HRT + the KRAS-Variant

HRT + The KRAS-Variant

Studies have found maintaining estrogen levels with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help reduce cancer risk for women with the inherited KRAS-variant.7

curve-up2

Estrogen and the inherited KRAS-variant

The use of estrogen as HRT during menopause has come with some controversy, due to a study in 2004,12 while more recent research suggests HRT can be a safe and healthy option for many women.13-16

Unfortunately, HRT’s use decreased dramatically after the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative Study reported an association between HRT and worse health outcomes, including increased breast cancer risk.12

However, follow up studies indicated that there were some women for whom estrogen decreases breast cancer risk. These subgroups remained to be identified, until recently.

A MiraKind study showed that maintaining estrogen levels decreases cancer risk in women with the inherited KRAS-variant.7

Estrogen withdrawal occurs:

  • After oophorectomy (the removal of both ovaries)
  • After discontinuation of HRT
  • At menopause

The study’s most important findings were that for women with the inherited KRAS-variant, estrogen withdrawal and lower estrogen levels were significantly associated with a risk of developing an aggressive breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

The findings of the study were published in 2015 in the scientific article “Estrogen Withdrawal, Increased Breast Cancer Risk and the KRAS-variant.” 7

 

MiraKind is conducting a research study to find more answers for women about HRT and breast cancer risk

In 2019, we began working on a study to define how personal genetics predict breast cancer risk for women taking HRT. Our goal has been to find other genetic biomarkers, like the inherited KRAS-variant, that can be used to identify people at lower, OR higher risk of breast cancer from HRT.

Learn more and help by joining the study here.

The KRAS-variant is an inherited genetic variant associated with breast cancer,3 ovarian cancer,2 lung cancer,1 as well as other cancers,5,6 and multiple cancers in the same individual.4,7

Should you get tested for the KRAS-variant?

If you are considering a premenopausal oophorectomy or are peri-menopausal, learning whether you have the inherited KRAS-variant can help you make the important decision about whether or not HRT is right for you.

Learn more about why and how to get tested here.

graphic that states: Hormone Replacement Therapy reduces the risk of cancer for women with the KRAS-variant
bottom-right-heavy-curve

sign up for updates

The world of genetics and medicine continues to evolve. Education is one of the foundations of MiraKind. We will provide you regular updates in an easily digestible format.

curve-up2

Disclaimer

Any discussion of medical management options on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute a medical recommendation. All medical management decisions should be made based on consultation between each patient and his or her healthcare professional.

arrow up to top