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Ivanova M, Pescia C, Trapani D, Venetis K, Frascarelli C, Mane E, Cursano G, Sajjadi E, Scatena C, Cerbelli B, d’Amati G, Porta FM, Guerini-Rocco E, Criscitiello C, Curigliano G, Fusco N. Early Breast Cancer Risk Assessment: Integrating Histopathology with Artificial Intelligence. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1981. [PMID: 38893102 PMCID: PMC11171409 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16111981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Effective risk assessment in early breast cancer is essential for informed clinical decision-making, yet consensus on defining risk categories remains challenging. This paper explores evolving approaches in risk stratification, encompassing histopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular biomarkers alongside cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. Leveraging machine learning, deep learning, and convolutional neural networks, AI is reshaping predictive algorithms for recurrence risk, thereby revolutionizing diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning. Beyond detection, AI applications extend to histological subtyping, grading, lymph node assessment, and molecular feature identification, fostering personalized therapy decisions. With rising cancer rates, it is crucial to implement AI to accelerate breakthroughs in clinical practice, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers. However, it is important to recognize that while AI offers powerful automation and analysis tools, it lacks the nuanced understanding, clinical context, and ethical considerations inherent to human pathologists in patient care. Hence, the successful integration of AI into clinical practice demands collaborative efforts between medical experts and computational pathologists to optimize patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariia Ivanova
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (M.I.); (C.P.); (K.V.); (C.F.); (E.M.); (G.C.); (E.S.); (F.M.P.); (E.G.-R.)
| | - Carlo Pescia
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (M.I.); (C.P.); (K.V.); (C.F.); (E.M.); (G.C.); (E.S.); (F.M.P.); (E.G.-R.)
| | - Dario Trapani
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (D.T.); (C.C.); (G.C.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Konstantinos Venetis
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (M.I.); (C.P.); (K.V.); (C.F.); (E.M.); (G.C.); (E.S.); (F.M.P.); (E.G.-R.)
| | - Chiara Frascarelli
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (M.I.); (C.P.); (K.V.); (C.F.); (E.M.); (G.C.); (E.S.); (F.M.P.); (E.G.-R.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Eltjona Mane
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (M.I.); (C.P.); (K.V.); (C.F.); (E.M.); (G.C.); (E.S.); (F.M.P.); (E.G.-R.)
| | - Giulia Cursano
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (M.I.); (C.P.); (K.V.); (C.F.); (E.M.); (G.C.); (E.S.); (F.M.P.); (E.G.-R.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Elham Sajjadi
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (M.I.); (C.P.); (K.V.); (C.F.); (E.M.); (G.C.); (E.S.); (F.M.P.); (E.G.-R.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Cristian Scatena
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Bruna Cerbelli
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giulia d’Amati
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesca Maria Porta
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (M.I.); (C.P.); (K.V.); (C.F.); (E.M.); (G.C.); (E.S.); (F.M.P.); (E.G.-R.)
| | - Elena Guerini-Rocco
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (M.I.); (C.P.); (K.V.); (C.F.); (E.M.); (G.C.); (E.S.); (F.M.P.); (E.G.-R.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Carmen Criscitiello
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (D.T.); (C.C.); (G.C.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (D.T.); (C.C.); (G.C.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Fusco
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (M.I.); (C.P.); (K.V.); (C.F.); (E.M.); (G.C.); (E.S.); (F.M.P.); (E.G.-R.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Tarantino P, Ajari O, Graham N, Vincuilla J, Parker T, Hughes ME, Tayob N, Garrido-Castro AC, Morganti S, King TA, Mittendorf EA, Curigliano G, Lin NU, Tolaney SM. Evolution of HER2 expression between pre-treatment biopsy and residual disease after neoadjuvant therapy for breast cancer. Eur J Cancer 2024; 201:113920. [PMID: 38368741 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2024.113920] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We have previously found that HER2 expression is dynamic, and can change from the primary breast tumor to matched recurrences. With this work, we aimed to assess the dynamics of HER2 during neoadjuvant treatment.(NAT). METHODS We reviewed HER2 expression in pre- and post-treatment samples from consecutive patients with early-stage breast cancer that received NAT and underwent surgery at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center between 01/2016-08/2022. The primary outcome was evolution of HER2 expression from pre- to post-NAT specimens in patients with residual disease. RESULTS Among 1613 patients receiving NAT, 1080 had residual disease at surgery. A total of 319 patients (29.5%) experienced a change in HER2 expression (HER2 0 vs. HER2-low vs. HER2-positive) from the pre-treatment sample to residual disease, with roughly equal distribution between decreased (50.5%) and increased HER2 expression (49.5%). Similar rates of change in HER2 expression were observed with anthracycline-based (31.8%) or taxane/platinum-based regimens (32.4%). Patients with HER2-0 or HER2-low tumors at diagnosis were likelier to experience a change in HER2 expression post-NAT compared to HER2-positive (32.3% vs. 21.3%, p < 0.001). Changes in HER2 expression post-NAT were prognostic among patients with HER2-positive tumors at diagnosis (3-year recurrence-free survival for change vs. no change: 71.6% vs. 89.6%, p = 0.006) but not among those with HER2-negative tumors at diagnosis (3-year recurrence-free survival for change vs. no change: 79.3% vs. 81.1%, p = 0.31). CONCLUSIONS Nearly 30% of patients with early-stage breast cancer showed a change in HER2 expression after NAT. Changes in HER2 expression post-NAT were only prognostic in the setting of HER2-positive tumors becoming HER2-negative at surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Tarantino
- Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Oncology and Hematology-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Ogheneochuko Ajari
- Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Noah Graham
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Data Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julie Vincuilla
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tonia Parker
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Melissa E Hughes
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nabihah Tayob
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Data Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ana C Garrido-Castro
- Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stefania Morganti
- Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Tari A King
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Mittendorf
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Department of Oncology and Hematology-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Nancy U Lin
- Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sara M Tolaney
- Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Bacon ER, Ihle K, Guo W, Egelston CA, Simons DL, Wei C, Tumyan L, Schmolze D, Lee PP, Waisman JR. Tumor heterogeneity and clinically invisible micrometastases in metastatic breast cancer-a call for enhanced surveillance strategies. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:81. [PMID: 38553598 PMCID: PMC10980766 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00572-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The biology of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is understudied, primarily due to the difficulty of procuring multiple samples from patients with oligometastatic breast cancer. We developed a rapid postmortem tissue procurement program that allows the collection and analysis of numerous metastatic lesions, subclinical locations, and potential pre-metastatic niches that fall within this scope. We conducted a rapid postmortem tissue collection study on 9 patients with MBC. Patients and their families consented to donate tissues immediately after death in an IRB-approved study. Various disease subtypes, progression histories, organ involvement, and final causes of death are reported. In patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) disease, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), HER2, and Ki-67 expression were heterogeneous across metastatic lesions within individual patients. Disease phenotype at the end of life trended toward complete loss of HR expression. Nearly all (n = 7) patients exhibited extensive tumor involvement of additional organs that had not been previously diagnosed clinically and were not retrospectively visible on recent imaging. Of these seven individuals, three included organs uncommonly associated with MBC: kidney, spleen, pancreas, and ovary. Finally, we identified clinically undetectable micrometastases in several organs uncommonly involved in MBC. Our findings raise several clinically relevant questions regarding the mechanisms of metastatic progression. Insights from this study argue for better surveillance strategies for monitoring MBC. We highlight the need to capture more accurate biomarker information in the context of heterogeneous disease and urge the consideration of treatment strategies that combine multiple targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza R Bacon
- The Center for Precision Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA.
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA.
| | - Kena Ihle
- The Center for Precision Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Weihua Guo
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Colt A Egelston
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Diana L Simons
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Christina Wei
- Department of Pathology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Lusine Tumyan
- Diagnostic Radiology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Daniel Schmolze
- Department of Pathology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Peter P Lee
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - James R Waisman
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
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Ivanova M, Porta FM, D'Ercole M, Pescia C, Sajjadi E, Cursano G, De Camilli E, Pala O, Mazzarol G, Venetis K, Guerini-Rocco E, Curigliano G, Viale G, Fusco N. Standardized pathology report for HER2 testing in compliance with 2023 ASCO/CAP updates and 2023 ESMO consensus statements on HER2-low breast cancer. Virchows Arch 2024; 484:3-14. [PMID: 37770765 PMCID: PMC10791807 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-023-03656-w] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Since the release of the DESTINY-Breast04 (DB-04) trial findings in June 2022, the field of pathology has seen a renaissance of HER2 as a predictive biomarker in breast cancer. The trial focused on patients with metastatic breast cancer who were classified as "HER2-low," i.e., those with immunohistochemistry (IHC) HER2 1 + or 2 + and negative in situ hybridization (ISH) results. The study revealed that treating these patients with trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) instead of the oncologist's chosen chemotherapy led to outstanding improvements in survival. This has challenged the existing binary HER2 pathological classification system, which categorized tumors as either positive (overexpression/amplification) or negative, as per the ASCO/CAP 2018 guideline reaffirmed by ASCO/CAP 2023 guideline update. Given that DB-04 excluded patients with HER2 IHC score 0 status, the results of the ongoing DB-06 trial may shed further light on the potential benefits of T-DXd therapy for these patients. Roughly half of all breast cancers are estimated to belong to the HER2-low category, which does not represent a distinct or specific subtype of cancer. Instead, it encompasses a diverse group of tumors that exhibit clinical, morphological, immunohistochemical, and molecular variations. However, HER2-low offers a distinctive biomarker status that identifies a specific therapeutic regimen (i.e., T-DXd) linked to a favorable prognosis in breast cancer. This unique association emphasizes the importance of accurately identifying these tumors. Differentiating between a HER2 IHC score 0 and score 1 + has not been clinically significant until now. To ensure accurate classification and avoid misdiagnosis, it is necessary to adopt standardized procedures, guidelines, and specialized training for pathologists in interpreting HER2 expression in the lower spectrum. Additionally, the utilization of artificial intelligence holds promise in supporting this endeavor. Here, we address the current state of the art and unresolved issues in assessing HER2-low status, with a particular emphasis on the score 0. We explore the dilemma surrounding the exclusion of HER2-zero patients from potentially beneficial therapy based on traditional HER2 testing. Additionally, we examine the clinical context, considering that DB-04 primarily involved heavily pretreated late-stage metastatic breast cancers. We also delve into emerging evidence suggesting that extrapolating HER2-low status from the original diagnosis may lead to misleading results. Finally, we provide recommendations for conducting high-quality testing and propose a standardized pathology report in compliance with 2023 ASCO/CAP updates and 2023 ESMO consensus statements on HER2-low breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariia Ivanova
- Division of Pathology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Maria Porta
- Division of Pathology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Marianna D'Ercole
- Division of Pathology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Pescia
- Division of Pathology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Elham Sajjadi
- Division of Pathology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Cursano
- Division of Pathology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa De Camilli
- Division of Pathology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Oriana Pala
- Division of Pathology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Mazzarol
- Division of Pathology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Konstantinos Venetis
- Division of Pathology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Guerini-Rocco
- Division of Pathology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Viale
- Division of Pathology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Fusco
- Division of Pathology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy.
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Morganti S, Marra A, Gandini S, Ascione L, Ivanova M, Venetis K, Sajjadi E, Zagami P, Giugliano F, Taurelli Salimbeni B, Berton Giachetti PPM, Corti C, De Camilli E, Curigliano G, Fusco N, Criscitiello C. Clinicopathological features and survival outcomes of luminal-like breast tumors with estrogen receptor loss at metastatic recurrence: A case-control study. Eur J Cancer 2023; 195:113397. [PMID: 37890353 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.113397] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Estrogen receptor (ER) loss at metastatic relapse occurs in up to 20% of luminal-like primary breast tumors. Data about clinicopathological features associated with ER loss and its prognostic significance are limited. METHODS In a nested-case-control study, we compared clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcomes between a cohort of 51 patients with primary ER+ /HER2- and paired triple-negative metastasis (LUM-TN) and two control cohorts of paired early-metastatic ER+ /HER2- (LUM-LUM, n = 50) and triple-negative (TN-TN, n = 49) breast cancers. Stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were assessed according to the TILs Working Group recommendations as continuous and discrete variables with cutoffs (20%, 40%). RESULTS LUM-TN tumors had lower ER expression than LUM-LUM tumors, but lower grade and Ki67 than TN-TN cases. Median distant-metastasis free survival was similar for LUM-TN and LUM-LUM cohorts, but significantly longer than in TN-TN cases (log-rank P < 0.001). LUM-TN and TN-TN cohorts had a comparable survival from the time of metastatic recurrence, which was significantly shorter than in patients with LUM-LUM tumors (log-rank P < 0.001). High TILs were associated with worse outcomes in patients with ER loss (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Breast tumors with ER loss at metastatic relapse have intermediate features and outcomes compared with metastatic luminal-like and ab initio triple-negative tumors. Further investigation on the biological mechanisms underpinning the loss of ER expression is ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Morganti
- Breast Oncology Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Antonio Marra
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Gandini
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Liliana Ascione
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariia Ivanova
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Elham Sajjadi
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Zagami
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Giugliano
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; INSERM U981 - Molecular Predictors and New Targets in Oncology, PRISM Center for Precision Medicine, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Pier Paolo Maria Berton Giachetti
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Corti
- Breast Oncology Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa De Camilli
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Fusco
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmen Criscitiello
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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6
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Fusco N, Ivanova M, Frascarelli C, Criscitiello C, Cerbelli B, Pignataro MG, Pernazza A, Sajjadi E, Venetis K, Cursano G, Pagni F, Di Bella C, Accardo M, Amato M, Amico P, Bartoli C, Bogina G, Bortesi L, Boldorini R, Bruno S, Cabibi D, Caruana P, Dainese E, De Camilli E, Dell'Anna V, Duda L, Emmanuele C, Fanelli GN, Fernandes B, Ferrara G, Gnetti L, Gurrera A, Leone G, Lucci R, Mancini C, Marangi G, Mastropasqua MG, Nibid L, Orrù S, Pastena M, Peresi M, Perracchio L, Santoro A, Vezzosi V, Zambelli C, Zuccalà V, Rizzo A, Costarelli L, Pietribiasi F, Santinelli A, Scatena C, Curigliano G, Guerini-Rocco E, Martini M, Graziano P, Castellano I, d'Amati G. Advancing the PD-L1 CPS test in metastatic TNBC: Insights from pathologists and findings from a nationwide survey. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 190:104103. [PMID: 37595344 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Pembrolizumab has received approval as a first-line treatment for unresectable/metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) with a PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) of ≥ 10. However, assessing CPS in mTNBC poses challenges. Firstly, it represents a novel analysis for breast pathologists. Secondly, the heterogeneity of PD-L1 expression in mTNBC further complicates the assessment. Lastly, the lack of standardized assays and staining platforms adds to the complexity. In KEYNOTE trials, PD-L1 expression was evaluated using the IHC 22C3 pharmDx kit as a companion diagnostic test. However, both the 22C3 pharmDx and VENTANA PD-L1 (SP263) assays are validated for CPS assessment. Consequently, assay-platform choice, staining conditions, and scoring methods can significantly impact the testing outcomes. This consensus paper aims to discuss the intricacies of PD-L1 CPS testing in mTNBC and provide practical recommendations for pathologists. Additionally, we present findings from a nationwide Italian survey elucidating the state-of-the-art in PD-L1 CPS testing in mTNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Fusco
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Mariia Ivanova
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Frascarelli
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmen Criscitiello
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Bruna Cerbelli
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Gemma Pignataro
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelina Pernazza
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elham Sajjadi
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Cursano
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Pagni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Milan Bicocca, Monza (MB), Italy; Department of Pathology, IRCCS San Gerardo Hospital, Monza (MB), Italy
| | - Camillo Di Bella
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS San Gerardo Hospital, Monza (MB), Italy
| | - Marina Accardo
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Michelina Amato
- Department of Pathology, San Giovanni-Addolorata Hospital, Rome Italy
| | - Paolo Amico
- Department of Pathology, Ospedale Maria Paternò Arezzo, Ragusa, Italy
| | - Caterina Bartoli
- Morphological Diagnostic and Biomolecular Characterization Area, Complex Unit of Pathological Anatomy Empoli-Prato, Oncological Department Azienda USL Toscana Centro, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bogina
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Negrar di Valpolicella, Italy
| | - Laura Bortesi
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Negrar di Valpolicella, Italy
| | - Renzo Boldorini
- Pathology Unit, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Sara Bruno
- Division of Pathology, ASL2 Savona, Liguria, Italy
| | - Daniela Cabibi
- Department of Sciences for the Promotion of Health and Mother and Child Care, Anatomic Pathology, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Pietro Caruana
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Emanuele Dainese
- Surgical Pathology Division, Department of Oncology, ASST Lecco, "A. Manzoni" Hospital, Lecco, Italy
| | - Elisa De Camilli
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Loren Duda
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pathology Unit, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Carmela Emmanuele
- Division of Pathology, Umberto I Hospital Presidium, Enna Provincial Health Department (ASP), Enna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Nicolò Fanelli
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Gerardo Ferrara
- Department of Anatomic Pathology and Cytopathology, G. Pascale National Cancer Institute Foundation (IRCCS) Naples, Italy
| | - Letizia Gnetti
- Division of Pathology, Umberto I Hospital Presidium, Enna Provincial Health Department (ASP), Enna, Italy
| | | | - Giorgia Leone
- Division of Pathology, Clinical Institute Humanitas Catania Cubba, Misterbianco (Catania), Italy
| | - Raffaella Lucci
- Pathology Unit, Monaldi Hospital, A.O. dei Colli of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Cristina Mancini
- Division of Pathology, Umberto I Hospital Presidium, Enna Provincial Health Department (ASP), Enna, Italy
| | - Grazia Marangi
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, SS. Annunziata Hospital, Taranto, Italy
| | - Mauro G Mastropasqua
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Jonian Area, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Nibid
- Research Unit of Anatomical Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy; Anatomical Pathology Operative Research Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, Rome, Italy
| | - Sandra Orrù
- Businco Oncologic Hospital, ARNAS Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Pastena
- IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Monica Peresi
- Pathology and Cytopathology Diagnostic Unit, Ospedale Villa Scassi di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Letizia Perracchio
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Santoro
- General Pathology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Vania Vezzosi
- Histopathology and Molecular Diagnostics Unit, Careggi Hospital, Firenze, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Zuccalà
- Pathology Unit, Pugliese-Ciaccio Hospital Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Rizzo
- Division of Pathology, Clinical Institute Humanitas Catania Cubba, Misterbianco (Catania), Italy
| | | | | | - Alfredo Santinelli
- Anatomic Pathology, Azienda Sanitaria Territoriale di Pesaro-Urbino, Pesaro, Italy
| | - Cristian Scatena
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Guerini-Rocco
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Martini
- Department of Human and Developmental Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Paolo Graziano
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | | | - Giulia d'Amati
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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7
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Xiao T, Ali S, Mata DGMM, Lohmann AE, Blanchette PS. Antibody-Drug Conjugates in Breast Cancer: Ascent to Destiny and Beyond-A 2023 Review. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:6447-6461. [PMID: 37504334 PMCID: PMC10378319 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30070474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are revolutionizing cancer treatment, adding another important new class of systemic therapy. ADCs are a specially designed class of therapeutics that target cells expressing specific cancer antigens using directed antibody-drug delivery and release a cytotoxic chemotherapeutic payload. Over the past two decades, improvements in ADC design, development, and research, particularly in breast cancer, have led to several recent landmark publications. These advances have significantly changed various treatment paradigms and revamped traditional classifications of breast cancer with the introduction of a potential new subtype: "HER2-low". This review will focus on several ADCs developed for breast cancer treatment, including trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1), trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd), sacituzumab govitecan (SG) and other newer emerging agents. It will provide an overview of the role of ADCs in breast cancer and discuss the opportunities and challenges they present. Additionally, our review will discuss future research directions to improve the selection of targets, combination therapies, and aim to improve drug safety. Important first-line metastatic and adjuvant clinical trials are underway, which may expand the role of ADC therapy in breast cancer. We foresee ADCs driving a new era of breast cancer treatment, adding to the steady incremental survival advantage observed in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Xiao
- Schulich School of Medicine, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Sanji Ali
- Schulich School of Medicine, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Danilo Giffoni M M Mata
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Ana Elisa Lohmann
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Phillip S Blanchette
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
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8
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Hou Y, Nitta H, Li Z. HER2 Intratumoral Heterogeneity in Breast Cancer, an Evolving Concept. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2664. [PMID: 37345001 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Amplification and/or overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in breast cancer is associated with an adverse prognosis. The introduction of anti-HER2 targeted therapy has dramatically improved the clinical outcomes of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. Unfortunately, a significant number of patients eventually relapse and develop distant metastasis. HER2 intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH) has been reported to be associated with poor prognosis in patients with anti-HER2 targeted therapies and was proposed to be a potential mechanism for anti-HER2 resistance. In this review, we described the current definition, common types of HER2 ITH in breast cancer, the challenge in interpretation of HER2 status in cases showing ITH and the clinical applications of anti-HER2 agents in breast cancer showing heterogeneous HER2 expression. Digital image analysis has emerged as an objective and reproducible scoring method and its role in the assessment of HER2 status with ITH remains to be demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjun Hou
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC 28659, USA
| | | | - Zaibo Li
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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9
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Unlocking the Resistance to Anti-HER2 Treatments in Breast Cancer: The Issue of HER2 Spatial Distribution. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051385. [PMID: 36900178 PMCID: PMC10000152 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 15% of breast cancers are classified as HER2-positive, with an amplification of the ERBB2 gene and/or an overexpression of the HER2 protein. Up to 30% of HER2-positive breast cancers shows heterogeneity in HER2 expression and different patterns of spatial distribution, i.e., the variability in the distribution and expression of the HER2 protein within a single tumour. Spatial heterogeneity may potentially affect treatment, response, assessment of HER2 status and consequently, may impact on the best treatment strategy. Understanding this feature can help clinicians to predict response to HER2-targeted therapies and patient outcomes, and to fine tune treatment decisions. This review summarizes the available evidence on HER2 heterogeneity and spatial distribution and how this may affect current available treatment choices, exploring possible opportunities for overcoming this issue, such as novel pharmacological agents, belonging to the group of antibody-drug conjugates.
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10
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Ultimescu F, Mitran M, Potecă A, Brătilă E, Olinca M. De la determinismul genetic la abordarea clinică – rolul imunohistochimiei în clasificarea carcinoamelor mamare. GINECOLOGIA.RO 2023. [DOI: 10.26416/gine.39.1.2023.7787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
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