BRCA Mutations in Latinas

BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations and Triple Negative Disease in Hispanic/Latino Breast Cancer Subjects

Background:

- BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations have been linked to a higher risk of developing breast cancer and other cancers, and may be associated with types of breast cancer that are more difficult to treat and more likely to recur. New cancer treatments are being developed specifically to treat individuals who have these gene mutations. However, more information is needed about the prevalence of these mutations in minority populations, including Hispanic/Latino populations. To study these populations, researchers are interested in collecting genetic material (DNA) and medical history information from Hispanic/Latino women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Objectives:

- To collect saliva samples and medical and family history information from Hispanic/Latino women with breast cancer.

Eligibility:

- Hispanic/Latino women at least 18 years of age who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Design:

• Participants will complete a questionnaire with information about place of birth, languages spoken by parents and grandparents, and information about their breast cancer diagnosis.
• Participants will provide a saliva sample (2 to 3 tablespoons) for analysis.
• No treatment will be provided as part of this protocol.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Breast Neoplasms

Detailed Description

BACKGROUND:

• Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes predispose to breast and ovarian cancer, and are increasingly recognized in prostate and pancreatic cancers.
• Basal/ Triple negative breast cancer is associated with BRCA mutations in some ethnicities.However the link between BRCA gene mutations and Basil/ triple negative disease in Hispanic/ Latino women is not known.
• Common recurrent mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 exist in Hispanic/ Latino communities.
• New therapies such as PARP inhibitors may be particularly effective in BRCA mutation carriers.
• Therefore a unique opportunity exists to identify women in this underserved minority that may be eligible for and benefit from new targeted therapies.

OBJECTIVES:

- The primary objective is to collect saliva samples and histology data from up to 2000 Hispanic/ Latino subjects with breast cancer as a source of DNA, and to analyze the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes..

ELIGIBILITY:

- All Hispanics females, over the age of 18, with breast cancer will be eligible.

DESIGN:

- Natural history study of 2000 Hispanic/Latino women with breast cancer, 1000 with triple

negative disease, 1000 without.

• Obtain clinical pathology reports and relevant history data on all subjects.
• Analyze recurrent BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Actual): 266

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• United States
  • Texas
    • Lubbock, Texas, United States, 79415
      • Southwest Cancer Center, Lubbock; Texas Tech University

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 18 years to 99 years (Adult, Older Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

primary clinical

Description

• INCLUSION CRITERIA:
• Patient must be self-identified of Hispanic/Latino origin.
• Patients must have histologically or cytologically confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer.
• Age greater than or equal to 18 years.
• Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.
• Must be willing and able to provide a saliva sample, answer questionnaire data online or complete a paper questionnaire, and request a copy of their pathology report.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

- Males and subjects under the age of 18.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Observational Models: Case-Only
• Time Perspectives: Cross-Sectional

Number of groups / cohorts

1

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Patients; Hispanic women, over the age of 18, with breast cancer will be eligible.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Time Frame
Collection of saliva from 2000 probands	Every six months

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: National Cancer Institute (NCI)
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Michael C Dean, Ph.D., National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Publications and helpful links

General Publications

• Dean M, Boland J, Yeager M, Im KM, Garland L, Rodriguez-Herrera M, Perez M, Mitchell J, Roberson D, Jones K, Lee HJ, Eggebeen R, Sawitzke J, Bass S, Zhang X, Robles V, Hollis C, Barajas C, Rath E, Arentz C, Figueroa JA, Nguyen DD, Nahleh Z. Addressing health disparities in Hispanic breast cancer: accurate and inexpensive sequencing of BRCA1 and BRCA2. Gigascience. 2015 Nov 4;4:50. doi: 10.1186/s13742-015-0088-z. eCollection 2015.

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): July 7, 2011

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: December 1, 2010
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: December 1, 2010
• First Posted (Estimated): December 2, 2010

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): May 29, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 28, 2026
• Last Verified: September 25, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Breast Cancer; Natural History; BRCA2; BRCA1; Hispanic/Latino; Triple Negative Disease
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Neoplasms by Site; Neoplasms; Skin Diseases; Breast Diseases; Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases; Breast Neoplasms
• Other Study ID Numbers: 999911035; 11-C-N035

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No