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Keyword: brca
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Genes linked to aggressive prostate cancer
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer
Previous research has linked some inherited mutations to prostate cancer risk. This study found a link to additional genes that should be added to prostate cancer gene panel tests. The study also looked at which genes were most closely linked to aggressive prostate cancer that is more likely to spread. (Posted 2/1/24)
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Update : A breast cancer vaccine for people with an inherited BRCA1, BRCA2 or PALB2 mutation
Most relevant for: People at increased risk for breast cancer undergoing prophylactic bilateral mastectomy due to an inherited mutation in BRCA1, BRCA2 or PALB2. People with TNBC who still have breast cancer after chemotherapy.
A breast cancer vaccine is showing promise in early clinical trials. Initially, the vaccine was tested in people with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) who were at high risk for recurrence. Now the vaccine is being tested to lower breast cancer risk among people with an inherited mutation in BRCA1, BRCA2 or PALB2. It is also being tested in people with triple-negative breast cancer who are at high risk for recurrence and are taking the immunotherapy drug Keytruda (pembrolizumab) after completing chemotherapy. (Posted 1/31/24)
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : H. pylori bacteria infection and risk of stomach cancer in mutation carriers
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People who are at increased risk for stomach cancer due to an inherited mutation.
The results of a study in Japan show that people with a bacterial infection called H. pylori and an inherited mutation in an ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2 or PALB2 gene have a high risk of stomach cancer. (Posted 1/19/24)
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Benefit of pancreatic cancer screening
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People with an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
Among people with an inherited mutation in a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, screening for pancreatic cancer found most cancers at an earlier stage when they could be treated by surgery. Posted 1/17/24)
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Update : New drug combination approved for treatment of BRCA-mutated metastatic prostate cancer
Most relevant for: People with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer with a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2
The FDA approved Akeega (niraparib and abiraterone) plus prednisone for the treatment of BRCA-mutated, metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Akeega can be used as an early or later treatment. (Posted 11/9/23)
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Update : New first-line treatment option for metastatic prostate cancer
Most relevant for: People with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer who have an inherited or tumor mutation in certain genes.
The FDA has approved Talzenna (talazoparib) with Xtandi (enzalutamide) as first-line treatments for some patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. (Posted 10/2/23)
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Update : New drug combination for early treatment of some metastatic prostate cancer
Most relevant for: People with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer with a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2
The FDA approved Lynparza (olaparib) for use earlier in treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) when added to abiraterone and prednisone for people with a BRCA mutation found through genetic or tumor testing. Lynparza combined with hormone therapy may now be used as a first-line or later treatment. (Posted 9/11/23)
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Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Study : Early removal of ovaries may be linked to small increase in risk of Parkinson’s disease in later life
Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Most relevant for: Women considering risk-reducing removal of both ovaries
The lifetime risk of developing Parkinson’s disease is low. However, having surgery to remove both ovaries before natural menopause can slightly increase the risk of Parkinson's disease later in life. Researchers studied over 20 years of medical records, which confirmed this small increase in risk, particularly for women who have their ovaries removed before age 43. (Posted 5/3/23)
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Human Research
Study : Hormonal birth control may reduce ovarian cancer risk in people with BRCA mutations
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Human Research
Most relevant for: Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations who are interested in reducing their ovarian cancer risk
Hormonal birth control pill is linked to reduced ovarian cancer among people with an inherited BRCA mutation. Longer-acting forms of birth control given by implant, injection or as an intrauterine device may be associated with lower ovarian cancer risk for people with an inherited BRCA mutation. (Posted 4/28/23)
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Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Animal Studies
Study : Weight may affect breast cancer risk in women with an inherited BRCA mutation
Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Animal Studies
Most relevant for: People with an inherited mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 concerned about their breast cancer risk
A study that looked at normal breast cells from women with an inherited BRCA mutation found more DNA damage among women who were overweight (based on a measurement known as body mass index) than those who were not overweight. The results suggest that maintaining a lower weight may reduce breast cancer among this high-risk population. (Posted 3/30/23)
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