NYMC Faculty Publications
Baseline E(2) Levels are Higher in BRCA2 Mutation Carriers: A Potential Target for Prevention?
Author Type(s)
Faculty
DOI
10.1007/s10552-012-0127-3
Journal Title
Cancer Causes & Control
First Page
421
Last Page
426
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2013
Department
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Abstract
PURPOSE: BRCA gene mutations and elevated serum estradiol (E(2)) are well-known risk factors for breast cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between BRCA gene mutations and serum E(2) level.
METHODS: We measured baseline (menstrual cycle day 2-3) E(2) levels of 96 women with breast cancer who underwent BRCA testing.
RESULTS: The mean age, parity, and age at menarche did not differ between women with and without BRCA1/2 mutations. Basal serum E(2) level was significantly higher in women with BRCA2 mutations compared to women with BRCA1 mutations or without BRCA mutations (71.7 ± 41.6 vs. 45.5 ± 20.7 vs. 38.5 ± 12.6 pg/ml in BRCA2 mutation carriers, BRCA1 mutation carriers, and non-carriers, respectively, p value = 0.03). Women with BRCA2 mutations had 3.1 times as great risk for high basal E(2) level (>48 pg/ml) as women without BRCA mutations after adjusting for age and BMI (95 % confidence interval: 1.3, 7.6). BRCA mutation carriers with high serum E(2) level were significantly younger than the carriers with low serum E(2) level (31.4 ± 3.1 vs. 34.7 ± 4.9 years, p = 0.04).
CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, we found an association between high basal serum E(2) levels and BRCA2 mutations. Our results suggest that increased production of E(2) may have a role in the pathogenesis of BRCA2-mutation-related breast cancer.
Recommended Citation
Kim, J., & Oktay, K. (2013). Baseline E(2) Levels are Higher in BRCA2 Mutation Carriers: A Potential Target for Prevention?. Cancer Causes & Control, 24 (3), 421-426. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10552-012-0127-3
