Results from the IMPACT study show that men with BRCA2 mutation had a higher incidence of prostate cancer, were diagnosed at a younger age and presented with more clinically significant tumours compared to those without these mutations.

The IMPACT study (Identification of Men with a genetic predisposition to ProstAte Cancer: Targeted screening in men at higher genetic risk and controls) is an international, multicentre study evaluating targeted PrCa screening in men with BRCA1/2 mutations. 

More than 3000 patients who were BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers were included in the study group, while the control group included those who tested negative for a pathogenic BRCA1/2 mutation known to be present in their family. They underwent annual PSA testing and biopsy.

• Cancer incidence rate per 1000 person years was higher in BRCA2 carriers than in noncarriers (19.4 vs 12.0; p =  0.03). 
• BRCA2 carriers were diagnosed at a younger age (61 vs 64 yr; p =  0.04) and were more likely to have clinically significant disease than BRCA2 noncarriers (77% vs 40%; p =  0.01). 

The study, published in European Urology, suggests that men who are found to be BRCA2 mutation carriers should undergo systematic prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for prostate cancer.

(Source: European Urology, Sept. 16, 2019)

 Dr KK Aggarwal

Padma Shri Awardee

President Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania (CMAAO)

Group Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications

President Heart Care Foundation of India

Past National President IMA