Evaluation of Transvaginal Ultrasound plus CA-125 Measurement and Prophylactic Salpingo-Oophorectomy in Women at Different Risk Levels of Ovarian Cancer: The Modena Study Group Cohort Study

Oncology. 2017;93(6):377-386. doi: 10.1159/000479155. Epub 2017 Aug 26.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) and serum CA-125 measurement in women at different risk of developing ovarian cancer/fallopian tube cancer (OC/FTC) and the incidence of primary peritoneal cancer (PPC) after risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO).

Methods: Between 2002 and 2014, 661 women at different risk of OC/FTC/PPC due to a family history or BRCA1/2 gene mutation were offered TVU and CA-125 measurement or RRSO as prevention strategies. The detection rate of OC/FTC/PPC was evaluated, and the sensitivity and specificity for CA-125 measurement and TVU were calculated. Survival and event analysis was performed for diagnosed patients.

Results: After a median follow-up of 112 months, 12 OC/FTC/PPC cases were detected (2.6/1,000 persons/year). The screening sensitivity was 70%, with 73% for BRCA carriers. Six (50%) of 12 cancers were stage I or II. Among 41 women who underwent RRSO, 2 BRCA1 carriers developed a PPC (4.9%). At 61-month follow-up, overall and event-free survival were 75 and 64%, respectively.

Conclusions: The cancer detection rate in women with BRCA mutation or a strong family history supports the effectiveness of our surveillance program for early diagnosis. Screening for women at lower risk of OC/FTC is not recommended. A residual risk of PPC after RRSO remains for BRCA1 carriers.

Keywords: BRCA1; BRCA2; CA-125 measurement; High risk; Salpingo-oophorectomy; Surveillance.

MeSH terms

  • BRCA1 Protein / genetics
  • BRCA2 Protein / genetics
  • CA-125 Antigen / blood*
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Fallopian Tube Neoplasms / blood
  • Fallopian Tube Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / blood*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / genetics
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Ovariectomy / methods
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / blood
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / genetics
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Salpingo-oophorectomy / methods
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Ultrasonography / methods

Substances

  • BRCA1 Protein
  • BRCA2 Protein
  • CA-125 Antigen