John Forbes, MB, BS

2012-2013 BCRF Project:
On behalf of the Australian New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Group
Co-Investigator: Jack Cuzick, PhD, Queen Mary, University of London, Cancer Research UK, London, United Kingdom

This project, involving the collaboration of multiple medical centers around the world, aims to identify biomarkers of breast cancer risk by studying the relationship between biomarkers and outcomes in large randomized controlled trials. Collection of biopsies, saliva samples, mammograms, and blood samples for women on the IBIS I and II trials for breast cancer primary prevention and the LATER trial for prevention of late recurrence has continued. Accrual to the IBIS II trial has completed on time. For the LATER trial, follow-up tissue and mammogram collection is also continuing. Over 6,800 women from 23 countries have been involved in the trials.

In addition, investigators have commenced the creation of a new database for the tissue bank, which is a High Risk Biobank that is aiding the discovery of biomarkers in blood, tumor tissue and breast imaging aimed at predicting the risk of breast cancer events. This facility will enhance reliable and accurate description, storage, and retrieval of tissue and will be linked to other databases to facilitate research collaboration. It will also provide web access for investigators. Follow-up of trial participants will continue long-term with surveillance to detect breast cancer and other important events (other cancers and potential side-effect related therapy).

Mid-year Progress: Development of the High Risk Breast Bio-bank (HRBB) continues. Collection of tissue and mammograms from women participating in IBIS II, a primary prevention trial and a duct carcinoma in situ (DCIS) trial for women at increased risk of breast cancer reoccurring and LATER, a trial for prevention of later recurrences after a prior diagnosis of hormone sensitive breast cancer form the foundations of the HRBB. Accrual to IBIS II is complete but follow up tissue (tumor and blood) can be sought. Samples are also being sought from breast cancers occurring in the last three years from IBIS I women (IBIS I commenced in 1996) to further complement the bio data already collected. Transfers of all tissues to the UK continue. In addition to the tissue collection for the HRBB the hardware and software to manage the HRBB is also being investigated. This team's IT specialists continue to research and analyze existing tissue bank databases to ensure user-friendly access worldwide.