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A N van Geel

Publications and source records attributed to A N van Geel.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Practice guideline 'Diagnostic techniques for soft tissue tumours and treatment of soft tissue sarcomas (revision)'].

Members of the Dutch working group on soft tissue tumours developed an up-to-standard evidence-based multidisciplinary clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis of soft tissue tumours and the treatment and follow-up of soft tissue sarcomas, in cooperation with the Dutch Association of Comprehensive Cancer Centres and the Dutch Institute for Healthcare Improvement. A soft tissue sarcoma is defined as every non-epithelial tumour that does not originate in haematopoietic or lymphatic system, central nervous system or bone. The guideline lists 'alarm signals' to raise awareness of malignancy and recommends consulting a multidisciplinary team. Non-invasive imaging has to be completed before proceeding to any invasive (diagnostic) procedure or assessment of dissemination. Aspiration cytology can be useful for differentiating between sarcoma and other malignancies. A definite diagnosis is obtained by means of image-guided needle biopsy. Tumours will be classified according to the World Health Organization and graded according to the Federation Nationale des Centres de Lutte Contre le Cancer. Surgical excision with a tumour free margin of 2 cm is the core of therapy, taking into account vital structures when necessary. In case of small superficial tumours (diameter < or = 3 cm) excision biopsy may be justified. Radiotherapy is almost always necessary and certainly indicated when wide margins are impossible even after re-resection. In the case of primary metastatic disease, an individual decision should be taken after multi-disciplinary consultation concerning the possibility of curative or palliative treatment. Neither neo-adjuvant nor adjuvant chemotherapy is standard. Chemotherapy may be useful in metastatic disease. The guideline advises referring patients who are eligible for chemotherapy to a centre and that they should be included in a study protocol.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Isolated limb perfusions with tumor necrosis factor and melphalan for locally recurrent soft tissue sarcoma in previously irradiated limbs.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent extremity soft tissue sarcoma (STS) in a previously operated and irradiated area can usually be managed only by amputation. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-based isolated limb perfusion (ILP) is an established alternative to achieve limb salvage but is assumed to require sufficient vasculature. Because radiotherapy is known to destroy vasculature, we wanted to evaluate retrospectively whether the outcome of ILP in patients with radiotherapy for their primary tumor nonetheless showed a benefit from TNF treatment. METHODS: We consulted a prospective database of TNF-based ILPs at the Erasmus MC-Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center in Rotterdam. Out of 342 TNF-based ILPs between 1991 and 2003, 30 ILPs were performed in 26 patients with recurrent STS in the irradiated field after prior surgery and radiotherapy. Eleven patients (42%) had multiple tumors (n = 2-20). All patients were candidates for amputation. RESULTS: We observed 6 complete responses (20%), 15 partial responses (50%), no change in 8 patients (27%), and progressive disease in 1 patient (3%). The median duration of response was 16 months (range, 3-56 months) at a median follow-up of 22 months (range, 3-67 months). The local recurrence rate was 45% in patients with multiple tumors and 27% in patients with single tumors. Ten patients (35%) died of systemic metastases. Limb salvage was achieved in 17 patients (65%). Regional toxicity was limited and systemic toxicity minimal. CONCLUSIONS: TNF-based ILP can avoid amputations in most patients with recurrent extremity STS in a prior operated and irradiated field.

Adult↗

Major amputation for intractable extremity melanoma after failure of isolated limb perfusion.

AIM: The aim of this study was to analyse indications and results of amputation for intractable extremity melanoma after failure of isolated limb perfusion (ILP). METHODS: Between 1978 and 2001, 451 patients with loco-regional advanced extremity melanoma underwent 505 ILPs. Amputation of the affected extremity had to be carried out for intractable recurrent disease in 11 of these patients. RESULTS: The indications for amputation were uncontrollable pain (n=2), extensive loco-regional tumour progression (n=4), loss of ankle function due to local tumour growth (n=1), and ulcerating and fungating lesions, not responding to other treatments (n=4). Four patients developed stump recurrence after amputation. Ten patients died of melanoma metastases after a median of 11 months (range 2-110 months). Two patients survived more than 5 years after amputation. CONCLUSIONS: Major amputation is rarely indicated for intractable extremity melanoma but long-term survival can be achieved in selected patients.

Adult↗

TNF-based isolated limb perfusion in unresectable extremity desmoid tumours.

BACKGROUND: Desmoid tumours are soft tissue sarcomas with local aggressive behaviour and a high rate of local recurrence after treatment. Although they do not tend to metastasise systemically, the local aggressiveness can lead to situations in which limb-preserving surgery cannot be performed without severe disability. As isolated limb perfusion (ILP) with TNF and melphalan has proven to be extremely effective in the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma, we studied its potential in locally advanced extremity desmoid tumours. METHODS: Prospectively maintained database in a tertiary referral centre. Between 1991 and 2003, 12 ILP procedures were performed in 11 patients for locally advanced desmoid tumours. Local surgical therapy with preservation of limb function was impossible in all patients due to large or multifocal tumours, multiple recurrences or extensive previous treatment. Perfusions were performed with 4-3mg TNF and 10-13 mg/l limb volume melphalan form leg and arm perfusions, respectively. RESULTS: Overall response rate was 75%: Two complete responses were recorded (17%) and seven patients had a partial response (58%). Amputation could be avoided in all cases. Local control was obtained after 10/12 ILPs and in the other two patients through repeat ILP and systemic chemotherapy, thus leading to an overall local control rate of 100%. Local toxicity was mild and systemic toxicity was absent in all patients. CONCLUSION: ILP is a very effective treatment option in the multimodality treatment of limb desmoid tumours. It should be considered in patients with aggressive and disabling disease where resection without important functional sacrifice is impossible.

Adolescent↗

Ipsilateral breast tumour recurrence in hereditary breast cancer following breast-conserving therapy.

The overall rate of an ipsilateral breast tumour recurrence (IBTR) after breast-conserving therapy (BCT) ranges from 1% to 2% per year. Risk factors include young age but data on the impact of BRCA1/2 mutations or a definite positive family history for breast cancer are scarce. We investigated IBTR after BCT in patients with hereditary breast cancer (HBC). Through our family cancer clinic we identified 87 HBC patients, including 26 BRCA1/2 carriers, who underwent BCT between 1980 and 1995 (cases). They were compared to 174 patients with sporadic breast cancer (controls) also treated with BCT, matched for age and year of diagnosis. Median follow up was 6.1 years for the cases and 6.0 years for controls. Patient and tumour characteristics were similar in both groups. An IBTR was observed in 19 (21.8%) hereditary and 21 (12.1%) sporadic patients. In the hereditary patients more recurrences occurred elsewhere in the breast (21% versus 9.5%), suggestive of new primaries. Overall, the actuarial IBTR rate was similar at 2 years, but higher in hereditary as compared to sporadic patients at 5 years (14% versus 7%) and at 10 years (30% versus 16%) (P=0.05). Post-relapse and overall survival was not different between hereditary and sporadic cases. Hereditary breast cancer was therefore associated with a higher frequency of early (2-5 years) and late (>5 years) local recurrences following BCT. These data suggest an indication for long-term follow up in HBC and should be taken into account when additional 'risk-reducing' surgery after primary BCT is eventually considered.

Adult↗

Prognostic factors for survival after isolated limb perfusion for malignant melanoma.

AIMS: Risk factors were determined for mortality within 1 year after isolated limb perfusion (ILP). METHODS: All of 439 patients who underwent ILP for melanoma of the extremities were studied. Ninety percent of the patients had MD Anderson stage IIB or III disease at the time of ILP. ILP was performed with melphalan with or without TNFalpha under mild hyperthermic (38-40 degrees C) or normothermic (37-38 degrees C) conditions in 80% of the cases. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients died within this period, 64 of metastatic melanoma. The indication for ILP was an unresectable primary (n=3), a local recurrence (n=24) or adjuvant to excision of primary lesions (n=17) in patients with stage IIIB regional lymph node metastases. These patients or patients with stage IIIAB melanoma with satellites and/or in-transit metastases with regional lymph node metastases had a relative risk of 4.6 (95% CI 2.0-6.6) and 3.6 (95% CI 2.1-10) of dying within 1 year from ILP, respectively (p<0.001). In patients with stage IV disease (distant metastases), the relative risk was 22 (95% CI 3.8-127, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients with advanced limb melanoma have an increased risk of death within 1 year after ILP when regional lymph node or distant metastases are present.

Adolescent↗

Prophylactic mastectomy: the Rotterdam experience.

The efficacy of prophylactic mastectomy (PM) depends on the ability to remove all breast tissue and a regular mastectomy is recommended. In our study population (n=112), 103 women (94%) have chosen for immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) with a silicone prosthesis placed in a subpectoral pocket. The median follow-up after IBR was 3.5 (range 1-7) years. These 103 patients underwent 193 PM with IBR: 90 bilateral and 13 unilateral. The median follow-up after IBR was 3.5 (range 1-7) years. In 163 IBRs (82%) no complications were observed. The most common late complication was capsular contracture, significantly more around prostheses placed in a previously irradiated area. No cases of breast cancer were found after PM at a mean follow-up of 2.9 years. After breast cancer a delayed ipsilateral PM and/or contralateral PM can be considered after a disease-free interval of 2 years, also taking into account the age of onset of the first breast cancer. The prognosis of breast cancer in BRCA2 mutation patients seems to be similar to that in sporadic cancer. The most striking result of PM is the decrease of anxiety of developing breast cancer and a negative impact on their sexual life. Therefore a time delay is necessary to allow women to fully address the issues involved in PM and IBR.

Body Image↗

Safety and efficacy of isolated limb perfusion in elderly melanoma patients.

BACKGROUND: Older patients are assumed to have a higher risk of complications from isolated limb perfusion (ILP). A study was performed evaluating the safety and efficacy of ILP in patients older than 75 years with advanced melanoma of the limbs. METHODS: A total of 218 therapeutic ILPs with melphalan with or without tumor necrosis factor alpha were performed in 202 patients with advanced measurable melanoma and were analyzed retrospectively. Fifty-three patients (28%) were 75 years or older. RESULTS: Complete response rates were 56% for those older than 75 years and 58% for the younger group (P =.79). Locoregional relapse occurred in 56% of the older group versus 51% in the younger group (P =.61). Limb toxicity, systemic toxicity, local complications, and long-term morbidity were similar in both age groups. Perioperative mortality was low, with one procedure-related death in the older group. Older patients stayed in the hospital for a median of 23 days (younger patients, 19 days; P <.01). CONCLUSIONS: ILP results in similar response rates in the elderly with recurrent melanoma, without increased toxicity, complications, or long-term morbidity compared with younger patients. Older age in itself is not a contraindication for ILP.

Age Factors↗

Isolated limb perfusion with tumor necrosis factor and melphalan for nonresectable sSewart-Treves lymphangiosarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous Stewart-Treves lymphangiosarcomas represent a rare group of tumors characterized by a high grade of vascularization and by localization in an extremity with lymphedema. The multifocality and the localization makes these tumors eligible for treatment with isolated limb perfusion (ILP). ILP with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and melphalan is a safe and highly effective procedure that can achieve limb salvage in >or=80% of all patients with nonresectable extremity soft tissue sarcoma or melanoma. METHODS: In 10 patients with multifocal Stewart-Treves lymphangiosarcoma of the extremities, 16 ILPs with TNF plus melphalan were performed. All patients would have been candidates for exarticulation of the extremity. RESULTS: We observed an 87% overall response rate (complete and partial responses); one patient had a mixed response, and one patient did not respond to the therapy. In nine perfusions (56%), a complete response was achieved, and five perfusions (31%) resulted in a partial response. Limb salvage was achieved in eight patients (80%), with a mean follow-up duration of 34.8 months (range, 3 to >or=115 months). Regional toxicity was limited and systemic toxicity minimal to moderate, with no toxic deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Multifocal Stewart-Treves lymphangiosarcomas in extremities with chronic lymphedema can be successfully treated by ILP with TNF and melphalan.

Aged↗

A prospective study on silicone breast implants and the silicone-related symptom complex.

This cohort study prospectively evaluated the prevalence of the silicone-related symptom complex (SRSC) in relation to antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of silicone breast implants (SBI) 1 year after implantation. A total of 57 women undergoing mastectomy followed by immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) and SBI between March 1995 and March 1997 at the University Hospital Rotterdam/Daniel den Hoed Cancer Centre, were prospectively evaluated. Just before and 1 year after IBR the sera of these women were tested for the presence of ANA and they were screened for the prevalence of SRSC-related symptoms by questionnaire. All prostheses were evaluated by MRI 1 month and 1 year after IBR. Just before operation 11% of the women had a Sjögren score of more than 2, whereas 30% had such a score 1 year after IBR ( P = 0.01). One year postoperatively women had significantly more RA/Raynaud-related complaints: 21% preoperatively versus 40% 1 year after IBR ( P = 0.03). Within the undefined complaints-related group 19% had a score of 2 or more preoperatively and 33% 1 year after IBR ( P = 0.09). There were no new cases of ANA positivity 1 year after IBR. The linguine sign was seen by MRI in three implants: one 1 month after IBR and two 1 year after IBR. There was no relation to changes in SRSC expression and these MRI findings. In conclusion, 1 year after SBI implantation women had more SRSC-related complaints, especially Sjögren's and RA/Raynaud's. Moreover there was no correlation between elevated SRSC expression and changes in the presence of ANA or changes in MRI of the SBI 1 year after IBR.

Adult↗

Clinical experience of prophylactic mastectomy followed by immediate breast reconstruction in women at hereditary risk of breast cancer (HB(O)C) or a proven BRCA1 and BRCA2 germ-line mutation.

AIM: Women with a proven BRCA1 or BRCA2 germ-line mutation or with a 50% risk of carrying the mutation, have an increased risk of breast cancer. Regular surveillance, chemoprevention or prophylactic mastectomy (PM) are options to detect breast cancer at an early stage or to reduce the risk. We describe the management of women who have opted for PM, the postoperative complications of PM, especially in combination with immediate breast reconstruction (IBR), and the oncological follow-up. METHODS: The medical records of all women who underwent a PM from December 1993 to December 1999 have been reviewed with respect to management, patient characteristics, complications and oncological follow-up. RESULTS: During the study period 112 women with a median age of 38.8 years opted for a PM: 76 were germline mutation carriers. After PM, 79 women without breast or ovarian cancer in their medical history, were free of disease after 2.5 years (median). Before PM, 29 women had been treated for breast cancer, 3.9 years (median) previously; 5 of these women had developed metastatic disease by the last consultation. Before PM, 2 patients had been treated for DCIS and 2 patients for ovarian cancer. Four DCIS were found; none of these women had evidence of disease 4.0 years (median) after PM. In 59 women laparoscopic prophylactic bilateral oophorectomy (PBO) was performed; 36 simultaneously with PM and 23 separately. A total of 103 women (92%) opted for IBR. After PM, the complication rate for IBR was 21%: 11% within 6 weeks and 10% at long-term follow-up (median 3.5) after PM, including the removal of 10 prostheses. CONCLUSIONS: Women with an increased risk of breast cancer due to a genetic predisposition should be adequately informed about the different treatment options in the setting of a multidisciplinary approach. PM can simultaneously be combined with PBO and IBR. IBR can facilitate the decision to undergo a PM. PM followed by IBR has an acceptable complication rate.

Adult↗

A randomised phase II study on neo-adjuvant chemotherapy for 'high-risk' adult soft-tissue sarcoma.

The aim of this study was to examine the strategy, feasibility and outcome of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, with doxorubicin and ifosfamide, in adult patients with 'high-risk' soft-tissue sarcomas. Patients with 'high-risk' soft-tissue sarcomas, defined as tumours > or =8 cm of any grade, or grade II/III tumours <8 cm, or grade II/III locally recurrent tumours, or grade II/III tumours with inadequate surgery performed in the previous 6 weeks and therefore requiring further surgery, were randomised between either surgery alone or three cycles of 3-weekly doxorubicin 50 mg/m(2) intravenous (i.v.) bolus and ifosfamide 5 g/m(2) (24 h infusion) before surgery. The type of surgery had to be planned at randomisation. Tumours were to be amenable to surgery by amputation, compartmental resection, wide or marginal excision. If chemotherapy was given, surgery had to be performed within 21 days after the last chemotherapy. Patients received postoperative radiotherapy in cases of marginal surgery, microscopically incomplete resection and no further possibility for surgery, and in cases of surgery because of local recurrence. 150 patients were entered into the study and 134 were eligible, 67 in each arm. The most frequent side-effects of chemotherapy were alopecia, nausea and vomiting (95%), and leucocytopenia (32%). One patient died of neutropenic fever after the first cycle of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy did not interfere with planned surgery and did not affect postoperative wound healing. Limb-salvage was achieved in 88%, amputation was necessary in 12% (all according to the plan at randomisation). The trial was closed after completion of phase II, since accrual was too slow to justify expanding the study into the scheduled phase III study. At a median follow-up of 7.3 years, the 5 year disease-free survival is estimated at 52% for the no chemotherapy and 56% for the chemotherapy arm (standard error: 7%) (P=0.3548). The 5 year overall survival for both arms is 64 and 65%, respectively (standard error 7%) (P=0.2204). Neo-adjuvant-chemotherapy with doxorubicin and ifosfamide at these doses and with this schedule was feasible and did not compromise subsequent treatment, surgery with or without radiotherapy. Although not powered to draw definitive conclusions on benefit, but with an at least 7 year median follow-up, the results render it less likely that major survival benefits will be achieved with this type of chemotherapy.

Adolescent↗

Soft tissue carcinoma in the retroperitoneum: an often neglected diagnosis.

AIMS: Successful surgical treatment of patients with retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcoma (RSTS) is based on pre-operative planning that starts with a correct pre-operative diagnosis. In a population-based study, we determined which patients were initially treated for assumed other conditions. The effect of an erroneous diagnosis on the installed treatment was analysed. METHOD: With the help of the Dutch Network and National Database for Pathology (PALGA), data were collected on 143 patients in the Netherlands in whom a primary RSTS was found and confirmed histologically between 1 January 1989 and 1 January 1994. Satisfactory clinical information was obtained on 138 patients, 64 males and 74 females (54%). The median age was 60 (range 18-88) years. RESULTS: At the time of actual treatment 37% of the patients with RSTS were assumed to have another disorder (group 1 n=51), whereas 87 patients were diagnosed as having RSTS (group 2). In group 1, an acute presentation was more common (18 vs 2% P=0.002), and the tumour was less often palpable at physical examination (43 vs 69% P=0.004), while clinical work-up less frequently included CT-imaging (57 vs 89% P<0.001) and a biopsy (29 vs 77% P<0.001). Although tumours in group 1 were smaller (median diameter 13 vs 19 cm P<0.05), this was not reflected in a better operative result: less patients underwent complete tumour resection (51 vs 57%) and more patients underwent surgery for tumours that proved to be irresectable (14 vs 1% P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: (1) More than one-third of patients with RSTS are misdiagnosed and inappropriately treated; and (2) biopsies and cross-sectional imaging improve diagnosis.

Adolescent↗

Regional toxicity after isolated limb perfusion with melphalan and tumour necrosis factor- alpha versus toxicity after melphalan alone.

AIMS: To determine whether the addition of high-dose tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) to isolated limb perfusion (ILP) with melphalan increases acute regional tissue toxicity compared to ILP with melphalan alone. METHODS: A retrospective, multivariate analysis of toxicity after normothermic (37--38 degrees C) and 'mild' hyperthermic (38--40 degrees C) ILPs for melanoma was undertaken. Normothermic ILP with melphalan was performed in 294 patients (70.8%), 'mild' hyperthermic ILP with melphalan in 71 patients (17.1%) and 'mild' hyperthermic ILP with melphalan combined with TNF alpha in 50 patients (12.0%). Toxicity was nil or mild (grades I--II according to Wieberdink et al.) in 339 patients (81.7%), and more severe acute regional toxicity (grades III--V) developed in 76 patients (18.3%). A stepwise logistic regression procedure was performed for the multivariate analysis of prognostic factors for more severe toxicity. RESULTS: On univariate analysis, 'mild' hyperthermic ILP with melphalan plus TNF alpha significantly increased the incidence of more severe acute regional toxicity compared to normothermic and 'mild' hyperthermic ILP with melphalan alone (36% vs 16% and 17%; P=0.0038). However, after ILP using TNF alpha no grade IV (compartment compression syndrome) or grade V (toxicity necessitating amputation) reactions were seen. Significantly more severe toxicity was seen after ILPs performed between 1991 and 1994 compared with earlier ILPs (33%vs 14%P=0.0001). Also, women had a higher risk of more severe toxicity than men (22% vs 7%; P=0.0007). After multivariate analysis, prognostic factors which remained significant were: sex (P=0.0013) and either ILP schedule (P=0.013) or treatment period (P=0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: Regional toxicity after 'mild' hyperthermic ILP with melphalan and TNF alpha was significantly increased compared to ILP with melphalan alone. This may be caused by increased thermal enhancement of melphalan due to the higher tissue temperatures (39--40 degrees C) at which the melphalan in the TNF alpha-ILPs was administered or by an interaction between high-dose TNF alpha and melphalan.

Adult↗

Locoregional recurrence of retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcoma: second chance of cure for selected patients.

BACKGROUND: Locoregional recurrence of a retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcoma (RSTS) may offer a second chance of curative surgical treatment. In a population-based study the proportion of patients developing isolated locoregional recurrences (LR) was determined and the outcome of these patients was analysed. METHOD: In a retrospective nationwide study, data were collected on 142 patients treated between 1 January 1989 and 1 January 1994 for primary RSTS. In patients who had been treated radically for their primary sarcoma (77/142, 54%), the pattern of recurrence was evaluated. Factors predictive of survival for patients with LR were studied. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 86 (range 60-101) months, 32 patients (42%) had developed LR, and distant metastasis (DM) had been diagnosed in 17 patients (22%). Median disease-free interval between the initial operation and the establishment of LR or DM was 22 and 19 months, respectively. Five-year cumulative survival of patients with established LR was 37% in comparison with 11% for patients with DM (P=0.062). Factors predictive of favourable outcome in patients with LR were the absence of multifocal recurrence (n=13 P=0.01), lipomatous histomorphology (n=20 P=0.02), and a complete resection of recurrent sarcoma (n=17 P=0.04). CONCLUSION: After a median follow-up of 7 years following radical treatment of a primary RSTS, 42% of the patients had developed isolated locoregional recurrences. A complete resection of recurrent disease, lipomatous histomorphology and the absence of multifocal growth influenced prognosis favourably.

Adult↗

[Gastrointestinal metastases of lobular mammary carcinoma].

Three women, two aged 63 and one aged 47 years, developed serious abdominal pains and nausea during and/or years after treatment for metastasized lobular mammary carcinoma. These symptoms were due to jejunal tumour with perforation, sigmoid and hepatic metastases and perforated gastric metastases, respectively. After surgical treatment of the affected part of the gastrointestinal tract, the patients survived for a number of months without abdominal symptoms. Infiltrating lobular mammary carcinoma is more often associated with gastrointestinal metastases than infiltrating ductal mammary carcinoma. Progressive abdominal symptoms attributable to such metastases constitute an indication for a change of the systemic treatment. In case of insufficient effect of this treatment, and in acute situations, surgical treatment may result in protracted palliation.

Abdominal Pain↗

Presymptomatic DNA testing and prophylactic surgery in families with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.

BACKGROUND: Germline mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes highly predispose to breast and ovarian cancer. In families with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, identification of mutation carriers is clinically relevant in view of the options for surveillance and prevention. METHODS: We assessed presymptomatic DNA testing and prophylactic surgery in 53 consecutive families presenting to the Rotterdam Family Cancer Clinic with a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. We identified predictors for DNA testing and prophylactic surgery with univariate and multivariate analysis. FINDINGS: 682 unaffected individuals with a 50% risk (275 women and 271 men) or with a 25% risk (136 women) for carrying a mutation were identified and offered a DNA test. Presymptomatic DNA testing was requested by 48% (198 of 411) of women and 22% (59 of 271) of men (odds ratio for difference between sexes 3.21 [95% CI 2.27-4.51]; p<0.001). In women, DNA testing was significantly more frequent at young age, in the presence of children, and at high pre-test genetic risk for a mutation. Of the unaffected women with an identified mutation who were eligible for prophylactic surgery, 51% (35 of 68) opted for bilateral mastectomy and 64% (29 of 45) for oophorectomy. Parenthood was a predictor for prophylactic mastectomy but not for prophylactic oophorectomy. Age was significantly associated with prophylactic oophorectomy, but not with prophylactic mastectomy, although there was a tendency towards mastectomy at younger ages. INTERPRETATION: In a clinical setting, we show a high demand for BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing by unaffected women at risk, and of prophylactic surgery by unaffected women with the mutation. Young women with children especially opt for DNA testing and prophylactic mastectomy.

Adult↗