Outcome of five years of accelerated surveillance in patients at high risk for inherited breast/ovarian cancer: report of a phase II trial.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the outcome of accelerated patient surveillance in patients at high risk for inherited breast or ovarian cancer.


METHODS
Using stringent inclusion criteria, 57 high-risk patients (7 positive for BRCA1/2 mutations, 39 mutation negative, and 11 unaffected) were recruited from a genetic testing protocol for inherited breast/ovarian cancer and were followed for 5 years (192.5 total patient years). Patients received twice annual physical examinations, imaging studies, measurement of CA125 and CA15-3, psychometric measurements, and unstructured interviews by a psychologist.


RESULTS
When mutation (+) and mutation (-) patients were compared, there were no significant differences in the development of disease metastasis, recurrence, or new cancers. No unaffected patients developed cancer. Management of osteoporosis, sexual function, and psychological distress were major concerns.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest that all patients with remarkable family history, regardless of their mutation status, may be at substantially increased risk for disease progression and development of new cancers, which is often not ovarian or recurrent breast cancer. Although prophylactic surgery is important in decreasing cancer recurrence in mutation carriers, increased surveillance with physical examinations and psychological support is also valuable and acceptable to such high-risk patients.
Department of Defense Familial Breast/Ovarian Cancer Research Program, Keesler Medical Center, Biloxi, MS 39534, USA.
Melissa H
MH
Fries
B Jo
BJ
Hailey
Judith
J
Flanagan
Diane
D
Licklider
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D003191:Comprehensive Health Care; D005260:Female; D019398:Genes, BRCA1; D024522:Genes, BRCA2; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006772:Hospitals, Military; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors