Fluorescence in situ hybridization of ductal lavage samples identifies malignant phenotypes from cytologically normal cells in women with breast cancer.

Background: Ductal lavage (DL) does not routinely identify cytologically malignant cells. For this study, the authors asked whether molecular analyses of DL specimens from women with cancer would identify abnormal cells, even if they appeared cytologically normal.

Methods: DL was performed and yielded fluid in 29 of 45 consenting women who were undergoing breast cancer surgery.

Pilot trial of a computerized decision aid for breast cancer prevention.

This study sought to evaluate a shared decision-making aid for breast cancer prevention care designed to help women make appropriate prevention decisions by presenting information about risk in context. The decision aid was implemented in a high-risk breast cancer prevention program and pilot-tested in a randomized clinical trial comparing standard consultations to use of the decision aid. Physicians completed training with the decision aid prior to enrollment.

Breast cancer growth prevention by statins.

Statins are cholesterol-lowering drugs with pleiotropic activities including inhibition of isoprenylation reactions and reduction of signals driving cell proliferation and survival responses. The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of statins on breast cancer cells, both in vitro and in vivo, and to begin to determine their mechanism of action. We evaluated the effects of statins on breast cancer cell growth, phosphoprotein signaling intermediates, survival/apoptosis regulators, cell cycle regulators, and activated transcription factors.

Nipple aspirate fluid cytology and the Gail model for breast cancer risk assessment in a screening population.

Background: Recent guidelines suggest that chemoprevention with tamoxifen may be appropriate for women who have a 5-year risk of breast cancer greater than 1.66% calculated using the Gail model.

Objectives: To determine whether nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) cytology combined with the Gail model provides breast cancer risk assessment that is superior to either method alone.