Updates on RAD51C, RAD51D, and BRIP1

Updates on RAD51C, RAD51D, and BRIP1

🎙 Inherited Cancer Registry (ICARE) 👥 991 📅 October 10, 2025 ⏱ 29 min 👁 495 📄 expert opinion 🧭 2026-08-13
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

RAD51CRAD51DBRIP1ovarian cancer riskbreast cancer riskgenetic testingrisk-reducing surgeryACMG guidelinesFanconi anemiaclinical genetics

Summary

This video is an excerpt from the October 2025 ICARE Genetics Case Conference, featuring guest expert Dr. Helen Hanson from the University of Exeter. The session begins with a case presentation of a 42-year-old woman with a BRIP1 pathogenic variant identified through multi-gene panel testing, despite no significant family history of ovarian cancer. Dr. Hanson then provides an update on the cancer risks associated with RAD51C, RAD51D, and BRIP1, drawing from recent literature and an ACMG clinical practice resource. She explains that these genes are moderate-risk ovarian cancer predisposition genes, with RAD51C and RAD51D also associated with a moderate risk of breast cancer, particularly ER-negative/triple-negative subtypes, while BRIP1 is not strongly associated with breast cancer. The presentation emphasizes the importance of individualized risk assessment, considering family history, age-related risks, and other modifying factors. Recommendations for ovarian cancer risk management include discussing risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy around age 50, with adjustments based on individual risk. Breast cancer surveillance is based on individualized risk, and risk-reducing mastectomy is rarely indicated. The video also addresses challenges in counseling, such as evolving risk estimates and the possibility of biallelic inheritance (Fanconi anemia). The take-home message is that clinical management should be tailored to each patient, and guidelines may evolve as more data become available.

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Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The video provides valuable, up-to-date information on the cancer risks associated with RAD51C, RAD51D, and BRIP1, synthesizing recent studies and an ACMG clinical practice resource. The argumentation is solid, grounded in peer-reviewed literature and expert consensus. The speaker clearly explains the evolution of risk estimates and the importance of individualized risk assessment, using case examples and data from key studies. The presentation is well-structured, moving from background to clinical management, and addresses practical challenges in counseling. The discussion of the case adds a practical dimension, illustrating how these risks are applied in a real clinical scenario.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The scientific rigor is high, with references to multiple peer-reviewed studies and an ACMG clinical practice resource. The speaker is a recognized expert in clinical genetics, and the content aligns with current guidelines. The title accurately reflects the content, focusing on updates for these three genes. The video is an expert opinion and not a systematic review, but it is based on a thorough review of the literature. The sources are credible and relevant, and the presentation is balanced, acknowledging uncertainties and the need for individualized care.

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Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content, which focuses on updates for these three genes.

Quality & Reliability

8/10

Presentation by a clinical genetics expert, based on recent literature and an ACMG clinical practice resource, with clear references to studies. However, it is an expert opinion and not a systematic review.

Key Moments

Cited Sources

  • ACMG clinical practice resource for RAD51C, RAD51D, and BRIP1 — Mentioned as recently published and co-led by Dr. Hanson.
  • Study by Cummings et al. on age of onset in carriers identified through multi-gene panel testing — Cited for median age of onset of ovarian cancer in BRIP1 carriers.
  • Study by Yangatau et al. on families with RAD51C and RAD51D — Cited for breast and ovarian cancer risks in these families.
  • Study by Darling et al. (2021) on breast cancer subtypes — Cited for association with ER-negative/triple-negative breast cancer.
  • Study by Sunatau et al. (2015) on unselected ovarian cancer cases — Cited for confirming moderate-risk ovarian cancer predisposition.
  • Study by Gareth Evans group in Manchester — Cited for demonstrating BRIP1 as the third most important ovarian cancer gene.
  • Study by Susan Ramos et al. (2005) on BRIP1 and ovarian cancer — Cited for association of BRIP1 with ovarian cancer.
  • Study by Doug Easton's group — Cited for weak association of BRIP1 with breast cancer.
  • Study by CLA Turnbull's group (meta-analysis) — Cited for lower odds ratio for breast cancer in RAD51C/D.
  • JCO paper on risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy thresholds — Cited for 3-4% and 5% risk thresholds.
  • Bodisa or CanRisk paper — Cited for individualized risk assessment with modifying factors.

Concurring Sources

External References

Contribution & Novelties

This video provides an up-to-date synthesis of the cancer risks associated with RAD51C, RAD51D, and BRIP1, highlighting the recent ACMG clinical practice resource. It emphasizes the importance of individualized risk assessment, considering family history and other modifying factors, and clarifies that BRIP1 is not strongly associated with breast cancer. The presentation also addresses challenges in counseling, such as evolving risk estimates and the possibility of biallelic inheritance.

Pour aller plus loin :

  • RAD51C - GeneReviews — Comprehensive clinical summary of RAD51C-related cancers.
  • BRIP1 - GeneReviews — Comprehensive clinical summary of BRIP1-related cancers.
  • CanRisk tool — Web-based tool for individualized breast and ovarian cancer risk prediction.
  • ACMG guidelines on genetic testing — Professional guidelines for genetic testing and counseling.

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Radar Profile

The radar profile shows high scores in information quantity, quality, and reliability, with a slightly lower technical level, indicating a balanced presentation suitable for a professional audience. The video excels in providing up-to-date, evidence-based information.

Reliability 8/10