Increased Micronuclei frequencies in peripheral blood lymphocytes: a marker for cancer risk?

Aims: An increased micronucleus (MN) frequency has been observed in irradiated peripheral lymphocytes of BRCA1 and 2 mutation carriers by micronucleus assay. The same radiosensitivity has been reported for some sporadic breast cancer patients, thus indicating a common cellular phenotype. Methods: Unselected sporadic breast cancer patients (n=140) and controls (n=149) were analysed by the G0 micronucleus test (MNT). In peripheral binucleated blood lymphocytes (BNC) we determined the baseline MN frequency, as well as the MN frequency and the number of BNCs containing two MN after irradiation with 2 Gy. Other cance…