This content is in French.
A discovery expands the role of BRCA genes to new cancers
22 avril 2026
By Elodie Vaz | Published on April 22, 2026 | 3 min readMutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have historically been associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers, as well as pancreatic and prostate cancers. These genes play a key role in DNA repair, and their pathogenic variants impair this mechanism, promoting the accumulation of genetic abnormalities and cellular transformati
By Elodie Vaz | Published on April 22, 2026
| 3 min read
Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have historically been associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers, as well as pancreatic and prostate cancers. These genes play a key role in DNA repair, and their pathogenic variants impair this mechanism, promoting the accumulation of genetic abnormalities and cellular transformation. This understanding has enabled the development of personalized medicine strategies, particularly through the use of PARP inhibitors. However, for many rarer cancers, the involvement of these genes has remained largely unexplored.
Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have historically been associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers, as well as pancreatic and prostate cancers. These genes play a key role in DNA repair, and their pathogenic variants impair this mechanism, promoting the accumulation of genetic abnormalities and cellular transformation. This understanding has enabled the development of personalized medicine strategies, particularly through the use of PARP inhibitors. However, for many rarer cancers, the involvement of these genes has remained largely unexplored.
Sign in to read the rest
Reserved for healthcare professionals, free registration.
Scientific reference
Sasagawa H, Momozawa Y, et al. Association of BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants with multiple cancer types: a case-control study from BioBank Japan. ESMO Open [Internet]. 2026 Apr [cited 2026 Apr 17]
View the source
