Keyword: brca

Study : Does IVF increase a woman’s risk for breast cancer?

Relevance: Medium

Strength of Science: Medium-High

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Most relevant for: Woman at average risk for breast cancer who have or are considering undergoing In Vitro Fertilization

In vitro fertilization (IVF) wasn't commonly used until the 1980s, so its long-term effects are mostly unknown. A new study suggests that the treatment does not increase a woman's risk for developing breast cancer. (8/23/16)

Study : Extending aromatase inhibitor duration to 10 years lowers recurrence for ER/PR+ breast cancer patients

Relevance: Medium-High

Strength of Science: High

Research Timeline: Post Approval

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Most relevant for:

Hormonal therapy reduces the risk of recurrence for women with early-stage breast cancer that is ER-and/or PR-positive. Standard therapy lasts 5 years. A new study looks at whether extending one type of hormonal therapy, known as aromatase inhibitor therapy, to 10 years lowers recurrence rates even more for these women. (7/26/16)

Study : Racial disparities in BRCA testing: Why?

Relevance: Medium-High

Strength of Science: Medium-High

Research Timeline: Post Approval

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Most relevant for: African American women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer

Black women receive BRCA testing less frequently than white women. Why is that? Researchers thought the reason might be that black and white women see different health care providers. However, new research suggests that disparities in physician recommendations for testing are the cause: black women with breast cancer were less likely to receive physician recommendations for BRCA testing than white women with breast cancer. There is a need to ensure equity in physician testing recommendations for black women. (7/21/16)

Study : Early research on a drug to prevent breast cancer

Relevance: Medium

Strength of Science: Medium

Research Timeline: Human Research

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Most relevant for: Women with a BRCA1 mutation

Many researchers are interested in non-surgical options to reduce the higher-than-average risk of developing breast cancer in BRCA mutation carriers. This research study identified a type of drug, called a “RANK ligand inhibitor,” that may prevent breast cancer. Among mice that were genetically engineered to have no BRCA1 genes, those that were given the drug developed tumors less frequently than those that did not. While this is an exciting early study for BRCA mutation carriers, more work and human clinical trials need to be done before this can be used as a prevention therapy in humans. (7/12/16)

Update added 11/24/19: The RANK ligand inhibitor, denosumab is currently being studied as a possible breast and ovarian cancer preventive agent in human clinical trials.

Study : Breast cancer risk model updated for average risk women with genetic, lifestyle and environmental information

Relevance: Medium

Strength of Science: Medium

Research Timeline: Human Research

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Most relevant for: Women at average risk for breast cancer

A number of factors are known to increase breast cancer risk, but some of these factors have not been included in models to predict breast cancer risk. This study looks at an updated model that includes some of these factors, such as genetics, smoking, and drinking. The goal of the model is to give women a more individualized breast cancer risk assessment. (6/29/16)

Study : Does light alcohol consumption affect your breast cancer risk?

Relevance: Medium-High

Strength of Science: Medium

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Most relevant for: Women who drink alcohol and are concerned about their breast cancer risk.

Alcohol is known to increase breast cancer risk, but does that include light consumption? This study indicates that some breast cancer occurrences and mortality is due to light alcohol consumption. (06/21/16)

Study : Dense breast notifications are informative but hard to read and understand

Relevance: Medium-High

Strength of Science: Medium-High

Research Timeline: Human Research

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Most relevant for: Women with dense breast tissue on mammograms

Some states offer women dense breast notifications that are meant to explain that dense breasts are risk factors for breast cancer and can hide cancer on mammograms, and to identify appropriate supplemental screening options. But recent research found that this information is often not easy to read or understand, which questions the usefulness of the documents. (6/7/16)

Study : Do BRCA mutations affect fertility?

Relevance: Medium

Strength of Science: Medium

Research Timeline: Human Research

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Most relevant for: Women with a BRCA mutation who want to become pregnant

Age affects fertility. As women age, their ovaries release eggs that are not as healthy as those released in younger women. Fewer eggs are released each menstrual cycle as women age, making it harder for older women to become pregnant. Are women with BRCA mutations less fertile? Previous research suggested that BRCA mutations might affect women's fertility as she ages. A recent study found that BRCA1 mutation carriers may have slightly lower fertility than women without the same mutation, but more research is needed before this finding is useful for medical decision-making. (5/24/16)

Study : More patients with invasive breast cancer opting for double mastectomies

Relevance: Medium

Strength of Science: Medium

Most relevant for: Women diagnosed with breast cancer who are recommended to undergo a single mastectomy

There are a number of surgical options for treating invasive breast cancer. These include lumpectomy with radiation, a single mastectomy to remove only the breast with cancer, or a double mastectomy, which removes both breasts. A new study finds that more women are choosing double mastectomy, even though it does not increase overall survival for these patients. (5/3/2016)

Study : Is breast cancer risk increased in women who test negative for the BRCA mutation in their family?

Relevance: Medium

Strength of Science: Medium

Research Timeline: Human Research

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Most relevant for: Women from a family with a known BRCA mutation who tested negative for the mutation in the family

Some women who do not carry a BRCA mutation, but come from a BRCA-positive family, still develop breast cancer. This research examines whether these women are at higher risk for breast cancer, or whether their risk is similar to women in the general population. (4/19/16)