Omega 3 Fatty Acids and ERPR(-)HER2(+/-) Breast Cancer Prevention

The study aims to determine biological changes that occur with a 12 month intervention of low (~0.9 g EPA+DHA/day) vs high dose (~5.4 g EPA+DHA/day) of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in women survivors of hormone unresponsive breast cancer. The objectives of the trial are to develop unique mammary epithelial, adipose tissue specific markers of exposure and response to omega 3 fatty acid supplements that can be carried forward into definitive intervention trials of EPA, DHA/omega 3 PUFAs for breast cancer prevention. The investigators will randomize 80 subjects with hormone receptor negative, HER-2/neu overexpression positive or negative breast cancer to either a high or low dose of omega 3 PUFAs. Using fine needle aspiration to procure cellular samples of breast epithelial and adipose tissue, the investigators will determine the effects of omega 3 fatty acids on mammary specific biomarkers of response.

Inclusion criteria

• Prior diagnosis of Stage 0 to III breast cancer that is estrogen receptor negative, progesterone receptor negative with completion of definitive surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy.
• Completion of chemotherapy or trastuzumab for > six months and of radiation therapy for > 2 months, as applicable and 5 years or less from completion of standard therapy.
• Greater than 1 year from pregnancy, lactation.
• Mammogram within the eight months prior to study enrollment that is not suspicious for breast cancer (ACR Class I-III).

Exclusion criteria

• Other current malignancy or metastatic malignancy of any kind.
• Ongoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other cancer-related treatment.
• Subjects on Coumadin or other anticoagulants.
• Subjects with breast implants.
• Subjects who have had radiation to both breasts or who have undergone bilateral mastectomies.
• Barriers to fine needle aspiration sampling of breast adipose tissue and/or parenchymal breast tissue, including breast implants, history of radiation to both breasts, bilateral mastectomies, and/or insufficient breast adipose/parenchymal tissue for adequate fine needle aspiration (FNA) sampling.
• Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension, or psychiatric illness/social situation that would limit compliance with study requirements.
• Chronic use of omega 3 fatty acid concentrates or capsules within the 3 months prior to entry on the study or any other supplements that might interact with omega 3 fatty acid supplements.
• Pregnant or nursing women.
• Known sensitivity or allergy to fish.
• Subjects on a standing regimen of full dose aspirin (greater than 325 mg/day), NSAIDs (nonsteriodal anti inflammatory drug) or NSAID-containing products.