Abstract:
The invention provides methods of identifying premalignant and malignant breast cancer, determining lymph node involvement in patients diagnosed with premalignant and malignant breast cancer growths, and methods of treating premalignant and malignant breast cancer. The diagnostic and methods comprise intraductal administration of a targeting molecule either alone acting as an identifying agent, or coupled to an identifying agent; the therapeutic methods comprise intraductal administration of a targeting molecule coupled to a therapeutic agent or administration of a targeting molecule having therapeutic activity in and of itself.
Abstract:
The invention is to methods for screening women for breast cancer and precancer by determining a level of an estrogen-related marker. The invention further provides methods of treating such patients identified as having one or more abnormal ductal epithelial cells and an estrogen-related marker. The invention provides methods for screening patient for hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and of monitoring such patients once they begin HRT. The invention provides methods of treating peri-, menopausal or postmenopausal women for both cancer risk reduction and menopausal symptoms (or other conditions related to lowered systemic estrogen levels). The invention also provides kits for the screening, monitoring, and treating methods described.
Abstract:
According to some embodiments, a method of evaluating an extent of intraductal disease in a breast of a subject comprises identifying a target duct of the breast of a subject, wherein the target duct comprises or is likely to comprise at least one abnormality, accessing the target duct through a corresponding ductal orifice of the breast using at least one access device, delivering a volume of a fluid within the target duct and imaging the breast using an imaging device to visualize and evaluate the extent of intraductal disease of the target duct.
Abstract:
One aspect of the present invention relates to a covering member for a protruding portion of a patient's body. This cover is flexible and collapsible so that it conforms to the shape of the encased portion of the body. This prevents the cover from being noticed while it is worn under clothing. The cover can contain a medicament or agent for pretreating a portion of the body before an examination or procedure. When the cover is used to apply a topical anesthetic to a portion of the body for a recommended period of time prior to the procedure or examination commencing, the amount of discomfort experienced by the patient can be significantly reduced compared to the amount experienced by the patient who has the anesthetic applied for just a few moments before the procedure begins. Alternatively, the cover can be used to hold a medicament or agent on the intended portion of the body in order to heal a wound or cure a condition such as a skin rash or the like.
Abstract:
A diagnostic test system, apparatus and method for identifying individuals at risk for developing or having breast cancer by detection of at least one marker associated with increased breast cancer risk in nipple aspirate fluid is provided. A testing device for screening nipple aspirate fluid for the presence of biomarkers associated with breast cancer and methods of identifying individual biomarkers and biomarker panels for evaluating the risk that an individual has developed or will develop breast cancer by assaying nipple aspirate fluid is described.
Abstract:
The invention is a gel composition for delivery to a breast milk duct prior to surgical excision of breast tissue including cancerous lesions. The invention also provides methods of mapping all or nearly all of a breast milk duct prior to surgical excision of breast tissue, and method of identifying part or all of a breast duct or ducts as a surgical aide to a breast surgeon. Kits to support these methods and including these compositions are also provided.
Abstract:
An automatic appointment reminder system uses location and/or direction of travel of the reminder recipient relative to appointments to affect the time of sending of appointment reminders to the user, and thus enhances the user's ability to be on-time for appointments.
Abstract:
The invention is to methods for screening women for breast cancer and precancer by determining a level of an estrogen-related marker. The invention further provides methods of treating such patients identified as having one or more abnormal ductal epithelial cells and an estrogen-related marker. The invention provides methods for screening patient for hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and of monitoring such patients once they begin HRT. The invention provides methods of treating peri-, menopausal or postmenopausal women for both cancer risk reduction and menopausal symptoms (or other conditions related to lowered systemic estrogen levels). The invention also provides kits for the screening, monitoring, and treating methods described.
Abstract:
Differentiating breast ducts for cancer risk status is a key element in a procedure to screen women for breast cancer. The 6 to 9 breast ducts on the human breast can be differentiated to identify those of higher risk for cancer. The higher risk ducts merit access and analysis of the ductal fluid and monitoring and/or treatment.
Abstract:
A cost-effective and sensitive apparatus and method for detecting individuals at risk for developing or having breast cancer is provided. More particularly, an apparatus and method for detecting markers associated with breast cancer risk is provided in one embodiment. The apparatus and method use nipple aspirate fluid obtained from breast ducts. This nipple aspirate fluid is applied to a marker panel that tests for the presence of specific markers associated with breast cancer risk. The apparatus and method provide a positive response based upon the detection of at least one marker associated with an increased risk for developing or having breast cancer.