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Chin K, Landén AH, Kovács A, Wärnberg F, Ekholm M, Karlsson P, Olofsson Bagge R. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes as a predictor of axillary and primary tumor pathological response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer: a retrospective cohort study. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2024; 207:49-63. [PMID: 38703286 PMCID: PMC11230953 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-024-07334-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) can predict complete pathological response (pCR) of tumor in the breast but not so well-defined in the axilla after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Since axillary surgery is being increasingly de-escalated after NACT, we aimed to investigate the relationship between TILs and pCR in the axilla and breast, as well as survival amongst NACT patients. METHODS Clinicopathological data on patients who underwent NACT between 2013 and 2020 were retrospectively examined. Specifically, pre-TILs (before NACT), post-TILs (after NACT) and ΔTIL (changes in TILs) were assessed. Primary endpoint was pCR and secondary endpoints were breast cancer-free interval (BCFI) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS Two hundred and twenty patients with nodal metastases were included. Overall axillary and breast pCR rates were 42.7% (94/220) and 39.1% (86/220), respectively, whereas the combined pCR rate was 32.7% (72/220). High pre-TILs (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.02-4.05; p = 0.04) predicted axillary pCR whereas, high post-TILs (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.14-0.76; p = 0.009) and increased ΔTILs (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.08-0.79; p = 0.02) predicted non-axillary pCR. TILs were not a significant predictor for BCFI and OS. CONCLUSIONS This study supports the potential use of pre-TILs to select initially node-positive patients for axillary surgical de-escalation after NACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kian Chin
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Amalia H Landén
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Clinical Sciences in Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anikó Kovács
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Wärnberg
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maria Ekholm
- Department of Oncology, Ryhov County Hospital, Jönköping, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Oncology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Per Karlsson
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Clinical Sciences in Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Roger Olofsson Bagge
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Abraham JE, Pinilla K, Dayimu A, Grybowicz L, Demiris N, Harvey C, Drewett LM, Lucey R, Fulton A, Roberts AN, Worley JR, Chhabra A, Qian W, Vallier AL, Hardy RM, Chan S, Hickish T, Tripathi D, Venkitaraman R, Persic M, Aslam S, Glassman D, Raj S, Borley A, Braybrooke JP, Sutherland S, Staples E, Scott LC, Davies M, Palmer CA, Moody M, Churn MJ, Newby JC, Mukesh MB, Chakrabarti A, Roylance RR, Schouten PC, Levitt NC, McAdam K, Armstrong AC, Copson ER, McMurtry E, Tischkowitz M, Provenzano E, Earl HM. The PARTNER trial of neoadjuvant olaparib with chemotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer. Nature 2024; 629:1142-1148. [PMID: 38588696 PMCID: PMC11136660 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07384-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
PARTNER is a prospective, phase II-III, randomized controlled clinical trial that recruited patients with triple-negative breast cancer1,2, who were germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 wild type3. Here we report the results of the trial. Patients (n = 559) were randomized on a 1:1 basis to receive neoadjuvant carboplatin-paclitaxel with or without 150 mg olaparib twice daily, on days 3 to 14, of each of four cycles (gap schedule olaparib, research arm) followed by three cycles of anthracycline-based chemotherapy before surgery. The primary end point was pathologic complete response (pCR)4, and secondary end points included event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS)5. pCR was achieved in 51% of patients in the research arm and 52% in the control arm (P = 0.753). Estimated EFS at 36 months in the research and control arms was 80% and 79% (log-rank P > 0.9), respectively; OS was 90% and 87.2% (log-rank P = 0.8), respectively. In patients with pCR, estimated EFS at 36 months was 90%, and in those with non-pCR it was 70% (log-rank P < 0.001), and OS was 96% and 83% (log-rank P < 0.001), respectively. Neoadjuvant olaparib did not improve pCR rates, EFS or OS when added to carboplatin-paclitaxel and anthracycline-based chemotherapy in patients with triple-negative breast cancer who were germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 wild type. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03150576 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean E Abraham
- Precision Breast Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Karen Pinilla
- Precision Breast Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alimu Dayimu
- Cambridge Cancer Trials Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Louise Grybowicz
- Cambridge Cancer Trials Centre, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nikolaos Demiris
- Department of Statistics, Athens University of Economics and Business, Athens, Greece
| | - Caron Harvey
- Cambridge Cancer Trials Centre, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lynsey M Drewett
- Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
| | - Rebecca Lucey
- Precision Breast Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alexander Fulton
- Precision Breast Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anne N Roberts
- Cambridge Cancer Trials Centre, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Joanna R Worley
- Precision Breast Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anita Chhabra
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Wendi Qian
- Cambridge Clinical Trials Unit, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anne-Laure Vallier
- Cambridge Cancer Trials Centre, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Richard M Hardy
- Cambridge Cancer Trials Centre, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Steve Chan
- The City Hospital, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Devashish Tripathi
- Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Wolverhampton, UK
- Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, UK
| | | | - Mojca Persic
- University Hospital of Derby and Burton, Derby, UK
| | - Shahzeena Aslam
- Bedford Hospital, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bedford, UK
| | - Daniel Glassman
- Pinderfields Hospital, Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, Wakefield, UK
| | - Sanjay Raj
- University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- Basingstoke & North Hampshire Hospital, Basingstoke, UK
- Royal Hampshire Hospital, Winchester, UK
| | | | | | | | - Emma Staples
- Queens Hospital, Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, Romford, UK
| | - Lucy C Scott
- Beatson West Of Scotland Cancer Centre, Glasgow, UK
| | - Mark Davies
- Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea, UK
| | - Cheryl A Palmer
- Hinchingbrooke Hospital, North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, Huntingdon, UK
| | - Margaret Moody
- Macmillan Unit, West Suffolk Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Bury Saint Edmunds, UK
| | - Mark J Churn
- Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Worcester, UK
- Alexandra Redditch Hospital, Redditch, UK
- Kidderminster Hospital, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, UK
| | | | - Mukesh B Mukesh
- Oncology Department, Colchester General Hospital, East Suffolk & North Essex NHS Trust, Colchester, UK
| | | | | | - Philip C Schouten
- Department of Histopathology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Karen McAdam
- Peterborough City Hospital, North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, Peterborough, UK
| | - Anne C Armstrong
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and Division of Cancer Sciences, Manchester, UK
| | - Ellen R Copson
- Cancer Sciences Academic Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Marc Tischkowitz
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Institute for Health Research, Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Elena Provenzano
- Department of Histopathology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Helena M Earl
- Precision Breast Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Ciarka A, Piątek M, Pęksa R, Kunc M, Senkus E. Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs) in Breast Cancer: Prognostic and Predictive Significance across Molecular Subtypes. Biomedicines 2024; 12:763. [PMID: 38672117 PMCID: PMC11048219 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are pivotal in the immune response against breast cancer (BC), with their prognostic and predictive significance varying across BC subtypes. In triple-negative BC (TNBC), higher TIL levels correlate with improved prognosis and treatment response, guiding therapeutic strategies and potentially offering avenues for treatment de-escalation. In metastatic TNBC, TILs identify patients with enhanced immunotherapy response. HER2+ BC, similar to TNBC, exhibits positive correlations between TILs and treatment response, especially in neoadjuvant settings. Luminal BC generally has low TILs, with limited prognostic impact. Single hormone receptor-positive BCs show distinct TIL associations, emphasizing subtype-specific considerations. TILs in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) display ambiguous prognostic significance, necessitating further investigation. Standardizing TIL assessment methods is crucial for unlocking their full potential as biomarkers, guiding treatment decisions, and enhancing patient care in BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Ciarka
- Department of Pathomorphology, Medical University of Gdańsk, M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 3a, 80-214 Gdańsk, Poland (M.K.)
| | - Michał Piątek
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Opole, pl. Kopernika 11a, 45-040 Opole, Poland
| | - Rafał Pęksa
- Department of Pathomorphology, Medical University of Gdańsk, M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 3a, 80-214 Gdańsk, Poland (M.K.)
| | - Michał Kunc
- Department of Pathomorphology, Medical University of Gdańsk, M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 3a, 80-214 Gdańsk, Poland (M.K.)
| | - Elżbieta Senkus
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 3a, 80-214 Gdansk, Poland
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4
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Xia G, Zhang Z, Jiang Q, Wang H, Wang J. Predictive value of stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in patients with breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e36810. [PMID: 38335394 PMCID: PMC10860995 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The predictive value of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for breast cancer (BC) has received increasing attention. Here, a meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the correlation between the expression of stromal TILs and pathological complete response (pCR) after NAC in BC patients. METHODS The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched online by using a combination of keywords and free words to screen literature on the expression of stromal TILs and pCR after NAC in patients with BC. The data were extracted and evaluated for quality. Relative risk (RR) was used to evaluate the relationship between the expression of stromal TILs before NAC and pCR in BC patients. Meta-analysis was performed with Review Manager 5.3 and STATA 14.0 software. RESULTS Eleven studies involving 6039 BC patients were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed a generally high expression of stromal TILs in BC patients, and the pCR rate after NAC in BC patients with a high expression of stromal TILs was significantly higher than that in BC patients with a low expression of stromal TILs [RR = 1.83, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.69-1.97]. Subgroup analysis based on the molecular subtypes of BC showed that the pCR rate was significantly higher in patients with a high expression of stromal TILs in hormone receptor (HR)-positive BC [RR = 3.23, 95% CI: 2.43-4.30], human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2)-positive BC [RR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.25-1.60], and triple-negative BC [RR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.53-1.90] than in those with a low expression of stromal TILs. Subgroup analysis based on expression threshold showed that the pCR rate was higher in patients with a high expression of stromal TILs than in patients with a low expression of stromal TILs at different expression thresholds (10% [RR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.55-2.55], 20%/30% [RR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.37-1.81], 50%/60% [RR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.73-2.11]. CONCLUSION TILs can be used as a predictor of pCR after NAC in patients with BC, and the appropriate high expression threshold of stromal TILs should be selected as the predictive value according to the molecular subtype of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangfa Xia
- Department of Breast Diseases, Jiaxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ziran Zhang
- Department of Breast Diseases, Jiaxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qin Jiang
- Department of Breast Diseases, Jiaxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Department of Breast Diseases, Jiaxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Breast Diseases, Jiaxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
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Alamoodi M. Factors Affecting Pathological Complete Response in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Cases Receiving Neoadjuvant Therapy: A Comprehensive Literature Review. Eur J Breast Health 2024; 20:8-14. [PMID: 38187111 PMCID: PMC10765459 DOI: 10.4274/ejbh.galenos.2023.2023-11-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Determining pathological complete response (pCR) could be an important step in planning individual treatment, hence improving the prognosis in terms of survival. Achieving breast pCR not only improves survival but is also linked to a disease-free axilla, therefore increasing the likelihood of avoiding axillary surgery safely. The current trend in de-escalating axillary management surgically or in applying radiotherapy to the axilla is dependent primarily on breast cancer (BC) patients achieving pCR. Studies have demonstrated that certain characteristics can predict pCR, even though it is still difficult to identify these elements. A review of the literature was carried out to determine these factors and their clinical applications. A search was carried out in the MEDLINE database using PubMed, Google Scholar, and EMBASE. This yielded 1368 studies, of which 60 satisfied the criteria. The studies were categorized according to the subject they dealt with. These parameters included age, race, subtypes, clinicopathological, immunological, imaging, obesity, Ki-67 status, vitamin D, and genetics. These factors, in combination, can be used for specific subtypes to individualize treatment and monitor response to therapy. The predictors of pCR are diverse and should be utilized to personalize patient treatment, ultimately inducing the best outcomes. These determinants can also be employed for monitoring responses to neoadjuvant therapy, thereby adjusting treatment. The development of standardized markers for the diversity of BC subtypes still needs additional future research. These factors must be applied in concert in order to provide optimal results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munaser Alamoodi
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Liu Z, Yu B, Su M, Yuan C, Liu C, Wang X, Song X, Li C, Wang F, Ma J, Wu M, Chen D, Yu J, Yu Z. Construction of a risk stratification model integrating ctDNA to predict response and survival in neoadjuvant-treated breast cancer. BMC Med 2023; 21:493. [PMID: 38087296 PMCID: PMC10717175 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03163-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathological complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) of breast cancer is closely related to a better prognosis. However, there are no reliable indicators to accurately identify which patients will achieve pCR before surgery, and a model for predicting pCR to NAC is required. METHODS A total of 269 breast cancer patients in Shandong Cancer Hospital and Liaocheng People's Hospital receiving anthracycline and taxane-based NAC were prospectively enrolled. Expression profiling using a 457 cancer-related gene sequencing panel (DNA sequencing) covering genes recurrently mutated in breast cancer was carried out on 243 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor biopsies samples before NAC from 243 patients. The unique personalized panel of nine individual somatic mutation genes from the constructed model was used to detect and analyze ctDNA on 216 blood samples. Blood samples were collected at indicated time points including before chemotherapy initiation, after the 1st NAC and before the 2nd NAC cycle, during intermediate evaluation, and prior to surgery. In this study, we characterized the value of gene profile mutation and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in combination with clinical characteristics in the prediction of pCR before surgery and investigated the prognostic prediction. The median follow-up time for survival analysis was 898 days. RESULTS Firstly, we constructed a predictive NAC response model including five single nucleotide variant (SNV) mutations (TP53, SETBP1, PIK3CA, NOTCH4 and MSH2) and four copy number variation (CNV) mutations (FOXP1-gain, EGFR-gain, IL7R-gain, and NFKB1A-gain) in the breast tumor, combined with three clinical factors (luminal A, Her2 and Ki67 status). The tumor prediction model showed good discrimination of chemotherapy sensitivity for pCR and non-pCR with an AUC of 0.871 (95% CI, 0.797-0.927) in the training set, 0.771 (95% CI, 0.649-0.883) in the test set, and 0.726 (95% CI, 0.556-0.865) in an extra test set. This tumor prediction model can also effectively predict the prognosis of disease-free survival (DFS) with an AUC of 0.749 at 1 year and 0.830 at 3 years. We further screened the genes from the tumor prediction model to establish a unique personalized panel consisting of 9 individual somatic mutation genes to detect and analyze ctDNA. It was found that ctDNA positivity decreased with the passage of time during NAC, and ctDNA status can predict NAC response and metastasis recurrence. Finally, we constructed the chemotherapy prediction model combined with the tumor prediction model and pretreatment ctDNA levels, which has a better prediction effect of pCR with the AUC value of 0.961. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we established a chemotherapy predictive model with a non-invasive tool that is built based on genomic features, ctDNA status, as well as clinical characteristics for predicting pCR to recognize the responders and non-responders to NAC, and also predicting prognosis for DFS in breast cancer. Adding pretreatment ctDNA levels to a model containing gene profile mutation and clinical characteristics significantly improves stratification over the clinical variables alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyun Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China
- Breast Cancer Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China
- Shandong University Cancer Center, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Bo Yu
- Berry Oncology Institutes, Beijing, China
| | - Mu Su
- Berry Oncology Institutes, Beijing, China
| | - Chenxi Yuan
- Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Cuicui Liu
- Thyroid & Breast Surgery Department, LiaoCheng Peoples's Hospital, Liaocheng, 252000, China
| | - Xinzhao Wang
- Breast Cancer Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Xiang Song
- Breast Cancer Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Chao Li
- Breast Cancer Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Fukai Wang
- Breast Cancer Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Jianli Ma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Meng Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China
- Shandong University Cancer Center, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Dawei Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China.
- Shandong University Cancer Center, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China.
| | - Jinming Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China.
- Shandong University Cancer Center, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China.
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, China.
| | - Zhiyong Yu
- Breast Cancer Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China.
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7
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Landén AH, Chin K, Kovács A, Holmberg E, Molnar E, Stenmark Tullberg A, Wärnberg F, Karlsson P. Evaluation of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and mammographic density as predictors of response to neoadjuvant systemic therapy in breast cancer. Acta Oncol 2023; 62:1862-1872. [PMID: 37934084 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2023.2274483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Response rates vary among breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NAST). Thus, there is a need for reliable treatment predictors. Evidence suggests tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) predict NAST response. Still, TILs are seldom used clinically as a treatment determinant. Mammographic density (MD) is another potential marker for NAST benefit and its relationship with TILs is unknown. Our aims were to investigate TILs and MD as predictors of NAST response and to study the unexplored relationship between TILs and MD. MATERIAL AND METHODS We studied 315 invasive breast carcinomas treated with NAST between 2013 and 2020. Clinicopathological data were retrieved from medical records. The endpoint was defined as pathological complete response (pCR) in the breast. TILs were evaluated in pre-treatment core biopsies and categorized as high (≥10%) or low (<10%). MD was scored (a-d) according to the breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) fifth edition. Binary logistic regression and Spearman's test of correlation were performed using SPSS. RESULTS Out of 315 carcinomas, 136 achieved pCR. 94 carcinomas had high TILs and 215 had low TILs. Six carcinomas had no available TIL data. The number of carcinomas in each BI-RADS category were 37, 122, 112, and 44 for a, b, c, and d, respectively. High TILs were independently associated with pCR (OR: 2.95; 95% CI: 1.59-5.46) compared to low TILs. In the univariable analysis, MD (BI-RADS d vs. a) showed a tendency of higher likelihood for pCR (OR: 2.43; 95% CI: 0.99-5.98). However, the association was non-significant, which is consistent with the result of the multivariable analysis (OR: 2.51; 95% CI: 0.78-8.04). We found no correlation between TILs and MD (0.02; p = .80). CONCLUSION TILs significantly predicted NAST response. We could not define MD as a significant predictor of NAST response. These findings should be further replicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia H Landén
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kian Chin
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anikó Kovács
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Erik Holmberg
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Eva Molnar
- Department of Radiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Axel Stenmark Tullberg
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Wärnberg
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Per Karlsson
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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8
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Pescia C, Guerini-Rocco E, Viale G, Fusco N. Advances in Early Breast Cancer Risk Profiling: From Histopathology to Molecular Technologies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5430. [PMID: 38001690 PMCID: PMC10670146 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15225430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Early breast cancer (BC) is the definition applied to breast-confined tumors with or without limited involvement of locoregional lymph nodes. While risk stratification is essential for guiding clinical decisions, it can be a complex endeavor in these patients due to the absence of comprehensive guidelines. Histopathological analysis and biomarker assessment play a pivotal role in defining patient outcomes. Traditional histological criteria such as tumor size, lymph node involvement, histological type and grade, lymphovascular invasion, and immune cell infiltration are significant prognostic indicators. In addition to the hormone receptor, HER2, and-in specific scenarios-BRCA1/2 testing, molecular subtyping through gene expression profiling provides valuable insights to tailor clinical decision-making. The emergence of "omics" technologies, applicable to both tissue and liquid biopsy samples, has broadened our arsenal for evaluating the risk of early BC. However, a pressing need remains for standardized methodologies and integrated pathological models that encompass multiple analytical dimensions. In this study, we provide a detailed examination of the existing strategies for early BC risk stratification, intending to serve as a practical guide for histopathologists and molecular pathologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Pescia
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (C.P.); (E.G.-R.); (G.V.)
- School of Pathology, University of Milan, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Guerini-Rocco
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (C.P.); (E.G.-R.); (G.V.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Viale
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (C.P.); (E.G.-R.); (G.V.)
| | - Nicola Fusco
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (C.P.); (E.G.-R.); (G.V.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20141 Milan, Italy
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Carvalho FM. Triple-negative breast cancer: from none to multiple therapeutic targets in two decades. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1244781. [PMID: 38023167 PMCID: PMC10666917 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1244781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are more likely to occur in younger patients and have a poor prognosis. They are highly heterogeneous tumors consisting of different molecular subtypes. The only common characteristic among them is the absence of targets for endocrine therapy and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) blockade. In the past two decades, there has been an increased understanding of these tumors from a molecular perspective, leading to their stratification according to new therapeutic strategies. TNBC has ushered breast carcinomas into the era of immunotherapy. The higher frequency of germline BRCA mutations in these tumors enables targeting this repair defect by drugs like PARP inhibitors, resulting in synthetic lethality in neoplastic cells. Additionally, we have the identification of new molecules to which this generation of smart drugs, such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), are directed. In this review, we will discuss the trajectory of this knowledge in a systematic manner, presenting the molecular bases, therapeutic possibilities, and biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filomena Marino Carvalho
- Department of Pathology, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
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10
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Li S, Liu Y, Zhang P, Wang M, Sun L. Cost-effectiveness analysis of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes biomarkers guiding chemotherapy de-escalation in early triple-negative breast cancer. Cancer Med 2023; 12:21001-21012. [PMID: 37964682 PMCID: PMC10709734 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To accelerate the clinical translation of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) biomarkers for guiding chemotherapy de-escalation in early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), cost-effectiveness evidence is essential but has not been investigated. We intend to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of using TILs to guiding chemotherapy de-escalation in patients with early-stage TNBC from the perspective of the Chinese health service system. METHODS The hybrid decision-tree-Markov model was designed to compare the cost-effectiveness of cytotoxic chemotherapy guided by whether TILs assay was performed in 50-year-old female patients with early-stage TNBC over a lifetime horizon. In Strategy (1), if TILs testing was performed, patients with TILs values exceeding 30% could be spared from chemotherapy. In Strategy (2), where no TILs testing was performed, all patients were administered chemotherapy following China's clinical practices. Based on the algorithm built by Guyot, the individual patient data were reconstructed from the published Kaplan-Meier curves, and the survival functions were calculated by parametric methods. Cost estimates were valued in Chinese yuan (as per rates in 2022). RESULTS In 50-year-old female patients with early-stage TNBC, Strategy (1), which employs TILs testing to guide cytotoxic chemotherapy yielded an additional 0.47 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and saved 40,976 yuan, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of -87,182.98 yuan per QALY gained compared with Strategy (2). This indicates that compared with Strategy (2), Strategy (1) is the dominant scheme. The results were sensitive to utility parameters, discount rates, and treatment costs after relapse. At a willingness-to-pay threshold of 85,700 yuan (based on GDP per capita) per QALY, the probability of TILs being cost-effective was almost 100%. CONCLUSIONS The application of biomarkers (TILs) to guide decisions for chemotherapy de-escalation is a cost-effective strategy for early-stage TNBC patients and deserves to be widely promoted in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Li
- Department of Pharmacy Administration, School of Business AdministrationShenyang Pharmaceutical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Yuhan Liu
- Shanghai Health Development Research Centre (Shanghai Medical Information Centre)ShanghaiChina
| | - Peigen Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration, School of Business AdministrationShenyang Pharmaceutical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Mengmeng Wang
- The Department of CardiologyGeneral Hospital of Northern Theater CommandShenyangChina
| | - Lihua Sun
- Department of Pharmacy Administration, School of Business AdministrationShenyang Pharmaceutical UniversityShenyangChina
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11
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Kotsifaki A, Alevizopoulos N, Dimopoulou V, Armakolas A. Unveiling the Immune Microenvironment's Role in Breast Cancer: A Glimpse into Promising Frontiers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15332. [PMID: 37895012 PMCID: PMC10607694 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC), one of the most widespread and devastating diseases affecting women worldwide, presents a significant public health challenge. This review explores the emerging frontiers of research focused on deciphering the intricate interplay between BC cells and the immune microenvironment. Understanding the role of the immune system in BC is critical as it holds promise for novel therapeutic approaches and precision medicine strategies. This review delves into the current literature regarding the immune microenvironment's contribution to BC initiation, progression, and metastasis. It examines the complex mechanisms by which BC cells interact with various immune cell populations, including tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Furthermore, this review highlights the impact of immune-related factors, such as cytokines and immune checkpoint molecules. Additionally, this comprehensive analysis sheds light on the potential biomarkers associated with the immune response in BC, enabling early diagnosis and prognostic assessment. The therapeutic implications of targeting the immune microenvironment are also explored, encompassing immunotherapeutic strategies and combination therapies to enhance treatment efficacy. The significance of this review lies in its potential to pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions, providing clinicians and researchers with essential knowledge to design targeted and personalized treatment regimens for BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Athanasios Armakolas
- Physiology Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.K.); (N.A.); (V.D.)
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Giffoni de Mello Morais Mata D, Chehade R, Hannouf MB, Raphael J, Blanchette P, Al-Humiqani A, Ray M. Appraisal of Systemic Treatment Strategies in Early HER2-Positive Breast Cancer-A Literature Review. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4336. [PMID: 37686612 PMCID: PMC10486709 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The overexpression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2+) accounts for 15-20% of all breast cancer phenotypes. Even after the completion of the standard combination of chemotherapy and trastuzumab, relapse events occur in approximately 15% of cases. The neoadjuvant approach has multiple benefits that include the potential to downgrade staging and convert previously unresectable tumors to operable tumors. In addition, achieving a pathologic complete response (pCR) following preoperative systemic treatment is prognostic of enhanced survival outcomes. Thus, optimal evaluation among the suitable strategies is crucial in deciding which patients should be selected for the neoadjuvant approach. METHODS A literature search was conducted in the Embase, Medline, and Cochrane electronic libraries. CONCLUSION The evaluation of tumor and LN staging and, hence, stratifying BC recurrence risk are decisive factors in guiding clinicians to optimize treatment decisions between the neoadjuvant versus adjuvant approaches. For each individual case, it is important to consider the most likely postsurgical outcome, since, if the patient does not obtain pCR following neoadjuvant treatment, they are eligible for adjuvant T-DM1 in the case of residual disease. This review of HER2-positive female BC outlines suitable neoadjuvant and adjuvant systemic treatment strategies for guiding clinical decision making around the selection of an appropriate therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Giffoni de Mello Morais Mata
- Division of Medical Oncology, London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada; (J.R.); (P.B.)
| | - Rania Chehade
- Division of Medical Oncology, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada; (R.C.); (A.A.-H.)
| | - Malek B. Hannouf
- Department of Internal Medicine, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada;
| | - Jacques Raphael
- Division of Medical Oncology, London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada; (J.R.); (P.B.)
| | - Phillip Blanchette
- Division of Medical Oncology, London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada; (J.R.); (P.B.)
| | - Abdullah Al-Humiqani
- Division of Medical Oncology, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada; (R.C.); (A.A.-H.)
| | - Monali Ray
- Division of Medical Oncology, Markham Stouffville Hospital, Markham, ON L3P 7P3, Canada;
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