BRCA2 gene mutation and prostate cancer

A recently reported study in the British Journal of Cancer reported a higher rate of survival in prostate cancer patients who are non-carriers of the BRCA2 gene mutation compared to carriers. These findings may have important prognostic decision-making implications in stratifying patients for treatment once diagnosed with prostate cancer. Those expressing the gene mutation would not be advised to proceed with surveillance because of the poorer prognosis. Genetic testing for BRCA2 gene may become important part of the evaluation in patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer.

Breast cancer is the cancer most commonly linked to BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations.