Detection of microsatellite alterations in nipple discharge accompanied bybreast cancer

Nipple discharge in breast cancer cases was examined loss of heterozygosity (LOH). DNA samples were extracted from both supernatant and cell pellet co mponents of the discharge, and examined for LOH at microsatellite markers, D11S1818, D11S2000, D16S402, D16S504, D16S518, D17S520, and D17S786. At lea st one LOH was found in either the supernatant or cell pellet in seven out of 10 patients (70%). Five of seven samples, which were cytologically negat ive, were LOH positive, and only one case, which was cytologically positive , showed no LOH on the markers examined. All three samples, which were judg ed 'negative' by CEA measurement (< 400 ng/ml), were LOH positive. This met hod could be a useful novel diagnostic modality for nonpalpable breast canc er with nipple discharge.