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. We are applying 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. Thus far we have recruited and lavaged 148 women and have determined that atypia is diagnosed in only 25% of cancerous breasts. Atypia is diagnosed with equal frequency among fluid-producing and non-fluid producing ducts and the frequency of atypia declines with increasing age. We are currently running the methylation assays using a multiplexed quantitative methylation-specific real time PCR.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA438496
Entities
People
- David M. Euhus
Organizations
- University of Texas at Dallas