The Important Role of Rearrangements, Duplications, and Deletions of BRCA1 and BRCA2 – Part 2

(This is the second part of a series that began with a previous post – “The Important Role of Rearrangements, Duplications, and Deletions of BRCA1 and BRCA2“.) In Part 1 of this series, we provided an introduction to the role that large rearrangements of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes play in Hereditary Breast and Ovarian [...]

The Important Role of Rearrangements, Duplications, and Deletions of BRCA1 and BRCA2

(this is the 1st part of a 7 part series) The Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer risk genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, are the most important genetic risk factors known for breast and ovarian cancer.  Individuals with a disease-associated mutation in one of these genes have markedly elevated breast cancer and ovarian cancer risks.  The identification [...]

Mutations in the DIS3L2 Gene Cause Perlman Syndrome: Another Key Clue in Unraveling the Puzzle of Wilms Tumor Development

A new study shows that mutations in the DIS3L2 gene cause Perlman syndrome – which is associated with Wilms tumor risk

Other Cancers Seen in Families with RAD51D Mutations

Two days ago we discussed a recent study by Dr. Nazneen Rahman and colleagues which clearly demonstrated that inherited mutations in a gene called RAD51D result in a substantial elevation in risk for ovarian cancer. This elevation in risk was seen in some families in which other cancer types were seen in the family tree. So, does this mean that the other cancer types in these families are also due to the RAD51D mutations?

RAD51D – A New Hereditary Ovarian Cancer Gene With Important Implications

If you have a compelling family history of ovarian cancer that is not explained by a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, it is possible that a mutation in the RAD51D gene could be the explanation.

New Financial Assistance Program for Young Women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations Needing Help Paying for Screening Breast MRI

In a previous post we mentioned a Christina Applegate appearance on Oprah to discuss both learning that she (Ms. Applegate) had Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer risk due to a BRCA1 mutation and the aftermath. Since then, The Christina Applegate Foundation has worked to promote awareness of the importance of breast MRI screening for high-risk women. However, one key impediment for some women is the cost of MRI. Now, Right Action for Women is doing something to address this problem.

More on the Woman Who Filed an EEOC Complaint Claiming She Was Fired Over a Genetic Test Revealing a BRCA2 Mutation

The internet is abuzz with all kinds of information related to the case that we discussed yesterday here inovolving a Connecticut woman, Pamela Fink, who has filed a complaint with the EEOC and others alleging genetic discrimination under GINA (Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act) . She states that her former employer, MXenergy, fired her because of a genetic test that revealed that she carried a mutation in the BRCA2 gene, which confers very high lifetime risks of breast and ovarian cancer.
Video is beginning to emerge (thanks to Nature News for pointing us in this direction) with more information about the case.

Myriad Genetics Has Raised The Price for BRCA1 and BRCA2 Testing: North of $4,000 Now

The Yale Cancer Genetic Counseling blog notes that on April 1, Myriad reportedly raised the full price for full sequencing and rearrangement testing of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes to $4,040 (from $3,770).

Woman Files Complaint Claiming She Was Fired Over Positive BRCA2 Test for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer

In one of the first complaints filed related to the Genetic Insurance Nondiscrimination Act, a Connecticut woman has filed complaints with the U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission and the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. According to the Boston Herald, Pamela Fink, 39, of Fairfield, Connecticut, alleges that her employer, MXenergy fired her after she disclosed to them that she had a mutation in the BRCA2 gene (which confers hereditary breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility).

Myriad Breast Cancer Gene Patents and the Courts: Upcoming Genetic Alliance Webinar

We’ve mentioned the court case involving the Myriad breast cancer gene patents several times here at Cancer and Your Genes. Recently, we’ve discussed the rather surprising summary judgment decision invalidating some of Myriad Genetics’ patents on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. This is just the opening salvo in a fight that may make it all the way to the Supreme Court.