Breast Secretions as Markers of Oestrogen Action
Author Information
Author(s): Harding C, Osundeko O, Tetlow L, Faragher E B, Howell A, Bundred N J
Primary Institution: University Hospital of South Manchester
Hypothesis
The study aims to develop a physiological measure of oestrogen action on the breast.
Conclusion
Measurement of pS2 and Apo D in nipple aspirates may serve as useful intermediate endpoints for assessing breast responsiveness to anti-oestrogens.
Supporting Evidence
- Premenopausal women had significantly higher levels of pS2 and cathepsin D compared to post-menopausal women.
- Following treatment with goserelin, median nipple secretion levels of pS2 fell and Apo D and CP15 rose significantly.
- Similar changes were observed with tamoxifen therapy but not in untreated control women.
- HRT treatment resulted in a rise of pS2 and a fall in Apo D.
Takeaway
The study looked at breast secretions to see how they change with different treatments for breast cancer, finding that certain proteins can indicate how the breast is responding to these treatments.
Methodology
The study measured oestrogen-stimulated and -inhibited proteins in breast secretions from women on and off anti-oestrogen therapy.
Participant Demographics
Participants included premenopausal and post-menopausal women, with a total of 44 women involved in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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