Outcomes and recurrence patterns according to breast cancer subtypes in Korean women.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes and patterns of recurrence in the different subtypes of breast cancer. We analyzed 1432 stage I-III breast cancer patients who had undergone surgery at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between June 2003 and August 2011. Five subtypes were defined according to estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and Ki-67. Overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-free interval (BCFI) rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Site-specific recurrence was estimated using Gray's test. The median follow-up period was 53 months. There were 22 local recurrences, 18 cases of contralateral breast cancer, 19 regional nodal recurrences, and 70 distant metastases. The 5-year BCFIs by subtype were luminal B-HER2 (+), 94.2 %; luminal A, 93.9 %; luminal B-HER2 (-), 91.4 %; HER2, 83.1 %; and triple-negative, 81.9 % (p < 0.001). Cases with the luminal A had a 5-year OS rate of 98.3 % that was the longest compared to those of cases with luminal B-HER2 (-), 95.8 %; luminal B-HER2 (+), 98.0 %; HER2, 90.8 %; and triple-negative, 89.9 % (p < 0.001). The triple-negative had a higher rate of local recurrence at the first site than others (p = 0.013). HER2 and triple-negative had higher rates of nodal recurrence at the first site than others (p < 0.001). The outcomes and patterns of site-specific recurrence in Korean breast cancer patients were different for each subtype. Defining recurrence patterns by breast cancer subtypes can help determine the appropriate method of surveillance and treatment.

Participation of Korean families at high risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer in BRCA1/2 genetic testing.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to determine the rate of participation in genetic testing, to determine the reasons for non-participation and to identify the factors affecting participation in BRCA genetic testing for high-risk patients. METHODS: This study was performed through a retrospective review of 804 individuals who underwent genetic counseling for BRCA1/2 gene mutations at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between July 2003 and September 2012. RESULTS: In total, 728 (90.5%) individuals underwent BRCA1/2 mutation screening after the initial genetic counseling; 88.2% of 647 probands and 100% of 157 family members were screened. In multivariate analysis, family history of breast cancer and younger age were independent variables affecting participation in genetic testing. Of the 132 people who initially declined genetic testing, 58 (43.9%) postponed the decision, 30 (22.7%) needed time to discuss the issue with family members, 22 (16.7%) did not want to know if they had a BRCA1/2 mutation, and 22 (16.7%) declined the test because of financial problems. When analyzing refusal of testing according to the time period before and after the implementation of national health insurance coverage for BRCA1/2 genetic testing, the critical reason given for refusal was different. After insurance coverage, refusal for financial reason was decreased from 61.1 to 9.6%. CONCLUSIONS: A family history of breast cancer and a younger age were important factors associated with participation in genetic testing. National health insurance decreased the proportion of individuals who did not participate in testing owing to a financial reason. In genetic counseling, we have to understand these issues and consider several factors that may influence an individual's decision to be tested.