Differential Effect of Surgical Manipulation on Gene Expression in Normal Breast Tissue and Breast Tumour Tissue

Gene expression profiling is a promising diagnostic and prognostic tool. Expression profiles are snap-shots of mRNA levels at time of extraction and they have been shown to be affected by tissue handling during sample collection. The effect of cold (room temperature) ischemia in the time interval between surgical removal of the specimen and freezing has been described in a number of studies. However, not much is known about the effect of warm (body temperature) ischemia during surgery. Biopsies from normal and tumour tissue were taken in situ immediately after induction of anaesthesia prior to radical mastectomy. All tumours in this study were well defined and easily palpable. Biopsies from normal tissue were taken as far from the tumour as possible. After surgical excision 4 biopsies were taken ex vivo, 3 from normal and 1 from tumour tissue.