Platinum sensitivity in a BRCA1 mutation carrier with advanced breast cancer.

Abstract

Although BRCA1-associated breast carcinomas are frequently detected in nodal-negative stage, they typically present with an aggressive histopathological phenotype that is reflected by a poor prognosis and an increased risk for distant metastatic spread. Recent in vitro data suggest a high sensitivity of BRCA1-associated carcinomas to platinum-based chemotherapy and a lower sensitivity to anthracyclines and taxanes. This is explained by the key role of BRCA1 in DNA double-strand repair via homologous recombination, thereby leading to a higher sensitivity to DNA intercalating agents, such as platinum. Here we present the case of a woman suffering from BRCA1-associated metastatic breast carcinoma that was resistant to docetaxel, but responded strongly to cisplatin-containing chemotherapy. This supports the rationale of ongoing clinical studies.

• Authors: K Rhiem, B Wappenschmidt, K Bosse, H Köppler, A N Tutt, R K Schmutzler
• Journal: Clinical oncology (Royal College of Radiologists (Great Britain)) (Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol)) Vol. 21 Issue 6 Pg. 448-50 (Aug 2009) ISSN: 1433-2981 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 19249193 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Organoplatinum Compounds

Topics

• Adult
• Breast Neoplasms (drug therapy, genetics)
• Female
• Genes, BRCA1
• Germ-Line Mutation
• Humans
• Organoplatinum Compounds (therapeutic use)