How Do Genetic Determinants of Bone Mass Relate to Breast Cancer Risk
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between breast cancer risk, bone mass, and two polymorphic hormone receptor genes-the Estrogen Receptor (ER) and the Vitamin D Receptor (vDR) genes. We will explore a possible functional mechanism in the third and final year to help explain the association between ER variants and breast cancer risk. Our target sample size is 200 new breast cancer cases and 200 controls (both African-American and white), ages 40-85. To date, we have recruited 280 cases and controls and expect to reach our target halfway through the third year (February 2001). Preliminary results show that age-, weight-, and ethnicity-adjusted bone mineral density in the forearm is higher in the breast cancer cases than controls (0.345 vs 0.332 g/sq cm for distal site, 0.796 vs 0.789 g/sq cm for the proximal site). The vDR frequencies appear to be different in the cases and controls such that the "bb" genotype (associated with higher bone mass) is more prevalent in the cases than in the controls. There are no definitive findings with the ERG polymorphism at this time. In summary, our positive findings thus far support our hypotheses that higher bone mass is found in breast cancer cases compared with controls, and that variations in the vDR gene may contribute to this association.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA383950
Entities
People
- Dorothy Nelson
Organizations
- Wayne State University