Press Release: Researchers Call for Studies on Role of BRCA1 Mutations in Chemotherapy Response

Extract

Loss of BRCA1 function is associated with sensitivity to DNA-damaging chemotherapy and may also be associated with resistance to taxane-based chemotherapy. However, prospective clinical studies are needed to evaluate the role of BRCA1 in chemotherapy response, concludes a new review in the November 17 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

BRCA1 mutations account for only 5% of breast and ovarian cancers, but loss-of-function mutations in the BRCA1 gene confer up to an 82% risk of breast cancer and up to a 54% risk of ovarian cancer. Because BRCA1 is involved in DNA repair, loss of a functioning BRCA1 gene may make a cell more vulnerable to chemotherapy agents that damage DNA, such as platinum-based compounds. In addition, BRCA1 has also been shown to be involved in the regulation of cell division, and loss of the gene has been proposed to protect a cell against spindle poisons, a group of chemotherapy agents, such as taxanes and vinca alkaloids, that disrupt cell division.