BRCA mutation carriers show normal ovarian response in in vitro fertilization cycles

Objective To evaluate the association between carriage of BRCA1/2 mutations and ovarian performance, as demonstrated by in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Two tertiary IVF centers. Patient(s) BRCA mutation carriers undergoing IVF for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) or fertility preservation were compared with non-BRCA PGD or fertility preservation patients, matched by age, IVF protocol, IVF center, and cancer disease status. Intervention(s) In vitro fertilization cycles for PGD and fertility preservation. Main Outcome Measure(s) Outcome of IVF: oocyte yield, poor response rate, number of zygotes, pregnancy rates. Result(s) A total of 62 BRCA mutation carriers and 62 matched noncarriers were included; 42 were fertility preservation breast cancer patients, and 82 were PGD non-cancer patients. Mean (±SD) age of patients was 32 ± 3.58 years. Number of stimulation days and total stimulation dose were comparable between carriers and noncarriers. Their cycles resulted in comparable oocyte yield (13.75 vs. 14.75) and low response rates (8.06% vs. 6.45%). Number of zygotes, fertilization rates, and conception rates were also comparable. Conclusion(s) Both healthy and cancer-affected BRCA mutation carriers demonstrated normal ovarian response in IVF cycles.