Characterization of Early Genomic Changes in Mammary Glands of High Risk Women
Abstract
Because many of the familial breast cancer patients carry a mutation in BRCAl on chromosome l7 or BRCA2 on chromosome 13, the first genetic event that may occur in their mammary glands to begin the progression toward cancer may be loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on one of these two chromosomes. It is unknown if these genetic changes correspond to a recognizable histopathological abnormality, nor what are the precise associated chromosomal changes leading to cancer. We hypothesize that such genomic changes may precede morphologic changes and thus we may detect evidence for such changes (eg LOH) in morphologically normal breast tissues or benign lesions surrounding breast tumors in BRCAl/2 positive patients. We have recently developed a panel of markers to study LOH in morphologically well characterized and carefully laser capture microdissected, breast tissues. We are evaluating a group of BRCAl/2 positive patients with breast cancer who are followed up by our Cancer Genetics Program at the Lombardi Cancer Center. Our studies so far support our hypothesis. Specifically, several of the markers studied show evidence of LOH in histologically normal looking tissues and in benign lesions surrounding breast cancer in both BRCAl and 2 positive patients.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA396666
Entities
People
- Robert B. Dickson
Organizations
- Georgetown University