Quantitation of Lobular Involution for Breast Cancer Risk Prediction

Reference #:

2007-229

Inventors/Contributors

Lynn C. Hartmann, M.D., Carol Reynolds, M.D., Kevin P. McKian, M.D.

Description

Our group was the first to describe that the process of age-related involution (or regression) of the terminal duct lobular units (or lobules) of the breast is associated with a reduction in the risk of a subsequent breast cancer (Milanese et al,JNCI,2006). The initial assessment of extent of involution was performed in a qualitative manner, giving three categories of degree of involution: none (no lobules involuted), partial (1-74% of lobules involuted) or complete (>75% involuted). We have now developed a quantitative assessment approach - namely measuring the area of a woman's lobules and counting individual acini within the lobules. This quantitative assessment is objective. In a study comparing the size of lobules, and number of acini, we have shown that there is a direct relationship between these measures and risk of breast cancer. Effectively, the larger the lobules, the more acini per lobule (ie less involution), the higher the risk of breast cancer.

Patent Status

Pending