The investigators study aims to determine biological changes associated with a low vs high
dose of omega 3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), over
12 months in women at risk for recurrent breast cancer. The objectives of the trial are to
develop mammary epithelial, adipose tissue specific markers of exposure and response to
omega 3 fatty acid supplements that can be carried forward into definitive intervention
trials of omega 3 fatty acids for breast cancer prevention. The investigators will
randomize 80 subjects with hormone receptor negative, HER-2/neu overexpression positive or
negative breast cancer to either a high or low dose of omega 3 fatty acids. Using fine
needle aspiration to procure cellular samples of breast epithelial and adipose tissue, the
investigators will determine the effects of omega 3 fatty acids on mammary specific
biomarkers of response.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Prior diagnosis of Stage 0 to III breast cancer that is estrogen receptor negative,
progesterone receptor negative with completion of definitive surgery, radiation
therapy and/or chemotherapy.
- Completion of chemotherapy or trastuzumab for > six months and of radiation therapy
for > 2 months, as applicable and 2 years or less from completion of standard
therapy.
- Greater than 1 year from pregnancy, lactation.
- Mammogram within the six months prior to study enrollment that is not suspicious for
breast cancer (ACR Class I-III).
Exclusion Criteria:
- Other current malignancy or metastatic malignancy of any kind.
- Ongoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other cancer-related treatment.
- Subjects on Coumadin or other anticoagulants.
- Subjects with breast implants.
- Subjects who have had radiation to both breasts or who have undergone bilateral
mastectomies.
- Barriers to fine needle aspiration sampling of breast adipose tissue and/or
parenchymal breast tissue, including breast implants, history of radiation to both
breasts, bilateral mastectomies, and/or insufficient breast adipose/parenchymal
tissue for adequate fine needle aspiration (FNA) sampling.
- Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, ongoing or active
infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac
arrhythmia, hypertension, or psychiatric illness/social situation that would limit
compliance with study requirements.
- Chronic use of omega 3 fatty acid concentrates or capsules within the 3 months prior
to entry on the study or any other supplements that might interact with omega 3 fatty
acid supplements.
- Pregnant or nursing women.
- Known sensitivity or allergy to fish.
- Subjects on a standing regimen of full dose aspirin (greater than 325 mg/day), NSAIDs
or NSAID-containing products.
Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
Maximum Eligible Age: N/A
Eligible Gender: Female
