Osteoporosis risk and management in BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers who undergo risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Characterize current management of osteoporosis risk in BRCA carriers following risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO).

METHODS: Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation who underwent RRSO were identified from a community-based health system in Northern California from 1995 to 2012. Retrospective chart review using the electronic medical record was performed. The primary outcome was the number of women who had a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan post-RRSO. Secondary outcomes included new diagnoses of osteopenia, osteoporosis, and fracture. Information on the following risk factors was also recorded: calcium and vitamin D use, history of breast cancer, chemotherapy, use of aromatase inhibitors, and use of hormone replacement therapy.

RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty five women tested positive for a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation and underwent RRSO. Median follow-up was 41 months from testing. Ninety-nine (44.0%) had at least one DXA scan following testing. The median time from RRSO to a diagnosis of bone disease was 29 months (range 1-170). Seventy-two percent had only one DXA scan (range 1-7) following testing. Thirty-two percent had normal results, 55.6% had osteopenia and 12.1% had osteoporosis. Four percent of women had an atraumatic fracture after surgery. Age, breast cancer history, prior chemotherapy, and tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitor (AI) use were not associated with having osteoporosis or osteopenia.

CONCLUSIONS: Women with BRCA mutations who undergo RRSO have many risk factors for bone loss. The majority of these women are not being screened for bone loss. A clear guideline for screening needs to be established to improve detection of post-RRSO bone disease.