Germline BRCA mutations are associated with an increased likelihood of secondary cytoreductive surgery in ovarian cancer patients (116)

Objectives: BRCA mutations have been associated with improved outcomes in ovarian cancer patients, specifically with delayed recurrences. This study aimed to compare the secondary cytoreduction rates and eligibility among ovarian cancer patients by BRCA mutation status. Methods: The study was retrospective and included high-grade serous ovarian cancer patients from one Canadian center and two Israeli centers from January 1999 to December 2018, with the first disease recurrence 12 months or more from the last cycle of platinum-based chemotherapy. Demographic and genetic data, tumor characteristics, pattern of recurrence, and surgical and medical treatments were obtained from electronic charts. Eligibility for secondary cytoreduction was defined as recurrence 12 months or longer from completion of adjuvant treatment, up to three lesions at recurrence, and absence of ascites, in line with DESKTOP criteria. Patients were grouped according to BRCA mutation status. Continuous variables were compared using the student’s t-test and categorical variables using the Chi-square test. Regression analysis was used to identify predictors of eligibility for and performance of secondary cytoreduction. Results: One hundred forty-seven patients were enrolled, including 97 from Canada and 50 from Israel. Forty-seven patients (32%) had a Conclusions: Germline BRCA mutation carriers are more likely to undergo secondary cytoreduction, most likely due to lower volume disease at recurrence. This observation should be considered when planning the follow-up for these patients after first-line treatment.