Inherited Susceptibility to Breast Cancer in Healthy Women: Mutation in Breast Cancer Genes, Immune Surveillance, and Psychological Distress.

摘要

The purpose of the research supported by this IDEA grant award, is to provide the first critical test of the possibility that variability in the strength of immune surveillance mechanisms against cancer (operationally defined by assessment of natural killer cell activity) may be a factor in determining the penetrance of mutations in breast cancer susceptibility genes. Two possible explanations for variability in NK cell activity are being investigated: (1) stress-induced immune suppression, and (2) inherited deficits in immune surveillance. To date, largely as a result of challenges posed by a change in study site associated with a new academic position for the PT, the study has fallen substantially behind anticipated recruitment levels. As we have husbanded resources, while addressing these challenges, we anticipate being able to meet study goals over the next year. We have therefore requested a no-cost extension of the award.