Disease family history and modification of breast cancer risk in common BRCA2 variants.

A number of BRCA1 and BRCA2 polymorphisms have been extensively studied in order to test their association with breast cancer risk. Subsequently, discordant results were reported. In the present study, the genotypes of one BRCA1 (Q356R) and three BRCA2 (203G>A, N372H, IVS21-66T>C) common variants were evaluated in a series of 252 breast cancer patients, 155 age-matched controls and analysed in relation to family history (low- or high-risk) and BRCA1/2 mutation status. A complete analysis of the BRCA1/2 coding regions was performed on the 217 women from high-risk families and 44 BRCA1/2 mutation carriers were identifed. According to a dominant inheritance model, the BRCA2 IVS21-66T>C variant showed a 1.79-fold (95% CI, 1.16-2.78; P=0.009) increased breast cancer risk for the overall series. The BRCA2 N372H polymorphism was associated with a 2.29-fold (95% CI, 1.16-4.49; P=0.016) increased risk in the subgroup of high-risk families with no BRCA1/2 mutations. Conversely, the BRCA1 Q356R and BRCA2 203G>A polymorphisms did not show any significant associations with breast cancer risk. In conclusion, the analysis of some BRCA2 variants could help to identify women at a higher risk of developing breast cancer who could be candidates for chemoprevention protocols.

Results of a population-based screening for hereditary breast cancer in a region of North-Central Italy: contribution of BRCA1/2 germ-line mutations.

BRCA1/2 mutation status is of paramount importance to identify families at risk of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC). Most HBOC and BRCA1/2 mutation studies have focused on highly selected sub-populations, and few data are available for large population cohorts. For this reason, as part of a regional cancer prevention strategy in North-Central Italy, we set up a population-based screening programme to identify all resident HBOC families, and to determine their BRCA1/2 mutation status. To date, 44 different BRCA1/2 variants have been identified in 55 HBOC families. Of the seven newly reported mutations, only BRCA1 Q284X is clearly deleterious. The analysis of clinical disease characteristics in relation to age of disease onset and family history showed a difference between BRCA1/2 wild type and mutation carrier families. Interestingly, BRCA1/2 mutations were significantly more common in women who developed breast cancer