Abstract: The present invention generally relates to detection of carbohydrate biomarkers in nipple aspirate fluid samples. One aspect of the invention is a method for assaying a nipple aspirate fluid for the presence of TF or Tn carbohydrate biomarker. The assay generally employs an immobilized capture agent specific for TF or Tn and can be further coupled to either direct or indirect detection of bound TF or Tn carbohydrate biomarker through the use of a labeled binding agent.

Abstract: Microarrays specific for breast cancer are provided. Also provided are methods for detecting breast cancer in patients or screening therapeutics for the treatment or prevention of breast cancer by analyzing expression levels of specific genes in BECs or quantifying specific protein levels in breast ductal fluid.

Abstract: A method is provided for aid in the diagnosis of breast cancer. Nipple aspirate fluid (“NAF”) is collected from the breast via a modified breast pump device. Breast epithelial cells (“BECs”) and proteins present in NAF are isolated. Nucleic acid is extracted from the BECs. The nucleic acids and secreted proteins are analyzed via a low-density nucleic acid and peptidic biopolymeric array, respectively. The level of RNA transcription, protein expression, and heterozygosity is compared to that of normal control cells. This invention has particular application to the early detection of breast cancer and the study of individual responses to chemo- and radiotherapeutic exposures.