Screening method for predicting susceptibility to breast cancer

Abstract

A method to aid in identifying a familial or sporadic pattern of risk in at least one individual for developing cancer of a mucosal epithelial tissue, the method comprising screening said at least one individual for heterozygosity or homozygosity for a mutation in a gene coding for a Poly-Ig (Fc) receptor or a Poly-Ig-like (Fc) receptor capable of mediating inhibition of cancer cell growth by an immunoglobulin inhibitor. A method of treating an individual so identified includes enhancing the amount of immunoglobulin inhibitor contacting a mucosal epithelial tissue of said individual, and, especially in individuals homozygous for the defective receptor, may also include prophylactic surgery. Other methods include implementation of a risk reduction or prevention program in individuals identified as being at risk.

1 - 27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . A method of treating an individual identified as heterozygous or homozygous for a mutation in a gene coding for a Poly-Ig (Fc) receptor or a Poly-Ig-like (Fc) receptor capable of mediating estrogen reversible inhibition of breast cancer cell growth by an immunoglobulin inhibitor, comprising enhancing the amount of immunoglobulin inhibitor contacting a mucosal epithelial tissue of said individual. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein said individual is identified as homozygous for said mutation, the method comprising prophylactic administration to said individual of an anti-estrogen compound. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein said anti-estrogen compound is chosen from the group consisting of Tamoxifen, Toremifene, ICI 16384, ICI 182780, EM-800, RU 58688 and EM-139. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein said individual is identified as homozygous for said mutation, the method comprising prophylactic surgical removal of non-cancerous breast tissue. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 28 , comprising employing a breast cancer risk reduction or prevention program comprising enhancing the amount of immunoglobulin inhibitor of cancer cell growth that contacts the breast ductal tissue of said individuals, and/or administering an immunoglobulin inhibitor mimicking compound; and at least one of the following treatments:
 (a) administering an anti-estrogenic compound;   (b) administering an aromatase inhibitor;   (c) enhancing the number of B immunocytes producing IgA or IgM in breast tissue;   (d) immunizing individuals at risk of developing breast cancer against microorganisms known to or suspected of causing breast cancer.   
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said immunoglobulin inhibitor mimicking compound is chosen from the group consisting of Tamoxifen, MER-25 and chemically substituted or modified derivatives thereof. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33 , comprising co-administering a hormone capable of reducing side effects of said MER-25 or derivative thereof 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein enhancing the number of B immunocytes producing IgA or IgM in breast tissue comprises administering an immune enhancing agent. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein said immune enhancing agent is chosen from the group consisting of Levimisole, Imiquimod, Picibanil and DHEA.