ABSTRACT

Background. Women with premenopausal breast cancer may face treatment-related infertility and have a higher likelihood of a BRCA mutation, which may affect their attitudes toward future childbearing. Methods. Premenopausal women were invited to participate in a questionnaire study administered before and after BRCA genetic testing. We used the Impact of Event Scale (IES) to evaluate the pre-and post-testing impact of cancer or carrying a BRCA mutation on attitudes toward future childbearing. The likelihood of pursuing prenatal diagnosis (PND) or preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) was also assessed in this setting. Univariate analyses determined factors contributing to attitudes toward future childbearing and likelihood of PND or PGD.

163 Background: Germline mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are responsible for the majority of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). Comprehensive gene sequencing detects ~87% of BRCA mutations, and large genomic rearrangement testing (BART) accounts for ~3%. Criteria have been established to capture individuals who most likely have a BART mutation, however, recent data shows that some individuals have BART mutations and do not meet the criteria. We conducted a single-institution study to evaluate the sufficiency of BART criteria to determine if new criteria are warranted. Methods: During 2006-2008, 172 individuals underwent BRCA sequencing and BART at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. A retrospective, IRB-approved chart review of a prospectively maintained database was conducted to determine BART criteria eligibility, personal/family history of breast and ovarian cancer and tumor characteristics. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to test the significance of each variable in relation to BRCA1/BRCA2 positivity. Results: Of 172 individuals, 12/34 (35%) had BRCA1 BART mutations, and 7/11 (64%) had BRCA2 BART mutations. Of the 19 individuals who tested positive for BART mutations, only 8 (42%) met BART criteria and 11 (58%) did not and proceeded with BART for various reasons (family history, insurance covered, and patient request). Individuals who were BRCA1 positive (sequencing or BART) were more likely to have ER/PR negative breast cancer (p<0.0001) and a personal (p=0.0215)/family history of ovarian cancer (p=0.0001) compared to non-carriers and individuals who had no family history Individuals who were BRCA1 sequencing positive were more likely to meet BART criteria than BRCA1 BART positive (p=0.0151) individuals. Conclusions: Given that no significant differences in family history/tumor characteristics between individuals who have sequencing and BART mutations were identified, and a majority of individuals who were BART positive do not meet BART criteria, it appears that these criteria may be insufficient. BART testing should be considered for all individuals who undergo BRCA sequencing; however, large scale collaboration studies should be conducted.

No abstract

Background: Breast cancer is associated with treatment-related infertility and has been demonstrated to be a major concern for premenopausal survivors. Detection of a BRCA deleterious mutation may also affect attitudes regarding future childbearing. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) allows women to use in vitro fertilization (IVF) to implant only those embryos without a BRCA mutation. The ability to test the fetus for BRCA mutations is also available through amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS). The objective of this study was to evaluate attitudes about childbearing and fertility in women being evaluated for a BRCA mutation. Methods: Women with childbearing potential who were referred to the Clinical Cancer Genetics Clinic to be evaluated for a BRCA mutation were invited to participate in this survey. The questionnaire was administered prior to genetic counseling. A follow-up was administered after the BRCA results were disclosed. The survey queried participants regarding their attitudes on fertility, pregnancy as it may relate to cancer and the potential of a BRCA mutation. Other questions detailed attitudes regarding IVF, PGD, and CVS in these instances. Descriptive statistics were used. Results: One hundred and twenty-eight women completed pre-questionnaires and to date 76 have completed post results disclosure questionnaires. The mean age was 33 (range 21–44) with 69.5% with a diagnosis of breast cancer, 39.8% received chemotherapy and 60.9% already had at least 1 biological child. A future child was desired by 45.3% although 53.1% worried that their children would have an increased risk of cancer. Regarding PGD, although only 30.9% (38/123) said that they would use PGD, 80.2% felt that the testing should be available to families with inherited cancers. Regarding fetal testing via amniocentesis or CVS, 29.7% would have the fetus tested and 7% would consider termination if a genetic mutation was identified. Additionally, 69.5% felt it was important to receive fertility counseling and treatment at the same place where they receive their cancer care. To date 8 women have been diagnosed with a BRCA1 mutation and 4 with a BRCA2 mutation. When asked similar questions after their genetic results were disclosed, 2 women who had previously stated they would not use PGD changed their mind. Conclusions: Future pregnancies are important to many breast cancer survivors. BRCA mutation carriers have the option to have children without passing on their genetic risk for cancer. Although few would use these interventions, a large majority felt it was important to have information about these choices and to have options for fertility preservation options addressed at the center where cancer care is delivered. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-13-05.