Biological Specimen Bank to Enhance Population Based Studies of Inherited Breast Cancer Genes

The objectives of this infrastructure enhancement project are to establish a population-based biological specimen and companion risk-factor data bank on 225 invasive breast cancer cases, ages 35 and under. These breast cancer cases have been enrolled through the tumor incidence registries in Connecticut, Massachusetts and 7 regions in California with a total population of 21 million 8 of U.S. women. Demographic, epidemiologic and family history data have been collected on 225 cancer cases, and fresh blood specimens have been processed to produce a lymphoblastoid cell line, cDNA and plasma in years 1-3. A computerized file of the epidemiologic data and specimen data has been generated. Despite a series of initial obstacles, we have completed on schedule all activities outlined in our Statement of Work. We have announced the availability of the resource to researchers on the internet with additional data available via the email link on this site. An Outside Advisory Committee will prioritize requests for tissues and risk factor data. This resource is available to multiple investigators for detection of p53, BRCAl2 and other inherited breast cancer susceptibility genes, and studies of gene-environment interactions.