Prediction of Breast Cancer Risk by Aberrant Methylation in Mammary Duct Lavage
Abstract
Women found to have atypical hyperplasia on a breast biopsy are at significantly increased risk for breast cancer. Nipple duct lavage (NDL) is being promoted by some as a new screening test for atypical hyperplasia, but cytological interpretation is a subjective art and experience indicates that the underlying conditions represented by cytological atypia on NDL can range from intraductal papilloma to ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Laboratory studies indicate that methylation of tumor suppressor genes is an early event in breast carcinogenesis and often represents a cell's attempt to defeat cell cycle control. We have shown previously that methylation of RASSFlA of APC in benign breast epithelium correlates with calculated breast cancer risk and the finding of Cyclin D2 methylation is specific for malignant transformation. We are applying these objective methylation tests to cells obtained by NDL from women with breast cancer, women at increased risk of breast cancer, and women at low or average risk of breast cancer. Successful completion of the project will provide new tools for the objective evaluation of breast epithelial cells obtained by NDL in order to accurately risk stratify women and to enhance the early detection of DCIS.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA417945
Entities
People
- Arvind K. Virmani
Organizations
- University of Texas at Dallas