Breast Imaging Studies in Women at High Genetic Risk of Breast Cancer: Annual Follow-Up Study

Overview

This study will explore new screening methods for early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in women at high risk for these diseases, because they have an altered breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) or breast cancer 2 (BRCA2) gene. It will also try to determine if breast tissue characteristics in women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation differ from those in women with a normal gene. Premenopausal women between 25 and 45 years of age who have participated in National Cancer Institute studies for families or individuals at high genetic risk of cancer (78-C-0039 or 99-C-0081) and who have at least a 50 percent probability of carrying an altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene may be eligible for this study. At the first visit, participants will have from 4 to 24 tablespoons of blood drawn and will be interviewed about breast and ovarian cancer risk factors, family and personal history of cancer, history of pregnancies, use of oral contraceptives and other hormones and drugs, and previous surgery on the breasts and ovaries. In addition, they will undergo the following procedures: Routine breast and ovarian cancer screening for high-risk women, including a mammogram, breast and pelvic exam, instruction in breast self-examination, CA 125 blood test and transvaginal ultrasound of the ovaries. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the breast MRI uses a strong magnetic field to show structural and chemical changes in tissues. Breast Duct Lavage In this procedure samples of fluid and cells from the lining of the breast milk ducts are collected to look for cancerous or pre-cancerous cell changes. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan PET scanning will be done only in participants whose mammogram or MRI findings require additional evaluation. This diagnostic test is based on differences in how cells take up and use glucose (sugar), one of the body s main fuels. Annual follow-up visits will be scheduled for 3 years and will include routine high-risk screening as described above, blood draw, update of family history and risk factors, breast MRI, breast duct lavage and, if there are changes on the MRI or mammogram that need further evaluation, the PET will be repeated. ...

Background: * Women who carry mutations in genes such as BRCA1/2 have a higher lifetime risk of breast cancer (BC) and are at risk of developing BC at earlier ages than women in the general population. * Prophylactic mastectomy and/or oophorectomy may be used to decrease risk and intensified mammographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) surveillance may allow earlier diagnosis; however, prophylactic mastectomy has not been shown to convey survival advantage over more conservative management. * Greater breast tissue density and low BC incidence result in a lower positive predictive value of mammography in premenopausal women as compared to postmenopausal women (PPV=0.04 for women aged 40-49). * This study explores whether high-risk breast imaging phenotypes may be identified by comparing imaging characteristics of mutation carriers/non-carriers using two imaging modalities: mammography and MRI. * Nipple Aspiration Fluid collection (NAF) and breast duct lavage will be used to obtain cytologic materials which may be used as an adjunct to breast imaging for the early detection of epithelial atypia and pre-invasive cancer. Objectives: * Compare four outcomes including two mammographic density measures (qualitative and semiquantitative), fibroglandular volume measure using MRI, and contrast enhancement measure using MRI (both semiquantitative) in mutation carriers/non-carriers to improve lesion detection * Explore non-ionizing approaches (MRI) to BC screening because the effects of ionizing radiation due to mammography are unknown. * Use NAF and/or BDL to obtain epithelial cell samples and correlate cytologic and imaging findings. * Gather prospective data on the transformation from normal/hyperplastic/pre-invasive/invasive disease in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers/non-carriers through molecular/genetic studies of breast tissue (via biopsy of radiographic abnormalities) or breast fluid (via BDL and/or nipple aspiration) and develop molecular markers for early detection of epithelial atypia/pre-invasive cancer. * Assess the psychosocial impact of participation in a BC screening program. Eligibility: * Women 25-56 years of age carrying a known BRCA1/2 deleterious mutation. * Women between the ages of 25 -56 who are first- or second- degree relatives of individuals with a deleterious BRCA1/2 mutation. * Women aged 25-56 who are first- or second- degree relatives of individuals with BRCA-associated cancers in families with documented BRCA mutations. Design: * Prospective cohort study of 200 women to gather data on the evolution of epithelial cell/molecular changes in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers, by collecting/analyzing NAF, BDL fluid, biopsy tissues (when indicated), and serum/lymphocytes; samples are stored for future studies. * Women complete questionnaires and undergo breast/pelvis examination, transvaginal ultrasonography, serum pregnancy test, fasting glucose, electrolytes, BUN, creatinine and CA 125. Standard four view mammogram and breast MRI are performed on study entry and annually for three additional years.