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NYC Cancer Support Services

BRCA1 & BRCA2 Gene Mutations and Pancreatic Cancer

The BRCA genes are well-known for their association with breast cancer and ovarian cancer, but they also play a significant role in other types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer (PDAC). The lifetime risk of developing pancreatic cancer is about 1 in 56 for men and 1 in 60 for women, but certain risk factors, such as genetic mutations like BRCA, can significantly alter an individual’s chances. In 2024, over 66,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and unfortunately, many succumb to the disease. Understanding the connection between BRCA mutations and pancreatic cancer is crucial for individuals who may be at risk, as it can help guide testing and treatment options.

What is the BRCA Gene?

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are short for ‘BReast CAncer’ and refer to genes that produce proteins essential for repairing damaged DNA. These genes are crucial for maintaining genetic stability, and everyone carries a set of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, inherited from each parent. However, mutations in these genes can prevent effective DNA repair, leading to an increased risk of several cancers including pancreatic cancer (PDAC), prostate cancer, melanoma, endometrial cancer, and stomach cancer. It is important to note that individuals are considered ‘BRCA positive’ when they carry a harmful variant of either BRCA gene. There are over a thousand variants of the BRCA genes, with some being benign and others increasing cancer risk.

How Do You Know if You Have The BRCA Gene?

A person with a BRCA-positive parent has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutated gene. You can inherit it from either your mother or father. Here’s a look at just some of the groups of people that might have a higher chance of having a BRCA gene that could lead to pancreatic cancer.

  • Family History of Breast Cancer, Ovarian, or Pancreatic Cancer: These cancers has a significant number of cases attributable to BRCA mutations and these genes could be passed down to family members. If there are multiple instances of these cancers in your family, the likeliehood is higher that there is a BRCA mutation in your family.
  • Ashkenazi Jewish Ancestry: Individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have a 1 in 40 (2.5%) chance of carrying BRCA mutations.
  • Patients Diagnosed with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Up to 20% of those with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have a mutation of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene compared to less than 10% of everyone diagnosed with breast cancer.
  • Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer Before Age 40: Women who develop breast cancer at age 40 or younger, particularly those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, are at a higher risk of being BRCA positive.
  • Men with Breast Cancer: Up to 14% of men diagnosed with male breast cancer have a BRCA2 mutation, which also increases their risk for pancreatic cancer.
  • Women with Ovarian or Breast Cancer: About 15% of women with ovarian or breast cancer carry BRCA mutations, regardless of family history.
Ashkenazi Jews & Cancer Risk

BRCA Mutations and Pancreatic Cancer Risk

Individuals with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations are at a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The lifetime risk of developing pancreatic cancer is about 1.8% for men and 1.7% for women, but for those with BRCA mutations, the risk increases to 5-10%. In particular, women with BRCA mutations are 2.4 times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer compared to the general population.

Genetic Testing for BRCA Mutations

Genetic testing is a useful way to find out if someone has a BRCA mutation, especially for people with a family history of pancreatic, breast, or ovarian cancer. A study led by UNSW Sydney showed that women who got tested for their genetic risk of breast cancer felt less stress over time and had fewer regrets than those who chose not to find out. This shows that knowing your genetic risk can help you take steps to stay healthy without adding more stress. Genetic testing can help people understand their risk and make choices about how to prevent cancer. Those with a strong family history or who are in high-risk groups should consider genetic counseling and testing. Finding a BRCA mutation early can give important information for making health decisions and lowering cancer risks.

BRCA Treatment

Knowing one’s BRCA status can influence treatment options for pancreatic cancer. Patients with BRCA mutations may benefit from targeted therapies, such as PARP inhibitors (Poly ADP-Ribose Polymerase inhibitors), which are designed to exploit the DNA repair weaknesses in cancer cells with BRCA mutations. These medications, including Olaparib, Rucaparib, and Niraparib, work by blocking the enzyme PARP that cancer cells use to repair their DNA. This causes cancer cells to die, while leaving normal cells less affected.

Additionally, chemotherapy drugs such as platinum-based agents (like Cisplatin or Carboplatin) are often effective in treating cancers linked to BRCA mutations. Patients may also be eligible for clinical trials involving new immunotherapy treatments or combinations of existing therapies that are specifically designed for individuals with these genetic mutations.

BRCA Support and Resources

If you’re dealing with BRCA mutations, pancreatic cancer, or any kind of cancer diagnosis, SHAREing & CAREing is here to support you! Our patient navigation program will guide you through the healthcare system, helping you understand insurance and treatment options so you can get the best care possible. Our recovery survivorship program is here for you after treatment, helping you stay on top of your health and address any concerns. We also offer individual support services, like personalized counseling, to give you the emotional, social, and practical support you need during treatment and recovery. We’re here to help you take charge of your health and live your best life!

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