Multidisciplinary Biomarkers of Early Mammary Carcinogenesis

摘要

The purpose of the proposed research is to develop novel optical technologies to identify high-risk premalignant changes in the breast. Our proposed research will first test specific optical parameters in breast cancer cell lines and model of early mammary carcinogenesis, and then develop methods to test the optical parameters in random periareolar fine needle aspirate (RPFNA) samples from women at high-risk for developing breast cancer. We have found that the optical redox ratio can 1) differentiate normal mammary epithelial cells from breast cancer cell lines, 2) differentiate ER(-) and ER(+) breast cancer cell lines and 3) monitor response to ER-targeted therapies. Our results suggest that the optical redox ratio will likely be able to differentiate normal mammary epithelial cells from premalignant changes. Further the optical redox ratio, in combination with other optical parameters, may be useful to monitor response to therapy, or predict response to therapy in patients with breast cancer and in small animal models.