SELECTED ABSTRACTS
Presented by
Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Foundation
in collaboration with
Program in Cancer Genetics, McGill University
PROFFERED PAPERS
S1-PP3: Variants of low allele fraction in panel testing, where are they coming from?
Nika Maani1, Karen Panabaker2, Jeanna M McCuaig1, Seema Panchal3, Susan Randall Armel1,
Kara Semotiuk3, Kirsten Farncombe1, Kathleen Buckley4, Jennifer Diraimo2, Stephanie
Hurst5, Peter Ainsworth2, Bekim Sadikovic2, Hanxin Lin2, Raymond H. Kim
1,3
1Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; 2London Health Sciences, London,
ON, Canada; 3Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada; 4Grand River Hospital Regional
Cancer Centre, Kitchener, ON, Canada; 5Lakeridge Health, Oshawa, ON, Canada
The advent of massively parallel sequencing/next-generation sequencing technologies
has facilitated multi-gene panel testing in hereditary cancer patients. A subset of
individuals undergoing blood-based multi-gene panel testing will have variants in
cancer predisposition genes at an allele fraction below the threshold of germline
heterozygous variants. It is currently unclear how to effectively interpret these
findings, the subsequent investigations required and management recommendations.
Low variant allele frequencies identified in the blood-based germline genetic testing
may be variants exclusive to hematopoietic cells due to clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate
potential (CHIP) or a hematologic malignancy. Additionally, these findings may be
indicative of a true mosaic hereditary cancer syndrome necessitating confirmation
in a second tissue.
We developed a clinical workflow for these cases and identified 24 individuals harboring
likely pathogenic or pathogenic variants in peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) analysis.
We observed low allele fractions in 5 different hereditary cancer genes (APC, ATM,
BRCA1, CHEK2, and TP53), the most common being TP53. For variants initially detected
in peripheral blood lymphocytes, we delineated the etiology by ancillary next-generation
sequencing on alternative tissues such as tumour, skin biopsy or cultured fibroblasts.
Among these, we identified 3 patients with the PBL variant also present in a second
tissue, suggesting a true mosaicism. The PBL variant was not identified in a second
tissue in 7 cases suggesting these variants were isolated to the PBL.
Here, we describe the case-by-case management of these unique scenarios to differentiate
mosaicism from CHIP and leukemia. The identification and distinction of hereditary
cancer syndromes in full and mosaic states, from genetic variants isolated in peripheral
blood lymphocytes has an impact on the clinical management of patients undergoing
germline genetic testing. These findings represent a shift in the diagnostic utility
of blood-based germline testing for oncology and genetic providers.
S2-PP2: Transcriptome-based profiles of immune cell infiltration in BRCA1/2-positive
and BRCA1/2-negative male breast cancers
Valentina Silvestri
1, Veronica Zelli2, Virginia Valentini1, Agostino Bucalo1, Piera Rizzolo1, Ines Zanna3,
Laura Cortesi4, Daniele Calistri5, Maria Grazia Tibiletti6,7, Giuseppe Giannini1,
Stephen B. Fox8,9, Domenico Palli3, Laura Ottini1
1Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy 2University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
3Istituto per lo Studio, la Prevenzione e la Rete Oncologica, Florence, Italy 4University
of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy 5Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo
Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy 6Azienda Socio Sanitaria
Territoriale Settelaghi, Varese, Italy 7Università dell'Insubria, Varese, Italy 8Peter
MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia 9University of Melbourne, Parkville,
VIC, Australia
Breast cancer in men is a rare disease. Inherited mutations in BRCA1/2 predispose
to male breast cancer (MBC) and may characterize a subgroup of tumors with a peculiar
phenotype. Here, we aimed to perform a transcriptome-based profiling of immune cell
infiltration in MBC, in relation to BRCA1/2 status and pathological features.
A total of 59 invasive male breast tumors, including 21 with BRCA1/2 mutations and
38 without BRCA1/2 mutations, were analyzed. Most tumors were ER positive (94.7%)
and had intermediate/high tumor grade (G2/G3, 89.5%). Whole transcriptome data were
obtained by RNA-sequencing using Illumina technology. Tumor immunophenotype was evaluated
using CIBERSORT, which estimates the fraction of 22 immune cell types and an absolute
immune score. Statistical analyses were performed using non-parametric tests.
Overall, CD4 memory resting T cells, M2 macrophages and M0 macrophages represented
the top three highest infiltrating fractions in MBC (25.9%, 21.4% and 10.7%, respectively).
BRCA1/2-associated MBCs had a higher fraction of CD4 memory activated T cells (p = 0.04)
and a lower fraction of activated mast cells (p = 0.03), compared with non-BRCA1/2
MBCs. A lower proportion of regulatory T cells (p = 0.0025) and gamma-delta T cells
(p = 0.004) was found in ER positive compared with ER negative tumors. In G2/G3 tumors,
the fractions of CD4 memory resting T cells was higher (p = 0.02), whereas the fraction
of eosinophils and activated mast cells was lower (p = 0.035 and p = 0.04, respectively),
compared with low-grade tumors. Absolute immune score was higher in tumors with higher
PD1 (p = 0.006) and PDL1 (p = 0.0009) expression.
These results provided the first evidence that MBCs, particularly those characterized
by pathological features suggestive of greater biological aggressiveness, may be enriched
in pro-tumorigenic immune cells. Transcriptome-based evaluation of tumor-infiltrating
immune cells seem to be a valuable approach for the identification of biologically
and clinically relevant immuno-subtypes of MBC.
Study supported by AIRC (IG21389) to LO.
S2-PP3: Molecular and genetic characterisation of contralateral breast cancer (CBC):
the importance of CBC risk stratification and management
Colin G. McIlmunn
1, Gary Dobson1, Finian Bannon2, Deirdre Fitzpatrick3, David Gonzalez de Castro1,
Jacqueline James1, Kienan I. Savage1, Stuart A. McIntosh1
1Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom 2Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast,
United Kingdom 3Centre for Public Health, Belfast, United Kingdom
The risk of contralateral breast cancer (CBC), following unilateral breast cancer
(UBC) is 0.4–0.7% per year. Despite this relatively low risk, the use of contralateral
prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) to treat UBC is increasing, despite no survival benefit.
Known risk factors for CBC include young age at primary diagnosis and a significant
family history of breast cancer. Nonetheless, there is no reliable method for identifying
women at increased CBC risk who may benefit from CPM. Furthermore, prognosis following
CBC is unclear, and it is uncertain what proportion of CBCs represent new primary
cancers, as opposed to metastatic deposits.
To determine the impact of CBC on outcome, and to assess the contribution of known
hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) gene mutations to CBC risk, we characterised
primary and CBCs in 403 women with CBC in Northern Ireland from 1993 to 2016.
Median time between primary and CBC diagnosis was 7.6 (± 4.7) years. An excess breast
cancer specific mortality hazard of 6.45 (95% C.I. 4.27–9.77, p < 0.001) was observed
in CBC patients, compared with a matched control cohort of women with UBC.
We sequenced germline DNA (gDNA), primary and CBC in 134 women, using a custom panel,
including known risk predisposition genes. 16 (11.9%) of cases shared at least one
somatic variant between tumours, suggesting metastatic clonality. Additionally, gDNA
analysis identified 15 (11.2%) cases with pathogenic variants in risk predisposition
genes, including six in BRCA1/2, and further variants in PALB2, ATM, CHEK2, PMS2,
SDHB, FANCA, BRIP1 and BARD1.
These findings indicate that CBC diagnosis has a significant impact on breast cancer
survival, reflecting the fact that a proportion of CBCs represent metastatic disease.
Furthermore, the prevalence of pathogenic HBOC gene mutations in CBC cases may suggest
that testing women with UBC and/or those requesting CPM may represent an opportunity
for CBC risk stratification.
S3-PP1: Variation in the functional effects of different protein truncating mutations
in BRCA1 and BRCA2 in breast and fallopian tube epithelial cells
Simon A. Gayther, Nikoo Safi, Justyna Kanska, Simon Knott, Brian Davis, Joe Wang,
Jasmine Plummer
Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations confer high penetrance susceptibility to ovarian
and breast cancer. Most pathogenic mutations are predicted to be protein truncating
and occur throughout the coding region of each gene. Genetic studies show that in
both genes mutation location is significantly associated with variations in breast
or ovarian cancer risks, but the underlying functional rationale for these observations
in breast verses ovarian cancer precursor cells remains unknown. We used CRISPR/Cas9
tools to create protein truncating mutations in different regions of BRCA1 and BRCA2
associated either with greater risks of breast (BCR) or ovarian cancer (OCR) in mammary
(MCF10) and fallopian tube (FT282) epithelial cells engineered to constitutively express
the P53 hotspot mutation R175H. We clonally derived and tested the molecular and phenotypic
characteristics of confirmed truncating BRCA1/2 mutations in each cell type.
For BRCA1, we could only derive heterozygous BCR and OCR mutations in MCF10A cells
(i.e. homozygous mutations were not viable); but in FT282 cells homozygous OCR mutations
were tolerated, while neither hetero nor homozygous BCR mutations were viable.
In BRCA2, heterozygous BCR mutations were tolerated in MCF10A cells but neither hetero-
nor homozygous OCR mutation were viable, while both heterozygous BCR and OCR mutations
were viable in FT282 cells. BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations led to significantly decreased proliferation
and defective DNA repair capacity in both cell types. RNA sequencing of different
BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation clones showed distinct transcriptomic profiles based on the
mutation location in both MCF10A and FT282 cells, indicating that BCR and OCR mutations
in the same gene, and similar mutations in breast verses fallopian tube cells have
different impacts on downstream transcription.
In summary, this study shows that the mutation location in BRCA1 and BRCA2 imparts
differential functional effects in breast and ovarian cancer precursor cells consistent
with reports from genetic studies.
S6-PP1: A gynecologic oncologist-led mainstreaming approach of germline genetic testing
for patients with ovarian cancer; experiences of healthcare professionals
Kyra Bokkers
1, Eveline M. A. Bleiker2,3, Marco Koudijs1, Mary Velthuizen1, Sanne Stehouwer1, Ronald
P. Zweemer1, Margreet G. E. M. Ausems1
1University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands 2The Netherlands Cancer
Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 3Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The
Netherlands
Background All patients with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC) are eligible for BRCA1/2
genetic testing. Currently, referral rates are low and genetic testing is not always
offered early in the diagnostic process.
Aim We evaluated acceptability and feasibility for non-genetic healthcare professionals
(HCPs) to incorporate mainstream genetic testing for EOC patients into daily work.
Methods We developed a pathway for mainstream genetic testing, including an online
training module for gynecologic oncologists and nurse specialists. After completing
the module, they started counseling and ordering genetic tests. Experiences of HCPs
were assessed before and 6 months after completing the training module, including
HCPs’ attitudes, perceived knowledge, and self-efficacy to discuss and order genetic
testing, and their evaluation of the training module.
Results The majority of invited HCPs (90%, N = 19/21) HCPs from four hospitals completed
our training module. They requested a germline genetic test for 129 patients. HCPs
had a positive attitude, high perceived knowledge, and high self-efficacy toward discussing
and ordering genetic testing, both at baseline and after 6 months. Their knowledge
regarding genetic testing had increased significantly after 6 months. Time investment
for the majority (9/15) of HCPs was between 5 and 10 min to discuss a genetic test.
The training module was rated with an average of 8.1 out of 10 and was considered
useful.
Discussion and conclusion Counseling and ordering a germline genetic test by trained
gynecologic oncologists and nurse specialists seems feasible and acceptable for healthcare
professionals; they feel competent and motivated to dicuss and order genetic testing
for patients with EOC after completion of a training module.
S6-PP2: Large scale group genetic counselling: a novel service delivery model in British
Columbia
Zoe Lohn
1, Alexandra Fok1, Heather Derocher1, Matthew Richardson2, Sze Wing Mung1, Jennifer
Nuk1, Jamie Yuson1, Mandy Jevon1, Kasmintan Schrader1,2, Sophie Sun1,2
1BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada 2The University of British Columbia, Vancouver,
BC, Canada
Introduction Increasing demand for genetic services has led to the introduction of
novel service delivery models. The initiative presented here developed and piloted
large scale group genetic counselling (GC), whereby pre-test group GC (up to 50 patients
per group) was compared to traditional one-on-one GC.
Materials and Methods All patients were recruited from the Hereditary Cancer Program
in British Columbia (BC) and were eligible to participate if they were unaffected,
had a family history meeting provincial testing criteria, had no prior genetic testing
performed in the family, and had no living testable relative in BC. Patient reported
outcome measures included the Genetic Counselling Outcome Scale-24 (GCOS) (T1: immediately
prior to pre-test GC and T2: 4 weeks after post-test GC), a satisfaction survey (immediately
after pre-test GC) and the Multidimensional Impact of Cancer Risk Assessment (MICRA)
for those undergoing testing (4 weeks after post-test GC).
Results To date, 398 patients have been seen (189 in the group arm and 209 in the
traditional one-on-one arm). Nine group sessions have been held (median group size:
23 patients). A small portion of patients (7%) declined participation in the group
session because they preferred one-on-one GC. Patients in both arms showed high satisfaction
as the majority of patients reported that the appointment was helpful (98% group arm,
99% traditional arm) and that they understood the information presented (99% group
arm, 99% traditional arm). Across the three MICRA subscales, the patients within the
group arm did not score statistically differently than the one-on-one patients (p = 0.326,
p = 0.857, p = 0.512). Additionally, there was no significant difference between the
patients within the group arm and the one-on-one arm with respect to their GCOS scores
(p = 0.417).
Conclusion Data presented here indicate that large scale group GC is feasible and
acceptable to patients, representing a new streamlined model of cancer GC.
S7-PP3: A positive oestrogen receptor status and breast cancer survival in nordic
BRCA2 mutation carriers
Elinborg J. Olafsdottir1, Ake Borg2, Maj-Britt Jensen3, Anne-Marie Gerdes4, Anna LV
Johansson5, Rosa B. Barkardottir6,7, Oskar T. Johannsson8, Bent Ejlertsen3,9, Ida
Marie Heeholm Sønderstrup10, Eivind Hovig11, Anne-Vibeke Lænkholm12, Thomas van Overeem
Hansen4, Gudridur H. Olafsdottir1, Maria Rossing13, Jon G Jonasson14,15, Stefan Sigurdsson16,
Niklas Loman2,17, Martin P. Nilsson2,17, Steven A. Narod18, Laufey Tryggvadottir
1,7
1Icelandic Cancer Registry, Icelandic Cancer Society, Reykjavik, Iceland 2Division
of Oncology and Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund,
Sweden 3Danish Breast Cancer Cooperative Group, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University
Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark 4Department of Clinical Genetics, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen
University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark 5Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics,
Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden 6Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of
Pathology, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland 7Faculty of Medicine,
BMC, Laeknagardur, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland 8Department of Oncology,
Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland 9Department of Clinical Oncology,
Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark 10Department of
Surgical Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark 11Department of
Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital,
Norway 12Department of Surgical Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Slagelse,
Denmark 13Center for Genomic Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital,
Copenhagen, Denmark 14Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
15Department of Pathology, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland 16Cancer
Research Laboratory, BMC, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik,
Iceland 17Department of Hematology, Oncology and Radiation Physics, Skåne University
Hospital, Lund, Sweden 18Womens’ College Research Institute, University of Toronto,
Toronto, ON, Canada
Background The natural history of breast cancer among BRCA2 carriers has not been
clearly established. In an earlier study from Iceland, a positive oestrogen receptor
(ER) status and low proliferative activity were negative prognostic factors. We studied
survival after invasive breast cancer in BRCA2 carriers and sought factors which predicted
survival, including ER status.
Materials & methods The study population included 608 female carriers with invasive
breast cancer from four Nordic countries. Their 118 pathogenic BRCA2 mutations were
classified according to location within or outside the Ovarian- or Breast Cancer Cluster
Regions (OCCRs or BCCRs). Information on prognostic factors and treatment was retrieved
from health records and by analysis of archived tissue specimens. Hazard ratios (HR)
for various factors were estimated for breast cancer-specific survival using Cox regression.
Results 77% of cancers were ER-positive, the highest proportion (83%) was in patients
under 40 years. ER-positive breast cancers were more likely to be node-positive (59%)
than ER-negative cancers (34%) (p < 0.001). Women with high grade cancers (grade 2,
3) were less likely to die than women with grade 1 cancers (univariate HR = 0.65 (95%
CI 0.40–1.05, p = 0.08)). Positive ER status was protective in the first five years
from diagnosis, thereafter the effect was adverse (HR = 1.91; 95% CI 1.07–3.39, p = 0.03).
The adverse effect was limited to women who did not undergo endocrine treatment (multivariate
HR = 2.36; 95% CI 1.26–4.44, p = 0.01), had intact ovaries (HR = 1.99; 95% CI 1.11–3.59,
p = 0.02) or had BRCA2 mutations located within OCCRs or BCCRs (HR = 2.23; 95% CI
1.21–4.10; p = 0.01).
Conclusion The adverse effect of a positive ER status in BRCA2 carriers with breast
cancer may be contingent on exposure to ovarian hormones. The results suggest novel
biological qualities of breast tumours in BRCA2 carriers.
S8-PP1: Determining women preferences for population genetic testing to inform implementation
of risk-stratified breast screening
Allison Trainer
1, Jack Wheeler1, Maarten Izjerman2, Lisa Devereux 3
1Parkville Familial Cancer Centre, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Melbourne,
Australia 2University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia 3Lifepool, Peter MacCallum
Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
Our increasing ability to model women’s risk of developing breast cancer has potential
to form the basis of individual risk-stratified screening programs. This would require
women to undertake a Genomic Breast Cancer Risk Assessment (GBCRA) and accept their
personal risk-stratified surveillance recommendations. The acceptability of this screening
model is unknown.
Here we aim to identify what aspects of a GBCRA and its implementation women would
value by determining and quantifying the impact of test-specific and test-delivery
attributes on a woman’s decision to participate. This information will ensure that
implementation of this program will be person-centred and reflects women’s values.
Methods A multi-criteria decision analysis with swing weighting framework was adopted.
Test and implementation criteria were elicited through a systematic literature review,
and local focus groups. An on-line MCDA swing weighting survey was sent to 2000 women
at either population risk or through the Parkville familial cancer centre.
Results The eight most important attributes which impacted most on the decision to
participate were Mode of Invitation, Mode of providing DNA sample, Heritability of
results, Probability of underestimating risk, Probability of overestimating risk,
Mode of returning results, Scope of results, and Storage of genomic information. These
attributes were operationalised in an MCDA survey.
367 women completed the survey. The criteria most often ranked first were Mode of
invitation (27%), Mode of providing DNA sample (20%), and Heritability of results
(19%): this was reflected in the normalised weightings of 0.21, 0.16, 0.14 respectively.
77% of women wished the information and offer to participate by email compared to
explained by their GP, 77% wish to take a mouth swab at home rather than blood test,
and 96% wished the test to have potential to identify a high-risk within the family
rather than provide only individual risk.
Preference Cluster analysis is ongoing and will be presented.
S9-PP1: Breast cancer risk genes: association analysis of rare coding variants in
34 genes in 60,466 cases and 53,461 controls from the BRIDGES project
Leila Dorling1, Sara Carvalho1, Jamie Allen1, Anna González-Neira2, Amanda B. Spurdle3,
Maaike P. G. Vreeswijk4, Javier Benitez2, Anders Kvist5, Alison Dunning1, Soo Hwang
Teo6, Peter Devilee4, Douglas Easton
1, on behalf of BRIDGES collaborators and the Breast Cancer Association Consortium
1University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom 2Spanish National Cancer Research
Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain 3QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane,
QLD, Australia 4Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands 5Lund University,
Lund, Sweden 6Cancer Research Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
Despite their widespread use, the evidence for association with cancer for coding
variants in many genes on genetic testing panels is often weak, and many of the underlying
risk estimates are very imprecise. To provide more reliable risk estimates, we performed
gene panel sequencing for 35 suspected breast cancer susceptibility genes on samples
from 60,466 cases and 53,461 controls from 44 studies in the Breast Cancer Association
Consortium, as part of the BRIDGES project. Protein truncating variants, in aggregate,
were associated with overall breast cancer risk (Bayesian False Discovery Probability < 5%)
for nine genes: ATM, BARD1, BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, PALB2, RAD51C, RAD51D, and TP53.
The upper 95% confidence limit excluded a twofold risk for overall breast cancer for
22 genes. ORs were larger for ER-positive disease for CHEK2 and ATM, but higher for
ER-negative disease for BARD1, BRCA1, PALB2, RAD51C, RAD51D and TP53.
We evaluated the combined effect on risk of truncating variants in these genes and
the 313 SNP PRS using case-control and case-only analyses. Combined associations were
consistent with a multiplicative model for ATM and CHEK2, but less than multiplicative
for BRCA1, BRCA2 and PALB2.
Rare missense variants, in aggregate, were associated with risk for BRCA1, CHEK2,
ATM and TP53 (p < 0.001). Missense variant risks were associated with several in-silico
prediction scores, but the optimal model differ markedly among genes. For BRCA1, the
risks were restricted to variants in the RING, BRCT1 and BRCA2 domains, and in particular
to variants defined as loss of function by saturated genome editing. For ATM, risk
appeared to be restricted to a subset of variants in the PI3K/PI4K and FAT domains
with high BayesDel scores; for these variants, the risk was comparable to truncating
variants. In contrast, for CHEK2, the risks associated with missense variants appeared
to be largely independent of domain or in-silico score.
These results should assist the design of more rational panels, the classification
of missense variants in these genes and development of more reliable breast cancer
risk mode.
S9-PP4: The contribution of germline pathogenic variants beyond BRCA1/2/PALB2 to contralateral
breast cancer in women with a younger onset first breast cancer—a WECARE study
Marc Tischkowitz
1, Eleanor Fewings1, James Redman1, Mae Goldgraben1, James Hadfield2, Women's Environment,
Cancer, and Radiation Epidemiology (WECARE) study collaborators, Patrick Concannon3,
Jonine Bernstein4, David Conti5, Alexey Larionov1
1University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom 2Cancer Research UK Cambridge
Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom 3University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United
States 4Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States 5University
of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Background Women with breast cancer (BC) are at risk of developing cancer in the second
breast, which exceeds BC risk in the general population. Contralateral breast cancer
(CBC) is associated with young age, family history and BRCA1/2 mutations. Data on
genetic factors predisposing to CBC in BRCA1/2/PALB2-negative women are scarce.
Methods We analysed germline DNA from 474 CBC and 485 unilateral breast cancer (UBC)
cases from the WECARE-Consortium in two groups. The first group (233-CBC vs 245-UBC,
mean age at first BC 42-years) was sequenced by WES. The second group (241-CBC vs
240-UBC) included older participants (50-years at first BC) and was sequenced by Ampliseq
panel. Both groups were enriched for cases with BC family history and excluded BRCA1/2/PALB2-carriers.
The aggregated burden of germline pathogenic variants (PVs) in ATM, CHEK2, TP53, NF1,
NBN, CDH1, PTEN and STK11 was compared between CBC and UBC patients.
Results There was significantly higher PV-burden in CBC vs UBC (p = 0.01, MAC = 27,
OR = 2.5 95CI: 1.1–5.7) in the younger group. The comparison with non-Finnish Europeans
from 1000 genomes project (NFE) showed gradual increase of PV-burden in NFE-UBC-CBC
groups (mean AF in PVs 0.0002, 0.0008 and 0.002 respectively, p = 0.004). The association
of PV-burden with CBC was not seen in the older group (p = 0.3, MAC = 18, OR = 1.6
95CI: 0.6–4.1). The association in the younger group was driven mainly by variants
in ATM and CHEK2.
Conclusion The aggregated burden of PVs in established BC-risk genes is associated
with increased risk of CBC in young BRCA1/BRCA2/PALB2-negative breast cancer patients.
POSTERS
BIOLOGY OF HEREDITARY CANCERS
P002: A cell-based reporter to screen for modifiers of BRCA1 protein expression
Erin Sellars
1,2, Joanne Kotsopoulos1,2, Leonardo Salmena1,2,3
1University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada 2Women's College Research Institute, Women's
College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada 3Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University
Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
BRCA1 is a tumour suppressor protein with important functions in DNA damage repair
mediated through homologous recombination. Accordingly, individuals with an inherited
BRCA1 mutation face a high lifetime risk of developing different cancers. Emerging
evidence suggests that BRCA1 is a haploinsufficient tumour suppressor gene since mammary
epithelial cells with one germline mutated BRCA1 allele exhibit genome instability
and increased replication stress. Over many years, it is expected that such DNA repair
deficits lead to increased DNA damage, increased mutagenesis and ultimately tumorigenesis.
Our group has demonstrated that BRCA1 expression from a wild-type allele is modifiable
through lifestyle and nutritional exposures. Thus, we hypothesize that modulating
BRCA1 expression may modify the latency of BRCA1-associated tumour onset.
To test this, we aim to identify chemical modulators of BRCA1 protein expression and
evaluate their function on measurable outputs of BRCA1 function including DNA damage
repair and replication. Therefore, we engineered HEK293T and HeLa reporter cells with
endogenous HiBiT-tagged-BRCA1 protein using CRISPR-editing. HiBiT is a small 11 amino
acid peptide tag capable of producing bright and quantitative luminescence by high-affinity
complementation, thereby permitting highly sensitive measurement of BRCA1 protein
levels. BRCA1-reporter cells were validated by genomic sequencing and Western blot.
We demonstrated that BRCA1-reporter cells are sensitive to known modulators of BRCA1
expression including siRNA knockdown, proteasome inhibition, and resveratrol (RVT)
treatment, suggesting that exogenous drug dosing can detectably modulate expression
of the BRCA1 fusion protein. We have utilized BRCA1-reporter cells to perform high-content
screens of epigenetic-modifying drugs and small molecules, to identify compounds capable
of modulating BRCA1 protein expression. Candidate compounds, including bromodomain
inhibitors JQ1 and BAY299, are being validated for effects on BRCA1 expression and
function in cell and in vivo models of BRCA1-associated breast cancer. Overall, these
findings could provide insight into the underlying pathogenesis of BRCA1-associated
breast cancer and could help uncover novel strategies for prevention and treatment.
P003: Seattle Cancer Care Alliance’s prostate cancer genetics clinic: a report of
125 patients between 2017–2019
Lauren Facchini
1
, Lorraine Naylor1, Darren Pouv2,3, Alexandra O. Sokolova2, Heather Cheng1,2, Mercy
Laurino1, Cynthia Handford1, Britta Sjoding1, Everett Lally1
1Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, WA, United States 2University of Washington,
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, WA, United States 3University of Washington
School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
Introduction Current NCCN Guidelines (version 1.2020) recommend genetic testing for
all men with metastatic or intraductal prostate cancer, and those with high-grade
prostate cancer and a family history of cancer or Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. To address
this patient population, the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance established the prostate
cancer genetics clinic (PCGC) in order to (1)help identify patients who meet criteria
for testing, (2)ensure appropriate care for patients with pathogenic variants, (3)support
cascade testing and (4)connect patients with research and clinical trial opportunities.
Materials and Methods Between July 2017 and May 2019, 125 patients were seen in the
PCGC. 71/125(56.8%) patients had germline genetic testing ordered at the time of their
visit. 42/125(33.6%) patients already had prior germline genetic testing completed.
12/125(9.6%) patients did not pursue germline genetic testing for various reasons.
Results Of the PCGC patients that pursued testing, 13/71(18.3%) tested positive for
a pathogenic/likely-pathogenic variant in APC(1), ATM(1), BRCA2(4), CHEK2(3), HOXB13(2),
NBN(1), RAD51B(1), and TP53(1) (one patient tested positive for both APC and CHEK2).
47/71(66.2%) patients tested negative. And 11/71 (15.5%) were identified to have variants
of uncertain significance. For those previously tested, 24/42 (57.1%) tested positive
for a pathogenic/likely-pathogenic variant in ATM(1), BRCA1(2), BRCA2(10), CHEK2(6),
MITF(1), MSH2(1), MUTYH heterozygous(1), and TP53(2). As of June 2019, three PCGC
patients with germline pathogenic variants were placed on either platinum-based chemotherapy
or PARP inhibitor trials.
Conclusions 18.3%(13/71) of the patients tested as part of their PCGC appointment
and, overall, 29.6%(37/125) of the total patients seen in PCGC were identified to
have a pathogenic/likely-pathogenic variant in a cancer predisposition gene. As genetic
testing guidelines continue to expand and germline testing becomes an integral part
of oncologic care for men with prostate cancer, it is essential that clinics advocate
for this growing population and provide adequate resources for men and their families.
P005: Bilateral disease common in Slovenian CHEK2 positive breast cancer patients
Ana Blatnik
1, Tea Nizic-Kos2, Mateja Krajc1, Srdjan Novakovic3, Nikola Besic2
1Cancer Genetics Clinic, Institute of Oncology, Ljubljana, Slovenia 2Department of
Surgical Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Ljubljana, Slovenia 3Department of Molecular
Diagnostics, Institute of Oncology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Introduction At present there is a lack of data on pathogenic variants in the CHEK2
gene and their impact on cancer risk. The aim of our study was to explore the characteristics
of families with CHEK2 gene pathogenic variants in Slovenia.
Materials and Methods In the years 2014–2019 CHEK2 pathogenic variants/likely pathogenic
variants (PV/LPV) were found in 1.9% of patients who underwent genetic counseling
and testing using a multigene panel at our institution. Seventy-five individuals from
50 families, who were carriers of CHEK2 gene PV/LPV were identified. The data on CHEK2
gene mutations carriers and their families in Slovenia were collected and analyzed.
Results Five recurrent CHEK2 PV/LPV were found in 90% (45/50) of our families: c.444 + 1G > A
(15/50; 30%), c.349A > G (13/50; 26%), c.1100delC (9/50; 18%), deletion of exons 9–10
(6/50; 12%) and c.85C>T (2/50; 4%). Five other PV/LPVs (c.1427C>T, deletion of exon
8, c.151C>T, c.283C>T, and c.1283C>T) were each found in one family (1/50; 2%). Breast
cancer (BC) was diagnosed in 41 of 75 CHEK2 PV/LPV carriers (40 females, 1 male).
The mean age at BC diagnosis was 42.8 years (range 21–63), 27/41 of females with BC
(65.8%) had a positive family history. Contralateral BC (CBC) was observed in 8/41
(19.5%) patients (mean age 55.6 years). Carriers of CHEK2 PV/LPVs also had: malignant
melanoma (n = 3), ovarian cancer (n = 3), colon cancer (n = 3), rectal cancer (n = 2),
renal cancer (n = 1), prostate cancer (n = 1), papillary thyroid cancer (n = 1), primary
peritoneal serous carcinoma (n = 1), cervical cancer (n = 1), osteosarcoma (n = 1),
and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n = 1).
Conclusion BC associated with a germline CHEK2 PV/LPV occurs in younger patients than
sporadic BC. Bilateral breast cancer was diagnosed in 19.5% of Slovenian BC patients
with CHEK2 PV/LPV.
P006: Germline testing following somatic genetic analysis on tumors: experience of
a single center
Aurélie Ayme
1,2, Valeria Viassolo2, Mélinda Charrier2, Amandine Cadènes2, Yann Christinat1, Tom
McKee1, Isabelle Gauchat-Bouchardy1, Petros Tsantoulis2, Pierre O. Chappuis2,3
1Division of Clinical Pathology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
2Unit of Oncogenetics, Division of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva,
Switzerland 3Division of Genetic Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
Background Next generation sequencing has allowed the implementation of molecular
tumor boards (MTB) for all cancer types with the aim to accurately classify tumors
based on their molecular status, to refine prognosis and to guide treatment. Patients
with pathogenic variants in tumors with particular allele frequencies can be identified
as potential carriers of germline pathogenic variants or mosaic. These patients can
be referred for genetic counseling and germline testing in genetic units. Here we
report the experience of the Unit of Oncogenetics in our institution.
Methods Since November 2016, a weekly and video-assisted MTB has been set up in the
Geneva (HUG) and Lausanne (CHUV) university hospitals. We reviewed medical consultation
files of all probands who have consulted the HUG Unit of Oncogenetics between November
2016 and December 2019. We selected cancer patients who were referred for genetic
counselling based on somatic genetic results and limited our study to breast, ovarian,
pancreatic and prostate cancer patients. For each proband, we collected clinical information,
including family history and somatic/constitutional genetic data.
Results In the selected period, 1306 consecutive probands had genetic counseling.
Among them, 27 (2.1%) probands were referred because of genetic results at the tumoral
level with particular allele frequencies. Eleven patients had breast, ovarian, pancreatic,
or prostate cancer. Constitutional targeted testing was performed in all of them and
revealed a germline origin of 7 pathogenic variants in 6 (54.5%) patients (BRCA1:
3, BRCA2: 3, ATM: 1). In addition, one case of mosaic TP53 pathogenic variant was
characterised. Five of these 7 probands displayed criteria to propose germline testing
according to international guidelines.
Conclusion We observed a high rate of pathogenic variants identified at the germline
level after somatic genetic analysis among cancer patients, not all of them fulfilling
criteria to recommend genetic counseling and testing.
P007: Germline variant prevalence of key genes connected to breast cancer in a population-based
observational study
Deborah F. Nacer de Oliveira
1, Johan Vallon-Christersson1, Hans Ehrencrona2,3, Anders Kvist1, Åke Borg1, Johan
Staaf1
1Division of Oncology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Medicon
Village, Lund, Sweden 2Department of Genetics and Pathology, Laboratory Medicine,
Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden 3Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory
Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
Germline predisposition in the form of mutation in specific key genes such as BRCA1
or BRCA2 influences breast cancer onset and progression, a trait that has been continuously
considered in the form of clinical germline screening of patients. In a population-based
observational study from southern Sweden with 6660 patients, 924 patients (13.9%)
were referred to this type of screening at some point during diagnosis. Of these,
189 patients (20.5%) had variants such as point mutation or copy number alteration
in at least one of more than 20 genes connected to breast cancer in various ways.
The three genes with most variants found were BRCA2 (n = 62 patients, 6.7% of those
tested), BRCA1 (n = 56, 6.1%), and CHEK2 (n = 43, 4.7%), representing a confirmed
germline variant prevalence of at least 0.93%, 0.84%, and 0.65% in the cohort respectively.
However, not all of these variants have the same connection to this malignancy: only
36 BRCA2 (58%), 43 BRCA1 (77%), and 34 CHEK2 (77%) variants found in this cohort are
known to be or likely to be pathogenic. Variants from other genes tested were present
in less than 10 patients each. When it comes to connection with clinical subgroups,
variants in BRCA1 were more common in triple negative breast cancer, CHEK2 variants
in ER positive patients, and BRCA2 variants did not seem to be more common in any
of those subgroups, as expected from the literature.
Although knowledge has greatly increased in the past two decades since the connection
between these genes and breast cancer came to be known, there is still much to be
investigated in hereditary breast cancer as exemplified in our data by variants of
unknown significance from the three most commonly mutated genes combined (34/162,
21%).
P008: Biallelic CHEK2 germline variants in a child with a testicular germ cell tumour
Nisha Kanwar2, Erika Smith1, Adam Schlien1, Yisu Li2, Donna Johnston1, Anita Villani2,
David Malkin2, Sarah Sawyer
1
1Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada 2Hospital
for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
Background CHEK2 is a moderate-risk cancer predisposition gene. Loss of function (LoF)
CHEK2 mutations result in reduced DNA repair ability, conferring an ~ twofold increased
risk of breast cancer. The cancer risk associated with the common CHEK2 variant, p.Ile157Thr,
is less clear, though likely lower. Recently, CHEK2 has also been associated with
testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT). We report on a 14yo with a testicular germ cell
tumor who was identified to carry biallelic variants in CHEK2.
Methods and Results We performed integrated somatic and germline sequencing through
the KiCS (Sickkids Cancer Sequencing) study using a 864 gene cancer panel on a 14yo
with a testicular germ cell tumor. He was found to carry two CHEK2 variants. Segregation
analysis in his parents confirmed that they were biallelic in our patient. The first
variant, p.Arg117Gly is a LoF variant that results in partially defective in phosphorylation
of CHEK2 and is interpreted as likely pathogenic. The second variant (p.Ile157Thr)
is a known low penetrance variant that is present at 1–2% in Europeans. Interpretation
and clinical follow up in women with this variant varies and is influenced by family
history. It causes partially defective dimerization of CHEK2, resulting in a dominant
negative effect. Tumor analysis revealed copy neutral LOH of chromosome 22 in a subset
of cells, resulting in selection of the likely pathogenic (p.Arg117Gly) variant. Additional
copy number alterations that are recurrent in germ cell tumors were also observed
in this subset of cells.
Conclusions The presence of biallelic variants in a child with a testicular germ cell
tumor, and the identification of LOH as the presumed second hit, provides a unique
opportunity to understand the role of these variants in tumorigenesis, and raises
the possibility of a role for CHEK2 in cancer predisposition risk in children.
BRCA1/2 MUTATIONS, VARIANTS OF UNKNOWN CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND DATABASES
P010: Inherited pathogenic variants are prevalent among breast cancer patients not
meeting Ontario and other select international genetic testing guidelines
Sarah Nielsen
1, Stephen Lincoln1, Shan Yang1, Edward Esplin1, Scott Michalski1, Daniel Pineda-Alvarez1,
Peter Beitsch2, Pat Whitworth3, Robert Nussbaum1
1Invitae, San Franciso, CA, United States 2Dallas Surgical Group, Dallas, TX, United
States 3Nashville Breast Center, Nashville, TN, United States
Background Therapeutic and risk management options have expanded for patients harboring
inherited pathogenic variants (PVs) in cancer predisposition genes. Historically,
testing costs and clinical implementation challenges led to restrictive testing guidelines
in many countries. Increasing evidence demonstrates that broader testing is a cost-effective
way to identify patients with PVs. We assessed the efficacy of multiple international
testing guidelines in identifying breast cancer (BC) patients with clinically actionable
PVs.
Methods We reanalyzed a prospective cohort of U.S.-based, primarily Northern European,
BC patients, referred for multigene genetic testing (PMID: 30526229). We applied testing
guidelines from Australia, U.K. and 2 Canadian provinces (Ontario, British Columbia)
to this cohort and focused on their sensitivity for selecting patients with PVs in
high risk (> 4 × risk compared to general population) breast/ovarian cancer genes.
These populations were chosen because of similar healthcare systems and ancestral
distribution.
Results 193 of 857 patients (23%) met MOHLTC criteria, of which 10 (5.2%) harbored
high or moderate risk PVs, similar to the 6.5% rate (n = 43) observed in the 664 OOC
patients. Findings in the OOC group included BRCA1/2 (n = 9), PALB2 (4), RAD51C/D
(6), MSH6 (1), ATM (5), CHEK2 (11) and other genes. Many of these findings were considered
actionable by conferring potential eligibility for precision therapies, clinical trials
and/or management guidelines.
Conclusions In our cohort, select international testing criteria identified < 30%
of patients with PVs and < 40% of those with high-risk PVs (MOHLTC criteria identified
22% and 17% of pts, respectively). These data suggest expanding certain international
guidelines would allow better identification and improved management for BC patients
across the globe.
P014: Risk of contralateral and ipsilateral breast cancer in breast cancer patients
by the affected BRCA Gene from HBOC registration in Japan
Akiyo Yoshimura
1, Nobue Takaiso2, Hiroji Iwata1, Seigo Nakamura3, Masami Arai4
1Department of Breast Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center, Nagoya, Japan 2Risk Assesment
Center, Aichi Cancer Center, Nagoya, Japan 3Division of Breast Surgical Oncology,
Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan 4Genome Medical Center, Juntendo
University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
Background Breast cancer (BC) patients with BRCA1/2 mutations have a significantly
elevated risk of developing contralateral breast cancer (CBC). The risk of CBC after
the first BC has been estimated to 2.4–6.5% per year in BRCA1/2-mutation carriers
compared to 0.4–1% in non-carriers. On the other hand, the risk of ipsilateral breast
cancer (IBC) was 1.2% per year in BRCA1/2 mutations, and there was no significant
difference between carriers and non-carriers. However, most of these data have been
reported in western countries.
Purpose The aim of our study is to clarify the risk of CBC and IBC in Japanese BC
patients by the affected BRCA gene.
Method We analyzed 2235 women with BC who had undergone BRCA1/2 genetic testing in
2014–2018 using HBOC registries. After excluding data with prophylactic surgery and
uncertain data, we assessed the cumulative risk of CBC among 2047 women, and IBC among
1019 woman with breast conserving surgery, stratified by the BRCA1/2 mutation status.
Results The median follow-up was 3.0 years (0.1–34.1 years) after the first BC. The
3-year risks of CBC in BRCA1-positive and BRCA2-positive and BRCA1/2-negative BC patients
was 6.4%, 4.8%, and 2.3%, (4.0%,2.9%,1.9% per year) respectively. BRCA1-positive patients
had significantly higher risk of CBC than BRCA1/2-negative patients(p = 0.001). The
3-year risks of IBC in those three groups was 4.7%, 0.0% and 0.8% (2.7%,1.4%,1.1%
per year) respectively. All of CBCs of BRCA2-positive patients occurred after 5-year
follow-up. There was no significant difference in IBC among three groups (p = 0.06).
Conclusion Our study showed the risk of CBC and IBC in Japanese BC patients. The risk
of CBC in BRCA1/2-negative BC patients was higher than several previous reports. It
may be influenced that patients who were assessed as high risk for HBOC underwent
BRCA1/2 genetic testing. A longer follow-up is needed.
P015: Unexpected prenatal BRCA2-related Fanconi anemia diagnosis highlights the importance
of variant reclassification and partner carrier screening
Christine Kobelka
1, C. Bethan Powell1, Ruth J. Lin1, Patricia O'Day1, Danny Wu1, Veronica Shim2
1Kaiser Permanente, San Francisco, CA, United States 2Kaiser Permanente, Oakland,
CA, United States
Introduction Advances in genetic testing will increasingly bring to light overlap
between prenatal and hereditary cancer genetics. Prenatal whole exome sequencing (WES)
may confirm a genetic syndrome in a fetus and identify hereditary cancer risks for
the parents, such as with BRCA2-related Fanconi Anemia (FA). BRCA2-related FA is an
autosomal recessive disorder characterized by bone marrow failure, childhood cancer
risk and birth defects. BRCA2 variant interpretation and reclassification is important
to identify couples at risk for FA in their offspring.
Case Description The female patient had a personal history of breast cancer at 29 years
of age. She and other family members with breast cancer shared a variant of uncertain
significance (VUS) in BRCA2 (c.9302 T > G). After her breast cancer diagnosis, she
had two pregnancies with abnormal second trimester maternal serum screening. Similar
multiple congenital anomalies (MCA) were observed on fetal anatomy ultrasound in both
pregnancies. Smith-Lemli-Opitz enzyme testing, microarray and karyotype on amniocentesis
were normal in both pregnancies. Both pregnancies were terminated. WES was performed
on fetal cells from the second pregnancy. With WES pending, the patient’s BRCA2 VUS
was reclassified to likely pathogenic variant (LPV). WES ultimately revealed a paternally
inherited BRCA2 pathogenic variant (PV) (c.4415_4418del), and a maternally inherited
BRCA2 LPV (c.9302 T > G), providing a molecular diagnosis of Fanconi anemia (FA).
The same BRCA2 PV and LPV were confirmed on targeted testing of fetal cells from the
first pregnancy.
Discussion This case highlights the complexities at the intersection of prenatal and
hereditary cancer genetics and expands the recognized prenatal presentation of BRCA2-related
FA. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of FA diagnosed by WES following
abnormal maternal serum screening. It illustrates the importance of BRCA2 variant
interpretation and reclassification as well as partner BRCA2 carrier screening to
assess the reproductive risk for FA.
P016: Detection of mosaicism for a pathogenic variant in BRCA1 in a diagnostic laboratory
Annette Bentsen Håvik, Eline Mejlænder-Andersen, Teresia Wangensteen, Tone Vamre,
Magnhild K. Fjeldvær, Vibeke Wethe Rognlien, Sarah Louise Ariansen
Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
Background Screening of BRCA1 and BRCA2 is offered to breast cancer patients who fulfill
criteria, in order to identify patients with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.
Mosaicism for pathogenic variants in the BRCA-genes has only been reported a few times
in the literature. We report a case of mosaicism for a pathogenic variant in BRCA1
detected in a breast cancer patient.
Methods Sequencing analysis of BRCA1 and BRCA2 was performed by next generation sequencing
of the patient’s blood sample, using a custom capture kit from Illumina. The detection
of a mosaic variant was confirmed in a skin biopsy.
Results The variant BRCA1 c.3756_3759del was detected in 56/288 reads in a blood sample,
giving an allele frequency of 19% and approximately 38% abnormal cells. The results
of a blood sample control revealed a similar result. Analysis of DNA extracted from
the skin biopsy showed an allele frequency of 18% (variant detected in 50/279 reads),
giving approximately 36% abnormal cells.
The patient was a 38 years old female, presenting with triple negative breast cancer.
Her father died of colon cancer age 65. There were no other cancers in her family
history. The BRCA1 variant was not found in her mother or in her two tested siblings.
The variant BRCA1 c.3756_3759del is predicted to lead to a frameshift and premature
stop (p.Ser1253Argfs*10). It has been reported several times and classified as pathogenic
by ENIGMA. Ratajska et al. reported this as a somatic ovarian cancer variant (Oncotarget
2017).
Conclusions Next generation sequencing provides a method for mosaicism detection.
The mosaicism grade detected in this case was consistent across the blood and skin
sample, indicating that the mutational event took place at an early stage of embryonic
development. Mosaic events in the BRCA-genes may be more common than previously recognized.
P021: Genetic testing for pancreatic cancer in ambulatory oncology clinics
Bryn Golesworthy
1,2, Adeline Cuggia1,2, Yifan Wang1,2, Guillaume Bourdel1,2, Celine Domecq1,2, Will
Foulkes3,4, George Zogopoulos1,2
1The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University,
Montréal, QC, Canada 2The Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal,
QC, Canada 3Program in Cancer Genetics, Department of Oncology and Human Genetics,
McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada 4Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research,
Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
Pancreatic Cancer (PC) remains a lethal malignancy of which 10% of cases may arise
from hereditary risk. A unique feature of the Quebec Pancreas Cancer Study (QPCS)
is the integrated genetic counseling program that provides familial risk assessment
in the ambulatory oncology clinic which has become particularly clinically relevant
with the emergence of immunotherapy for patients with DNA mismatch repair deficiency
and targeted therapies for patients with germline BRCA1, BRCA2 and PALB2 mutations.
We hypothesize that genetic testing of incident PC cases in the ambulatory oncology
setting will accelerate the identification of patients for precision therapies, as
well as identify high-risk relatives for surveillance and preventative cancer protocols.
Since the start of QPCS in 2012, we have identified germline mutations in 8.02% of
participants, including 31 probands and 20 family members, using genetic testing criteria
based on family history, ancestral risk for founder mutations, and age of PC diagnosis.
As the Invitae Multi-Cancer Panel (86 hereditary-cancer genes) is now offered at no-charge
with results available within 21 days, we transitioned to offer the Invitae Panel
to all incident PC cases. This expansion on our previous genetic testing practice
will benefit patients by aligning with the current NCCN recommendation that all incident
PC cases be tested for germline mutations.
Since offering this test in September 2019, we have thus far tested 199 PC patients,
with only 3 patients having declined. We have identified germline pathogenic mutations
in 25 probands, an overall pick up rate of 12.5%. The results will be correlated with
impact on treatment decisions, clinical outcomes, and epidemiological correlates collected
by the QPCS. In addition, the Invitae testing platform will be evaluated for turnaround
time, accuracy of reported variant classifications, and follow-up of reclassification
of variants. Together these results will provide framework to develop practice protocols
for safe implementation of genetic testing for incident PC cases across ambulatory
oncology clinics.
P022: Two double heterozygote (BRCA1 and BRCA2) families with the same non-founder
pathogenic BRCA2 c.5350_5351delAA variant
Erika Smith
1, Bryan Lo1,2, Eva Tomiak1, Amanda Smith1, Alison Rusnak1
1Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada 2Ottawa Hospital, General
Campus, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Fewer than 200 cases of double heterozygotes (DH) for BRCA1 and BRCA2 have been reported
in the literature. Not surprisingly, when this occurs, a rare pathogenic variant from
one gene co-segregates with a higher frequency allele, typically a founder mutation.
The BRCA2 c.5350_5351delAA variant is not a described founder mutation. There are
no specific characteristics of this truncating variant that indicate it would not
be a fully penetrant allele, and it has been described in multiple unrelated affected
families. This BRCA2 variant has been reported in trans with a BRCA1 variant in the
literature (Rebbeck et al. 2019). In their study of 93 DH, these authors observed
that DH are clinically more likely to resemble the phenotype of BRCA1 carriers. Interestingly,
there was no clear pattern of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) for BRCA1 or BRCA2 in a
smaller selection of either breast or ovarian tumors studied.
We report two further cases of BRCA2 c.5350_5351delAA pathogenic variant, identified
in addition to a BRCA1 pathogenic variant in unrelated individuals. In both instances
the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are presumed to be segregating on the same side of the
family. There have been no reported cases of ovarian cancer in either family. One
of our patients also has a third autosomal dominant condition also segregating on
the same side of the family as the two BRCA gene mutations.
We describe two further individuals who are double heterozygous carriers of the BRCA2
c.5350_5351delAA variant and different BRCA1 pathogenic variants with planned inclusion
of LOH testing for one case. In addition to highlighting the need to consider the
possibility of more than one autosomal dominant genetic predisposition syndrome in
the same family, our cases suggest potential interest for further study of the BRCA2
c.5350_5351delAA pathogenic variant.
P023: Genetic and clinical characterization of BRCA-associated hereditary epithelial
ovarian cancer in rural area of Japan
Akiko Abe
1, Issei Imoto2, Tange Shoichiro3, Takuya Naruto4
1Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan 2Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
3Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan 4Tokyo Medical and Dental University,
Tokyo, Japan
Background In Japan, insurance of germline BRCA (gBRCA) genetic testing for advanced
epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) was applied in June 2019 as a companion diagnostic
for poly ADP ribose polymerase inhibitor. Therefore, until recently, variant frequency
and relevance information are scarce in Japanese women with EOC, and genetic testing
for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) in patients with EOC has not been
generalized. We investigated the rate of gBRCA1/2 variants in Japanese patients with
EOC in rural area.
Methods Unbiased 128 EOC patients who had treated at our hospital were enrolled. After
genetic counselling, we screened 125 patients with written informed consent by next-generation
sequencing-based target panel sequencing.
Results Pathogenic variants were identified in 19 (15.2%) cases: 6 of BRCA1 (4.8%),
and 13 of BRCA2 (10.4%). Of these 19 gBRCA mutation (gBRCAm) carriers, 11, 3, 1, and
4 pathogenic mutation were observed in high grade serous carcinoma (HGSC), endometrioid
carcinoma, clear cell carcinoma, and others. Median age at diagnosis was 52 (44–71),
60 (46–72), and 54 (22–87) years for gBRCA1, gBRCA2, and gBRCA wild-type (gBRCAw)
carriers, respectively. The rate of one or more familial history with HBOC-related
cancers for first–second degree relatives was 57.8% and 32.4% among gBRCAm and gBRCAw
carriers, respectively (p = 0.0333). There was no difference whether they had a personal
history of other cancers or not between gBRCAm and gBRCAw. There was no significant
difference in overall and progression-free survival between gBRCAm and gBRCAw carriers
with stage lll tumors.
Conclusion Our data suggest that the prevalence of pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants in
Japanese patients with EOC in rural area is similar to that in other ethnic groups,
even in rural area. The HGSC subtype and the family history of HBOC-related cancer
may be useful for predicting the risk of genetic predisposition of Japanese patients
with EOC.
P025: Germline mutation spectrum in Colombian hereditary breast and ovarian cancer
families
María Carolina Sanabria-Salas
1, Ana Lucía Rivera-Herrera1, Ana Milena Gómez-Camargo1, Luis Guillermo Carvajal-Carmona2,
Martha Lucía Serrano-López1
1National Cancer Institute of Colombia, Bogota, Columbia 2University of California,
Davis, CA, United States
Hereditary breast cancer (BC) syndromes correspond to 10–15% of all cases diagnosed
worldwide. Most of these cases are due to deleterious germline genetic variants in
BRCA1/2 genes; nevertheless, multipanel testing have contribute to the identification
of other risk genes, including other homologous recombination (HR) repair genes, such
as PALB2, ATM, CHEK2 and RAD51D. Here we explore the mutation spectrum of Hereditary
Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) Syndrome in Colombians as part of the Hereditary
Cancer Program from the National Cancer Institute from Colombia, the largest reference
cancer center in the country, that seeks to identified high risk families to offer
preventive measures and screening recommendations.
A total of 552 patients fulfilling criteria for HBOC have been so far analyzed with
Next Generation Sequencing, NGS, using a multigene panel. Overall, 34% have negative
results and in the 40% we identified VUSs. In general, 26% have a pathogenic or likely
pathogenic genetic variant, but only 21% (117/552) have been diagnosed with a hereditary
cancer syndrome; from those, BRCA2 (n = 39) and BRCA1 (n = 32) were the most frequently
mutated genes (61% among 117cases with a cancer syndrome). Deleterious mutations in
RAD51D and PALB2 (also important HR repair genes) were found in 6% and 4.3% of the
cases tested. Interestingly, genotype:phenotype correlations were found for these
genes, as breast cancer molecular subtypes were distributed differently depending
on the gene affected. In concordance with other reports, triple negative breast cancers
(TNBC) were more frequent in BRCA1 (18/32, 56%) and PALB2 (5/5, 100%) carriers, and
luminal subtypes were more frequent in BRCA2 carriers (23/39, 59%). Mutations in RAD51D:
c.94_95del (p.Val32Phefs*67) and PALB2: c.2288_2291del (p.Leu763Ter), were both recurrent
mutations in our Colombian cases. Further haplotype analysis will help us to determine
if mutation carriers shared a common ancestry.
P030: Massively parallel functional analysis of missense variants in the breast/ovarian
cancer gene RAD51C
Gemma Montalban, Larissa Milano, Amélie Rodrigue, Yan Coulombe, Sylvie Desjardins,
Martine Dumont, Charles Joly-Beauparlant, Penny Soucy, Jean-Yves Masson, Jacques Simard
CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
A proportion of hereditary breast/ovarian cancers are caused by pathogenic variants
in DNA repair genes. Multi-gene panel sequencing for genetic testing has led to an
increased detection of variants of unknown clinical significance (VUS). In this sense,
massively parallel functional assays allow the study of thousands of variants simultaneously,
representing a valuable tool to accelerate the clinical interpretation of VUS. Here
we present a large-scale functional approach to measure the impact of all possible
missense substitutions in the RAD51C gene using PARP inhibitors.
A mutagenesis library for RAD51C was designed to cover all possible missense substitutions
(~ 7500 variants). The library was cloned into an inducible, recombinase-site containing
vector, allowing the genomic integration and controlled expression of the variants
into a defined locus. In parallel, HeLa “landing pad” cells were generated to ensure
the recombination of one variant per cell. A subset of the library was integrated
and cells were treated with olaparib. Genomic DNA from untreated and treated cells
was extracted and sequenced in a MiSeq instrument.
To date, ~ 160 RAD51C missense variants have been screened. All variants were detected
in the untreated pool at a similar abundance, confirming their optimal integration
and expression. Variant read counts were reduced for the positive controls after treatment,
confirming the synthetic lethal effect of olaparib when RAD51C is not functional.
Experimental replicates and calculation of loss-of-function scores using other DNA
damaging agents is ongoing.
We have developed a large-scale functional approach to measure the impact of all missense
variants in the RAD51C gene using PARP inhibitors sensitivity as a readout. Future
work will focus on validating our data with published works, clinical databases and
complementary assays. The final goal is to generate a functional atlas for the RAD51C
gene in order to improve the interpretation of missense VUS and accelerate their clinical
translation.
P031: Cancer spectrum and family history of cancer in men with germline BRCA1 or BRCA2
mutations
Florian Reichl1, Daniela Muhr1, Katharina Rebhan2, Gero Kramer2, Shahrokh F. Shariat2,
Christian F. Singer1, Yen Y. Tan
1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical
University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria 2Department of Urology, Medical University of
Vienna, Vienna, Austria
Background Men with germline BRCA1/2 mutations are not well studied compared to their
female counterparts. The lack of data has led to poor evidence to drive recommendations
regarding early cancer detection and risk reduction in this population. This study’s
aim was to elucidate the cancer spectrum and family history of cancer in men with
BRCA1/2 mutations.
Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of 323 men with confirmed BRCA1 or BRCA2
mutations who have attended genetic counselling and testing in the Department of Obstetrics
and Gynecology at the Medical University of Vienna between October 1995 and October
2019. Clinical data, pathologic characteristics and family history of cancer were
collected.
Results Of the 323 men included in the study, 196 (60.6%) patients carried a BRCA1-mutation,
120 (37.2%) carried a BRCA2-mutation and the remaining 7 (2.2%) carried both mutations.
A total of 45 BRCA carriers (13.9%; 11 BRCA1 and 34 BRCA2; p < 0.001) had a primary
cancer diagnosis—breast cancer (BC) being the most common (n = 26;57.7%, 3 BRCA1 and
23 BRCA2, p < 0.001), followed by prostate cancer (n = 7;15.6%; 3 BRCA1 and 4 BRCA2).
Other cancers include gastrointestinal, skin, pancreas, throat, lung, and testicular
cancer (26.7%, n = 12). Twelve patients (3.7%) had more than one primary cancer. The
average age at BC diagnosis was 58 years (52.5–66.5), with invasive ductal carcinoma
and hormone receptor positive being the most common subtype. Among 26 BC-affected
patients, the BRCA mutation was of maternal origin in 11 carriers (42%) versus 2 (7%)
paternally; two BRCA1 (66.7%) and nine BRCA2 (39.1%) did not have any relatives with
cancer (p = 0.56).
Conclusion Our study shows the cancer spectrum of men with BRCA1/2 mutations at our
institution and that not all male mutation carriers present with BC or have a family
history of cancer to warrant genetic testing. More studies are needed to identify
high risk male carriers.
P032: Alternative transcripts can attenuate the pathogenicity of presumed loss-of-function
variants in BRCA1 and BRCA2
Romy L.S. Mesman1, Fabienne M.G.R. Calleja1, Miguel de la Hoya2, Peter Devilee1, Christi
J. van Asperen3, Harry Vrieling1, Maaike P.G. Vreeswijk
1
1Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands 2Molecular
Oncology Laboratory, IdISSC, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain 3Clinical
Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
Genetic testing to identify pathogenic germline variants in high-risk breast and/or
ovarian cancer susceptibility genes is routine clinical practice. Current variant
interpretation guidelines consider predicted loss-of-function (LoF) variants, such
as nonsense variants and variants in the canonical splice site (ss) sequences of BRCA1
and BRCA2, to be associated with high cancer risk. However, some variant alleles produce
alternative mRNA transcripts which encode (partially) functional protein isoforms
leading to possible incorrect risk estimations. For accurate classification of variants
it is therefore essential that alternative transcripts are identified and functionally
characterized.
To this end, we used a validated mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) based model system.
The functional assay is based on the ability of human variants to complement the loss
of endogenous mouse BRCA1 or BRCA2 and subsequent quantification of their ability
to perform homology-directed DNA break repair. We systematically evaluated a large
panel of human BRCA2 and BRCA2 variants for the production of alternative transcripts
and assessed their capacity to exert protein functionality. Evaluated variants include
single-exon-deletions, multiple-exon-deletions, intronic variants in canonical ss
sequences and variants that previously have been shown to affect mRNA splicing in
carriers.
Multiple alternative transcripts encoding (partially) functional BRCA2 isoforms were
identified (e.g. ∆(E4-E7), ∆(E6-E7), ∆E(6q39_E8), ∆(E10), ∆(E12), ∆E(12–14)). Expression
of these so called rescue transcripts did attenuate the impact of predicted LoF variants
such as the canonical ss variants c.631 + 2 T > G, c.517-2A > G, c.6842-2A > G, c.6937 + 1G > A,
and nonsense variants c.491 T > A, c.581G > A and c.6901G > T. Similarly, we identified
BRCA1 rescue transcripts (e.g. ∆(E9-E10)). Retainment of BRCA1 protein activity was
observed for presumed LoF variants c.616G > T (nonsense variant) and c.594-2A > C
(ss variant) which both expressed significant levels of the naturally occurring ∆(E9-E10)
transcript.
These results question the validity of classifying presumed LoF variants in non-essential
exons or their canonical ss as being high risk pathogenic alleles.
P033: Brain metastasis among ovarian cancer patients
Dror Limon1,2, Eliya Shachar
1,2, Lyri Adar1, Shira Peleg Hasson1,2, Tamar Safra1,2
1Oncology Department, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel 2Sackler
Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
Background Brain metastasis (BM) are uncommon among ovarian cancer(OC) patients. Their
frequency, risk factors and clinical repercussions are not well described. We assessed
OC patients who developed BM, the role of BRCA status and survival implications.
Methods Study cohort included OC patients treated at our center, from 2002 to 2020.
We retrospectively evaluated clinical parameters, risk for BM development and association
with survival data.
Results Among 972 OC patients, 28(2.9%) were diagnosed with BM. Comparing the BM to
non-BM group, median age of 60 across both groups, stage III-IV at diagnosis was more
common among BM group (96.4% vs. 84.8%, p = 0.0065) while platinum sensitivity was
similar (92.3% in BM vs. 80.8% in non-BM, p = 0.2193). Out of 658 patients tested
for BRCA, 33.6%(n = 221) were BRCA mutation carriers(BRCA +). Of the patients with
BM, 22 tested for BRCA, 13 were carriers. BRCA+ was significantly higher in the BM
group compared to the non-BM group (59.1% vs. 32.9%, p = 0.0123). Among BRCA+ the
rate of BM was higher than among BRCA- (5.8% vs. 2.1%, p = 0.0123, HR = 3.029; 95%CI:
1.4–6.5). Median time from OC diagnosis to BM and from disease recurrence to BM, was
longer for BRCA+ compared to BRCA- (44.3mo vs. 32.3mo and 11.8mo vs. 0.7mo, respectively).
Median survival (mOS) was not significantly different among patients with BM compared
to those without BM(59.4mo vs. 71.2mo, p = 0.36). Following diagnosis of BM, mOS was
20.6mo among BRCA+ and 12.3mo among BRCA-(p = 0.4266). No correlation was demonstrated
with PARP inhibitors or bevacizumab treatment and subsequent development of BM.
Conclusion BM are an infrequent event among OC patients. However, the risk is three-folds
higher among BRCA+. Interestingly, BM do not significantly alter survival among OC
patients. Our work suggests that the higher rate of BM in BRCA+ may be related to
longer survival. Another hypothesis requiring further evaluation, is possible higher
brain tropism among this population.
CLINICAL ISSUES FOR MANAGEMENT
P043: Genetic test results and clinical features of 111 consecutive cases of high
grade serous tubo-ovarian cancers tested via a gynecologic oncology clinic
Evan Weber, Joanne Power, Laura Palma, Xing Zeng, William D. Foulkes
McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
Ovarian cancer (OC) affects 1 in 75 Canadian women, with a five year survival of 45%.
In 2017, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada introduced a pan-Canadian strategy
to support universal BRCA gene testing to all women with non-mucinous epithelial OC.
At the time, only 20% of eligible women with OC were being referred to genetic services.
Identifying women with hereditary OC can provide opportunities for treatment and facilitate
the identification of at-risk relatives who may benefit from increased cancer surveillance
and/or risk-reducing surgery. In August 2017, we launched Gynecologic Oncology Initiated
Genetic Testing (GOIGT), a collaborative program between Genetics and Gynecologic
Oncology in which women with high grade serous tubo-ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) are
offered multi-gene panel germline genetic testing at diagnosis. Age, clinical stage,
tumour histology, genetic test result, previous cancer history and family history
were documented.
From August 2017 to March 2021, 111 women with incident HGSOC were tested through
GOIGT. 31 women (27.9%) tested positive for a pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant
(P/LPV) in an OC predisposing gene (10 BRCA1, 9 BRCA2, 3 RAD51C, 2 RAD51D, 1 BRIP1,
1 PALB2, 1 MSH6, 1 PMS2, 1 TP53, 1 CHEK2). One additional TP53 mosaic pathogenic variant
was identified, suspected to be due to clonal hematopoiesis. 12 women (10.8%) had
a variant of uncertain significance. 68 women (61.3%) had a negative result. Mean
age at diagnosis was 64.5 years for all women, 61.2 years for women with a P/LPV in
any gene, and 58.6 years, 61.1 years, and 63.7 years for women with a BRCA1, BRCA2,
and non-BRCA1/2 P/LPV, respectively. Of the positive cases, seven women had previous
diagnoses of breast cancer. Three had synchronous endometrial cancers.
This analysis further supports the model of universal germline genetic testing for
all women with HGSOC. Additional details and case vignettes will be presented.
P045: Does risk reducing mastectomy in BRCA mutation carriers affect their quality
of life?
Pnina Mor
1, Danit Langer1,2, Asnat Bar-Haim Erez1,3
1Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel 2The Hebrew University of Jerusalem,
Jerusalem, Israel 3Ono Academic College, Jerusalem, Israel
Healthy women who test positive for a mutation on one of the BRCA genes have high
risks of developing breast and ovarian cancers. Risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM) is
associated with a 90% or more decreased risk of breast cancer. A significant number
of female BRCA carriers will choose to undergo RRM, which has implications for psychosocial
well-being, sexuality, and overall quality of life. Women may experience negative
physical and emotional changes. These changes can affect their physical appearance,
which in turn can have a negative psychological effect on women and their relationships.
Our previous study suggested a possibility of an adverse effect of RRM on their sensory-motor
status.
The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of RRM on women’s daily living
activities, upper extremity sensory motor functions, sensitivity to the breast area,
body image and sexuality.
Method One hundred healthy women who are BRCA mutation carriers will be recruited
from our high-risk clinic. The research group consists of 50 women who underwent RRM
who are a minimum of 6 months post bilateral RRM, with no history of cancer, or other
major health events, between the ages of 21–60. The control group includes 50 healthy
BRCA mutation carriers who elected not to undergo RRM between the ages of 21–60.
Utilizing a combination of quantitative questionnaires and self-reported qualitative
measures we will evaluate participants’ satisfaction, well-being, body image, discomfort
and physical limitations after RRM.
Using a standard goniometer we will measure shoulder range of motion. The Jamar Dynamometer
will measure gross power fist grip; Semmes Weinstein monofilament will be used to
measure, assess sensory, tactile, and pain perception threshold.
The results will be reported and used to develop an occupational therapy treatment
plan and interventions to address the physical and psychosocial issues related to
RRM in BRCA carriers.
P046: BRCA1/2 mutation carriers with a STIC at risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy
are at high risk to develop a primary peritoneal carcinoma
M. P. Steenbeek
1, J. Bulten1, C. Garcia2, J. A. Hulsmann1, J. in 't Hout1, J. A. de Hullu1
1Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands 2Kaiser Permanente Medical
Center, San Francisco, CA, United States
Introduction After risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO), there is a residual
3.9% and 1.9% risk of developing primary peritoneal carcinoma (PPC) for BRCA1/2-mutation
carriers, respectively. The origin of PPC is yet unknown. However, as the origin of
ovarian cancer probably lies in the Fallopian tube, the Serous Tubal Intraepithelial
Carcinoma (STIC) may be the origin of PPC as well. In this Individual Patient Data
Meta-Analysis, we determine the risk of PPC for BRCA-mutation carriers with and without
STIC at RRSO.
Methods We performed a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane on studies
providing follow up in BRCA-mutation carriers after RRSO. Individual patient data
was extracted and the authors of eligible studies were contacted to complete this
data. Additionally, we retrospectively collected data from the Radboudumc and Kaiser
Permanente of BRCA-mutation carriers undergoing RRSO between 1996–2018 and 2007–2019,
respectively.
Results After screening, 15 out of 2945 studies were included, describing a total
of 3183 women without and 92 women with STIC. The retrospective case series identified
another 975 BRCA-mutation carriers, of whom 20 had STIC found at initial RRSO. Resulting
in a total of 4158 women without STIC and 112 with STIC at initial RRSO. After RRSO
without STIC 0.34% of the BRCA-mutation carriers developed PPC while 11.61% of them
with STIC developed PPC. Additional individual patient data meta-analysis will follow
to determine the risk according to age, type of BRCA-mutation and duration of follow-up.
Discussion
BRCA-mutation carriers with a STIC at RRSO are at increased risk to develop PPC during
follow up. The question arises whether a STIC should be considered as precursor or
early stage ovarian cancer. Larger prospective-multicenter studies are needed to investigate
the additional value of staging surgery and/or chemotherapy in case of STIC.
P047: Engaging men in population-based BRCA testing programs: preliminary data from
the BRCA Founder OutReach (BFOR) study
Daniella Kamara
1, Jenny Lester1, Lorna Kwan1, Kelly Morgan2, Jeffrey Levin2, Heather Symecko6, Colby
Jenkins3, Lydia Pace4, Mark E. Robson2, Jada G. Hamilton2, Katherine Nathanson6, Nadine
Tung5, Susan M. Domcheck6, Judy E. Garber3, Kenneth Offit2, Beth Y. Karlan1
1The David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, CA,
United States 2Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
3Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States 4Brigham and Women’s Hospital,
Boston, MA, United States 5Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United
States 6The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
Background The BFOR study evaluates the feasibility of population-based genetic testing
using videos and a chat-bot for education and consent. Eligibility included insured
individuals in Boston, Philadelphia, NYC, and LA, age 25, with 1 grandparent of Ashkenazi
Jewish (AJ) ancestry and no prior BRCA1/2 testing. Participants had blood drawn for
BRCA1/2 AJ founder mutation testing at no cost to them. Results were disclosed by
primary care providers (PCP) or BFOR genetic counselors (BGC), per participant selection.
We sought to examine differences in study engagement between men and women.
Methods Participants completed initial questionnaires including demographics, personal/family
cancer history, and how they heard about the study. Follow-up questionnaires were
collected at 12-weeks and 1-year post-enrollment. Study parameters (e.g., results
disclosure method, patterns of follow-up) were compared between genders using Chi-squared
or Fisher’s exact tests.
Results From December 2017-October 2019, 3926 participants enrolled [77% female (3032);
23% male (894)]. Men were significantly less likely to participate (p < 0.0001) and
were older (60% of men were 55 vs 41% of women, p < 0.0001). Men had a 4 × higher
likelihood of testing positive (8% vs 2%, p < 0.0001). Men were more likely to have
heard about the study from a relative (31% vs 11%, p < 0.0001) and to have a known
familial mutation (55% vs 22%, p < 0.0001). There were no gender differences for completion
of blood draw or follow-up surveys.
Conclusion Study engagement differed between men and women and outreach methods were
not as effective in motivating men to pursue testing. Compared to women, men’s study
participation was more likely to be prompted by a known familial mutation or the encouragement
of a relative. These results suggest that BRCA1/2 testing of men entails added challenges
that may be mitigated if population-based testing was standard of care.
P048: Prospective cohort study and biobanking with Japanese BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant
carriers by the Japanese Gynecologic Oncology Group (JGOG) (JGOG3024)
Akira Hirasawa
1,2, Mashu Futagawa1,2, Chikako Ogawa1,3, Daisuke Aoki1,4, Issei Imoto1,5, Keitaro
Matsuo6, Hitoshi Tsuda1,7, Naoko Minegishi8, Muneaki Shimada1,9, Takayuki Enomoto1,10
1Japanese Gynecologic Oncology Group (JGOG), Tokyo, Japan 2Department of Clinical
Genomic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Okayama University, Okayama, Japan 3Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama
University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama, Japan 4Department of Obstetrics and
Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan 5Risk Assessment Center,
Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan 6Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention,
Aichi Cancer Center, Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan 7Department of Basic Pathology,
National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan 8Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization,
Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan 9Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku
University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan 10Department of Obstetrics and
Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata,
Japan
The Japanese Gynecologic Oncology Group (JGOG) is the largest clinical research group,
which aims to establish the optimal and latest diagnostic and therapeutic strategies
for patients with gynecologic malignancies, consisting of 181 major Universities and
hospitals in Japan.
The JGOG3024 trial (the “Prospective cohort study with unaffected mutation carries
with BRCA1 or BRCA2”) is a cohort study that recruits unaffected carriers with BRCA1/2
pathogenic variant or variants of uncertain significance (VUS).
The primary outcome of the study is to estimate the incidence of ovarian, fallopian
tube and peritoneal cancers (OCs) in women carrying BRCA1/2 variants. The secondary
endpoints of the study are as follows: (1) to investigate risk factors concerning
the development of OCs, such as loci of BRCA1/2 genetic variants, modifier genes,
genetic polymorphism, hormones, and lifestyle habits, in women carrying BRCA1/2 variants,
(2) to estimate the detection rates of occult cancer based on histopathological evaluations
with risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO), (3) to examine the risk-reducing
effect of RRSO on the development of OCs in women carrying BRCA1/2 variants, and compare
with those without undergoing RRSO, (4) to identify clinicopathological features in
women carrying BRCA1/2 variants who had undergone RRSO, and (5) to identify the appropriate
interval or degree of surveillance.
The JGOG and Tohoku University Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization (ToMMo) launched
a joint Biobank (JGOG/ToMMo biobank) in 2016. From this study, germline DNAs from
BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant or VUS carriers have been collected and stored at this
biobank. These studies may facilitate precision medicine for BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant
carriers in Japan.
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03296826.
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03296826
P049: Endometrial thickness among BRCA mutation carriers undergoing prophylactic oophorectomy
Michelle Jacobson
1, Ping Sun2, Steven Narod2,3, Joanne Kotsopoulos2,3
1Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada 2Women's College Research Institute,
Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada 3Dalla Lana School of Public Health,
University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
It has been suggested that BRCA mutation are at a higher risk of developing high-grade
endometrial cancer. Endometrial thickness is considered a surrogate marker for endometrial
cancer risk, and women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation have been reported to have significantly
higher follicular, but lower luteal, endometrial thickness compared to non-carrier
controls. Medications affecting endometrial thickness are often indicated for BRCA
mutation carriers, and include, chemoprevention with tamoxifen, menopausal hormone
therapy after preventive oophorectomy, and oral contraceptives for ovarian cancer
prevention. It is important to confirm these findings to optimize cancer management
in this high-risk group.
The objective of this study is to evaluate endometrial thickness among women with
a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation compared to published values for non-carriers. Eligible
women were those with a deleterious mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2, that were referred
to Familial Ovarian Cancer Clinic at Women’s College Hospital between 2007 and 2016
and who had an intact uterus. Retrospective chart review was conducted to collect
information on clinical and reproductive factors, and transvaginal ultrasound reports
with endometrial dating were reviewed to determine endometrial thickness (millimetres;
mm).
In total, 161 women were identified, 101 of whom were premenopausal and 60 who were
postmenopausal. Among premenopausal women, the median follicular endometrial thickness
found was 7.18 mm (n = 37, range 3–13) compared to 6.8 mm (2.4–14) in non-carriers
and the median luteal endometrial thickness was 10.85 mm (n = 30, range 5–18), compared
to 9.6 mm (3.3–18.2) in non-carriers. Among postmenopausal women, the median menopausal
endometrial thickness was 4.0 mm (n = 43, range 1–18) compared to 4.0 mm (1–25) in
non-carrier controls. Although based on small numbers, there was no significant difference
between BRCA mutation carriers and non-carrier controls. Additional studies are on-going
to elucidate the impact of hormonal factors on endometrial thickness.
P051: Clinical guidelines in Japan possibly fail to identify all patients with hereditary
breast and ovarian cancer
Eri Haneda
1, Ann Sato1, Nobuyasu Suganuma1,2, Yoshiko Sebata1,3, Saki Okamoto2, Soji Toda2,
Kaori Kohagura2, Yuka Matsubara2, Yuko Sugawara2, Takashi Yamanaka2, Toshinari Yamashita2,
Satoru Shimizu1, Hiroto Narimatsu1,4
1Department of Medical Genetics, Kanagawa Cancer Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
2Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Kanagawa Cancer Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa,
Japan 3Department of Nursing, Kanagawa Cancer Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan 4Division
of Cancer Prevention and Control, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, Yokohama,
Kanagawa, Japan
Background Studies on hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC), conducted in the
United States (US), recently showed that clinical screening, using the National Comprehensive
Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, possibly fails to identify all patients with HBOC.
As of 2018, health insurance in Japan covers genetic testing as a companion diagnostic
for patients with breast cancer. As a result, many patients who had not met the high-risk
guideline criteria for genetic testing, have undergone genetic testing. Using information
from these tests, we evaluated the ability of the clinical guidelines to identify
all patients at high risk for cancer in Japanese breast cancer patients.
Patients and Methods We reviewed the medical records of 91 breast cancer patients
who underwent BRCA1/2 genetic testing at Kanagawa cancer center from October 2018
to December 2019. The patients were divided into two groups; group 1 comprised patients
who met the high-risk guideline criteria for genetic testing, and group 2 comprised
those who did not meet the criteria. We used the BRCA1/2 testing criteria of the NCCN
Guidelines® for Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast and Ovarian Version
3.2019 as clinical guidelines.
Results Of the 50 patients who met the testing criteria of the NCCN guidelines, 6
(12%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.5–24.3%) were carriers of pathogenic or likely
pathogenic variants. Of the 41 who did not meet the testing criteria, 2 (4.9%, 95%
CI 0.6–16.5%) were carriers of pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants. No statistically
significant relationship was found between meeting the criteria and the test results
(odds ratio 2.6, p = 0.28.)
Conclusion This study indicated that the conventionally used clinical guidelines may
exclude some of the patients with HBOC in Japan. The widespread use of companion diagnostic
testing can be helpful in identifying this previously excluded patient group with
HBOC.
P052: Common inquiries related to real-world use of talazoparib post launch in the
United States
Merrion Buckley, Manahil Malik, Farah Pragga, Florence Dequen, Lillian Shahied Arruda
Pfizer Inc., New York, NY, United States
Background Talazoparib, a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, was approved
by the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October 2018 for adult
patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious germline breast cancer susceptibility
gene (BRCA)-mutated human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative locally
advanced or metastatic breast cancer. To facilitate safe and effective use of talazoparib
in real world clinical practice, inquiry reports submitted by health care providers
(HCPs), patients, and caregivers were documented and addressed. An in-depth analysis
of these reports allows further understanding of where additional talazoparib medical
education may be warranted and assists in identifying gaps in data dissemination.
Methods Inquiry databases were accessed by Pfizer US Medical Information to capture
inquiries submitted during the 28 months post-FDA’s initial approval of talazoparib.
Inquiry reports were evaluated to determine commonly addressed questions among HCPs,
payers, patients, and caregivers. Responses to all inquires were generated from all
data sources.
Results Between October 2018 and February 2021, 547 inquiries regarding talazoparib
were received. Physicians (46.6%), pharmacists (29.1%), and patients (14.3%) submitted
the most inquiries. The most common safety inquires received were related to hematologic
concerns (31.4%). Central nervous system (CNS) penetration and use in patients with
brain metastases made up 66.7% and 21.7% of Pharmacology and Special Patient Population
inquires, respectively. The topics of drug-drug interactions (36.4%) and use in patients
unable to swallow (51.9%) were commonly requested by pharmacists. Responses to these
frequent inquiries will be provided in the presentation.
Conclusion Most talazoparib medical inquires received post-US launch were submitted
by physicians and pharmacists. These inquiries were most commonly related to safety
and administration concerns and use in special populations. Providing HCPs and patients
with responses to these important questions has helped to ensure the continued safe
and effective use of talazoparib 28 months post-approval.
Funding Pfizer.
P053: The mainstreaming pilot process: oncologist-mediated genetic testing for hereditary
cancer
Stephanie Desmarais
1, Deepti Babu2, Mckenzie Mitchell3, Renee Perrier1, Karen Niederhoffer3, Ruth Kohut1,
Darnell Frostad3, Krista Marsden4, Chad Hay5, Adam Elwi5
1Hereditary Cancer Clinic, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, AB, Canada 2Integrity
Content Consulting, St. Albert, AB, Canada 3Medical Genetics, University of Alberta
Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada 4CancerControl Alberta, Alberta Health Services, Calgary,
AB, Canada 5Cancer Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton,
AB, Canada
Background In 2016, the GO-BRCA pilot launched in Calgary. This collaboration between
the Hereditary Cancer Clinic (HCC) and the gynecology-oncology clinic streamlined
hereditary ovarian cancer genetic testing for their patients, while preserving informed
decision-making and genetic counselling support. Mainstreaming aimed to build on the
success of GO-BRCA, expanding and standardizing this model province-wide and including
other tumour groups.
Methods Oncology teams offer multigene panel testing, supported by a centralized “HCC
Hub”, comprised of genetic counsellors and a clerk. Duties include education, test
request validation, troubleshooting logistics, and follow-up genetic counselling:
in-person for positive/variant results, or via templated letter for negative results.
The HCC Hub designed multimedia pre- and post-test clinician and patient educational
materials.
Mainstreaming for ovarian cancer began in February 2019, and for breast cancer in
August 2019. Outcome measures include time to access testing and results compared
to baseline, patient satisfaction (via survey post-results disclosure), clinician
satisfaction (qualitative feedback and survey), and improved HCC capacity.
Results From February 2019 to December 2020, 855 patients were tested via Mainstreaming,
with 779 results complete (46% breast, 54% ovarian). About 15% of results were positive,
17% were VUS and 67% were non-informative. The time from oncologists’ discussion of
genetic testing to results disclosure was at least 3 × faster for mainstreaming patients,
versus baseline. Eliminating pre-test, and post-test non-informative result appointments
increased HCCs capacity by 1307 h.
Of returned patient surveys, at least 85% of patients felt they made an informed decision,
their expectations were met, and that oncology teams should offer genetic testing.
However, under half reported using Mainstreaming educational materials. All clinicians
who completed surveys reported they were comfortable with Mainstreaming and recommend
it for other tumour groups.
Conclusion Mainstreaming decreased time to genetic test results for patients similar
to GO-BRCA, and was acceptable to stakeholders. In 2021, Mainstreaming will expand
to other tumour groups, and work continues to increase awareness and accessibility
to Mainstreaming support materials.
P054: Lapses in screening for highly penetrant gene positive patients due to pregnancy
and lactation
Anna M. Chichura
1, Sabrina K Sahni2, Swapna Kollikonda1, Erika Klempay1, Holly J. Pederson1
1Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States 2Cleveland Clinic Florida,
Weston, FL, United States
Introduction Screening with MRI at age 25 and mammogram at age 30 coincides with the
time that many women choose to child bear. This study aims to determine lapses in
screening in high risk-mutation carriers due to pregnancy or lactation.
Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with documented pathogenic
germline genetic variants seen in the Hereditary High Risk Breast Clinic at Cleveland
Clinic from April 1, 2008 to the present. Patient demographics, genetic mutation,
date of imaging, date of delivery, breastfeeding status, biopsies performed, and pathology
results were recorded.
Results Of 685 patients with documented mutations (85.3% with BRCA1/2), 40 had pregnancies
after genetic testing (average age of 31.4 years old) with 1–2 evaluable pregnancies
(51 total). 68.6% of these patients breastfed (average 7 months). Prior to pregnancy,
52.9% of patients were screened with mammography, 43.1% with MRI, and in 80.4%, clinical
exam was documented. Patients had 2.8 exams (average) during pregnancy and lactation.
21.5% had whole breast ultrasound beginning in their second trimester. 9.8% patients
had diagnostic imaging during lactation. After completion of pregnancy and lactation,
60.8% of patients first resumed screening with mammography and 45.1% with MRI with
an average lapse without screening of 23.6 months. We identified 3 cases of pregnancy
associated breast cancer (PABC) in this cohort per pregnancy episode (5.9%; Stages
IIA, IIB, and IIA respectively).
Conclusions Average screening lapse due to pregnancy and lactation was 23.6 months.
We observed PABC in 5.9% of pregnancies. In the absence of formal guidelines for screening
during this period, clinical breast exam remains paramount every 6 months, perhaps
resumption of screening mammography after delivery and resumption of screening MRI
after one menstrual period. OB/GYNs must be aware of breast cancer risk in gene positive
patients, with regular clinical exams at minimum.
P055: Questionnaire-based psychological and quality of life assessment after contralateral
risk-reducing mastectomy for breast cancer patients with BRCA 1/2 pathogenic variants
Nobue Takaiso
1, Akiyo Yoshimura2, Hiroji Iwata2, Issei Imoto1
1Risk Assessment Center, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan 2Department of
Breast Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
Background Contralateral risk-reducing mastectomy (CRRM) for breast cancer (BC) patients
with BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants has been reported to reduce BC incidence and improve
survival. Recently, CRRM was begun to be performed at a few institutions in Japan.
Purpose We conducted a feasibility study to confirm the safely of CRRM with reconstruction
and to investigate psychosocial aspects using questionnaire-based assessments.
Methods We assessed CRRM-related adverse event, and psychological and quality of life
(QOL) status before and after CRRM by original questionnaires which were distributed
to those patients after surgery. To compare the status when they determined to undergo
CRRM and after CRRM, paired analysis was performed in some questionnaires. Clinicopathological
data were obtained from clinical records. This study was approved by the Clinical
Research Ethical Review Board of Aichi Cancer Center.
Results From 2014 to 2016, 10 patients (5 BRCA1- and 5 BRCA2-positive patients) consented
to participate in this study. Median age at receiving CRRM was 37.5 (range 32–52)
years. With a median follow-up of 44.9 (range 31.7–58.8) months, no grade 2 or more
severe adverse events were observed. Neither recurrence nor incidence of post-CRRM
BC occurred. Questionnaires were returned at a median of 27 months after CRRM. RRM
did not adversely influence QOL in all patients. Significantly more patients enjoyed
conversation with their friends and dressing up in daily life. Effects of CRRM on
femininity and on sexual functioning differ substantially between individuals. All
of the patients were more or less satisfied with CRRM with cosmetic results. However,
nine patients were anxious about the recurrence of BC and issues related to the hereditary
condition.
Conclusion CRRM could be performed safely and may be beneficial to BRCA1/2 variants
carriers in psychosocial and QOL aspects. However, concerns for recurrence or cancer
risk of inheritance need to be supported carefully after CRRM.
P058: Liquid biopsy for cancer precision medicine revealed HBOC pedigree and led to
management of relatives—a case report
Chikako Ogawa
1, Reimi Sogawa2, Kayoko Hasuoka3, Syuta Tomida4, Hirohumi Inoue5, Takehiro Matsubara6,
Masyu Futagawa2, Yusaku Urakawa5, Mariko Kochi5, Junko Haraga1, Hideki Yamamoto5,
Keichiro Nakamura1, Hisashi Masuyama1, Akira Hirasawa5
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and
Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan 2Department of Clinical
Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan 3Department of Nursing,
Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan 4Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine,
Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan 5Department of Clinical Genomic Medicine,
Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University,
Okayama, Japan 6Okayama University Hospital Biobank, Okayama University Hospital,
Okayama, Japan
A 48-year-old woman was referred for genetic counselling for cancer precision medicine.
The patient was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer at age 45 and received chemotherapy,
but her condition progressed. She had a family history of liver cancer with HBV, but
no history of HBOC related tumors. The patient and her husband requested to perform
cancer precision medicine and also wanted to know germline findings. Since analysis
was difficult using DNA extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens,
screening using cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma was performed. The result strongly
suggested that she had germline pathogenic variant of BRCA1. Our team proposed her
to be treated with PARP inhibitor and provided information on the possibility of HBOC.
The patient received olaparib therapy. After the genetic counselling, the patient
performed a single-site genetic test for BRCA1 with her germline DNA. The results
also showed a BRCA1 germline pathological variant. Her three children received single-site
genetic test, and one of them had the same pathogenic variant as the mother. She led
to medical management for her cancer prevention.
In this case, a HBOC pedigree was found from cancer precision medicine by liquid biopsy,
and led to genetic counseling and personal management for relatives. BRCA1/2 can be
found the most frequently in advanced ovarian cancer patients through cancer precision
medicine. Continuous genetic counseling for proband and unaffected relatives are important,
which requires further coordination between medical departments because the chances
of being diagnosed as HBOC should be increase.
P059: Real-world study of patient demographics, clinical characteristics and BRCA1/2
testing in HER2-negative (HER2-) advanced breast cancer (ABC) in the US and Europe
Reshma Mahtani
1, Alexander Niyazov2, Katie Lewis3, Alex Rider3, Bhakti Arondekar4, Michael Patrick
Lux5
1Sylvester Cancer Center, University of Miami, Deerfield Beach, FL, United States
2Pfizer Inc., New York, NY, United States 3Adelphi Real World, Cheshire, United Kingdom
4Pfizer Inc., Collegeville, PA, United States 5Kooperatives Brustzentrum Paderborn,
Frauenklinik St. Louise, Paderborn, Germany
Background Recently, poly ADP-ribose polymerases inhibitors (PARPi) in HER2- ABC have
become available and international guidelines have broadened eligibility criteria
for BRCA1/2 testing. This analysis assessed demographics/clinical characteristics
and BRCA1/2 testing (germline ± somatic (g ± s), s only and unknown) in HER2- ABC
adults in the US, and Germany, France, Italy and Spain (EU4).
Methods Oncologists extracted data from medical charts for the next 8–10 presenting
patients with HER2- ABC in 2019/2020. Differences in demographics/clinical characteristics
among BRCA1/2 tested/untested patients and BRCA1/2 testing rates were analyzed via
t-tests and Fisher’s exact tests. Analysis of BRCA1/2 testing were stratified by region,
gender and hormone receptor (HR) status [HR+/HER2− or triple negative breast cancer
(TNBC)].
Results 2418 records [US 17.4% (n = 421), (EU4 82.6% (n = 1997)] were provided by
266 oncologists. The mean age was 63.1 years. Clinical characteristics were: 83.9%
HR+/HER2−, 12.6% TNBC, 3.5% unknown HR status. Significantly lower BRCA1/2 testing
rates were observed in EU4 vs. US; 42.2% (g ± s BRCAmut 26.6%, sBRCAmut only 10.7%,
unknown 4.8%) vs. US 73.4% (g ± s BRCAmut 46.3%, sBRCAmut only 18.1%, unknown 9.0%)
(p < 0.001). Across all countries, significantly lower BRCA1/2 testing was seen among
HR+/HER2− vs. TNBC patients (42.1% vs. 82.0% (p < 0.0001)). BRCA1/2 tested vs. BRCA1/2
untested patients were younger (mean age 59.08 years vs. 66.8 years (p < 0.0001))
and more likely to have a known family history of BRCA-related cancer 26.6% vs. 10.8%
(p < 0.0001). Males (n = 19) were more likely to have received a BRCA1/2 test than
females (n = 2399) 63.2% vs. 47.5% (p = 0.248).
Conclusions In adult patients with HER2- ABC, differences in demographics/clinical
characteristics were observed among BRCA1/2 tested vs. untested patients. Across all
countries, gBRCA1/2 testing rates were low. With the advent of targeted therapies
and broadening of testing guidelines, opportunities should be developed to increase
gBRCA1/2 testing, particularly among HR+/HER2− patients.
Funding Pfizer.
P060: Uptake of phrophylactic mastectomy in BRCA1/2 in South Eastern Norway
Kjersti Jørgensen, Tone Vamre, Lisa Redford, Yngvild Storlykken, Eli M. Grindedal,
Lovise Maehle
Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
Background At Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, all female
carriers of pathogenic variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are informed about the
possibility to undergo prophylactic mastectomy to reduce their cancer risk. Previous
international studies have demonstrated that less than 30% chose this option, but
rates of surgery vary between countries and will likely change over time. During the
last years an increasing number of carriers in our clinic have chosen prophylactic
surgery, and most newly detected mutation carriers are referred for surgery. However,
we have no systematic knowledge of the actual numbers.
Methods All female BRCA1/2 carriers without previous breast cancer were identified
in the quality register for inherited cancer at the department. Information was registered
on year of positive test result, whether or not they had undergone mastectomy, and
if yes, age at surgery.
Results In total, 1850 carriers with no history of breast cancer were identified,
1199 BRCA1 carriers and 651 BRCA2 carriers. Eight hundred and twenty of all carriers
(44%), 613/1199 (51.1%) BRCA1 carriers and 207/651 (31.8%) BRCA2 carriers had undergone
prophylactic mastectomy. Mean and median age at surgery was 43.2 and 42 years for
all, 42.4 and 41 years for BRCA1 carriers and 45.5 and 45 years for BRCA2 carriers.
Analyses are ongoing regarding uptake of surgery according to age group and year of
positive test result.
Conclusion Contrary to what we expected, less than 45% of all carriers with no history
of breast cancer had chosen prophylactic mastectomy. Uptake of surgery was higher
in BRCA1 than in BRCA2 carriers. Further results will be presented.
P064: The British Columbia Hereditary Cancer Follow-up Initiative (HCFI): a provincial
approach to providing support to people living with hereditary cancer syndromes
Melanie O'Loughlin, Pardeep Kaurah, Jennifer Nuk, Mary McCullum, Mandy Jevon, Sze
Wing Mung, Rona Cheifetz, Sophie Sun, Kasmintan A. Schrader
Hereditary Cancer Program, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Background The BC Cancer Hereditary Cancer Program (HCP) is a consultative service
providing hereditary cancer genetic counselling and testing across BC and Yukon. Risk
management is available for a subset of patients through the HCP High-Risk Clinic;
however, the majority of individuals with hereditary cancer risk are followed by their
primary care providers. To better understand barriers and gaps in accessing follow-up
care, the HCP launched a clinical pilot, the Hereditary Cancer Follow-up Initiative
(HCFI).
Methods Between July 2020 to March 2021, 3826 eligible individuals (19 and over) were
contacted by email or mail and invited to complete an online questionnaire. Information
was obtained on access and frequency of cancer surveillance/screening, risk reducing
surgeries, family communication about genetic risk and additional support needs. Completed
surveys were reviewed by a genetic counsellor (GC) who provided phone appointments
to those who reported screening discordant with current recommendations or who requested
follow-up for additional support.
Results To date, 885 (23%) surveys have been completed. Response rates were higher
for patients contacted by email as compared to mail (51% vs 18%). Of the completed
surveys, 60% (528) of respondents required additional GC follow-up. 228 individuals
(26%) reported screening inconsistent with current recommendations. Reasons for delayed
or missed screening included lack of access to a health care provider to organize
screening, lack of clarity or knowledge regarding screening recommendations, difficulty
traveling to appointments and delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusions Preliminary results show a positive impact of the HCFI and highlight the
need for improved continuity of care. Data gathered by this initiative will be used
to advocate for resources to improve access to early detection and preventive measures,
facilitate cascade carrier testing and provide additional psychosocial supports for
high-risk patients and families, ultimately reducing risk and improving quality of
life for these individuals.
P065: Variant reclassification and its impact on clinical care in an Asian country
Jianbang Chiang
1, Tze Hao Chia2, Jeanette Yuen1, Tarryn Shaw1, Shao-Tzu Li1, Sock Hoai Chan1, Joanne
Ngeow1,2
1Cancer Genetics Service, Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore,
Singapore 2Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Background Genetic testing has demonstrated clinical utility in the identification
and subsequent surveillance of patients with cancer predisposition syndromes. However,
the increased likelihood of encountering a variant of uncertain significance (VUS)
in individuals of non-European descent such as Asians may be challenging to both clinicians
and patients in interpretation and management. VUS can be reclassified as more data
becomes available. VUS reclassification is important, as it may have implications
for surveillance and treatment. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and patterns
of variant reclassification in an Asian country and its impact on patient management.
Methods A prospective cohort of patients seen at the Cancer Genetics Service at the
National Cancer Centre Singapore between February 2014 to March 2020 was evaluated.
The frequency, direction and time to variant reclassification was assessed by comparing
the reclassified report against the original report.
Results A total of 1412 VUS were reported in 49.9% (845/1695) of patients. Over six
years, 6.7% (94/1412) of variants were reclassified. Most VUS (94.1%; 80/85) were
downgraded to benign/likely benign variant, with a smaller proportion of VUS (5.9%;
5/85) upgraded to pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant. Actionable VUS upgrades and
pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant downgrades, that resulted in management changes,
happened in 31.0% (39/126) of patients. The median and mean time taken for reclassification
were 1 and 1.62 year(s) respectively.
Conclusions Clinicians need to put in place a system for review of variants, as variant
reclassification can lead to changes in management in nearly 1/3 of patients. Management
should be based on the patient’s personal history, family history and variant interpretation.
We propose a clinical guideline to standardize management of patients with VUS. For
clinically relevant or suspicious VUS, follow-up is recommended every two years, as
actionable reclassifications may happen during this period.
P066: The patient perspective: experiences of Canadian women undergoing genetic testing
and risk-reducing surgery for ovarian cancer prevention
Alicia Tone, Talin Boghosian, Valerie Dinh, Stephanie Gosselin, Tracy Kolwich, Emilie
Chiasson, Elisabeth Baugh, Cailey Crawford
Ovarian Cancer Canada, Canada
Purpose To understand the experience of previvors who have undergone genetic testing
(GT) and/or gynecologic risk-reducing surgery (RRS) in Canada, to identify gaps and
opportunities for advocacy.
Methods A 10-question anonymous online survey was open from October–November 2019,
followed by 1-on-1 semi-structured interviews between June–September 2020.
Results Responses were received from 61 previvors (N = 42 surveys and 19 interviews)
from 7 provinces. Interviewees included women with mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2 and BRIP1.
Most (79%) interviewees had undergone GT within the past 5 years and 74% had completed
RRS. Interviewees had a family history of ovarian (74%) and/or breast (84%) cancer,
and 16% noted a personal history of breast cancer. Among all respondents, 51% and
31% considered GT based on recommendation from a relative or healthcare provider.
Only 28% had spoken with their family doctor about their family history prior to GT.
During pre/post-test counselling, previvors were generally satisfied with explanations
provided on estimated lifetime cancer risk for themselves or relatives (72–87%) and
strategies for risk reduction (78%). Fewer previvors had a satisfying discussion on
the psychosocial impact of GT (52%) and how to communicate GT results to relatives
(38%). During pre-surgical consultations, many were satisfied with explanations provided
on the best time to have surgery (72%), what to expect during recovery (64%) and potential
risks/side effects of surgery (62%), but not post-surgical options for hormonal treatments
(38%), reducing impact on bone and/or cardiovascular health (33%) and fertility/reproductive
options (7%). Most RRS procedures were performed by gynecologist/obstetricians (76%)
and 82% had ovaries and fallopian tubes removed. While 71% had RRS prior to 50, only
42% of interviewees had RRS by the recommended age based on their mutated gene.
Conclusion Feedback from Canadian women at risk for ovarian cancer has identified
gaps in communication with family doctors, during pre/post-test counselling and pre-surgical
consultation.
P067: Quality of life: a challenge for the multidisciplinary management of hereditary
breast and ovarian cancer patients
Yuliana Sánchez-Contreras
1, Oscar Galindo Vázquez2, Abelardo Meneses García2, Claudia Infante Castañeda3, Rosa
María Alvarez-Gómez4
1Postgraduate Program in Dental, Medical and Health Sciences, National University
of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico 2National Cancer Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
3Institute of Social Research, National University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City,
Mexico 4Hereditary Cancer Clinic, National Cancer Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
Quality of life assessment has become a challenge for clinical care Hereditary Breast
and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) patients, due to medical, psychological and economic implications,
particularly linked to Risk Reduction Surgeries (RRS). The aim of the present study
was to evaluate the quality of life in two groups of oncological patients with BRCA1/2
germinal mutations, divided by the decision of RRS measures versus Surveillance (S).
Methods We carried out a cross-sectional study of a population of 60 patients with
BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations, from the Hereditary Cancer Clinic, of the National Cancer Institute
(Mexico). Close S and RSS were performed, according to medical and personal election.
The Spanish version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer
(EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) instrument was used to evaluate quality
of life. Also, a semi-structured interview for sociodemographic aspects and comorbidities
was conducted.
Results The most prevalent diagnosis found was breast cancer in 72% of the sample.
68% of the patients carried BRCA1 mutations; 22% carried BRCA2 mutations. For the
RRS subgroup, the mean age at the time of application of the instrument was 43 years.
Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was the most prevalent surgery in the RSS group, representing
the 63% of the procedures. It is expected that a comparison of the level of quality
of life in both groups will reveal factors that may be conditioning the type of intervention
chosen.
Conclusions Quality of life assessment remains a main challenge for the clinical care
and multidisciplinary management of HBOC patients. However, there are factors contemplated
in the social and economic context that can be considered as determinants in our population,
for optimizing medical management and patient’s decision-making.
P068: The current and future problems of genetic tests in our institution
Michiko Harao, Kasumi Oohihara, Saki Nishida, Joji Kitayama, Naohiro Kitayam
Breast Surgical Oncology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
Background Genetic testing has progressed. Diagnoses and treatment for BRCA-positive
breast cancer have been remarkably developed, however we are still worried about who
and when we need to perform the genetic test. There are a wide range of issues including
the interpretation of the results and subsequent counseling involving the family.
Objectives We retrospectively examined the clinical characteristics, test results,
and subsequent treatment of patients who underwent BRCAnalysis in our department.
Results We analysed 15 patients with advanced and recurrent breast cancer. Median
age of patients was 50 years (35–65). Six (40%) had a family history of breast cancer
and one had a father with a history of prostate cancer. Biological characteristics
were 10 in Luminal type and 6 in triple negative type, and one of them was HER2 positive
in primary tumor but HER2 negative in metastatic lesion. ER high expression was observed
in 6 patients (40%).
The test was performed during the period from no previous treatment to the second
treatment in four patients, and the rest were performed during the third treatment
to the sixth treatment. It is probable that the test was conducted in the late phase
because of the timing of the insurance application. The results showed variants in
three of them, two of which had pathological significance. The mutation of one person
is BRCA1 comprehensive rearrangement/del exons 5–7/deleterious, and to date there
have been similar reports from Asia and Turkey. At the age of 64 at the time breast
cancer was diagnosed, the biology of the primary tumor in Stage III was triple negative,
and her sister had bilateral breast cancer. Olaparib was used for third line therapy,
after first-line EC and second-line PTX. However, Grade 3 anemia was observed after
1 month of administration of Olaparib. The peritoneal dissemination progressed and
ileus occurred, making it difficult to continue. Another variant is BRCA2 c.475 + 1G > A,
and one similar report was done in Japanese data. The disease was found at the age
of 46 as StageIV. At the time of the examination, she was 47 years old. The primary
tumor was triple negative, and her younger sister had breast cancer. She was examined
during the fifth treatment and found to have a mutation, but she has not taken oralarib
at present.
Consideration In this experience, there was one case in which HER2 in the metastatic
focus was reversed and BRCAnalysis was performed. In many cases, the primary tumor
was tested, but if possible, it would be necessary to conduct a biopsy of the metastatic
focus in advance to confirm the biological characteristics. In addition, at the time
of testing and the time of prescribing Olaparib, there was a case in which ileus occurred
and it was impossible to continue taking the oral dose. In the case of an example,
it is necessary to consider that an inspection is performed early.
ETHICS AND LEGAL ISSUES
P085: Pre-Mayo & post-Myriad: Effect(s) of Supreme Court case decisions Mayo Collaborative
Services v Prometheus Laboratories (2012) and Association for Molecular Pathology
v. Myriad Genetics (2013) on hereditary cancer genetic testing practices & access
Kara Hapke, Charles Duan
Arizona State University, Washington, DC, United States
Genomic variants associated with inherited cancer risk are a battleground between
open science and proprietary data practices. As an integral part of the “Sulston Project
Making the Knowledge Commons for Interpreting Cancer Genomic Variants More Effective,”
we examine the Supreme Court case decisions Mayo Collaborative Services v. Prometheus
Laboratories (2012) and Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics (2013),
identifying any resultant effect(s) on hereditary cancer genetic testing practices,
data-sharing, and access.
We identified relevant genomics policy researchers, molecular diagnostics laboratories,
freely available databases (e.g., ClinVar, gnomAD, and LOVD), and subscription-based
databases (e.g., Human Gene Mutation Database and Universal Mutation Database). A
significant focus was placed on suspected high-volume hereditary cancer molecular
diagnostics laboratories, with subsequent, and primarily qualitative, interviews conducted
through encrypted video conferencing and stored on a secure cloud database.
While this case study is currently in progress, I anticipate having interviewed: Mayo
Clinic, Invitae, Color, GeneDx, ARUP, Ambry, Quest, Veritas, LabCorp, University of
Chicago, and Myriad (amongst others). Our scoping interviews are primarily focused
on questions relating to: offering of BRCA1/2 testing (and date first offered), inclusion
of any major rearrangements, offering of cancer gene panel testing (and date first
offered), gene selection (and associated criteria), data-sharing, and patent effects
on hereitary cancer testing practices.
Together, this data offers a snapshot of the battleground between open science and
proprietary data practices relating to both BRCA1/2 and other genes associated with
inherited cancer risk.
P086: Is there any legal framework regarding genetic discrimination in Mexico? A review
of the legal system
Guillermo Pacheco-Cuellar
1, Lautaro Plaza-Benhumea2, Karen Campos-Gomez1, Jose Luis Barrera-Franco1, Juan Jesus
Valdez-Andrade1, Saul Campos-Gomez1
1Centro Oncologico Estatal ISSEMyM, Toluca de Lerdo, Mexico 2Hospital Materno Perinatal
‘Mónica Pretelini Sáenz’, Toluca de Lerdo, Mexico
Genetic discrimination (GD) refers to discrimination against an individual or his
family based on genetic variation; GD could impair access to healthcare and employment.
To our knowledge, no recent reviews exist in the Mexican context. Herein, we performed
a review of GD in the literature and Legal System of Mexico. Google Scholar was searched
using the key words: “GD” “Mexico” “genetic employment” “genetic insurance”. We also
searched in the levels of hierarchy of the Mexican legal system. Finally, we consulted
the General Insurance and Mutual Companies Law (GIMCL), and 2 insurance representatives,
who agreed to participate anonymously. 1 paper published in 2006 described a legal
framework.
Our findings according to the hierarchy of the legal system was: 1. Constitution:
no mention of GD. 2. International Treaties are not signed by the Mexican state. 3.
Article 103 of General Health Law was added in 2011, discrimination is prohibited
on the grounds of genetic features, and fines are stipulated for its offenders. General
Labor Law: no mention of GD. 4. Article 9 of Federal Law to Prevent and Eliminate
Discrimination (includes genetic features) prohibits denying or conditioning medical
care and the imposition of limitations for the contracting of medical insurance. GIMCL
does not contemplate the use of genetic information.
Representatives don’t estimate premiums according to family history; disclosure or
previous genetic testing is not required. No specific act against GD in Mexico exists.
Nonetheless, it is contemplated in 2 laws in the legal system, which offers a protection
framework. GD is a topic to be addressed during genetic counseling sessions for patients
to make informed decisions. 1/263 Mexicans would be carriers of BRCA1&2 mutations,
it would be a priority to identify those carriers, but also to ensure that they will
not be victims of GD and they will receive adequate healthcare services.
P087: Sponsored genetic testing in Canada: current perspectives and practices
Emily Thain
1, Jennifer Nuk2, Adeline Cuggia3, Kirsten Farncombe4, Raymond Kim1,
on behalf of the CCMG Canadian Cancer Genetics and Genomics (C2G2) Community of Practice
1Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada 2BC Cancer Hereditary Cancer
Program, BC, Canada 3McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada 4University
Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
Background Sponsored genetic testing (SGT) programs offer reduced or no-cost testing
to patients who meet broad eligibility criteria. In exchange for accessible clinical
testing with short turn-around times, genetic data and clinical information is shared
with program sponsors. Despite increased prevalence and marketing to cancer patients
and clinicians, little is known about Canadian SGT practices and limited guidance
exists on the use of SGT.
Methods This online survey explored perspectives and practices of SGT among members
of the CCMG Canadian Cancer Genetics and Genomics (C2G2) Community of Practice. All
participants were provided with an option to submit their responses anonymously. Trends
and common themes were identified. Preliminary findings were presented and discussed
with C2G2 members at a virtual meeting, alongside SGT experiences at three Canadian
centres.
Results Of the 354 C2G2 members, 54 responded to the survey. Almost half (48%) submitted
their responses anonymously. While the majority (59%) were genetic counsellors or
clinical/medical geneticists, respondents included a variety of non-genetics clinicians,
laboratory geneticists, scientists, and patient advocates. 74% indicated that SGT
should be offered to all or select patient populations, while 15% were unsure. Suggested
conditions for offering SGT included non-partisan pre-test genetic counselling and
discussion of alternative testing options to facilitate informed decision making.
Perspectives regarding the impact of SGT were also elicited. Participants identified
potential challenges, risks, and improvements concerning patient privacy and data
sharing, ordering clinicians, and Canada’s single-payer health insurance systems.
A broad range of clinician practices surrounding SGT were reported.
Conclusions Findings from our survey have initiated a nation-wide multidisciplinary
discussion regarding SGT and have revealed variation in Canadian practices and perspectives
on this novel testing option. More comprehensive research will contribute to the development
of guidelines and resources for patients and clinicians considering SGT.
P088 Rapid Fire Presentation: Polygenic risk scores and the return of breast cancer
risk results: Canada—United States experience
Emmanuelle Lévesque1, Jennifer James
2, Bartha Maria Knoppers1, Irene Andrulis9, Jennifer Brooks10, Jocelyne Chiquette3,
Michel Dorval5, Laura Esserman2, Andrea Eisen8, Laurence Eloy4, Galen Joseph2, Barbara
Koenig2, Lisa Madlensky2, Hermann Nabi5, Yiwey Shieh2, Tracy Stockley7, Elad Ziv2,
Kristina Blackmore6, Mikaella Caruncho2, Laurence Lambert-Côté3, Leslie Riddle2, Allison
Stover Fiscalini2, Barry Tong2, Annie Turgeon3, Laura van ‘t Veer2, Anna Maria Chiarelli6,
Jacques Simard5
1McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada 2University of California San Francisco,
San Francisco, CA, United States 3CHU de Québec, Québec City, QC, Canada 4Ministère
de la Santé et des services sociaux, Québec City, QC, Canada 5Université Laval, Québec
City, QC, Canada 6Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada 7University Health Network,
Toronto, ON, Canada 8Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada 9Mount
Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada 10University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
Large scale research projects using Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS) and non-genetic risk
factors to estimate breast cancer risk raise specific ethical and social issues with
regard to the return of results to participants and their healthcare providers. These
issues arise due to: the novelty of the information returned; the uncertainties regarding
interpretation and clinical utility, in particular those from non-European ancestry;
the genetic markers included or excluded; the diversity of possible screening and
follow-up measures that may be proposed; the need to align with healthcare systems;
and, the adoption of risk-adapted screening recommendations by individuals and their
healthcare providers. Under a comparative approach, we describe how two large-scale
similar projects – combining PRS and non-genetic risk factors to individualize breast
cancer screening practices – are addressing these challenges.
The first project (PERSPECTIVE I&I) is recruiting 8000 Canadian women in a publicly
funded healthcare system that includes various governmental breast cancer screening
programs. The second project (WISDOM) is recruiting 100,000 US women into a pragmatic
randomized controlled trial in a publicly and privately funded healthcare system with
various and often conflicting screening guidelines. In these two projects, the absence
of face-to-face interaction with participants (for consent and the collection of saliva
samples), and the use of online tools (for recruitment, data collection and return
of results) elicit specific inclusion and communication issues. Moreover, in the US
context, insurance coverage for screening using PRS and the regulation of PRS remain
unclear. We focus on practical solutions for a future clinical implementation of a
scaled-up multifactorial risk-based screening approach. We will also demonstrate the
importance of having a transdisciplinary approach with researchers specialized in
ethical and social issues embedded in the projects in order to bring innovative, adaptable
and evolving solutions that adequately address these emerging challenges.
P089: Introduction for “Clavis Arcus”, a patient association supporting BRCA1 and
BRCA2 pathogenic variant carriers and their families in Japan
Makiko Dazai
Nonprofit organization Clavis Arcus, Tokyo, Japan
Clavis Arcus is the first and only patient association supporting BRCA1 and BRCA2
pathogenic variant carriers and their families in Japan. The organization was established
in 2014 and was certified as a nonprofit organization by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government
in 2015. The organization aims to provide a gathering space for the members to support
each other and to deepen knowledge and understanding of hereditary tumors. There are
78 members among Japan, and has a branch in Pennsylvania, US.
The organization provides consultations by phone, e-mail and in person as well as
holding patient gatherings. We started the “Institute of Genetic Studies” for further
understanding of hereditary cancers, education for peer support and to hold Learning
about Genetics for Families seminars annually.
Recently, photo panel exhibitions are running nationwide in Japan. The photos consist
of the image of the members themselves and letters from their family.
http://www.clavisarcus.com
MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY AND GENETIC ANALYSES OF BRCA1/2-ASSOCIATED CANCERS
P093: CHARM Consortium: early cancer detection in BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers using cell-free
DNA sequencing
Leslie E. Oldfield
1, Lynette Penney2, Mark Basik3, William Foulkes3, Christine Elser1, Leigh Murphy4,
Intan Schrader5, Aly Karsan5, Aaron Pollett6, Yvonne Bombard7, Raymond H. Kim1, Trevor
J. Pugh1,8
1Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada 2IWK Health Centre, Halifax,
NS, Canada 3Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC, Canada 4CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg,
MB, Canada 5BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada 6Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto,
ON, Canada 7Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada 8Ontario Institute
for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
Background BRCA1/2 carriers are enrolled in surveillance programs using annual mammography
and MRI. While this screening modality has high sensitivity for detection of breast
cancer (93 –100%), there is no screening test for ovarian cancer or other BRCA1/2-associated
malignancies such as ovarian and pancreatic cancer. We hypothesize that cfDNA analysis
can detect many BRCA1/2-associated malignancies and enable earlier cancer detection.
Methods We established a national consortium termed CHARM (cfDNA in Hereditary And
High-Risk Malignancies) to collect serial plasma samples from ~ 1000 BRCA1/2 carriers.
With 9 sites across Canada, any carrier regardless of their cancer status is eligible
for the study and undergoes annual plasma, extensive medical history, and imaging
collection. All active cancer patients, and their matched tumour specimen when available,
will be evaluated using shallow whole genome sequencing, targeted panel sequencing
(BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, TP53, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, EPCAM, APC, MSI loci, identity
SNPs), and Cell-free Methylated DNA Immunoprecipitation and High-throughput Sequencing.
During the course of the study, participants may phenoconvert and we will analyze
their past plasma samples to determine clinical limit of detection. Alongside genomic
analyses, we are performing multiple qualitative studies to assess patient and provider
perspectives on the test’s clinical utility and implementation.
Results Active recruitment has begun at two sites with 234 BRCA1/2 carriers enrolled
(147 BRCA1, 85 BRCA2, 2 both) and 194 samples collected, with > 1 plasma sample collected
on 18 participants. Funding contracts are established, and sequencing protocols have
been harmonized between BCCA and UHN thereby providing capacity in eastern and western
Canada. Ongoing efforts include research ethics submissions, a large consortium agreement,
development of a database to house clinical data, and interviews with health care
providers.
Conclusions This study will develop national infrastructure for collection, profiling,
and analysis of serial blood samples for early detection of cancer.
P094: Establishing a BRCA1/2 variant screening method in ovarian tumor tissue for
potential PARP inhibitor treatment
Sean Richardson, Magnhild Fjeldvær, Lisa Redford, Eline Mejlænder-Andersen, Deeqa
Ahmed, Teresia Wangensteen, Sarah Louise Ariansen
Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
Introduction In Norway, more than 500 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every
year. Around 25% of the patients have a BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant, of which 10% are
somatic. These patients are associated with a favorable response to poly ADP ribose
polymerase (PARP) inhibitor treatment.
Historically, ovarian cancer patients were only offered germline testing. The Division
for Laboratory Medicine at OUS started a project in 2019, with collabaration between
gynecology, pathology and cancer genetics, aiming to offer routine diagnostic BRCA1/2
tumor testing. The project was succesful and routine testing for somatic variants
using isolated DNA from tumor material has been established. The national strategy
for ovarian cancer now states that PARP inhibitor treatment can be given as a first-line
treatment/therapy to ovarian cancer patients with a somatic pathogenic BRCA1/2 variant.
Method Using needle biopsies or ascites fluid as sample material, estimated to contain
at least 30% tumor tissue by a pathologist, we perform next-generation sequencing
using a custom capture kit from Illumina. Variants are called using a tumor pipeline.
The method is validated to detect variants with an allele frequency > 5% and a read
depth of 250x. Only variants classified as likely pathogenic or pathogenic are reported.
Results We successfully established a method for detecting somatic BRCA1/2 variants.
In the beginning the laboratory received 1–2 samples/week. The project collaboration
has been satisfying and we have developed a good sample handling workflow, resulting
in reports delivered within a 3 week t93rnaround time. The sample material gives high
quality DNA, but is invasive and can be contaminated with DNA from non-neoplastic
cells.
Future aspects As PARP inhibitors have been approved for first-line therapy, there
will now be a need for extensive testing. We aim to analyze DNA isolated from FFPE,
as this will give more patients the oportunity to have their tumor assesed for potensial
PARP inhibitor treatment.
P095 Rapid Fire Presentation: A rapid point-of-care test for detection of pathogenic
BRCA1/2 founder variants: pharmacogenetic evaluation of South African breast cancer
patients selected by tumour molecular subtype
Maritha J. Kotze
1,2, Nicole van der Merwe1, Lwando Mampunye1,3, Kathy A. Grant3, Armand V. Peeters1,
David J. French4
1Division of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch
University, Cape Town, South Africa 2National Health Laboratory Service, Tygerberg
Academic Hospital, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 3Department of Biomedical
Science, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa 4Laboratory
of Government Chemists, Teddington, Middlesex, United Kingdom
Background Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor treatment approved for patients
with breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancer underpinned by pathogenic BRCA1/2
variation, becomes clinically applicable through pharmacogenetic germline and somatic
DNA testing. Cascade family testing and reduction of recurrence risk are particularly
important considerations in South Africa due to an increased frequency of at least
eight pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants detected across ethnic groups.
Methods A novel fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay using HyBeacon probes
was developed to enable genotyping directly from buccal swabs, blood samples or extracted
DNA using the ParaDNA instrumentation (LGC, Teddington, UK). Software was also developed
to automatically report genotyping results. The assay and software was validated against
Sanger and next generation sequencing (NGS) results obtained for BRCA1 c.68_69delAG,
c.1374delC, c.2641G > T, c.5266dupC and BRCA2 c.5771_5774delTTCA, c.5946delT, c.6447_6448dupTA,
c.7934delG. Subsequently, the BRCA1.0 point-of-care (POC) Research Assay was evaluated
in 64 DNA samples of histopathologically confirmed breast cancer patients previously
referred for NGS or microarray-based tumor molecular subtyping and CYP2D6 genotyping
using real-time PCR.
Results The performance of the BRCA 1.0 Research Assay and accuracy of software calls
were verified using 10 control DNA samples of known BRCA1/2 genotype as well as non-template
controls. All control samples were assigned the correct software calls from 2 ng down
to 62.5 pg of input template DNA. Genotyping of 64 breast cancer patients revealed
that eight (12.5%) patients tested positive for variants included in the POC assay.
Conclusions We observed excellent correlation with laboratory-based methods using
the newly developed method as a rapid first-tier test to determine the need for NGS.
Germline DNA screening for the eight known pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants can inform
clinical decision-making within 1 h assay time. Further studies are warranted to determine
the cost-effectiveness of BRCA POC testing combined with CYP2D6 genotyping in comparison
with NGS enabling simultaneous pharmaco-diagnostic assessment.
P096: Detection of germline and somatic BRCA mutations using a 50-gene next-generation
sequencing panel
Sun Hee Rosenthal, Charles Ma, Allan Acab, Rebecca Nakles-Taylor, Michael Van Ness,
Daniel Sugganth, Joseph Catanes, Renius Owen, Frederick Racke, Felicitas Lacbawan
Quest Diagnostics, San Juan, CA, United States
Objectives Breast and ovarian cancer patients may benefit from treatment with PARP
inhibitors, but testing for somatic and/or germline BRCA mutations may be needed to
evaluate eligibility. We previously developed a next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel
that simultaneously detects somatic and germline mutations in breast and ovarian FFPE
tumor specimens. Here we report the prevalence of BRCA1/2 and TP53 mutations in real-world
specimens submitted for testing at a national reference laboratory.
Methods We retrospectively analyzed de-identified results from 240 consecutive FFPE
tissues submitted for testing with a 50-gene panel. This assay uses targeted exon
capture and NGS to detect variants in BRCA1, BRCA2, TP53, and 47 other actionable
genes frequently altered in solid tumors. Specimens were from patients with breast
cancer (n = 124, median age 54), ovarian cancer (n = 115, median age 63), or both
(n = 1, age 48).
Results In total, pathogenic BRCA mutations were identified in 4.8% (6/124) of breast
cancer (4 in BRCA1 and 2 in BRCA2) and 13.9% (16/115) of ovarian cancer patients (11
in BRCA1 and 5 in BRCA2). Variants of unknown significance in BRCA1/2 were detected
in 10.5% (13/124) of breast and 7.0% (8/115) of ovarian cancer patients. Notably,
pathogenic TP53 mutations were detected in 93.3% (14/15) of BRCA1 mutation-positive
patients, compared with 62.8% (137/218) BRCA1/2 mutation-negative patients (p = 0.016).
The BRCA1+ /TP53− patient specimen had a TP53 Pro47Ser (rs1800371) variant, a polymorphism
with unknown cancer risk. Among 3 patients who had matching blood specimens available,
1 BRCA1 mutation was confirmed to be germline, while 2 BRCA1 and 3 TP53 mutations
were somatic.
Conclusions Our optimized NGS method detected actionable BRCA mutations in breast
(5%) and ovarian (14%) cancer patients, in accordance with previously published data.
Pathogenic TP53 mutations accompanied most (93%) BRCA1 mutations in the breast and
ovarian tumors examined.
P097: Heading towards an in vivo predictive test for personalized ovarian cancer treatment:
application of novel therapies in zebrafish patient derived xenografts
Charlotte Fieuws
1,2, Olivier De Wever2,5, Hannelore Denys2,3, Koen Van De Vijver2,4, Kathleen Claes1,2
1Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium 2Cancer Research Institute
Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium 3Department of Medical Oncology, Ghent University Hospital,
Ghent, Belgium 4Department of Anatomical Pathology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent,
Belgium 5Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
Most ovarian cancer patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, resulting in a poor
prognosis. Standard therapy schemes are applied to all epithelial ovarian cancers,
but specific histologic subtypes do not respond. To improve treatment, an in vivo
predictive test for treatment response is warranted. Very promising are zebrafish
patient derived xenograft (zPDX) platforms which are cost-effective, require limited
donor material and allow to evaluate initial therapy response within 2 weeks.
The aim of this study is to optimize this zebrafish xenograft platform starting from
cancer cell lines. Tumor cells are first labeled with a fluorescent dye, Vybrant CM-DiI.
A few hundred of these cells are injected into the perivitelline space of 2 dpf transparent
zebrafish embryos. Xenografts are kept individual for treatment and are followed for
4 executive days. Then, PDX models are euthanized and fixated for whole mount staining.
PDX are either stained for cleaved-caspase 3 (apoptosis) or Ki67 (proliferation) to
score tumor response. Zebrafish xenografts are visualized by a fluorescence confocal
microscope.
We have successfully engrafted several ovarian cancer cell lines (A2780, OVCAR-3,
M28/2). Both in vivo and post mortem we can appreciate clear and compact tumor masses.
One LGSOC cell line derived from mice PDX shows a KRAS c.35G > T (p.(Gly12Val) variant
and is sensitive to the MEK inhibitor, trametinib (De Thaye et al., 2020). This cell
line engrafts well in zebrafish embryos and shows clear proliferation as illustrated
by Ki67 staining. Upon treatment with trametinib these xenografts showed higher caspase
activity, in agreement with previous in vitro experiments. To allow quantification,
a higher resolution fluorescence confocal microscope will be introduced. After optimization
of the xenografting with cell lines and validation of read-outs, engraftment of tumour
tissue from patients will be performed. We are convinced that the information generated
from the zPDX experiments will lead to improvements in personalized medicine.
NON-BRCA1/2 GENETIC FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CANCER RISK
P104: Pathogenic germline mutations and clonality of paired tumours in a population
of synchronous breast cancers
Gary Dobson
1, Colin McIlmunn1,2, Christine Greene1, Deirdre Fitzpatrick1, Davide Gonzalez de
Castro1, Jackie James1, Kienan Savage1, Stuart McIntosh1,2
1Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland 2Belfast City Hospital, Belfast,
Northern Ireland
Synchronous breast cancer (SBC—bilateral breast cancers diagnosed within 6 months
of each other) accounts for 1–3% of all breast cancer diagnoses, in contrast to the
majority of breast cancers, which are unilateral. Furthermore, current clinical practice
assumes that SBCs represent two independent primary tumours. Given this, we hypothesise
that women with SBC may carry undetected germline mutations in breast cancer risk
predisposition genes, resulting in the development of bilateral tumours. Furthermore,
published data suggests that women with SBC have a significantly worse prognosis than
those with unilateral disease, implying that a proportion of these cases may represent
metastatic disease rather than two independent tumours.
To determine the impact of SBC on outcomes, and to assess the contribution of known
hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) gene mutations to SBC risk, we identified
221 women diagnosed with SBC in Northern Ireland between 2000 and 2015. To date, we
have sequenced germline DNA (gDNA), and primary and SBC DNA in 143 women, using a
custom panel, including known risk predisposition genes.
Preliminary data has identified 16 patients (11.2%) with pathogenic germline mutations
in BRCA1, BRCA2(× 3), PALB2, & FANCL. Shared somatic variants were found in 13 (9.8%)
tumour pairs, indicating a shared clonal origin suggestive of metastatic disease.
The high incidence of pathogenic germline mutations indicates a potentially significant
influence of inherited risk for these women developing breast cancer. This suggests
that women with SBCs may benefit from gene panel testing at diagnosis in order to
guide treatment strategies. Furthermore, such testing may identify women at increased
risk of ovarian cancer, facilitating risk reduction strategies. Additionally, the
incidence of metastatic disease in this cohort (9.8%) emphasises the need to consider
this scenario in women presenting with bilateral breast cancers.
P105: Phenotypic characterization of carriers of CHEK2 c.470T>C variant
Neda Stjepanovic, Karen Ott, Brittney Johnstone, Talia Mancuso, Yael Silberman, Safa
Yusuf, Justin Lorentz, Angelina Tryon, Tracy Graham, Andrea Eisen
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
Background Functional studies have indicated that binding of p53 and BRCA1 by CHEK2
is deleteriously affected by the c.4700T>C variant (p.Ile157Thr). However it is considered
a low-penetrance breast cancer (BC) susceptibility allele with a relative risk < 2.
We analyzed the frequency of CHEK2 c.4700T>C among familial BC patients and the phenotype
associated with this variant.
Methodology The frequency of the CHEK2 c.4700T>C variant was analyzed in 1661 familial
non-BRCA1/2 BC patients who underwent next generation sequencing with a panel of BC
susceptibility genes. Patients' medical records were reviewed for clinical data and
family history of cancer.
Results The CHEK2 c.4700T>C variant was found in 15 (0.9%), c.1100delC in 12 (0.7%)
and c.1283C>T in 9 (0.5%) patients. Two patients with both c.4700T>C and c.1100delC
variants and one with both c.4700T>C and c.1283C>T were identified (cis or trans to
be determined).
Among carriers of c.4700T>C, four (26%) had two or more BCs, with a total of 20 BC
diagnoses. Median age of first BC was 49 (range: 21–74) years. Pathological characterization
showed 14 invasive ductal carcinomas (IDC)—6 ER+/PR+, 6 HER2+ and 2 triple negative
breast cancers (TNBC), 4 ductal carcinomas in-situ, 1 invasive lobular carcinoma,
and 1 lobular carcinoma in-situ.
Two patients (13%) were diagnosed with BC under age 31, the first with IDC ER+/PR+/HER2+
at 21 years and the second with IDC ER+/PR+/HER2− 30 years. Both had a limited family
history and were carriers of only the c.4700T>C variant.
Conclusion In our cohort, 0.9% of familial non-BRCA1/2 patients were carriers of the
CHEK2105470T > C variant. We observed multiple cases of aggressive phenotype (young
age at diagnosis or multiple breast cancers), more suggestive of a high-risk breast
cancer gene. Further characterization in conjunction with polygenic risk assessment
is warranted to better define the phenotype of this variant.
P106: Functional characterization of non-truncating SMARCA4 variants in familial SCCOHT
Leora Witkowski
1, Yibo Xue2,3, Nelly Sabbaghian4, Sidong Huang2,3, William D. Foulkes1,4,5
1Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada 2Department
of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada 3The Rosalind & Morris Goodman
Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada 4The Lady Davis Institute
of the Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada 5Department
of Medical Genetics, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal,
QC, Canada
Germline variants in SMARCA4 predispose women to small cell carcinoma of the ovary,
hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT). Loss of function (LoF) of the SMARCA4 gene combined with
loss of SMARCA4 protein expression on immunohistochemistry (IHC) in an ovarian tumour
is pathognomonic for SCCOHT. However, non-truncating variants in SMARCA4, such as
missense and in-frame variants, are difficult to classify due to their unknown effect
on the gene. We present two familial cases of SCCOHT where all affecteds carried non-truncating
germline SMARCA4 variants. To further investigate the effect of these variants and
better classify other non-truncating variants, we developed an SCCOHT-specific in
vitro assay.
Both families consisted of a mother and daughter affected with SCCOHT. In Family 1
(previously published in Witkowski et al., 20,141), the two women carried a missense
variant in SMARCA4: c.3239G > A (p.Gly1080Asp). Both tumours showed loss of SMARCA4
protein expression by IHC. In Family 2, the two women carried an in-frame deletion
in SMARCA4, c.2311_2316del (p.Asn731_Asn732del), and both tumours showed weak nuclear
SMARCA4 staining by IHC.
In vitro studies demonstrated that these variants had a similar effect as other LoF
SMARCA4 variants. We have previously shown that SCCOHT tumours have loss of cyclin
D1 expression.2 Ectopic expression of wild-type SMARCA4 in SCCOHT cells resulted in
strong growth suppression and elevation of cyclin D1 mRNA and protein levels, while
expression of these two familial variants failed to do so. Consistent with these in
vitro observations, tumours from both families were negative for cyclin D1 IHC, phenocopying
other LoF SMARCA4 variants associated with SCCOHT.
Using a clinically-relevant in vitro assay, we show that non-truncating variants found
in two familial cases of SCCOHT phenocopy other SMARCA4 LoF variants, leading to SCCOHT.
This assay can be applied to all exonic SMARCA4 variants in affected and unaffected
carriers to help classify non-truncating SMARCA4 variants.
Refs:
1. Witkowski et al. Nat Genet. 2014 May;46(5):438–43.
2. Xue et al. Nat Commun. 2019 Feb 4;10(1):558.
P107: Integrative approaches to identifying the causes of familial breast cancer
Belle W. X. Lim
1,2, Na Li1,3, Simone M. Rowley1, Simone McInerny4, Magnus Zethoven1, Kylie L. Gorringe1,3,
Erica K. Sloan1,2, Paul A. James3,4, Ian G. Campbell1,3
1Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia 2Monash University, Melbourne,
VIC, Australia 3University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia 4Parkville Familial
Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
In search of additional high-risk genetic factors of breast cancer, we analysed over
1400 genes in up to 6000 non-BRCA1/2 familial index cases and 6000 Australian population
controls using targeted exome sequencing. A significant overall enrichment of rare
loss-of-function (LoF) variants was found in the case cohort among the genes examined
(p = 7.42 × 10−5). However, identification of the specific genes responsible for the
increased risk has been challenging due to the rarity of variants in individual genes
and their apparent low-moderate penetrance. Additional evidence is needed to support
their breast cancer predisposition role.
Sequencing of breast cancers from germline variant carriers can provide strong evidence
for their causative role through identification of bi-allelic inactivation and characteristic
mutational signatures, as we demonstrated previously for PALB2 and RAD51C. We have
extended this approach to the top candidate genes from the case–control analysis.
Targeted and whole exome sequencing of 25 tumours from BARD1, BRIP1 and RAD51D LoF
variant carriers showed that bi-allelic inactivation and associated mutational signature
3 occurred in over 40% of these tumours, with the majority of these being triple-negative
breast cancers, indicating phenotype-specific predisposition for each of these genes.
We have also sequenced 30 additional breast cancers from five novel candidate genes
with an excess of LoF mutation in the cases versus control; CTH (9 cases vs 2 controls),
BLM (20 vs, 8), CDK9 (5 vs 0), ERCC5 (5 vs 1), PARP2 (10 vs 2), MUTYH (15 vs 8) and
WRN (34 vs 17). In addition, 36 breast cancers from carriers of potentially pathogenic
missense variants in PALB2 and RAD51C have also been analysed, providing evidence
for individual variants. To investigate the functional impact and ability to recapitulate
breast cancer mutational signatures in candidate genes, we are establishing mono-
and bi-allelic knockout models of candidate genes using CRISPR/Cas9 in MCF10A isogenic
cell lines.
P108 Rapid Fire Presentation: BRA-STRAP: towards precision medicine and precision
public health for breast cancer
Tu Nguyen-Dumont
1,2, Katherine Tucker3, Judy Kirk4, Paul James5, Alison Trainer5, Ingrid Winship6,
Nicholas Pachter7, Nicola Poplawski8, Scott Grist9, Daniel J. Park2, Fleur Hammet1,
Maryam Mahmoodi1, Helen Tsimiklis1, Jason A. Steen1, Derrick Theys1, Jared J. Burke1,2,
Ella Thompson5, Ian Campbell5, April Morrow3, Amanda Willis3, Catherine Speechly3,
Rebecca Harris4, Paul Lacaze1, Robert Sebra12,13, Moeen Riaz1, John J. McNeil1, Eric
Schadt12,13, Jeffrey Weitzel14, Fergus Couch15, Jenny Leary11, John L. Hopper2, David
E. Goldgar10, Melissa C. Southey1,2
1Monash University Clayton, Clayton, VIC, Australia 2The University of Melbourne,
Melbourne, VIC, Australia 3Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia 4University
of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia 5Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC,
Australia 6Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia 7King Edward Memorial
Hospital, Subiaco, WA, Australia 8South Australian Clinical Genetics Service, SA,
Australia 9Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA, Australia 10University of Utah,
Salt Lake City, UT, United States 11Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead,
NSW, Australia 12Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
13Sema4, Stamford, CT, United States 14City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States 15Mayo
Clinic Cancer Center, Rochester, MN, United States
BRA-STRAP is an Australian nation-wide study of breast cancer predisposition that
brings together genetic data on 24 genes commonly included on panel tests for breast
cancer predisposition. Represented in BRA-STRAP are 30,000 Australian women of all
ages across the cancer risk spectrum, affected and unaffected with breast cancer.
These include women tested in an Australian Familial Cancer Centre and found negative
for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations over the last two decades, as well as women participating
in two Australian research studies: (i) the Australian Breast Cancer Family Registry
(ABCFR), which includes 1400 case probands and their families, and matched population-based
controls and (ii) the ASPREE study, that has contributed panel test data for over
13,000 healthy, elderly Australians. BRA-STRAP is also engaged with other similarly
designed studies set outside of Australia (e.g. BRIDGES and CARRIERS).
Data on this scale represents the spectrum of genetic variation observed in these
genes and exemplifies the opportunities and challenges for realizing precision medicine
and precision public health for breast cancer.
Sequencing and data analysis was performed in-house for nearly 9500 women. All clinically
actionable pathogenic variants in BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, TP53 and ATM have been validated
using an orthogonal method in-house (validation rate 99.8% (488/489)), then in a NATA-accredited
diagnostic laboratory before making the data available to families.
We estimated overall breast cancer risk (odds ratios), separately for loss-of-function
and rare missense variants, and assessed missense variants by domain and clinical
classification of pathogenicity. Using the population-based resources of the ABCFR,
we estimated the age-specific cumulative risk of breast cancer (penetrance) for carriers
(by gene and variant type). These results contribute to international efforts to more
precisely identify the genes most clinically useful for inclusion on panels for breast
cancer risk prediction and their associated risks.
P109: TUMOSPEC: a nation-wide family-based study to assess cancer risks in families
with a predicted pathogenic variant identified through hereditary breast and ovary
multi-gene panel testing
Fabienne Lesueur
1, Séverine Eon-Marchais1, Sarah Bonnet-Boissinot1, Juana Beauvallet1, Marie-Gabrielle
Dondon1, Chrystelle Colas2, Florence Coulet3, Capucine Delnatte4, Claude Houdayer5,
Christine Lasset6, Jérôme Lemonnier7, Michel Longy8, Catherine Noguès9, Dominique
Stoppa-Lyonnet2, Dominique Vaur10, Nadine Andrieu1, Olivier Caron11 for the TUMOSPEC
Investigators Group
1Inserm U900, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Mines ParisTech, Paris, France
2Service de génétique, Institut Curie, Paris, France 3Service de génétique, Hôpital
Universitaire Pitié-Salpétrière, Paris, France 4Unité d’oncogénétique, ICO-site René
Gauducheau, Nantes Saint Herblain, France 5Département de génétique, Hôpital Universitaire
de Rouen, Unirouen, Inserm U1245, Rouen, France 6Département Prévention et Santé Publique,
Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, Paris 7R&D UNICANCER, Paris, France 8Biopathologie, Institut
Bergonié, Bordeaux, France 9Département d’Anticipation et de Suivi du Cancer, Oncogénétique
clinique, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France 10Laboratoire de biologie et
de génétique du cancer, Centre François Baclesse, Caen, France 11Oncologie génétique,
Département de Médecine Oncologique, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
Assessment of age-dependent cancer risk conferred by germline predicted pathogenic
variants (PPV) in cancer susceptibility genes is often hampered by the way the data
are collected. Cohort-based data sets frequently contain an overrepresentation of
patients carrying a variant of interest and an underrepresentation of cancer-free
variant carriers. Here we present the design and protocol of TUMOSPEC, whose purposes
are to estimate the penetrance of PPV identified in a gene usually tested in parallel
of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in a hereditary breast and ovary cancer context and to determine
their associated tumour spectrum.
Index cases are enrolled consecutively among patients who are being offered a genetic
test as part of their care plan. If a PPV is identified, first-, second-degree relatives
and cousins are invited regardless of whether they are affected with cancer or not.
Their genotype for the familial PPV is determined, and the coordinating centre collects
also epidemiological questionnaire about their medical history and exposure to various
risk factors, core family history data, as well as clinical data.
The feasibility study (September 2017 to December 2019) included 4502 index cases,
and on average 4.3 relatives per family invited by the coordianting centre consented
to participate. Inclusion processes are well adapted to the clinics and laboratories
constraints and communication between the various partners (clinicians, biologists,
investigators and study participants) is quite smooth. Rates of inclusions for relatives
(60.6%), for index cases questionnaire completion (39.5%), and relatives biological
sample collection (50%) are also very satisfactory and yet underestimated due to the
recent start of relatives’ inclusion.
This national effort will be pursued on a larger-scale in order to gather sufficient
number of positive families for each gene. It will allow us to appropriately assess
risks of cancer for PPV carriers, an essential step to optimize clinical management
guidelines specific to each gene.
P110: Toward a better understanding of the experience of patients with moderate penetrance
breast cancer gene mutations: a focus on ATM and CHEK2
Shelley McCormick, Carly Grant, Stephanie Hicks
Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Cancer Risk Assessment, Boston, MA, United
States
Multi-gene panels have changed the landscape of genetic testing for hereditary breast
cancer. While the high risk population has been well studied, little is known about
the experiences of patients with mutations in moderate risk breast cancer genes. The
purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of patients with moderate penetrance
breast cancer gene mutations by focusing on ATM and CHEK2.
139 surveys were sent to women with pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in the
ATM or CHEK2 genes who received genetic counseling Massachusetts General Hospital
Center for Cancer Risk Assessment between 2014–2018. The surveys collected information
about the perceived clinical significance of test results, adherence to management
recommendations, disclosure of test results to relatives, and resources needs.
66 patients completed the survey. Most participants correctly identified their mutation
status and understood the medical management recommendations. About 20% reported it
was upsetting to share results with relatives, however nearly all participants shared
with at least one relative. Over half (55%) of participants reported seeking additional
resources for better understanding of results.
Our center’s ATM /CHEK2 positive population appears to have a good understanding of
the personal and familial implications of their results but may benefit from additional
resources. It is unclear whether similar results would be found in patients who do
not receive formal genetic counseling, and this should be examined. As multi-gene
panel testing becomes commonplace, this study is one of the first to assess the experiences
and needs of the moderate risk population.
P111: Mutational spectrum in hereditary breast cancer in a referral cancer center
in Colombia
Alicia M Cock-Rada
1,2, Maria E Montoya-Restrepo1, Oscar A Bonilla1, Sebastian Diaz-Botero1, Rodolfo
Gomez1,3, Hector I. Garcia3,4
1Instituto de Cancerologia Las Americas, Medellín, Colombia 2Ayudas Diagnosticas Sura
3Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia 4Fundación Auna Ideas, Medellín, Colombia
Background Hereditary breast cancers account for 5–10% of all breast cancers and are
caused by germline mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2 and other less studied genes. The Colombian
population is understudied due to limitations in health care access, high costs and
lack of Genetic services/counseling in certain regions of the country.
Aim This study describes the spectrum of germline mutations in breast cancer patients
referred to the Instituto de Cancerologia Las Americas (IDC), a Comprehensive Cancer
Center in Medellin (Colombia), in a 5-year period (2015–2020).
Methods Women with breast cancer referred to the Oncogenetics Unit of IDC, meeting
NCCN testing criteria for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer syndrome, were tested
using commercial BRCA1/2 comprehensive tests and multi-gene panels.
Results 485 women had genetic testing. 74 patients (15,25%) carried a germline mutation
in a cancer susceptibility gene, with BRCA1 and BRCA2 accounting for 57,8% of the
total of mutations (18 and 24 mutations, respectively), PALB2 12% (9 mutations) and
TP53 9,5% (7 mutations). Two patients were double heterozygous (BRCA1-PMS2 and BRCA1-
BARD1). Known breast cancer genes (i.e. BRCA1/2, PALB2, TP53, CHEK2, ATM, NF1), as
well as genes with less evidence for breast cancer susceptibility (i.e. PMS2, MSH2,
APC I1307K, RAD51D, MUTYH) were found mutated in our breast cancer patients. BRCA1
mutation carriers had a median age of diagnosis of breast cancer of 36,8 years (SD
8,7), BRCA2 of 36,9 years (SD 5,7), PALB2 of 38,7 years (SD 13,2) and TP53 of 30,6 years
(SD 6,3).
Conclusions BRCA1/2 mutations account for more than 50% of our hereditary breast cancers
and PALB2 is the third most frequently mutated gene. Although access to genetic services
and testing is still limited in Colombia, reduction in costs and progressive access
to multi-gene panel testing is revealing a new landscape of breast cancer genetic
predisposition in Colombia.
P113: Missense ATM variant c.6919C>T (p.Leu2307Phe) may be associated with breast
cancer risk but not ataxia telangiectasia
Erin Mundt, Eric Rosenthal, John Kidd, Amy Durisek, Susan Manley, Bradford Coffee,
Nanda Singh, Karla Bowles, Benjamin Roa
Myriad Genetic Laboratories, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT, United States
Background Individuals with monoallelic pathogenic variants (PVs) in ATM have increased
risks for female breast and pancreatic cancer, as well as possibly increased risks
for aggressive prostate cancer and other malignancies. Individuals with biallelic
PVs in ATM have Ataxia telangiectasia (AT), typically manifesting diverse and severe
clinical features in childhood. Although variants in ATM are presumed to be pathogenic
for both phenotypes, we find that monoallelic carriers of the variant c.6919C>T (p.Leu2307Phe)
may have an increased risk for cancer, although biallelic carriers do not have clinically-apparent
AT.
Methods De-identified clinical information from provider-completed test request forms
was evaluated for both monoallelic and biallelic carriers of ATM c.6919C>T. The variant
was assessed with a previously-described history weighting algorithm (HWA) comparing
variant-associated cancer histories to histories of matched controls with known PVs
in the same gene and matched controls with no PVs. A multivariate logistic regression
model was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for breast cancer, reported with 95%
confidence intervals (CIs).
Results The HWA indicates ATM c.6919C>T is associated with increased cancer risk with
a high degree of confidence, based on 1760 observations. The allele frequency is 3.08%
in the Ashkenazi Jewish population per gnomAD, and we have identified over 2300 monoallelic
carriers of primarily AJ ancestry. No clinical features of AT have been reported for
any of the 40 biallelic carriers with a median age of 55. The OR for female breast
cancer in monoallelic women was calculated as 1.59 (95% CI 1.33–1.76), compared to
2.03 (95% CI 1.89–2.19) for previously-established ATM PVs.
Conclusion Monoallelic c.6919C>T ATM variants may be associated with increased cancer
risk, but not recessive AT in the biallelic state. This has implications for how ATM
variants are classified, as well as for assumptions influencing the classification
of other hereditary cancer genes with recessive phenotypes.
P114: Breast cancer incidence in women with a first degree relative with male breast
cancer who tested negative for BRCA1/2
Kaitlin Stanley, Justin Lorentz, Neda Stjepanovic, Karen Ott, Brittney Johnstone,
Safa Yusuf, Angelina Tryon, Tracy Graham, Danny Vesprini, Andrea Eisen
Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
Background Unaffected women who have a close relative with male breast cancer (MBC)
are at an elevated risk of developing breast cancer (BC) themselves. Negative genetic
testing for men with MBC, can make counselling female first degree relatives (FFDR)
on cancer risks, and providing screening recommendations, challenging. In this study
we analyzed a cohort of FFDR of men diagnosed with MBC who tested negative for common
breast cancer-associated genes.
Methodology A clinical genetics database of patients accrued between 1995 and 2019
was searched to identify men with MBC. Genetic test results and family history of
cancer was collected. In this analysis, the cancer history of the mothers and sisters
of these men were included.
Results Seventy men with MBC were identified. The average reported age was 76 (range
38–101). The average age of onset of MBC was 66 (range 34–88), MBC at age 50 or under
occurred in 5/70 (7.14%) men. Genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 only occurred in
56/70 (80.00%) men, the rest received multi-gene panel testing.
There were 194 FFDR of men with MBC. The average reported age of FFDR was 76 (range
34–102). Breast cancer occurred in 37/194 (19.07%) FFDR. The average age of onset
of BC was 59 (range 35–85). BC at age 50 or under occurred in 10/194 (5.15%) women.
The incidence of other common hereditary cancers in the FFDR cohort were as follows;
colon cancer 8/194 (4.12%), ovarian cancer 4/194 (2.06%), uterine cancer 5/194 (2.58%).
There were no cases of pancreatic cancer in FFDR.
Conclusion Almost 1 in 5 women with a first degree relative with MBC who tested negative
for BRCA1 or BRCA2 developed BC. Further studies with larger cohorts of FFDRs of men
with MBC could help increase confidence in counselling these women, and help provide
more clear screening recommendations.
P116: Characteristics of 339 CHEK2 mutation carriers in a large academic health center
Kristina Ivan
1,2,3, Dana Zakalik1,2,3,4
1Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, MI, United States 2Beaumont Cancer Institute, Royal Oak,
MI, United States 3Nancy and James Grosfeld Cancer Genetics Center, Royal Oak, MI,
United States 4Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Auburn Hills,
MI United States
Background Germline CHEK2 mutations predispose to breast, colon, and other cancers.
Research regarding the clinical characteristics, cancer risks, and outcomes are under
investigation.
Methods Patients with a germline CHEK2 mutation tested between September 2013 and
December 2019 were identified. Genetics results, demographics, tumor characteristics
and outcomes were analyzed.
Results 339 CHEK2 mutation carriers were identified. Most individuals were female
(84%) and Caucasian (99%). Forty-two (12%) were Ashkenazi Jewish. The cohort included
36 families with at least two positive individuals tested through our program (86
individuals). The most common variants were I157T (36%), c.1100delC (24%), and p.S428F
(12%). Four individuals had biallelic CHEK2 mutations. Twenty-seven patients (8%)
had a mutation in at least one additional cancer gene. The mean age at cancer diagnosis
was 63. Breast cancer was the most common malignancy in females (78%), with a mean
age of diagnosis of 54. The majority had grade I/II breast tumors (74%), T1 (63%),
node negative (64%), and estrogen/progesterone receptor positive, HER2neu negative
(74%).
Of the 133 female mutation carriers with breast cancer, 28% underwent bilateral mastectomy.
The 1- and 5-year survival was 100%. Sixteen females (12%) developed a contralateral
breast cancer. Five developed in-breast tumor recurrence at 2, 5, 11, 12, and 21 years,
respectively. Four males had breast cancer. Thirty-eight individuals (12%) had multiple
primary malignancies. One patient developed angiosarcoma of the chest wall two years
after radiation. Other cancers observed were thyroid, colon, prostate, and ovarian
cancer.
Conclusion Our study describes the unique clinical characteristics of a large cohort
of CHEK2 mutation carriers. The majority of breast cancers were early stage, ER/PR
positive, with excellent outcomes. A significant proportion of patients carried mutations
in other cancer genes, underscoring the importance of comprehensive panel testing.
Future studies are needed to continue to define the unique characteristics of CHEK2
mutation carriers.
P118: Frequency of pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants in breast and ovarian
cancer genes identified in a 34-gene hereditary multi-cancer panel at a diagnostic
reference laboratory
Rebecca Nakles-Taylor
1, Sun Hee Rosenthal1, Linda L. Cheng1, Alla Smolgovsky1, Domagoj Hodko1, David Tsao1,
Diana Moglia Tully1, Camille Nery1, Izabela Karbassi2, Andrew Grupe1, Renius Owen1,
Arlene Buller-Burckle1, Felicitas Lacbawan1
1Quest Diagnostics, Nichols Institute, San Juan Capistrano, CA, United States 2Quest
Diagnostics, Athena Diagnostics, Marlborough, MA, United States
Introduction Multi-gene hereditary cancer testing has been shown to have clinical
utility, but there is a need for sharing among labs to improve upon existing data
and further our understanding of multi-gene panels. Here we examine the frequency
of pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants (P/LPVs) found during genetic testing
for hereditary cancer genes at a diagnostic laboratory.
Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of variants identified in 3805 individuals
who underwent genetic testing using a 34-gene hereditary cancer panel (APC, ATM, BARD1,
BMPR1A, BRCA1, BRCA2, BRIP1, CDH1, CDK4, CDKN2A, CHEK2, EPCAM, MEN1, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6,
MUTYH, NBN, NF1, PALB2, PMS2, POLD1, POLE, PTEN, RAD51C, RAD51D, RET, SDHB, SDHC,
SDHD, SMAD4, STK11, TP53, and VHL) at a diagnostic laboratory. Genetic testing was
performed using next-generation sequencing; DNA microarray was used to confirm copy
number variants. Clinical presentations were recorded if available.
Results In our cohort, 386 pathogenic and 64 likely pathogenic (450 total) variants
were identified in 422 (11%) individuals. Breast cancer genes had the most P/LPVs;
323 (72%) were identified. In ovarian cancer genes, 264 (59%) P/LPVs were identified.
In genes not associated with breast or ovarian cancer, 83 (18%) P/LPVs were identified.
Of those P/LPVs in breast and/or ovarian cancer genes (n = 353), 216 (61%) P/LPVs
were in non-BRCA1/2 genes. Clinical presentations associated with P/LPVs from breast
and/or ovarian cancer genes will be presented.
Discussion The results from our multi-cancer panel test indicate that the most frequently
reported P/LPVs were in breast and ovarian cancer genes. Of those genes, most P/LPVs
were found in non-BRCA1/2 genes collectively, compared to BRCA1/2. Since our cohort
included individuals who may not have met clinical criteria for HBOC testing, it is
notable that most P/LPVs were identified in breast and ovarian cancer genes, although
some of these genes are also associated with other cancers.
P119: Integrated analysis of tumour exome sequencing data from familial high-grade
serous ovarian cancer patients to validate novel predisposition genes
Deepak Subramanian
1,2, Magnus Zethoven1,2, Simone McInerny3, Simone Rowley1, Prue Allan1, Kylie Gorringe2,
Paul James1,2,3, Ian Campbell1,2
1Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia 2Sir Peter MacCallum Department
of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia 3The Parkville
Familial Cancer Centre, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The Royal Melbourne Hospital,
Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Background High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) has a significant hereditary
component, approximately half of which cannot be explained by known genes. We recently
reported enrichment for germline loss-of-function (LoF) variants in 43 candidate genes
as well as three proposed genes (PALB2, ATM and MRE11A) in 516 BRCA1/2-negative HGSOC
patients1. However, since the number of carriers for each gene was small, orthogonal
approaches are needed to validate these findings. We therefore conducted tumour sequencing
to seek molecular genetic evidence of biallelic inactivation for these genes.
Methods Whole exome and targeted bisulphite sequencing were performed on DNA extracted
from archival HGSOC specimens from 91 patients who were heterozygous carriers of germline
LoF variants in one of the enriched genes. The data were analysed for evidence of
biallelic inactivation, including copy number (CN) loss, somatic point mutations,
promoter methylation and mutational signatures.
Results Biallelic inactivation involving the wildtype allele via CN loss was observed
in 3/3 PALB2 cases, and in 3/4 ATM cases (2 CN loss and 1 somatic point mutation)
but not in any of the MRE11A cases (0/2); none of these tumours showed loss of the
variant allele. Of the 38 candidate genes represented, 14 demonstrated CN loss of
the wildtype allele in at least one tumour from a germline carrier, with three genes
(LLGL2, LOXL2, SCYL3) displaying this in multiple samples. Conversely, seven candidate
genes exhibited loss of the variant allele in multiple tumours, making them less likely
to be genuine predisposition genes.
Conclusion Our results for ATM and PALB2 demonstrate the utility of this approach
for validating candidate familial cancer genes, providing further support for the
latter as an HGSOC predisposition gene2. Only a small number of candidate genes demonstrated
evidence of wildtype allelic loss to indicate a contributory role to tumorigenesis
in germline LoF variant carriers.
1. Subramanian DN, Zethoven M, McInerny S, Morgan JA, Rowley SM, Lee JEA, et al. Exome
sequencing of familial high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma reveals heterogeneity for
rare candidate susceptibility genes. Nat Commun 2020;11(1):1640.
2. Yang X, Leslie G, Doroszuk A, Schneider S, Allen J, Decker B, et al. Cancer Risks
Associated With Germline PALB2 Pathogenic Variants: An International Study of 524
Families. J Clin Oncol. 2019:JCO.19.01907.
P121: Spectrum of germline mutations within Fanconi anemia-associated genes across
populations of varying ancestry
Sock Hoai Chan
1, Ying Ni2, Shao-tzu Li1, Jing Xian Teo3, Nur Diana Ishak1, Weng Khong Lim3, Joanne
Ngeow1,4
1National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore 2Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United
States 3SingHealth Duke-NUS Institute of Precision Medicine, Singapore 4Nanyang Technological
University, Singapore
Background Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder associated with hematological
disorders and solid tumor predisposition. Owing to phenotypic heterogeneity, some
patients remain undetected until adulthood, usually following cancer diagnoses. The
uneven prevalence of FA cases with different underlying FA gene mutations worldwide
suggests variable genetic distribution across populations. In this study, we aim to
assess the genetic spectrum of FA-associated genes across populations of varying ancestries
and explore potential genotype–phenotype associations in cancer.
Methods Carrier frequency and variant spectrum of potentially pathogenic germline
variants in 17 FA genes (excluding BRCA1/FANCS, BRCA2/FANCD1, BRIP1/FANCJ, PALB2/FANCN,
RAD51C/FANCO) were evaluated in 3523 Singaporeans and seven populations encompassing
Asian, European, African and admixed ancestries from Genome Aggregation Database.
Germline and somatic variants of 17 FA genes in seven cancer cohorts from The Cancer
Genome Atlas (TCGA) were assessed to explore genotype–phenotype associations.
Results Germline variants in FANCA were consistently more frequent in all populations.
Similar trends in carrier frequency and variant spectrum were detected in Singaporeans
and East Asians, both distinct from other ancestry groups particularly in the lack
of recurrent variants. Our TCGA dataset exploration suggested higher germline and
somatic mutation burden between FANCA and FANCC with head and neck and lung squamous
cell carcinomas, as well as FANCI and SLX4/FANCP with uterine cancer, but is insufficiently
powered to detect any statistical significance.
Conclusion Our findings highlight the diverse genetic spectrum of FA-associated genes
across populations of varying ancestries, emphasizing the need to include all known
FA-related genes for accurate molecular diagnosis of FA.
P122: Rare heterozygous NTHL1 c.268C>T; p.Gln90Ter mutation in women with high-grade
serous ovarian carcinoma
Wejdan M. Alenezi
1,2,3, Timothee Revil1,4, Corinne Serruya2, Supriya Behl1,2, Anne-Marie Mes-Masson5,6,
Diane Provencher6,7, William Foulkes1,2,8,9, Zaki El Haffaf6,10, Ioannis Ragoussis1,4,
Patricia N. Tonin1,2
1Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada 2Cancer Research
Program, The Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC,
Canada 3Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi
Arabia 4McGill Génome Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada 5Département de Médecine, Université
de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada 6Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université
de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada 7Département d’obstétrique et gynécologie, Université
de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada 8Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research of the
Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC, Canada 9Department of Medical Genetics, McGill
University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada 10Service de Médecine Génique, Centre
Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
It has been proposed that germline mutations in homologous recombination (HR) and
Fanconi Anemia (FA) DNA repair genes RAD51C, RAD51D, and BRIP1 along with BRCA1 and
BRCA2 confer increased risk to ovarian cancer (OC). Recurrent BRCA1, BRCA2, and RAD51D
germline mutations account for a significant proportion of OC cases in the French
Canadian (FC) population of Quebec due to common ancestors. However, we observed that
20–30% of FC families with at least two OC cases are BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation-negative
which prompted our investigation of new candidate OC predisposing genes.
Whole exome sequencing (WES) and bioinformatic analyses were performed on the germline
of 21 familial FC OC cases. Given the role of known HR-FA genes in OC predisposition,
we used candidate gene approach focusing on potentially damaging rare alleles found
in DNA repair pathway genes. We identified heterozygous carriers of NTHL1 c.268C>T;p.Gln90Ter
in two OC cases from the same family. Genotyping NTHL1 c.268C>T in three independently
ascertained FC cohorts of unselected OC cases, identified 2/439 (0.6%) and 1/258 (0.4%)
heterozygous carriers. The carrier frequency among high grade serous OC cases was
significantly different from cancer-free FC controls (0.6%; 3/482 vs. 0.05%; 1/1917,
p = 0.03). Tumor profiling revealed loss of the wild-type allele in both left and
right ovarian tumors from two carriers. WES analysis on those tumors showed the associated
mutational signature. Further WES analysis of c.268C>T carriers did not reveal the
presence of rare of other potentially pathogenic alleles in known or suspected OC
predisposing genes. Biallelic NTHL1 c.268C>T carriers in non-FC populations have been
described with multi-tumor phenotype that predominantly feature colorectal and breast
cancers. Though NTHL1 c.268C>T does not account for a significant proportion of unexplained
heritable OC in the FC population, our findings suggest the intriguing possibility
that heterozygous carriers of may have had an increased risk to OC.
PSYCHO-ONCOLOGY
P128: Impact of genetic counseling and genetic testing on families at high-risk for
hereditary breast and ovarian cancer predisposition syndrome
Natalia Campacci1, Henrique Campos Galvão1, Paula Carvalho1, Lucas França Garcia3,
Rebeca Silveira Grasel1, Patricia Ashton-Prolla2, Edenir Inez Palmero
1,4
1Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil 2Federal University of Rio
Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil 3Graduate Program on Health
Promotion, UniCesumar, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil 4Barretos School of Health Sciences,
Dr. Paulo Prata – FACISB, Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil
The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of genetic counseling (GC) and genetic
testing (GT) in 60 families at-risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer from
the Department of Oncogenetics in a Brazilian hospital.
This is a prospective study of mixed methods, which have four moments: M1- Before
the GC, in which the draw of pedigree, genogram, and ecomap is done and, psychosocial
questionnaires (PQ) were carried out; M2- After GC session and blood draw for GT,
the application of PQ; M3- After GT, with the application of PQ and M4- Performed
6 to 12 months after the GT result, which became a new draw of the pedigree, genogram,
ecomap, and reapplication of PQ questionnaires.
The qualitative analysis was performed through Content Thematic Analysis. Of the 60
women included, 16 have pathogenic germline variants (PV) in the genes BRCA1, BRCA2,
or TP53, 41 had negative genetic test result (WT) and 3 had variant of unknown clinical
significance (VUS). The cancer risk perception changed throughout the moments (p < 0.05)
and, in M4, the higher risk perception has relation with the greater the search for
religiosity (p = 0.015). Individuals with VUS have high levels of concern to the development
of cancer and have a high perception of health beliefs on the barriers scale for doing
preventive exams. Symptoms of depression increased over time in individuals WT, PV
and VUS (p = 0.006). Qualitative data show that the genetic test holds up negative
relationship among family members, but despite this, there is the promotion of communication,
with 68.7% of the families of MT patients. It was possible to identify the impact
of GC and GT at families. The obtained information is of great importance allowing
the professionals to understand individual perceptions and family dynamics, supporting
a personalized assistance.
P129: In their own words—written narratives of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer
Elin O. Eriksen
1,2, Hildegunn Høberg Vetti1,2, Cathrine Bjorvatn3,4, Oddgeir Synnes2
1Western Norway Familial Cancer Center, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
2VID Specialized University, Faculty of Health Studies, Bergen, Norway 3Department
of Research and Development, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway 4Department
of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
Background In genetic counseling we listen to fragments from family stories and how
life experiences influence the choice of treatments and risk perception. These stories
are seldom fully told in the setting of a genetic counseling session. Previous qualitative
research on experience of hereditary cancer has been done through interviews. In this
study we asked patients to write their own story. A narrative might allow a person
to tie changes in his/ her life into a story that might give an understanding of various
events and how these are interpreted and made meaningful.
Aim To elucidate how individuals with a pathogenic BRCA variant tell their story of
cancer in their family. Do their experiences affect their perception and understanding
of a genetic variant and its cancer risk?
Material Fifty patients with a pathogenic BRCA variant were invited to write their
narrative about cancer in their family. In the invitation we included a writing guide
to help them get started with the writing process. Six patients returned their narratives.
Method To analyze the narratives we used a previously described qualitative content
analysis.
Results The main themes identified: (1) experiences of cancer are intertwined with
a larger family history, (2) experience with insecurity and bodily vulnerability,
(3) finding a new direction in life with cancer risk.
Conclusion Through the written narratives we gained a better understanding of how
perceptions of a genetic variant and cancer risk can be affected by and intertwined
with experiences from one's family. This emphasizes the importance of active listening
in the genetic counseling session, which could be at stake when the complexity of
genetic testing and information load is steadily increasing along with a demand of
increasing efficiency in the cancer genetic clinic.
Keywords BRCA-genes, written narratives, cancer risk, genetic counseling.
RISK ASSESSMENT AND GENETIC COUNSELLING ISSUES
P130: Flipping the model: a novel approach to expand access and increase capture of
ovarian cancer patients for genetic testing
Rosa Guerra*, Nicole Marjon*, Julie Mak, Amie Blanco, Alexandra (Jana) Freeman, Stephanie
Chung, Lee-may Chen
UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA, United States
*Contributed equally.
Background Genetic testing for ovarian cancer patients is essential to consideration
of PARP inhibitor therapy. To improve access, we piloted a Genetic Testing Station
(GTS) which allowed patients to have a drop-in, same-day genetic testing visit facilitated
by Genetic Counselor Assistants (GCAs) under the supervision of Genetic Counselors
(GCs).
Methods The GTS was implemented in December 2018 and operated through February 2020.
Gynecologic Oncologist offered ovarian cancer patients a same-day GTS visit with a
GCA, where the patient received education via videos designed by GCs. The patient
also provided consent, a brief family history, and a sample for a standardized 133-gene
panel. Results were provided by a telehealth or clinic visit with a GC. We compared
uptake of genetic testing post-GTS, and also time from referral to delivery of testing
results. Patients were retrospectively identified by querying the medical record for
ovarian cancer patients seen 12 months prior to and 18 months after GTS implementation.
Results A total of 482 patients pre-GTS were compared to 625 patients post-GTS. Genetic
testing increased from 68.5% to 75.66665% (p = 0.012) after implementation of the
GTS, with the majority of the increase in patients with epithelial histologies (80%
vs 89% in pre-GTS vs post-GTS, p = 0.005). Time from referral to genetic testing to
obtaining results was evaluated in the post-GTS cohort, comparing patients who had
traditional counseling to those who utilized the GTS. The time to obtaining results
was shorter in the GTS group at 21 days (95% CI [10, 34]) compared to 56 days (95%
CI [41,76]) in the traditional genetic counseling group.
Discussion The GTS reduces barriers to care and facilitates discussion of precision
treatment and prevention strategies with patients and their families in a timely fashion
while optimizing Genetic Counselor clinic time. Post-COVID, access improvement remains
integral to improving uptake of genetic testing.
P133: Putting together the pieces: challenges in the clinical interpretation of mosaic
TP53 pathogenic variants
Theresa Sciaraffa, Brittany DeGreef, Jeffrey Dungan
Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
Background Multi-gene panel testing (MGPT) with next generation sequencing (NGS) is
routinely used to identify germline pathogenic variants (PVs) causative of hereditary
cancer. Many breast cancer patients undergo MGPT to inform therapeutic decision-making.
The inclusion of the TP53 gene on MGPT poses challenges, as NGS coverage may detect
low-level TP53 mosaicism. Distinguishing germline TP53 PVs, associated with Li-Fraumeni
syndrome (LFS), from somatic TP53 PVs, which may be associated with clonal hematopoiesis
of indeterminate potential (CHIP), is critical. We present two cases of mosaic TP53
PVs identified on MGPT and their diagnostic outcomes.
Case Discussion
Case 1 23 year-old female with unilateral breast cancer (IDC, ER+/PR+/Her2−) and family
history of male breast cancer (paternal uncle). NGS (peripheral blood) revealed a
TP53 PV (c.1024C>T; p.Arg342*) at 10% allele frequency. Site-specific analysis via
Sanger sequencing (skin fibroblasts) was negative. Paired somatic and germline analyses
(tumor and peripheral blood) demonstrated TP53 c.1024 C>T with loss of a second TP53
allele. This patient likely has true mosaic LFS and is following screening protocols
as outlined in professional guidelines.
Case 2 55 year-old female with unilateral breast cancer (IDC, ER+ PR+ Her2−) and family
history of ovarian and colon cancers (mother and maternal grandfather, respectively).
NGS (peripheral blood) revealed a TP53 PV (c.673-2A > G, splice acceptor) at 10% allele
frequency. NGS (skin biopsy) was negative, suggesting that this PV was confined to
blood. The patient’s older age of onset and absence of LFS spectrum cancers suggests
CHIP. She was managed clinically by breast oncology.
Conclusions Significant differences in phenotype and clinical management between CHIP
and mosaic LFS prompt the need for additional analyses of low-level TP53 mosaicism.
Challenges presented by NGS testing will undoubtedly continue to increase, highlighting
the need for discussion amongst genetics professionals to address current challenges
in results interpretation and post-test genetic counseling.
P135 Rapid Fire Presentation: The BRCA Founder OutReach (BFOR) study: a novel digital
heath initiative ongoing in the Ashkenazi Jewish population
Kelly M. Morgan
1, Heather Symecko2, Daniella Kamara3, Colby Jenkins4, Jeffrey D. Levin1, Jenny Lester3,
Kelsey Spielman2, Lydia Pace8, Vanessa Marcell1, Temima Wildman1, Yuri Fesk 6, Jacob
Heitler7, Mark E. Robson1, Katherine Nathanson2, Nadine Tung5, Beth Y. Karlan3, Susan
M. Domchek2, Judy E. Garber4, Jada G. Hamilton1, Kenneth Offit1
1Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States 2The University
of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States 3The David Geffen School of Medicine
at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States 4Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,
United States 5Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States 6Quest
Diagnostics, Secaucus, NJ, United States 7LifeLink, Oakland, CA, United States 8Brigham
Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
Background NCCN guidelines endorse consideration of BRCA founder mutation testing
in Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) individuals irrespective of personal/family history. Barriers
to BRCA population screening include access, counseling availability, and care provider
readiness to participate in this process. The BRCA Founder OutReach (BFOR) study evaluated
a digital approach to genetic testing using a medical model and risk-adapted follow-up.
Methods The BFOR study (bforstudy.com) was open in four US cities to insured individuals
25 or older with at least one grandparent of AJ ancestry. Participants received pretest
education, provided consent, and completed questionnaires via a chatbot-based online
interface. Participants chose to receive results from their primary care provider
(PCP) or BFOR staff. Nominated PCPs could accept or decline this invitation. Participants
received BRCA AJ fonder mutation testing at local phlebotomy centers. Personal/family
history of potentially BRCA-associated cancers was assessed to flag those who may
be eligible for additional testing. Participants will be surveyed for up to 5 years;
a subset of PCPs were also surveyed.
Results As of March 2020, 5193 participants consented to the study and 4109 participants
completed genetic testing (median age: 54). Genetic knowledge after interactive consent
was high (mean score 90% questions correct). Overall satisfaction with the digital
tool was moderate (mean 7.2 on 0–10 scale) and was negatively correlated with age
(r2 = − 0.08; p < 0.001, age range 25–93). 35.1% of participants selected a PCP to
disclose results and 40.5% of PCP invitations to disclose results were accepted. 36.7%
of participants who tested negative were flagged for a significant personal/family
history of cancer. 138 mutation carriers (3.4%) were identified. Participants’ medical
and psychosocial outcomes as well as acceptance of this model by both lay and medical
communities are being evaluated.
Conclusion An internet-assisted digital tool effectively provides access to pretest
education, genetic testing, and medical follow-up for targeted populations.
P136: Is it somatic or germline? A case report of a TP53 variant identified in hereditary
cancer panel testing
Julia Su, Hong Wang, Lea Velsher, Ingrid Ambus
North York General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
Pathogenic variants (PVs) in the TP53 gene cause Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS), a cancer
predisposition syndrome associated with high risk for a diverse spectrum of malignancies.
A recent study found that nearly 40% of PVs in TP53 on Next-Generation Sequencing
(NGS) cancer panels are likely somatic with a low allele frequency, between 10 to
30% (Coffee 2017). With follow up testing, the majority of likely somatic PVs were
confirmed to be acquired aberrant clonal expansions, not germline mutations (Weitzel
et al. 2018).
We report a case of a 60-year-old woman with breast cancer at age 45 undergoing testing
for an 18 gene NGS cancer panel. Lymphocyte testing revealed a PV (c.155_164del; p.Gln52LeufsTer68)
in TP53 with an allele frequency of 36%. This variant was confirmed by Sanger sequencing.
While the allele frequency was above the cut-off for likely somatic PVs, follow up
testing was done to verify if the PV was germline. DNA extracted from skin biopsy
in the proband was Sanger sequenced. Lymphocyte testing was also done in her identical
twin sister (zygosity confirmed). These tests did not identify the same PV in TP53,
indicating it was somatically acquired. This case demonstrates that PVs in TP53 with
an allele frequency of over 30% can be somatically acquired. Given the intense surveillance
required in LFS and the common occurrence of somatic PVs in TP53, germline PVs in
TP53 should be verified by testing other tissues and/or family members prior to making
medical management decisions. We propose follow up testing should not be limited to
PVs in TP53 with allele frequency under 30%. When interpreting apparent germline PVs
in TP53, clinicians should consider the complete clinical picture, including personal
cancer history, family history, and the availability of follow up testing.
P137: Traceback: identification and genetic counseling and testing of mutation carriers
through family-based outreach
Goli Samimi, Charlisse Caga-anan, Brandy Heckman-Stoddard
National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
Women with pathogenic BRCA1/2 mutations have a substantially increased risk of developing
breast and ovarian cancer. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends
risk assessment and genetic testing for all women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. However,
studies have shown that < 30% of eligible women undergo genetic testing. It is estimated
that only 48,700 of over 348,000 women who are BRCA1/2 mutation carriers have been
identified; 220,000 of these carriers have not been diagnosed with cancer.
To address these missed opportunities for risk management, the National Cancer Institute
(NCI) published a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to support research projects
using a Traceback approach to identify and genetically test previously diagnosed but
unreferred patients with ovarian cancer and their relatives. The overall goal of Traceback
is to increase identification of families at risk for breast or ovarian cancer, who
may benefit from available screening and risk reduction approaches.
A total of three grants, which have complementary Traceback approaches within different
clinical and population contexts, were selected for funding and are expected to be
awarded in 2020. These proposals include: the development and evaluation of communication
strategies to identify and offer genetic testing to survivors and family members identified
within Healthcare System Research Network registries; the use of a “citizen scientist”
approach and testing of targeted message-based versus standard outreach approaches
to inform and offer genetic testing to survivors and family members; and leveraging
of coordinated tumor registries within a hospital system to identify previously diagnosed,
deceased patients, test their tumors, and reach out to their family members to offer
testing. Because Traceback approaches involve ethical, legal and societal implications
(ELSI) related to communication, consent, return of results, and community engagement,
these proposals each include an aim to identify and explore ways to overcome these
ELSI issues.
P138: Value of multiple-gene panel retesting of families with BRCA1/2 mutation-negative
hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC)
Ekaterina Meshoulam1, Daniella Camacho2, Nuria Calvo2, Consol Lopez2, Rosa Alfonso2,
Carla Sola2, E. Jimenez2, M. Cornet2, Nuria Cliville2, Susana Quero2, Laura Alias2,
Alexandra Gisbert-Beamud2, Adriana Lasa2, Teresa Ramón y Cajal
2
1Mutua Terrassa Hospital, Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain 2Sant Pau Hospital, Barcelona,
Barcelona, Spain
Introduction Despite the use of clinical eligibility criteria and mutation predictive
models, a great proportion of families are negative for germline mutations in BRCA1/2genes.
Traditionally, risk assessment of inconclusive results included the recommendation
of high-risk surveillance protocol, the update of incident cancer cases in the family
and the consideration of additional testing to rule out the possibility of phenocopy.
More recently, next generation sequencing multigene panels have become a standard
practice in cancer genetics clinics worldwide. We addressed the value of multigene
panel retesting of BRCA1/2negative HBOC families in our institution.
Methods After genetic counseling session and informed consent, a total of 160 individuals
(140 probands and 20 extra cancer-affected relatives) from distinct BRCA1/2 negative
families were retested using a panel containing 11 breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility
genes (BRCA1/2, PALB2, ATM, CHEK2, PTEN, TP53, STK11, BRIP1, RAD51C, RAD51D). According
to the BOADICEA model(versión BWA V4 beta) the remaining probability of BRCA1/2 or
PALB2 mutations was 6% (0.1–76). In 42 cases (26%) the reason for considering retesting
was the addition of any incident cancer diagnosis. In 8 families, prior study had
been performed with a low sensitivity screening technique (dHPLC).
Results Overall, 4 pathogenic (2 BRCA2, 1 CHEK2, 1 MSH2) and 8 likely pathogenic variants
(1 BRCA2, 4 CHEK2 and 3 ATM) were found. The prevalence of clinically relevant variants
was 7,5%. The detection rate among 19 families with a > 10% remaining probability
of mutation in BRCA1/2 and PALB2 genes was 26%. Three clinically significant variants
in BRCA2 were detected in 2 families and 1 cancer updated family (BOADICEA remaining
probability of 59, 61 and 12%, respectively). Cascade testing was subsequently done
in 20 relatives resulting 10 mutation carriers and 10 true negatives.
Conclusion Our results support the value of updating cancer incident cases and considering
expanded panels in selected families.
P139: Challenges with conflicting interpretations of pathogenicity of the CHEK2 c.1427C>T
variant
Lee Ann McCoy, Ophira Ginsburg, John Pappas
Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
Clarity of genetic test results is a critical component of accurate cancer risk assessment
and appropriate medical management. While guidelines for variant interpretation are
available, conflicts amongst laboratories occur frequently due to lack of standardization.
We describe two patients impacted by discrepant classifications of the CHEK2 c.1427C>T
variant.
The first patient is an unaffected 35 yo female of Iranian descent from a consanguineous
family with a history of breast and ovarian cancers. Results of a multi-gene panel
at Laboratory 1 were significant for homozygous CHEK2 c.1427C>T variants, classified
as Likely Pathogenic. Her parents were, therefore, obligate carriers of this variant,
yet her mother’s results at Laboratory 2 were negative. Laboratory 2 later confirmed
they detected the CHEK2 c.1427C>T variant but classified it as Likely Benign. Counseling
regarding cancer risks and appropriate management strategies was challenging, given
the conflicting and limited data.
The second patient is a 76 yo male with a history of melanoma at 55 and 75, bladder
cancer at 65, leukemia at 71, renal cancer at 74 and prostate cancer at 75. Results
of a multi-gene panel at Laboratory 3 were significant for the CHEK2 c.1427C>T variant,
classified there as Uncertain. Searches on the public database, ClinVar, and of current
literature revealed wide discrepancies in classification of this variant, ranging
between Likely Pathogenic to Likely Benign. While there are no implications for this
patient’s medical management, it remains unclear whether testing for his children
and siblings is indicated.
In both cases, conflicting interpretations of pathogenicity of the CHEK2 c.1427C>T
were not readily apparent and required more extensive evaluation by the clinical genetics
team. These significant challenges not only highlight the importance of results interpretation
by providers experienced in genetics but also the need for consistency in variant
classification methods and data sharing amongst laboratories to improve patient care.
P140: Compatibility of the NCCN BRCA1/2 testing criteria for Japanese patients undergoing
germline BRCA1/2 testing
Masaru Takemae
1, Kokichi Sugano2, Tosuke Kitamura1, Michiko Harao3, Kyouko Takai2, Hanae Aoki2,
Jiro Ando1
1Tochigi Cancer Center Department of Breast Surgery, Utsunomiya, Japan 2Tochigi Cancer
Center Department of Cancer Prevention, Utsunomiya, Japan 3Jichi Medical University
Hospital Department of Breast Surgery, Shimotsuke, Japan
Background We examined the applicability of the BRCA1/2 Testing Criteria of the NCCN-Guidelines
Ver. 2, 2021 for Japanese patients undergoing germline BRCA1/2 testing.
Patients and Method Medical records of the patients visiting the outpatient clinic
for cancer prevention & genetic counseling and the breast cancer clinic from Jan.
2003 through Nov. 2020 were retrieved and 275 patients undergoing BRCA1/2 DNA testing
were examined for their compatibility with the NCCN BRCA1/2 Testing Criteria.
Result Of 275 patients, 35 patients had wild type BRCA1/2 and 29 patients had pathogenic/likely
pathogenic (P/LP) variants either in BRCA1/2. Patients compatibility with the Testing
Criteria was compared between 2 groups, i.e., 240 patients with wild type vs. 35 patients
with P/LP BRCA1/2 variants.
(i)
Breast cancer (BC) diagnosed at age less than 45 y/o: 78/240 vs. 20/35 (p = 0.007)
(ii)
BC diagnosed at 46–50 y/o with a second BC diagnosed at any age or one more closed
blood relative with BC: 18/240 vs. 3/35 (p = 0.738)
(iii)
BC diagnosed less than 60 y/o with TNBC: 24/240 vs. 6/35 (p = 0.241)
(iv)
BC at any age, with one more blood relative with breast, ovarian, pancreatic cancer,
and male breast cancer or three or more total diagnoses of BC in patient and/or blood
relatives; 71/240 vs.22/35 (p = 0.000)
(v)
Epitherial ovarian cancer: 33/240 vs.6/35 (p = 0.605)
(vi)
Male BC: 0/240 vs.0/35
(vii)
Exocrine pancreatic cancer: 20/240 vs.2/35 (p = 1.000)
(viii)
Metastatic prostate cancer: 0/240 vs. 0/35
Discussion 220/275 (80.0%) patients undergoing BRCA1/2 DNA testing fulfilled the NCCN
criteria and all patients with pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants were compatible with the
criteria.
Conclusion NCCN-criteria is compatible with Japanese HBOC.
P144: Cervical cancer in individuals with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer—a correlation?
Juliane Hoyer
1, Cornelia Kraus1, Antje Wiesener1, Ulrike Hüffmeier1, Georgia Vasileiou1, Marius
Wunderle2, Peter Fasching2, André Reis1
1Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen,
Bavaria, Germany 2Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität
Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
Cervical cancer is both the fourth-most common cause of cancer and the fourth-most
common cause of death from cancer in women worldwide. The life time disease risk is
estimated at 1 in 130 (0.8%) in Germany. Cervical carcinomas are mainly caused by
persistent infections with human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly with HPV strains
16 and 18. Most HPV infections are no more detectable after 1–2 years. In contrast,
there is an increased risk for development of a high-grade dysplasia if HPV infections
persist. Genetic factors have been discussed to play a role for HPV persistence and
progression from low grade dysplasia to malignancy.
We investigated, whether genes associated with hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer
predispose to cervical cancer. Therefore we screened a total of 2016 patients with
breast or ovarian cancer with at least a 10% prior probability of carrying a BRCA1/2
mutation based on clinical criteria as age of manifestation, family history and contralateral
disease regarding mutations in one of the following cancer susceptibility genes: BRCA1,
BRCA2, ATM, CDH1, CHEK2, PALB2, RAD51C, RAD51D, TP53, PTEN, BRIP1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2,
MLH1 and STK11.
We identified a disease causing mutation (ACMG4 or 5) in a total of 410 patients (20.33%).
Six of them (1.46%) had a prior diagnosis of cervical cancer besides breast cancer.
One BRCA1 and one ATM mutation was identified in one individual each as well as MSH2
and CHEK2 mutations in two patients each. Of the 1606 cancer patients without an identifiable
disease causing mutation nine individuals were diagnosed with cervical cancer (0.56%).
Although this difference was statistically not significant in our study group (p = 0.097)
it indicates a possible moderately increased risk and the need to validate this observation
in larger cohorts.
P145: Implementation of online learning module for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer
Kelly Anderson
1, Brenda Caldwell1, Emilie Creede1, Cathy Gilpin1, Sara Fernandez2, Valerie Hastings1,
Christina Honeywell1, Gabrielle Mettler1, Shawna Morrison1, Erika Smith1, Safa Yusuf1,
Sari Zelenietz1, Alison Rusnak1, Eva Tomiak1,3
1CHEO, Regional Genetics Program, Ottawa, ON, Canada 2Newborn Screening Ontario, Ottawa,
ON, Canada 3University of Ottawa, Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Almost 50% of referrals made to the Hereditary Cancer Program within the Regional
Genetics Program at CHEO are women who have not been diagnosed with cancer (unaffected)
but have a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer. We have not been able to
successfully see patients referred to our service within the triaged timeline (priority
level) with our current resources. In order to see all patients within their assigned
priority level, we needed to find efficiencies in performing genetic assessments for
this population. Previously we had been seeing these unaffected women in a group setting.
Through our quality improvement (QI) initiatives at CHEO and with support from an
industry partner we have developed and made available an online learning module (e-Learning
module). These patients are able to view the module on their own time and decide whether
they wish to proceed with a genetic counselling telephone appointment. Implementation
of this intervention involved assessment of our work-flow, identifying barriers to
communication, constructing a bilingual (English/French) and electronic family history
questionnaire, developing a strategy for triaging patients on our wait-list and new
referrals, and assessing patient satisfaction.
Within the first 8 months of implementation, we have increased the percentage of patients
seen within their triaged priority level (37% to 88%). Our wait list for the entire
Hereditary Cancer Program has decreased by 14% from June 2019 to December 2019. Overall,
patients found the information presented in the e-Learning module to be valuable (96.3%).
Through this quality improvement project we have found an efficient method to meet
the needs of our largest referred patient population.
P146: Facilitated referral pathway for genetic assessment of women with ovarian cancer
in a public vs private hospital: differential uptake of testing and psychological
impact
Sarah S. Lee
1, Melissa K. Frey2, Deanna Gerber1, Zachary Schwartz1, Jessica Martineau1, Kathleen
Lutz1, Erin Reese1, Emily Dalton3, Annie Olsen1, Julia Girdler1, Bhavana Pothuri1,
Leslie R. Boyd1, John P. Curtin1, Douglas A. Levine1, Stephanie V. Blank4
1New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States 2Weill Cornell Medicine,
New York, NY, United States 3Ambry Genetics, Aliso Viejo, CA, United States 4Icahn
School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
Objectives This study compared rates of genetic counseling (GC), genetic testing (GT)
and patient-reported stress, anxiety, and depression among patients at a private hospital
(PrH) and public hospital (PuH) on a facilitated referral pathway (FRP) for GC and
GT.
Methods In this prospective study from 10/2015 to 5/2019, patients with epithelial
ovarian cancer diagnosed at a PrH and PuH were offered a uniform FRP. Patients were
contacted by a genetics navigator for a timely appointment for GC and GT. English-speaking
patients completed quality of life (QoL) instruments (Impact of Events Scale, State-Trait
Anxiety Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) pre-and post-GC. The
primary outcome was rate of GC. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, Mann–Whitney
U, and logistic regression.
Results One-hundred and ten patients were included (PrH-83, 75.5%, PuH-27, 24.5%).
The majority of patients at the PuH were uninsured or on public insurance, less likely
to be English-speaking (p = 0.004) and be non-white (p = 0.010). Patients at the PuH
were less likely to undergo GC compared to PrH patients (18, 66.7% vs. 70, 79.5%,
p = 0.046). When adjusting for age, race, primary language, or tumor site, referring
hospital was not associated with uptake of GC (OR 2.90, 95% CI 0.87–9.73) or GT (OR
1.77, 95% CI 0.57–5.51). There were no differences in the uptake of GT once GC occurred.
There were no differences in GT results based on the hospital setting; 16 (19.3%)
had a pathogenic variant and 28 (33.7%) had a variant of uncertain significance. There
were no significant differences in QoL between the two hospitals and when compared
prior to and following GC.
Conclusions Despite a dedicated genetics navigator in a FRP, patients at the PuH were
less likely than those at the PrH to accept GC. However, this difference disappeared
when controlling for race and language. Outreach is needed to increase access to GT
for underserved patients.
P147: Leveraging health information technology to collect family cancer history: a
systematic review and meta-analysis
Xuan Li, Ryan M. Kahn, Noelani Wing, Zhen Ni Zhou, Andreas Lackner, Hannah Krinsky,
Nora Badiner, Rhea Fogla, Isabel Wolfe, Becky Baltich Nelson, Charlene Thomas, Paul
J. Christos, Ravi N. Sharaf, Evelyn Cantillo, Kevin Holcomb, Eloise Chapman-Davis,
Melissa K. Frey
Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
Objectives Collection of a comprehensive family cancer history (FCH) can identify
individuals at-risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC) and Lynch
syndrome (LS). However, there are no formal guidelines for FCH collection across medical
systems. The aim of this study is to evaluate the literature on existing strategies
whereby providers utilize information technology (IT) to assemble FCH.
Methods A systematic search of online databases (PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the
Cochrane Library) between 1980 and 2020 was performed. Meta-analysis was used to estimate
pooled results across studies. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed through the
chi-square test (i.e., Cochrane Q test) and the inconsistency statistic (I2). A random
effects analysis was used to calculate the pooled proportions and means.
Results The comprehensive search produced 4005 publications and 21 studies met inclusion
criteria. Fifteen distinct IT tools with four strategies were identified: electronic
survey prior to visit (12, 57.1%), electronic survey via tablet in the office (3,
14.3%), electronic survey via kiosk (3, 14.3%) and animated virtual counselor (1,
4.8%). Among the 32,404 included patients, 77.0% completed the FCH tool (CI 0.57,
0.97). The time required for survey completion was 35.2 min (CI 14.3–56.2). Five studies
included a standard patient interview for FCH collection and the IT tool; all demonstrated
very good agreement between collected data. Five (33.3%) of the IT FCH tools had the
capacity to interface directly with the patients’ electronic medical record. Seven
studies included qualitative assessment of patient satisfaction with the tool, all
demonstrating high levels of satisfaction.
Conclusion Our review found that electronic FCH collection can be completed successfully
by patients in a time efficient manner with high rates of satisfaction among patients
and providers. Increasing the utilization of health IT for FCH collection has the
potential to improve detection rates of HBOC and LS.
P153: Breast cancer patients' experiences with mainstreamed genetic testing in two
hospitals in South Eastern Norway—preliminary results
Nina Strømsvik
1,2, Pernilla Olsson3, Berit Gravdehaug4, Lovise Mæhle5, Ellen Schlichting6,7, Hilde
Lurås7,8, Kjersti Jørgensen5, Teresia Wangensteen5, Tone Vamre5, Cecilie Heramb5,
Eli Marie Grindedal5
1Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences,
Bergen, Norway 2Northern Norway Familial Cancer Center, Department of Medical Genetics,
University Hospital of North-Norway, Tromsø, Norway 3Department of Surgery, Section
of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Innlandet Hospital, Hamar, Norway 4Department of
Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway 5Department
of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway 6Institute of Clinical
Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway 7Department of Oncology, Section of Breast-
and Endocrine Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway 8Health Services Research
Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
Background In South Eastern Norway, genetic testing of BRCA1 and BRCA2 is mainstreamed
into regular oncological care. Testing is offered directly to breast cancer (BC) patients
by surgeons and oncologists. Only patients who test positive for a pathogenic BRCA
variant or have a family history of cancer, are referred to genetic counseling. The
aim of this study was to gain knowledge on how BC patients experience this health
care service.
Methods Thirty women, diagnosed with BC during the first half of 2016 or 2017 at one
regional and one university hospital, and who had been tested by their treating physician
were invited. Twenty two (73%) consented to inclusion, and qualitative individual
interviews were undertaken with all of them. The data were analysed using a thematic
approach.
Results Being diagnosed with BC was a shock that created a need for and an obstacle
to absorbing and remembering information. A feeling of trust in the health care providers
facilitated communication in this chaotic period. The women regarded genetic testing
as important for themselves, their cancer treatment and their relatives. The participants’
experience of how genetic testing was offered, the amount of information they received
and how they had received the test result varied. Not all patients had been offered
testing, and some had asked for the test themselves. The participants emphasized the
importance of having routines to secure that all eligible patients were given the
opportunity of being tested.
Conclusions Based on the findings in this qualitative study of BC patients’ experience
with mainstreamed genetic testing, we conclude that access to testing during diagnosis
and treatment had been important to these women. Their varied experiences regarding
when and how they had been offered testing indicate that there may be a need to strengthen
and unify routines for this health care service.
P154: Extending the reach of cancer genetic counseling to the safety net: genetic
counseling perspectives across three modes of delivery
Miya Frick
1, Robin Lee1, Claudia Guerra1, Galen Joseph1, Celia Kaplan1, Susan Stewart2, Lili
Wang5, Amal Khoury4, Niharika Dixit1, Heather Cedermaz3, Jin Kim4, Janet Tsoh1, Amy
Li1, Elizabeth Aleman1, Salina Flores1, Rena Pasick1
1University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States 2University
of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States 3Contra Costa Regional Medical
Center, Martinez, CA, United States 4Alameda Health System, Oakland, CA, United States
Introduction There are too few Genetic Counselors (GCs) to meet growing demand, and
genetic counseling is unavailable in most safety net health care settings. This inequity
represents an example of how medical advances can exacerbate health disparities. Delivery
of genetic counseling services remotely could increase access for underserved populations.
Here we examine what is lost and gained with three modes of genetic counseling in
a multi-lingual, low health literacy population from the genetic counselor perspective;
and propose strategies to help address challenges identified.
Methods Using mixed methods, we conducted a multicenter partially randomized trial
with high-risk English, Spanish, and Cantonese speaking patients assigned by (1) patient´s
preference or (2) randomization to three counseling modes: (a) in-person, (b) phone,
or (c) video. 30 participants underwent in-depth qualitative interviews and analyses
triangulating all forms of data following their initial genetic counseling session.
Two genetic counselors completed a detailed review of 27 transcripts from both the
genetic counseling session and the patient interview. The GCs’ reflections were recorded
and summarized.
Results Genetic counselors saw benefits and limitations with each mode. Telephone
counseling provided the most convenience and schedule flexibility, though there were
often distractions for both patients and GC’s, and it was more difficult to provide
emotional support without face to face contact. GC’s noted reduced engagement, feeling
rushed and fatigue, especially when appointments were scheduled back-to-back and/or
when using an interpreter. Genetic counselors found video visits similar to in-person
with regard to ease of building rapport and establish meaningful connections. When
serving low-income patient populations remotely, greater counselor satisfaction may
be achievable by use of plain talk and teach back, and avoiding excess information.
In addition, heightened awareness of the limitations of phone should prompt more focused
efforts to establish rapport when counseling by that mode. Finally, patients and counselors
will benefit from explicit emphasis on key take-away messages.