If this gene assay can be validated in prospective evaluation in a larger patient cohort, it will have the potential utility in clinics to (1) advise the need for biopsy to confirm breast cancer diagnosis after the initial screening through using this minimally invasive blood-based gene assay; (2) estimate the potential for developing malignancy in patients diagnosed with benign lesions of ADH; (3) predict the likelihood for tumor recurrence/metastasis and aid the selection of specific therapy in patients diagnosed with invasive breast carcinoma. The gene discussed is AVP; the disease is breast cancer.