Proteomic Analyses of Nipple Fluids for Early Detection of Breast Cancer; Annual rept. 15 Sep 2005-14 Sep 2006

摘要

Our purpose is to combine the well-established method of breast nipple fluid collection with new proteomics methodology for analyses of complex protein mixtures in order to seek a better test for early breast cancer. The scope of our work is far-reaching as our results could have a significant impact on the ability to detect occult breast cancers at earlier stages than is possible with current cancer detection methods. To date we have completed a pilot test of 12 patients to optimize collection and lab storage and analysis conditions. Since the previous year our numbers have increased progressively: we collected 196 nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) samples (168 from case subjects and 29 from control subjects). Our modification of the collection protocol to collect NAF directly with capillary has been successful. This collection procedure is more efficient providing more useable samples for lab analysis. We have run test samples using SELDI-TOF methodology that showed significant numbers of peaks on IMAC40 chips thereby validating both the collection and analysis protocols. In summary we have developed a workable protocol for nipple fluid collection that produces consistent quantitative protein analysis. We continue to focus our efforts on sample collection.