NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Proteomic analysis of nipple aspirate fluid using surface enhanced laser desorption ionization-time of flight (SELDI-TOF) mass spectrometry could diagnosis and identify women at risk of breast cancer, researchers report in the May 1st issue of the International Journal of Cancer.
As lead investigator Dr. Edward R. Sauter told Reuters Health, “we identified candidate protein masses in expressed nipple fluid which were associated both the presence and progression of breast cancer.”
Dr. Sauter of the University of Missouri-Columbia, and colleagues used SELDI-TOF to analyze nipple aspirate fluid collected with a modified breast pump from 114 women who were about to undergo diagnostic breast surgery.
The researchers found that certain protein ion masses were differentially expressed in women with and women without breast cancer. Moreover, subset analysis allowed differentiation between benign disease and ductal carcinoma in situ and between ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive cancer.
The best cancer detection model, the researchers found, involved presence of an 11,880 Da protein, age, parity and the absence of pathologic nipple discharge.
If the results of this technique are validated, Dr. Sauter concluded, “assessment of this body fluid which can be collected noninvasively may assist clinicians in the early detection of breast cancer.”
Source: Int J Cancer 2005;114:791-796. [ Google search on this article ]
MeSH Headings:Diagnosis: Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures: Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and EquipmentCopyright © 2002 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.
