Uptake of Risk-Reducing Salpingo-Oophorectomy and Gynaecologic Surveillance Among Germline BRCA Pathogenic Variants...

Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) is recommended by international guidelines in women with BRCA1/2 germline pathogenic variants (PV) to prevent ovarian cancer. Despite the solid recommendation, women frequently refuse surgery and uptake rates reported in the literature are diverse. This study analyses the uptake rate of RRSO in BRCA 1/2 PV-carriers referred to a specialised referral centre for first counselling and investigate personal factors linked to the decision.

This is a single-centre prospective study of BRCA1/2 PV-carriers referred for the first counselling to IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo de' Tintori (Monza, Italy) between January 2010 and May 2023. Depending on individual characteristics, women were either proposed RRSO or surveillance, consisting of transvaginal ultrasound and CA125 measurement twice per year according to Regional guidelines. Women within the centre have access to a clinical psychologist, a nutritional consult and treatment of menopausal atrophy with diode vaginal laser. The primary endpoint of the study was the uptake rate of RRSO. The secondary objective was to evaluate the main reasons for refusing surgery.

Among the 287 women included, surgery was proposed to 205 women either at first counselling or during surveillance and was accepted by 197, with an uptake rate of 96.1%. 17.25% of women met the psychologist before or after surgery. The main reasons for refusing RRSO were fear of iatrogenic menopause and childbearing desire.

This study shows a high uptake rate of RRSO in BRCA PV-carriers. We believe that the presence of a dedicated outpatient clinic with a multidisciplinary team contributes decisively to our results. Gynaecologic surveillance, as though not beneficial in terms of oncological prevention, may play a significant role in encouraging women with BRCA PV to opt for risk-reducing surgery.