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Long-term morbidity and health after early menopause due to oophorectomy in women at increased risk of ovarian cancer: Protocol for a nationwide cross-sectional study with prospective follow-up (HARMOny Study): Protocol for a Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study With Prospective Follow-Up (HARMOny Study)

  • Lara Terra
  • , Maartje J. Hooning
  • , Bernadette A. M. Heemskerk-Gerritsen
  • , Marc van Beurden
  • , Jeanine E. Roeters van Lennep
  • , Helena C. van Doorn
  • , Joanne A. de Hullu
  • , Constantijne Mom
  • , Eleonora B. L. van Dorst
  • , Marian J. E. Mourits
  • , Brigitte F. M. Slangen
  • , Katja N. Gaarenstroom
  • , M. Carola Zillikens
  • , Tim Leiner
  • , Lizet van der Kolk
  • , Margriet Collee
  • , Marijke Wevers
  • , Margreet G. E. M. Ausems
  • , Klaartje van Engelen
  • , Lieke P. V. Berger
  • Christi J. van Asperen, Encarna B. Gomez-Garcia, Irma van de Beek, Matti A. Rookus, Michael Hauptmann, Eveline M. Bleiker, Sanne B. Schagen, Neil K. Aaronson, Angela H. E. M. Maas, Flora E. van Leeuwen*
*Corresponding author for this work
  • Netherlands Cancer Institute
  • Erasmus MC
  • Radboud University Medical Center
  • Amsterdam UMC - University of Amsterdam
  • University Medical Center Utrecht
  • University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen
  • Maastricht UMC+
  • Leiden University Medical Center
  • Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Institute of Biostatistics and Registry Research, Neuruppin, Germany
  • Erasmus University Rotterdam
  • Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital
  • Radboud University Nijmegen
  • Utrecht University
  • University of Groningen
  • Maastricht University
  • Leiden University
  • Institute of Biostatistics and Registry Research

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

Background: BRCA1/2 mutation carriers are recommended to undergo risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) at 35 to 45 years of age. RRSO substantially decreases ovarian cancer risk, but at the cost of immediate menopause. Knowledge about the potential adverse effects of premenopausal RRSO, such as increased risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, cognitive dysfunction, and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL), is limited. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the long-term health effects of premenopausal RRSO on cardiovascular disease, bone health, cognitive functioning, urological complaints, sexual functioning, and HRQoL in women with high familial risk of breast or ovarian cancer. Methods: We will conduct a multicenter cross-sectional study with prospective follow-up, nested in a nationwide cohort of women at high familial risk of breast or ovarian cancer. A total of 500 women who have undergone RRSO before 45 years of age, with a follow-up period of at least 10 years, will be compared with 250 women (frequency matched on current age) who have not undergone RRSO or who have undergone RRSO at over 55 years of age. Participants will complete an online questionnaire on lifestyle, medical history, cardiovascular risk factors, osteoporosis, cognitive function, urological complaints, and HRQoL. A full cardiovascular assessment and assessment of bone mineral density will be performed. Blood samples will be obtained for marker analysis. Cognitive functioning will be assessed objectively with an online neuropsychological test battery. Results: This study was approved by the institutional review board in July 2018. In February 2019, we included our first participant. As of November 2020, we had enrolled 364 participants in our study. Conclusions: Knowledge from this study will contribute to counseling women with a high familial risk of breast/ovarian cancer about the long-term health effects of premenopausal RRSO. The results can also be used to offer health recommendations after RRSO.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere24414
Pages (from-to)e24414
JournalJMIR research protocols
Volume10
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2021

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Keywords

  • BRCA1/2
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Cognition
  • Health-related quality of life
  • Osteoporosis
  • Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy

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