Association Between Loss-of-Function Mutations Within the FANCM Gene and Early-Onset Familial Breast Cancer

Key Points

Question

Do inactivating germline mutations within the FANCM gene increase breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer risk?

Findings

This case-control study included 2047 BRCA1 and BRCA2–negative familial breast cancer cases and 2187 controls and revealed an association of FANCM mutations with breast cancer. More pronounced associations were identified for early-onset (before age 51 years) breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer. Analysis of 628 unselected ovarian cancer cases revealed no significant association.

Meaning

We suggest FANCM be included in diagnostic gene panel testing for individual breast cancer risk assessment.

Abstract

Importance

Germline mutations in established moderately or highly penetrant risk genes for breast cancer (BC) and/or ovarian cancer (OC), including BRCA1 and BRCA2, explain fewer than half of all familial BC and/or OC cases. Based on the genotyping of 2 loss-of-function (LoF) variants c.5101C>T (p.GIn1701Ter [ rs147021911]) and c.5791C>T (p.Arg1931Ter [ rs144567652]), the FANCM gene has been suggested as a novel BC predisposition gene, while the analysis of the entire coding region of the FANCM gene in familial index cases and geographically matched controls is pending.

Objectives

To assess the mutational spectrum within the FANCM gene, and to determine a potential association of LoF germline mutations within the FANCM gene with BC and/or OC risk.

Design, Setting, and Participants

For the purpose of identification and characterization of novel BC and/or OC predisposition genes, a total of 2047 well-characterized familial BC index cases, 628 OC cases, and 2187 geographically matched controls were screened for LoF mutations within the FANCM gene by next-generation sequencing. All patients previously tested negative for pathogenic BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. All data collection occurred between June 1, 2013, and April 30, 2016. Data analysis was performed from May 1, 2016, to July 1, 2016.

Main Outcomes and Measures

FANCM LoF mutation frequencies in patients with BC and/or OC were compared with the FANCM LoF mutation frequencies in geographically matched controls by univariate logistic regression. Positive associations were stratified by age at onset and cancer family history.

Results

In this case-control study, 2047 well-characterized familial female BC index cases, 628 OC cases, and 2187 geographically matched controls were screened for truncating FANCM alterations. Heterozygous LoF mutations within the FANCM gene were significantly associated with familial BC risk, with an overall odds ratio (OR) of 2.05 (95% CI, 0.94-4.54; P = .049) and a mutation frequency of 1.03% in index cases. In familial patients whose BC onset was before age 51 years, an elevated OR of 2.44 (95% CI, 1.08-5.59; P = .02) was observed. A more pronounced association was identified for patients with a triple-negative BC tumor phenotype (OR, 3.75; 95% CI, 1.00-12.85; P = .02). No significant association was detected for unselected OC cases (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 0.57-5.08; P = .27).

Conclusions and Relevance

Based on the significant associations of heterozygous LoF mutations with early-onset or triple-negative BC, FANCM should be included in diagnostic gene panel testing for individual risk assessment. Larger studies are required to determine age-dependent disease risks for BC and to assess a potential role of FANCM mutations in OC pathogenesis.

Abstract

This case-control study analyzed the entire coding region of the FANCM gene to find its association with breast and ovarian cancer risk.