METHOD TO ASSESS BREAST CANCER RISK

摘要

We show that urinary metalloproteinases (MMP's) (e.g. MMP 9) and a disintegrin and metalloprotease 12 (ADAM 12) are significantly elevated in women at high risk for developing breast cancer and that monitoring for the absence or presence of both MMP 9 and ADAM 12 represents a new means for breast cancer risk assessment. In addition, we show that levels of MMP 9 and ADAM 12 serve as independent predictors of breast cancer risk. Furthermore, we have determined that elevated levels of urinary ADAM 12 predict an increased risk for breast cancer in subjects predicted not to be at risk for breast cancer by the Gail 5 -year risk model<SUP>66'67</SUP>. Accordingly, methods for assessing breast cancer risk and methods for directing medical care are provided.