I'm a bit curious if anyone on this forum has been tested for the BRCA2 gene mutation, which is typically associated with a very high probability of developing breast cancer in females (and to a lesser extent in males, including an enhanced risk for prostate cancer in males). My sister has Stage 3 ovarian cancer and was tested for the gene, which qualified her for a trial of a novel drug that very well may end up saving her life. My brother then got tested for it, and found that he is also a carrier. I have yet to get tested for it. I have asked my various multiple myeloma specialists if they know about any links between the BRCA2 gene mutation and multiple myeloma, and they indicated they were unaware of any association.
However, if you read this heady article, there in fact does seem to a potential basis for a link. The following is a an excerpt from the article, whose link follows:
For example, there is evidence for an increased risk of multiple myeloma in the relatives of BRCA1 and BRCA2 germline mutation carriers [13]
Zighelboim, I., et al, "Excess of early onset multiple myeloma in endometrial cancer probands and their relatives suggests common susceptibility," Gynecologic Oncology, May 2007 (full text at PubMed Central)
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Multibilly - Name: Multibilly
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Smoldering, Nov, 2012
Re: BRCA2 Gene Link to Multiple Myeloma
My dad died of multiple myeloma in 1996. He was 46 years old. His father died a year later of pneumonia but had blood work indicating multiple myeloma early stages at the time of his death, AND he had breast cancer sometime shortly prior to his death (it was removed and I don't believe that was related to his passing). My dad had a second cousin who died of multiple myeloma.
My dad had 3 sisters.
- The oldest had breast cancer later in life. She tested negative for BRCA.
- Another sister died after surviving breast cancer twice only to succomb to ovarian cancer. Her 2 daughters have both tested positive for BRCA2.
- The third sister had breast cancer twice, then after her sister died of ovarian cancer, she decided to have a full hysterectomy. She tested positive for BRCA2 and so did her daughter.
Something is definitely connected. I am expecting my BRCA results next week.
I hope this helps.
My dad had 3 sisters.
- The oldest had breast cancer later in life. She tested negative for BRCA.
- Another sister died after surviving breast cancer twice only to succomb to ovarian cancer. Her 2 daughters have both tested positive for BRCA2.
- The third sister had breast cancer twice, then after her sister died of ovarian cancer, she decided to have a full hysterectomy. She tested positive for BRCA2 and so did her daughter.
Something is definitely connected. I am expecting my BRCA results next week.
I hope this helps.
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kthf
Re: BRCA2 Gene Link to Multiple Myeloma
Wow, your family has really had a go of it. So sorry to hear about all this.
In any case, thanks for the post. I had forgotten about this thread. Note this article from the NIH that recently came out that suggests a link.
Koura, D.T., and Langston, A.A.,"Inherited predisposition to multiple myeloma," Therapeutic Advances in Hematology, August 2013 (full text at PubMed Central)
For good measure, I now ask my doc to perform a breast exam on me every few months. I still don't know if I have the BRCA2 gene or not as I'm not willing to spend the $ to get the test since there isn't much that I could do with the results being a guy.
But I do know that both of my siblings have the BRCA-2 gene, as does my niece. I tell them to be on the lookout for multiple myeloma and to watch their protein and globulin levels when they get their routine physicals.
I used to like my family's genes ...
In any case, thanks for the post. I had forgotten about this thread. Note this article from the NIH that recently came out that suggests a link.
Koura, D.T., and Langston, A.A.,"Inherited predisposition to multiple myeloma," Therapeutic Advances in Hematology, August 2013 (full text at PubMed Central)
For good measure, I now ask my doc to perform a breast exam on me every few months. I still don't know if I have the BRCA2 gene or not as I'm not willing to spend the $ to get the test since there isn't much that I could do with the results being a guy.
But I do know that both of my siblings have the BRCA-2 gene, as does my niece. I tell them to be on the lookout for multiple myeloma and to watch their protein and globulin levels when they get their routine physicals.
I used to like my family's genes ...
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Multibilly - Name: Multibilly
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Smoldering, Nov, 2012
Re: BRCA2 Gene Link to Multiple Myeloma
Hi there, I read the article it is very interesting. I don't have my results yet there was an issue at the lab so they are delayed. I will let you know when I have them. I always knew something more was up in my family and something HAD to be wrong in our genes and caused my dad to get multiple myeloma at 46 years of age (died in 1986, not 96). I guess there is a correlation whether he had the mutation or not. So even if I'm not positive for the mutation I am still at risk of multiple myeloma. How old are you and how are you doing right now, may I ask? Back in the 80s there wasn't a whole lot they could do for my dad. He lived for almost 3 years once diagnosed but suffered a lot. It was so hard on us - he had 4 kids 7, 11, 15, and 17 (me) when he passed. I hope you are doing better than he did!
Oh another clarification - my grandfather DID actually die due to breast cancer. It had spread throughout his body. He also had the multiple myeloma markers at time of death.
Oh another clarification - my grandfather DID actually die due to breast cancer. It had spread throughout his body. He also had the multiple myeloma markers at time of death.
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kthf
Re: BRCA2 Gene Link to Multiple Myeloma
Good question. In my family my mother and daughter had breast cancer. My mother also had colon cancer and my dad died from it. My mother is set to turn 98, 3 of my grandparents lived to old age 80's and 90's. I've had lung cancer, prostate cancer and CLL to go with my multiple myeloma. My sister died of multiple myeloma at 55 and was probably not old enough to play out the risk of breast cancer.
It seems to me that there is also evidence that the revolution of chemical enhancement and increased exposure to radiation might need to join the risk of suspects. At least in my family.
It seems to me that there is also evidence that the revolution of chemical enhancement and increased exposure to radiation might need to join the risk of suspects. At least in my family.
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Wayne K - Name: Wayne
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself, my sister who passed in '95
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 03/09
- Age at diagnosis: 70
Re: BRCA2 Gene Link to Multiple Myeloma
I am relieved to have tested negative for the BRCA2 mutation that is prevalent in my family. My two sisters will be tested as well and I hope their results are the same.
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kthf
Re: BRCA2 Gene Link to Multiple Myeloma
I have been looking for a connection between my BRCA 2 mutation and my father's father dying of multiple myeloma, at 56 years old. After I was tested after my first diagnosis in 2009, because of my fitness and my young age of 42, my whole family was tested and my father is the carrier. This is interesting to me, because cancer seems to run genetically on my dad's side. In 2009 I had bi-lateral mastectomy and oopherectomy, and I was put on Arimadex for estrogen receptive. I had recurrence in 2013, did the whole chemo treatment and radiation, and more estrogen therapy and now it's metastasized to my soft tissue and bone in my abdomen. I have three sons, breast cancer and prostate cancer concern me, but multiple myeloma is more frightening for men.
Thanks for sharing your information.
Thanks for sharing your information.
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hollyainger1
Re: BRCA2 Gene Link to Multiple Myeloma
I just read this line of posts now and have a couple of suggestions and something I learned at a prostate cancer patient/family conference at Abramson Cancer Center/University of Pennsylvania. The BRCA gene is also found to be responsible for some forms of lung, prostate and pancreatic cancers as well as the more well known breast and ovarian cancers. Men can be more closely followed for any signs of cancer in any of the areas except, of course, ovarian cancer. If you have a history of any of these cancers in the male or female lines of your family, having genetic testing should really be considered.
The sister of a friend of mine developed breast cancer, that was successfully treated, and then had female reproductive problems that I don't think were cancer, but led to a complete removal of her reproductive organs. She didn't get genetic testing even though her mother died of breast cancer at a very early age, in her 30's. A few years later my friend was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer that was extremely aggressive and died of it several months later. When my friend was diagnosed with ovarian cancer her sister finally got genetic testing and it was found that she was BRCA positive. If she had been tested when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, would my friend have been tested and maybe done prophylactic treatment for it? All in hind sight.
So, I personally would be tested if I had a history of any of these cancers in my family.
Nancy in Phila
The sister of a friend of mine developed breast cancer, that was successfully treated, and then had female reproductive problems that I don't think were cancer, but led to a complete removal of her reproductive organs. She didn't get genetic testing even though her mother died of breast cancer at a very early age, in her 30's. A few years later my friend was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer that was extremely aggressive and died of it several months later. When my friend was diagnosed with ovarian cancer her sister finally got genetic testing and it was found that she was BRCA positive. If she had been tested when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, would my friend have been tested and maybe done prophylactic treatment for it? All in hind sight.
So, I personally would be tested if I had a history of any of these cancers in my family.
Nancy in Phila
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NStewart - Name: Nancy Stewart
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 3/08
- Age at diagnosis: 60
Re: BRCA2 Gene Link to Multiple Myeloma
Tested positive for the BRCA2 Gene. Would appear that the BRCA is not all bad:
Feng, W, and Jasin, M, "BRCA2 suppresses replication stress-induced mitotic and G1 abnormalities through homologous recombination," Nature Communications, Sep 13, 2017 (full text of article)
Feng, W, and Jasin, M, "BRCA2 suppresses replication stress-induced mitotic and G1 abnormalities through homologous recombination," Nature Communications, Sep 13, 2017 (full text of article)
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Aussie - Name: Assue
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Nil
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 37
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