Biomarkers of breast hyperplasias and in situ carcinomas: an overview

Hyperplasia and carcinoma in situ of the breast are thought to be non-obligatory precursor lesions of invasive breast carcinoma. Such lesions are detected more and more through mammography. A subjective, clinically relevant histopathological classification system of preinvasive breast lesions has been established by Page and co-workers in large groups of patients with long term follow-up. Attempts have been made to objectify the changes within the different preinvasive entities using quantitative techniques. Furthermore, some clues have been found as to the molecular background of breast oncogenesis. In this paper, an overview of possible surrogate endpoint biomarkers of breast hyperplasia and carcinoma in situ is presented.