Pilot Study of Oxytocin and microRNA Identification in NAF, Serum, and Tissue in Women With Breast Cancer
Pilot Study of Oxytocin and microRNA Identification in NAF, Serum, and Tissue in Women With Breast Cancer
The purpose of this study is to examine the genetic material called microRNA of three types
 of specimens from women with breast cancer. The study also seeks to examine the effectiveness
 of using a new agent called oxytocin to increase the amount of nipple fluid that can be
 collected during surgery.
Vast majority of breast cancers arise from ductal epithelium. Ductal cells can be collected
 through the nipple orifice very early in breast cancer development. The nipple aspirate ﬂuid
 (NAF) can be used to identify biomarkers that predict risk of breast cancer. To date, the
 biomarkers identified in nipple aspirate ﬂuid (NAF) have limited utility due to the large
 volume of NAF required for data analysis. Recent studies show intranasal oxytocin's utility
 in enhancing the yield of nipple aspirate ﬂuid (NAF) among healthy, non-lactating female
 patients as well as those at high risk for breast cancer. This capability is crucial for the
 analysis of various markers associated with breast disease and cancer such as microRNAs. The
 primary aim of the study is to determine whether the microRNA profile characterization is
 feasible with the collection of tissue, serum and NAF in patients with in situ and invasive
 breast cancer. Intranasal oxytocin will be used to enhance ﬂuid yielding of the NAF.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Clinical diagnosis of Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or invasive breast cancer

 -  Candidate for breast conserving surgery or mastectomy

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Pregnant women

 -  Prior Breast Cancer diagnosis

 -  Adverse reaction to Oxytocyn in the past