Breast-cancer genes factor into treatment

Young women with breast cancer who carry either of two mutated genes may be at higher risk for a new cancer years after initial treatment, according to a study by Yale researchers. “Our findings reveal that if these women elect breast-conserving therapy—radiation and lumpectomy—there is possibly a greater risk of developing a second tumor in the conservatively treated breast,” said Bruce G. Haffty, M.D., associate professor of therapeutic radiology. The genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, are passed from mother to daughter, and previous studies have shown that women who carry them have higher-than-normal rates of breast cancer. “Young age is often associated with BRCA abnormalities. If these women are predisposed to cancer, then trying to suppress it in some fashion would make sense,” Haffty said. The findings were published in the October issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Haffty has begun a larger study, looking at up to 150 women aged 42 or younger.