Adrenal Cushing’s Syndrome is a condition where specific steroid hormones, called glucocorticoids are produced in excess by a region of the adrenal gland call the cortex. This syndrome is associated with several other diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, osteoporosis (brittle bones) and increased susceptibility to infection. Cushing’s syndrome is often subtle in its manifestation and requires extensive investigation to diagnose. Treatment however, provides several patient benefits.
Research carried out by our group has provided reliminary evidence which associates Cushing’s syndrome with breast cancer in the post-menopausal women. In this study, we wish to establish this association by expanding our patient sample. We will also invetsigate for more subtle abnormalities in steroid formation and breakdown in these patients. Finally, we will collect samples for more extensive genetic analysis in order to establish and understand the biology of this association.
The benefits of this study are immediately applicable to the clinical situation and will provide early patient benefit.
