New Approaches for Early Detection of Breast Tumor Invasion or Progression
Abstract
This project assessed the potential roles of myoepithelial (ME) cells in breast tumor invasion, and found that a subset of pre-invasive breast tumors contained focally disrupted ME cell layers. Compared to adjacent cells within the same duct, cell clusters overlying these focal ME layer disruptions showed several unique features, including a loss of estrogen receptor expression, a significantly higher rate of proliferation, genetic instability, expression of tumor invasion and metastasis-related genes, and infiltration of leukocytes. Together, the authors' findings suggest the following: (1) focal ME layer disruptions might represent an early sign of tumor invasion, (2) cell clusters overlying focal ME layer disruptions might represent precursors of invasive lesions, and (3) focal ME layer disruptions may result from a localized degeneration of aged or injured ME cells and resultant immunoreactions. This project was completed ahead of schedule. Its outcomes are expected to generate a total of 98 scientific publications (74 have already been published or accepted for publication).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA442237
Entities
People
- Yan-gao Man