Platinum sensitivity in a BRCA1 mutation carrier with advanced breast cancer

Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol). 2009 Aug;21(6):448-50. doi: 10.1016/j.clon.2009.01.006. Epub 2009 Feb 26.

Abstract

Although BRCA1-associated breast carcinomas are frequently detected in nodal-negative stage, they typically present with an aggressive histopathological phenotype that is reflected by a poor prognosis and an increased risk for distant metastatic spread. Recent in vitro data suggest a high sensitivity of BRCA1-associated carcinomas to platinum-based chemotherapy and a lower sensitivity to anthracyclines and taxanes. This is explained by the key role of BRCA1 in DNA double-strand repair via homologous recombination, thereby leading to a higher sensitivity to DNA intercalating agents, such as platinum. Here we present the case of a woman suffering from BRCA1-associated metastatic breast carcinoma that was resistant to docetaxel, but responded strongly to cisplatin-containing chemotherapy. This supports the rationale of ongoing clinical studies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Female
  • Genes, BRCA1*
  • Germ-Line Mutation*
  • Humans
  • Organoplatinum Compounds / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Organoplatinum Compounds