Influence of BRCA Mutations on the Reproductive Potential of Women. A Systematic Review

Author(s): Fabra P, Espinòs JJ, Checa M A

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. About 3% of breast cancers are related to BRCA1 / BRCA2 mutations. It has been suggested that BRCA mutations have a negative impact on the reproductive potential of the carriers, but the clinical evidence is conflicting. The aim of this review is to identify studies that help us to evaluate it. The reproductive potential was evaluated through 1) the ovarian response to pharmacological (gonadotropin) stimulation and 2) measuring Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) basal levels. An exhaustive review of the literature has been carried out. All articles focused on this topic were included. Data were extracted and reported in summary tables. The risk of bias of each of the included studies was assessed. The review of the literature does not show differences when evaluating the response of BRCA carriers to an ovarian stimulation protocol. The revision seems to show slight differences in the ovarian reserve. Also, worse results were found in BRCA1 vs. BRCA2 mutation carriers. Further studies are required to verify the results.