Accession Number:

ADA564322

Title:

Descriptive Biomarkers for Assessing Breast Cancer Risk

Descriptive Note:

Final rept. 15 Sep 2008-14 Sep 2011

Corporate Author:

MASSACHUSETTS UNIV AMHERST

Personal Author(s):

• Arcaro, Kathleen F.

Report Date:

2011-10-01

Pagination or Media Count:

9.0

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 the disease. To accomplish this goal we collected breast milk samples from 250 lactating women who either have had a breast biopsy or were scheduled for a breast biopsy. We isolated the epithelial cells and completed DNA promoter methylation analysis of the proposed tumor suppressor genes. We presented results of our research at several scientific meetings and published a paper in Epigenetics demonstrating increased promoter methylation in cells from the breast milk of women at increased risk of developing breast cancer. While the study has concluded we continue with annual follow-up on all women who donated breast milk. A second manuscript describing the results for additional tumor suppressor genes is in preparation and additional studies are being conducted with the archived milk samples.

Descriptors:

• *BREAST CANCER
• *CELLS(BIOLOGY)
• *DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACIDS
• *EPITHELIUM
• *MILK
• *RISK
• BIOPSY
• DISEASES
• EXFOLIATION
• GENES
• MAMMARY GLANDS
• NEOPLASMS
• SAMPLING
• SUPPRESSORS
• SYMPOSIA
• TRACER STUDIES
• WOMEN

Subject Categories:

• Medicine and Medical Research

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE