CD39+ tissue-resident memory CD8+ T cells with a clonal overlap across compartments mediate antitumor immunity in breast cancer

Despite being a standard treatment option in breast cancer, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are only efficacious for a subset of patients. To gain a better understanding of the antitumor immune response in breast cancer, we examined the heterogeneity of CD8⁺ T cells in tumors, metastatic lymph nodes (mLNs), and peripheral blood from patients with early breast cancer (n = 131). Among tissue-resident memory CD8⁺ T (T_RM) cells, including virus- and tumor-specific CD8⁺ T cells, CD39 expression was observed in a tumor-specific and exhausted subpopulation in both tumors and mLNs. CD39⁺ T_RM cells from tumors and mLNs exhibited a phenotypic similarity and clonally overlapped with each other. Moreover, tumor or mLN CD39⁺ T_RM cells clonally overlapped with CD39^- T_RM and non-T_RM cells in the same compartment, implying a tissue-specific differentiation process. These inter-subpopulationally overlapping CD39⁺ T_RM clonotypes were frequently detected among effector memory CD8⁺ T cells in peripheral blood, suggesting a systemic clonal overlap. CD39⁺ T_RM cell enrichment was heterogeneous among molecular subtypes of breast cancer, which is associated with the different role of antitumor immune responses in each subtype. In vitro blockade of PD-1 and/or CTLA-4 effectively restored proliferation of CD39⁺ T_RM cells and enhanced cytokine production by CD8⁺ T cells from tumors or mLNs, particularly in the presence of CD39⁺ T_RM enrichment. This suggests that CD39⁺ T_RM cells have a capacity for functional restoration upon ICI treatment. Thus, our study indicates that CD39⁺ T_RM cells with a clonal overlap across compartments are key players in antitumor immunity in breast cancer.

Blood Test for Breast Cancer Screening through the Detection of Tumor-Associated Circulating Transcripts

Liquid biopsy has been emerging for early screening and treatment monitoring at each cancer stage. However, the current blood-based diagnostic tools in breast cancer have not been sufficient to understand patient-derived molecular features of aggressive tumors individually. Herein, we aimed to develop a blood test for the early detection of breast cancer with cost-effective and high-throughput considerations in order to combat the challenges associated with precision oncology using mRNA-based tests. We prospectively evaluated 719 blood samples from 404 breast cancer patients and 315 healthy controls, and identified 10 mRNA transcripts whose expression is increased in the blood of breast cancer patients relative to healthy controls. Modeling of the tumor-associated circulating transcripts (TACTs) is performed by means of four different machine learning techniques (artificial neural network (ANN), decision tree (DT), logistic regression (LR), and support vector machine (SVM)). The ANN model had superior sensitivity (90.2%), specificity (80.0%), and accuracy (85.7%) compared with the other three models. Relative to the value of 90.2% achieved using the TACT assay on our test set, the sensitivity values of other conventional assays (mammogram, CEA, and CA 15-3) were comparable or much lower, at 89%, 7%, and 5%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of TACTs were appreciably consistent across the different breast cancer stages, suggesting the potential of the TACTs assay as an early diagnosis and prediction of poor outcomes. Our study potentially paves the way for a simple and accurate diagnostic and prognostic tool for liquid biopsy.

A Prospective Randomized Study to Compare Postoperative Drainage After Mastectomy Using Electrosurgical Bipolar Systems and Conventional Electro-Cautery

PURPOSE

Advanced energy devices, including electrosurgical bipolar systems or ultrasonic shears, are widely used in various surgeries. An electrosurgical bipolar device allows surgeons to grasp and dissect tissues, as well as simultaneously ligate and cut vessels and lymphatics during surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of advanced bipolar energy devices on the reduction in seroma formation during mastectomy, axillary staging, and/or reconstruction.

METHODS

This prospective randomized clinical trial with a 1:1 ratio compared the use of an electrosurgical bipolar device, LigaSure^TM (LGS), against conventional cut-and-ligate techniques in mastectomy with axillary procedures for patients with breast cancer. A total of 82 patients with breast cancer who underwent definitive surgery were enrolled in this study. The primary endpoint was the total drainage volume after surgery.

RESULTS

The clinicopathological characteristics of the two groups were not significantly different. The total postoperative drainage volume was significantly lower in the LGS group than in the control group (756.26 mL vs. 1,167.74 mL, p = 0.009). The actual postoperative drainage volume and duration also decreased significantly in the LGS group compared with those in the control group (all p < 0.05). The rate of postoperative complications was lower in the LGS group than in the control group (9.8% vs. 27.5%, p = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Electrosurgical bipolar devices showed better performance in terms of decreasing postoperative drainage during mastectomy and axillary staging and/or reconstruction.

Analysis of robot-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy using the da Vinci SP system

BACKGROUND

As patients tend to be diagnosed with breast cancer at an early stage, the demand for better cosmetic outcomes has increased. Several studies revealed that robot-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy (RNSM) shows favorable outcomes. The aim of the study was to reveal the feasibility of RNSM using the da Vinci single-port (SP) system with a minimal incision, hidden in the arm.

METHODS

From 2018 to 2021, 81 cases (70 patients) were retrospectively reviewed. Clinicopathologic characteristics, operative outcomes, and postoperative complications were evaluated. The operative outcomes were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

The median age was 42 years (range, 26-60 years). Bilateral RNSM was performed in 11 (27.2%) patients. The median size of the initial skin incision was 40 mm (range, 20-55 mm). Immediate reconstruction with direct-to-implant was performed in 54 (66.7%) patients and deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps in 15 (18.5%) patients. Postoperative complications of Clavien-Dindo Classification III occurred in six (7.5%) patients. Patients reconstructed with a DIEP flap had large breasts with more severe ptosis, yet grade III complications did not occur.

CONCLUSIONS

RNSM using the SP system can be applied for curative and risk-reducing mastectomy, regardless of breast size or ptosis grade.

Surgical and Oncologic Outcomes of Robotic and Conventional Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy with Immediate Reconstruction: International Multicenter Pooled Data Analysis

BACKGROUND

Robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy (RNSM) has been developed to reduce conspicuous scar and increase the quality of life in women. This study aimed to evaluate the surgical and oncologic outcomes of RNSM with immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) compared with conventional nipple-sparing mastectomy (CNSM).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This international multicenter, pooled analysis of individual patient-level data enrolled a total of 755 procedures in 659 women (609 had breast cancer and 50 underwent risk-reducing mastectomy) who underwent nipple-sparing mastectomy with IBR. Surgical and oncologic outcomes, including 30-days postoperative (POD 30d) complication rate, nipple necrosis rate, grade of Clavien-Dindo classification, disease-free survival, and overall survival, were evaluated. Propensity score-matched analyses were performed to adjust for confounding factors.

RESULTS

The median age of both the RNSM and CNSM groups was 45 years. The RNSM group had lower body mass index (BMI) and a higher proportion of benign disease compared with the CNSM group. POD 30d complications and postoperative complication grade III rates were lower in the RNSM group than in the CNSM group (p < 0.05). The nipple necrosis rate was 2.2% and 7.8% for RNSM and CNSM, respectively (p = 0.002). After propensity score matching, significantly lower rates of POD 30d complications, nipple necrosis, and postoperative complication grade III occurred in the RNSM group than in the CNSM group (all p < 0.05). Oncologic outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

RNSM can provide better cosmetic results with favorable surgical and oncologic outcomes for women with early breast cancer or BRCA mutation.

Continuing perioperative estrogen therapy does not increase venous thromboembolic events in transgender patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to compare the risk of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) between patients suspending and continuing estrogen therapy perioperatively, in male to female gender-affirming surgery (vaginoplasty).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing research on male to female gender-affirming study, which compared the risk of VTE among the usage of estrogen perioperatively.

RESULTS

A total of 209 studies were identified as potentially eligible among PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases. Among the studies, 191 studies were excluded due to their abstract inappropriateness. Out of the remaining 18 studies, only 3 articles were eligible and were finally included. Meta-analysis was performed and showed odds ratio of 0.77 (95% CI: 0.04, 14.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative estrogen therapy does not increase VTE risk on male to female gender-affirming surgery. Therefore, estrogen therapy may be continued perioperatively in vaginoplasty. More prospective studies are needed.

Abstract P2-11-13: Distinctive clinicopathological features of premenopausal women with intermediate 21-gene recurrence score

Backgroud Since the results of TAILORx trial were published, it was shown that premenopausal young patients with intermediate Oncotype Dx(ODx) recurrence score(RS) (16-25) may benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. In secondary analysis of the TAILORx trial, clinicopathological features can provide complementary information in addition to Oncotype Dx results. Although ambiguous benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy in premenopausal women with intermediate risk makes clinical decision difficult, the baseline characteristic may vary depending on menopausal status. This study intends to analyze whether the intermediate-risk group shows differences in characteristics by menopausal status. Materials and Methods 760 early breast cancer patients with ER positive, HER2 negative and lymph node negative patients who have been tested ODx from July 2013 to December 2020 at Severance Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Results Of the 760 patients, 262 patients were postmenopausal status and 498 patients were premenopausal status. Among 262 postmenopausal patients, 152 patients were in low-risk group(RS 0-20), 43 patients were in intermediate-risk group(RS 21-25), 67 patients were in high-risk group(RS 26-100). Among 498 patients, 353 patients were in low-risk group(RS 0-20), 75 patients were in intermediate-risk group(RS 21-25), 70 patients were in high-risk group(RS 26-100), respectively. In premenopausal patients with intermediate risk, clinical risk group, PR score, and Ki-67 showed a significant difference from the low risk group(p-value 0.003, &lt;0.001 and 0.005, respectively), but no significant difference from the high risk group(p-value 0.242, 0.085 and 0.729, respectively). However, in postmenopausal patients with the intermediate risk, clinical risk group and Ki-67 did not show a significant difference from the low risk group(p-value 1.000 and 0.120, respectively), but showed a significant difference from the high risk group.(p-value 0.009 and 0.001, respectively). Conclusion In this study, some of clinicopathological characteristics of premenopausal patients with intermediate risk were closer to those of high risk group than in the low risk group, unlike postmenopausal patients with intermediate risk. In premenopausal patients with intermediate risk, benefits from adjuvant chemotherapy may be unclear, but when considering the baseline characteristic itself, there is a significant difference with the low risk group when compared with postmenopausal patients. In that point of view, more aggressive treatment decision like adjuvant chemotherapy would be helpful to premenopausal patients with intermediate risk. Keywords: 21-gene recurrence score, premenopausal breast cancer, clinicopathological features

Citation Format: Jung Min Park, Jee Hyun Ahn, Soon Bo Choi, Jieon Ko, Jee Ye Kim, Hyung Seok Park, Seung Il Kim, Byeong-Woo Park, Seho Park. Distinctive clinicopathological features of premenopausal women with intermediate 21-gene recurrence score [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-11-13.

Abstract P1-07-03: Clinical treatment score post-5 years (CTS5) and the prediction of survival benefit from extended endocrine therapy for breast cancer patients under and over 50 years of age

Background: Adjuvant endocrine therapy against hormone receptor for more than 5 years has a better prognosis in a subset of patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. The Clinical Treatment Score post-5 years(CTS5) is well known as a promising tool to predict survival outcomes such as distant recurrence after 5-years adjuvant endocrine therapy. The purpose of this study was to determine whether CTS5 is sufficiently relevant to predict the effectiveness of extended endocrine therapy. Method: 3193 breast cancer patients treated between January 2001 and December 2014 were reviewed. The extracted patients were free from disease recurrence or death for 5 years after surgical treatment. The duration of prior adjuvant endocrine therapy was defined as 4.5 to 5.5 years with patients receiving anti-hormonal agents. We investigated the risk of disease-free survival(DFS) and overall survival(OS) according to the premenopausal(age≤50) and postmenopausal(age&gt;50) status, and additionally applied three CTS5 risk groups (low-risk &lt;3.13, intermediate-risk 3.13 to 3.86, and high-risk &gt;3.86) to predict the prognosis. Result: The median follow-up period was 8.1(4.5-15.5) years. For total patients, CTS5 showed a distinct division of survival outcomes according to risk groups (p&lt;0.001). The 49.1% of 1827 patients under 50 years of age and the 13.8% of 1366 patients over 50 years received extended endocrine therapy. The median duration of extended endocrine therapy was 7.2 years. In the group of patients under 50 years, intermediate- and high- risk groups had significant benefit in extended endocrine therapy in both DFS and OS (all p-value=0.001). In the patients over 50 years, intermediate-risk group showed statistically better survival outcomes in DFS and OS (p-value; DFS=0.001, OS=0.013) and high-risk group had a good prognostic tendency with extended endocrine therapy (p-value; DFS=0.083, OS=0.379). Conclusion: CTS5 can have significant prognostic value for patients previously receiving 5-years adjuvant endocrine therapy. Extended endocrine therapy should be considered for patients with premenopausal as well as postmenopausal breast cancer according to CTS5 risk groups. Keywords: Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators, Aromatase Inhibitors, Breast Neoplasm, Clinical Decision Rules, Survival analysis

Citation Format: Jee Hyun Ahn, Jung Min Park, Soon Bo Choi, Jieon Go, Jee Ye Kim, Hyung Seok Park, Seung Il Kim, Byeong-Woo Park, Seho Park. Clinical treatment score post-5 years (CTS5) and the prediction of survival benefit from extended endocrine therapy for breast cancer patients under and over 50 years of age [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-07-03.

Abstract P4-07-14: Long-term prognosis of minimal residual disease in breast cancer patients with breast or nodal pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC)

Background: Achieving pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is known important for predicting survival. However, few studies have reported prognosis of minimal residual disease. In this study, we evaluated the long term survival of the patients with breast or nodal pCR and compare patients with minimal residual disease to the breast and node pCR group. As it is difficult to analyze residual cancer burden and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in the retrospective study, we assessed the residual tumor or nodal status according to the pathologic report after surgery based on the AJCC 8th edition staging system. Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed 753 patients who achieved pCR of breast or node after NAC from 2010 to 2017 at Severance Hospital. We divided patients into five groups based on the residual disease; breast and node pCR (ypT0/TisN0), minimal residual disease (ypT1mi/T1aN0, ypT0/TisN0i+/N1+), breast-only pCR (ypT0/TisN1+), node-only pCR with residual tumor size no larger than 20mm (ypT1b/T1cN0), and node-only pCR with residual tumor size larger than 20mm (ypT2+N0). The basic characteristics and the 10-year event free survival (EFS) were evaluated. EFS was defined as time from surgery to last follow-up date without any events. Results: We analyzed the data until May 26, 2021, and 50.2% (n=378) of the patients achieved breast and node pCR. Minimal residual disease, defined as residual tumor size no larger than 5mm and residual nodal size 2mm, included 126 patients (16.7%). Overall, there was significant difference in 10-year EFS among five groups (ypT0/TisN0; 94.7%, ypT1mi/T1aN0, ypT0/TisN0i+/N1+; 93.7%, ypT1b/T1cN0; 86.8%, ypT0/TisN1+; 87.9%, ypT2+N0; 71.9%, p&lt;0.001). As the variables such as age, subtypes, clinical T and N stage, regimen of chemotherapy, response to the chemotherapy and operation type were adjusted, the minimal residual disease group showed no significant difference with the breast and node pCR group (HR 1.410, 95% CI 0.615 - 3.235, p=0.417), yet the other groups showed poorer outcomes (ypT1b/T1cN0; HR 3.183, 95% CI 1.687- 6.004, p&lt;0.001, ypT0/TisN1+; HR 3.186, 95% CI 1.047 - 9.694, p=0.041, ypT2+N0; HR 6.089, 95% CI 3.019- 12.281, p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Patients with minimal residual tumor 5mm or less, or residual metastatic lymph node with a maximal diameter of 2mm have shown equivalent 10-year EFS compared to the patients who achieved breast or node pCR after NAC. Keywords: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, Pathologic complete response, Minimal residual disease, Long-term survival, Breast cancer

Citation Format: Jieon Go, Jee Hyun Ahn, Jung Min Park, Soon Bo Choi, Jee Ye Kim, Hyung Seok Park, Seung Il Kim, Byeong-Woo Park, Seho Park. Long-term prognosis of minimal residual disease in breast cancer patients with breast or nodal pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-07-14.

Abstract PD6-07: Whole genome sequencing-based circulating tumor DNA profiling of metastatic breast cancer patients for molecular characterization and therapy response prediction

Background Previous studies proposed low-pass whole genome sequencing (LP-WGS)-based circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis as a versatile tool for genomic profiling and therapeutic monitoring of cancer patients. Here we demonstrate LP-WGS ctDNA genomic profiles and its clinical significance in metastatic breast cancer patients. Patients and methods This prospective exploratory study enrolled 207 treatment-naïve metastatic breast cancer patients from Feb 2017 to September 2020 in Yonsei Cancer Center. The median follow-up duration of patients was 35 months. The baseline (n=207) and post-progression (n=48) plasma samples were prospectively collected on first-line systemic therapy, and LP-WGS was employed for ctDNA somatic copy number alteration (CNA) analysis. The CNA burden of ctDNA was scored by “I-score” method, which was developed to measure genome-wide chromosomal instabilities, to be matched with therapy response. The unsupervised molecular clustering and homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) estimation by shallowHRD algorithm were performed using locus-level CNA profiles with 1 mega base pair resolution. Results The baseline I-score ctDNA CNA burden was highest in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients among subtypes, and the patients were dichotomized by median I-score level 5.54 (range 2.55 to 12.98). The high baseline ctDNA I-score was independently associated with poor overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.98, p &lt; 0.001) with adjustment of tumor subtype, visceral metastasis, and disease status (de novo stage IV versus recurrent). The progression-free survival (PFS) on endocrine plus CDK4/6 inhibitors (HR = 2.75, p = 0.005), anti-HER2 therapy (HR = 2.52, p = 0.032), and cytotoxic chemotherapy (HR = 2.33, p = 0.012) was also shorter in high baseline I-score patients than in low I-score patients. The locus-level CNA profile was analyzed in high I-score patients (n=103), and the patients were classified into five molecular clusters with distinct overall survival by unsupervised k-means clustering of CNA profile: basal-like, EGFR-high basal-like, CCND1-high, luminal, and HER2-enriched clusters. Patients with BCL6 (p = 0.009) and PIK3CA amplification (p &lt; 0.001) on baseline ctDNA showed significantly shorter PFS on CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment. The matched baseline and post-progression ctDNA analysis found emergence of FGFR1 amplification and MYC amplification after CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment (n=1, each). The ctDNA shallowHRD score was highest in TNBC patients among subtypes, and TNBC patients with high shallowHRD score (≥10) showed high response rate on (58.3% versus 28.6%) on platinum-based chemotherapy. Conclusion LP WGS-based ctDNA analysis provides a robust tool for non-invasive genomic clustering, therapy response prediction, and HRD estimation in metastatic breast cancer patients.

All patients (n=207)Low I-score (n=104)High I-score (n=103)N (%)N (%)N (%)Age, Median (Interquartile range)54 (46-62)53 (47-60)54(44-62)GenderFemale205 (99)102 (98.1)103Male2 (1)2 (1.9)0SubtypeHR+ HER2-106 (51.2)61 (58.7)45 (43.7)HR- HER2+33 (15.9)14 (13.5)19 (18.4)HR+ HER2+22 (10.6)11 (10.6)11 (10.7)HR- HER2- (TNBC)46 (22.2)18 (17.3)28 (27.2)Disease statusDe novo stage IV74 (35.7)31 (29.8)43 (41.7)Recurrent133 (64.3)73 (70.2)60 (58.3)Primary therapyEndocrine + CDK 4/6 inhibitor97 (46.9)55 (52.9)42 (40.8)Anti-HER2 based therapy54 (26.1)24 (23.1)30 (29.1)Chemotherapy45 (21.7)16 (15.4)29 (28.2)Others11 (5.3)9 (8.7)2 (1.9)Visceral metastasisYes142 (68.6)60 (57.7)82 (79.6)No65 (31.4)44 (42.3)21 (20.4)Metastasis SitesLung89 (43)43 (41.3)46 (44.7)Brain19 (9.2)4 (3.8)15 (14.6)Liver59 (28.5)13 (12.5)46 (44.7)Bone120 (58)47 (45.2)73 (70.9)Lymph node90 (43.7)32 (30.8)58 (56.9)Pleura33 (15.9)17 (16.3)16 (15.5)

Citation Format: Joohyuk Sohn, Min Hwan Kim, Jin Mo Ahn, Won-Ji Ryu, Seul-Gi Kim, Jee Hung Kim, Tae Yeong Kim, Hyun Ju Han, Jee Ye Kim, Hyung Seok Park, Seho Park, Byeong Woo Park, Seung Il Kim, Eun Hae Cho, Gun Min Kim. Whole genome sequencing-based circulating tumor DNA profiling of metastatic breast cancer patients for molecular characterization and therapy response prediction [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PD6-07.

Abstract P1-17-09: Efficacy of limited dose modifications for palbociclib-related grade 3 neutropenia in hormone receptor positive metastatic breast cancer

Background. Endocrine therapy plus CDK 4/6 inhibitors is the foremost treatment for hormone receptor (HR) positive metastatic breast cancers (mBC). Previously, we reported safety profiles of palbociclib use with grade 3 neutropenia in HR-positive mBC. Here, we investigated two cohorts’ patients who had received palbociclib with or without dose interruptions and/or reductions on afebrile grade 3 neutropenia in terms of efficacy outcomes. Patients and methods. The combined cohort of consecutive mBC patients who received palbociclib with letrozole in 1st line setting (in four major cancer centers in Republic of Korea) was reviewed. We classified patients into 4 groups: Group 1 (patients who maintained palbociclib dose on afebrile grade 3 neutropenia, representing limited dose modification scheme), Group 2 (patients who experienced any dose modification on afebrile grade 3 neutropenia, representing conventional dose modification scheme), Group 3 (patients without the event of afebrile grade 3 neutropenia), and Group 4 (patients who experienced only grade 4 neutropenia) within the first 5 cycles. The primary endpoint was PFS difference between Group 1 and Group 2, and secondary endpoints included PFS and overall survival difference in all groups, and safety profiles of each group. Results. A total of 434 eligible patients recruited from Jan 2017 to Sep 2020 were allocated into 4 groups; Group 1 (n=172, 40.1%), Group 2 (n=128, 29.5%), Group 3 (n=102, 23.5%), and Group 4 (n=30, 6.9%). The overall incidence of palbociclib dose reductions was 272 (62.7%) and dosing delay was 181 (42.2%) in all groups. The median time to first dose reduction for all eligible patients was 3 months (2-5 months) and the median time to second dose reduction was 9 months (2-30 months). At the 12th cycle of treatment, 70.5% (105/at-risk patients of 149) of Group 1 patients still remained on 125mg of palbociclib, whereas no patient was on 125mg dose level but 66.3% patients (65/at-risk patients of 98) were on 100mg in Group 2. At the median follow-up of 23.7 months (95% CI: 21.6-25.8), Group 1 patients showed significantly longer PFS than Group 2 patients (P-value = 0.036, 2-year PFS rate: 67.9% in Group 1 and 55.3% in Group 2). The OS between Group 1 and 2 was not significantly different. The favorable PFS trend of Group 1 over Group 2 was observed across all subgroups. The overall toxicity profiles were not significantly different between Group 1 and Group 2. Conclusion. Our study demonstrates that the clinical practice of limited dose modifications for palbociclib-related grade 3 neutropenia might have more therapeutic benefits than the conventional dose scheme without increasing toxicities. Permissive approach to afebrile grade 3 neutropenia and prospective clinical trials for this new dose scheme are warranted. Funding: This study was supported by a grant from Pfizer.

Citation Format: Seul-Gi Kim, Min Hwan Kim, Sejung Park, Gun Min Kim, Jee Hung Kim, Jee Ye Kim, Hyung Seok Park, Seho Park, Byeong Woo Park, Seung Il Kim, Jung Hwan Ji, Joon Jeong, Kabsoo Shin, Jieun Lee, Hyung-Don Kim, Kyung Hae Jung, Joohyuk Sohn. Efficacy of limited dose modifications for palbociclib-related grade 3 neutropenia in hormone receptor positive metastatic breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-17-09.

Abstract P2-13-14: Pattern of recurrence after pathologic complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with early HER2-positive breast cancer: Real-world evidence

Background The real-world risk of disease recurrence in patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer who achieved pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and/or HER2-targeted therapy is unclear. This study aims to identify the patterns and risk factors of disease recurrence after NAC in patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer who achieved a pCR or not. Methods 930 HER2 positive early breast cancer patients who received NAC were identified in the Severance Breast Cancer Registry at the Yonsei Cancer Center and Gangnam Severance Hospital in Seoul, Republic of Korea, between 2006 and 2020. NAC included 3 regimens: only chemotherapy. (CTx), chemotherapy plus trastuzumab (CTx+H), and chemotherapy plus dual anti-HER2 therapy (TCHP). The pCR was defined as the absence of residual invasive cancer in the resected breast specimen and the axillary lymph nodes (ypT0/TisN0) after neoadjuvant systemic therapy. Recurrence of disease was defined as recurrence of ipsilateral locoregional invasive breast cancer, distant disease recurrence, or death. Results The median follow-up duration was 42.0 months (range 4-171), and median age was 51 years old (range 22-80). The rate of pCR was 52.2% (485/930). Depending on the achieved a pCR, the loco-regional recurrence rate was 4.0% (18/445) vs 1.0% (5/485), and the distant recurrence rate was 11.0% (49/445) vs 3.9% (19/445). Of the 79 patients who relapsed, 30.4% (n=24) had achieved a pCR and 69.6% (n=55) had residual disease. The 4-year recurrence risk was 6.9% for patients who achieved pCR versus 12.8% for those who did not (p&lt;0.001). Of the 24 patients who achieved pCR who relapse, 22 (91.7%) occurred within 4 years of diagnosis. Of the 55 patients who did not achieve a pCR who relapse, 48 (87.3%) occurred within 4 years of diagnosis. Among the 19 patients who developed distant recurrence who attained a PCR, the most common first recurrent sites were lung (42.1%), brain (36.8%), and distant lymph nodes (36.1%). Lung and brain metastases occurred in 87.5% and 85.7% within 3years of diagnosis. If pCR was reached, the NAC regimen or HR status did not affect the recurrence-free survival. However, clinical stages II and III at diagnosis (HR (hazard ratio) =35.3 and HR=114.5, p=0.037) were independent predictor of inferior recurrence-free survival in the pCR group. Conclusion Overall, patients who attained a pCR have a better outcome compared to those with residual disease, regardless of hormone status or type of NAC regimen. However, despite achieving pCR after NAC, patients with HER2-positive, clinical stage II/III remain at risk for disease recurrence within 4 years of diagnosis.

Citation Format: Jee Hung Kim, Jii Bum Lee, Soong Joon Bae, Sung Gwe Ahn, Joon Jeong, Min Hwan Kim, Seul-Gi Kim, Gun Min Kim, Jee Ye Kim, Hyung Seok Park, Seho Park, Byeong Woo Park, Seung Il Kim, Joohyuk Sohn. Pattern of recurrence after pathologic complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with early HER2-positive breast cancer: Real-world evidence [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-13-14.

Protective effect of bisphosphonate on the cortical bone at key locations of the femur in aromatase inhibitor-associated bone loss: A three-dimensional cortical bone mapping study

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Aromatase inhibitor use was associated with cortical bone loss in the hip.

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Bisphosphonate protected hip cortical bone against aromatase inhibitor use.

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The effect was prominent at the superior femoral neck and greater trochanter.

Aromatase inhibitor treatment in breast cancer is associated with accelerated bone loss and an increased risk of fracture. Bisphosphonates (BPs) are the mainstay treatment of aromatase inhibitor-associated bone loss (AIBL), which might improve femoral bone at key locations prone to fracture. To test this hypothesis, we performed three-dimensional cortical bone mapping based on quantitative computed tomography (QCT) scans in postmenopausal women with early breast cancer who were receiving aromatase inhibitors. Data of subjects who had both baseline and at least one follow-up QCT at Severance Hospital (South Korea) between 2005 and 2015 were analyzed (BP users, n = 93; BP non-users, n = 203). After exclusion of BP users with low medication persistence (proportion of days covered: <50%), BP users and non-users were 1:1 matched (n = 54 for each group) in terms of age, lumbar spine volumetric bone mineral density (LSvBMD), femoral neck areal BMD (FNaBMD), and total hip areal BMD (THaBMD). During a median follow-up of 2.1 years, BP use attenuated bone loss in LSvBMD (+7.2% vs. −3.8%, p < 0.001), FNaBMD (+1.3% vs. −2.7%, p < 0.001), and THaBMD (-0.3% vs. −2.5%, p = 0.024). BP had a protective effect on cortical parameters of femoral bone: estimated cortical thickness (CTh) (+3.3% vs. + 0.1%, p = 0.007) and cortical mass surface density (CMSD, cortical mass per unit surface area was calculated by multiplying cortical BMD with CTh) (+3.4% vs. −0.3%, p < 0.001). CMSD increased by up to 15% at key locations such as the superior part of the femoral neck and greater trochanter. BP prevented the thinning of average CTh of the femoral neck (-1.4% vs. −6.1%, p < 0.001), particularly at the superior anterior quadrant of femoral neck (absolute difference: +12.8% point vs. non-users). Compared to BP non-users, BP users had improved cross-sectional moment of inertia (+4.4% vs. −0.7%, p = 0.001) and less increase in buckling ratio (+1.3% vs. + 7.5%, p < 0.001). In summary, BP use prevented cortical bone deficits observed in AIBL at key locations of the proximal femur.

Lobular Carcinoma in Situ During Preoperative Biopsy and The Rate of Upgrade

Purpose

There is a potential risk that lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) on preoperative biopsy might be diagnosed as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or invasive carcinoma in the final pathology. This study aimed to evaluate the rate of upgrade of LCIS on preoperative biopsy to DCIS or invasive carcinoma.

Materials and Methods

Data of 55 patients with LCIS on preoperative biopsy were analyzed. All patients underwent surgery between 1991 and 2016 at Severance Hospital in Seoul, Korea. We analyzed the rate of upgrade of preoperative LCIS to DCIS or invasive cancer in the final pathology. The clinicopathologic features related to the upgrade were evaluated.

Results

The rate of upgrade of LCIS to DCIS or invasive carcinoma was 16.4% (9/55). In multivariate analysis, microcalcification and progesterone receptor expression were significantly associated with the upgrade of LCIS (p=0.023 and p=0.044, respectively).

Conclusion

The current study showed a relatively high rate of upgrade of LCIS on preoperative biopsy to DCIS or invasive cancer. The presence of microcalcification and progesterone receptor expression may be potential predictors of upgradation of LCIS on preoperative biopsy. Surgical excision of the LCIS during preoperative biopsy could be a management option to identify the concealed malignancy.

Tumor-Specific miRNA Signatures in Combination with CA19-9 for Liquid Biopsy-Based Detection of PDAC

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is considered one of the most aggressive malignancies and has high mortality and poor survival rates. Therefore, there is an urgent need to discover non-invasive biomarkers for early detection before PDAC reaches the incurable stage. We hypothesized that liquid biopsy of PDAC-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEs) containing abundant microRNAs (miRNAs) could be used for early diagnosis of PDAC because they can be selectively enriched and because they are biologically stable. We isolated PDEs by immunocapture using magnetic beads, and we identified 13 miRNA candidates in 20 pancreatic cancer patients and 20 normal controls. We found that expression of five miRNAs, including miR-10b, miR-16, miR-155, miR-429, and miR-1290, was markedly higher in PDEs. Furthermore, the miRNA signatures along with serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) were optimized by logistic regression, and the miRNA signature and CA19-9 combination markers (CMs) were effective at differentiating PDAC patients from normal controls. As a result, the CMs represented a high sensitivity (AUC, 0.964; sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 80%) and a high specificity (AUC, 0.962; sensitivity, 85.71%; specificity, 100%). These findings suggest that five miRNAs expressed in PDEs and CA19-9 are valuable biomarkers for screening and diagnosis of pancreatic cancer by liquid biopsy.

Suicide associated with COVID-19 infection: an immunological point of view

OBJECTIVE

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic and leading cause of death. Beyond the deaths directly caused by the virus and the suicides related to the psychological response to the dramatic changes as socioeconomic related to the pandemic, there might also be suicides related to the inflammatory responses of the infection. Infection induces inflammation as a cytokine storm, and there is an increasing number of studies that report a relationship between infection and suicide.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched the World Health Organization status report and the PubMed database for keywords (COVID-19, suicide, infection, inflammation, cytokines), and reviewed five cytokine pathways between suicide and inflammation using two meta-analyses and two observational studies starting from November 31, 2020, focusing on the relationship between suicide and inflammation by infection. First, we discussed existing evidence explaining the relationship between suicidal behaviors and inflammation. Second, we summarized the inflammatory features found in COVID-19 patients. Finally, we highlight the potential for these factors to affect the risk of suicide in COVID-19 patients.

RESULTS

Patients infected with COVID-19 have high amounts of IL-1β, IFN-γ, IP10, and MCP1, which may lead to Th1 cell response activation. Also, Th2 cytokines (e.g., IL-4 and IL-10) were increased in COVID-19 infection. In COVID-19 patients, neurological conditions, like headache, dizziness, ataxia, seizures, and others have been observed.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 pandemic can serve as a significant environmental factor contributing directly to increased suicide risk; the role of inflammation by an infection should not be overlooked.

Multi-miRNA panel of tumor-derived extracellular vesicles as promising diagnostic biomarkers of early-stage breast cancer

Extracellular vesicles (EV) have been emerging as potential biomarkers for disease monitoring. In particular, tumor‐derived EV (TDE) are known to carry oncogenic miRNA, so they can be used for diagnosis of early cancer by analyzing the expression levels of EV‐miRNA circulating in the blood. Here, using our novel microfluidic device, we rapidly and selectively isolate cancerous EV expressing breast cancer‐derived surface markers CD49f and EpCAM within 2 minutes. Based on seven candidates of miRNA nominated from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, the expression levels of miRNA in TDE were validated in a total of 82 individuals, including 62 breast cancer patients and 20 healthy controls. Among seven candidates, four miRNAs (miR‐9, miR‐16, miR‐21, and miR‐429) from the EV were highly elevated in early‐stage breast cancer patients compared with healthy donors. The combination of significant miRNAs from specific EV has high sensitivities of 0.90, 0.86, 0.88, and 0.84 of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) in each subtype (luminal A, luminal B, HER‐2, and triple‐negative) of early‐stage breast cancer. Our results suggest that the combination of four miRNA signatures of specific EV could serve as a sensitive and specific biomarker and enable early diagnosis of breast cancer using liquid biopsy.

Empirical assessment of biases in cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease: an umbrella review and re-analysis of data from meta-analyses

OBJECTIVE

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading cause of years lived with disability in older age, and several cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers have been proposed in individual meta-analyses to be associated with AD but field-wide evaluation and scrutiny of the literature is not available.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed an umbrella review for the reported associations between CSF biomarkers and AD. Data from available meta-analyses were reanalyzed using both random and fixed effects models. We also estimated between-study heterogeneity, small-study effects, excess significance, and prediction interval.

RESULTS

A total of 38 meta-analyses on CSF markers from 11 eligible articles were identified and reanalyzed. In 14 (36%) of the meta-analyses, the summary estimate and the results of the largest study showed non-concordant results in terms of statistical significance. Large heterogeneity (I2≥75%) was observed in 73% and small-study effects under Egger's test were shown in 28% of CSF biomarkers.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that there is an excess of statistically significant results and significant biases in the literature of CSF biomarkers for AD. Therefore, the results of CSF biomarkers should be interpreted with caution.

Waist circumference and the risk of lumbar and femur fractures: a nationwide population-based cohort study

Although obesity is known to have an influence on fracture, the relationship between lumbar and femur fractures and weight or waist circumference is controversial. We investigated the incidence of fracture with regards to waist circumference using the customised database of the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). Among 8,922,940 adults who participated at least twice in the NHIS National Health Check-up Program in South Korea between 2009 and 2011, 1,556,751 subjects (780,074 men and 776,677 women) were extracted. Over a mean follow-up of 6.5 years, multivariate-adjusted logistic regression analysis demonstrated that higher waist circumference was associated with an increased risk of femur fractures in both males and females. Moreover, the incidence of lumbar fractures was also positively associated with an increased waist circumference in males and females. An increased waist circumference showed a positive linear relationship with the risk of lumbar and femur fractures in both males and females.

Local Intra-arterial Thrombolysis during Mechanical Thrombectomy for Refractory Large-Vessel Occlusion: Adjunctive Chemical Enhancer of Thrombectomy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Data on adjunctive intra-arterial thrombolysis during mechanical thrombectomy for refractory thrombus are sparse. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of local intra-arterial urokinase as an adjunct to mechanical thrombectomy for refractory large-vessel occlusion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion between January 2016 and December 2019. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the use of intra-arterial urokinase as an adjunctive therapy during mechanical thrombectomy for refractory thrombus: the urokinase and nonurokinase groups. Herein, refractory thrombus was defined as the target occlusion with minimal reperfusion (TICI 0 or 1) despite >3 attempts with conventional mechanical thrombectomy. The baseline characteristics, procedural outcomes, and clinical outcome were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

One hundred fourteen cases of refractory thrombus were identified. A total of 45 and 69 patients were in the urokinase and the nonurokinase groups, respectively. The urokinase group compared with the nonurokinase group showed a higher rate of successful reperfusion (82.2% versus 63.8%, P = .034), with lower procedural times (54 versus 69 minutes, P = .137). The rates of good clinical outcome, distal embolism, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage were similar between the 2 groups. The use of intra-arterial urokinase (OR = 3.682; 95% CI, 1.156-11.730; P = .027) was an independent predictor of successful reperfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of local intra-arterial urokinase as an adjunct to mechanical thrombectomy may be an effective and safe method that provides better recanalization than the conventional mechanical thrombectomy for refractory thrombus in patients with embolic large-vessel occlusion.

Hormone Receptor Subtype in Ductal Carcinoma in Situ: Prognostic and Predictive Roles of the Progesterone Receptor

Background

We investigated the prognostic and predictive roles of the hormone receptor (HRc) subtype in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). We focused on identifying the roles of the progesterone receptor (PR) independent of estrogen receptor (ER) status.

Methods

Nationwide data of 12,508 female patients diagnosed with DCIS with a mean follow‐up period of 60.7 months were analyzed. HRc subtypes were classified as ER−/PR−, ER−/PR+, ER+/PR−, and ER+/PR+ based on ER and PR statuses. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

The ER+/PR+ group showed better prognoses than the ER+/PR− and ER−/PR− groups in the patients who received tamoxifen therapy (p = .001 and p = .031, respectively). HRc subtype was an independent prognostic factor (p = .028). The tamoxifen therapy group showed better survival than the patients who did not receive tamoxifen, but only in the ER+/PR+ subgroup (p = .002). Tamoxifen therapy was an independent prognostic factor (HR, 0.619; 95% CI, 0.423 − 0.907; p = .014). PR status was a favorable prognostic factor in patients with DCIS who received tamoxifen therapy (p < .001), and it remained a prognostic factor independent of ER status (HR, 0.576; 95% CI, 0.349 − 0.951; p = .031).

Conclusion

The HRc subtype can be used as both a prognostic and predictive marker in patients with newly diagnosed DCIS. Tamoxifen therapy can improve overall survival in the ER+/PR+ subtype. PR status has significant prognostic and predictive roles independent of ER status. Testing for the PR status in addition to the ER status is routinely recommended in patients with DCIS to determine the HRc subtype in clinical settings.

Implications for Practice

The hormone receptor (HRc) subtype was an independent prognostic factor, and the estrogen receptor (ER)+/progesterone receptor (PR) + subtype showed a better survival in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who received tamoxifen therapy. PR was an independent prognostic factor independent of ER, and PR was a favorable prognostic factor in patients with DCIS who received tamoxifen therapy. The HRc subtype could be used as both a prognostic and predictive marker in patients with newly diagnosed DCIS. Testing of PR status in addition to ER status is routinely recommended for patients with DCIS to determine the HRc subtype in clinical settings.

This study investigated the prognostic and predictive roles of the hormone receptor subtype in patients with newly diagnosed ductal carcinoma in situ, focusing on the prognostic and predictive values of progesterone receptor status independent of estrogen receptor status. The prognostic effect of tamoxifen therapy was also investigated

Clinical effectiveness of house dust mite immunotherapy in mono- versus poly-sensitised patients with allergic rhinitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Selecting an appropriate allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) regimen for polysensitised allergic rhinitis (AR) patients is challenging for clinicians. Although previous studies showed comparable effectiveness of single-allergen AIT with house dust mite (HDM) extract between monosensitised and polysensitised AR patients, there is no systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrating the comparable effectiveness of HDM AIT. In this meta-analysis, we analysed nine studies to compare the clinical effectiveness of HDM AIT. The primary outcome was nasal symptom score and secondary outcomes were medication and quality of life scores. The changes in nasal symptom score after HDM AIT did not significantly differ between monosensitised and polysensitised patients. The clinical effectiveness of HDM AIT regarding medication and quality of life score was not significantly different between monosensitised and polysensitised patients). In conclusion, single-allergen AIT with HDM extract showed comparable clinical effectiveness between polysensitised and monosensitised patients with AR.