Increased GOS Reactivity in Nipple Aspirate Fluid Indicates Breast Cancer

A study has shown that galactose oxidase Schiff's (GOS) reactivity is higher in nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) taken from cancerous patients than from healthy patients.

GOS reactivity was previously shown to be significantly different between nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) taken from cancerous versus non-cancerous breasts of women with unilateral invasive breast cancer. The new study extended these findings to include patients without breast cancer and patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). These findings are very important because no effective biomarkers for detection of early-stage breast cancer have been found.

The study evaluated 49 healthy control patients, varying from control patients with normal breast examination and imaging, patients with unilateral DCIS, and patients with unilateral invasive breast cancer. NAF was collected from both breasts of each subject and tested using a quantitative microwell-based assay to determine test reactivity. Results showed that test reactivity was significantly higher in NAF from women with breast cancer than NAF from patient without breast cancer.

The predictive medicine company PreMD, Inc. (Toronto, Canada) announced that the new data from the study were presented by Dr. Anees B. Chagpar from the University of Louisville (KY, USA) on December 15-30, 2007, at the 30th annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS; TX, USA).

"This is a very interesting study that could influence how testing for breast cancer is performed in the future,” said Brent Norton, president and CEO of PreMD. "With additional research, our technology could be used in conjunction with traditional breast cancer screening techniques for improved overall diagnostic outcomes.”


Related Links:
PreMD
University of Louisville
30th Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium