Ovarian cancer is a severe and often life-threatening condition, particularly for women with faulty BRCA genes, which significantly increase the risk of various cancers. A new study supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has found that women treated for ovarian cancer caused by faulty BRCA genes have a lower risk of also developing breast cancer than previously thought. This discovery marks a significant advancement in understanding the long-term risks faced by ovarian cancer survivors and offers new hope for their ongoing management and care.
Men and women who inherit faulty versions of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes have an increased risk of developing different types of cancers, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer. The study conducted by researchers at the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) is the largest to date, focusing on the risk of breast cancer in women who have already been treated for ovarian cancer. The researchers analyzed data from 701 women with faulty BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, assessing their risk of breast cancer annually for each age group and for up to 15 years following their ovarian cancer diagnosis.
Ovarian Cancer Treatment with Platinum-Based Chemotherapy Reduces Breast Cancer Risk in First Five Years
The results showed that for women with these genetic faults, the likelihood of developing breast cancer in the first five years after an ovarian cancer diagnosis was lower than for those without ovarian cancer. The researchers attribute this reduced risk to the platinum-based chemotherapy that is often used to treat ovarian cancer. This type of chemotherapy appears to control and potentially eradicate breast cancer cells that could have developed within the first five years after the ovarian cancer diagnosis.
The study provides detailed statistics on the breast cancer rates for patients with faulty BRCA genes after ovarian cancer treatment: for patients with a faulty BRCA2 gene, the rates were 3.3% at 2 years, 6.2% at 5 years, 10.4% at 10 years, and 20.3% at 15 years. For patients with a faulty BRCA1 gene, the rates were 2.1% at 2 years, 5.0% at 5 years, 15.0% at 10 years, and 29.1% at 15 years.
Professor Gareth Evans, Consultant in Medical Genetics and Cancer Epidemiology at MFT and The University of Manchester and NIHR Manchester BRC Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Co-Theme Lead, commented on the findings, stating, “Many women we speak to who have a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer immediately ask about bilateral mastectomy (removal of both breasts) as an option to manage their cancer risk. Many are upset to hear they need to delay this to the required two-year point of disease-free survival from ovarian cancer.”
Ovarian Cancer Patients Face Low Breast Cancer Risk in First Two Years Due to Platinum-Based Chemotherapy
He continued, “Our findings mean we can reassure women that their risk of breast cancer in the first two years after diagnosis is relatively low at around 2% to 2.5%. This is likely because of the effects of platinum-based chemotherapy, which is widely used to treat ovarian cancer, resulting in control and potentially complete eradication of breast cancers that otherwise could have occurred in the first five years.”
The results, published in Genetics in Medicine, show that the low rate of breast cancer continues until 10 years of follow-up. However, the researchers cautioned that women need to be aware of the increased risk after 10 years. Professor Evans emphasized, “In women with good long-term life expectancy, the higher risks of breast cancer after 10 years, particularly in BRCA1, should be discussed with their clinicians. This includes presenting all the available options such as MRI screening and risk-reducing mastectomy.”
This study’s findings are crucial for both patients and clinicians as they navigate the complex decisions surrounding cancer treatment and prevention. By understanding the reduced risk of breast cancer in the initial years following ovarian cancer treatment, women can make more informed decisions about their health and treatment options. The study also underscores the importance of continued monitoring and preventative measures for those with BRCA gene mutations, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care throughout their lives.
In conclusion, the discovery that ovarian cancer survivors with faulty BRCA genes have a lower risk of developing breast cancer in the first five years post-diagnosis is a significant milestone. It provides reassurance to patients and highlights the importance of platinum-based chemotherapy in managing cancer risks. However, the increased risk beyond ten years necessitates ongoing vigilance and informed decision-making to ensure the best possible outcomes for these patients.
Resource: National Istitute for Health and Care Research, July 25, 2024
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