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Counselling Framework for Germline BRCA1/2 and PALB2 Carriers Considering Risk-Reducing Mastectomy

Authors :
Stephanie M. Wong
Carla Apostolova
Elisheva Eisenberg
William D. Foulkes
Source :
Current Oncology, Vol 31, Iss 1, Pp 350-365 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

Female BRCA1/2 and PALB2 germline pathogenic variant carriers have an increased lifetime risk of breast cancer and may wish to consider risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM) for surgical prevention. Quantifying the residual lifetime risk and absolute benefit from RRM requires careful consideration of a patient’s age, pathogenic variant, and their personal history of breast or ovarian cancer. Historically, patients have been counselled that RRM does not necessarily prolong survival relative to high-risk surveillance, although recent studies suggest a possible survival benefit of RRM in BRCA1 carriers. The uptake of RRM has increased dramatically over the last several decades yet varies according to sociodemographic factors and geographic region. The increased adoption of nipple-sparing mastectomy techniques, ability to avoid axillary staging, and availability of reconstructive options for most germline pathogenic variant carriers has helped to minimize the morbidity of RRM. Preoperative discussions should include evidence regarding postmastectomy sensation, the potential for supplemental surgery, pregnancy-related chest wall changes, and the need for continued clinical surveillance. Approaches that include sensation preservation and robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy are an area of evolving research that may be more widely adopted in the future.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
17187729 and 11980052
Volume :
31
Issue :
1
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Current Oncology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.4fef363ae06e4271a6274bf5562e7357
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010023