2018 Paint paper pink

Page 72 2018 Paint the Paper Pink Lincoln Daily News October 2018 The team also found strong support that 3 other mutated genes (BRIP1, RAD51C, and RAD51D) moderately increase the risk for TNBC, when they were previously thought to only cause ovarian cancer. What the Results Could Mean With the identification of these TNBC genes, doctors who are concerned about risks of breast cancer in their patients can focus on using cancer genetic tests that include this set of genes. And their identification allows researchers to now focus on developing drugs that could target specific gene mutations in tumors. New guidelines for gene testing for those at risk for triple-negative breast cancer. Current guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommend that people be tested for BRCA1 and BRCA2, if they have an increased risk for breast cancer due to a personal or family history of cancer such as: A family history of breast or ovarian cancer A diagnosis of TNBC at age 60 or younger A diagnosis of breast cancer under age 40 There are no guidelines to test people for predisposition genes other than BRCA1 or BRCA2. However, this may change as more information about which genes increase risk of breast cancer becomes available. Plus, only mutations in certain genes qualify women for breast MRI in addition to mammograms for screening and early cancer detection. Some of the genes indentified by Couch are not currently on that list. “The hope is that breast cancer screening guidelines might change based on our findings,” Couch says. “Those at high risk could then get additional screening with a breast MRI, which studies show can improve survival,” he says. Drugs for treatment of people who have gene mutations (called mutation carriers) and who have been diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. “This enhanced understanding of the genetic risks for TNBC opens the door to test the effectiveness of current targeted treatments,” Couch says. For instance, there’s some evidence that BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers with TNBC might respond well to platinum agents, such as cisplatin (Platinol AQ) or carboplatin (Paraplatin). Mutation carriers may also be helped by a type of drug called PARP inhibitors. PARP is an enzyme that helps both healthy and CONTINUE ...