A Review of Treatment Options for Women Facing Hereditary Breast Cancer
Abstract
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are tumor suppressor genes, which produce proteins that aid repair damaged DNA. Women who carry a pathogenic mutation in BRCA1/BRCA2 genes have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Furthermore, BRCA1/BRCA2 pathogenic mutations are associated with more aggressive breast cancer types (i.e., triple negative) and higher recurrence rates (10.5%) than for breast cancer of non-carrier patients. Consequently, BRCA1+/BRCA2+ breast cancer patients require a specialized treatment approach. The objective of this literature review is to summarize the various treatment options offered to BRCA1+/BRCA2+ breast cancer patients. Peer reviewed articles were found through multiple databases such as PubMed and Medline, then reviewed and summarized in this paper. The different surgical treatments available for BRCA1+/BRCA2+ breast cancer patients included Breast-Conserving Surgery (BCS), and Mastectomy. While BCS preserves the breast, which reduces the negative impacts on the quality of life of patients, it has been shown that it is associated with a 49% rate of ipsilateral recurrence for BRCA1+/BRCA2+ breast cancer patients compared to 21% for non-carrier breast cancer patients. Additional clinical trials are being conducted to identify more effective and tailored treatment options targeted towards BRCA1+/BRCA2+ breast cancer patients. Due to the complexity, patients may require more education regarding treatment options in the shared-decision making process to ensure they adequately understand the benefits, harms, and costs of each option.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Erin Biggs
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-5-2023 12:00 PM
End Date
4-6-2023 4:00 PM
A Review of Treatment Options for Women Facing Hereditary Breast Cancer
Alvin Sherman Library
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are tumor suppressor genes, which produce proteins that aid repair damaged DNA. Women who carry a pathogenic mutation in BRCA1/BRCA2 genes have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Furthermore, BRCA1/BRCA2 pathogenic mutations are associated with more aggressive breast cancer types (i.e., triple negative) and higher recurrence rates (10.5%) than for breast cancer of non-carrier patients. Consequently, BRCA1+/BRCA2+ breast cancer patients require a specialized treatment approach. The objective of this literature review is to summarize the various treatment options offered to BRCA1+/BRCA2+ breast cancer patients. Peer reviewed articles were found through multiple databases such as PubMed and Medline, then reviewed and summarized in this paper. The different surgical treatments available for BRCA1+/BRCA2+ breast cancer patients included Breast-Conserving Surgery (BCS), and Mastectomy. While BCS preserves the breast, which reduces the negative impacts on the quality of life of patients, it has been shown that it is associated with a 49% rate of ipsilateral recurrence for BRCA1+/BRCA2+ breast cancer patients compared to 21% for non-carrier breast cancer patients. Additional clinical trials are being conducted to identify more effective and tailored treatment options targeted towards BRCA1+/BRCA2+ breast cancer patients. Due to the complexity, patients may require more education regarding treatment options in the shared-decision making process to ensure they adequately understand the benefits, harms, and costs of each option.
