Prophylactic breast irradiation reduces background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) on MRI: A secondary analysis

Breast. 2020 Feb:49:70-73. doi: 10.1016/j.breast.2019.10.011. Epub 2019 Nov 6.

Abstract

Purpose: We recently showed that prophylactic breast irradiation (PBI) reduces the risk of contralateral breast cancer in BRCA mutation carriers undergoing treatment for early breast cancer. It has been suggested that Background Parenchymal Enhancement (BPE) may be a biomarker for increased risk of breast cancer.

Methods: For participants in the trial we reviewed the MRI prior to enrollment and following radiation treatment and scored the contralateral breast for BPE and density.

Results: Significant reduction of BPE was more commonly noted following PBI (p = 0.011) compared to the control group.

Conclusion: Reduction of BPE by PBI may contribute to its prophylactic effect.

Keywords: BPE; BRCA; Breast cancer; Prophylactic breast irradiation.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase II
  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • BRCA1 Protein
  • BRCA2 Protein
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / radiation effects
  • Breast / diagnostic imaging
  • Breast / radiation effects
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / statistics & numerical data*
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutation
  • Parenchymal Tissue / diagnostic imaging
  • Parenchymal Tissue / radiation effects*
  • Radiotherapy / methods*

Substances

  • BRCA1 Protein
  • BRCA1 protein, human
  • BRCA2 Protein
  • BRCA2 protein, human
  • Biomarkers, Tumor