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 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 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.

Kinetics, prognostic and predictive values of ESR1 circulating mutations in metastatic breast cancer patients progressing on aromatase inhibitor

Purpose

To assess the prognostic and predictive value of circulating ESR1 mutation and its kinetics before and after progression on aromatase inhibitor (AI) treatment.

Patients and methods

ESR1 circulating D538G and Y537S/N/C mutations were retrospectively analyzed by digital droplet PCR after first-line AI failure in patients treated consecutively from 2010 to 2012 for hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed according to circulating mutational status and subsequent lines of treatment. The kinetics of ESR1 mutation before (3 and 6 months) and after (3 months) AI progression were determined in the available archive plasmas.

Results

Circulating ESR1 mutations were found at AI progression in 44/144 patients included (30.6%). Median follow-up from AI initiation was 40 months (range 4-94). The median OS was decreased in patients with circulating ESR1 mutation than in patients without mutation (15.5 versus 23.8 months, P=0.0006). The median PFS was also significantly decreased in patients with ESR1 mutation than in patients without mutation (5.9 vs 7 months, P=0.002). After AI failure, there was no difference in outcome for patients receiving chemotherapy (n = 58) versus non-AI endocrine therapy (n=51) in patients with and without ESR1 mutation. ESR1 circulating mutations were detectable in 75% of all cases before AI progression, whereas the kinetics 3 months after progression did not correlate with outcome.

Conclusion

ESR1 circulating mutations are independent risk factors for poor outcome after AI failure, and are frequently detectable before clinical progression. Interventional studies based on ESR1 circulating status are warranted.

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

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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]

Short report: Monitoring ESR1 mutations by circulating tumor DNA in aromatase inhibitor resistant metastatic breast cancer

Acquired estrogen receptor gene (ESR1) mutations have been recently reported as a marker of resistance to aromatase inhibitors in hormone receptor positive metastatic breast cancer. We retrospectively considered seven patients treated for metastatic breast cancer with available samples from the primary tumor before any treatment, cryopreserved metastasis removed during progression and concomitant plasmas. All these seven patients were in disease progression after previous exposure to aromatase inhibitors for at least 6 months, and were assessed for ESR1 mutations detection in tumor and circulating DNA. For these patients, Sanger sequencing identified four metastases with clear ESR1 mutation and one possible, whereas digital PCR identified six mutated metastases. Then, under blind conditions and using digital PCR, corresponding circulating ESR1 mutations were successfully detected in four of these six metastatic breast cancer patients. Moreover, in two patients with serial blood samples following treatments exposure, the monitoring of circulating ESR1 mutations clearly predicted disease evolution. In the context of high interest for ESR1 mutations, our results highlight that these acquired recurrent mutations may be tracked in circulating tumor DNA and may be of clinical relevance for metastatic breast cancer patient monitoring.

REBECA: a phase I study of bevacizumab and whole-brain radiation therapy for the treatment of brain metastasis from solid tumours

BACKGROUND

Brain metastases (BMs) are associated with a poor prognosis. Standard treatment comprises whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT). As neo-angiogenesis is crucial in BM growth, combining angiogenesis inhibitors such as bevacizumab with radiotherapy is of interest. We aimed to identify the optimal regimen of bevacizumab combined with WBRT for BM for phase II evaluation and provide preliminary efficacy data.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this multicentre single-arm phase I study with a 3 + 3 dose-escalation design, patients with unresectable BM from solid tumours received three cycles of bevacizumab at escalating doses [5, 10 and 15 mg/kg every 2 weeks at dose levels (DL) 0, 1 and 2, respectively] and WBRT (30 Gy/15 fractions/3 weeks) administered from day 15. DL3 consisted of bevacizumab 15 mg/kg with WBRT from day 15 in 30 Gy/10 fractions/2 weeks. Safety was evaluated using NCI-CTCAE version 3. BM response (RECIST 1.1) was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging at 6 weeks and 3 months after WBRT.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients were treated, of whom 13 had breast cancer. There were no DLTs. Grade 1-2 in-field and out-field toxicities occurred for five and nine patients across all DLs, respectively, including three and six patients (including one patient with both, so eight patients overall) of nine patients in DL3. One patient experienced BM progression during treatment (DL0). At the 3-month post-treatment assessment, 10 patients showed a BM response: one of three treated at DL0, one of three at DL1, two of three at DL2 and six of seven at DL3, including one complete response. BM progression occurred in five patients, resulting in two deaths. The remaining patient died from extracranial disease progression.

CONCLUSION

Bevacizumab combined with WBRT appears to be a tolerable treatment of BM. DL3 warrants further efficacy evaluation based on the favourable safety/efficacy balance. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01332929.

A higher body mass index and fat mass are factors predictive of docetaxel dose intensity

BACKGROUND

Few data are published on docetaxel toxicity in obese patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All obese patients (n=100) treated for early breast cancer during three consecutive years at our Institution, were retrospectively investigated. The same number of non-obese patients was randomly selected and used as controls. We assessed the factors predictive of the relative dose intesity (RDI) reduction, including body composition.

RESULTS

A total of 18% (n=18) of obese patients and 5% (n=5) of non-obese patients required reduction of docetaxel RDI due to toxicity (p=0.008). In a multivariate analysis, body mass index (BMI) and age were predictive of a reduction in RDI. Among the 89 patients with a determination of body composition, patients with a higher fat mass more frequently had a reduction in docetaxel RDI (p=0.002). In multivariate analysis, fat mass was the only independent factor predictive of a reduction in docetaxel RDI.

CONCLUSION

Obese patients treated for early breast cancer more frequently required a reduction in docetaxel RDI. Fat mass seems to be the best factor predictive of a reduction in docetaxel RDI.

Circulating tumor cells and brain metastasis outcome in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer: the LANDSCAPE trial

BACKGROUND

Decrease of circulating tumor cells (CTC) during treatment is an independent prognostic factor in metastatic breast cancer (MBC). We specifically evaluated the impact of CTC on brain metastasis outcome.

METHODS

HER2-positive MBC with brain metastasis not previously treated with whole-brain radiotherapy received first-line combination of lapatinib and capecitabine in a phase II study. CTC were detected at baseline and day 21 (CellSearch).

RESULTS

Median follow-up of the 44 analyzed patients was 21.2 months. The central nervous system objective response (CNS-OR) rate was 66%. At baseline, 20 of 41 assessable patients for CTC (49%) had ≥1 CTC (range 1-301, median 3) and 9 (22%) had ≥5 CTC. At day 21, 7 of 38 patients (18%) had ≥1 CTC (P = 0.006, versus baseline), and CTC had disappeared in 11 patients. CNS-OR rate was significantly higher in patients with no CTC at day 21 [25 of 31 (80%) versus 2 of 7 (29%), P = 0.01]. The 1-year overall survival rate was 83.9% in patients with no CTC at day 21 versus 42.9% in patients with ≥1 CTC (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report showing a correlation between CNS metastasis response, outcome and early CTC clearance under targeted treatment of HER2+ MBC.

CLINICAL TRIALS NUMBER

NCT00967031.

Lapatinib plus capecitabine in patients with previously untreated brain metastases from HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (LANDSCAPE): a single-group phase 2 study

BACKGROUND

Brain metastases occur in 30-50% of patients with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer. In the case of diffuse brain metastases, treatment is based on whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT). Few systemic options are available. We aimed to investigate the combination of lapatinib plus capecitabine for the treatment of previously untreated brain metastases from HER2-positive breast cancer.

METHODS

In this single-arm phase 2, open-label, multicentre study, eligible patients had HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer with brain metastases not previously treated with WBRT, capecitabine, or lapatinib. Tretament was given in 21 day cycles: patients received lapatinib (1250 mg, orally) every day and capecitabine (2000 mg/m(2), orally) from day 1 to day 14. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with an objective CNS response, defined as a 50% or greater volumetric reduction of CNS lesions in the absence of increased steroid use, progressive neurological symptoms, and progressive extra-CNS disease. All responses had to be confirmed 4 weeks after initial response. Efficacy analyses included all patients who received the study drugs and were assessable for efficacy criteria. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00967031.

FINDINGS

Between April 15, 2009, to Aug 2, 2010, we enrolled 45 patients, 44 (98%) of whom were assessable for efficacy, with a median follow-up of 21·2 months (range 2·2-27·6). 29 patients had an objective CNS response (65·9%, 95% CI 50·1-79·5); all were partial responses. Of all 45 treated patients, 22 (49%) had grade 3 or grade 4 treatment-related adverse events, of which the most common were diarrhoea in nine (20%) patients and hand-foot syndrome in nine (20%) patients. 14 (31%) patients had at least one severe adverse event; treatment was discontinued because of toxicity in four patients. No toxic deaths occurred.

INTERPRETATION

The combination of lapatinib and capecitabine is active as first-line treatment of brain metastases from HER2-positive breast cancer. A phase 3 trial is warranted.

FUNDING

GlaxoSmithKline-France and UNICANCER.

P1-06-12: Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) Monitoring during Phase II Study with Lapatinib (L) and Capecitabine (C) in Patients with Brain Metastases from HER2−Positive (+) Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) before Whole Brain Radiotherapy (WBR): LANDSCAPE Study

Background: Decrease of CTC level during treatment in MBC has been reported as an independent prognostic and predictive factor of patients’ outcome. Monitoring CTC in addition to clinical response criteria is currently evaluated in early clinical trials in various cancer types. We sought to evaluate the clinical interest of peripheral blood CTC for patients included in the LANDSCAPE study which assessed the efficacy of upfront systemic treatment with L+C for newly diagnosed brain metastasis.

Methods: This analysis is a preplanned secondary endpoint of the LANDSCAPE study. Eligible pts had HER2+ MBC with BM not previously treated with WBR, C or L. Pts received L1250 mg/day and C2000 mg/m2/day, days 1–14, every 21 days. The primary endpoint was a centrally assessed CNS objective response (CNS-OR) defined as a ≥50% volumetric reduction of CNS lesions in the absence of increasing steroid use, progressive neurologic symptoms or progressive extra-CNS disease. CTC were detected in 7.5 ml of blood using the CellSearchSystem™, combining EpCAM immunomagnetic selection (IMS) followed by anti-cytokeratin (A45B/B3) fluorescently staining for CTC at baseline and at day (D) 21, before cycle 2.

Results: From 04/2009 to 08/2010, 45 pts were enrolled, 41 were evaluable for CTC at baseline and 38 at D21. Median age was 56 (range 35 to 79). PS was &gt;1 only in 2 pts. At baseline, 20/41 (48.8%) pts had ≥ 1CTC and 9 (22%) ≥ 5CTC (range 1–301, median 3). CTC were detected in pts with (18/37) or without disease outside SNC (2/6) (p=0.63). At a median follow-up of 10 months (range 2.9−16.5), median TTP was 6.0 months [95% CI 4.9; 7.4] vs. 4.3 [2.8; 5.9] months for pts without and with CTC at baseline respectively (p=0.14). After 21 days of treatment, a disappearance of CTC was observed in 11pts (31%). At D21, only 7 (18.4%) pts had ≥ 1CTC and 3 (8%) ≥ 5 CTC (p=0.006, D21 vs. baseline). In 43 evaluable pts, CNS-OR rate was 67% (95%CI 51–81), with a median time from inclusion to response of 1.8 month. Absence of CTC was not correlated with CNS-OR rate at baseline (17/21 (81%) vs. 11/19 (58%), NS). Strikingly, remaining positivity for CTC at D 21 (≥ 1CTC) was correlated with a poor response rate in CNS: 2/6 (33.3%) vs. 25/31 (80.6%) in pts with 0 CTC, p=0.03.

Conclusions: Early decrease (at D 21) in CTC level is correlated with a high response rate in newly diagnosed BM to L + C and underlines the predictive value of this blood marker in MBC pts even for brain metastasis. Longer follow-up is needed to assess its prognostic value under antiHER2 targeted therapy.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-06-12.

Achieving higher pathological complete response rates in HER-2-positive patients with induction chemotherapy without trastuzumab in operable breast cancer

Recent trials of induction chemotherapy in bulky operable breast cancer have shown much higher pathological complete response (pCR) rates with trastuzumab-driven combinations. However, it is useful to take into account the specific chemosensitivity of HER-2-positive tumors. The aim of this study was to assess the pCR rate according to HER-2 status in response to chemotherapy, without an anti-HER-2 specific biological agent, in 710 operable breast cancer patients. Since 1982, these patients have been treated with several different neoadjuvant chemotherapy combinations. During this period, HER-2 overexpression was most often not assessed. Subsequently, we assessed HER-2 expression using archival paraffin-embedded tissue. A technically usable specimen was available for 413 of the 710 patients. Before treatment, 51 patients were HER-2 positive, 287 patients were HER-2 negative, and the results were inconclusive for 75 patients. Of these patients, a pCR in breast and nodes was obtained in 94 patients (14.3%), but this event was threefold more frequent for HER-2-positive patients (23.5%) than for HER-2-negative patients (7%). The overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates at 10 years were 66.6% and 57.4%, respectively. The DFS rate was, as expected, better for HER-2-negative patients, with HER-2 status assessed before as well as after chemotherapy. A significant difference was found for OS in favor of HER-2-negative patients only with postchemotherapy assessment of HER-2, a fact similar to our previous findings. Finally, there was a tendency toward a higher DFS rate for HER-2-positive patients who achieved a pCR compared with HER-2-positive patients who did not.

Pathological response rates in 710 operable breast cancer (BC) patients treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT), according to immunohistochemichal subtypes of tumours

10579

Background: Pathological responses rates were studied in 710 women with stage II-III operable BC treated between 1982 and 2004. A pathological review was conducted to assess the residual disease in breast and nodes according to Chevallier's classification (Am J Clin Oncol 1993) and patients repartited according to 3 tumour phenotypes: Her2+ (Her2+ phenotype), Her2-HR+ (Hormonal Receptor; luminal phenotype) and Her2-HR- (triple negative phenotype). Methods: Median diameter of the invasive tumour was 40 mm [10–130]. 555 (78%) patients had a canalar, 90 (13%) a lobular, 18 (2.5%) a mixed or invasive carcinoma, 36 (5%) neoplasic cells only and 11 (1.5%) another carcinoma. 25.6% of the tumours were grade III SBR. The median number of NCT courses was 6 [1–9] followed by a surgery for 92%, a radiotherapy for 95%, an adjuvant chemotherapy for 17% and/or an hormonotherapy for 52%. A breast evaluation was realized before, during and after NCT. Results: Overall response rate was 68% (16% complete). The complete pathological response (pCR) rate was 14.2% according to Chevallier's classification. On 656 patients operated, 470 (72%) had a conservative surgery. On 520 patients with an axillary dissection, 272 (52.3%) had involved nodes. After a median follow-up of 93 months, Disease-Free Survival (DFS) and Overall Survival (OS) at 120 months were 54.9% and 66.5%, respectively. According to tumour's phenotype, the pCR rate (Chevallier's classes 1+2) was: 24.5% in Her2+ phenotype, 14.8% in triple negative phenotype and 4.4% in luminal phenotype. These results showed that: -the pCR was three-fold more frequent in Her-2+ phenotype than in luminal one (p = 3.5.10-5) -the pCR was two-fold more frequent in triple negative phenotype than in luminal one (p = 3.10-3) -no significant pCR difference was found between Her2+ phenotype and triple negative one Furthermore, a significantly better DFS was found for luminal phenotype; DFS was intermediate for triple negative phenotype, and lower for Her2+ phenotype. Conclusions: The pCR rates were higher in Her2+ phenotype and in triple negative one. It is important to note that, in this series, most Her2+ patients did not receive any Herceptin treatment.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Gemcitabine oxaliplatin (GEMOX) is an active combination in heavily pretreated metastatic breast cancer (MBC)

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Background: This study was performed to evaluate retrospectively the efficacy and tolerance of gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin (GEMOX) as salvage chemotherapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in a mono-institutional series. Methods: From January 2003 to March 2005, 38 MBC patients were treated at disease progression according to three schedules: (a) gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 on day 1 and 8 and oxaliplatin 100 mg/m2 on day 1 every three weeks (n=30); (b) gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m2 on day 1, followed same day by oxaliplatin 100 mg/m2 every two weeks (n=7); (c) gemcitabine 1250 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 and oxaliplatin 100 mg/m2 on day 1 every four weeks (n=1). Results: All patients (median age, 58 years) received prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease (median of four lines). Radiological response was assessed in 36 patients: 12 patients (33%) experienced a partial response and 11 patients (31%) had a stable disease. The median times to progression and survival were 4 months (range, 0–21 months) and 10 months (range, 2–24 months), respectively. A total of 233 cycles were administered with a median of 5.5 cycles per patient (range, 1–21 cycles). Grade 3/4 toxicity consisted of myelotoxicity in 26% of patients and neurotoxicity in 8%. Conclusions: This retrospective study suggests that GEMOX is an effective combination with a good tolerance profile in heavily pretreated MBC. Further evaluation of this regimen is warranted in this tumor indication.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors in combination with letrozole in breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy and the second most common cause of cancer-related death in women. Endocrine therapy has been used for more than a century to treat advanced-stage breast cancer. The results obtained with the third-generation aromatase inhibitor letrozole demonstrated an actual improvement in patient outcome compared with tamoxifen. This benefit translates into disease-free survival improvement for adjuvant treatment and overall survival in patients with metastatic disease. The present clinical situation of hormonal therapy is stable; however, recently, new anticancer agents (temsirolimus and everolimus) that inhibit mammalian target of rapamycin protein kinase have been developed and seem to be very promising because of their synergistic activity with letrozole. The phase II study of a combination of temsirolimus or everolimus with letrozole demonstrated a better progression-free survival in the combination arm than in the letrozole alone arm. Consequently, the results of ongoing phase III studies are eagerly awaited.

[Indications, contra-indications, expected results and choice of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for operable breast cancer]

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer corresponds to the use of a systemic treatment applied before loco-regional treatment (surgery and/or radiotherapy). Initiated in the seventies for treatment of the locally advanced and/or inflammatory breast cancers, induction chemotherapy has been extended in the beginning of eighties for cancers known as operable (size higher than 3 cm and/or in central position) in order to allow a more frequent conservating surgery. This objective is obtained in 75% of the cases approximately without increase in the risk of local relapse and without noxious effect on overall survival, in spite of the delay of the loco-regional treatment. Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy progressively moved with the advent of major drugs in breast cancer which are anthracyclins, vinorelbine and taxans. But to date, no protocol was essential like an uncontested standard. However, it seems that obtaining a complete clinical response is the best guarantor to avoid relapse. That seems to be observed only after 6 cycles, even 8 cycles of chemotherapy, each cycle combining the 2 major drugs for the treatment of breast cancer of which are anthracyclins and taxanes employed according a sequential scheme after a based-anthracyclins treatment, except any cardiac contra-indication. Moreover, the use of targeted therapeuticals like Herceptin, with a chemotherapy, seems to be promising and should be more studied. Finally, when a neoadjuvant chemotherapy is administered, the evaluation of the pre-treatment biopsy helps to establish key patient-management parameters such as tumour type, SBR grade and immunohistochemical parameters. This evaluation provides predictive parameters with regards to drug response (hormonal status, overexpression of Her2). The further studies realised in this way will permit to improve the results yet obtained.

Sequential Addition of an Anthracycline-Based Regimen to Docetaxel as Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients with Operable Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

The objective of this phase II study was to attempt to maximize response and survival in patients with bulky, operable breast cancer by combining sequential neoadjuvant docetaxel to a semi-intensive anthracycline-based regimen.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eligible patients (N = 53) were included to receive 4 cycles of docetaxel, followed by a maximum of 4 cycles of TNCF (THP [theprubican]-doxorubicin/vinorelbine/cyclophosphamide/5-fluorouracil) every 21 days before definitive surgery and radiation therapy.

RESULTS

After a median number of 4 cycles of docetaxel and 2 cycles of TNCF, the overall clinical response rate was 81.1%, including a 13.2% complete remission rate and only 2 incidences of progressive disease. Breast conservation was achieved in 87% of patients. According to Chevallier classification, a pathologic complete response in breast and axilla was confirmed in 6 patients (11.3%) and in 9 patients (17%) using the Sataloff's classification. The important myelosuppression observed in this trial was expected but limited by the prophylactic use of growth factors. After a median follow-up of 40.4 months, only 5 recurrences were documented, with a median time to first recurrence of 12.8 months.

CONCLUSION

Despite disappointing results of this trial for pathologic complete response rate, possibly because of the order of drug administration, clinical response, breast conservation, and survival were optimized.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) in 710 patients for operable breast cancer: Comparison of 2 pathological classifications

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Background: In a database harbouring the patients of several prospective phase II neoadjuvant trials (avcf, avcfm, fec 50–100, nem, net, tncf, taxotère/tncf, taxotere alone), clinical and pathological responses rates were studied in 710 women with stage II-III operable breast cancer treated 1982–2004. Pathological review was conducted to assess the residual disease in breast and nodes according to the 2 most used classifications in Europe: CHEVALLIER’s and SATALOFF’s (Am J Clin Oncol 1993; J Am Coll Surg 1995). Methods: Median age of the patients was 49.5 years [26–81]. Median diameter of the invasive tumour was 40 mm [10–130]. 555 (78%) patients had a canalar, 90 (13%) a lobular, 18 (2.5%) a mixed or invasive carcinoma, 36 (5%) neoplasic cells only and 11 (1.5%) another carcinoma. 25.6% of the tumours were grade III SBR, 28.3% grade 4 or 5 MSBR. The median number of NCT courses was 6 [1–9] followed by a surgery for 92%, a radiotherapy for 95%, an adjuvant chemotherapy (17%) and/or a hormonotherapy (52%). A breast evaluation was realized before, during and after NCT (Amat et al, Breast Cancer Res Treat 2005). Results: Intent to treat (n = 710), overall response rate was 68% (16% complete). The complete pathological response (pCR) rate was 14.18% according to Chevallier’s and 22.50% according to Sataloff’s classification. On 656 patients operated, 470 (72%) had a conservative surgery. On 520 patients with an axillary dissection, 272 (52.3%) had involved nodes (median number:1 [0–20]). After a median follow-up of 93 months, DFS and actuarial survival at 120 months were 54.9% and 66.5%, respectively.Chevallier’s classification level 1 (pCR in breast and axilla) was the most predictive of a good DFS, with a plateau appearance near 80%. Chevallier’s classification level 2 (in situ only) and Sataloff grade A (pCR and isolated tumor cells) yielded a lesser DFS (p < 0.01). With a long follow-up, a complete pCR is the most favourable prognostic factor, followed by in situ only or isolated tumor cells, then residual tumor. Conclusions: Sataloff’s gives higher pCR figures than Chevallier’s without evidence of superior predictive value. The classification used is important to predict outcome after NCT.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy in breast cancer

The clinical benefits of endocrine therapy for patients with hormonosensitive breast cancer are well established. For many years, five years' treatment with tamoxifen was the gold standard of adjuvant treatment. The recent development of new endocrine agents provides physicians with the opportunity to take a more effective therapeutic approach. Nevertheless, the success of neoadjuvant endocrine therapy is much more recent and less frequently reported in the literature. This article reviews the studies published on neoadjuvant endocrine treatment (tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors). According to the literature, neoadjuvant endocrine therapy seems to be effective and well tolerated. The newer generation of aromatase inhibitors (letrozole, anastrozole, exemestane) appear to result in better overall response rates and more conservative surgery than tamoxifen. Patients with an ER Allred score of 6 and over are most likely to respond and gain clinical benefit. The optimal duration of neoadjuvant therapy has not yet been investigated in detail. These preliminary results are interesting and should be confirmed by further studies.

Does Survival Increase in Metastatic Breast Cancer With Recently Available Anticancer Drugs?

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is incurable in most cases. While multiple treatments are available, the median survival is still approximately 2 years. We planned to assess the apparent impact of taxanes and aromatase inhibitors (letrozole, anastrozole, and exemestane) on the survival of 857 MBC patients for more than 30 years. Patients classed into decades by metastatic disease onset date did not survive significantly longer in recent years. This does not exclude some marked improvements with time: 1) in the same period, the disease-free interval for MO patients increased progressively and significantly with time; 2) the overall relapse ratio in MO patients was 20% lower in the 1990-2000 decade compared with 1980-1990; 3) since 1995, treatment for metastasis has been significantly lighter with periods of chemotherapy separated by hormonotherapy or observation in the case of negative receptors. Analyzing individual therapies, availability of taxanes since 1994 did not result in a significant increase of the overall survival. Conversely, receiving hormonotherapy was an important prognostic factor of the overall survival. Three groups were classified according to hormone therapy: group 1--tamoxifen, group 2--aromatase inhibitors, group 3--a combination of tamoxifen then aromatase inhibitors. The combination of tamoxifen then aromatase inhibitors favored a survival improvement from metastasis appearance to death compared with aromatase inhibitors alone and with tamoxifen alone. The sequential treatment of tamoxifen then aromatase inhibitors is presently discussed as a possible standard when used as adjuvant treatment. This sequential effect could also constitute a valuable concept for metastatic patients.