Elevated Levels of Somatic Mutation as a Biomarker of Environmental Effects Contributing to Breast Carcinogenesis
Abstract
It is widely presumed that environmental exposures play a role in the development of breast cancer, but few individual agents have been unequivocally identified as risk factors. Rather than seek out individual agents, we hypothesize that the cumulative effect of environmental exposures on an individual can be quantified through a blood-based assay, and further, that such a "biomarker" might distinguish breast cancer patients from age-matched controls. Preliminary evidence seems to support this hypothesis, and we have now begun to supplement this preliminary data in a manner that will allow us to determine how environmental exposures and predisposition interact with other known risk factors for breast cancer, such as family history, life history of hormonal exposure, and exposure to ionizing radiation. These biomarker data can then be added to a risk assessment procedure for breast cancer, and ultimately, might help identify the types of exposure specifically associated with cancer in the breast.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA424567
Entities
People
- Stephen G Grant
Organizations
- University of Pittsburgh