Breast Cancer Biomarkers in Nipple Aspirates from Women Treated With Estrogen Receptor Blockers
Abstract
The purpose of our study is to determine if: (1) success in collecting nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) biomarkers increases with experience, (2) NAF biomarkers (cytology, ploidy, cell cycle parameters, and prostate-specific antigen, PSA) change in response to treatment with tamoxifen (TAM) or raloxifene (RAL), and (3) NAF biomarker changes are associated with future breast cancer risk. Our hypothesis is that NAF biomarkers will change favorably or unfavorably in response to treatment with TAM or RAL, and that the biomarker change(s) will predate clinical findings observed on mammography or physical examination. Postmenopausal women at increased breast cancer risk are enrolled in the Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene (STAR) trial and randomized to TAM or RAL. Prior to starting medication, subjects who elect to participate undergo breast nipple aspiration. A repeat aspiration is performed 6 months after initiating medication. This multiinstitutional trial currently involves three centers (Thomas Jefferson University, UCLA and Fox Chase Cancer Center). Enrollment to date is II, and 7 subjects have completed the trial. Analysis of the data has not yet been performed. A fourth site, MD Anderson Cancer Center, is currently considering joining the study. If our hypothesis proves correct, then nipple aspiration may provide a useful noninvasive method to evaluate response to treatment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA395618
Entities
People
- Edward R. Sauter
Organizations
- Thomas Jefferson University