Should BRCA2 mutation carriers avoid neoadjuvant chemotherapy?

Med Oncol. 2014 Mar;31(3):850. doi: 10.1007/s12032-014-0850-6. Epub 2014 Jan 22.

Abstract

BRCA2 mutation carriers typically develop luminal B breast cancers. Data on the effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in these patients are limited because of small patient numbers and lack of prospective studies. We used our 15-year genetic clinic database to compare retrospectively the pathological complete response rates (pCR) and rates of post-chemotherapy nodal involvement among BRCA2 carriers and BRCA1/2-negative (WT) patients with luminal B tumours, all treated with neoadjuvant anthracyclines±taxanes-based chemotherapy. Twenty-nine BRCA2 carriers and 67 WT patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were analysed. Patients and treatment characteristics were represented. A pCR occurred in 3 (10%) BRCA2 patients and 13 (19%) WT patients (p=0.43). Twenty (69%) BRCA2 carriers and 34 (51%) WT patients remained node-positive at surgery (p=0.17). BRCA2 germline mutations are associated with a low probability of pCR and a high risk of axillary invasion. Alternative treatments are highly expected, and clinical trials are needed to set the best treatment regimen in this population.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • BRCA1 Protein / genetics*
  • BRCA2 Protein / genetics*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / genetics*
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / pathology
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Germ-Line Mutation / genetics*
  • Heterozygote
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoadjuvant Therapy*
  • Neoplasm Grading
  • Prognosis
  • Remission Induction
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • BRCA1 Protein
  • BRCA1 protein, human
  • BRCA2 Protein
  • BRCA2 protein, human