Management of small HER2-positive breast cancers

Prediction of disease-free survival using strain elastography and diffuse optical tomography in patients with T1 breast cancer: a 10-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Early-stage breast cancer (BC) presents a certain risk of recurrence, leading to variable prognoses and complicating individualized management. Yet, preoperative noninvasive tools for accurate prediction of disease-free survival (DFS) are lacking. This study assessed the potential of strain elastography (SE) and diffuse optical tomography (DOT) for non-invasive preoperative prediction of recurrence in T1 BC and developed a prediction model for estimating the probability of DFS.

METHODS

A total of 565 eligible patients with T1 invasive BC were enrolled prospectively and followed to investigate the recurrence. The associations between imaging features and DFS were evaluated and a best-prediction model for DFS was developed and validated.

RESULTS

During the median follow-up period of 10.8 years, 77 patients (13.6%) developed recurrences. The fully adjusted Cox proportional hazards model showed a significant trend between an increasing strain ratio (SR) (P < 0.001 for trend) and the total hemoglobin concentration (TTHC) (P = 0.001 for trend) and DFS. In the subgroup analysis, an intensified association between SR and DFS was observed among women who were progesterone receptor (PR)-positive, lower Ki-67 expression, HER2 negative, and without adjuvant chemotherapy and without Herceptin treatment (all P < 0.05 for interaction). Significant interactions between TTHC status and the lymphovascular invasion, estrogen receptor (ER) status, PR status, HER2 status, and Herceptin treatment were found for DFS(P < 0.05).The imaging-clinical combined model (TTHC + SR + clinicopathological variables) proved to be the best prediction model (AUC = 0.829, 95% CI = 0.786-0.872) and was identified as a potential risk stratification tool to discriminate the risk probability of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

The combined imaging-clinical model we developed outperformed traditional clinical prognostic indicators, providing a non-invasive, reliable tool for preoperative DFS risk stratification and personalized therapeutic strategies in T1 BC. These findings underscore the importance of integrating advanced imaging techniques into clinical practice and offer support for future research to validate and expand on these predictive methodologies.

A Phase I Clinical Study Comparing the Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Immunogenicity of GB221 Injection and Trastuzumab (Herceptin®) in Healthy Chinese Adults

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

GB221 is a recombinant humanized anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic, safety, and immunogenicity of GB221 in healthy Chinese adults in comparison to trastuzumab (Herceptin®).

METHODS

In this randomized, double-blind, parallel-group phase I clinical trial, 88 subjects were randomized 1:1 to receive a single intravenous infusion (90-100 min) of GB221 or trastuzumab (6 mg/kg). The primary pharmacokinetic parameters-maximum observed serum concentration (Cmax), area under the serum concentration-time curve from zero to the last quantifiable concentration at time t (AUC0-t), and area under the serum concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity (AUC0-∞)-of GB221 and trastuzumab were compared to establish whether the 90% confidence interval (CI) attained the 80-125% bioequivalence standard. Safety and immunogenicity were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The GB221 group (n = 43) and the trastuzumab group (n = 44) showed similar pharmacokinetic characteristics. The geometric mean ratios (90% CI) of Cmax, AUC0-t, and AUC0-∞ between the two groups were 107.53% (102.25-113.07%), 108.31% (103.57-113.26%), and 108.34% (103.57-113.33%), respectively. The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) was 83.7% (36/43) of the subjects in the GB221 group and 95.5% (42/44) of the subjects in the trastuzumab group. No subjects withdrew from the trial due to TEAEs, and there were no occurrences of serious adverse events. All subjects tested negative for antidrug antibodies (ADA).

CONCLUSION

GB221 demonstrated similar pharmacokinetics to trastuzumab and comparable safety and immunogenicity in healthy Chinese adults.

HER2 low expression breast cancer subtyping and their correlation with prognosis and immune landscape based on the histone modification related genes

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) plays an important role in diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer (BRCA). The histone modification has been found to be related to the progression of cancer. This study aimed to probe the low HER2 expression BRCA heterogeneity by histone modification genes. The BRCA data and cell lines were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis and non-negative matrix factorization clustering were jointly applied to obtain BRCA clusters. The expression of hub histone modification gene was detected using western blot assay. The gene ontology term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed to reveal functional information. The overall survival analysis was performed using survival and survminer packages, and the immune landscape was mainly analyzed using CIBERSORT software. Totally 43 histone modification genes correlated with survival of BRCA patients with HER2 low expression were screened. Based on these 43 histone modification genes, the BRCA samples were classified into cluster1, cluster2 and cluster3. Histone modification gene NFKBIZ exhibited high expression, while RAD51 demonstrated low expression in low HER2 expression BRCA cell. Cluster1 exhibited the best prognosis, while cluster3 had the worse outcomes. Tumor mutational burden (TMB) was remarkably increased in cluster3 group compared to cluster1 and cluster2. Moreover, the relative proportion of 16 immune cell infiltration and 8 immune checkpoint expression were remarkably differential among cluster1, cluster2 and cluster3, and the drug sensitivity exhibited difference among cluster1, cluster2 and cluster3 in BRCA patients with low HER2 expression. This study identified three HER2 low expression BRCA clusters with different characteristics based on histone modification genes. The TMB, immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoints and drug sensitivity were different among the three clusters.

Trastuzumab biosimilar HLX02 versus reference trastuzumab in patients with recurrent or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer: a model-based economic evaluation for China

BACKGROUND

HLX02 is a newly marketed trastuzumab biosimilar in China, but whether its price reflects a potential benefit in terms of its value remains unclear. In addition, the development of biosimilars in China is just beginning, and the state encourages health economic evaluation of newly marketed biosimilars.

METHODS

Based on the previously published randomized controlled trial data, a Markov model was used to perform health economic evaluation of HLX02 and trastuzumab in the treatment of HER2-positive recurrent or metastatic breast cancer, calculate quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), and evaluate the robustness of the model with sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

The model results showed that the 5-year mortality rate was 84.4% in the HLX02 group, while the mortality rate was 91.2% in the trastuzumab group. When without accounting for the cost of second-line treatment, patients treated with HLX02 had an increased life expectancy of 0.138 QALYs and a $421.11 lower cost compared with patients in the trastuzumab group, with an ICER value of -$3,051.52/QALY.

CONCLUSIONS

At the willingness-to-pay threshold of $37,653/QALY in China, HLX02 is more cost-effective than trastuzumab. However, the relevant systems for the regulation of biosimilars still need to be improved.

Studying the Anticancer Effects of Thymoquinone on Breast Cancer Cells through Natural Killer Cell Activity

Cancer immunotherapy is quickly growing and can now be viewed as the “fifth column” of cancer treatment. In addition, cancer immunotherapy has shown promising results with different kinds of cancers and may be used as a complementary therapy with various types of treatments. Thus, “immuno-oncology” is showing astounding advantages. However, one of the main challenges that face this type of therapy is that cancer cells can evade immune system elimination through different mechanisms. Many studies were done to overcome this issue including adding immune stimulants to generate synergistic effects or by genetically modifying NK cells themselves to be stronger and more resistant. Nigella sativa, also known as black cumin, is a well-known example of a widely applicable herbal medicine. It can effectively treat a variety of diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, bronchitis, gastrointestinal upset, and cancer. The anticancer qualities of Nigella sativa appear to be mediated by an immune-modulatory effect that stimulates human natural killer (NK) cells. These are a type of lymphocyte and first line of defense against pathogens. Objectives. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of thymoquinone, a major component of Nigella sativa, on the cytotoxic pathways of NK cells. Methods. NK cells were cultured with breast cancer cell line Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7); and were treated with Thymoquinone. The cytotoxicity of NK cells on cancer cells was measured. The cultured media were then collected and measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for concentrations of perforin, granzyme B and interferon-α (IFN-α). Results. The cytotoxic effect of NK cells on tumor cells was increased in the presence of thymoquinone, with an increased release of perforin, granzyme B, and IFN-α. Conclusion. Thymoquinone promotes the cytotoxic activity of NK cells against breast cancer MCF-7 cells.

Efficacy, Safety, and Immunogenicity of HLX02 Compared with Reference Trastuzumab in Patients with Recurrent or Metastatic HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: A Randomized Phase III Equivalence Trial

BACKGROUND

HLX02 is an approved biosimilar of trastuzumab.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluated the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of HLX02 compared with reference trastuzumab in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive recurrent or metastatic breast cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This randomized, double-blind, phase III study was conducted at 89 centers in China, the Philippines, Poland, and Ukraine. Eligible patients were randomized (1:1) to receive HLX02 or European Union (EU)-sourced trastuzumab (initial dose of 8 mg/kg, followed by 6 mg/kg every 3 weeks for up to 12 months) in combination with docetaxel intravenously. The primary endpoint was overall response rate up to week 24 (ORR₂₄). Equivalence was declared if the 95% confidence interval (CI) of difference was within ± 13.5%. Safety and immunogenicity were evaluated in patients who received at least one dose of study medication.

RESULTS

Between 11 November 2016 and 10 July 2019, a total of 649 patients were enrolled. The ORR₂₄ was 71.3 and 71.4% in the HLX02 (n = 324) and EU-trastuzumab (n = 325) groups, with a difference of - 0.1% (95% CI - 7 to 6.9), which fell entirely in the predefined equivalence margins. No statistically significant differences were observed in all secondary efficacy analyses. Safety profiles and immunogenicity were comparable in HLX02 and EU-trastuzumab groups. In total, 98.8% of patients in each group experienced at least one treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE), 23.8 and 24.9% experienced serious TEAEs, and 0.6% in each group had antidrug antibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with HER2-positive recurrent or metastatic breast cancer, HLX02 demonstrated equivalent efficacy and similar safety and immunogenicity to reference trastuzumab.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinadrugtrials.org CTR20160526 (12 September 2016), ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03084237 (20 March 2017), EudraCT 2016-000206-10 (27 April 2017).

Clinicopathological Features of Breast Cancer with Polysomy 17 and Its Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Objective

The interpretation of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) results may be challenging in tumors with polysomy 17, which is defined as increased signals of chromosome enumeration probe 17 (CEP17). The effect of polysomy 17 on HER2 protein expression and tumor treatment response has not been established. In this retrospective study, we investigated the clinicopathological features of breast cancer with polysomy 17 and determined the tumors' response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT).

Materials and Methods

The study included 366 patients with primary breast cancer whose tumors had a CEP17 count of ≥ three/nucleus based on HER2 FISH studies. These cases were categorized according to HER2/CEP17 ratio and HER2 signals/nucleus using the American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists (ASCO/CAP) guidelines. We compared the clinicopathological characteristics and tumor response to NACT among different groups.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference in patients' age at diagnosis, tumor pathological grade, estrogen and progesterone receptor status, and NACT response among different HER2 FISH groups. Polysomy 17 tumors in group 1 had a higher rate of response (pathological complete response and residual cancer burden class I) to NACT containing anti-HER2 reagent than did those in other groups (p = 0.004), whereas polysomy 17 tumors in group 3 did not show a significant response to anti-HER2 treatment.

Conclusion

Polysomy 17 tumors in different HER2 FISH groups have different pathological features and respond to NACT differently. These results may help us identify patients who will benefit from anti-HER2 therapy.

Prognostic Model and Nomogram for Estimating Survival of Small Breast Cancer: A SEER-based Analysis

BACKGROUND

Different clinicopathologic characteristics could contribute to inconsistent prognoses of small breast neoplasms (T1a/T1b). This study was done to conduct a retrospective analysis and establish a clinical prediction model to predict individual survival outcomes of patients with small carcinomas of the breast.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, eligible patients with small breast carcinomas were analyzed. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were performed to clarify the indicators of overall survival. Pooling risk factors enabled nomograms to be constructed and further predicted 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year survival of patients with small breast cancer. The model was internally validated for discrimination and calibration.

RESULTS

A total of 17,543 patients with small breast neoplasms diagnosed between 2013 and 2016 were enrolled. Histologic grade, lymph node stage, estrogen receptor or progesterone receptor status, and molecular subtypes of breast cancer were regarded as the risk factors of prognosis in a Cox proportional hazards model (P < .05). A nomogram was constructed to give predictive accuracy toward individual survival rate of patients with small breast neoplasms.

CONCLUSIONS

This prognostic model provided a robust and effective method to predict the prognosis of patients with small breast cancer.

Prognostic and predictive value of the combination of TOP2A and HER2 in node-negative tumors 2 cm or smaller (T1N0) breast cancer

BACKGROUND

We aim to evaluate the prognostic and predictive value of TOP2A and HER2 expression in T1N0 breast cancer patients.

METHODS

299 cases with T1N0 breast cancer were obtained from the Oncomine database (Cohort 1) and 963 of T1N0 breast cancer patients from Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital (Cohort 2) were retrospectively enrolled. Kaplan-Meier product was applied to estimate survival curve. Cox proportional hazard models was used to identify prognostic factors. We used PSM (propensity score matching) to balance clinicopathologic characteristics among four groups of different HER2/TOP2A status. Survival between groups and chemotherapy regimens were analyzed, before and after PSM.

RESULTS

In Cohort 1, we found that the group with HER2+ and higher expression of TOP2A mRNA was associated with poor breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) compared to the group of HER2- with lower expression of TOP2A mRNA. In Cohort 2, HER2+ patients with higher TOP2A protein expression had greater risk of recurrence and distant recurrence compared to HER2- patients with lower expression of TOP2A protein. Among the patients who developed both HER2+ and higher expression of TOP2A protein and received chemotherapy, patients who received an anthracycline-based regimen had a significantly better recurrence-free survival (RFS) than those with a non-anthracycline-based regime.

CONCLUSION

Patients with both HER2+ and high expression level of TOP2A protein predicts poor prognosis in T1N0 breast cancer patients. Patients with double positive for TOP2A protein and HER2 may benefit from anthracycline-based regimens.

Trastuzumab-Related Cardiotoxicity and Cardiac Care in Patients With HER2 Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer

Prolonged trastuzumab therapy is the standard of care for women with metastatic HER2 positive (HER2+) breast cancer. There are limited data on the incidence of cardiotoxicity, its treatment implication, and cardiac care in these patients. We retrospectively identified consecutive women who received >12 months of trastuzumab treatment at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (Toronto, ON) from 2007 to 2012 for metastatic HER2 positive breast cancer and followed them until death or August 2018. Patients were included if a pretherapy multigated acquisition scan and ≥2 subsequent follow-up scans were available. The Cardiac Review and Evaluation Committee Criteria were used to identify cardiotoxicity. Baseline characteristics and outcomes (final left ventricular ejection fraction, change in LVEF, trastuzumab interruption) were compared in patients with and without cardiotoxicity. Cardiac care and treatment received were recorded. Sixty patients (mean age 52 ± 10.4 years) were included. The median trastuzumab exposure was 37 cycles (interquartile range 23 to 56) over 28 months (interquartile range 19 to 49) and 48% received previous anthracycline therapy. The cumulative incidence of cardiotoxicity was 35% (95% CI 23 to 48) at 3 years. Patients who developed cardiotoxicity were more likely to receive third-line cancer treatments and had lower final LVEF than patients without (54.9% ± 6.3% vs 64% ± 4.9%, p <0.001). Of the 23 patients with cardiotoxicity, 10 (43%) had trastuzumab interrupted for at least 1 cycle, only 7 (30%) patients were seen by a cardiologist and 4 (17%) received cardiac medications. In conclusion, patients with metastatic breast cancer receiving prolonged trastuzumab therapy appear to have high rates of cardiotoxicity. This was associated with high rates of trastuzumab interruption, but low rates of cardiology referral and cardiac treatment, reflecting a potential cardiac care gap.

Recent advances and optimal management of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2-positive early-stage breast cancer

With the introduction of anthracycline-based regimens, 5-year survival rates have significantly improved in patients with early-stage breast cancer. With the addition of trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2), improvements in overall survival have been observed among patients with advanced HER2-positive disease. Subsequently, lapatinib, an orally bioavailable small molecule dual HER2- and EGFR/HER1-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor, received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in combination with capecitabine for patients with advanced HER2+ breast cancer. Then, pertuzumab in 2012 and ado-trastuzumab emtansine in 2013 were approved in the US and elsewhere based on evidence showing an improvement in survival outcomes in patients with mostly trastuzumab naïve or trastuzumab-exposed metastatic disease. The FDA also approved 1 year of extended adjuvant neratinib after chemotherapy and a year of trastuzumab for HER2-positive breast cancer on the basis of the ExteNET trial. The clinical benefit demonstrated by those drugs in advanced disease has triggered several adjuvant and neoadjuvant trials testing them in combination with chemotherapy, but also without conventional chemotherapy, using single or dual HER2-targeting drugs. In this article, we review the current data on the therapeutic management of HER2-positive early-stage breast cancer in the adjuvant and neoadjuvant setting. We also review the data the efficacy and safety of anthracycline-based and nonanthracycline-based adjuvant chemotherapy regimens combined with trastuzumab, and optimum chemotherapy regimens in small HER2-positive tumors.

Effect of younger age on survival outcomes in T1N0M0 breast cancer: A propensity score matching analysis

PURPOSE

We evaluated the effect of younger age on recurrence risk in Chinese women diagnosed with T1N0M0 breast cancer (BC), using propensity score matching (PSM) analysis.

METHODS

We included 365 women who were diagnosed with T1N0M0 BC between 2003 and 2016, and who received surgery at our center. They were classified as younger (≤40 years) and older (>40 years). We used PSM to balance clinicopathologic characteristics between the two age groups. Survival was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method, before and after PSM.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up period of 79 months, 54 patients developed recurrences. Before PSM, younger patients had worse recurrence-free survival (RFS) than older patients. Significantly worse RFS was seen in younger patients with HER2⁺ BC compared with their older counterparts. Younger patients had higher rates of locoregional recurrence rather than metastasis, especially in the first 5 years after diagnosis. After PSM, the two age groups still significantly differed in 5-year RFS.

CONCLUSION

Among PSM pairs with T1N0M0 BC, with equal baselines and treatment conditions, we found that patients who presented at younger ages had worse outcomes, independently of other pathological features. Younger patients with BC may require more individualized therapy to improve their prognosis.

Prognostic impact of interval breast cancer detection in women with pT1a N0M0 breast cancer with HER2-positive status: Results from a multicentre population-based cancer registry study

BACKGROUND

Although human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression is associated with poor prognosis, patients (pts) with pT1a N0M0 breast cancers (BCs) have an excellent outcome across all subtypes. Interval cancers (ICs) have poorer survival than screen-detected (SD) tumours, and an association has been reported between ICs and HER2 overexpression. We aimed to determine, in a general population of pT1a N0M0 BCs with known screening status, whether HER2-positive ICs have a poorer outcome than HER2-positive SD cancers.

METHODS

We evaluated all incident pT1a N0M0 BCs (n = 874) collected in the Emilia-Romagna region (Italy) from 2003 to 2009 and diagnosed in women aged 50-69. Pts unexposed to screening, with unknown HER2 status and/or treated with adjuvant trastuzumab were excluded from analysis.

RESULTS

Sixty-one percent of the BCs were SD, whereas 19% were ICs. BCs with high histologic grade, hormone receptor-negative or HER2-positive status (odds ratio=1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-2.7) were more likely ICs. Median follow-up was 115 months. The 10-year invasive disease-free survival (iDFS) for HER2-positive ICs was lower than that for HER2-positive SD cancers: 75.0% (95% CI: 55.5%-94.5%) versus 93.8% (95% CI: 86.5%-100%). An interaction between ICs and HER2-positive status was found for poorer iDFS after adjusting for prognostic variables (HR = 5.3; 95% CI: 1.6-16.7).

CONCLUSIONS

IC detection may identify pts with HER2-positive pT1a N0M0 tumours in whom the rate of recurrence justifies consideration for conventional, anti-HER2, adjuvant treatment.

NanoString nCounter® Approach in Breast Cancer: A Comparative Analysis with Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction, In Situ Hybridization, and Immunohistochemistry

Purpose

Accurate testing for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is essential for breast cancer treatment. At present, immunohistochemistry (IHC)/florescence in situ hybridization (FISH) are widely accepted as the standard testing methods. To investigate the value of NanoString nCounter®, we performed its comparative analysis with IHC/FISH and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for the assessment of ER, PR, and HER2.

Methods

Data on IHC/FISH results for ER, PR, and HER2 in 240 patients from a single tertiary hospital in Korea were collected and compared with NanoString nCounter® and qRT-PCR results at a single institution.

Results

Expression levels for each gene using NanoString nCounter® showed good correlation with the corresponding data for protein expression by IHC (p<0.001) and gene amplification status for HER2 (p<0.001). Comparisons between gene expression and IHC data showed good overall agreement with a high area under the curve (AUC) for ESR1/ER (AUC=0.939), PgR/PR (AUC=0.796), and HER2/HER2 (AUC=0.989) (p<0.001).

Conclusion

The quantification of ER, PgR, and HER2 mRNA expression with NanoString nCounter® may be a viable alternative to conventional IHC/FISH methods.

Trastuzumab in Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Positive Early Breast Cancer: Results of a Prospective, Noninterventional Study on Routine Treatment Between 2006 and 2012 in Germany

PURPOSE

Trastuzumab is part of the standard treatment in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive early breast cancer in addition to (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy. This German prospective noninterventional study, which included major patient cohorts underrepresented in the pivotal randomized studies, examined the generalizability of the results of those studies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 2006 and 2012, 4,027 patients were enrolled and treated with trastuzumab; they were unselected regarding age or concomitant/sequential adjuvant chemotherapy. Long-term outcome data were obtained in yearly intervals. All analyses were descriptive in nature.

RESULTS

Among 3,940 evaluable patients, 26% were elderly (older than 65 years of age). More than half of the population had pN0 tumor stage. Ninety-four percent received chemotherapy: 78% as adjuvant treatment and 14% as neoadjuvant treatment, 2% both. Anthracyclines were administered in 87% and taxanes in 66%. Trastuzumab was stopped prematurely in 9% (because of cardiotoxicity in 3.5%). Recurrence-free survival was 90.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 88.9%-91.1%) and 82.8% (95% CI, 81.2%-84.4%) after 3 and 5 years, respectively. The corresponding figures for overall survival were 96.8% (95% CI, 96.1%-97.6%) and 90.0% (95% CI, 88.6%-91.4%). Pathological primary tumor size, lymph node involvement, and hormone receptor status had the greatest independent effect on recurrence risk. Cardiac function toxicity of National Cancer Institute common toxicity criteria grade ≥2 and ≥3 was observed in 2.5% and less than 1% of patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The maturing follow-up data seem to confirm the beneficial results of trastuzumab treatment for early breast cancer from the randomized studies. Moreover, these findings support use of trastuzumab-based therapy in patients groups less commonly included in the phase III trials (e.g., elderly patients and those with stage I disease). The Oncologist 2017;22:131-138Implications for Practice: On the basis of the results of large pivotal phase III studies, the inclusion of trastuzumab in adjuvant treatment regimens for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive breast cancer is standard of care. However, in these trials, elderly patients, those with comorbidities, and/or those with contraindications or refusal of cytotoxic chemotherapy are typically underrepresented. This study provides data on observed treatment options, outcomes, and risks in a wider, unselected patient population (including more than 1,000 patients with stage I disease), treated routinely in several institutions of varying size and location across Germany.

Clinical significance of high expression of circulating serum lncRNA RP11-445H22.4 in breast cancer patients: a Chinese population-based study

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been gradually confirmed to be tumor-associated biological molecules and became interesting new diagnostic targets of cancer. However, the clinical significances of most cancer-related lncRNAs are largely unknown. Here, we evaluated, for the first time, the feasibility and clinical significances of circulating serum lncRNA RP11-445H22.4 as biomarker for the detection of breast cancer (BC). In this study, the relative concentrations of breast cancer-associated lncRNA RP11-445H22.4 were investigated in a total of 136 serum samples by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The correlations between the levels of serum lncRNA RP11-445H22.4 in breast cancer patients and the clinicopathological factors of these patients were further analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to evaluate the diagnostic values. In breast cancer patients, the expression level of lncRNA RP11-445H22.4 is significantly increased (p < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of RP11-445H22.4 for BC were 92 and 74 %, respectively. Its expression levels were correlated with estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and menopausal status of the breast cancer patients (p < 0.05). For the detection of breast cancer, the use of RP11-445H22.4 showed a remarkable improvement compared with the clinical serum carcinoembryonic antigen. In conclusions, lncRNA RP11-445H22.4 may be a new potential biomarker of breast cancer.

HER2 assessment by silver in situ hybridization: where are we now?

HER2 testing in breast and gastric cancer is critical not only as a prognostic tool but also as a predictive marker for response to the humanized monoclonal antibody trastuzumab. Currently, HER2 status is assessed on histological and cytological specimens by conventional validated methods such as immunohistochemistry and FISH, while bright-field in situ hybridization techniques, such as silver in situ hybridization and chromogenic in situ hybridization, may offer performance benefits over FISH. The major points are first, technical issues, advantages and disadvantages relevant to each methods, and their clinical implications and second, the well-known genetic heterogeneity of HER2, and the occurrence of polysomy of chromosome 17. This review aims to summarize the growing body of literature on the accuracy of bright-field in situ techniques, notably silver in situ hybridization, in assessing HER2 status, and to discuss the role of such methods in pathology practice.

Endocrine sensitivity is decisive for patient outcome in small node-negative breast cancers (BC) (pT1a,b) - results from the Munich Cancer Registry

PURPOSE

In clinical routine, adjuvant systemic therapy in small node-negative (N0) BC is controversial, in particular in HER2-positive disease. We aimed to evaluate outcome of consecutive patients with small N0 BC in a population-based cancer registry and thus consequently substantiate indications for chemotherapy in those patient subgroups at increased relapse risk or poor survival.

METHODS

From 2002 to 2009 (median follow-up 6 years), 9707 primary breast cancer patients with N0 tumors <2 cm (pTis, pT1N0M0) were reported to the Munich Cancer Registry. Patients with pTis tumors (n = 1870) served as internal comparator. Time to progression, observed (OS) and relative survival rates (Kaplan-Meier estimates) are presented. Cox regression analysis was used to assess the influence of tumor size, age, HR-, and HER2-status.

RESULTS

10-year-OS for pTis was 94.0%. In HR-positive tumors it was 91.9% in pT1a, 90.6% in pT1b, and 86.8% in pT1c. In HR-negative tumors, rates were 91.7%, 86.8%, and 86.8%, respectively. In HER2-positive tumors it was 81.2%, 88.1%, and 86.7%, in HER2-negative 93.1%, 90.6%, and 86.0%, respectively. In the multivariate model, age, tumor size, and HR-status showed a significant impact on OS (HRneg. vs. HRpos.: hazard ratio 1.50 (95% CI; 1.12-1.99), while HER2-status was not an independent prognostic factor.

CONCLUSION

Prognosis of N0 tumors <1 cm is excellent, especially if they are HR-positive, even in HER2-positive cases. Weighing potential benefits vs. side-effects, there seems to be no need for chemotherapy in tumors <0.5 cm. In pT1b chemotherapy may be considered, if tumors are triple negative or HER2-positive and HR-negative. In pT1c guideline-based adjuvant therapy using all therapeutic options seems to be warranted.

HER2-positive breast cancer patients: correlation between mammographic and pathological findings

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancers represent a highly aggressive breast cancer subtype and are associated with a worse prognosis. This study was designed to investigate the mammography finding of HER2-positive breast cancer and to compare the results with the characteristics of HER2-negative breast cancer patients. From January 2010 to October 2011, mammography findings of 65 patients with pathologically confirmed HER2-positive breast cancers (n = 22) or HER2-negative breast cancers (n = 43) were retrospectively reviewed. The authors also reviewed pathological reports for information on the histological type and differentiation grade. Among the two types of breast cancer patients, estrogen receptor-negative/PR-negative/HER2-positive breast cancer patients most commonly had associated calcifications (18 of 22) on mammography. On mammography, cases with a cluster of calcifications usually were presented as pleomorphic calcifications (12 of 20) and branching calcifications (4 of 20). Patients with HER2-positive breast cancers showed a histological grade II. HER2-positive breast cancer patients usually had ductal invasive carcinoma (17 of 22). Moreover, postmenopausal patients showed a significantly higher frequency of HER2-positive tumours. Our results suggest that the imaging findings might be useful in diagnosing HER2-positive breast cancer patients.

Important Factors Affecting Adjuvant Treatment Decision in Stage IA Breast Cancer Patients in Turkey

INTRODUCTION

In Turkey, the gene expression profile test is not standard, so adjuvant treatment is planned according to clinicopathological factors. Therefore, we retrospectively analyzed important parameters that affect the decision on adjuvant chemotherapy, and also factors related to survival in stage IA breast cancer patients in Turkey.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 347 stage IA patients. The relationship between the clinicopathological parameters and adjuvant chemotherapy was analyzed.

RESULTS

The median age and follow-up time were 52 years (range: 25-86) and 22.6 months (range: 1-113), respectively. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 87.9% and 98.7%, respectively, but the median DFS was not reached. Age, estrogen receptor (ER) status, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status, and the presence of triple-negative breast tumor (TNBC) were related to DFS, and lymphovascular invasion (LVI), perineural invasion (PNI), HER2 status, the presence of TNBC, and recurrence were related to OS (p > 0.05). Furthermore, age, menopausal status, multicentricity, grade, tumor size, necrosis, ER, the presence of TNBC, and HER2 were found to be related to adjuvant therapy decision (p > 0.05). All these parameters, in addition to LVI and PNI, were independent factors for chemotherapy by logistic regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

In decisions about adjuvant therapy in stage IA breast cancer patients, clinicopathological factors should be kept in mind.

Treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer

The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 gene (HER2) is overexpressed and/or amplified in ~15% of breast cancer patients and was identified a quarter century ago as a marker of poor prognosis. By 1998, antibody therapy targeting the HER2 pathway was shown to demonstrably improve progression-free and overall survival in metastatic disease, and in 2005 evidence of improvement in disease-free and overall survival from the first generation of trastuzumab adjuvant trials became available. However, not all patients with HER2 overexpression benefit from trastuzumab. Second-generation studies in metastatic disease led to the approval of several new HER2-targeted therapies using small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as lapatinib, new HER2/HER3 antibodies such as pertuzumab, and the new antibody chemotherapy conjugate ado-trastuzumab emtansine. These successes supported the launch of second-generation adjuvant trials testing single and dual HER2-targeted agents, administered concomitantly or sequentially with chemotherapy that will soon complete accrual. HER2-positive breast cancer in the setting of HER2-targeted therapy is no longer associated with poor prognosis, and recent guidance by the US Food and Drug Administration suggests that pathologic response to HER2-targeted therapy given preoperatively may allow an earlier assessment of their clinical benefit in the adjuvant setting. An adjuvant trial of trastuzumab in patient whose tumors express normal levels of HER2 and trials of single/dual HER2-targeting without chemotherapy are also ongoing. In this article, we review the current data on the therapeutic management of HER2-positive breast cancer.

Characteristics and clinical outcome of T1 breast cancer: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

A subgroup of T1N0M0 breast cancer (BC) carries a high potential of relapse, and thus may require adjuvant systemic therapy (AST).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of all patients with T1 BC, who underwent surgery from January 1999 to December 2009 at 13 French sites. AST was not standardized.

RESULTS

Among 8100 women operated, 5423 had T1 tumors (708 T1a, 2208 T1b and 2508 T1c 11-15 mm). T1a differed significantly from T1b tumors with respect to several parameters (lower age, more frequent negative hormonal status and positive HER2 status, less frequent lymphovascular invasion), exhibiting a mix of favorable and poor prognosis factors. Overall survival was not different between T1a, b or c tumors but recurrence-free survival was significantly higher in T1b than in T1a tumors (P = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, tumor grade, hormone therapy and lymphovascular invasion were independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSION

Relatively poor outcome of patients with T1a tumors might be explained by a high frequency of risk factors in this subgroup (frequent negative hormone receptors and HER2 overexpression) and by a less frequent administration of AST (endocrine treatment and chemotherapy). Tumor size might not be the main determinant of prognosis in T1 BC.

A generalized health economic and outcomes research model for the evaluation of companion diagnostics and targeted therapies

AIMS

To present a generalized model to evaluate health and economic outcomes of targeted drug therapies and associated companion diagnostic tests with two applications.

METHOD

An analytical model and derivatives applied to a nonlinear equation representing the costs and benefits of targeted therapy and associated companion diagnostics is developed. Economic analysis is then applied to a breast and colorectal cancer application with a multiparameter sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

The generalized model readily facilitates trade-off analysis between, for example, alternative diagnostic test strategy cost and performance, and accounts for alternative therapy costs and benefits. Example applications demonstrate test performance and therapy costs and benefits are generally more critical parameters relative to diagnostic test cost.

CONCLUSION

While obtaining accurate data on therapy cost and benefits, test performance remains a key challenge in these analyses, the model presents key trade-offs and priorities for research to obtain more accurate clinical and economic information.

HER2 in situ hybridization in breast cancer: clinical implications of polysomy 17 and genetic heterogeneity

Trastuzumab-containing therapy is a standard of care for patients with HER2+ breast cancer. HER2 status is routinely assigned using in situ hybridization to assess HER2 gene amplification, but interpretation of in situ hybridization results may be challenging in tumors with chromosome 17 polysomy or intratumoral genetic heterogeneity. Apparent chromosome 17 polysomy, defined by increased chromosome enumeration probe 17 (CEP17) signal number, is a common genetic aberration in breast cancer and represents an alternative mechanism for increasing HER2 copy number. Some studies have linked elevated CEP17 count ('polysomy') with adverse clinicopathologic features and HER2 overexpression, although there are numerous discrepancies in the literature. There is evidence that elevated CEP17 ('polysomy') count might account for trastuzumab response in tumors with normal HER2:CEP17 ratios. Nonetheless, recent studies establish that apparent 'polysomy' (CEP17 increase) is usually related to focal pericentromeric gains rather than true polysomy. Assigning HER2 status may also be complex where multiple cell subclones with distinct HER2 amplification characteristics coexist within the same tumor. Such genetic heterogeneity affects up to 40% of breast cancers when assessed according to a College of American Pathologists guideline, although other definitions have been proposed. Recent data have associated heterogeneity with unfavorable clinicopathologic variables and poor prognosis. Genetically heterogeneous tumors harboring HER2-amplified subclones have the potential to benefit from trastuzumab, but this has yet to be evaluated in clinical studies. In this review, we discuss the implications of apparent polysomy 17 and genetic heterogeneity for assigning HER2 status in clinical practice. Among our recommendations, we support the use of mean HER2 copy number rather than HER2:CEP17 ratio to define HER2 positivity in cases where coamplification of the centromere might mask HER2 amplification. We also highlight a need to harmonize in situ hybridization scoring methodology to support accurate HER2 status determination, particularly where there is evidence of heterogeneity.

Prognostic role of hormone receptors in ovarian cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to summarize the global predicting role of hormone receptors for survival in ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Eligible studies were identified and assessed for quality through multiple search strategies. Data were collected from studies comparing overall or progression-free/disease-free/relapse-free survival in patients with elevated levels of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) with those in patients with lower levels. Studies were pooled, and combined hazards ratios (HRs) of ER, PR, and HER2 for survival were calculated, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 35 studies were included for meta-analysis (23 for ER, 19 for PR, and 8 for HER2). For overall survival, the pooled HR of PR reached 0.88 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.82-0.95], which means that elevated PR level could significantly indicate better survival. In contrast, elevated levels of HER2 could predict worse outcome with an HR of 1.41 (95% CI, 1.05-1.89). Increased level of ER was not significantly prognostic (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.87-1.01). For progression-free survival/disease-free survival/recurrence-free survival, elevated PR level also had predictive value for better outcome with a pooled HR of PR of 0.80 (95% CI, 0.67-0.95). Oppositely, elevated HER2 level could predict poorer outcome with an HR of 1.55 (95% CI, 1.11-2.16). Estrogen receptor failed to predict outcome with an HR of 0.90 (95% CI, 0.78-1.03).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with ovarian cancer, elevated level of PR predicted favorable survival, and elevated level of HER2 was associated with worse survival.

Recurrence risk in small, node-negative, early breast cancer: a multicenter retrospective analysis

PURPOSE

Recurrences and deaths are known to occur, even if less frequently, in small, node-negative breast cancer patients, and decision on adjuvant treatments remains controversial. In the present analysis, we evaluate recurrence risk in patients with pT1 a, b, c, node-negative, breast cancer, accordingly with some prognostic biological factors.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 900 node-negative patients (pT1a, b, c) surgery treated between 2000 and 2009 in four Italian oncologic centers. We defined 3 different cohorts: ER positive (ER+); Her-2 positive (Her-2+); and triple negative (TN).

RESULTS

pT1a was seen in 7.6% of patients, 37.7 % pT1b, 54.8 % pT1c. Concerning the 3 different cohorts, 58.2 % were ER+; 10.8 % were Her-2+; 8.2 % were TN. Overall, chemotherapy was given to 3.0 %, 27.2 %, 69.8 % of pT1a, b, c, respectively, and to 22.7 %, 58.8 %, 68.9 % of ER+, Her-2+, TN subgroups. At a median follow-up of 67 months, 5-year DFS was 96.3 %, 89.2 %, 89.4 % in pT1a, b, c, respectively (100 %, 93.6 %, 89.8 % in ER+; 100 %, 78.7 %, 85.0 % in Her-2+; 100 %, 76.8 %, 85.2 % in TN) (p = ns). At multivariate analysis, histologic grade and Ki-67 resulted independent prognostic factors. Overall, 5-year OS was 98 %, without differences among pT1a, b, c, or among the 3 cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, 5-year DFS was very favorable in this series of small, node-negative breast cancers, but Her-2+ and TN cohorts have a higher recurrence rate than ER+ cohort (p < 0.0001); pT1c, but also pT1b, in Her-2+ and TN subgroups, have a worse outcome, and effective chemotherapy treatment should be considered in these unfavorable subgroups.

89Zr-Radiolabeled Trastuzumab Imaging in Orthotopic and Metastatic Breast Tumors

The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu) is overexpressed in 20-30% of breast cancers and is associated with tumor growth, angiogenesis, and development of distant metastases. Trastuzumab, an anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody, is used for the treatment of HER2 positive breast cancer and clinical efficacy of this agent is dependent on HER2 expression. Targeted PET imaging of HER2 with radiolabeled trastuzumab may be used to determine HER2 expression levels and guide therapy selection. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate a facile 89Zr-trastuzumab preparation method that can be efficiently applied for clinical grade production. Also, relative HER2 expression levels in orthotopic and metastatic breast cancer models were assessed by PET imaging using the 89Zr-trastuzumab produced by this simpler method.

Treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer: current status and future perspectives

The advent of HER2-directed therapies has significantly improved the outlook for patients with HER2-positive early stage breast cancer. However, a significant proportion of these patients still relapse and die of breast cancer. Trials to define, refine and optimize the use of the two approved HER2-targeted agents (trastuzumab and lapatinib) in patients with HER2-positive early stage breast cancer are ongoing. In addition, promising new approaches are being developed including monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting HER2 or other HER family members, antibodies linked to cytotoxic moieties or modified to improve their immunological function, immunostimulatory peptides, and targeting the PI3K and IGF-1R pathways. Improved understanding of the HER2 signaling pathway, its relationship with other signaling pathways and mechanisms of resistance has also led to the development of rational combination therapies and to a greater insight into treatment response in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. Based on promising results with new agents in HER2-positive advanced-stage disease, a series of large trials in the adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings are planned or ongoing. This Review focuses on current treatment for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer and aims to update practicing clinicians on likely future developments in the treatment for this disease according to ongoing clinical trials and translational research.

Effect of HER2 status on risk of recurrence in women with small, node-negative breast tumours

BACKGROUND

Adjuvant trastuzumab for small, node-negative, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk of recurrence in women with pathological tumour node (pTN) T1 N0 tumours.

METHODS

Patients with pT1 N0 breast cancer diagnosed at the National Kyushu Cancer Centre between 2001 and 2007 were reviewed. Patients were categorized according to HER2 status.

RESULTS

Four hundred and fifty-four patients who had pT1 N0 tumours, and had not received adjuvant trastuzumab, were identified. The HER2-negative and -positive groups comprised 376 and 78 patients (17·2 per cent) respectively. At a median follow-up of 46·3 months, there were 18 recurrences.The 5-year relapse-free survival (RFS) rates were 97·2 and 88 per cent in the HER2-negative and -positive groups respectively (P < 0·001). Multivariable analysis identified HER2-positive tumour as an independent predictor of RFS in patients with pT1 N0 tumours (hazard ratio 6·65, 95 per cent confidence interval 2·53 to 17·49; P < 0·001).

CONCLUSION

Women with pT1 N0 HER2-positive breast cancer have a high risk of recurrence.

Exploring the use and impact of adjuvant trastuzumab for HER2-positive breast cancer patients in a large UK cancer network. Do the results of international clinical trials translate into a similar benefit for patients in South East Wales?

Background:

Trastuzumab was approved in the United Kingdom for adjuvant treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)+ breast cancer in 2006 at significant economic cost and with limited evidence in smaller T1N0 tumours. The South East Wales Cancer Network covers a population of 1 420 000 and maintains a database of treatments used. We examined this database to ensure the outcome of Trastuzumab use is as expected, especially in patients with T1N0 cancers.

Ethods:

M Case notes of patients with HER2+ disease eligible for adjuvant Trastuzumab over 2005–2008 were reviewed. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated with the Kaplan–Meier method using SPSS (version 16.0.01 for Windows, SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA).

Results:

A total of 239 of 338 (70.7%) eligible HER2+ patients received treatment. At 3 years, the DFS of the treated group was 90.3% vs 73.3% and the OS was 98.5% vs 87.6%. In all, 47 of 92 stage I patients received Trastuzumab. Despite a trend towards worse prognostic factors in the treated group the DFS was 100% vs 84.1% and the OS was 100% vs 93.3%.

Conclusion:

Our results are comparable to those from landmark Trastuzumab trials. As evidence continues to emerge that smaller HER2+ cancers may behave aggressively our analysis of stage I tumours adds further support to the use of Trastuzumab in these patients.

Role of HER2-Targeted Agents in Adjuvant Treatment for Breast Cancer

Approximately 20% of breast cancers overexpress human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein, mainly as a result of gene amplification. The receptor tyrosine kinase is believed to play a critical role in the pathogenesis and further proliferation of these tumors. The application of trastuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against the extracellular domain of HER2 protein, to HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer has significantly improved treatment outcomes. Following this success, several phase III trials have evaluated the role of trastuzumab in the adjuvant setting, with the result that trastuzumab use is now the standard of care for most HER2-positive early breast cancer patients. In this paper, we review these pivotal phase III trials. We also discuss unresolved issues in adjuvant treatment with trastuzumab, including target patient population, sequential or concurrent use with chemotherapy or radiation, treatment duration, cardiotoxicity, and the possibility of eliminating chemotherapy. Following confirmation of its ability to partially overcome trastuzumab resistance, we also discuss the role of lapatinib in adjuvant use.

Adjuvant trastuzumab reduces locoregional recurrence in women who receive breast-conservation therapy for lymph node-negative, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer have a higher risk of locoregional recurrence (LRR), even in the setting of early stage, lymph node-negative disease. In this sequential, retrospective study, the authors evaluated whether adjuvant trastuzumab was associated with reduced LRR in women with lymph node-negative, HER2-positive disease who received breast-conservation therapy (BCT).

METHODS

By using an institutional database, 197 women were identified who had lymph node-negative, HER2-positive breast cancer measuring ≤5 cm diagnosed between 2002 and 2008 and who received BCT, including whole-breast irradiation. Two cohorts were compared: 70 women who did not receive trastuzumab (the no-trastuzumab cohort) and 102 women who did receive trastuzumab (the trastuzumab cohort). Kaplan-Meier methods were used to estimate LRR-free survival.

RESULTS

The 2 cohorts were similar in age, tumor size, histology, and hormone receptor status. Chemotherapy was received by 73% of the no-trastuzumab cohort and by 100% of the trastuzumab cohort. In both groups, 99% of patients completed radiotherapy with a median dose of 60 Gray. The median recurrence-free follow-up was 86 months for the no-trastuzumab cohort and 47 months for the trastuzumab cohort. The 3-year LRR-free survival rate was 90% (95% confidence interval, 83%-97%) for the no-trastuzumab cohort and 99% (95% confidence interval, 97%-100%) for the trastuzumab cohort. In the no-trastuzumab cohort, LRR occurred in 7 patients (median time to LRR, 14 months). In the trastuzumab cohort, there was 1 LRR at 14 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Even among women with lower risk breast cancer, the relatively high locoregional failure rates associated with positive HER2 status could be reduced markedly with adjuvant trastuzumab chemotherapy. Within 3 years, a 10% LRR rate without trastuzumab and a 1% LRR rate with trastuzumab were observed in women with lymph node-negative disease who received BCT.

The Role of Proteomics in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Women's Cancers: Current Trends in Technology and Future Opportunities

Technological and scientific innovations over the last decade have greatly contributed to improved diagnostics, predictive models, and prognosis among cancers affecting women. In fact, an explosion of information in these areas has almost assured future generations that outcomes in cancer will continue to improve. Herein we discuss the current status of breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers as it relates to screening, disease diagnosis, and treatment options. Among the differences in these cancers, it is striking that breast cancer has multiple predictive tests based upon tumor biomarkers and sophisticated, individualized options for prescription therapeutics while ovarian cancer lacks these tools. In addition, cervical cancer leads the way in innovative, cancer-preventative vaccines and multiple screening options to prevent disease progression. For each of these malignancies, emerging proteomic technologies based upon mass spectrometry, stable isotope labeling with amino acids, high-throughput ELISA, tissue or protein microarray techniques, and click chemistry in the pursuit of activity-based profiling can pioneer the next generation of discovery. We will discuss six of the latest techniques to understand proteomics in cancer and highlight research utilizing these techniques with the goal of improvement in the management of women's cancers.

Antibody-targeted nanoparticles for cancer therapy

In recent years, nanoparticulate-mediated drug delivery research has examined a full spectrum of nanoparticles that can be used in diagnostic and therapeutic cancer applications. A key aspect of this technology is in the potential to specifically target the nanoparticles to diseased cells using a range of molecules, in particular antibodies. Antibody–nanoparticle conjugates have the potential to elicit effective targeting and release of therapeutic targets at the disease site, while minimizing off-target side effects caused by dosing of normal tissues. This article provides an overview of various antibody-conjugated nanoparticle strategies, focusing on the rationale of cell-surface receptors targeted and their potential clinical application.