Developing New Epidemiologic Tools for Investigating Breast Cancer Risk
Abstract
The overall aim of this research was to develop novel biomarkers for breast cancer prevention research using samples of biological fluids and breast tissue. Project 1 dealt with measurement of growth factors and steroids in nipple aspirate fluid, as well as estradiol and progesterone in saliva. Project 2 dealt with developing a histological index for estimating the degree of lobular differentiation in normal breast tissue. We successfully completed development of assays for EGF and TGF-alpha in breast fluid, and showed that differences in levels between women are significantly greater than those between breasts or over time in individual women. We also found weak correlations between breast fluid EGF and mammographic breast density. An assay for estradiol in breast fluid is sensitive and reliable, but validation studies have not yet been completed. We developed salivary assays for progesterone and estradiol; the latter is the first reported direct assay. Our results show that these salivary assays can be useful tools in studies involving cumulative ovarian hormone levels in pre-menopausal women. In Project 2, we completed development of a reliable method for measuring lobular differentiation by histologic branching, and found evidence for greater differentiation in parous and recently pregnant women. However, our data do not indicate strong differences in lobule type between breast cancer cases and controls.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA382379
Entities
People
- Peter H Gann
Organizations
- Northwestern University