What happens after menopause? (WHAM): A prospective controlled study of vasomotor symptoms and menopause-related quality of life 24 months after premenopausal risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO).

OBJECTIVE: To measure vasomotor symptoms and menopause-related quality of life up to 24 months after RRSO, and the effects of Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT). METHODS: Prospective observational study of 104 premenopausal women at elevated risk of ovarian cancer planning RRSO and age-matched comparators (n = 102) who retained their ovaries. Vasomotor symptoms and quality of life were measured using the Menopause-specific QoL Intervention (MENQOL-I) scale. Changes in QoL were examined using a population-averaged linear regression model. The study was registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12615000082505. RESULTS: At 24 months after RRSO the prevalence of vasomotor symptoms had increased from 6 % at baseline to 59 % and night sweats from 21 % to 39 %. There was a clinically and statistically significant difference of 1.14 points in MENQOL score (95 % CI 0.71, 1.57, p < 0.001) in the change from baseline to 24 months in vasomotor symptoms between the RRSO vs comparison group. Following RRSO, 61 % started MHT, most (79 %) within 3 months. At 24 months, 54 % of MHT users reported vasomotor symptoms of which around half (52 %) categorized these as "mild". Amongst non-MHT users, 88 % reported vasomotor symptoms at 24 months of which 72 % categorized these as "mild". Menopause-related QoL decreased after RRSO but was stable in comparators. Menopause related quality of life was higher in MHT users vs non-users. CONCLUSIONS: Vasomotor symptoms peak by 3 months after RRSO and are stable over 24 months. MHT mitigates but does not fully resolve vasomotor symptoms and improves menopause-related QoL.

Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy for Japanese women with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer: a single-institution 10-year experience.

BACKGROUND: For women diagnosed with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, the clinical guidelines recommend risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy at age 35-40 years or after completion of childbearing. However, there is limited information regarding the current status of risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy in Japan. METHODS: To clarify factors influencing decision-making for risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy among Japanese women diagnosed with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and their clinical outcomes, we analyzed the medical records of 157 Japanese women with germline BRCA pathogenic variants (BRCA1 n = 85, BRCA2 n = 71 and both n = 1) at our institution during 2011-21. Specimens obtained from risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy were histologically examined according to the sectioning and extensively examining the fimbriated end protocol. RESULTS: The risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy uptake rate was 42.7% (67/157). The median age at risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy was 47 years. Older age, married state and parity were significantly associated with risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (P < 0.001, P = 0.002 and P = 0.04, respectively). History of breast cancer or family history of ovarian cancer did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.18 and P = 0.14, respectively). Multivariate analyses revealed that older age (≥45 years) and married state may be independent factors associated with risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy. Interestingly, the annual number of risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy peaked in 2016-17 and has increased again since 2020. The rate of occult cancers at risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy was 4.5% (3/67): ovarian cancer (n = 2) and serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (n = 1). CONCLUSION: Age and marital status significantly affected decision-making for risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy. This is the first study to suggest possible effects of Angelina Jolie's risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy in 2015 and the National Health Insurance introduced for risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy in 2020. The presence of occult cancers at risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy supports clinical guidelines recommending risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy at younger ages.

The clinical significance of renal resistance index (RRI) and renal oxygen saturation (RrSO2) in critically ill children with AKI: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to look into the clinical significance of the renal resistance index (RRI) and renal oxygen saturation (RrSO2) in predicting the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill children. A new non-invasive method for the early detection and prediction of AKI needs to develop. METHODS: Patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) affiliated with the capital institute of pediatrics from December 2020 to March 2021 were enrolled consecutively. Data of clinical information, renal Doppler ultrasound, RrSO2, and hemodynamic index within 24 h of admission were prospectively collected. Patients were divided into two groups: the study group was AKI occurred within 72 h, while the control group did not. SPSS (version 25.0) was used to analyze the data, and P < 0.05 was considered a statistical difference. RESULTS: 1) A total of 66 patients were included in this study, and the incidence of AKI was 19.70% (13/66). The presence of risk factors (shock, tumor, severe infection) increased the incidence of AKI by three times. 2) Univariate analysis showed significant differences in length of hospitalization, white blood cells (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), renal resistance index (RRI), and ejection fraction (EF) between the study and control groups (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in renal perfusion semi-quantitative score (P = 0.053), pulsatility index (P = 0.051), pediatric critical illness score (PCIS), and peripheral vascular resistance index (P > 0.05). 3) Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that if RRI > 0.635, the sensitivity, specificity, and AUC for predicting AKI were 0.889, 0.552, and 0.751, respectively; if RrSO2 < 43.95%, the values were 0.615, 0.719 and 0.609, respectively; if RRI and RrSO2 were united, they were 0.889, 0.552, and 0.766, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of AKI is high in PICU patients. And infection, RRI, and EF are risk factors for AKI in PICU patients. RRI and RrSO2 have certain clinical significance in the early prediction of AKI and may provide a new non-invasive method for early diagnosis and prediction of AKI.

The Role of Hormonal Replacement Therapy in BRCA Mutated Patients: Lights and Shadows.

All cancers develop as a result of mutations in genes. DNA damage induces genomic instability and subsequently increases susceptibility to tumorigenesis. Women who carry mutations of BRCA 1 and BRCA2 genes have an augmented risk of breast and ovarian cancer and a markedly augmented probability of dying because of cancer compared to the general population. As a result, international guidelines recommend that all BRCA1\2 mutation carriers be offered risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy at an early age to reduce the risk of cancer and decrease the mortality rate of this high-risk population. NCCN guidelines recommend risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in pre-menopausal women, between 35-40 years in BRCA1 mutation carriers and between 40-45 years in BRCA2 mutation carriers. Unfortunately, the well-documented reduction of cancer risk is counterbalanced by early sterility and premature ovarian failure with an early onset of secondary menopausal syndromes such as neuromotor, cardiovascular, cognitive and urogenital deficiency. Hormonal replacement therapy significantly compensates for hormonal deprivation and counteracts menopausal syndrome morbidity and mortality; however, some data suggest a possible correlation between hormonal medications and cancer risk, especially in BRCA1\2 carriers who undergo long-term regimens. Conversely, short-term treatment before the age of natural menopause does not appear to increase the cancer risk in BRCA1 mutation carriers without a personal history of breast cancer after prophylactic surgery. Few data are available on BRCA2 mutation carriers and more well-designed studies are needed. In conclusion, clinicians should propose short-term hormone replacement therapy to BRCA 1 carriers to counteract hormonal deprivation; personalized counselling should be offered to BRCA2 mutation carriers for a balance between the risks and benefits of the treatment.

BRCA mutation carriers' perceptions on postmenopausal hormone therapy: An Italian study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the actual perceptions of postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) in BRCA mutation carriers (BRCAmc) in comparison with women from the general population. METHODS: Questionnaire-based study of 83 BRCAmc and a control group of 89 women without a genetic mutation. Perceptions were evaluated by specific questions and Likert scales (-5-+5). RESULTS: Present and past users of HT were more frequent in the control group (p = 0.01), with a longer time of use (p = 0.03). The preferred route of administration of HT was 'oral' (54.6%). The most frequently reported adverse effect of HT was venous thrombosis (0.8), while a protective effect on bone health was reported. No noticeable beneficial effects of HT have been recognised for hot flushes (0.2) and vaginal dryness (0.1). The most frequently perceived beneficial and adverse effects of HT were not significantly different between BRCA mutation carriers and controls. The greatest oncological fear was breast cancer (1.0). The protective role of HT on colorectal cancer was not known (0.1). These oncological impacts were mostly overestimated in BRCAmc, however this was not significant. Few BRCAmc would think of taking HT after risk-reducing surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the effects of HT on BRCAmc is relatively poor and they are likely to overstate its negative effects and underestimate its health benefits; however, this is not significant in comparison to the general population. More and better information should be given to BRCAmc to allow them to make informed decisions about the use of HT, especially before undergoing risk-reducing surgeries.

Risk reduction strategies for BRCA1/2 hereditary ovarian cancer syndromes: a clinical practice guideline.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this guideline is to make recommendations regarding the care of women who harbour a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in BRCA1 and BRCA2. METHODS: Draft recommendations were formulated based on evidence obtained through a systematic review of RCTs, comparative retrospective studies and guideline endorsement. The draft recommendations underwent an internal review by clinical and methodology experts, and an external review by clinical practitioners. RESULTS: The literature search yielded 1 guideline, 5 systematic reviews, and 15 studies that met the eligibility criteria. CONCLUSIONS: In women who harbour a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in BRCA1 and BRCA2 screening for ovarian cancer is not recommended. Risk-reducing surgery is recommended to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. In the absence of contraindications, premenopausal women undergoing RRSO should be offered hormone therapy until menopause. Systemic hormone replacement therapy, is not recommended for women who have had a personal history of breast cancer. RRSO should be considered for breast cancer risk reduction in women younger than 50 years. After a breast cancer diagnosis, RRSO for breast cancer mortality reduction can be considered within two years to women who harbour a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in BRCA1 if younger than the recommended age range for ovarian cancer risk reduction. RRSO before the age of 40 and specifically for breast cancer treatment in BRCA2 should be considered only if recommended by their breast cancer oncologist. Following RRSO, it is not recommended to do surveillance for peritoneal cancer.

Precision prophylaxis: Identifying the optimal timing for risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy based on type of BRCA1 and BRCA2 cluster region mutations.

OBJECTIVES: Current risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) guidelines for individuals with BRCA1/2 mutations do not account for risk variability due to BRCA1/2 cluster region mutations that are associated with varying risks for the development of breast and ovarian cancer. We assessed whether current recommendations are appropriate for individual patients considering mutation-specific risks. METHODS: Using a hypothetical cohort of patients with BRCA1/2 mutations, we constructed Markov models allowing for the estimation of mean life expectancy based upon BRCA1/2 mutation, the presence of a cluster region mutation (Ovarian Cancer Cluster Region (OCCR), Breast Cancer Cluster Region (BCCR), or non-BCCR/OCCR), age at time of BRCA1/2 diagnosis (20-65), and age at time of RRSO (21-80). RESULTS: For all BRCA1/2 mutation types, the optimal strategy was to undergo RRSO as early as possible. For BRCA1/2 carriers who delayed RRSO or who were identified with a mutation later in life, the OCCR mutation tended to be associated with lower life expectancy estimates than the BCCR and non-BCCR/OCCR mutations. Minimal delays in RRSO (i.e., neighboring 5-year intervals) were associated with minor losses in life expectancy. Variables associated with greatest impact on life expectancy included ovarian cancer risk after RRSO, breast cancer mortality rate, non-cancer mortality associated with RRSO, and breast cancer stage distribution. CONCLUSIONS: BRCA1/2 cluster regions may provide more precise estimates of life expectancy in counselling and shared decision-making. The most appropriate timing for RRSO is a complex decision and must be individualized for each patient.

A clinically structured and partnered approach to genetic testing in Trinidadian women with breast cancer and their families.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer death in Caribbean women. Across the Caribbean islands, the prevalence of hereditary breast cancer among unselected breast cancer patients ranges from 5 to 25%. Moreover, the prevalence of BC among younger women and the high mortality in the Caribbean region are notable. This BC burden presents an opportunity for cancer prevention and control that begins with genetic testing among high-risk women. Measured response to positive genetic test results includes the number of preventive procedures and cascade testing in family members. We previously reported data on an active approach to promote cascade testing in the Bahamas and report on preventive procedures showing moderate uptake. Here, we describe a clinically structured and community-partnered approach to the dissemination and follow-up of genetic test results including family counseling for the promotion of risk mitigation strategies and cascade testing in our Trinidadian cohort of patients tested positive for BC predisposition genes. METHODS: As a part of our initial study of BC genetic testing in Trinidad and Tobago, all participants received pre-test counseling including three-generation pedigree and genetic testing for BRCA1/2, PALB2, and RAD51C. The study was approved by the University of Miami IRB and the Ethics Committee of the Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago. We prospectively evaluated a clinically structured approach to genetic counseling and follow-up of BC mutation carriers in Trinidad and Tobago in 2015. The intervention consisted of (1) engaging twenty-nine BC patients with a deleterious gene mutation (probands), and (2) invitation of their at-risk relatives to attend to a family counseling session. The session included information on the meaning of their results, risk of inheritance, risk of cancer, risk-reduction options, offering of cascade testing to family members, and follow-up of proband decision-making over two years. RESULTS: Twenty-four of twenty-nine mutation carriers (82.8%) consented to enroll in the study. At initial pedigree review, we identified 125 at-risk relatives (ARR). Seventy-seven ARR (62%) attended the family counseling sessions; of these, 76 ARR (99%) consented to be tested for their family gene mutation. Genetic sequencing revealed that of the 76 tested, 35 (46%) ARR were carriers of their family mutation. The ARR received their results and were urged to take preventative measures at post-test counseling. At 2-year follow-up, 6 of 21 probands with intact breasts elected to pursue preventive mastectomy (28.5%) and 4 of 20 women with intact ovaries underwent RRSO (20%). CONCLUSIONS: In Trinidad and Tobago, a clinically structured and partnered approach to our testing program led to a significant rate of proband response by completing the intervention counseling session, executing risk-reducing procedures as well as informing and motivating at-risk relatives, thereby demonstrating the utility and efficacy of this BC control program.

Management of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome represents 5-10% of all breast cancers. In Japan, the HBOC syndrome is frequently diagnosed in patients with breast cancer. Therefore, a treatment strategy combining a plan for existing breast cancer and for reduction of future breast and ovarian cancer risk is necessary. Breast cancer risk-reducing management involves three options-surveillance, chemoprevention, and risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM). RRM can prevent >90% of new breast cancers. Ovarian cancer risk management options are more limited, and risk-reduction salpingo-oophorectomy is the only option since there is no proven effective early detection method available. The local recurrence rate following breast-conserving surgery in BRCA1/2 mutation-associated breast cancer is not significantly higher than that in sporadic breast cancer. Furthermore, there is no difference in prognosis between surgical methods. Clinicians should inform patients that there are no data on long-term monitoring and fully discuss risks of re-developing breast cancer with patients when choosing the surgical method. In HBOC, BRCA1/2 mutations lead to failure of double-strand DNA break repair, with poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) playing an important role in single-strand DNA nick repair. Use of PARP inhibitors in HBOC prevents DNA repair (synthetic lethality) leading to cell death. This review summarizes management of the HBOC syndrome based on recent evidence.

The effect of hormone therapy on quality of life and breast cancer risk after risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear if the use of hormone therapy (HT) in carriers of BRCA mutations improves the quality of life (QOL) without increasing the risk of breast cancer following a risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO). Our objective was to assess the effect of HT on QOL and breast cancer risk, after RRSO. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINHAL, and others, from inception to July 22, 2016, to identify relevant studies. Two reviewers independently screened identified records for controlled trials and observational studies that addressed the effect of HT on QOL and breast cancer risk in women with BRCA mutations, post RRSO. Two reviewers independently extracted data on populations, interventions, comparators, outcomes, and methodological quality. Studies addressing the same outcome were synthesized using written evidence summaries or tables. RESULTS: Of the 1,059 records identified, 13 met our inclusion criteria. All studies were observational. Six studies assessed the effect on QOL. Of these, 3 showed improvement in QOL with HT use. The risk of breast cancer was evaluated in 4 studies. The mean duration of follow-up was 2.6 years (range 0.1-19.1). The risk of breast cancer did not change with HT use in all 4 studies. CONCLUSIONS: Cumulative evidence from our review suggests that short-term HT use following RRSO improves QOL. The effect on breast cancer risk is still unclear. There are too few long-term studies to draw any strong conclusions. The need for future well-designed RCTs for more established evidence is imperative.

A Psychological Perspective on Factors Predicting Prophylactic Salpingo-Oophorectomy in a Sample of Italian Women from the General Population. Results from a Hypothetical Study in the Context of BRCA Mutations.

The aim of this study was to assess attitudes toward ovarian cancer risk management options for BRCA mutation carriers in healthy Italian women, and to identify predictors of the preference for risk reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) over surveillance. One hundred eighty-one women aged 30-45 completed a questionnaire about preferences, knowledge, risk perception, and socio-demographic information. Participants were randomly presented with a pamphlet about BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation-specific testing, consequences of testing and preventive options for carriers, and they were stratified by having children or not and by age group. Surveillance was the preferred option (64.6%), followed by RRSO (24.3%). Although RRSO is the only effective strategy available to BRCA carriers, most healthy women faced for the first time with this option may not consider it as their preferred choice. Predictors associated with a higher likelihood to prefer surgery over surveillance were: knowing that life expectancy is longer with surgery, perceived comprehension of the consequences of testing, previous knowledge about BRCA testing, anticipated worry about developing cancer, and feelings of risk. Childbearing intentions and the effect of childbearing intentions on choice were associated with a lower preference for surgery. Further research is needed to confirm the role of the factors identified in this study in order to promote informed decision-making about RRSO.

Occult and subsequent cancer incidence following risk-reducing surgery in BRCA mutation carriers.

OBJECTIVE: To report the frequency and features of occult carcinomas and the incidence of subsequent cancers following risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) in BRCA mutation carriers. METHODS: 257 consecutive women with germline BRCA mutations who underwent RRSO between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2014 were identified in an Institutional Review Board approved study. All patients were asymptomatic with normal physical exams, CA 125 values, and imaging studies preoperatively, and had at least 12months of follow-up post-RRSO. All patients had comprehensive adnexal sectioning performed. Patient demographics and clinico-pathologic characteristics were extracted from medical and pathology records. RESULTS: The cohort included 148 BRCA1, 98 BRCA2, 6 BRCA not otherwise specified (NOS), and 5 BRCA1 and 2 mutation carriers. Occult carcinoma was seen in 14/257 (5.4%) of patients: 9 serous tubal intraepithelial carcinomas (STIC), 3 tubal cancers, 1 ovarian cancer, and 1 endometrial cancer. Three patients (1.2%) with negative pathology at RRSO subsequently developed primary peritoneal serous carcinoma (PPSC), and 2 of 9 patients (22%) with STIC subsequently developed pelvic serous carcinoma. 110 women (43%) were diagnosed with breast cancer prior to RRSO, and 14 of the remaining 147 (9.5%) developed breast cancer following RRSO. Median follow-up of the cohort was 63months. CONCLUSION: In this cohort, 5.4% of asymptomatic BRCA mutation carriers had occult carcinomas at RRSO, 86% of which were tubal in origin. The risk of subsequent PPSC for women with benign adnexa at RRSO is low; however, the risk of pelvic serous carcinoma among women with STIC is significantly higher.

Study on the psychosocial aspects of risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers in Japan: a preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the psychosocial aspects of risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy in Japan. METHODS: The subjects were 16 patients who underwent risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy at the Cancer Institute Hospital. Worry about cancer, emotional state and cancer-specific distress level were evaluated using a four-point Likert scale, the Profile of Mood States-Short Form and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised, respectively, before and 1 year after the surgery. In addition, the subjects were interviewed regarding their expectation for the risk-reducing surgery, the effects of the surgery, and the recovery from surgery, before the surgery and at 1, 6 and 12 months after the surgery. A t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for the analysis, and literal analects were prepared for the interview and the answers were organized per question item using NVIVO10. RESULTS: The results revealed that the total score for worry about breast cancer and ovarian cancer (P = 0.021) as well as the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (P = 0.021) were significantly lower 1 year after surgery, compared with the values before the surgery. Regarding the preoperative expectations for the surgery, the expectation for reducing the cancer risk was the highest. The reported effects of risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy on life included the appearance of menopausal symptoms, a loss of motivation and poor concentration; more effects were reported at 1 year after surgery than at 6 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy can be effective for reducing worry about breast cancer and ovarian cancer and cancer-specific distress as well as contributing to a reduction in mortality from fallopian tube and ovarian related cancer.

Complexity of the Genetic Background of Oncogenesis in Ovarian Cancer-Genetic Instability and Clinical Implications.

Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of death among women with gynecological cancers, and is often diagnosed at advanced stages, leading to poor outcomes. This review explores genetic aspects of high-grade serous, endometrioid, and clear-cell ovarian carcinomas, emphasizing personalized treatment approaches. Specific mutations such as TP53 in high-grade serous and BRAF/KRAS in low-grade serous carcinomas highlight the need for tailored therapies. Varying mutation prevalence across subtypes, including BRCA1/2, PTEN, PIK3CA, CTNNB1, and c-myc amplification, offers potential therapeutic targets. This review underscores TP53's pivotal role and advocates p53 immunohistochemical staining for mutational analysis. BRCA1/2 mutations' significance as genetic risk factors and their relevance in PARP inhibitor therapy are discussed, emphasizing the importance of genetic testing. This review also addresses the paradoxical better prognosis linked to KRAS and BRAF mutations in ovarian cancer. ARID1A, PIK3CA, and PTEN alterations in platinum resistance contribute to the genetic landscape. Therapeutic strategies, like restoring WT p53 function and exploring PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors, are considered. The evolving understanding of genetic factors in ovarian carcinomas supports tailored therapeutic approaches based on individual tumor genetic profiles. Ongoing research shows promise for advancing personalized treatments and refining genetic testing in neoplastic diseases, including ovarian cancer. Clinical genetic screening tests can identify women at increased risk, guiding predictive cancer risk-reducing surgery.

Effects of Hormonal Replacement Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Climacteric Symptoms Following Risk-Reducing Salpingo-Oophorectomy.

Breast Cancer Associated Susceptibility Proteins Type 1/2 (BRCA1/2) promote cellular functioning by modulating NRF2-mediated antioxidant signaling. Redox failure in women with BRCA1/2 insufficiency increases the risk for breast/ovarian/uterine cancers. Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) is a prophylactic surgery of the reproductive organs, which is frequently conducted by the age of 40 to lower the occurrence of cancer in women with BRCA1/2 mutations. However, abrupt estrogen decline following RRSO causes ovarian failure, which implicates various cellular physiological processes, resulting in the increased release of free radicals and subsequent severe onset of menopausal symptoms. Comfort measures (e.g., hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)) may improve chronological menopause-related quality of life, but their specific effects are not clear in women with gene mutations. Aiming to fill the gap, this study used path analysis to examine the effects of HRT and MBSR on menopausal symptoms among RRSO patients (N = 199, mean age = 50.5 ± 6.7 years). HRT directly alleviated the levels of urogenital symptoms (ß = -0.195, p = 0.005), which mediated its indirect significant effects on the somatic-vegetative and psychological symptoms of menopause (ß = -0.046, -0.067; both p values = 0.004, respectively), especially in BRCA2 carriers and in women who were currently physically active, premenopausal at the time of RRSO, had a high BMI, and had no history of breast cancer. It increased the severity of urogenital symptoms in women with a history of cancer. MBSR, on the other hand, was associated with indirect increases in the intensity of the somatic-vegetative and psychological symptoms of menopause (ß = 0.108, 0.029; p = 0.003, 0.033, respectively). It exerted positive direct effects on different menopausal symptoms in multigroup analysis. The results suggest that young women undergoing recent RRSO may benefit from HRT at an individual level, while their need for extensive measures to optimize their psychological wellbeing is ongoing. The adverse effects of MBSR, which are captured in the present study, imply that MBSR may interfere with redox sensitivity associated with estradiol fluctuations in BRCA1/2 carriers. Investigations are needed to test this hypothesis and elaborate on the underlying mechanisms in these women.

Hormone replacement therapy in BRCA mutation carriers: how shall we do no harm?

Women with a BRCA mutation have an increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is the only effective strategy to reduce this risk. Risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) is recommended between the ages of 35 and 40 for women carriers of BRCA1 and between the ages of 40 and 45 for women carriers of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Most women undergo this procedure prior to their natural menopause subsequently developing an anticipated lack of hormones. This condition affects the quality of life and longevity, while it is more pronounced in women carrying a BRCA1 mutation compared to BRCA2 because they are likely to have surgery earlier. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the only strategy able to significantly compensate for the loss of ovarian hormone production and counteract menopausal symptoms. There is strong evidence that short-term HRT use does not increase the risk of breast cancer among women with a BRCA1 mutation. Few data are available on BRCA2 mutation carriers. Therefore, BRCA mutation carriers require careful counseling about the outcomes of their RRSO, including menopausal symptoms and/or the fear associated with HRT use.

The Effect of Risk-Reducing Salpingo-Oophorectomy on Breast Cancer Incidence and Histopathological Features in Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 Germline Pathogenic Variant.

BACKGROUND: Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) is advised for female BRCA1/2 germline pathogenic variant (GPV) carriers to reduce tubal/ovarian cancer risk. RRSO may also affect breast cancer (BC) incidence. The aim was to investigate the effect of RRSO on BC incidence and histopathological features in female BRCA1/2 GPV carriers. METHODS: Prospectively collected clinical data from BRCA1/2 GPV carriers in our hospital-based data/biobank were linked to the Dutch Nationwide Pathology Databank (PALGA) in January 2022. Multivariable Cox-proportional hazard models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), where the pre-RRSO group was considered the reference group and the primary endpoint was the first primary BC. Histopathological features of BCs pre- and post-RRSO were compared using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: In 1312 women, 164 incident primary BCs were observed. RRSO did not decrease BC risk for BRCA1 GPV (HR: 1.48, 95% CI: 0.91-2.39) or BRCA2 GPV (HR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.43-2.07) carriers. BCs tended to be smaller post-RRSO (median: 12 mm) than pre-RRSO (15 mm, p: 0.08). There were no statistically significant differences in histopathological features. CONCLUSIONS: RRSO did not decrease BC risk or affect BC features in BRCA1/2 GPV in this study, although BCs diagnosed post-RRSO tended to be smaller.

The Psychosocial Impact of the Decision to Undergo Risk-Reducing Salpingo-Oophorectomy Surgery in BRCA Mutation Carriers and the Role of Physician-Patient Communication.

Risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) is an effective prophylactic surgery provided to premenopausal women carrying BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations and presenting an increased risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. This procedure is related to physiological, sexual, and psychosocial distress, which altogether increase uncertainty and complexity in the clinical decision-making process and post-surgery adaptation. Physician-patient communication (PPC) has been pointed out as a determinant factor in the decision-making to undergo RRSO, and the subsequent adjustment of women. However, studies examining the psychosocial impact of the decision-making process have been scarce and often lack clear theoretical frameworks. While the role of PPC in such processes has been highlighted in a few qualitative studies, there is a paucity of quantitative research addressing this question. Therefore, this narrative review, conducted using a multidisciplinary approach, was planned to: (1) present an updated medical background for RRSO; (2) analyze the psychosocial impact of the decision-making process within a theoretical framework of the Health Belief Model; and (3) discuss the role of PPC in such a decision-making process and in post-surgery. The collected research also enabled the recommendation of some additions to the existing clinical guidelines and the outlining of future research directions.

Fertility Counseling in BRCA1/2-Mutated Women with Breast Cancer and Healthy Individuals.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide and the fifth leading cause of cancer death. In 2020, there were 2.3 million new cases, and 685,000 women died from it. Breast cancer among young women under 40 years of age accounts for 5% to 10% of all cases of this cancer. The greater availability of multi-gene sequence analysis by next-generation sequencing has improved diagnosis and, consequently, the possibility of using appropriate therapeutic approaches in BRCA1/2 gene mutation carriers. Treatment of young breast cancer patients affects their reproductive potential by reducing ovarian reserve. It can lead to reversible or permanent premature menopause, decreased libido, and other symptoms of sex hormone deficiency. This requires that, in addition to oncological treatment, patients are offered genetic counseling, oncofertility, psychological assistance, and sexological counseling. Given the number of BRCA1/2 gene mutation carriers among young breast cancer patients, but also thanks to growing public awareness, among their healthy family members planning offspring, the possibility of benefiting from preimplantation testing and performing cancer-risk-reduction procedures: RRM (risk-reducing mastectomy) and RRSO (risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy) significantly increase the chance of a genetically burdened person living a healthy life and giving birth to a child not burdened by the parent's germline mutation. The goal of this paper is to show methods and examples of fertility counselling for BRCA1/2 gene mutation carriers, including both patients already affected by cancer and healthy individuals.

Risk-Reducing Salpingo-Oophorectomy (RRSO) Combined with Simultaneous Mastectomy in Women with BRCA 1-2 Mutation Carriers: The Surgical Technique, the Feasibility and Patients' Satisfaction of Multiple Surgeries.

The main goal of our study was to evaluate the surgical technique, the feasibility and patient's satisfaction of multiple surgeries: Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) combined with mastectomy in patients with BRCA 1-2 mutation carriers. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with BRCA 1-2 variants who underwent RRSO combined with risk-reducing bilateral mastectomy (RRBM) or surgeries for breast cancer from January-2015 to December-2021. We collected data about surgeries, complications, and patients' satisfaction using a questionnaire submitted 30 days after surgery. We included 54 patients. Forty-eight patients underwent RRSO, and six patients underwent RRSO + Total laparoscopic hysterectomy (LTH). The minor postoperative complications within 30 days were four: one breast seromas aspiration (1.9%), one infectious reconstructive complication treated with antibiotics therapy (1.9%), one Red-Breast-Syndrome (1.9%) and one trocar abdominal hematoma (1.9%) associated with RRSO. The major postoperative complications within 30 days were five: two evacuations of a breast hematoma (3.7%) and three infectious reconstructive complications treated with removal expander/implant (5.6%). No postoperative complications after 30 days were observed. According to the satisfaction questionnaire, more than 90% of patients were satisfied and would have combined surgery again. In conclusion, the multiple surgeries seem feasible and safety with a single anesthesia, a single surgical time, a single postoperative recovery, and a high patients' satisfactions without increasing morbidity.