Germline mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 among Brazilian women with ovarian cancer treated in the Public Health System.

BACKGROUND

Germline mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are among the main causes of hereditary ovarian cancer. Identifying these mutations may reduce cancer risk, facilitate early detection, and enable personalized treatment. However, genetic testing is limited in the Brazilian Public Health System, and data regarding germline mutations in many regions are scarce. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the prevalence of germline mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 in women with ovarian cancer treated in the Public Health System in Pernambuco, Brazil.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Hereditary Cancer Program from two reference oncological centers in Pernambuco. Women (n = 45) with high-grade serous ovarian cancer underwent genetic counseling and DNA sequencing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

RESULTS

The prevalence of deleterious mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes was 33%. Of the 15 germline mutations found, 13 were in BRCA1 and 2 in BRCA2; two mutations of unknown clinical significance were also found in BRCA2. Mutations c.5266dupC and c.2215 A > T were the most frequent; each was mutation observed in three patients. Additionally, the mutations c.7645dupT and c.921dupT were reported for the first time.

CONCLUSION

One in three women showed a pathogenic mutation, demonstrating a significant prevalence of germline mutations in this sample. Additionally, the small sample revealed an interesting number of mutations, indicating the need to explore more regions of the country.