P3-11-06: A Pilot Study of RPFNA in Overweight and Obese Postmenopausal Women.

Abstract

Abstract Background: Random periareolar fine-needle aspiration (RPFNA) is a research-based procedure used to obtain breast epithelial cells and fluid. Data suggest that atypia in epithelial cells from RPFNA specimens is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, and changes in the degree of atypia may be a viable biomarker for response to chemopreventive interventions. Methods: We performed RPFNA on 37 overweight or obese (body mass index (BMI≥ 25.0 kg/m2) postmenopausal (50-75 y) women enrolled in a randomized clinical trial of Vitamin D vs placebo in combination with a lifestyle (diet + exercise)-based weight loss program. Eligibility criteria included serum vitamin D concentrations 10–32 ng/mL. The procedure was performed by two trained clinicians prior to randomization to assess baseline cell counts and degree of atypia. Two areas in the breast (10:00 and 2:00 positions) were infiltrated with lidocaine, and 8 to 10 aspirations of cellular material were performed using 1.5 inch, 21-gauge needles. The aspirated fluid was placed in 9 cc of Cytolyt Thinprep (Hologic Inc.) with 1 cc of 1% neutral buffered formalin and slides were prepared according to the University of Washington Department of Pathology non-gyn protocol. Results: Thirty-seven women were included in this analysis. The mean age and BMI of study participants was 59.3 years and 32.5 kg/m2, respectively. The mean 5-year Gail risk score for study participants was 1.96%; 52% of women had a 5-year Gail risk >1.66%. Eight participants (21.6%) had >50 cells present on cytology examination. One additional participant had 10–50 cells, and one had <10 cells. No specimens showed cellular atypia. The remainder of study participants had only blood or fibroadipose tissue on cytology specimens. Women with epithelial cells present were younger (mean age 55.0 vs. 60.2 years, p=0.05). There were no significant differences in BMI or Gail risk score between those with and without epithelial cells. Conclusions: RPFNA in our sample of overweight/obese postmenopausal women did not yield epithelial cells in a majority of participants. Younger age was associated with a greater cell count. We are planning further studies to determine whether other markers in RPFNA specimens can be used to assess breast tissue changes in response to chemopreventive interventions. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-11-06.