Descriptive Biomarkers for Assessing Breast Cancer Risk
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to determine the extent to which exfoliated epithelial cells present in breast milk can be used to assess a woman s individual risk of developing breast cancer and to detect early signs of breast cancer. To accomplish this goal we have collected breast milk samples from 250 lactating women who either have had a breast biopsy or are scheduled for a breast biopsy. We have isolated the epithelial cells and are determining the DNA promoter methylation patterns of several tumor-suppressor genes that are frequently methylated in breast cancer. Tasks 1 through 5 have been completed and we are making significant progress on Tasks 6 and 7. We completed methylation analyses of three genes (RASSF1, SFRP1 and GSTP1) on all samples and will be presenting the results of this research at the annual meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research. We requested and received a one year extension during which we will complete the methylation and statistical analyses on the remaining six genes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA549135
Entities
People
- Kathleen F. Arcaro
Organizations
- University of Massachusetts Amherst