BRCA testing and outcomes in women with breast cancer.

Main Purpose: Germline BRCA mutations (BRCAm) strongly influence the risk of developing breast cancer. This study aimed to understand the role of BRCAm testing in affected individuals and to assess its impact on the outcome of BRCAm carriers compared to non-carriers (BRCAwt) with breast cancer.

Research Question: The research question is "Does standard of care testing for BRCAm improve survival outcomes of breast cancer patients?"

Methods: In a single institution observational cohort study, demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between breast cancer patients with and without BRCAm.

BRCA testing, treatment patterns and survival in platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer - an observational cohort study.

Background: Breast cancer associated (BRCA) genes are critical for DNA repair. Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCAm) result in loss of these repair mechanisms and potential carcinogenesis. Germline BRCAm are common in ovarian carcinomas, particularly in platinum-sensitive disease.

Assessment of statin therapy, LDL-C levels, and cardiovascular events among high-risk patients in the United States.

Background: Statins have demonstrated significant benefit in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.

Objective: To evaluate statin treatment patterns by intensity, elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, and cardiovascular (CV) events in high-risk CVD patients.

Methods: Patients included were aged ≥ 18 years, with a coronary heart disease (CHD; Jan 1, 2007-Dec 31, 2011, index date) or CHD risk equivalent (CHD RE) diagnosis (Jan 1, 2007-Dec 31, 2010, index date), in the Truven MarketScan claims database, continuously enrolled for 2 years pre- and up to 1 (CHD) or 2 (CHD RE) years post-index.

Assessment of HER2 testing patterns, HER2+ disease, and the utilization of HER2-directed therapy in early breast cancer.

Context: Determining human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status is critical for the management of early-stage breast cancer (ESBC). An understanding of HER2 testing practices can provide insight into how test results influence the use of HER2-directed therapy.

Objective: To assess HER2 testing, HER2+ disease, and HER2-directed therapy in ESBC at the Huntsman Cancer Institute before and after the 2007 American Society of Clinical Oncology and College of American Pathologist (ASCO/CAP) guidelines on HER2 testing were published.