The importance of MUC1 and cyclin B1 antibodies in nipple aspiration fluid (NAF): preliminary results

MUC1 glycoprotein is produced by normal breast epithelial cells and cyclin B1 is involved in the transition from G2-to-M phase of the normal cell cycle. In cancer cells, including breast cancer, MUC1 and cyclin B1 are overexpressed and aberrantly expressed leading to their recognition by the immune system and production of specific antibodies detected in the serum of cancer patients. Because MUC1 and cyclin B1 are expected to be deregulated early in disease, we hypothesized that monitoring these antibody responses may be of diagnostic or prognostic value in breast cancer (BC). Furthermore, we wanted to test if NAF can be an alternative source of these antibodies.