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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
08:53
Identifying the Effects of BRCA1 Mutations on Homologous Recombination using Cells that Express Endogenous Wild-type BRCA1
Published on: February 17, 2011
Breast cancer risk genes affecting individual radiosensitivity
Ramona K G Vogel1, Niklas Amann2, Tara Zuhair Kassem1
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsstraße 27, D-91054, Erlangen, Germany.
Scientific Reports
|June 14, 2026
Summary
Breast cancer risk gene carriers show slightly increased radiosensitivity. Individuals with higher radiation sensitivity may benefit from genetic testing to assess potential risks and inform treatment decisions.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Radiation Oncology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Increased radiosensitivity can lead to adverse radiotherapy outcomes.
- Heterozygous variants in breast cancer risk genes are linked to elevated cancer risk and may influence radiosensitivity.
- Understanding individual radiosensitivity is crucial for personalized radiation risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of breast cancer risk gene variants on individual radiosensitivity.
- To determine the potential radiation risk for carriers of these gene variants.
- To inform clinical decisions regarding radiation therapy and genetic testing.
Main Methods:
- Radiosensitivity assessment in 273 patients with breast cancer risk gene variants.
- Quantification of chromosomal aberrations (breaks per metaphase, B/M) using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FiSH) after ex vivo irradiation of blood lymphocytes.
- Comparison of gene carrier radiosensitivity with healthy controls and a breast cancer control group.
Main Results:
- Gene carriers exhibited slightly increased radiosensitivity (mean 0.488 B/M) compared to healthy controls (0.411 B/M; p < 0.0001).
- BRCA1/2 carriers showed slightly increased radiosensitivity; BARD1, RAD51, and MSH variants suggested a possible increase (p < 0.003).
- 24.5% of carriers exceeded a radiosensitivity cutoff (≥ 0.55 B/M), indicating potential need for dose reduction.
Conclusions:
- Radiosensitivity in breast cancer risk gene carriers is variable and generally slightly elevated.
- Factors such as gene locus, variant type, age, and cancer history influence radiosensitivity.
- Individuals identified with increased radiosensitivity risk should consider genetic testing.
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