Elevated Levels of Somatic Mutation as a Biomarker of Environmental Effects Contributing to Breast Carcinogenesis
Abstract
Environmental exposures undoubtedly 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, the authors 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. 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. Moreover, the authors have shown that a major factor modulating somatic mutational burden is DNA repair capacity, and that this characteristic can also be used to identify individuals at increased risk for breast cancer. Changes in DNA repair capacity may also be amenable to manipulation, which might allow scientists to intervene in the process of breast carcinogenesis, and individually optimize breast cancer treatment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA456367
Entities
People
- Stephen G Grant
Organizations
- University of Pittsburgh