FLABRA, frontline approach for BRCA testing in an ovarian cancer population: a Latin America epidemiologic study

Abstract

Aim: FLABRA evaluated the prevalence of BRCA mutations, genetic counseling and management approaches in patients with ovarian cancer in Latin America. Patients & methods: Patients with ovarian cancer from six Latin-American countries were enrolled. Tumor samples were tested for BRCA mutations (BRCA^mut). In cases with BRCA^mut, blood samples were analyzed to determine germline versus somatic mutations. Medical records were reviewed for counseling approach and treatment plan. Results: From 472 patients enrolled, 406 samples yielded conclusive results: 282 were BRCA wild-type (BRCA^wt), 115 were BRCA^mut and nine were variants of uncertain significance. In total, 110/115 were tested for germline mutations (77 germline and 33 somatic). Conclusion: Tumor testing to identify mutations in BRCA1/2 in ovarian cancer can help optimize treatment choices, meaning fewer patients require germline testing and genetic counseling, a scant resource in Latin America. Clinical trial registration: NCT02984423 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Keywords: BRCA; Latin America; mutation testing; ovarian cancer.