CASE REPORT

A 52-year-old woman complaining of constipation and abdominal distension was referred to our hospital from a local clinic. Computerized axial tomography scans showed a 12-cm solid and cystic ovarian mass with a large amount of ascites and right pleural effusion (Fig. 1). Her cancer antigen-125 level was 432.4 U/mL. After other laboratory tests were performed, we conducted a staging exploratory laparotomy. Pathology showed grade 3, stage IV serous papillary adenocarcinoma from the ovary invading the pelvic cavity and right pleura. The patient underwent adjuvant taxane and carboplatin combination chemotherapy via six cycles of paclitaxel (175 mg/m²) plus carboplatin of the area under the curve of 5 mg given on day one of a 21-day cycle.

The patient declined to discuss her family history and her family members were not contacted for further information. However, she approved genetic testing after counseling. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) screening of the mismatch repair genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 was performed, showing abnormal immunoreactivity for BRCA1 (negative staining) and focal positive reaction for BRCA2 (Fig. 2). Gene sequencing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 was conducted after counseling and a deletion of ATTGGGCA at codon 1824 in exon 24 was detected, with the stop codon (TGA) appearing in 1826 [5470_ 5477del8 (p.Ile1824-AspfsX3)]. This frame shift mutation produced a truncated protein (Fig. 1).

DISCUSSION

This case demonstrates that IHC screening can be helpful for detecting BRCA mutations in sporadic ovarian cancer patients with unknown family histories. We retrospectively confirmed a germ line mutation after observing abnormal findings on IHC for BRCA. Unfortunately, we could not persuade the patient’s family members to undergo genetic testing for the mutation.

The frequency of BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations in general population is estimated to be 1 in 300 to 1 in 800[7]. There are many types of BRCA mutations with differences in penetration. Such mutations have previously been reported in Korean breast cancer patients, but not in patients with ovarian carcinoma[8].

Although progress in molecular diagnosis has assisted in cancer diagnosis[9], the use of vague guidelines for selecting patients for genetic testing, high cost, and lack of insurance coverage make it difficult to detect hereditary cancer patients.

After diagnosis, three methods are commonly applied to manage BRCA mutation carriers: screening, prophylactic surgery, and chemoprevention. Our patient and her family were offered genetic counseling by gynecologic oncologist and breast cancer surgeon. Her breast mammogram and sonography showed negative results.

The average lifetime risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer in women with a BRCA1 mutation are 65% and 39%, respectively[5]. The penetrance of ovarian cancer in BRCA1 mutation carriers is known to be 11% to 23%[10]. The patient was offered counseling on breast cancer risks and prevention.

As our abilities to recognize genetic risks improve, patients with an inherited risk of ovarian carcinoma can be identified before cancer onset, rendering effective prevention of ovarian carcinoma associated with inherited risks. IHC screening can help diagnose BRCA mutations, and clinicians should recommend genetic sequencing in patients with unknown family histories of disease.

Fig. 1.

Computerized axial tomography scan and gene sequencing results.

Fig. 2.

(A) Hematoxylin and eosin staining of sample. (B) BRCA1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) (negative staining). (C) BRCA2 IHC (focal positive staining). Agent: BRCA1 (Abcam ab16870), BRCA2 (Abcam ab110967). Evaluation: Nuclear staining of the tumor is scored as either 2 (strong, normal), 1 (weak), or 0 (negative, abnormal) compared with the corresponding internal control.

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References

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