Diagnostic performance of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) for the evaluation of hypermetabolic lymphadenopathy mediastinum lower, posterior, and middle, detected by PET-CT with 18F-FDG (PET) (APOGEE Study)

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Background: In the context of a new cancer or relapse, the high sensitivity (Se) (95-100%) of PET-CT with 18F-FDG can lead to the demonstration of hypermetabolic mediastinal adenopathies. Its lower specificity (Sp) (89%) can require histological examination. We report the results of a prospective, single-center study evaluating the diagnostic performance of EUS-FNA in this indication. Methods: Prospective single-center study featuring patients in whom PET had revealed hypermetabolic mediastinal lymphadenopathy requiring diagnostic certainty. All EUS-FNA were performed with a 19-gauge needle (EchoTip, Cook Endoscopy). Main objective: To evaluate the diagnostic performance in terms of Se and Sp of EUS-FNA in the characterization of hypermetabolic mediastinal adenopathies in PET in the context of a new cancer or relapse. Secondary objectives: To evaluate the negative predictive value (NPV) of the EUS-FNA and to evaluate the percentage of surgical diagnostic procedures avoided. The standard technique was a thoraco-abdominopelvic CT scan at 6 months and at 12 months. Results: 52 patients were eligible and evaluable for the primary endpoint. The most common primary cancers were mammary (17.3%) and bronchial (13.5%). The lymph nodes were analyzed as malignant in 44.2% of cases, benign in 50% of cases and atypical or suspicious in 3.8% of cases. The malignant lymph nodes were metastatic for breast cancer in 21.7% of cases, bronchial cancer in 17.4% of cases, colorectal cancer in 17.4% of cases and prostate cancer in 13% of cases. The Se of the EUS-FNA was 92% (95% CI 0.74-0.99) and the Sp 100%. NPV was 87% (95% CI: 0.59-0.98). A diagnostic surgical procedure was necessary in 2% of the cases. PET and EUS-FNA often allowed the modification of the therapeutic strategy. Conclusions: When a confirmed diagnosis is required, the diagnostic accuracy of the minimally invasive procedure of EUS-FNA, is sufficiently robust to avoid a surgical diagnosis technique. The combination of PET and EUS-FNA may alter the therapeutic strategy that would have been considered after PET alone. Clinical trial information: NCT01892501.

Prognostic value of CEC count in HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer patients treated with bevacizumab and chemotherapy: a prospective validation study (UCBG COMET)

BACKGROUND

Proof of concept studies has reported that circulating endothelial cell (CEC) count may be associated with the outcome of HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (mBC) patients treated by chemotherapy and the anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab. We report the results obtained in an independent prospective validation cohort (COMET study, NCT01745757).

METHODS

The main baseline criteria were HER2-negative mBC, performance status 0-2 and no prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease. CECs were detected by CellSearch® from 4 ml of blood at baseline and after 4 weeks of weekly paclitaxel and bevacizumab therapy. CEC counts (considered both as a continuous variable and using the previously described 20 CEC/4 ml cutoff) were associated with clinical characteristics and progression-free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

CEC count was obtained in 251 patients at baseline and in 207 patients at 4 weeks. Median baseline CEC count was 22 CEC/4 ml (range 0-2231). Baseline CEC counts were associated with performance status (p = 0.02). No statistically significant change in CEC counts was observed between baseline and 4 weeks of therapy. High baseline CEC count was associated with shorter PFS in univariate and multivariate analyses (continuous: p < 0.001; dichotomized: HR 1.52, 95% CI [1.15-2.02], p = 0.004). CEC counts at 4 weeks had no prognostic impact.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms that CEC count may be associated with the outcome of mBC patients treated with chemotherapy and bevacizumab. However, discrepancies with previous reports in terms of both the timing of CEC count and the direction of the prognostic impact warrant further clinical investigation.

Impact of breast cancer molecular subtypes on the incidence, kinetics and prognosis of central nervous system metastases in a large multicentre real-life cohort

BACKGROUND

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) behaviour differs depending on hormone receptors (HR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2) statuses.

METHODS

The kinetics of central nervous system (CNS) metastases (CNS metastasis-free survival, CNSM-FS) and subsequent patient's prognosis (overall survival, OS) according to the molecular subtype were retrospectively assessed in 16703 MBC patients of the ESME nationwide multicentre MBC database (Kaplan-Meier method).

RESULTS

CNS metastases occurred in 4118 patients (24.6%) (7.2% at MBC diagnosis and 17.5% later during follow-up). Tumours were HER2-/HR+ (45.3%), HER2+/HR+ (14.5%), HER2+/HR- (14.9%) and triple negative (25.4%). Median age at CNS metastasis diagnosis was 58.1 years (range: 22.8-92.0). The median CNSM-FS was 10.8 months (95% CI: 16.5-17.9) among patients who developed CNS metastases. Molecular subtype was independently associated with CNSM-FS (HR = 3.45, 95% CI: 3.18-3.75, triple-negative and HER2-/HR+ tumours). After a 30-month follow-up, median OS after CNS metastasis diagnosis was 7.9 months (95% CI: 7.2-8.4). OS was independently associated with subtypes: median OS was 18.9 months (HR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.50-0.64) for HER2+/HR+ , 13.1 months (HR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.65-0.81) for HER2+/HR-, 4.4 months (HR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.42-1.69) for triple-negative and 7.1 months for HER2-/HR+ patients (p <0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Tumour molecular subtypes strongly impact incidence, kinetics and prognosis of CNS metastases in MBC patients.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT03275311.

CinéBreast-factors influencing the time to first metastatic recurrence in breast cancer: Analysis of real-life data from the French ESME MBC database

Purpose

The Time to First Metastatic Recurrence (TFMR) could be considered as an indirect reflection of the tumour growth kinetics which plays an important role in cancer. Molecular subtypes such as expression of estrogen receptor are known predictive factors of TFMR. The CinéBreast study aimed to identify predictive factors of the time to TFMR.

Methods

The French Epidemiological Strategy and Medical Economics (ESME) Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Database (NCT03275311) was used, which contains data from a cohort of metastatic breast cancer patients from 2008 to 2016 using retrospective data collection. It is a national multi-centre database. The impact of TFMR on overall survival (OS) since first metastasis was also evaluated.

Results

Among 16 702 patients recorded in the ESME MBC database, 10 595 had an initially localised breast cancer with hormone receptor (HR) and HER2 status available, with a metastatic recurrence. Median follow up was 56 months. Median TFMR was 59 months (<24: 20%, 24–60: 31%, 60–120: 25%, >120: 24%). HER2+ and TNBC were respectively 4 times and 12 times (p < 0.0001) more likely to have a recurrence within 2 years when compared to the luminal subgroup. Short TFMR and HR-/HER2-subtype significantly correlated with a poor OS in multivariate analysis.

Some patients with MBC (20% in HER2+, 10% in ER+/HER2-and <5% in the ER-/HER2-) were long-term survivors in all 3 subgroups.

Conclusions

In this large-scale real-life data study, patients with a TNBC metastatic recurrence had a shorter TFMR. Short TFMR significantly correlated with worse overall survival.

•

ESME is a large-scale real-life database of 16 702 metastatic breast cancer patients.

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A short time to first metastatic recurrence is associated with poor overall survival.

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Triple-negative tumours were more likely to recur early than HR+ and HER2+ tumours.

UCBG 2-04: Long-term results of the PACS 04 trial evaluating adjuvant epirubicin plus docetaxel in node-positive breast cancer and trastuzumab in the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive subgroup

PURPOSE

We conducted a double-randomised phase III trial to evaluate a concomitant taxane-anthracycline regimen in node-positive breast cancer and the efficacy of trastuzumab in the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive subpopulation.

METHODS

A total of 3010 patients with node-positive breast cancer were randomly assigned to receive 6 cycles of 500 mg/m² of fluorouracil, 100 mg/m² of epirubicin and 500 mg/m² of cyclophosphamide (FEC) or 75 mg/m² of epirubicin and 75 mg/m² of docetaxel (ED). Patients with HER2-positive tumours were secondary randomly assigned to either trastuzumab or observation. The primary end-point was disease-free survival (DFS) in the two chemotherapy arms.

RESULTS

After a 115-month median follow-up, DFS was not significantly better in the ED arm (DFS: 70%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 67-72) than in the FEC arm (DFS: 68%, 95% CI: 65-70; hazard ratio [HR] = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.77-1.01; p = 0.064). The OS was not different between FEC (OS: 80%, 95% CI: 78-83) and ED (OS: 81%, 95% CI: 79-83); HR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.81-1.16; p = 0.729). ED appeared more toxic. In the 528 HER2-positive subset, there was trend for a higher DFS, in the intention-to-treat population, in the trastuzumab arm (DFS: 68%, 95% CI: 61-74) than in the observation arm (DFS: 60%, 95% CI: 54-66; HR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.57-1.03; p = 0.079). In the per-protocol population, DFS was significantly higher in the trastuzumab arm (DFS: 70%, 95% CI: 63-76) than in the observation arm (DFS: 59%, 95% CI: 53-65; HR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.51-0.94; p = 0.0156). The OS was not different between these 2 arms.

CONCLUSION

This study did not show superiority of the concomitant anthracycline-taxane arm which was more toxic in high-risk node-positive breast cancer patients. Long-term results of the HER2-positive subpopulation are in line with those of the other adjuvant trastuzumab trials but quantitatively less pronounced mostly because of lack of power.

Everolimus Plus Endocrine Therapy for Postmenopausal Women With Estrogen Receptor-Positive, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Negative Advanced Breast Cancer: A Clinical Trial

Importance

Cotargeting the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway and estrogen receptor may prevent or delay endocrine resistance in patients receiving first-line treatment for advanced breast cancer.

Objective

To investigate the combination of everolimus plus endocrine therapy in first-line and second-line treatment settings for postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive, human epidermal growth receptor 2-negative advanced breast cancer.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In the multicenter, open-label, single-arm, phase 2 BOLERO-4 (Breast Cancer Trials of Oral Everolimus) clinical trial, 245 patients were screened for eligibility; 202 were enrolled between March 7, 2013, and December 17, 2014. A median follow-up of 29.5 months had been achieved by the data cutoff date (December 17, 2016).

Interventions

Patients received first-line treatment with everolimus, 10 mg/d, plus letrozole, 2.5 mg/d. Second-line treatment with everolimus, 10 mg/d, plus exemestane, 25 mg/d, was offered at the investigator's discretion upon initial disease progression.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was investigator-assessed progression-free survival in the first-line setting per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.0. Safety was assessed in patients who received at least 1 dose of study medication and at least 1 postbaseline safety assessment.

Results

A total of 202 women treated in the first-line setting had a median age of 64.0 years (interquartile range, 58.0-70.0 years) with metastatic (194 [96.0%]) or locally advanced (8 [4.0%]) breast cancer. Median progression-free survival was 22.0 months (95% CI, 18.1-25.1 months) with everolimus and letrozole. Median overall survival was not reached; 24-month estimated overall survival rate was 78.7% (95% CI, 72.1%-83.9%). Fifty patients started second-line treatment; median progression-free survival was 3.7 months (95% CI, 1.9-7.4 months). No new safety signals were observed. In the first-line setting, the most common all-grade adverse event was stomatitis (139 [68.8%]); the most common grade 3 to 4 adverse event was anemia (21 [10.4%]). In the second-line setting, the most common adverse events were stomatitis and decreased weight (10 [20.0%] each); the most common grade 3 to 4 adverse event was hypertension (5 [10.0%]). There were 50 (24.8%) deaths overall during the study; 40 were due to study indication (breast cancer).

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this trial add to the existing body of evidence suggesting that everolimus plus endocrine therapy is a good first-line treatment option for postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative advanced breast cancer.

Trial Registration

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01698918.

Residual cancer burden index and tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte subtypes in triple-negative breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy

PURPOSE

There is a need to refine the prognosis of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and to study the influence of the tumor microenvironment. We evaluated the prognostic value of pathological and immune markers in TNBC with residual disease (RD) after NAC.

METHODS

In a series of 186 TNBC patients treated by NAC, we assessed the prognostic value of the Residual Cancer Burden (RCB) index. In 109 patients with RD, we studied the impact of clinicopathological features and tumor immune response in the residual tumor on overall survival (OS) and distant recurrence-free interval (DRFI).

RESULTS

In the whole group, the OS and DRFI, at 3 years, were statistically different between the different classes of RCB (P = 0.0004 and P < 0.0001, respectively). In univariate analysis of the RD group, low RCB index and high ratios of stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), CD3 + TILs, CD4 + TILs, CD8 + TILs, and IDO1-positive cells were significant favorable prognostic factors for DRFI at 3 years. In the final multivariate model, CD4 + TILs and RCB index showed a statistically independent prognostic significance for DRFI [Hazard Ratio (HR) 2.88 (95%CI 1.34-6.17), P = 0.007 and HR 12.04 (95%CI 2.78-52.23, P < 0.0001), respectively]. The CD4 + TIL levels influenced survival in the different RCB classes with a significant effect observed in RCB-II and RCB-III classes (P = 0.05 and P = 0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the combination of pathological (RCB index) and tumor micro-environmental features (CD4 + TILs) help refining the prognosis of TNBC patients with RD following NAC.

Subcutaneous auto-administration of trastuzumab following therapeutic education: A case report

Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody used to treat human epidermal growth receptor 2 positive (HER2+) breast cancers either by itself or in combination with other chemotherapy medication. Marketing authorization was granted for a subcutaneous form of the antibody in 2014. In this case report, we discuss our experience with a patient who took part in a therapeutic education program on self-administration of trastuzumab. We demonstrate that these types of self-administered injections are not only possible but also are toxicity-free. Based on the tolerance data and our patient’s experience, we propose that the current regulations be relaxed regarding the availability of trastuzumab subcutaneous form in order to develop a cheaper “city scheme,” i.e. self-administered injections.

Assessment of the efficacy of successive endocrine therapies in hormone receptor-positive and HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer: a real-life multicentre national study

BACKGROUND

For luminal metastatic breast cancer (MBC), endocrine therapy (ET) is the recommended initial treatment before chemotherapy. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of multiple ET lines in a real-life study.

METHODS

The Breast Cancer Epidemiological Strategy and Medical Economics (ESME) project analysed data from all patients with systemic treatment for MBC initiated between 2008 and 2014 in one of the 18 French Comprehensive Cancer Centres. The primary end-point was the successive progression-free survival (PFS) evaluation.

RESULTS

The ESME research programme included 9921 patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative (HER2-) MBC. Before any chemotherapy, 4195 (43.4%), 1252 (29.8%) and 279 (6.6%) patients received one, two or three ET ± targeted therapy, respectively. The median PFS for first-, second- and third-line ET ± targeted therapy was 11.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.8-12.1), 5.8 (95% CI, 5.3-6.1) and 5.5 (95% CI, 4.6-6.3) months, respectively. In a multivariate analysis, time from diagnosis to metastatic recurrence (P < 0.0001), presence of symptoms at metastatic relapse (P = 0.01), number of metastatic sites (P = 0.0003) and their localisation (P < 0.0001) were prognostic factors for PFS1. Duration of previous PFS was the only prognostic factor for subsequent PFS (10% threshold). Ten percent of the patients showed long-term response to ET, with a total treatment duration before chemotherapy ≥43.6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Median PFS in our HR+/HER2- real-life cohort is similar to median first-line PFS reported in clinical trials, regardless of ET used as second- and third-line treatment. Despite the international consensus on early initiation of ET, the latter is not prescribed in most of the cases. Patients with a low tumour burden may achieve prolonged response on ET.

6 months versus 12 months of adjuvant trastuzumab in early breast cancer (PHARE): final analysis of a multicentre, open-label, phase 3 randomised trial

BACKGROUND

In 2013, the interim analysis of the Protocol for Herceptin as Adjuvant therapy with Reduced Exposure (PHARE) trial could not show that 6 months of adjuvant trastuzumab was non-inferior to 12 months. Here, we report the planned final analysis based on the prespecified number of occurring events.

METHODS

PHARE is an open-label, phase 3, non-inferiority randomised trial of patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer comparing 6 months versus 12 months of trastuzumab treatment concomitant with or following standard neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy. The study was undertaken in 156 centres in France. Eligible patients were women aged 18 years or older with non-metastatic, operable, histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the breast and either positive axillary nodes or negative axillary nodes but a tumour of at least 10 mm. Participants must have received at least four cycles of a chemotherapy for this breast cancer and have started receiving adjuvant trastuzumab-treatment. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to either 6 months or 12 months of trastuzumab therapy duration between the third and sixth months of adjuvant trastuzumab. The randomisation was stratified by concomitant or sequential treatment with chemotherapy, oestrogen receptor status, and centre. The primary objective was non-inferiority in the intention-to-treat population in the 6-month group in terms of disease-free survival with a prespecified hazard margin of 1·15. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00381901.

FINDINGS

3384 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to either 12 months (n=1691) or 6 months (n=1693) of adjuvant trastuzumab. One patient in the 12-month group and three patients in the 6-month group were excluded, so 1690 patients in each group were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. At a median follow-up of 7·5 years (IQR 5·3-8·8), 704 events relevant to disease-free survival were observed (345 [20·4%] in the 12-month group and 359 [21·2%] in the 6-month group). The adjusted hazard ratio for disease-free survival in the 12-month group versus the 6-month group was 1·08 (95% CI 0·93-1·25; p=0·39). The non-inferiority margin was included in the 95% CI. No differences in effects pertaining to trastuzumab duration were found in any of the subgroups. After the completion of trastuzumab treatment, rare adverse events occurred over time and the safety analysis remained similar to the previously published report. In particular, we found no change in the cardiac safety comparison, and only three additional cases in which the left ventricular ejection fraction decreased to less than 50% have been reported in the 12-month group.

INTERPRETATION

The PHARE study did not show the non-inferiority of 6 months versus 12 months of adjuvant trastuzumab. Hence, adjuvant trastuzumab standard duration should remain 12 months.

FUNDING

The French National Cancer Institute.

Real-life activity of eribulin mesylate among metastatic breast cancer patients in the multicenter national observational ESME program

Eribulin mesylate (EM) was recently approved for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) chemotherapy (CT) in late lines by the FDA, with debated results in second line. We evaluated outcomes in breast cancer patients receiving EM as second, third and fourth line in a national real-life cohort of 16,703 consecutive MBC patients initiating their first metastatic therapeutic line between 2008 and 2014. Primary and secondary objectives were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). An imbalance was seen for HER2+ tumors and concomitant anti-HER2 targeted therapies use, we thus performed a subanalysis in HER2- patients. PFS and OS were significantly better in EM patients in third and fourth lines, compared to "Other chemotherapies" patients (PFS: 4.14 vs. 3.02 months, p = 0.0010; 3.61 vs. 2.53 months, p = 0.0102, third and fourth-line; OS: 11.27 vs. 7.65 months, p = 0.0001; 10.91 vs. 5.95 months, p < 0.0001, third and fourth-line). No significant difference was reported in second-line (PFS: 5.06 vs. 4.14 months, p = 0.1171; OS: 13.99 vs. 11.66 months, p = 0.151). Among HER2- patients, a significant difference was seen for all lines, including 2nd-line (PFS: 4.57 vs. 3.91 months, p = 0.0379; OS: 14.98 vs. 10.51 months, p = 0.0113). In this large real-world database, HER2-negative MBC patients receiving EM in second or later CT line presented significantly better PFS and OS. This difference disappeared in second line in the overall population, probably because of the imbalance in HER2-targeted treatments use. Our results mirror those of the published randomized trials. The effect of anti-HER2 therapies addition in this setting still needs to be defined.

Prognosis value of a genetic score based on germline genetic variants in a prospective cohort of early triple-negative breast cancer patients

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Background: Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) are a heterogeneous group of tumors with poor outcome. In this study, the association between germline genetic variants and invasive disease-free survival (iDFS) was analyzed in TNBC patients. Methods: A genome wide-association study (GWAS) aimed to identify variants (single nucleotide polymorphisms – SNPs) associated with prognosis in 1121 patients with TNBC in the SIGNAL prospective cohort. Associations between gene variants and iDFS were assessed in univariate Cox regression models. Variants were combined in a score to identify risk categories. A prognostic model based on breast cancer stage and genetic variants was estimated using a multivariate Cox regression. Interaction between stage and genetic score was tested. Discrimination of the model was assessed by the Harrell’s C statistic and internal validity by bootstrap method. Results: The characteristics of the 1121 patients were representative of a population with early TNBC. Four SNPs on chromosomes 9 and 2 were found significantly associated to iDFS in univariate Cox models. Homozygous status for the most frequent allele was associated with poorer iDFS for two SNPs and this status was present in 50% and 57% of the population. For the two other SNPs, the most frequent allele was associated with more favorable iDFS. Three prognostic categories were derived from the genetic score. The following table presents the results from the multivariate Cox model including genetic score and disease stage. Clinical trial information: RECF1098. Conclusions: In a prospective cohort of 1121 patients with early TNBC, 4 genetic variants (SNPs) were associated with iDFS. A score involving SNPs provided similar prognostic indications as breast cancer stages. A search assessing the function and the role of the involved genes is ongoing.[Table: see text]

Multimodality liquid biopsy for early monitoring and outcome prediction in first-line metastatic HER2-negative breast cancer: Final results of the prospective cohort from the French Breast Cancer InterGroup Unicancer (UCBG)— COMET study

3019

Background: Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) are independent markers of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients (pts) with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Monitoring circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can detect mutation associated with resistance to treatment and its variations reflect changes in tumor burden. We prospectively monitored CTC, Circulating Endothelial Cells (CEC), serum markers and ctDNA during first line chemotherapy for MBC. Methods: The French cohort COMET is a prospective study including first line HER2 negative pts receiving weekly paclitaxel and bevacizumab . Blood samples were obtained at baseline (BL) and before the second cycle of chemotherapy (C2).We present here the final planned analysis. Results: From 09/2012 to 11/2014, 286 patients were included: 198 for ctDNA, 251 for CEC and 283 for CTC. Median age was 56 years and 23% of pts had triple negative BC. At baseline, 71% of pts had ≥1 detectable CTC per 7.5 ml of blood (median 4 CTC, range 1- 30,000). With a threshold of ≥5 CTC, 49% of pts were positive at baseline and 22% at C2. For ctDNA, out of the first 196 pts analyzed, 147 had at least one somatic mutation (SNV) detected in plasma (75%). The average number of mutations per pt was 2.4 (range 1 to 9). Most commonly mutated genes were TP53 and GATA3. ESR1 was mutated in 10.6% of the pts and restricted to the ER+ subgroup. PIK3CA was mutated in 23.2% of the pts. Median Allelic Frequency was 9.1% . Only 68 pts (36%) had detectable ctDNA at C2. At baseline, CTC and ctDNA levels were correlated (r = 0.40, p < 0.0001). Despite no complete overlap, 24 pts (12%) had no CTC nor ctDNA detected at baseline. Median follow-up was 53 months and median OS was 32 months. Detectable CTC and ctDNA at baseline and at C2 were significantly associated with decreased PFS and OS. CEC and serum markers level had no prognostic value. At multivariate analysis, triple negative status, detectable ctDNA at C2, CTC ≥5 at C2 and grade 3 on primary tumor were independent prognostic factors. Conclusions: This is the largest prospective cohort assessing the respective prognostic values of early CTC and ctDNA changes in homogenously treated first line MBC pts. Early decrease of CTC and ctDNA after one cycle of chemotherapy are independent predictive markers of favorable outcome, with a stronger value for ctDNA compared to CTC. Clinical utility of early ctDNA variations monitoring and changes in mutation profile remain to be demonstrated. Clinical trial information: NCT01745757.

Factors Affecting Tamoxifen Metabolism in Patients With Breast Cancer: Preliminary Results of the French PHACS Study

In addition to the effect of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 genetic polymorphisms, the metabolism of tamoxifen may be impacted by other factors with possible consequences on therapeutic outcome (efficacy and toxicity). This analysis focused on the pharmacokinetic (PK)-pharmacogenetic evaluation of tamoxifen in 730 patients with adjuvant breast cancer included in a prospective multicenter study. Plasma concentrations of tamoxifen and six major metabolites, the genotype for 63 single-nucleotide polymorphisms, and comedications were obtained 6 months after treatment initiation. Plasma concentrations of endoxifen were significantly associated with CYP2D6 diplotype (P < 0.0001), CYP3A4*22 genotype (P = 0.0003), and concomitant intake of potent CYP2D6 inhibitors (P < 0.001). Comparison of endoxifen levels showed that the CYP2D6 phenotype classification could be improved by grouping intermediate metabolizer (IM)/IM and IM/poor metabolizer diplotype into IM phenotype for future use in tamoxifen therapy optimization. Finally, the multivariable regression analysis showed that formation of tamoxifen metabolites was independently impacted by CYP2D6 diplotype and CYP3A4*22, CYP2C19*2, and CYP2B6*6 genetic polymorphisms.

Abstract P5-09-07: Risk reducing strategy in germline BRCA mutated patients with locally advanced breast cancer. Establishing mastectomy as a preventing procedure of local recurrence

Introduction

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is proposed for locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) to increase the breast conservative treatment (BCT). In France, mastectomy is the risk-reducing prophylactic surgical strategy only for pre-symptomatic germline BRCA-mutated (gBRCAm) patients. On the other hand, BCT is proposed to all patients following NAC based on clinical response, regardless the gBRCAm status. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the risk of local recurrence (LR) according to BRCA status.

Patients and methods

Inclusion criteria were: (i) patients treated for unilateral LABC, T2-3, N≥0, M0 by NAC, and (ii) patients who underwent germline BRCA screening. , using targeted next-generation screening, was carried out either during NAC (rapid process) or after surgery. Deleterious mutations were confirmed using Sanger sequencing before passing on the results to the clinical geneticist. Some gBRCAm patients from Olympia study were also included. Patients were followed-up over a long term for overall survival, LR and disease-free survival. Chi-square and Fischer test were used to generate statistical comparison.

Results

Between 2007 and 2015, 988 women were treated for LABC at our institution. Among them, 151 patients underwent clinical genetic testing for gBRCAm based on these criteria: young age at diagnosis or familial history of breast or ovarian cancer or histological characteristics as grade 2/3, Her2-3+ or basal like. A total of 122 patients were included in the study; 28 patients had gBRCAm status and no mutations were detected in 94 patients (wtBRCA). Significant differences between the two groups (gBRCAm vs wtBRCA) were observed for

Mean age, (36.7 vs 40.1y (p=0.0032) ,

Intrinsic tumor subtypes basal like (64.3% vs 42.5%, p=0.0432)

ER are more often negative (21.4% vs 46.8%, p=0.0165).

Among the 30 patients who underwent BRCA screening during NAC and eligible for BCT, 8 of the 9 patients with gBRCAm choose mastectomy (88%). Among the 92 patients with screening mutation after breast cancer treatment, 5 of the 19 patients with gBRCAm had a mastectomy (28%). In the 28 gBRCAm patients, 15 had a BCT and 13 a mastectomy. In the 94 wtBRCA patients, 67 had a BCT and 27 a mastectomy. After a follow-up of 4.32 years, we observed 8 relapses, 5 LRs after BCT and 3 contro-lateral relapses. Of the 5 LRs, 3 came from 15 gBRCAm with BCT and 2 of the 67 wtBRCA (p=0.0403).

Discussion

In this selected subgroup of patients, gBRCAm rate is higher (23%) than the rate based on familial criteria for BRCA testing (12%). Regarding the rationale for BCT or mastectomy procedure in LABC and pre-symptomatic gBRCAm patients, this study led us to establish mastectomy as risk-reducing strategy in a sole surgery procedure for gBRCAm patients. Moreover, 88% gBRCAm patients chose mastectomy; the mastectomy rate was lower when the patient was unaware of their BRCA status (26%). The LR rate was higher in the gBRCAm vs wtBRCA with a statistical difference. In LABC patients with high genetic risk, the knowledge of mutation status could influence patients' and surgeons' choice of surgery. In case of gBRCAm status, mastectomy is recommended to decrease LR risk.

Citation Format: Tunon de Lara C, Leroux J, Bonnet F, Debled M, Barrouk-Simonet E, Quenel-Tueux N, Lagarde P, Chassaigne F, Esnaud T, Fournier M, Bubien V, Breton-Callu C, Charitansky H, Petit A, Mathoulin-Pelissier S, Macgrogan G, Longy M, Sevenet N. Risk reducing strategy in germline BRCA mutated patients with locally advanced breast cancer. Establishing mastectomy as a preventing procedure of local recurrence [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-09-07.

Abstract P5-17-04: Metastatic inflammatory breast cancer: Clinical features and outcomes in the national, multicentric, real-life ESME cohort

Background:Primary inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. Survival of IBC patients has been improved by multimodal therapy. However 5-year overall survival (OS) still remains close to 50-60%, due to high risk of disseminated disease. Given the low incidence, prognosis of metastatic cases stages is poorly described.

Methods:This study aimed to describe OS of IBC (T4d AJCC TNM classification) with upfront or recurrent metastatic disease compared with non-IBC patients in the ESME database (N=16,702 patients). OS was calculated from the diagnosis of metastasis to the date of death (from any cause), or censored to date of latest news. Secondary objectives included progression-free survival (PFS).

Results:From 2008 to 2014, 7,465 patients with diagnosis of MBC and known clinical status of their primary tumor (T) were identified, including 582 IBC (T4d) and 6,883 non-IBC. As expected, metastatic IBC was associated with pejorative features compared to non-IBC, with less hormonal receptors-positive tumors (44% vs 65.6%), more HER2-positive (30% vs 18.6%) or triple-negative (25.9% vs 15.8%) cases (p&lt;0.001), more frequent upfront M1 stage (53.3% vs 27.7%; p&lt;0.001), and shorter median disease-free interval (2.02 years vs. 4.9 years; p&lt;0.001). With a median follow-up of 50.2 months (0-104), median OS was 28.4 [95%CI 24-33.8] versus 37.2 months [95%CI 36.1-38.5] in metastatic IBC and non-IBC cases respectively (p&lt;0.0001, log-rank test). By multivariate Cox model with adjustment for major prognostic factors [including age, disease-free interval, type of relapse, visceral metastases, molecular subtype, grade], OS was significantly shorter in the metastatic IBC group compared with non-IBC group (HR 1.25 [95%CI 1.1-1.4], p=0.0002). Of note, survival of metastatic IBC patients improved over the last years: median OS 24 months [95%CI 20-31.9], 29 months [95%CI 21.7-39.9] and 36 months [95%CI 27.9-NE] if diagnosed before 2011, between 2011 and 2012, or after 2012 respectively (p=0.003). Such improvement was not observed in non-IBC patients. IBC was associated with shorter median PFS under first line systemic treatment compared with non-IBC (7.2 months [95%CI 6.6-8.3] vs 9.5 months [95%CI 9.1-9.8] respectively, p=0.0136). This was maintained in a multivariate Cox model adjusting for same factors as for OS (HR 1.15 [95%CI 1-1.3], p=0.0050).

Compared with non-IBC, synchronous metastatic IBC showed worse median OS and PFS (39.9 months [95%CI 34.2-45.3] vs 48.4 months [95%CI 46.3-50.8], p=0.0035; 10 months [95%CI 8.8-12.7] vs 14.5 months [95%CI 13.6-15.7], p=0.0027, respectively. Similar results were obtained in metachronous metastatic cases (20.01 months [95%CI 17.1-21.2] vs 32.8 months [95%CI 31.5-34.3], p&lt;0.0001; 5.1 months [95%CI 4.1-6] vs 7.9 months [95%CI 7.6-8.3], p&lt;0.0001, respectively).

Conclusion:In this large national and multicentric study, IBC is a major and independent factor associated with adverse outcome in metastatic setting. Of note, the independent adverse impact on PFS identified in this study may suggest a lower sensitivity of metastatic IBC to available therapeutics. However, results seem to improve in the last years. Detailed analysis according to phenotype will be available.

Citation Format: Monneur A, Bertucci F, Lardy-Cleaud A, Augereau P, Debled M, Levy C, Mouret-Reynier MA, Coudert B, Mailliez A, Bachelot T, Ferrero J-M, Guiu S, Uwer L, Campone M, Cottu P, Jouannaud C, De la Motte Rouge T, Leheurteur M, Petit T, Pistilli B, Dalenc F, Simon G, Robain M, Viens P, Lerebours F, Gonçalves A. Metastatic inflammatory breast cancer: Clinical features and outcomes in the national, multicentric, real-life ESME cohort [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-17-04.

Abstract PD2-03: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTC) predictive value in HER2 negative metastatic breast cancer patients treated with first line weekly paclitaxel and bevacizumab: Results of a prospective cohort from the French Breast Cancer InterGroup Unicancer (UCBG): COMET study

Background: Increased levels of CTC and a persistent elevated level after just one cycle of chemotherapy are very strong and independent markers of worse progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients (pts) with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) (Bidard et al, Lancet Oncol 2014). ctDNA can be used to detect mutation associated with resistance to treatment. It has also been shown that dynamic changes in ctDNA levels closely reflect changes in tumor burden. We prospectively monitored CTC and ctDNA early variations during first line chemotherapy for MBC.

Patients & methods: The French cohort COMET is a prospective study including first line HER2 negative patients (pts) receiving weekly paclitaxel and bevacizumab according to EMA approved combination. The aim of this cohort is to evaluate clinical, biological and radiological parameters associated with pts outcome (CTC, serum markers, ctDNA, pharmacogenomic polymorphisms, metabolomic parameters, visceral fat, serum estradiol level and quality of life). We present here the first planned analysis on pts evaluated for CTC (CellSearch) and ctDNA using targeted sequencing (Roche SeqCap technology) of a panel of 46 genes and 8 promoters, using unique molecular identifiers to increase ctDNA detection sensitivity. Blood samples were obtained at baseline (BL) and before the second cycle of chemotherapy (C2).

Results: From 09/2012 to 5/2014, 218 pts were included in this substudy. Median age was 55 years and 22% of pts had triple negative BC. At BL, 70% of pts had ≥1 detectable CTC per 7.5 ml of blood (median 4 CTC, range 1- 30,000) and 37% at C2. With a threshold of ≥5 CTC, 47% of pts were positive at BL and 22% at C2. For ctDNA, out of the first 141 pts analyzed, 105 had at least one somatic mutation detected in plasma (74%). The average number of mutations per pt was 2.7 and most commonly mutated genes were TP53 and PIK3CA. ESR1 was found mutated in 9% of all cases and restricted to the ER+ subgroup. Median Allelic Frequency was 10% (range 0.6-83%). Only 33% of pts had detectable ctDNA at C2. At BL, CTC and ctDNA levels were correlated (r=0.46, p&lt;0.0001). Despite no complete overlap, 11% of pts had no CTC nor ctDNA detected. Median follow-up was 53 months and median OS was 32 months. Increased level of CTC and ctDNA were significantly associated with decreased PFS and OS. At C2, ≥5 CTC or still detectable ctDNA were strong markers of reduced OS: HR 4.6 (CI95 3.1-7) and HR 3.2 (CI95 1.8 – 5.5), respectively (both p&lt; 0.0001). At multivariate analysis for PFS, detectable ctDNA at C2 and triple negative status were the only significant prognostic factors. None of serum marker level at BL or their early variations had prognostic value.

Conclusion: This is the largest prospective cohort assessing the respective prognostic values of early CTC and ctDNA changes in homogenously treated first line MBC patients. Analysis of mutations profile variations and comparison with primary tumor and metastasis biopsies are ongoing and may reveal early mechanisms of resistance.

Citation Format: Pierga J-Y, Silveira A, Lorgis V, Tanguy M-L, Tredan O, Dubot C, Jacot W, Goncalves A, Debled M, Levy C, Ferrero J-M, Jouannaud C, Luporsi E, Mouret-Reynier M-A, Dalenc F, Lemonnier J, Berger F, Proudon C, Bidard F-C. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTC) predictive value in HER2 negative metastatic breast cancer patients treated with first line weekly paclitaxel and bevacizumab: Results of a prospective cohort from the French Breast Cancer InterGroup Unicancer (UCBG): COMET study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PD2-03.

Oral etoposide in heavily pre-treated metastatic breast cancer: results from the ESME cohort and comparison with other chemotherapy regimens

INTRODUCTION

HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is a common setting in which chemotherapy could be effective even in later lines of treatment. Oral etoposide has demonstrated clinical activity in this setting in small-scale studies, but its efficacy has not been compared to that of other chemotherapy regimens.

METHODS

We used the ESME database (Epidemiological Strategy and Medical Economics), a real-life national French multicentre cohort of MBC patients initiating therapy between 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2014. HER2-negative MBC patients who received oral etoposide as > 3rd chemotherapy line and for more than 14 days were included. Primary objective was progression-free survival (PFS); secondary objectives were overall survival (OS), and propensity-score matched Cox models including comparison with other therapies in the same setting.

RESULTS

Three hundred forty-five out of 16,702 patients received oral etoposide and 222 were eligible. Median PFS was 3.2 months [95% CI 2.8-4] and median OS 7.3 months [95% CI 5.7-10.3]. Median PFS did not significantly differ according to the therapeutic line. The only prognostic factor for both PFS and OS was the MBC phenotype (hormone receptor-positive versus triple-negative, HR = 0.71 [95% CI 0.52-0.97], p = 0.028 for PFS and HR = 0.65 [0.46-0.92], p = 0.014 for OS). After matching for the propensity score, no differential effect on PFS or OS was observed between oral etoposide and other chemotherapy regimens administered in the same setting (HR = 0.94 [95% CI 0.77-1.15], p = 0.55 for PFS and HR = 1.10 [95% CI 0.88-1.37], p = 0.40 for OS).

CONCLUSION

Oral etoposide retains some efficacy in selected heavily pre-treated patients with HER2-negative MBC, with the advantages of oral administration.

Tailoring Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy for Premenopausal Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

In the Suppression of Ovarian Function Trial (SOFT) and the Tamoxifen and Exemestane Trial (TEXT), the 5-year rates of recurrence of breast cancer were significantly lower among premenopausal women who received the aromatase inhibitor exemestane plus ovarian suppression than among those who received tamoxifen plus ovarian suppression. The addition of ovarian suppression to tamoxifen did not result in significantly lower recurrence rates than those with tamoxifen alone. Here, we report the updated results from the two trials.

METHODS

Premenopausal women were randomly assigned to receive 5 years of tamoxifen, tamoxifen plus ovarian suppression, or exemestane plus ovarian suppression in SOFT and to receive tamoxifen plus ovarian suppression or exemestane plus ovarian suppression in TEXT. Randomization was stratified according to the receipt of chemotherapy.

RESULTS

In SOFT, the 8-year disease-free survival rate was 78.9% with tamoxifen alone, 83.2% with tamoxifen plus ovarian suppression, and 85.9% with exemestane plus ovarian suppression (P=0.009 for tamoxifen alone vs. tamoxifen plus ovarian suppression). The 8-year rate of overall survival was 91.5% with tamoxifen alone, 93.3% with tamoxifen plus ovarian suppression, and 92.1% with exemestane plus ovarian suppression (P=0.01 for tamoxifen alone vs. tamoxifen plus ovarian suppression); among the women who remained premenopausal after chemotherapy, the rates were 85.1%, 89.4%, and 87.2%, respectively. Among the women with cancers that were negative for HER2 who received chemotherapy, the 8-year rate of distant recurrence with exemestane plus ovarian suppression was lower than the rate with tamoxifen plus ovarian suppression (by 7.0 percentage points in SOFT and by 5.0 percentage points in TEXT). Grade 3 or higher adverse events were reported in 24.6% of the tamoxifen-alone group, 31.0% of the tamoxifen-ovarian suppression group, and 32.3% of the exemestane-ovarian suppression group.

CONCLUSIONS

Among premenopausal women with breast cancer, the addition of ovarian suppression to tamoxifen resulted in significantly higher 8-year rates of both disease-free and overall survival than tamoxifen alone. The use of exemestane plus ovarian suppression resulted in even higher rates of freedom from recurrence. The frequency of adverse events was higher in the two groups that received ovarian suppression than in the tamoxifen-alone group. (Funded by Pfizer and others; SOFT and TEXT ClinicalTrials.gov numbers, NCT00066690 and NCT00066703 , respectively.).

Time trends of overall survival among metastatic breast cancer patients in the real-life ESME cohort

AIM

Real-life analysis of overall survival (OS) trends among metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients may help define medical needs and evaluate the impact of public health investments. The present study aimed to evaluate the independent impact of the year of MBC diagnosis on OS in the Epidemio-Strategy-Medical-Economical (ESME)-MBC cohort.

METHODS

ESME-MBC (NCT03275311) is a French, national, multicentre, observational cohort including 16,702 consecutive newly diagnosed MBC patients (01 January 2008-31 December 2014). Of 16,680 eligible patients, 15,085 had full immunohistochemistry data, allowing classification as hormone receptor-positive and HER2-negative (HR+/HER2-, N = 9907), HER2-positive (HER2+, N = 2861) or triple-negative (HR-/HER2-, N = 2317) subcohorts. Multivariate analyses of OS were conducted among the full ESME cohort and subcohorts.

RESULTS

Median OS of the whole cohort was 37.22 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 36.3-38.04). Year of diagnosis was an independent predictor of OS (hazard ratio 0.98 [95% CI, 0.97-1.00], P = .01) together with age, subtype, disease-free interval, visceral metastases and number of organs involved. Median OS of HR+/HER2-, HER2+ and HR-/HER2- subcohorts was, respectively, 42.12 (95% CI, 40.90-43.10), 44.91 (95% CI, 42.51-47.90) and 14.52 (95% CI, 13.70-15.24) months. Year of diagnosis was a strong independent predictor of OS in HER2+ subcohort (hazard ratio 0.91 [95% CI, 0.88-0.94], P < .001), but not in HR+/HER2- nor HR-/HER2- subcohorts (hazard ratio 1.00 [95% CI, 0.98-1.01], P = .80 and 1.00 [95% CI, 0.97-1.02], P = .90, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The OS of MBC patients has slightly improved over the past decade. However, this effect is confined to HER2+ cases, highlighting the need of new strategies in the other subtypes.

Abstract P2-01-02: Heterogeneity and variability of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression on circulating tumor cells (CTC) in HER2 negative metastatic breast cancer patients treated with first line weekly paclitaxel and bevacizumab in a prospective cohort from the French Breast Cancer InterGroup Unicancer (UCBG): COMET study

Background: It has been reported in women with advanced estrogen-receptor (ER)-positive/(HER2)-negative breast cancer the acquisition of a HER2-positive CTC subpopulation during therapy (Jordan NV Nature 2016). The clinical significance of acquired HER2 heterogeneity during the evolution of metastatic breast cancer is unknown. We report here the analysis of HER2 status of CTC before and after one cycle of treatment in HER2 negative metastatic breast cancer patients treated with first line weekly paclitaxel and bevacizumab.

Patients & methods:The French cohort COMET is a prospective study including first line HER2 negative patients (pts) receiving weekly paclitaxel and bevacizumab according to EMA approved combination. The aim of this cohort is to evaluate clinical, biological and radiological parameters associated with pts outcome. We confirmed previously the outcome of patients with high CTC count at base line and after one cycle of treatment (Bidard et al, Lancet Oncol 2014). We present here the analysis on 203 pts evaluated for the expression of HER2 on CTC using the FDA cleared CellSearch method. The HER2 expression of CTCs (CB11 clone) was categorized (class 0–3) as described by Riethdorf et al.CCR2010.

Results: At base line, 144 out of 203 pts had at least one detectable CTC (71%), (median 4, and range 1- 30,000). Among them, 104 (72%) had one or more HER2 positive CTC (1-21,484). In 25 patients with HER2 2+ primary tumor with FISH or CISH non amplified, the incidence of CTC HER2+ cases (13/25, 52%) was similar than in pts with HER2 0 or HER2 1+ (51%) primary tumor. In each case, 3 to 100% of detectable CTC could be HER2+ stained (median 50% of CTC). Only 12 cases (8% of all CTC cases) had 2+ HER2 staining score on CTC and none 3+. After one cycle of treatment, the number of pts with detectable CTC dropped to 64, including 42 with HER2+ CTC (65%). Out of these cases, 14 were 3+ or 2+ HER2 score (22% of CTC+ cases). This was a significant increase compared to baseline (8%) (p&lt;0.001), including 6 cases with 100% of HER2+ CTC. To note, 7 patients without HER2+ CTC at baseline, had detectable HER2+ CTC after one cycle of treatment. With a median follow-up of 2 years, correlation of CTC variations with pts outcome is planned.

Conclusion: HER2 staining on CTC was heterogeneous with HER2 positive and negative subpopulations in the same patient with primary HER2 negative breast cancer. We observe a variability of HER2 CTC status with an increased intensity or appearance of immunostaining in few cases during treatment. We hypothesize that these phenotypes changes within patient-derived circulating tumor cells could contribute to progression of breast cancer and acquisition of drug resistance.

Citation Format: Pierga J-Y, Proudon C, Tredan O, Decraene C, Dubot C, Lorgis V, Jacot W, Goncalves A, Debled M, Levy C, Ferrero J-M, Jouannaud C, Luporsi E, Mouret-Reynier M-A, Dalenc F, Lemonnier J, Berger F, Bidard F-C. Heterogeneity and variability of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression on circulating tumor cells (CTC) in HER2 negative metastatic breast cancer patients treated with first line weekly paclitaxel and bevacizumab in a prospective cohort from the French Breast Cancer InterGroup Unicancer (UCBG): COMET study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-01-02.

Abstract P6-08-10: Impact of age at diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer on overall survival in the real-life "ESME" cohort

Background

Young age is a known poor prognosis factor in early stage breast cancer (BC). Its value is less documented for metastatic BC (MBC). Guidelines state that age should not guide the treatment strategy. We used the ESME database to evaluate the impact of age at MBC diagnosis on overall survival (OS).

Patients and Methods

ESME is a unique national cohort, collecting retrospective data using clinical trial-like methodology. It included all consecutive MBC patients (pts) who initiated at least 1 treatment in one of the 18 participating French cancer centers between 01/01/2008 and 12/31/2014. The database was locked on 12/8/2016. Primary objective were the comparisons of MBC characteristics between age groups (&lt;40, 40 to 60 and &gt;60 years (y)) and the evaluation of the impact of age at MBC diagnosis on OS.

Interaction between age and tumor subtype was tested using a Cox regression model.

ResultsAmong 16 703 included pts, 1539 had no information on tumor receptors (ER/PR/HER2) and 682 had an exclusion criteria (unknown age, men or other cancer in the last 5y), leaving 14 482 for analysis. At the onset of MBC, 902 pts (6.2%), 6269 (43.3%) and 7311 (50.5%) were &lt;40y, 40y to 60y and older than 60y respectively. Median follow-up was 54.8 months.

Pts &lt;40 had significantly more aggressive presentations than other age groups: more HER2+ (26.5%), and triple negative (26.4%) subtypes, more visceral involvement (57.1%), and shorter time to metastasis (26.9% between 6 to 24 months) (all p-value vs other age groups &lt;0.0001).

MBC characteristics according to age groups Age at MBC diagnosis (years)p-value &lt;4040-60&gt;60 Tumor subtype   &lt;0.0001HR+/HER2-425 (47.12)3816 (60.87)5262 (71.97) HR-/HER2-238 (26.39)1126 (17.96)884 (12.09) HER2+239 (26.5)1327 (21.17)1165 (15.93) Type of metastasis, N(%)   &lt;0.0001Bone only219 (24.31)1832 (29.23)2367 (32.41) Non visceral168 (18.65)1046 (16.69)1314 (17.99) Visceral514 (57.05)3389 (54.08)3623 (49.6) Time to first metastasis (months), N(%)   &lt;0.0001&lt; 6304 (33.74)1882 (30.1)2107 (28.9) [6-12[65 (7.21)241 (3.85)209 (2.9) [12-24[177 (19.64)760 (12.15)564 (7.7) ≥24355 (39.4)3370 (53.89)4416 (60.53) Number of metastatic sites, N(%)   0.51 site709(78.6)4948 (78.93)5805 (79.4) 2 sites163(18.07)1130 (18.03)1313(17.96) ≥3 sites30(3.33)191 (3.05)193 (2.64) 

Overall, median OS was identical in the different age groups: 39.1, 41.1 and 39.8 months for pts &lt;40, 40-60 and &gt;60, respectively (p=0.2).

Tumor subtype and age showed a significant interaction on OS (p&lt;0.0001), especially among HER2+ MBC

Overall survival (months) according to tumor subtypes and age groups Age groups (years)p-value (log-rank)Tumor subtype&lt;4040-60&gt;60 HR+/HER2-46,4 (CI 95% 40.5-55.4)47,8 (CI 95% 46-50)44,2 (CI 95% 42.1-46.3)0.0023HER2+60,7 (CI 95% 45.6-76.4)50,4 (CI 95% 46.3-56.3)44 (CI 95% 38.8-48.9)&lt;0.0001Triple negative14 (CI 95% 11.5-16.5)14,7 (CI 95% 13.7-15.9)15,7 (CI 95% 14.6-17.1)0.01

. Anti-HER2 with first-line treatment was given preferentially to young pts: 86.6, 81.9 and 74.9%for pts &lt;40, 40-60 and &gt;60, respectively (p&lt;0.0001).

Conclusion

At onset of MBC, young age was associated with more aggressive presentations, however with no global impact on OS. Pts &lt;40 with HER2+ disease carried a better prognosis, maybe related to therapy.

Citation Format: Frank S, Tchokothe C, Carton M, Mouret-Fourme E, Dubot C, Campone M, Pistilli B, Dalenc F, Mailliez A, Levy C, D'Hondt V, Debled M, Leheurteur M, Coudert B, Perrin C, Gonçalves A, Uwer L, Ferrero J-M, Eymard J-C, Petit T, Mouret-Reynier M-A, Guesmia T, Bachelot T, Robain M, Cottu P. Impact of age at diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer on overall survival in the real-life "ESME" cohort [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-08-10.

Abstract GS4-02: Randomized comparison of adjuvant aromatase inhibitor exemestane (E) plus ovarian function suppression (OFS) vs tamoxifen (T) plus OFS in premenopausal women with hormone receptor positive (HR+) early breast cancer (BC): Update of the combined TEXT and SOFT trials

Background: The combined results of TEXT and SOFT, after 5.7 years median follow-up, found adjuvant E+OFS significantly improved disease-free survival (DFS) vs T+OFS in premenopausal women with HR+ BC (Pagani et al, NEJM 2014). Follow-up was immature for overall survival (OS). We report a planned update with visit cut-off of 31Dec16 after 9 years median follow-up.

Methods: TEXT and SOFT enrolled premenopausal women with HR+ early BC from Nov 2003 to Apr 2011 (2660 TEXT, 3047 SOFT in the intention-to-treat populations). TEXT randomized women within 12wk of surgery to 5 yrs E+OFS vs T+OFS; chemotherapy (CT) was optional and concurrent with OFS. SOFT randomized women to 5 yrs E+OFS vs T+OFS vs T alone, within 12wk of surgery if no CT planned, or within 8mo of completing (neo)adjuvant CT after premenopausal status was (re-)established. OFS was by choice of 5yr GnRH agonist triptorelin, oophorectomy or ovarian irradiation. Both trials were stratified by CT use. The primary endpoint was DFS: randomization until invasive local, regional, distant recurrence or contralateral breast; invasive second malignancy; death. Secondary endpoints included invasive breast cancer-free interval (BCFI), distant recurrence-free interval (DRFI) and OS. Stratified Cox models estimated hazard ratios; Kaplan-Meier method estimated 8yr endpoint rates. NCT00066703/NCT00066690.

Results: DFS for patients assigned E+OFS (n=2346) continued to be significantly improved over T+OFS (n=2344): 8yr DFS was 86.8% vs. 82.8%. The 8yr BCFI was improved by 4.1% (89.3% vs 85.2%) and 8yr DRFI by 2.1% (91.8% vs 89.7%). There was no difference in OS in patients assigned E+OFS vs T+OFS: 93.4% vs 93.3% OS at 8yrs. For 1996 women without CT there have been 45 deaths, with 98% OS at 8yrs with both treatments.

EndpointN. EventsHazard Ratio (95% CI) E+OFS vs T+OFSDFS7200.77 (0.67-0.90); P&lt;0.001BCFI6000.74 (0.63-0.87)DRFI4330.80 (0.65-0.96)OS3200.98 (0.79-1.22)

Overall toxicity was not significantly worse with E+OFS than with T+OFS (32% vs 31% grade 3-4 targeted AEs). Hot flashes, musculoskeletal symptoms and hypertension were the most frequent targeted grade 3-4 AEs. Overall, 15% of patients stopped all protocol-assigned treatment early. Patients assigned E+OFS had increased risk of assigned oral endocrine therapy cessation (25% vs 19% for patients assigned T+OFS by 4yrs) but not of triptorelin cessation (18% vs 19% by 4yrs, respectively).

Conclusions: After 9 yrs median follow-up, adjuvant E+OFS, as compared with T+OFS, shows a sustained reduction of the risk of recurrence but did not improve overall survival. As in postmenopausal women, oncologists need to consider potential absolute benefits and properly select patients at sufficient risk for recurrence for whom E+OFS seems indicated. Follow-up continues, which will further clarify the effect of E+OFS for safety, late recurrence and overall survival.

Citation Format: Pagani O, Regan MM, Fleming GF, Walley BA, Colleoni M, Láng I, Gomez HL, Tondini C, Burstein HJ, Goetz MP, Ciruelos EM, Stearns V, Debled M, Martino S, Geyer Jr CE, Pinotti G, Coates AS, Goldhirsch A, Gelber RD, Francis PA. Randomized comparison of adjuvant aromatase inhibitor exemestane (E) plus ovarian function suppression (OFS) vs tamoxifen (T) plus OFS in premenopausal women with hormone receptor positive (HR+) early breast cancer (BC): Update of the combined TEXT and SOFT trials [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr GS4-02.

Abstract P3-12-10: First 6-month report of the longitudinal PHACS study (Pharmacology and Hormonotherapy (HT) for Adjuvant breast Cancer (BC) Study, NCT01127295)

Background: BC is a hormone-dependent disease for 75% of pts. HT is used in both adjuvant and metastatic settings for hormone–receptor (HR) positive tumors. In adjuvant situation, a 5-year HT period at least is recommended. Side-effects (SE) frequently alter quality of life and compliance, reducing the well-known benefits in risks of relapses and specific deaths. Underlying mechanisms are well understood for estrogen deprivation-induced events such as hot flashes, but little is known on arthralgia under aromatase inhibitors (AI). So, pharmacogenomics (PG), pharmacokinetics (PK), potential medications interactions are of value to explain individual drugs exposures, possible related side-effects and compliance to treatment.

Methods: We performed a prospective, multicenter, longitudinal study registering early clinical outcomes and SE during the first 3 years of adjuvant HT with tamoxifen (T) or AI. All tumors expressed at least one HR (&gt;10%). The choice of HT molecule and one-drug or sequential treatment were left to the investigator. Pts were followed every 6 months with clinical examination by the referent oncologist and PK sampling each time. Biologic research consisted in PG investigations of different genes involved in the PK and pharmacodynamics of T and AI (95 SNPs) at baseline. SE, concurrent medications and compliance were registered by both the pts on a diary card and the physician. Evaluation was done only on new occurrence or increased grade of symptoms.

Results: This first report focuses on characteristics of the population and the results after the 6 first months of treatment. Between June 2010 and October 2014, 23 centers recruited 2000 pts. 23 were excluded leaving 1977 fully evaluable women; 879 (44%) started with T, 1098 (55%) with AI (554 letrozole (L), 390 anastrozole (A), 154 exemestane (E)). 56% of them had previously received chemotherapy, 96% radiotherapy and 8% trastuzumab.

Main characteristics were well balanced between the 2 classes of drugs; T was given mainly for pre- or perimenopausal pts. Most frequent co-morbidities were hypertension (8% T, 31% AI) and dyslipidemia or diabetes (T 11%, AI 26%). To note, almost 30% of pts described arthralgias at entrance and 37% had hot flashes.

At 6 months, 122 pts (6%; 43 T, 79 AI) had stopped treatment mainly for toxicity (11 T; 12 AI), progression or death (7 T; 4 IA), personal reasons (15 T; 37AI); 4 asked for changing T and 52 AI (equally for the 3 drugs). All these events were significantly more frequent for AI pts (p=0.042) and with E within the AI class (p&lt;0.001).

Main changes in onset or increased intensity of symptoms concerned hot flushes with all drugs (30%), asthenia (20%), insomnia (20%), weight gain (17%), arthralgias (15% for T, 30% for AI), thrombotic events (24 of which 11 with T). 3 grade3 SAE HT-related were reported.

Biological data are reported in 2 other abst. (M. White-Koning. abst.#850248, F. Thomas, abst.#851525).

Conclusions: These preliminary data on the first 6-months exposure to HT on adjuvant setting in the real-life confirm early rates of withdraws and toxicities. Longer follow-up and subsequent PK analysis should help to understand persistent side-effects and reasons for non-compliance to adjuvant HT.

Citation Format: Roché H, Venat-Bouvet L, Debled M, Jacot W, Suc E, Dalenc F, Molnar-Stanciu D, Dohollou N, Franck D, Ferrer C, Laharie-Mineur H, Lavau-Denes S, Massabeau C, Mauries V, Robert J, Pinguet F, Marquet P, Evrard A, Chatelut E, Filleron T. First 6-month report of the longitudinal PHACS study (Pharmacology and Hormonotherapy (HT) for Adjuvant breast Cancer (BC) Study, NCT01127295) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-12-10.

Abstract P6-14-02: Real-life activity of eribulin among metastatic breast cancer patients in the multicenter national observational ESME program

Background: In 2014, UNICANCER (composed of 18 French Comprehensive Cancer Centers) launched the Epidemiological Strategy and Medical Economics (ESME) program to investigate real-world data in solid tumors. Real-world data give the opportunity to assess for the activity of specific drugs outside clinical trials. Eribulin is approved for pre-treated metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Marketing authorization has been granted in France in July 2012. However few data are available regarding its efficacy in real life. We evaluated eribulin use as second and third line of chemotherapy in MBC patients from the ESME database.

Methods: Data from all newly diagnosed MBC patients having initiated at least one treatment between Jan. 2008 and Dec. 2014 are included in the ESME database. Data were collected retrospectively using a clinical trial-like methodology. Primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), defined from the starting date of second or third line chemotherapy (eribulin versus other chemotherapy). Progression-free survival (PFS) was calculated as a secondary endpoint.

Results: Of 16,703 MBC patients included in the ESME database, 7,412 received at least 2 lines of chemotherapy: eribulin/other chemotherapy, total 1,966/5,446, second line 363/5,446, third line 654/2,669. Depending on second or third line chemotherapy use classification, median age was 59 years (range 20-97) and 58 year (range 21 – 94), triple negative tumors accounted for 20% and 19% of cases, and median follow-up reached 26 months and 22 months respectively.

Table reports median OS and PFS, according to lines and type of chemotherapy.

 OS eribulin (months)OS other chemotherapy (months)pPFS Eribulin (months)PFS other chemotherapy (months)pSecond line12.4 (11.3-15.1)11.8 (11.3-12.3)0.4654.1 (3.7-4.9)4.1 (4.0-4.3)0.9225Third line10.3 (9.3-11.5)7.7 (7.3-8.0)&lt;.00013.6 (3.2-3.9)3.0 (2.9-3.2)0.0058

Supportive analyses (using a propensity score for adjustment and as a matching factor for nested case–control analyses) and sensitivity analyses will be available for full presentation at the meeting.

Conclusion: In this large-scale real-life setting, MBC patients treated with third line eribulin showed an improved OS and PFS compared with those receiving another chemotherapy. The difference was not statistically significant for second line treatment.

Citation Format: Jacot W, Heudel P-E, Fraisse J, Gourgou S, Guiu S, Dalenc F, Pistilli B, Campone M, Levy C, Debled M, Leheurteur M, Chaix M, Lefeuvre C, Goncalves A, Uwer L, Ferrero J-M, Eymard J-C, Petit T, Mouret-Reynier M-A, Courtinard C, Cottu P, Robain M, Mailliez A. Real-life activity of eribulin among metastatic breast cancer patients in the multicenter national observational ESME program [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-14-02.

Abstract P5-21-11: Benefit from palbociclib and fulvestrant based on previous fulvestrant and/or everolimus treatment. Based on a cohort of over 200 patients treated in a French compassionate program

Background: CDK4/6 inhibitors have been approved in the recent years for the treatment of advanced hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. For patients with resistance to previous endocrine therapy, the approval is based on the results of the PALOMA-3 trial testing palbociclib in addition to fulvestrant observing a progression-free survival (PFS) of 9.2 months. Nevertheless, in this study no previous treatment with fulvestrant was allowed and no information had been reported of efficacy after everolimus administration.

Patients and methods: We collected information from patients treated with palbociclib + fulvestrant in the context of a French compassionate access. We aimed at determining the benefit of this treatment in a real population to provide information about PFS in non-selected patients as well as efficacy of palbociclib and fulvestrant in patients previously treated with fulvestrant and/or everolimus. Median PFS were assessed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and compared with log-rank test.

Results: 206 patients were identified from 5 institutions. Mean age at treatment was 61 years (range 28 – 85). 55% presented with visceral disease. Lines at where palbociclib + fulvestrant treatment was administered were as follows: 1% 1st line, 8.3% 2nd line, 19.4% 3rd line, 13.6% 4th line, 10.2% 5th lignes and the remaining 47.6% had received ≥6 lines (median: 5 lines, range 1 to 15).

A total of 48% patients had previously been treated with fulvestrant. In a subsample of patient where the information was available (n=146), 67.8% patients had received everolimus in combination with endocrine therapy before palbociclib administration.

A total of 77 patients were still on treatment. Median PFS on fulvestrant-palbociclib treatment at the date of data cut-off was of 5.46 months (95% CI; 4.6 to 6.6 months). In a univariate analysis, there were no significant differences in median PFS for patients treated or not with previous fulvestrant, suggesting a potential effect of palbociclib to recover sensitivity to fulvestrant (4.7 months for previous fulvestrant treatment [95% CI 4.07 - 6.3 months] vs 6.1 months for no previous fulvestrant [95% CI; 6.3 - 8.02 months], p=0.3559).

Similarly, in the subsample of n=146 patients where information about previous everolimus treatment was available at data cut-off, benefit from palbociclib-fulvestrant was not affected by previous everolimus treatment (median PFS 4.8 months for previously treated [95% CI; 4.01 -7.8 months] vs 5.4 months for the untreated everolimus group [95% CI; 4.07 - 9.59 months], p=0.374).

Conclusions: Fulvestrant-palbociclib in the real life is associated with a median PFS of 5.5 months, which is below the results provided in the PALOMA-3 trial, reflecting a much more advanced population. Importantly, neither previous everolimus treatment nor fulvestrant therapy affected benefit from fulvestrant-palbociclib in this population in univariate analyses suggesting a potential recovery of fulvestrant sensitivity with CDK4/6 inhibition. Results from multivariate analyses and more detailed information about patients' characteristics and benefit from previous therapies will be provided.

Citation Format: Arnedos M, Rusquec P, Morelle M, Lebreton C, Jacquet E, Emile G, Aires J, Debled M, Frenel J-S, Augereau P, Cheaib B, Levy C, Bachelot T. Benefit from palbociclib and fulvestrant based on previous fulvestrant and/or everolimus treatment. Based on a cohort of over 200 patients treated in a French compassionate program [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-21-11.

Pharmacogenetics revisits bevacizumab in breast cancer patients: An ancillary analysis of the UCBG trial COMET—A French multicentric prospective study from R&D UNICANCER

1079

Background: Bevacizumab (Beva) is no longer unanimously recommended in the management of breast cancer (BC). Given the absence of faithful predictors of Beva treatment outcome, we made the hypothesis that constitutional gene polymorphisms could play a role in this context. We report the pharmacogenetic ancillary study of the prospective COMET trial conducted in advanced BC patients (pts) receiving first-line Beva associated with paclitaxel. Methods: Relevant targeted gene polymorphisms were analyzed (blood) in 203 prospective pts (mean age 55.3, median follow-up 24 months). VEGFA at positions -2578C > A (rs699947), -1498T > C (rs833061), -634G > C (rs2010963), and 936C > T (rs3025039) were analyzed by PCR-RFLP. VEGFR1 319A > C (rs9582036), VEGFR2 at positions 604C > T (rs2071559), 1192C > T (rs2305948), 1416T > A (rs1870377), IL8 251T > A (rs4073), CYP2C8 139C > T (rs1572080), 399T > C (rs10509681) and ABCB1 at positions 1199 C > TA (rs2229109), 2677G > TAC (rs2032582) were analyzed by Mass-Array Agena. ABCB1 1236C > T (rs1128503) and 3435T > C (rs1045642) were analyzed by pyrosequencing. All fitted HWE. Results: Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 10.8 months. VEGFR1 319A allele was associated with longer PFS (p = 0.03). The VEGFA-1498T allele was significantly associated with both longer overall survival (OS) (p = 0.005) and PFS (p = 0.065). The VEGFA -2578C allele was associated with greater OS (p = 0.002) and PFS (p = 0.071). These two VEGFA polymorphisms were in linkage disequilibrium (p < 0.0001). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that VEGFA -2578 (p = 0.001) and VEGFR2 1416 (p = 0.025) were significant predictors of OS: the score of favorable alleles (VEGFA -2575C and VEGFR2 1416T) was highly associated with OS (p = 0.0003), with median survival at 24 months being 30% for score 0 (95%CI 15-61), 65% for score 1 (95%CI 55-75) and 90% for score 2 (95%CI 67-90). Conclusions: Application of an easy-to-perform low-cost genotyping test may identify strong predictors of Beva outcome in metastatic BC pts. In the current era of precision medicine, a pharmacogenetic-based personalized Beva therapy deserves to be prospectively validated in BC pts. Clinical trial information: 2012-A00244-39.

Assessment of multiple endocrine therapies for metastatic breast cancer in a multicenter national observational study

1052

Background: For HR+/HER2– metastatic breast cancer (mBC), International guidelines recommend multiple lines of endocrine therapy (ET) before starting chemotherapy. Few studies have assessed the efficacy of such strategy on large populations. Our objective was to evaluate multiple ET activity according to clinical and biological characteristics and type of ET. Methods: All patients (pts) who initiated treatment for a newly diagnosed mBC between January 2008 and December 2014 in all 18 French Comprehensive Cancer Centers were included in the real life ESME database. ESME collects retrospective data using a clinical trial-like methodology. Database lock was 8 Dec 2016. Primary endpoint of the current study was progression free survival (PFS) on successive ET lines. Only pts with ET alone were assessed (pts receiving ET after chemotherapy as maintenance therapy, or combined with targeted treatment were excluded). Results: 9921 pts out of 16703 in ESME, had HR+/HER2- mBC (median age 62.0 years[range 23-96]). 53.9% of pts had visceral and 80.1% non visceral disease at diagnosis. Median OS of HR+/HER2- pts was 42.15 months (95% CI, 40.93-43.27). As first-line therapy, 4123 pts (41.6%) received ET alone, while 2038 received chemotherapy alone (20.5%) and 3667 received both (37%). Median PFS for first-line ET (N=4123) was 11.3 months (95% CI, 10.6-11.9). Only 668 pts (16%) received subsequent lines of ET alone. Types of ET used are described in the table below. Successive PFS will be reported at the meeting. Conclusions: Those data show that ET is prescribed to less than 50% of patients with HR+/HER2- mBC in first line and only to a small minority in subsequent lines. This is not in line with existing guidelines (NCCN, ABC3). Real-life median PFS for first-line ET is consistent with median PFS reported in clinical trials (Nabholtz, 2000). [Table: see text]

Use of everolimus in advanced hormone receptor–positive metastatic breast cancer in a multicenter national observational study

e12548

Background: The everolimus-exemestane combination has been included in the International guidelines for advanced HR+ breast cancer (mBC) since the results of the Bolero-2 trial. Marketing authorization has been granted in France in July 2012 and reimbursement in Nov. 2014. Very few real life data of everolimus (EVE) use have been reported. Methods: All patients who initiated treatment for a newly diagnosed mBC between Jan. 2008 and Dec. 2015 in all 18 French Comprehensive Cancer Centers have been included in the real life ESME database, which collects retrospective data using a clinical trial-like methodology with quality assessments. Primary endpoint of the current analysis was to evaluate the incidence and indication of EVE use before and after marketing authorization and reimbursement Results: The ESME program included a total of 16,703 patients of which 9,921 had HR+/HER2- mBC. Median age at metastatic diagnosis was 62.0 year (range 23-96). Visceral metastases were present in 60.3% of cases. Only 4123 patients (41.6%) received endocrine therapy alone as first-line therapy, and 60% were deemed endocrine resistant Overall, 1,217 (12.3%) pts have received EVE during therapy as of Dec. 2015 (all lines). EVE was given as first line therapy in 117 pts (10% of all EVE pts and 1.2% of pts receiving a first line therapy). In 99/117 pts (85%) EVE was combined with exemestane. Before 2012, EVE was barely used and mostly within clinical trials. After 2012, use of EVE increased steadily (table). Percentages refer to the total of pts who received any kind of treatment during a given year of observation (e.g., 506/4435 pts took EVE in 2015). Median duration of EVE use was 6.0 months (0-65) as first line treatment and 3.9 months (0-65) in pretreated patients. Main causes of EVE cessation were recorded and will be detailed at the meeting. Conclusions: In this very large French national and representative cohort of HR+ HER2- mBC, EVE use rose quickly as soon as marketed. EVE was mostly used in pretreated mBC albeit in probably too advanced pts. These data underline the need for physician and patient education for oral therapies. [Table: see text]

Evolution of overall survival according to year of diagnosis (2008-2014) and subtypes, among 16703 metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients included in the real-life "ESME" cohort

1078

Background: Real-life data may help checking that public investments match closely medical needs. During the last decade, several drugs have been released on the market for MBC on the basis of a potential impact on overall survival (OS). Based on the large real-life ESME cohort, we aimed to describe the time evolution of MBC OS according to main phenotypes. Methods: ESME is a unique MBC national cohort including all consecutive patients (pts) who initiated treatment for MBC between 1/01/08 and 31/12/14 in the 18 French comprehensive cancer centres. ESME collects retrospective data using clinical trial-like methodology including quality assessments. Database lock was 8/12/2016. Primary objective was the impact of year of MBC diagnosis on OS. Multivariate Cox regressions were used with adjustment for main prognostic covariates. Results: 15170 out of 16703 pts in ESME had full IHC data allowing their classification as HR+HER2- (N=9922), HER2+ (N=2863), or HR-HER2- (N=2321) cases. Median FU and OS for the whole cohort are 4.05 yrs [95 CI: 3.98-4.12], and 3.1 yrs [95 CI: 3.03-3.18] respectively. In the adjusted multivariate analysis, year of MBC diagnosis, age at MBC, subtype (using HER2+ as reference), disease-free interval (DFI), visceral involvement, and number (nbr) of metastatic sites are significant OS predictors (table) although with low effect for the first item. Age at MBC, DFI, visceral involvement, and nbr of metastatic sites remained significant prognostic variables in subtypes. Year of diagnosis was no longer significant in HR+HER2- nor HR-HER2- cases (HR=0.997, p=0.71 and HR=0.997, p=0.84), while it was highly significant in HER2+ cases (HR=0.91, p<0.0001). Conclusions: Although OS of MBC has slightly improved over the past decade, this remains mostly confined to HER2+ cases, highlighting the need for new strategies for the luminal and triple negative populations. [Table: see text]

Everolimus (EVE) plus endocrine therapy in patients with estrogen receptor–positive (ER+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative (HER2−) advanced breast cancer (BC): First- and second-line data from the BOLERO-4 study

1010

Background: Initial first-line (1L) data from the phase 2 BOLERO-4 (NCT01698918) study of EVE + letrozole (LET) in postmenopausal patients (pts) with ER+, HER2− metastatic BC (MBC) or locally advanced BC (LABC) have been previously reported. Here, we present updated 1L progression-free survival (PFS) data, plus new data describing second-line (2L) EVE + exemestane (EXE) in pts with disease progression after EVE + LET. Methods: Postmenopausal pts with ER+, HER2− MBC or LABC with no prior therapy for advanced disease received EVE 10 mg/day + LET 2.5 mg/day. After disease progression, pts could receive EVE + EXE 25 mg/day until further disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent. Primary endpoint: 1L PFS. Secondary endpoints: overall response rate (ORR), clinical benefit rate (CBR), 2L PFS, overall survival (OS), and safety (1L and 2L). Results: Among 202 pts (median age, 64 years) with 1L MBC (96%) or LABC (4%), median PFS (95% CI) was 21.7 (18.1–23.9) months, ORR was 43.6%, and CBR was 74.3%. 42 pts (median age, 62 years) with MBC (88%) or LABC (12%) who progressed on 1L EVE + LET received optional 2L EVE + EXE. 2L median PFS (95% CI) was 3.7 (1.8–9.1) months, ORR was 4.8%, and CBR was 21.4%. Common 1L adverse events (all grades, regardless of drug relationship) were stomatitis (69%), weight loss (44%), diarrhea (40%), nausea (37%), and anemia (35%); 2L adverse events included stomatitis (19%) and weight loss (19%). Median duration of follow-up from start of 1L to the data cutoff for these new analyses (17 June 2016) was 23.5 months. OS will be analyzed at a later data cut. Conclusions: EVE + LET is an effective regimen in 1L ER+, HER2− advanced BC. Thesedata support previously reported BOLERO-2 data demonstrating a PFS improvement from addition of EVE to an aromatase inhibitor. 2L data, although limited by the small number of pts, show preliminary evidence of EVE activity when continued beyond disease progression. No new safety signals were seen. Lower rates of stomatitis in 2L were noted. Clinical trial information: NCT01698918.

Cholesterol, Cholesterol-Lowering Medication Use, and Breast Cancer Outcome in the BIG 1-98 Study

Purpose

Cholesterol-lowering medication (CLM) has been reported to have a role in preventing breast cancer recurrence. CLM may attenuate signaling through the estrogen receptor by reducing levels of the estrogenic cholesterol metabolite 27-hydroxycholesterol. The impact of endocrine treatment on cholesterol levels and hypercholesterolemia per se may counteract the intended effect of aromatase inhibitors.

Patients and Methods

The Breast International Group (BIG) conducted a randomized, phase III, double-blind trial, BIG 1-98, which enrolled 8,010 postmenopausal women with early-stage, hormone receptor–positive invasive breast cancer from 1998 to 2003. Systemic levels of total cholesterol and use of CLM were measured at study entry and every 6 months up to 5.5 years. Cumulative incidence functions were used to describe the initiation of CLM in the presence of competing risks. Marginal structural Cox proportional hazards modeling investigated the relationships between initiation of CLM during endocrine therapy and outcome. Three time-to-event end points were considered: disease-free-survival, breast cancer–free interval, and distant recurrence–free interval.

Results

Cholesterol levels were reduced during tamoxifen therapy. Of 789 patients who initiated CLM during endocrine therapy, the majority came from the letrozole monotherapy arm (n = 318), followed by sequential tamoxifen-letrozole (n = 189), letrozole-tamoxifen (n = 176), and tamoxifen monotherapy (n = 106). Initiation of CLM during endocrine therapy was related to improved disease-free-survival (hazard ratio [HR], 0.79; 95% CI, 0.66 to 0.95; P = .01), breast cancer–free interval (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.97; P = .02), and distant recurrence–free interval (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.56 to 0.97; P = .03).

Conclusion

Cholesterol-lowering medication during adjuvant endocrine therapy may have a role in preventing breast cancer recurrence in hormone receptor–positive early-stage breast cancer. We recommend that these observational results be addressed in prospective randomized trials.

Abstract P5-16-23: Rapid germline BRCA screening for locally advanced breast cancer changes surgical procedure after neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Introduction

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is proposed in case of locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) to improve breast conservative treatment (BCT). In the case of germline BRCA mutated (gBRCAm) patients, risk-reducing prophylactic surgical strategies in France are mastectomy for pre-symptomatic. On the other hand, BCT is proposed to all patients after NAC according to clinical response, regardless their gBRCAm status. Moreover, in the case of BRCA mutation, local recurrence risk at 15 years is higher in the BCT group (23%) vs mastectomy (5%) (Pierce 2010). The aim of this retrospective one-institution analysis is to evaluate if the knowledge of gBRCAm status impact surgical decision.

Patients and methods

All patients who underwent BRCA genetic testing during NAC for ≥ 3cm breast cancer between 2012 and 2015 were included. BRCA testing was decided with each patient based on age, familial history of breast or ovarian cancer and histological characteristics of the tumor. Rapid germline BRCA mutation screening was performed through targeted next generation sequencing with a 25-genes panel including full coding sequence of BRCA1 & 2. Deleterious mutations were detected using MiSeq reporter and confirmed by Sanger sequencing before giving the results to the clinical geneticist, and finally used for the choice of surgical strategy. At the end of NAC (6 three-weeks cycles in our center), a shared-decision making for surgical procedure was performed, based on pre and post-NAC clinical and radiological features, and results of the genetic testing.

Results

A total of 25 patients (including three with bilateral cancer) were tested during NAC: mean age 38 years (26-64); mean clinical size 46 mm (20-130mm); histological types: triple negative (n=14), HER-2 positive (n=7), luminal (n=7). A germline BRCA mutation was detected in 10 patients (40%) : 8 BRCA1 and 2 BRCA2, including 8 patients among the 14 patients with a Manchester score &gt; 20 (6 BRCA1 & 2 BRCA2). Two patients were secondarily excluded (one being metastatic and one died during NAC), one of them having a gBRCAm status. All the 23 patients evaluable for the surgical procedure after NAC could be eligible for a BCT. All the 9 patients with gBRCAm status choose mastectomy in the shared-decision making procedure while a BCT was performed in 12 of the 14 remaining patients without BRCA mutation.

Discussion

In this highly selected subgroup of patients, gBRCAm rate is higher (40%) than the usual rate for BRCA testing (17% in our center). Regarding the rationale for BCT or mastectomy procedure in LABC or pre-symptomatic gBRCAm patients, the duration of NAC allows rapid germline BRCA screening that looks very useful considering the high incidence of mutation we observed and the impact on surgical final decision. Furthermore, in the group of high Manchester score (&gt;20), patients without BRCA mutation harbored incidental mutation, currently under analysis, especially on other genes involved in hereditary breast cancer, that could also be used as a compelling argument for mastectomy.

Citation Format: Tunon de Lara C, Bonnet F, Debled M, Lafon D, Breton-Callu C, Rarouk-Simonet E, Fournier M, Petit A, Bubien V, Quenel-Tueux N, Lagarde P, Longy M, Macgrogan G, Sevenet N. Rapid germline BRCA screening for locally advanced breast cancer changes surgical procedure after neoadjuvant chemotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-16-23.

Abstract P1-01-02: Circulating tumor cells (CTC) and endothelial cells (CEC) prognostic value in HER2 negative metastatic breast cancer patients treated with first line weekly paclitaxel and bevacizumab: First results of a prospective cohort from the French Breast Cancer InterGroup Unicancer (UCBG): COMET study

Background: increased levels of circulating tumor cells (CTC) are associated with worse progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients (pts) with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). It has been hypothesized that bevacizumab could modify CTC prognostic value. CEC variations to predict benefit of anti-angiogenic treatment is still controversial. Predictive markers for response to bevacizumab combined to chemotherapy in MBC remains a clinical unmet need.

Patients & methods: The French cohort COMET is a prospective study including first line HER2 negative patients (pts) receiving weekly paclitaxel and bevacizumab according to EMA approved combination. The aim of this cohort is to evaluate clinical, biological and radiological parameters associated with pts outcome (CTC, CEC, serum markers, ctDNA, pharmacogenomic polymorphisms, metabolomic parameters, visceral fat assessed by initial CTscan, serum estradiol level, and quality of life). We present here the first planned analysis on 203 pts evaluated for CTC and CEC using the FDA cleared CellSearch method.

Results: For CTC substudy, 211 patients were included from 09/2012 to 5/2014. Median follow-up is 24 months. Median PFS was 10 months (CI95 9-12) and response rate was 57%. Median OS was not reached. 203 patients were evaluable for both CTC and CEC at baseline and first day of second cycle of CT (D1C2). At baseline, 97/203 (48%) pts had ≥ 5 CTC (median 4 (range 0-30,000). Median number CEC was 21 (0-2231) at baseline and 22 (1-881) at D1C2. LDH, CEA, CA15.3 and CYFRA 21 were above normal at baseline in 44%, 46%, 73% and 71% of the cases respectively. CTC level was not correlated with any patients' characteristics except a number of metastatic site &gt;3. After one cycle of chemotherapy (D1C2) 37 pts (22%) had still ≥ 5 CTC: 36 pts with initial high level and only one patient with low CTC at baseline had increased CTC above 5. Prognostic factors for PFS at univariate analysis were visceral disease, number of metastatic sites (&gt; 3), triple negative status, LDH, CTC level at baseline and CTC level after one cycle of chemotherapy (D1C2). None of serum marker nor CEC level at baseline or any variations had prognostic value. In multivariate analysis for PFS, CTC level after one cyle of chemotherapy predicts poor outcome

Table 1 Multivariate analysis for PFSPts' characteristicsnRRCI 95%p-valueNumber of metastatic sites    &lt;3 sites971  &gt;=3 sites1001.65[1.13 ; 2.41]0.010CTC D1C2    &lt; 51321  &gt;= 5372.17[1.43 ; 3.29]&lt;0.001Hormonal status    Luminal (HR+)1531  Triple negative372.86[1.85 ; 4.54]&lt;0.001

Conclusion: We confirm in a large prospective series the lack of clinical validity of CEC to predict response to an antiangiogenic based treatment in MBC. A persistent elevated level of CTC after just one cycle of chemotherapy is a very strong and independent marker of poor outcome in a homogeneously bevacizumab-treated cohort of MBC patients. This marker could be used to stopped earlier an inefficient and costly treatment.

Citation Format: Pierga J-Y, Tredant O, Chevrier M, Dubot C, Lorgis V, Romieu G, Goncalves A, Debled M, Levy C, Ferrero J-M, Jouannaud C, Luporsi E, Mouret-Reynier M-A, Dalenc F, Berger F, Lemonnier J, Proudhon C, Bidard F-C. Circulating tumor cells (CTC) and endothelial cells (CEC) prognostic value in HER2 negative metastatic breast cancer patients treated with first line weekly paclitaxel and bevacizumab: First results of a prospective cohort from the French Breast Cancer InterGroup Unicancer (UCBG): COMET study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-01-02.

[Breast cancer screening: On our way to the future]

Breast cancer remains a potentially lethal disease, which requires aggressive treatments and is associated with long-term consequences. Its prognosis is linked to both tumor biology and burden at diagnosis. Although treatments have allowed important improvements in prognosis over the past 20 years, breast cancer screening remains necessary. Mammographic screening allows earlier stage diagnoses and a decrease of breast cancer specific mortality. However, breast cancer screening modalities should be revised with the objective to address demonstrated limitations of mammographic screening (limited benefit, imperfect sensitivity and specificity, overdiagnoses, radiation-induced morbidity). Furthermore, both objective and perceived performances of screening procedures should be improved. Numerous large international efforts are ongoing, leading to scientific progresses that should have rapid clinical implications in this area. Among them is improvement of imaging techniques performance, development of real time diagnosis, and development of new non radiological screening techniques such as the search for circulating tumor DNA, development of biomarkers able to allow precise risk evaluation and stratified screening. As well, overtreatment is currently addressed by biomarker-based de-escalation clinical trials. These advances need to be associated with strong societal support, as well as major paradigm changes regarding the way health and cancer prevention is perceived by individuals.

Paclitaxel plus bevacizumab or paclitaxel as first-line treatment for HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer in a multicenter national observational study

BACKGROUND

Bevacizumab combined with paclitaxel as first-line chemotherapy for patients with HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (MBC) has led to mixed results in randomized trials, with an improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) but no statistically significant overall survival (OS) benefit. Real-life data could help in assessing the value of this combination.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study aimed to describe the outcome following first-line paclitaxel with or without bevacizumab in the French Epidemiological Strategy and Medical Economics (ESME) database of MBC patients, established in 2014 by Unicancer. The primary and secondary end points were OS and PFS, respectively.

RESULTS

From 2008 to 2013, 14 014 MBC patient files were identified, including 10 605 patients with a HER2-negative status. Of these, 3426 received paclitaxel and bevacizumab (2127) or paclitaxel (1299) as first-line chemotherapy. OS adjusted for major prognostic factors was significantly longer in the paclitaxel and bevacizumab group compared with paclitaxel [hazard ratio (HR) 0.672, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.601-0.752; median survival time 27.7 versus 19.8 months]. Results were consistent in all supportive analyses (using a propensity score for adjustment and as a matching factor for nested case-control analyses) and sensitivity analyses. Similar results were observed for the adjusted PFS, favoring the combination (HR 0.739, 95% CI 0.672-0.813; 8.1 versus 6.4 months).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large-scale, real-life setting, patients with HER2-negative MBC who received paclitaxel plus bevacizumab as first-line chemotherapy had a significantly better OS and PFS than those receiving paclitaxel. Despite robust methodology, real-life data are exposed to important potential biases, and therefore, results need to be treated with caution. Our data cannot therefore support extension of current use of bevacizumab in MBC.

Treatment Adherence and Its Impact on Disease-Free Survival in the Breast International Group 1-98 Trial of Tamoxifen and Letrozole, Alone and in Sequence

PURPOSE

To investigate adherence to endocrine treatment and its relationship with disease-free survival (DFS) in the Breast International Group (BIG) 1-98 clinical trial.

METHODS

The BIG 1-98 trial is a double-blind trial that randomly assigned 6,193 postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer in the four-arm option to 5 years of tamoxifen (Tam), letrozole (Let), or the agents in sequence (Let-Tam, Tam-Let). This analysis included 6,144 women who received at least one dose of study treatment. Conditional landmark analyses and marginal structural Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the relationship between DFS and treatment adherence (persistence [duration] and compliance with dosage). Competing risks regression was used to assess demographic, disease, and treatment characteristics of the women who stopped treatment early because of adverse events.

RESULTS

Both aspects of low adherence (early cessation of letrozole and a compliance score of < 90%) were associated with reduced DFS (multivariable model hazard ratio, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.93; P = .01; and multivariable model hazard ratio, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.08 to 2.38; P = .02, respectively). Sequential treatments were associated with higher rates of nonpersistence (Tam-Let, 20.8%; Let-Tam, 20.3%; Tam 16.9%; Let 17.6%). Adverse events were the reason for most trial treatment early discontinuations (82.7%). Apart from sequential treatment assignment, reduced adherence was associated with older age, smoking, node negativity, or prior thromboembolic event.

CONCLUSION

Both persistence and compliance are associated with DFS. Toxicity management and, for sequential treatments, patient and physician awareness, may improve adherence.