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Biological Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities in Mammographic Density and Breast Cancer Risk. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215391. [PMID: 34771552 PMCID: PMC8582527 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammographic density is an important risk factor for breast cancer; women with extremely dense breasts have a four to six fold increased risk of breast cancer compared to women with mostly fatty breasts, when matched with age and body mass index. High mammographic density is characterised by high proportions of stroma, containing fibroblasts, collagen and immune cells that suggest a pro-tumour inflammatory microenvironment. However, the biological mechanisms that drive increased mammographic density and the associated increased risk of breast cancer are not yet understood. Inflammatory factors such as monocyte chemotactic protein 1, peroxidase enzymes, transforming growth factor beta, and tumour necrosis factor alpha have been implicated in breast development as well as breast cancer risk, and also influence functions of stromal fibroblasts. Here, the current knowledge and understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms that lead to high mammographic density and the associated increased risk of breast cancer are reviewed, with particular consideration to potential immune factors that may contribute to this process.
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Hormone replacement therapy and mammographic density: a systematic literature review. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2020; 182:555-579. [PMID: 32572713 PMCID: PMC7320951 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-020-05744-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is used to reduce climacteric symptoms of menopause and prevent osteoporosis; however, it increases risk of breast cancer. Mammographic density (MD) is also a strong risk factor for breast cancer. We conducted this review to investigate the association between HRT use and MD and to assess the effect of different HRT regimens on MD. METHODS Two of authors examined articles published between 2002 and 2019 from PubMed, Embase, and OVID using Covidence systematic review platform. Any disagreements were discussed until consensus was reached. The protocol used in this review was created in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Quality of each eligible study was assessed using the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) hierarchy. RESULTS Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Six studies showed that using estrogen plus progestin (E + P) HRT was associated with higher MD than estrogen alone. Four studies reported that continuous estrogen plus progestin (CEP) users had higher MD than sequential estrogen plus progestin (SEP) and estrogen alone users. However, two studies showed that SEP users had slightly higher MD than CEP users and estrogen alone users. CONCLUSIONS Epidemiological evidence is rather consistent suggesting that there is a positive association between HRT use and MD with the highest increase in MD among current users, and CEP users. Our results suggest that due to increase in MD and masking effect, current E + P users may require additional screening procedures, shorter screening intervals, or using advanced imaging techniques.
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Garcia-Alfaro P, Rodríguez I, Tresserra F, Browne JL. Changes in breast density during hormone treatment with transdermal estrogens alone or in combination with progesterone. Gynecol Endocrinol 2019; 35:991-994. [PMID: 31109208 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2019.1616687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A retrospective observational study to assess whether hormonal treatment (HT) with transdermal estrogens alone or in combination with micronized progesterone increases breast density and to compare these changes to those of a control group of 4120 patients were not given HT. We included 150 patients whose baseline breast density was assessed with photon-counting spectral mammography and 1 year after hormone treatment. The reduction in breast density was compared using an analysis of covariance. The difference in breast density between mammographies in the HT group was -0.40 ± 5.5 and -0.85 ± 4.2 in the control group. The changes in density according to the type of HT, we found that women on treatment with estrogen alone presented a difference of 0.44 ± 5.8, and -1.35 ± 5 (p = 0.13) in women on combined treatment. After adjusting changes in density for age and average number of days between mammographies, we observed a difference of -0.36 95% confidence intervals (CI) [-1.04 to -0.31] in the women on HT and -0.71 95% CI [-1.65 to -0.21] in the control group. No increased breast density was observed in women on HT treatment, nor did we observe an increase according to HT type. The difference in breast density loss was smaller in the HT group versus the control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascual Garcia-Alfaro
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Hospital Universitario Dexeus , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Ignacio Rodríguez
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Hospital Universitario Dexeus , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Francesc Tresserra
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Hospital Universitario Dexeus , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Jean L Browne
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Hospital Universitario Dexeus , Barcelona , Spain
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Tossas-Milligan K, Shalabi S, Jones V, Keely PJ, Conklin MW, Elicerie KW, Winn R, Sistrunk C, Geradts J, Miranda-Carboni G, Dietze EC, Yee LD, Seewaldt VL. Mammographic density: intersection of advocacy, science, and clinical practice. CURRENT BREAST CANCER REPORTS 2019; 11:100-110. [PMID: 33312342 PMCID: PMC7728377 DOI: 10.1007/s12609-019-00316-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Here we aim to review the association between mammographic density, collagen structure and breast cancer risk. Findings While mammographic density is a strong predictor of breast cancer risk in populations, studies by Boyd show that mammographic density does not predict breast cancer risk in individuals. Mammographic density is affected by age, parity, menopausal status, race/ethnicity, and body mass index (BMI).New studies normalize mammographic density to BMI may provide a more accurate way to compare mammographic density in women of diverse race and ethnicity. Preclinical and tissue-based studies have investigated the role collagen composition and structure in predicting breast cancer risk. There is emerging evidence that collagen structure may activate signaling pathways associated with aggressive breast cancer biology. Summary Measurement of film mammographic density does not adequately capture the complex signaling that occurs in women with at-risk collagen. New ways to measure at-risk collagen potentially can provide a more accurate view of risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sundus Shalabi
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA
- Al Quds University, Jerusalem, West Bank
| | | | | | | | | | - Robert Winn
- University of Illinois, Chicago Cancer Center, Chicago, IL
| | | | | | | | | | - Lisa D. Yee
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA
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Mizukoshi MM, Hossain SZ, Poulos A. Mammographic Breast Density of Japanese Women Living in Australia: Implications for Breast Screening Policy. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2019; 20:2811-2817. [PMID: 31554381 PMCID: PMC6976818 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2019.20.9.2811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Mammographic Breast Density (MBD) increases breast cancer risk, lowers sensitivity of mammography and is related to ethnicity. This study compared the MBD of Australian women living in Australia (AW), Japanese women living in Japan (JWJ) and Japan-born women living in Australia (JWA). The outcomes have implications for breast screening policies in Australia. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, mammographic images were collected from a total of 677 women who were examined at BreastScreen NSW or Miyata Hospital, Japan. The images were retrospectively evaluated using the 5th edition Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) to assess the level of MBD. Descriptive analyses and binary logistic regressions were performed. Results: More than 65% of AW had low MBD while the majority of JWJ had high MBD. Among AW, low MBD was found in women aged 40-49 and 50-59. The MBD of JWA showed a similar pattern to JWJ but with a slightly lower MBD. The great majority of JWA aged 40-49 were found to have high MBD compared to women aged 50-59. JWJ were categorised as high MBD regardless of their age. JWA were 5 times more likely and JWJ were 15 times more likely to have high MBD compared to AW. Conclusion: Mammography screening becomes more effective for JW after migration to Australia. For JWA aged 40-49 years, supplemental screening options are indicated to provide better cancer detection. For AW, screening mammography could be equally as effective for AW aged 40-49 years as for those aged 50-59.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miwa M Mizukoshi
- Discipline of Behavioural and Social Sciences in Health, The University of Sydney, Australia. ,Discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Syeda Z Hossain
- Discipline of Behavioural and Social Sciences in Health, The University of Sydney, Australia.
| | - Ann Poulos
- Discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences, The University of Sydney, Australia
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Bergholtz H, Lien TG, Ursin G, Holmen MM, Helland Å, Sørlie T, Haakensen VD. A Longitudinal Study of the Association between Mammographic Density and Gene Expression in Normal Breast Tissue. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2019; 24:163-175. [PMID: 30613869 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-018-09423-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
High mammographic density (MD) is associated with a 4-6 times increase in breast cancer risk. For post-menopausal women, MD often decreases over time, but little is known about the underlying biological mechanisms. MD reflects breast tissue composition, and may be associated with microenvironment subtypes previously identified in tumor-adjacent normal tissue. Currently, these subtypes have not been explored in normal breast tissue. We obtained biopsies from breasts of healthy women at two different time points several years apart and performed microarray gene expression analysis. At time point 1, 65 samples with both MD and gene expression were available. At time point 2, gene expression and MD data were available from 17 women, of which 11 also had gene expression data available from the first time point. We validated findings from our previous study; negative correlation between RBL1 and MD in post-menopausal women, indicating involvement of the TGFβ pathway. We also found that breast tissue samples from women with a large decrease in MD sustained higher expression of genes in the histone family H4. In addition, we explored the previously defined active and inactive microenvironment subtypes and demonstrated that normal breast samples of the active subtype had characteristics similar to the claudin-low breast cancer subtype. Breast biopsies from healthy women are challenging to obtain, but despite a limited sample size, we have identified possible mechanisms relevant for changes in breast biology and MD over time that may be of importance for breast cancer risk and tumor initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helga Bergholtz
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tonje Gulbrandsen Lien
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Giske Ursin
- Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marit Muri Holmen
- Department of Radiology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Åslaug Helland
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Oncology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Therese Sørlie
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Dep. of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Vilde Drageset Haakensen
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Oncology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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Sandvei MS, Vatten LJ, Bjelland EK, Eskild A, Hofvind S, Ursin G, Opdahl S. Menopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer risk: effect modification by body mass through life. Eur J Epidemiol 2018; 34:267-278. [DOI: 10.1007/s10654-018-0431-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Albeshan SM, Hossain SZ, Mackey MG, Demchig D, Peat JK, Brennan PC. Mammographic Density Distribution in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK): Relationships with Demographic and Reproductive Factors. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2018; 19:1607-1616. [PMID: 29936786 PMCID: PMC6103600 DOI: 10.22034/apjcp.2018.19.6.1607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Mammographic density is an important risk factor for breast cancer and determines to a large extent mammographic screening efficacy. This study aims to provide baseline data for mammographic density profiling of women living in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) and to identify risk factors associated with high mammographic density. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to examine a series of 366 mammography cases. The Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS, 5th edition) was used to evaluate mammographic density. Pearson’s chi-squared, Mann-Whitney U test and multivariate logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. Results: Most participants (67%) fell into BI-RADS b and c mammographic density categories. Of the total sample, women who were aged ≤ 45 years (p=0.004, OR=1.9), weighed ≤ 71kg (p=<0.0001, OR=4.8), had a body mass index of ≤ 27 kg/m2 (p=<0.0001, OR=5.1) and were of non-Arab descent (p=0.007, OR=1.8) were significantly more likely to have denser breast tissue. Adjusted ethnicity regression analysis showed that Emirati women were significantly less likely to have dense breast tissue compared with Western women (p=0.04, OR=0.4). Among the sample of survey participants, increased odds of having mammographic density were among women who were full-time workers (p=0.02, OR=2.8), of Christian faith (p=0.007, OR=4.4), nulliparous (p=0.003, OR=10.8), had three or fewer children (p=0.03, OR=3.8), and had used oral contraceptives for three years or more (p=0.01, OR=6.1). Conclusion: This study indicated that because Emirati women have a low mammographic density profile, screening mammography can be considered as an effective early detection imaging modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salman M Albeshan
- Medical Radiation Sciences, Medical Image Optimization and Perception Group (MIOPeG), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Radiological Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University (KSU), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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9
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Hjerkind KV, Ellingjord-Dale M, Johansson AL, Aase HS, Hoff SR, Hofvind S, Fagerheim S, dos-Santos-Silva I, Ursin G. Volumetric Mammographic Density, Age-Related Decline, and Breast Cancer Risk Factors in a National Breast Cancer Screening Program. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018; 27:1065-1074. [DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-18-0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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10
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Stone J. Should breast cancer screening programs routinely measure mammographic density? J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2018; 62:151-158. [DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.12652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Stone
- Centre for Genetic Origins of Health and Disease; Curtin University and The University of Western Australia; Perth Western Australia Australia
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The use of some forms of hormone therapy (HT) is associated with an increase in mammographic density-a major risk factor for breast cancer. The role of isoflavones, however, is unclear. Here, we quantify the prevalence of HT and isoflavone use among postmenopausal Spanish women, determine associated risk factors, and explore the relationship between these therapies and mammographic density. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 2,754 postmenopausal women who underwent breast cancer screening in seven geographical areas. Mammographic density was evaluated using Boyd's semiquantitative scale. Multinomial logistic regression models were adjusted to assess risk factors associated with both therapies. Ordinal regression models were fitted to study the association between HT and isoflavone consumption with mammographic density. RESULTS The prevalence of ever-use of HT was 12%, whereas that of the current use was 2.3%. Isoflavone lifetime prevalence was 3.7%, and current use was 1.7%. The most common HT types were tibolone and estrogens. Surgical menopause, oral contraceptive use, educational level, population density, and years since menopause were positively associated with HT, whereas body mass index and parity were inversely associated. Mammographic density was not associated with current or past HT use. However, women who reported having consumed isoflavones in the past and those who started their use after menopause had a higher mammographic density when compared with never-users (odds ratio 1.98, 95% CI 1.21-3.25, P = 0.007; and odds ratio 1.60, 95% CI 1.01-2.53, P = 0.045 respectively). CONCLUSIONS Our results show a low prevalence of HT and isoflavone use in postmenopausal Spanish women. In this population, HT use was not associated with mammographic density, whereas some categories of isoflavone users had higher density.
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Abstract
Between the years 2010 and 2012, the lifetime probability of developing female breast cancer was 12.3%, or approximately 1 in 8. Worldwide, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Survival is increasing. Between 2005 and 2011, the 5-year relative survival was found to be 89%. This is thought to be due to both the increase in utilization of population-wide screening, as well as advances in treatment. Less than 10% of breast cancers can be attributed to an inherited genetic mutation. Breast cancer is more commonly associated with environmental, reproductive, and lifestyle factors, some of which are potentially modifiable.
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Pedraza-Flechas AM, Lope V, Sánchez-Contador C, Santamariña C, Pedraz-Pingarrón C, Moreo P, Ederra M, Miranda-García J, Vidal C, Llobet R, Aragonés N, Salas-Trejo D, Pollán M, Pérez-Gómez B. High Mammographic Density in Long-Term Night-Shift Workers: DDM-Spain/Var-DDM. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017; 26:905-913. [DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-16-0507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Huo CW, Huang D, Chew GL, Hill P, Vohora A, Ingman WV, Glynn DJ, Godde N, Henderson MA, Thompson EW, Britt KL. Human glandular organoid formation in murine engineering chambers after collagenase digestion and flow cytometry isolation of normal human breast tissue single cells. Cell Biol Int 2016; 40:1212-1223. [PMID: 27590622 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Women with high mammographic density (MD) are at increased risk of breast cancer (BC) after adjustment for age and body mass index. We have developed a murine biochamber model in which both high MD (HMD) and low MD (LMD) tissue can be propagated. Here, we tested whether cells isolated by collagenase digestion and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) from normal breast can be reconstituted in our biochamber model, which would allow cell-specific manipulations to be tested. Fresh breast tissue was collected from women (n = 7) undergoing prophylactic mastectomy. The tissue underwent collagenase digestion overnight and, in some cases, additional FACS enrichment to obtain mature epithelial, luminal progenitor, mammary stem, and stromal cells. Cells were then transferred bilaterally into biochambers in SCID mice (n = 5-7) and incubated for 6 weeks, before harvesting for histological analyses, and immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratins (CK), vimentin, Ki-67, murine macrophages, and Cleaved Caspase-3. Biochambers inoculated with single cells after collagenase digestion or with flow cytometry contained glandular structures of human origin (human vimentin-positive), which expressed CK-14 and pan-CK, and were proliferating (Ki-67-positive). Glandular structures from the digested tissues were smaller than those in chambers seeded with finely chopped intact mammary tissue. Mouse macrophage infiltration was higher in the chambers arising from digested tissues. Pooled single cells and FACS fractionated cells were viable in the murine biochambers and formed proliferating glandular organoids of human origin. This is among the first report to demonstrate the success of formed human glandular organoids from isolated primary mammary cells in the murine biochamber model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia W Huo
- Department of Surgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Dexing Huang
- St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Grace L Chew
- Department of Surgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Prue Hill
- Department of Pathology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ambika Vohora
- Department of Surgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Wendy V Ingman
- School of Medicine at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Danielle J Glynn
- School of Medicine at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Nathan Godde
- Cell Cycle and Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael A Henderson
- Department of Surgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Division of Surgery, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Erik W Thompson
- Department of Surgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology and Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kara L Britt
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Metastasis Research Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
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16
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Ellingjord-Dale M, dos-Santos-Silva I, Grotmol T, Kaur Sakhi A, Hofvind S, Qureshi S, Skov Markussen M, Couto E, Vos L, Ursin G. Vitamin D intake, month the mammogram was taken and mammographic density in Norwegian women aged 50-69. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123754. [PMID: 25938768 PMCID: PMC4418832 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of vitamin D in breast cancer etiology is unclear. There is some, but inconsistent, evidence that vitamin D is associated with both breast cancer risk and mammographic density (MD). We evaluated the associations of MD with month the mammogram was taken, and with vitamin D intake, in a population of women from Norway--a country with limited sunlight exposure for a large part of the year. METHODS 3114 women aged 50-69, who participated in the Norwegian Breast Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) in 2004 or 2006/07, completed risk factor and food frequency (FFQ) questionnaires. Dietary and total (dietary plus supplements) vitamin D, calcium and energy intakes were estimated by the FFQ. Month when the mammogram was taken was recorded on the mammogram. Percent MD was assessed using a computer assisted method (Madena, University of Southern California) after digitization of the films. Linear regression models were used to investigate percent MD associations with month the mammogram was taken, and vitamin D and calcium intakes, adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), study year, estrogen and progestin therapy (EPT), education, parity, calcium intakes and energy intakes. RESULTS There was no statistical significant association between the month the mammogram was taken and percent MD. Overall, there was no association between percent MD and quartiles of total or dietary vitamin D intakes, or of calcium intake. However, analysis restricted to women aged <55 years revealed a suggestive inverse association between total vitamin D intake and percent MD (p for trend = 0.03). CONCLUSION Overall, we found no strong evidence that month the mammogram was taken was associated with percent MD. We found no inverse association between vitamin D intake and percent MD overall, but observed a suggestive inverse association between dietary vitamin D and MD for women less than 55 years old.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabel dos-Santos-Silva
- Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Samera Qureshi
- Norwegian Centre for Minority Health Research, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Elisabeth Couto
- Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, Health Economic and Drug Unit, Oslo, Norway
| | - Linda Vos
- Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
| | - Giske Ursin
- University of OsloOslo, Norway
- Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Sun X, Sandhu R, Figueroa JD, Gierach GL, Sherman ME, Troester MA. Benign breast tissue composition in breast cancer patients: association with risk factors, clinical variables, and gene expression. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014; 23:2810-8. [PMID: 25249325 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-14-0507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast tissue composition (epithelium, non-fatty stroma, and adipose) changes qualitatively and quantitatively throughout the lifespan, and may mediate relationships between risk factors and breast cancer initiation. We sought to identify relationships between tissue composition, risk factors, tumor characteristics, and gene expression. METHODS Participants were 146 patients from the Polish Breast Cancer Study, with data on risk factor and clinicopathological characteristics. Benign breast tissue composition was evaluated using digital image analysis of histologic sections. Whole-genome microarrays were performed on the same tissue blocks. RESULTS Mean epithelial, non-fatty stromal, and adipose proportions were 8.4% (SD = 4.9%), 27.7% (SD = 24.0%), and 64.0% (SD = 24.0%), respectively. Among women <50 years old, stroma proportion decreased and adipose proportion increased with age, with approximately 2% difference per year (P < 0.01). The variation in epithelial proportion with age was modest (0.1% per year). Higher epithelial proportion was associated with obesity (7.6% in nonobese vs. 10.1% in obese; P = 0.02) and with poorly differentiated tumors (7.8% in well/moderate vs. 9.9% in poor; P = 0.05). Gene expression signatures associated with epithelial and stromal proportion were identified and validated. Stroma-associated genes were in metabolism and stem cell maintenance pathways, whereas epithelial genes were enriched for cytokine and immune response pathways. CONCLUSIONS Breast tissue composition was associated with age, body mass index, and tumor grade, with consequences for breast gene expression. IMPACT Breast tissue morphologic factors may influence breast cancer etiology. Composition and gene expression may act as biomarkers of breast cancer risk and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rupninder Sandhu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jonine D Figueroa
- Hormonal and Reproductive Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, and
| | - Gretchen L Gierach
- Hormonal and Reproductive Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, and
| | - Mark E Sherman
- Hormonal and Reproductive Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, and Breast and Gynecologic Cancer Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Melissa A Troester
- Department of Epidemiology and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
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Ellingjord-Dale M, Grotmol T, Lee E, Van Den Berg DJ, Hofvind S, Couto E, Sovio U, Dos-Santos-Silva I, Ursin G. Breast cancer susceptibility variants and mammographic density phenotypes in norwegian postmenopausal women. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014; 23:1752-63. [PMID: 25002657 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-13-1212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mammographic density (MD) is one of the strongest known breast cancer risk factors. Twin studies have suggested that a large part of the variation in MD is genetically determined. We hypothesized that breast cancer susceptibility variants may affect MD, and that their effects may be modified by nongenetic factors. METHODS We assessed MD, using a computer-assisted method, on 2,348 postmenopausal Caucasian women (50-69 years) who participated in the Norwegian Breast Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) in 2004 or 2006-07. We used linear regression (additive models) to determine the association between each SNP and MD, adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), and study. We evaluated MD associations with 17 established breast cancer SNPs, overall, and by strata defined by non-genetic factors. RESULTS Two variants, 6q25.1-rs9383938 and TXNRD2-rs8141691, were statistically significantly associated with percent MD (P = 0.019 and 0.03, respectively), with the 6q25.1-rs9383938 association being consistent with the SNP effect on breast cancer risk. The effect of 6q25.1-rs3734805 on percent MD varied between parous and nulliparous women (Pinteraction = 0.02), whereas the effects of 9q31.2-rs865686 and MRPS30:FGF10-rs4415084 differed across strata of BMI (Pinteraction = 0.01 and 0.005, respectively). There was no evidence of effect modification by estrogen and progestin therapy use or alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION This study provides novel evidence of shared genetic risk factors between MD and breast cancer and of possible MD genetic-environmental interactions. IMPACT Although the results may be chance findings, they nevertheless highlight the need to investigate interactions with nongenetic factors in studies on the genetics of MD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eunjung Lee
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | | | | | - Elisabeth Couto
- Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, Health Economic and Drug Unit, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ulla Sovio
- University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Giske Ursin
- University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway.
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Huo CW, Chew GL, Britt KL, Ingman WV, Henderson MA, Hopper JL, Thompson EW. Mammographic density-a review on the current understanding of its association with breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2014; 144:479-502. [PMID: 24615497 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-014-2901-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
There has been considerable recent interest in the genetic, biological and epidemiological basis of mammographic density (MD), and the search for causative links between MD and breast cancer (BC) risk. This report will critically review the current literature on MD and summarize the current evidence for its association with BC. Keywords 'mammographic dens*', 'dense mammary tissue' or 'percent dens*' were used to search the existing literature in English on PubMed and Medline. All reports were critically analyzed. The data were assigned to one of the following aspects of MD: general association with BC, its relationship with the breast hormonal milieu, the cellular basis of MD, the generic variations of MD, and its significance in the clinical setting. MD adjusted for age, and BMI is associated with increased risk of BC diagnosis, advanced tumour stage at diagnosis and increased risk of both local recurrence and second primary cancers. The MD measures that predict BC risk have high heritability, and to date several genetic markers associated with BC risk have been found to also be associated with these MD risk predictors. Change in MD could be a predictor of the extent of chemoprevention with tamoxifen. Although the biological and genetic pathways that determine and perhaps modulate MD remain largely unresolved, significant inroads are being made into the understanding of MD, which may lead to benefits in clinical screening, assessment and treatment strategies. This review provides a timely update on the current understanding of MD's association with BC risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- C W Huo
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia,
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Carmona-Sánchez E, Cuadros López JL, Cuadros Celorrio ÁM, Pérez-Roncero G, González Ramírez AR, Fernández Alonso AM. Assessment of mammographic density in postmenopausal women during long term hormone replacement therapy. Gynecol Endocrinol 2013; 29:1067-70. [PMID: 24004297 DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2013.831831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess long-term effects of different hormone replacement therapy (HRT) regimens on mammographic density. METHODS One hundred sixty-five postmenopausal women were treated with the same HRT during 5 years: 38 received transdermal estradiol, 78 cyclic combined therapy and 49 continuous combined therapy. Mammograms were obtained at baseline, at 1-year and 5-year treatment. Breast density changes were categorized as slight focal increased density, considerable focal increased density, slight diffuse increased density and considerable diffuse increased density. RESULTS Mammographic density increased in 7.9% of women receiving estrogen alone versus 25.2% of women receiving combined therapy (p < 0.022) during 1 year, and in 7.9% of women versus 28.3% of women (p < 0.009) after 5 years of therapy, respectively. There were significant statistical differences in women treated with estrogen alone versus those treated with combined HRT after 1 and 5 years. After 5 years of HRT, breast density increased 21.8% in women receiving cyclic combined therapy versus 38.8% in those under continuous combined therapy (p < 0.039). CONCLUSION An increase in breast density is significantly more frequent in women receiving combined estrogen-progestin therapy than in women receiving estrogen alone. There are differences between cyclic and continuous combined therapy at 5 years of treatment.
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Chew GL, Huang D, Huo CW, Blick T, Hill P, Cawson J, Frazer H, Southey MD, Hopper JL, Henderson MA, Haviv I, Thompson EW. Dynamic changes in high and low mammographic density human breast tissues maintained in murine tissue engineering chambers during various murine peripartum states and over time. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2013; 140:285-97. [DOI: 10.1007/s10549-013-2642-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 07/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
Postmenopausal hormone therapy (PMHT) is used for the relief of menopausal symptoms, but the dosage has varied greatly throughout its existence. By the end of the 1990s, PMHT was mainly used to prevent chronic diseases such as osteoporosis, coronary heart disease and dementia, and large prevention trials were undertaken in this context. Following the initial negative reports of these trials, use of PMHT dramatically decreased. These reports noted surprisingly increased risks, notably of coronary heart disease, stroke and breast cancer, in people who used PMHT. Nowadays, considering the currently available data, it seems that an important distinction should be made between the treatment of climacteric symptoms in young, generally healthy, postmenopausal women and the prevention of chronic diseases in elderly women. PMHT seems to be beneficial and safe for postmenopausal symptomatic women aged <60 years. Treatments with a high safety profile should be the preferred option, including low-dose PMHT, oestrogen-only therapy in women who have had a hysterectomy, and vaginal oestrogen therapy for women with atrophic vaginitis. Nonandrogenic progestin might have a reduced thrombotic and breast cancer risk, and transdermal oestrogen could have a reduced thrombotic risk. Nevertheless, PMHT should not be used for the prevention of chronic diseases in the elderly (>70 years old) owing to the increased risk of stroke and breast cancer in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge Rozenberg
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, CHU Saint-Pierre, Université Libre de Buxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
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Ellingjord-Dale M, Lee E, Couto E, Ozhand A, Qureshi S, Hofvind S, Van Den Berg DJ, Akslen LA, Grotmol T, Ursin G. Polymorphisms in hormone metabolism and growth factor genes and mammographic density in Norwegian postmenopausal hormone therapy users and non-users. Breast Cancer Res 2012; 14:R135. [PMID: 23095343 PMCID: PMC4053113 DOI: 10.1186/bcr3337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2012] [Accepted: 08/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mammographic density (MD) is one of the strongest known breast cancer risk factors. Estrogen and progestin therapy (EPT) has been associated with increases in MD. Dense breast tissue is characterized by increased stromal tissue and (to a lesser degree) increased numbers of breast epithelial cells. It is possible that genetic factors modify the association between EPT and MD, and that certain genetic variants are particularly important in determining MD in hormone users. We evaluated the association between MD and 340 tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from about 30 candidate genes in hormone metabolism/growth factor pathways among women who participated in the Norwegian Breast Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) in 2004. METHODS We assessed MD on 2,036 postmenopausal women aged 50 to 69 years using a computer-assisted method (Madena, University of Southern California) in a cross-sectional study. We used linear regression to determine the association between each SNP and MD, adjusting for potential confounders. The postmenopausal women were stratified into HT users (EPT and estrogen-only) and non-users (never HT). RESULTS For current EPT users, there was an association between a variant in the prolactin gene (PRL; rs10946545) and MD (dominant model, Bonferroni-adjusted P (Pb) = 0.0144). This association remained statistically significant among current users of norethisterone acetate (NETA)-based EPT, a regimen common in Nordic countries. Among current estrogen-only users (ET), there was an association between rs4670813 in the cytochrome P450 gene (CYP1B1) and MD (dominant model, Pb = 0.0396). In never HT users, rs769177 in the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) gene and rs1968752 in the region of the sulfotransferase gene (SULT1A1/SULT1A2), were significantly associated with MD (Pb = 0.0202; Pb = 0.0349). CONCLUSIONS We found some evidence that variants in the PRL gene were associated with MD in current EPT and NETA users. In never HT users, variants in the TNF and SULT1A1/SULT1A2 genes were significantly associated with MD. These findings may suggest that several genes in the hormone metabolism and growth factor pathways are implicated in determining MD.
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Alvares BR, Freitas CHDA, Jales RM, Almeida OJD, Marussi EF. Mammographic density in asymptomatic menopausal women: correlation with clinical and sonographic findings. Radiol Bras 2012. [DOI: 10.1590/s0100-39842012000300006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate mammographic breast density in asymptomatic menopausal women in correlation with clinical and sonographic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mammograms and clinical and sonographic findings of 238 asymptomatic patients were retrospectively reviewed in the period from February/2022 to June/2006. The following variables were analyzed: mammographic density patterns, sonographic findings, patients' age, parity, body mass index and use of hormone replacement therapy. RESULTS: Age, parity and body mass index showed a negative correlation with breast density pattern, while use of hormone replacement therapy showed a positive correlation. Supplementary breast ultrasonography was performed in 103 (43.2%) patients. Alterations which could not be visualized at mammography were found in 34 (33%) of them, most frequently in women with breast density patterns 3 and 4. CONCLUSION: The authors concluded that breast density patterns were influenced by age, parity, body mass index and time of hormone replacement therapy. Despite not having found any malignant abnormality in the studied cases, the authors have observed a predominance of benign sonographic abnormalities in women with high breast density patterns and without mammographic abnormalities, proving the relevance of supplementary ultrasonography to identify breast lesions in such patients.
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