Oophorectomy, BRCA Mutation, and Breast Cancer Survival

Study suggests that, to prolong survival, BRCA1 mutation carriers with breast cancer should consider undergoing oophorectomy as soon as possible after diagnosis.

Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy can prevent breast cancer and ovarian cancer in BRCA mutation carriers (NEJM JW Womens Health Apr 2014 and J Clin Oncol 2014; 32:1547) and may also improve survival among mutation carriers with breast cancer. Investigators followed women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations and initially intact ovaries who received diagnoses of stage I or II breast cancer at age ≤65 between 1975 and 2008. Among 676 women followed for a mean of 12.5 years, 345 underwent oophorectomy (usually with the intent of preventing ovarian cancer).

In all participants, oophorectomy was associated with a 56% reduction in risk for breast cancer-specific death (P=0.005). In breast cancer survivors harboring BRCA1 mutations, oophorectomy was associa…

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Oophorectomy, BRCA Mutation, and Breast Cancer Survival

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Reviewing Author