Monoclonality and Genetic Instability in Premalignant Breast Tissue
Abstract
By the time a cancer is detected, its tumor cells already exhibit myriad genetic abnormalities. To gain a better understanding of genetic events that occur early in breast carcinogenesis, this research examined genetic abnormalities 1) in histologically normal tissue from women at low, medium or high degrees of breast cancer risk, using archival specimens of reduction mammoplasties, and of diagnoses of atypical hyperplasia and breast cancers, respectively; and 2) in synchronously occurring putative precursor lesions, including normal-appearing epithelium, simple and atypical proliferative (hyperplastic) lesions and carcinomas themselves. Each specimen is microdissected, its DNA examined using a panel of selected microsatellite markers, and evidence of clonal abnormalities sought, in particular loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and microsatellite instability (MI). Investigation of the project's first goal generated data regarding the timing and sites of early genetic abnormalities. These data raise the possibility that a field defect exists in certain breast tissue. Investigation of the second goal is uncovering the nature of the clonal relationships existing between multiple synchronous putative precursors. These studies are identifying important sites of genetic abnormalities in early breast cancer precursors, and beginning to outline a sequence of acquired genetic abnormalities necessary for precursor lesions to evolve into full-blown malignancies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADB282072
Entities
People
- Carol L. Rosenberg
Organizations
- Boston University