The relevance of BRCA genetics to prostate cancer pathogenesis and treatment.

The breast cancer susceptibility genes 1 (BRCA1) and 2 (BRCA2) are cellular proteins involved in DNA repair. They are normally expressed in the breast, ovaries, prostate, and other tissues. Their germline mutation is the cause of hereditary breast-ovarian cancer syndromes. BRCA mutation carriers are also susceptible to other cancers, notably prostate cancer. In this article, we review the role of BRCA genes in the pathogenesis and clinical course of prostate cancer. We also discuss the molecular mechanisms of action and the therapeutic implications of BRCA germline mutations.