Genetic Susceptibility Factors in Aggressive Breast Cancer in African- American Women and the Effects of Carcinogens and Modifiers

摘要

The purpose of this study is to identify possible genetic risk factors that might predispose African-American women to aggressive breast cancer. Plasma samples collected from African-American women, both cases and controls would be used for genotyping, and tumor tissue samples were available from cases. The study proposed a genotypic analysis of carcinogen metabolizing genes and analysis of the p53 mutations in tumor samples to determine if associations exist between enzyme genotypes and cancer risk; and if an association exists between enzyme genotypes and p53 mutational patterns in tumors. Unfortunately, technical problems related to sample quality and difficulties in genotyping methodology have lead the mentor for this career development grant to terminate the project. Problems with the study design under which the samples were originally collected would further complicate analysis of any data that could be obtained. The principal investigator for the grant has identified a new laboratory and research project in which to continue the career development award. The plasma samples have been returned to the Howard University Cancer Center, our collaborators.