How Does Hormone Therapy Affect Breast Cancer Risk After Oophorectomy in BRCA1 Mutation Carriers?

In a prospective study, estrogen-alone therapy — but not combination therapy — appeared to protect against breast cancer.

Prophylactic bilateral oophorectomy lowers risk for ovarian cancer in women with BRCA1 mutations; however, carriers may be reluctant to use menopausal hormone therapy (HT) after oophorectomy out of concern that HT might elevate their risk for breast cancer. In a multicenter international cohort study, 872 women with BRCA1 mutations and no history of breast cancer were followed prospectively for a mean of 7.6 years following oophorectomy.

Among participants, 43% used HT after oophorectomy (mean duration of use, 3.9 years); of these, 69% used estrogen-alone therapy (ET) and 19% used estrogen plus progestogen (EPT). Overall, HT users were younger at oophorectomy than nonusers (mean age, 43 vs. 48; P<0.001). During follow-up, rates of invasive b…

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

How Does Hormone Therapy Affect Breast Cancer Risk After Oophorectomy in BRCA1 Mutation Carriers?

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Reviewing Author