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Molecular marker that predicts risk of breast cancer identified
Posted on: 10/Apr/2016 3:52:34 PM
A molecular marker in normal breast tissue that can predict the risk of developing breast cancer has been identified. Breast cancer is the number one cause of death in women worldwide. The research conducted by Harvard University was published in the journal Cancer Research.
Previous research has already identified some women who had the BRCA1 or BRCA 2 gene mutation as having a higher risk of developing cancer. Researchers have also identified that women who did not give birth before their 30s had a higher risk of developing cancer as they had a higher number of mammary gland progenitor cells.
Researchers from Harvard University, who conducted the new study, examined biopsies from 302 women in the Nurses Health Study and the Nurses Health Study II. The women had been diagnosed with benign breast disease. These samples were compared with tissue from 69 women who later developed cancer. Results showed that women who had a higher percentage of Ki67 were more likely to develop cancer. This is a molecular marker that identifies proliferating cells in the cells that line the mammary ducts and milk-producing lobules. These cells are called the mammary epithelium. They undergo changes throughout a woman`s life. A majority of breast cancers originate in these tissues.
Speaking about this, the researchers said, Instead of only telling women that they do not have cancer, we could test the biopsies and tell women if they were at high risk or low risk for developing breast cancer in the future. Currently, we are not able to do a very good job at distinguishing women at high and low risk of breast cancer. By identifying women at high risk of breast cancer, we can better develop individualised screening, and also target risk reducing strategies. If we can minimise unnecessary radiation for women at low risk that would be good.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), To date, mammograms are the best tool for the early detection, but there are risks associated with screening; false positive results, false negative results, and over diagnosis could cause psychological distress, delay treatment, or lead to over treatment, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
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