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.

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 Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.6K
The Retinoblastoma Gene01:20

The Retinoblastoma Gene

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
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,...
4.6K
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
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...
9.3K
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions01:12

Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
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...
5.7K
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
8.5K