Allele Imbalance or Loss of Heterozygosity, in Normal Appearing Breast Epithelium as a Novel Biomarker to Predict Future Breast Cancer
Abstract
The goal of this study is to determine whether the occurrence of AI/LOH in the DNA of histologically normal epithelium from noncancerous breasts predicts future breast cancer development. If so, then AI/LOH would be an excellent candidate molecular marker of increased sporadic breast cancer risk: its incidence increases during cancer development, it can be quantified and standardized, it is likely to reflect dysregulation of genetic mechanisms that could be potential targets for pharmacological modulation. In the past year, we have completed Task 2 and 3. Thirty-three subjects (16 control [no cancer] and 17 case subjects [developed cancer]) remained after subjects and blocks dropped out based on study criteria. They included 6 pairs and 21 unmatched subjects. Statistical analyses were performed but due to small sample size, no definitive predictions could be made. However, there were trends: a) AI, in aggregate, increases the likelihood of cancer (OR 1.78, p 0.47), b) AI at 17pVNTR (OR 0.167, p 0.194) might be associated with reduced cancer risk and c) increased subject age appears to be associated with reduced risk of AI. If more matched pairs could be identified, we would be able to increase the power of the study and the trends we observed might become statistically significant. Task 4 is in process.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 10, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA544525
Entities
People
- Carol L. Rosenberg
Organizations
- Boston Medical Center