PD04-03: Sexual Dysfunction in Premenopausal Women with Breast Cancer: Prevalence and Severity

Background: Sexual dysfunction is reported after chemotherapy and endocrine therapies. However, the prevalence and severity of sexual dysfunction in premenopausal women undergoing therapy for both local and metastatic disease is not well defined. This study was performed in order to understand the impact of contemporary breast cancer treatment on the prevalence and severity of sexual health in premenopausal women.

Methods: We developed a survey that includes a previously validated questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), as well as an established measure of health-related quality of life (the EuroQol EQ-5D), and disease-specific items to characterize sexual dysfunction and its causes based on literature review and expert consultations. Anonymous administration of the surveys was conducted in outpatient clinic waiting areas of the Breast Cancer Center at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), under an IRB waiver of consent.

Results: 372 consecutively approached premenopausal women with breast cancer of any stage, undergoing treatment were each queried once. The mean age was 47. 87% reported current or past hormonal treatment, and 86% reported current or past chemotherapy (76% adjuvant; 24% for metastatic disease). Sexual dysfunction attributed to breast cancer or its treatment, defined as an FSFI score <26, was reported by 75% of respondents with a mean score of 16.3. Among these women, 79% of patients considered their sexual symptoms to be bothersome, with 51% noting moderate or severe levels of bother (score >=5/10). In a multivariate analysis, metastatic disease, development of amenorrhea from cancer treatment, antidepressant use and poorer overall health were each significantly associated with worse FSFI scores. Lower FSFI scores were also significantly associated with worse health-related quality of life.

Conclusion: Sexual dysfunction is prevalent in premenopausal women treated for breast cancer and should be discussed with patients as a potential adverse effect of therapy. Assessment of sexual symptoms throughout treatment and beyond may facilitate the use of potential interventions such as lubricants, dilators, treatment modification and counseling.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr PD04-03.

Restoration of normal BMP signaling levels and osteogenic differentiation in FOP mesenchymal progenitor cells by mutant allele-specific targeting

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder of progressive heterotopic ossification for which there is presently no cure. FOP is caused by a recurrent heterozygous activating mutation (c.617G>A; R206H) of Activin receptor type IA/Activin-like kinase-2 (ACVR1/ALK2), a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) type I receptor that occurs in all classically affected individuals. The FOP mutation dysregulates BMP signaling and initiates the formation of a disabling second skeleton of heterotopic bone. We generated allele-specific siRNA (ASP-RNAi) duplexes capable of specifically suppressing the expression of the mutant c.617A allele in mesenchymal progenitor cells from FOP patients and showed that this ASP-RNAi approach decreased the elevated BMP signaling that is characteristic of patient cells to levels similar to control cells and restored enhanced osteogenic differentiation to control levels. Our results provide proof-of-principle that ASP-RNAi has potential therapeutic efficacy for the treatment of FOP.

The impact of MELD/PELD revisions on the mortality of liver-intestine transplantation candidates

Patients listed for liver-intestine transplantation suffer higher waiting list mortality than those listed for liver-only, thus leading to policy revisions seeking to close the gap. We sought to determine the impact of key model for end-stage liver disease (MELD)/pediatric end-stage liver disease (PELD) policy modifications on the waiting list mortality of adult and pediatric liver-intestine candidates as compared to liver-only candidates. Analysis of UNOS data separated into adult and pediatric categories and based on time periods of policy implementation revealed higher mortality in liver-intestine candidates over all time periods studied (p < 0.001 pediatric and adult). After implementation of a revision to augment their MELD scores based on a sliding scale, adult liver-intestine candidates with calculated MELD > 15 no longer suffered higher mortality although this change did not completely eliminate the mortality disparity for candidates with MELD < 15 (p < 0.01). The waiting list mortality of pediatric liver-intestine candidates dropped significantly after a revision that gave them 23 additional MELD/PELD points (p < 0.01) although the mortality disparity with pediatric liver-only candidates was not eliminated. Following this revision, mortality in pediatric liver-only and liver-intestine Status 1 candidates was similar, however more liver-intestine candidates were listed as Status 1B. This data demonstrates that a mortality disparity remains for liver-intestine candidates compared with candidates listed for liver-only.

Abstract P2-14-08: Patient Perspectives on Information Communicated Regarding Effects of Treatment on Fertility

Background: Many breast cancer survivors diagnosed during their reproductive years desire to have children after treatment and are distressed about the possibility of treatment-induced infertility. Informing patients about fertility preservation options before therapy may optimize quality of life after treatment. This study was undertaken to evaluate the information patients received about effects of therapy on fertility, early menopause, and fertility preservation options. Methods:

An IRB approved cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate patient perceptions of the impact of treatment on fertility and early menopause. The survey was developed at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) for patients ages 18-45, with items derived from existing surveys in the literature and input from a multidisciplinary committee. We evaluated two groups of patients, one who had completed treatment and the other who was currently undergoing therapy. Surveys were mailed to 395 women who began treatment (all modalities) for breast cancer at MSKCC between 7/1/07 and 6/30/08. A second cohort of patients (n=35) completed surveys during patient visits to breast cancer medicine ambulatory clinics

between 3/22/2010 and 4/8/2010.

Results:

The survey was completed by 159 pts. (129/395 and 30/35). At the time of diagnosis, 69% (110/159) had children and 45% (70/156) were interested in having children. 79% (123/155) reported that the impact of treatment on fertility was discussed with them before initiating therapy. A healthcare provider initiated the discussion 54% (83/155) of the time. However, only 35% (54/152) and 47% (71/150) of women felt they received an adequate amount of information about the effect of cancer treatment on fertility and menopause, respectively. Based on their ranking, patients preferred to receive fertility information in person either from their physician or a fertility specialist, or through written material. After treatment, 5 patients attempted pregnancy (7 naturally, 1 with assisted technology), yielding 8 live births. Conclusions:

Many breast cancer survivors wish to have children after treatment. To optimize success, patients should be adequately informed about the effects of therapy on fertility, early menopause, and options for fertility preservation. These findings are informing an institution-wide fertility program.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-14-08.

Abnormal respiratory cilia in non-syndromic Leber congenital amaurosis with CEP290 mutations

BACKGROUND

Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) is the earliest and most severe inherited retinal degeneration. Isolated forms of LCA frequently result from mutation of the CEP290 gene which is expressed in various ciliated tissues.

METHODS

Seven LCA patients with CEP290 mutations were investigated to study otorhinolaryngologic phenotype and respiratory cilia. Nasal biopsies and brushing were performed to study cilia ultrastructure using transmission electron microscopy and ciliary beating using high-speed videomicroscopy, respectively. CEP290 expression in normal nasal epithelium was studied using real-time RT-PCR.

RESULTS

When electron microscopy was feasible (5/7), high levels of respiratory cilia defects were detected. The main defects concerned dynein arms, central complex and/or peripheral microtubules. All patients had a rarefaction of ciliated cells and a variable proportion of short cilia. Frequent but moderate and heterogeneous clinical and ciliary beating abnormalities were found. CEP290 was highly expressed in the neural retina and nasal epithelial cells compared with other tissues.

DISCUSSION

These data provide the first clear demonstration of respiratory cilia ultrastructural defects in LCA patients with CEP290 mutations. The frequency of these findings in LCA patients along with the high expression of CEP290 in nasal epithelium suggest that CEP290 has an important role in the proper development of both the respiratory ciliary structures and the connecting cilia of photoreceptors. The presence of respiratory symptoms in patients could represent additional clinical criteria to direct CEP290 genotyping of patients affected with the genetically heterogeneous cone-rod dystrophy subtype of LCA.

Systematic characterisation of the rat and human CYP24A1 promoter

The biologically active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D) ligands VDR (vitamin D receptor) and binds to the vitamin D response element (VDRE) located within target genes to regulate their transcription. Previously we showed that 1,25D-mediated rat CYP24A1 induction via the two critical VDREs is dependent on a short stretch of nucleotides called vitamin D stimulating element (VSE), located approximately 30bp upstream of VDRE-1 in the rat CYP24A1 promoter. We have now undertaken systematic analysis of the human CYP24A1 and rat CYP24A1 promoters to determine if the VSE is present in the human promoter. Using electrophoretic mobility shift and dual-luciferase reporter assays, we show that the VSE is absent in the human CYP24A1 promoter. In addition, we show that 1,25D-mediated induction of human CYP24A1 is dependant upon a promoter region spanning nucleotides -470 to -392 of the human CYP24A1 promoter.

Task analysis in curriculum design: a hierarchically sequenced introductory mathematics curriculum

A method of systematic task analysis is applied to the problem of designing a sequence of learning objectives that will provide an optimal match for the child's natural sequence of acquisition of mathematical skills and concepts. The authors begin by proposing an operational definition of the number concept in the form of a set of behaviors which, taken together, permit the inference that the child has an abstract concept of "number". These are the "objectives" of the curriculum. Each behavior in the defining set is then subjected to an analysis that identifies hypothesized components of skilled performance and prerequisites for learning these components. On the basis of these analyses, specific sequences of learning objectives are proposed. The proposed sequences are hypothesized to be those that will best facilitate learning, by maximizing transfer from earlier to later objectives. Relevant literature on early learning and cognitive development is considered in conjunction with the analyses and the resulting sequences. The paper concludes with a discussion of the ways in which the curriculum can be implemented and studied in schools. Examples of data on individual children are presented, and the use of such data for improving the curriculum itself, as well as for examining the effects of other treatment variables, is considered.

Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells do not protect NZBxNZW F1 mice from developing lupus disease

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has shown promise clinically in graft-versus-host disease and in preclinical animal models of T helper type 1 (Th1)-driven autoimmune diseases, but whether MSCs can be used to treat autoimmune disease in general is unclear. Here, the therapeutic potential of MSCs was tested in the New Zealand black (NZB)xNew Zealand white (NZW) F1 (NZB/W) lupus mouse model. The pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus involves abnormal B and T cell activation leading to autoantibody formation. To test whether the immunomodulatory activity of MSCs would inhibit the development of autoimmune responses and provide a therapeutic benefit, NZB/W mice were treated with Balb/c-derived allogeneic MSCs starting before or after disease onset. Systemic MSC administration worsened disease and enhanced anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) autoantibody production. The increase in autoantibody titres was accompanied by an increase in plasma cells in the bone marrow, an increase in glomerular immune complex deposition, more severe kidney pathology, and greater proteinuria. Co-culturing MSCs with plasma cells purified from NZB/W mice led to an increase in immunoglobulin G antibody production, suggesting that MSCs might be augmenting plasma cell survival and function in MSC-treated animals. Our results suggest that MSC therapy may not be beneficial in Th2-type T cell- and B cell-driven diseases such as lupus and highlight the need to understand further the appropriate application of MSC therapy.

Identification of 28 novel mutations in the Bardet-Biedl syndrome genes: the burden of private mutations in an extensively heterogeneous disease

Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS), an emblematic disease in the rapidly evolving field of ciliopathies, is characterized by pleiotropic clinical features and extensive genetic heterogeneity. To date, 14 BBS genes have been identified, 3 of which have been found mutated only in a single BBS family each (BBS11/TRIM32, BBS13/MKS1 and BBS14/MKS4/NPHP6). Previous reports of systematic mutation detection in large cohorts of BBS families (n > 90) have dealt only with a single gene, or at most small subsets of the known BBS genes. Here we report extensive analysis of a cohort of 174 BBS families for 12/14 genes, leading to the identification of 28 novel mutations. Two pathogenic mutations in a single gene have been found in 117 families, and a single heterozygous mutation in 17 families (of which 8 involve the BBS1 recurrent mutation, M390R). We confirm that BBS1 and BBS10 are the most frequently mutated genes, followed by BBS12. No mutations have been found in BBS11/TRIM32, the identification of which as a BBS gene only relies on a single missense mutation in a single consanguineous family. While a third variant allele has been observed in a few families, they are in most cases missenses of uncertain pathogenicity, contrasting with the type of mutations observed as two alleles in a single gene. We discuss the various strategies for diagnostic mutation detection, including homozygosity mapping and targeted arrays for the detection of previously reported mutations.

[First North African observation of Leber congenital amaurosis secondary to CEP290 gene mutation]

Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) is a the earliest and most severe form of retinal dystrophy responsible for congenital blindness. LCA has genetic heterogeneity and the study of this disease is elucidating the genetics and molecular interactions involved in the development of the retina. To date, 11 LCA genes have been mapped, ten of which have been identified. The CEP290 gene has been shown to account for Joubert and Senior-Loken syndromes and to be a frequent cause of nonsyndromic LCA. We report here the first Arab patient, born to consanguineous parents, with Leber congenital amaurosis attributable to mutation of the CEP290 gene.

Estrogen Rececptor (ER)-Positive Breast Cancers in BRCA1 Mutation Carriers: Mutation-Related or Sporadic?

Background: Most invasive breast cancers (IBC) in BRCA1 mutation carriers are ER negative (-) and have a basal-like phenotype by expression array analysis. These tumors also have a characteristic constellation of histologic features including high grade, high mitotic rate, prominent lymphoid infiltrate, circumscribed or pushing margins, and geographic necrosis or a central fibrotic focus and typically lack ER, PR and HER2 expression (triple negative). ER positive (+) breast cancers also occur in women with germline BRCA1 mutations, but these tumors are less frequent and less well characterized. We previously reported that ER+ BRCA1-associated IBC show a wider spectrum of histologic types and grades than ER- cancers that occur in these patients. We raised the possibility that at least some ER+ BRCA1-associated IBC may be sporadic rather than mutation-related. However, it is not known how the features of these ER+ BRCA1-associated IBC compare with those of sporadic ER+ IBC.Design: To address this issue, we performed a case-control study of 60 ER+ BRCA1-associated IBC (cases) matched on age and year of diagnosis with 174 ER+ sporadic breast cancers (controls). Histologic sections of cases and controls were reviewed and the pathologic features were compared with each other as well with those of 85 ER- IBC that developed in BRCA1 mutation carriers.Results: Histologic features are summarized in the Table. When compared with ER+ controls, ER+ BRCA1-associated IBC were significantly more likely to be invasive ductal carcinomas (78% vs 58%;p=0.005), histologic grade 3 (47% vs 27%;p=0.006), and to have a high mitotic rate (29% vs 9%;p=0.0003). However, all of these features were significantly less frequent in ER+ BRCA1-associated IBC than in ER- BRCA1-associated IBC (p&lt;0.001 for all comparisons). ER+ BRCA1-associated IBC and ER+ controls were not significantly different from each other with regard to the frequency of moderate-severe lymphoid infiltrate, the presence of geographic necrosis or the presence of a fibrotic focus, but the frequency of all of these features in both groups was significantly lower than in ER- BRCA1-associated IBC (p&lt;0.01 for all comparisons). ER+ ControlsER+ BRCA1ER- BRCA1 N=174N=60N=85Histologic Type   Invasive Ductal58%78%96%Other42%22%4%Histologic Grade   327%47%96%1 or 273%53%4%Mitotic Rate   ≥10/10 HPF9%29%93%&lt;10/10 HPF91%71%7%Tumor Margin   Invasive96%90%37%Pushing/Circumscribed4%10%63%Lymphoid Infiltrate   Moderate-Severe16%7%30%Other84%93%70%Fibrotic Focus   Present7%12%56%Absent93%88%44%Geographic Necrosis   Present2%5%50%Absent98%95%50% Conclusions: ER+ breast cancers arising in women with BRCA1 germline mutations appear to be pathologically "intermediate" between ER- BRCA1-associated breast cancers and ER+ sporadic breast cancers. This raises the possibility that some ER+ BRCA1-associated invasive breast cancers are mutation-related and others are sporadic or that there is a unique mechanism by which ER+ cancers develop in mutation carriers. Immunophenotypic and molecular studies are in progress to further characterize this interesting group of tumors.This work was supported by a grant from the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 5162.

Burden of Sexual Dysfunction in Women with Breast Cancer

Background: Sexual dysfunction is reported after chemotherapy and endocrine therapies, and causes a substantial burden on women with breast cancer. However, the prevalence and severity of sexual dysfunction in women undergoing therapy for both local and metastatic disease is not well defined. Improved understanding of sexual dysfunction may facilitate enhanced treatment and interventions in patients with breast cancer undergoing active treatment, and in survivors of this disease.Methods: We developed a survey that includes a previously validated questionnaire, the female sexual function index (FSFI), as well as an established measure of health-related quality of life (the EuroQol EQ-5D), and disease-specific items to characterize sexual dysfunction and its causes based on literature review and expert consultations. Anonymous administration of the surveys was conducted in outpatient clinic waiting areas of the Breast Cancer Center at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and two community centers, under an IRB waiver of consent.Results: During November 2008 through May 2009, 509 women undergoing treatment for breast cancer of all stages were each queried once. The mean age was 51 (range 26-91). 87% reported current or past hormonal treatment, and 82% reported current or past chemotherapy (76% adjuvant; 24% for metastatic disease). Sexual dysfunction attributed to breast cancer or its treatment, defined as an FSFI score &lt;26, was reported by 76% of respondents. Among these women, 316/386 (82%) patients considered their sexual symptoms to be bothersome, with 247/386 (64%) noting moderate or severe levels of bother (score &gt;=5/10). Patients attributed their sexual dysfunction to chemotherapy in 318/373 (85%) of cases; to hormonal therapy in 221/298 (74%) of cases; and to surgery in 331/442 (66%) of cases. Other reported contributors to sexual dysfunction include a new diagnosis of breast cancer by 81% of respondents, anxiety by 82% of respondents, and change in relationship with a partner by 55% of respondents.Conclusion: Sexual dysfunction is prevalent in women treated for breast cancer and should be discussed with patients as a potential adverse effect of therapy. Assessment of sexual symptoms throughout treatment and beyond may facilitate the use of potential interventions such as lubricants, dilators, treatment modification, topical estrogens, and counseling. Future work includes a longitudinal prospective trial to further characterize the etiologies of these symptoms and a randomized controlled trial to evaluate interventions for sexual dysfunction.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 1056.