Genes responsible for breast cancer also affect uterine cancer

Women with a BRCA1 mutation are at increased risk for uterine cancer
Women with a particular gene mutation known as the breast cancer gene, BRCA1, are at increased risk for a lethal form of uterine cancer. So far, the gene mutation has only been associated with a significantly increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

Women with the gene mutation BRCA1 have an increased chance of developing breast and ovarian cancer later in life. Scientists now found out in an investigation that changes in the gene also increase the risk of a dangerous form of uterine cancer. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "JAMA Oncology".

BRCA1 significantly increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer
A so-called BRCA1 gene mutation is known to significantly increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. The risk is indeed so high that some women with this mutation prevent their breasts and ovaries (ovaries) can be removed preventively to prevent breast and ovarian cancer, the study authors explain. The latest study is the first to establish a strong link between the mutation and a slight increase in the development of aggressive uterine cancer, scientists say.

BRCA2 mutation also increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer
The authors of the study looked at data from nearly 1,100 women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. All participating subjects were from the United States or the United Kingdom. The physicians observed the health of women for a period of five years. BRCA2 mutations also increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, explain the experts. During the study period, uterine cancer was diagnosed in eight participating women. The rate is slightly higher but not statistically different from that of women in the general population.

Accumulation of very aggressive uterine cancer in the subjects
However, five of these cancers were a rare and very aggressive form of the disease, say the doctors. This is called so-called endometrial carcinoma. This cancer of the uterine lining occurred in four out of five cases in women with a BRCA1 mutation. We were surprised when we saw the data, says author Dr. Noah Kauff Head of the Clinical Cancer Genetics Program at the Duke Cancer Institute.

Results of the study were extremely surprising
Even if we had been medically monitoring the women for 25 years, we would expect to find such a cancer in the highest person, explains author. Kauff. The new findings may help future physicians and women with a BRCA1 mutation make better decisions about their therapy.

Women with BRCA1 can have their ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus removed
Our findings suggest that it may be important for women with a BRCA1 mutation to have their uterus removed at the same time as their ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed, say the experts. If affected women still have the hope of having children through assistive reproduction methods or other medical reasons, then of course the removal of the uterus is not necessary, adds Drs. Kauff added.

The increased risk justifies a second operation?
It is unclear, however, that in women who have already removed breasts, ovaries and fallopian tubes, further surgery to remove the uterus has real benefits. Dr. Kauff says there is an urgent need to conduct further studies on this issue to determine whether an increased risk of uterine cancer by three to five percent justifies the cost and potential complications of a second operation. (As)