Epigenetic Testing for Breast Cancer Risk Stratification

Promoter region hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes is one the earliest molecular events in malignant transformation and is readily detectable in apparently normal benign breast epithelium adjacent to breast cancers. We hypothesize that DNA methylation of certain genes occurs as a field change in benign breast tissue that is at high risk for malignant transformation, and as such, can be exploited for tissue-based breast cancer risk stratification. Additional work is required to identify new DNA methylation markers potentially useful for periareolar fine needle aspiration (RP-FNA)-based breast cancer risk stratification, to determine whether these markers are methylated more frequently in benign samples from women who develop breast cancer, to determine whether assessment of these markers is reproducible, to determine whether tamoxifen reduces DNA methylation, and to better understand the pattern of DNA methylation in benign samples from unselected healthy control populations. Each of these objectives contributes to advancement of a clinically useful RP-FNA-based breast cancer risk stratification test.

In addition, identification of genes that are preferentially methylated in estrogen receptor (ER) negative breast cancer will provide clues to the underlying biology responsible for this aggressive form of breast cancer. This knowledge may lead to the discovery of the causes of ER negative breast cancer, approaches for recognizing women at increased risk for this type of breast cancer, and approaches for reducing this risk.

Inclusion criteria

• Women between the ages of 30 and 79.
• Untreated stage 1 - 3 invasive breast cancer or a woman never diagnosed with breast cancer.
• BI-RADS 1, 2, or 3 breast imaging within 12 months for women >40 years of age recruited into the control group.

Exclusion criteria

• <30 or >80 years of age
• Unable to provide informed consent
• Presence of an undefined palpable or mammographic breast lesion suspicious for malignancy (BIRADS 4 or 5)
• Breast implants
• Bilateral prophylactic mastectomy
• Any prior breasts irradiation
• Any systemic chemotherapy in the past
• Performance status that restricted normal activity for a significant portion of the day
• Use of luteinizing-hormone-releasing-hormone (LHRH) analogs, prolactin inhibitors, antiandrogens, or systemic glucocorticoids within three months
• Ever use of tamoxifen, raloxifene, or other SERMs
• Ever use of aromatase inhibitors
• Pregnancy or lactation within six months
• Bleeding diathesis of any kind

• Inherited coagulation disorder
• Current coumadin use
• Use of drugs that inhibit platelet aggregation within 10 days