Developing New Epidemiologic Tools for Investigating Breast Cancer Risk.
Abstract
In Project 1 (developing biomarkers for growth factors and key steroids in breast fluid) we have progressed towards development of a sensitive, reliable assay for estradiol. We have also begun assays for TGF-alpha in breast fluid samples in the Mammographic Density Study, which focuses on the relation of breast fluid growth factor levels to breast tissue density, an independent risk factor for breast cancer. Results thus far indicate that mammographic density might be associated with EGF levels. We have completed development of a new assay for salivary estradiol and have demonstrated a high degree of consistency between menstrual cycles in daily salivary estradiol and progesterone. In Project 2 (lobular differentiation in normal breast tissue), we have completed preliminary analysis of our case-control study. The results are not strong; however, the data suggest that recent completed pregnancy is associated with lobular maturation, and that lobular maturation following parity might be incomplete in some women with breast cancer. We are currently finishing the analysis and determining whether it is feasible to test our differentiation marker in a larger nested case-control study.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA363621
Entities
People
- Peter H Gann
Organizations
- Northwestern University