Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 23, 2025

In Vivo and Ex Vivo Approaches to Study Ovarian Cancer Metastatic Colonization of Milky Spot Structures in Peritoneal Adipose
Published on: October 14, 2015
Recurrent uterine serous carcinoma with a germline pathogenic BRCA2 variant treated using olaparib: A case report
Kayo Inoue1, Hiroshi Tsubamoto1, Tomoko Ueda1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Japan.
Abstract:
A germline pathogenic variant in BRCA2 was secondarily found through genomic sequencing of uterine serous carcinoma. Clinical response to olaparib was observed in recurrent uterine serous carcinoma with a germline BRCA2 mutation. Here, we report, for the first time, a long-term clinical response to olaparib in a patient with uterine serous carcinoma and a germline pathogenic BRCA2 variant.
Insights
A germline BRCA2 pathogenic variant was identified in uterine serous carcinoma. This case demonstrates a long-term clinical response to olaparib in a patient with this specific genetic mutation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Uterine serous carcinoma (USC) is an aggressive gynecologic cancer.
- Germline pathogenic variants in BRCA2 are associated with various cancers.
- Genomic sequencing is increasingly used in cancer diagnostics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of uterine serous carcinoma with a germline BRCA2 pathogenic variant.
- To highlight the long-term clinical efficacy of olaparib in such a patient.
- To contribute to understanding PARP inhibitor response in USC.
Main Methods:
- Secondary finding of a germline BRCA2 pathogenic variant via genomic sequencing of USC tissue.
- Clinical observation of patient response to olaparib treatment.
- Long-term follow-up of clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- A germline pathogenic variant in the BRCA2 gene was identified in a patient with uterine serous carcinoma.
- The patient experienced a sustained clinical response to olaparib therapy.
- This represents the first reported instance of long-term olaparib response in USC with a germline BRCA2 variant.
Conclusions:
- Germline BRCA2 pathogenic variants may be relevant targets in uterine serous carcinoma.
- Olaparib demonstrates potential for long-term efficacy in USC patients with BRCA2 mutations.
- Further investigation into PARP inhibitors for USC is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
Treatment Resistant Cancers
The Retinoblastoma Gene
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...

