Exploring Breast Cancer Risk Using NMR Metabonomics: Interstitial Breast Fluid and Breast Cancer Biomarkers

Abstract

For women with a high risk of developing breast cancer, the treatment options can be drastic, unnecessary, and emotionally and physically scarring. While histological evaluation of tissue samples is reliable for invasive breast cancers, the malignant potential from ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) cannot be reliably predicted from histopathology. Biomarkers in the breast have appeal as being directly reflective of underlying preneoplastic processes and could be used to accurately predict short-term breast cancer risk even in DCIS. By using 1H NMR metabonomics on interstitial breast fluid provided from random periareaolar fine-needle aspirations, as well as wash fluid from breast extractions, some potential biomarkers have been uncovered that could aid physicians in the prognosis of high-risk women.