Keyword: brca

Study : Teens and young adults respond well to learning about familial cancer risk

Most relevant for: Mothers who have had genetic testing for BRCA1 or BRCA2 whether or not they have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer

Little is known about how awareness of hereditary cancer in a high-risk family affects the quality of life of teens and young adults. This study looked at the lifestyle choices, cancer awareness and quality of life of adolescents and young adults whose mothers had undergone testing for a BRCA mutation. (Posted 10/11/2022) Este artículo está disponible en español.

Update : PARP inhibitors withdrawn as third-line or later treatment for recurrent ovarian cancer

Most relevant for: people with recurrent ovarian cancer who have received 3 or more prior lines of treatment and who have an inherited or tumor mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 or whose tumor is HRD positive

Survival data from a clinical trial signaled that PARP inhibitors may not work as well as chemotherapy for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer who have received three or more lines of treatment. As a result, FDA approvals have been withdrawn for PARP inhibitors in this setting.  This does not affect PARP inhibitor approvals for use as maintenance therapy for ovarian cancer. (Posted 10/4/22)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study : PARP inhibitor treatment for metastatic prostate cancer shows most benefit in men with inherited BRCA mutations

Most relevant for: People with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer who have an inherited or tumor mutation in BRCA2.

This study looked at the benefit of using the PARP inhibitor niraparib to treat metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Participants included those with an inherited or tumor mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 or an inherited or tumor mutation in another gene that affects DNA repair. Participants with an inherited or tumor mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 had better survival compared to those without a BRCA mutation. Side effects from niraparib were common, and consistent with previous reports for PARP inhibitors.  (posted 9/6/2022)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study : Screening for pancreatic cancer detects early-stage disease and improves survival

Most relevant for: People at increased risk for pancreatic cancer because of family history or an inherited mutation.

A research study has shown that screening for pancreatic cancer in people with an inherited mutation or family history was able to detect early-stage pancreatic cancers and improve survival. These results will likely change pancreatic cancer screening guidelines for high-risk individuals (Posted 8/30/22)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Article : Rise in endometrial cancer affects Black women more than white women

Most relevant for: People concerned about their risk for endometrial cancer

The New York Times calls attention to the increase in a type of cancer of the uterus called endometrial cancer and how it disproportionately affects Black women. The article provides useful information about endometrial cancer while raising awareness of a significant and growing health disparity.  (Posted 8/16/22)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Article : How your ovarian cancer diagnosis can help your relatives

Most relevant for: People diagnosed with ovarian cancer

This media article provides tips from experts and the CDC for talking to family members after a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. It highlights which family members may be at risk of developing ovarian cancer or passing on genes that increase risk. The article provides links to resources, talking points, alternative methods of communication and potential reactions. (Posted 7/28/22)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study : Risk-reducing ovarian cancer surgery and quality of life

Most relevant for: People with an inherited BRCA mutation

People with an inherited BRCA gene mutation are recommended to have surgery to remove their ovaries before the age of natural menopause to reduce their risk of ovarian cancer.  This surgery can cause short-term and long-term effects. This study assesses the quality of life among people who have their fallopian tubes surgically removed and later have their ovaries removed compared to people who have their ovaries and fallopian tubes removed at the same time.  (Posted 7/26/22). Este artículo está disponible en español.

Article : Breast cancer risk for transgender men with inherited mutations

Most relevant for: Transgender men with an inherited mutation

There is little information related to the risks and treatment options for transgender men and nonbinary people who are at high-risk for breast cancer due to an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. We review an expert viewpoint on the implications of a BRCA mutation for transgender men undergoing breast removal as part of their gender-affirming care plan. (posted 5/19/22)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study : Quality of life for people with early-stage breast cancer who participated in the OlympiA clinical trial

Most relevant for: People with inherited mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 who have been diagnosed with early-stage, HER2-negative breast cancer.

The OlympiA study showed that the PARP inhibitor olaparib (Lynparza) is effective when used as maintenance therapy for people with an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation who have early-stage breast cancer. Patient-reported outcomes from OlympiA suggest that olaparib was well tolerated and did not reduce quality of life or delay recovery from chemotherapy. (posted 2/22/22) Update: Based on OlympiA results, the FDA approved olaparib as adjuvant treatment for people with an inherited BRCA mutation who were diagnosed with early-stage HER2-negative breast cancer at high risk for recurrence. (03/11/2022). 

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study : Mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 may increase risk for endometrial cancer

Most relevant for: People with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations

A Dutch study added further evidence that women with a BRCA1 mutation may have an elevated risk for endometrial cancer. The study found that the endometrial cancer in women with either a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation was more likely to be an aggressive form of cancer associated with a poor outcomes. (posted 11/30/21)

Este artículo está disponible en español.