Risk-Reducing Strategies for Ovarian Cancer inBRCAMutation Carriers: A Balancing Act.
The objective of this study was to review the role of bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy inBRCAmutation (mBRCA) carriers and alternative interventions in risk reduction of ovarian cancer (OC).



A systematic review using PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library was conducted to identify studies of different strategies to prevent OC in mBRCAcarriers, including bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, prophylactic salpingectomy with delayed oophorectomy, intensive surveillance, and chemoprevention.



Risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is an effective intervention, but its associated morbidity is substantial and seems to curtail uptake rates among the target population. Although there is much interest and a strong theoretical basis for salpingectomy with delayed oophorectomy, data on its clinical application are scarce with regard to screening, the use of an algorithmic protocol has recently shown favorable albeit indefinite results in average-risk postmenopausal women. Its incorporation into studies focused on high-risk women might help solidify a future role for screening as a bridge to surgery. The use of oral contraceptives for chemoprevention is well supported by epidemiologic studies. However, there is a lack of evidence for advocating any of the other agents proposed for this purpose, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin D, and retinoids.



Further studies are needed before salpingectomy with delayed oophorectomy or intensive surveillance can be offered as acceptable, less morbid alternatives to upfront oophorectomy for mBRCAcarriers.The Oncologist2017;22:450-459 IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is currently the most effective method for reducing the risk of ovarian cancer inBRCAmutation (mBRCA) carriers. Unfortunately, it is associated with significant short- and long-term morbidity, stemming from reduced circulating estrogen. In recent years, much research has been devoted to evaluating less morbid alternatives, especially multimodal cancer screening and prophylactic salpingectomy with delayed oophorectomy. This review describes the present state of the art, with the aim of informing the counseling provided to mBRCAcarriers on this complicated issue and encouraging additional research to facilitate the incorporation of such alternatives into routine practice.
Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Roi
R
Tschernichovsky
Division of Gynecologic Oncology agoodman@mgh.harvard.edu.|Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Annekathryn
A
Goodman
D019313:BRCA1 Protein / Q000235:genetics*; D024682:BRCA2 Protein / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D006579:Heterozygote; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012307:Risk Factors; D000074868:Salpingo-oophorectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*
D019313:BRCA1 Protein; C492913:BRCA1 protein, human; D024682:BRCA2 Protein
BRCA; Bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy; Chemoprevention; Ovarian cancer; Salpingectomy with delayed oophorectomy; Screening