Men with BRCA2 mutations should be screened for prostate cancer

November 11, 2019

India

healthysoch

New Delhi, November 11, 2019 :

Results from the IMPACT study show that men with BRCA2 mutation had a higher incidence of prostate cancer, were diagnosed at a younger age and presented with more clinically significant tumours compared to those without these mutations.

The IMPACT study (Identification of Men with a genetic predisposition to ProstAte Cancer: Targeted screening in men at higher genetic risk and controls) is an international, multicentre study evaluating targeted PrCa screening in men with BRCA1/2 mutations.

More than 3000 patients who were BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers were included in the study group, while the control group included those who tested negative for a pathogenic BRCA1/2 mutation known to be present in their family. They underwent annual PSA testing and biopsy.

  •  Cancer incidence rate per 1000 person years was higher in BRCA2 carriers than in noncarriers (19.4 vs 12.0; p =  0.03).
  • BRCA2 carriers were diagnosed at a younger age (61 vs 64 yr; p =  0.04) and were more likely to have clinically significant disease than BRCA2 noncarriers (77% vs 40%; p =  0.01).

The study, published in European Urology, suggests that men who are found to be BRCA2 mutation carriers should undergo systematic prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for prostate cancer.

(Source: European Urology, Sept. 16, 2019)

Columnists

Don't Miss

Tips for a Safe Diwali

New Delhi, November 05, 2018 : Wear cotton clothes before
Will there be enough public health workers when baby boomers retire?

Will there be enough public health workers when baby boomers retire?

While there might be sufficient replacement staff, complications remain, according