Determination of Metastatic Potential in Breast Tumors by Global Molecular Characterization Using Multiple Modalities

Abstract : Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed non-skin cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in women today. Early detection has been instrumental in improving outcomes for women with breast cancer. Primary tumors are rarely, if ever, the cause of cancer mortality, rather cancer deaths are the consequence of metastasis. The ability of a tumor to metastasize is a fundamental property which determines the severity of the disease. Better ways of predicting the likelihood of metastasis and finding markers that identify tumors that are likely to metastasize is of critical importance to the optimal management of breast cancer patients. This pilot project is designed to obtain comprehensive data on gene expression, epigenetic changes and genomic abnormalities from breast tumor samples in the Windber Research Institute tissue repository, collected as part of the Clinical Breast Care Project (CBCP), from patients stratified by lymph node status (diseased or free of disease). Two hundred twenty four patients enrolled in the CBCP have been found to meet the criteria for inclusion in this project. One hundred of these samples have been selected to begin this study. The HRPO determined that the proposal constitutes research not involving human subjects. Sample selection has been completed and samples are undergoing laser capture microdissection. DNA and RNA will be extracted from these samples for further analysis. Data are being generated and analyzed.