aimed at evaluating the presence of these five oncogenic viruses among Egyptian familial and non-familial BC patients and their impact on the clinical course of the disease. Patients &amp; Methods: The current study was conducted on 20 cases of BC patients without treatment and 10 healthy women as a control, aged between 18-45 years. Fresh frozen tissue and blood were obtained from BC patients, whereas only blood was obtained from control. All samples were subjected to qualitative and quantitative PCR assays to measure viral loads. The results were correlated to the clinicopathological parameters of breast cancer disease. Results: MMTV, ADV, PoV, HPV and EBV DNAs have been detected in 11 (55%),13 (65 %),8 (40%), 0 (0%) and 0 (0%) respectively, of 20 blood BC patients using qualitative PCR. PCR assay. Upon screening of 13 fresh frozen tissues, MMTV, ADV, PoV, HPV and EBV DNAs were present in 12(92%), 12(92%), 2(15.3%), 11(84.6%), and 11 (84.6) respectively of BC patients using quantitative PCR assay. Regarding viral load, ADV and HPV DNAs appeared to be the most replicative viruses out of all tested oncogenic viruses where their load ranged between 40 and 130,000 copies/ml. None of the tested viruses was detected in the control group. The presence of DNA of the 5 tested viruses was not associated with any clinicopathological parameters except larger tumor size was more common among BC patients with positive MMTV results. Conclusion: MMTV and ADV were the most common viruses present in tissue and blood of BC patients, tissue specimens are better for viral detection especially for EBV and papillomaviruses. The presence of oncogenic viral infection among young BC females could be considered as one of the risk external factor and could affect the path of BC disease and its prognosis.