– What is the purpose of this international study?
–Esteban Castelao (EC): The purpose of the BRIDGES study (Breast Cancer Risk after Diagnostic Gene Sequencing) is to define the most useful genes in the clinic for inclusion in tests for the prediction of breast cancer risk, to guide genetic counseling. The study has concluded that 9 genes are the most useful, from a clinical point of view, for inclusion in risk prediction tests and for improving genetic counseling to patients and their families. Some of the genes identified were already well known, but for others, such as RAD51C, RAD51D and BARD1, the association was not so well established. In all the 9 genes, in addition, it was possible to refine the quantity and magnitude of the risk of breast cancer, and it was also specified which genes are associated with each tumor type. The BRIDGES study is part of the initiatives of the International Breast Cancer Consortium BCAC (Breast Cancer Association Consortium), established in 2005, with which Breogan has collaborated since 2010.
–What is the relevance of the finding in the prediction of breast cancer and in the diagnostic tests?
–EC: Genetic testing to predict breast cancer risk has become an important part of clinical practice, particularly for women with a family history of the disease. This study has helped define the group of genes that will be used in genetic testing. It is important, since the finding of this group of genes will allow us to identify women at high risk and, ultimately, to implement a more precise screening.
–How many samples of women from around the world are handled in the study and how many of these are Galician, both healthy and with cancer?
–EC: In total, 113,000 women from around the world; 60,000 of them with breast cancer and 53,000 without disease. This research had several phases, in the initial stage 2,000 Galician patients with breast cancer participated, and about 2,000 others without disease. In the following stages of the study, 800 Galician patients with breast cancer participated.
– How important is the risk prediction in this type of cancer?
–EC: In breast cancer, as in other types of cancer or other pathologies, predicting risk is always important. The ultimate goal is to improve prevention, with much more personalized screening programs than we have today. This will improve the early diagnosis and clinical management of the patient and increase the survival of this disease.
– What is your next step in the investigation?
–Manuela Gago (MG): The risk factors for breast cancer are not only genetic, but also environmental, hormonal and anthropometric, which, in turn, can also be modified by genetic variants. Therefore, the next step is to create predictive models that integrate current knowledge about all these factors to obtain a good estimate of the individual risk for each woman. We are working on this global project to include a high number of Galician patients.
–As a result of the pandemic, there is much talk about research and the work of scientists has become more visible. Do you think that all this will help to invest more in science in Spain?
–MG: Spain invests less funds in research in relation to its IP than many European countries. This pandemic can help make the need for research more visible, this hard period we are living in is an example of why research is so necessary. I firmly believe that this will serve to see more investment in science in the near future.
“Coexistence between groups and companies and science energize research”
– How is the pandemic affecting the research of diseases such as cancer? –EC: COVID-19 is currently an emergency that affects all levels and all levels of our country and the world. That said, at the health level and at the research level, we are all making an effort to help get out of this situation. –The BREOGAN research has had, among other support, that of small associations, such as the Vigo Against Cancer Association, which allocated the money raised in its popular race in 2018 to this research. To what extent is the help of groups and private companies for cancer research important? –MC: The Vigo Against Cancer Association is an example of the connection of a group with research. These coexistence with groups and companies are important since they stimulate research and provide great social and economic support to projects such as, for example, BREOGAN. We want to reiterate our gratitude to Vigo Contra Cáncer for supporting our consortium and congratulate them for the great work they are doing year after year raising funds for cancer research.
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