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Updated: Feb 14, 2026

Functional Assessment of BRCA1 variants using CRISPR-Mediated Base Editors
Published on: February 28, 2021
Bone loss in women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations
C Bethan Powell1, Amy Alabaster2, Nicole Stoller2
1Kaiser Permanente Northern California Gynecologic Cancer Program, San Francisco, CA, USA; Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Division of Research, Oakland, CA, USA.
Bone loss is common in women with BRCA mutations, especially after risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO). Higher BMI and non-white race were protective, while older age and SERM use increased bone loss risk.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Women with BRCA mutations have an increased risk of ovarian and breast cancers.
- Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) is a strategy to mitigate this cancer risk.
- Ovarian hormone production cessation from RRSO can lead to bone loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of bone loss in women with BRCA mutations.
- To identify clinical risk factors associated with bone loss in this cohort.
- To examine the impact of RRSO on bone mineral density.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of women aged 40+ with BRCA mutations was identified.
- Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans assessed bone mineral density.
- Multivariable logistic regression analyzed factors associated with bone loss.
Main Results:
- Bone loss prevalence was 55% in women without RRSO and 72.5% in those with RRSO.
- Higher BMI and non-white race were protective against bone loss.
- Older age and selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) use were associated with increased odds of bone loss.
Conclusions:
- Bone loss is highly prevalent in women with BRCA mutations, particularly after RRSO.
- Risk factors include older age and SERM use, while higher BMI and non-white race are protective.
- Postmenopausal RRSO showed a higher prevalence of bone loss compared to premenopausal RRSO.
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