The reliability of ductal lavage in women at high risk for breast cancer

Abstract

1001 Background: Ductal lavage (DL) is a minimally invasive method used to obtain ductal cells for cytological analysis. It is currently being used as a risk assessment tool to assist with clinical decision making in women at increased risk for breast cancer. Methods: We evaluated the reproducibility and reliability of the DL procedure and cytology at two time points 6 months apart in women at increased risk for breast cancer. Eligible women had a 5 year Gail risk of at least 1.66%, and/or a personal history of breast cancer, and/or were known BRCA1 or 2 mutation carriers. Ducts that produced nipple aspirate (NAF) were cannulated. Kappa statistic was used to evaluate reliability at two time points of NAF production, cellular yield, and cytological diagnosis. Results: 66 women were enrolled over 29 months. Forty one have returned so far for a second visit, and 19 refused but agreed to be followed. The mean age of women is 47 years, 65% are premenopausal. Of the 66 women 28 produced NAF at baseline and unde...