TNBC vs. Non-TNBC: A Five-Year Retrospective Review of Differences in Mean Age, Family History, Smoking History and Stage at Diagnosis at an Inner City University Program

Clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of triple-negative breast cancer invasive ductal carcinoma with ductal carcinoma in situ

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to compare and analyze the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients with invasive ductal carcinoma coexisting with ductal carcinoma in situ (IDC-DCIS) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and to explore the factors affecting the prognosis, so as to provide new ideas for clinical diagnosis and treatment of these patients.

METHODS

The patients with TNBC underwent surgery in the Department of Breast Surgery of Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital from October 2012 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into IDC-DCIS group and IDC group. The clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of the two groups were compared. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 358 patients were enrolled. There were significant differences in age (P = 0.002), family history (P = 0.016), menopausal status (P = 0.003), KI-67% (P < 0.001), lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.010), histologic grade of IDC (P < 0.001) and multifocal (P < 0.001) between the two groups. The disease-free survival (DFS) of the IDC-DCIS group was better than that of the IDC group (the 5-year DFS was 87.9% vs. 82.6%, P = 0.045), but the overall survival (OS) of the two groups was not statistically significant (the 5-year OS was 96.2% vs. 96.0%, P = 0.573). In addition, the coexistence of DCIS (P = 0.030), lymph node pathologic stage (P = 0.001), tumor location (P = 0.011), and adjuvant chemotherapy (P < 0.001) were independent prognostic factors for DFS.

CONCLUSION

In TNBC, the IDC-DCIS group had less invasive biological characteristics. The DFS of the IDC-DCIS group was better than that of the IDC group, but there was no statistical difference in OS between the two groups. In addition, the coexistence of DCIS, lymph node stage, tumor location and adjuvant chemotherapy may be independent prognostic factors for DFS.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Cancer Care and Health-Related Quality of Life of Non-Hispanic Black/African American, Hispanic/Latina and Non-Hispanic White Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer in the U.S.: A Mixed-Methods Study Protocol

The COVID-19 pandemic has had critical consequences for cancer care delivery, including altered treatment protocols and delayed services that may affect patients' quality of life and long-term survival. Breast cancer patients from minoritized racial and ethnic groups already experience worse outcomes, which may have been exacerbated by treatment delays and social determinants of health (SDoH). This protocol details a mixed-methods study aimed at comparing cancer care disruption among a diverse sample of women (non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black/African American, and Hispanic/Latina) and assessing how proximal, intermediate, and distal SDoH differentially contribute to care continuity and health-related quality of life. An embedded mixed-methods design will be implemented. Eligible participants will complete an online survey, followed by a semi-structured interview (with a subset of participants) to further understand factors that influence continuity of care, treatment decision-making, and self-reported engagement. The study will identify potentially modifiable factors to inform future models of care delivery and improve care transitions. These data will provide the necessary evidence to inform whether a subsequent, multilevel intervention is warranted to improve quality of care delivery in the COVID-19 aftermath. Additionally, results can be used to identify ways to leverage existing social resources to help manage and support patients' outcomes.

MicroRNA-598 inhibits the growth of triple negative breast cancer cells by targeting JAG1

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has an aggressive phenotype and a poor outcome. The discovery that dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in tumor progression has led to the suggestion that miRNAs (miRs) could be a potential target for the treatment of TNBC. In the present study, it was demonstrated that miR-598 expression was significantly decreased in TNBC tissues and was related to the degree of lymph node metastasis of patients with TNBC. Ectopic expression of miR-598 suppressed viability and colony formation, as well as increased the apoptosis of TNBC cells. To further understand the functional mechanism of action underlying miR-598 in TNBC, targets of miR-598 were predicted with the miRDB bioinformatics tool. Jagged 1 (JAG1) was identified as a direct target of miR-598, possessing a binding site for miR-598 in its 3'-untranslated region. Overexpression of miR-598 inhibited the expression of JAG1 in TNBC cells. In addition, JAG1 was highly expressed in TNBC tissues and its expression was negatively correlated with the expression of miR-598. Overexpression of JAG1 significantly attenuated the inhibitory effects of miR-598 on the proliferation and colony formation of TNBC cells. Collectively, these results provided novel insights into the functional mechanism of action for the miR-598/JAG1 pathway in the development of TNBC.

The Evaluation of Cytotoxic Properties from CCB-2 Sugar Complexes Against TNBC and Non-TNBC Cells

Objective:

The progress from Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) development urged us to explore new targeted and selective boron carriers. Firstly, we reported the successful synthesis of CCB-2 which exerts a cytotoxic effect against triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. We introduced the new modification of CCB-2 with sugar and alcohol sugars to enhance its solubility in hoping to increase cellular uptake.

Methods:

CCB-2 fructose complex (CCB-2-F), CCB-2 sorbitol complex (CCB-2-Sor), and CCB-2 xylitol complex (CCB-2-Xy) were obtained with small size within nano-specific particle. All the compounds were then determined for their cytotoxic activities through MTT assay.

Results:

All compounds were performed cytotoxic activities against TNBC 4T1 and HER-2 positive MCF-7/HER2 cells with good selectivity when tested in immortalized fibroblast cells.

Conclusion:

Overall, we provided a new modification of CCB-2 through complexation with sugars. Still, further evaluations are needed to develop more efficient CCB-2 as the new candidate of anticancer agent, notably in breast cancer.

Delineation of the Germline and Somatic Mutation Interaction Landscape in Triple-Negative and Non-Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Background

Breast cancer development and progression involve both germline and somatic mutations. High-throughput genotyping and next-generation sequencing technologies have enabled discovery of genetic risk variants and acquired somatic mutations driving the disease. However, the possible oncogenic interactions between germline genetic risk variants and somatic mutations in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and non-triple-negative breast cancer (non-TNBC) have not been characterized. Here, we delineated the possible oncogenic interactions between genes containing germline and somatic mutations in TNBC and non-TNBC and investigated whether there are differences in gene expression and mutation burden between the two types of breast cancer.

Methods

We addressed this problem by integrating germline mutation information from genome-wide association studies with somatic mutation information from next-generation sequencing using gene expression data as the intermediated phenotype. We performed network and pathway analyses to discover molecular networks and signalling pathways enriched for germline and somatic mutations.

Results

The investigation revealed signatures of differentially expressed and differentially somatic mutated genes between TNBC and non-TNBC. Network and pathway analyses revealed functionally related genes interacting in gene regulatory networks and multiple signalling pathways enriched for germline and somatic mutations for each type of breast cancer. Among the signalling pathways discovered included the DNA repair and Androgen and ATM signalling pathways for TNBC and the DNA damage response, molecular mechanisms of cancer, and ATM and GP6 signalling pathways for non-TNBC.

Conclusions

The results show that integrative genomics is a powerful approach for delineating oncogenic interactions between genes containing germline and genes containing somatic mutations in TNBC and non-TNBC and establishes putative functional bridges between genetic and somatic alterations and the pathways they control in the two types of breast cancer.

A Stilbenoid Isorhapontigenin as a Potential Anti-Cancer Agent against Breast Cancer through Inhibiting Sphingosine Kinases/Tubulin Stabilization

Isorhapontigenin (ISO), a tetrahydroxylated stilbenoid, is an analog of resveratrol (Rsv). The various biological activities of Rsv and its derivatives have been previously reported in the context of both cancer and inflammation. However, the anti-cancer effect of ISO against breast cancer has not been well established, despite being an orally bioavailable dietary polyphenol. In this study, we determine the anti-cancer effects of ISO against breast cancer using MCF7, T47D, and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. We observed that ISO induces breast cancer cell death, cell cycle arrest, oxidative stress, and the inhibition of cell proliferation. Additionally, sphingosine kinase inhibition by ISO controlled tubulin polymerization and cancer cell growth by regulating MAPK/PI3K-mediated cell cycle arrest in MCF7 cells. Interestingly, SPHK1/2 gene silencing increased oxidative stress, cell death, and tubulin destabilization in MCF7 cells. This suggests that the anti-cancer effect of ISO can be regulated by SPHK/tubulin destabilization pathways. Overall, ISO successfully induced breast cancer cell death and cell growth arrest, suggesting this phytochemical is a better alternative for breast cancer treatment. Further studies in animal models could confirm the potency and usability of ISO over Rsv for targeting breast cancer, potentially posing an alternative candidate for improved therapy in the near future.

The "Yin and Yang" of Natural Compounds in Anticancer Therapy of Triple-Negative Breast Cancers

Among the different types of breast cancers, triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are highly aggressive, do not respond to conventional hormonal/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted interventions due to the lack of the respective receptor targets, have chances of early recurrence, metastasize, tend to be more invasive in nature, and develop drug resistance. The global burden of TNBCs is increasing regardless of the number of cytotoxic drugs being introduced into the market each year as they have only moderate efficacy and/or unforeseen side effects. Therefore, the demand for more efficient therapeutic interventions, with reduced side effects, for the treatment of TNBCs is rising. While some plant metabolites/derivatives actually induce the risk of cancers, many plant-derived active principles have gained attention as efficient anticancer agents against TNBCs, with fewer adverse side effects. Here we discuss the possible oncogenic molecular pathways in TNBCs and how the purified plant-derived natural compounds specifically target and modulate the genes and/or proteins involved in these aberrant pathways to exhibit their anticancer potential. We have linked the anticancer potential of plant-derived natural compounds (luteolin, chalcones, piperine, deguelin, quercetin, rutin, fisetin, curcumin, resveratrol, and others) to their ability to target multiple dysregulated signaling pathways (such as the Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, NF-κB, PI3K/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Hedgehog) leading to suppression of cell growth, proliferation, migration, inflammation, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis, and activation of apoptosis in TNBCs. Plant-derived compounds in combination with classical chemotherapeutic agents were more efficient in the treatment of TNBCs, possibly with lesser side effects.

Association between oral contraceptive use as a risk factor and triple-negative breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a unique subtype of breast cancer, which is resistant to endocrine and targeted therapy, usually relapses early, progresses rapidly and is associated with a poor prognosis. Epidemiological investigations focusing on the association between risk factors and the onset of TNBC demonstrated that the incidence of TNBC exhibits a significant correlation with anthropometric, geographical and demographic parameters. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the strength of the association between the use of oral contraceptives (OCs) and TNBC. Two databases (PubMed Central/PubMed, Web of Science) and secondary references were searched to identify studies meeting the priorly established inclusion criteria. Case-control studies published between January, 2005 and March, 2016 were searched using the key words (triple-negative breast cancer OR basal-like) AND (oral contraceptives). Finally, 9 eligible articles using as control other subtypes of invasive breast cancer and 7 articles using a healthy population as control were incorporated in the meta-analysis. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using fixed- or random-effects models according to the heterogeneity between studies. The case-control comparison using other subtypes of breast cancer as the control arm exhibited a significant association between OC use and TNBC (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.18-1.45; Z=5.26, P<0.00001). These results were further confirmed by the case-control comparison using the healthy population as the control arm (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.01-1.46; Z=2.04, P=0.04). The present meta-analysis indicated that women who use OCs have a greater risk of TNBC compared with women who do not. This conclusion prompts that women who used OCs should be examined more closely in population screenings of breast cancer, as they may benefit from prevention and early detection strategies.

Male Breast Cancer and Hyperestrogenemia: A Thirteen-Year Review

Background

Male breast cancer (MBC) is a very rare malignancy and accounts for 0.1% of all male cancers. MBC has not been studied as extensively as its female counterpart. Certain clinical and pathological risk factors like smoking history, age at onset, family history of cancer, obesity, ethnicity, estrogen/progesterone receptor status and BRCA gene mutation status have all been studied well in the female breast cancer (FBC) patients and the clinical trial evidence from these studies is then extrapolated to treat and manage patients with MBC. One such area of interest is high levels of estrogen and its relationship with MBC. In our retrospect research study we aim to find an association between MBC and high levels of circulating estrogen at the time of diagnosis.

Methods

A 13-year retrospective review of the male breast cases at University of Florida College of Medicine's Tumor Registry was conducted. Data regarding certain clinic-pathological risk factors and MBC were collected and reviewed. Main surrogate indicators for elevated estrogen were examined, namely, low HDL (< 40 mg/dL), low albumin (< 4 g/dL) and high BMI (> 25). Presence of any one of these surrogates was seen as an indirect marker for high estrogen level. For cancer staging, the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system was used. Stages 0-2 were grouped together as they are less extensive compared to stages 3-4 (also grouped together) which represent extensive disease. Univariate analysis was conducted using STATA 13 to do Fischer's exact test as cross-tables showed cell counts of five or less. The main comparison was that between extensive MBC (stages 3-4) and non-extensive breast cancer (stages 0-2).

Results

Between January 2000 and November 2013, we found a total of 2,129 cases of breast cancer patients at our institute. Out of these 2,113 (99.24%) were female and 16 (0.75%) were men. Four MBC patients were excluded because their complete charts could not be found in the medical records department. Six (50%) patients had one indicator, four (33%) patients had two indicators and one (8.3%) patient had all three. Eleven (91.6%) patients had precursors suggestive of hyperestrogenemia. Only one (8.33%) patient did not have any surrogate marker indicator of high estrogen levels. Two (16%) were black and 10 (83.33%) were white. Mean age was 61.75. Five (41%) had a first degree relative with a malignancy. Laterality was nine (75%) in the left breast, three (35%) in right breast. Eight (66.6%) found a mass on physical exam. Five (41.6%) had a positive smoking history. One patient had no data in the chart. Remaining all 11 (91.6%) had non-TNBC. One patient did not have complete documentation. Five (41.6%) had mastectomy, six (50%) received RT, four (33.3%) received chemotherapy and another four received hormone therapy. In terms of stage, four (33.3%) had stage 4, two (16.6%) stage 3B, two (16.6%) stage 2B, two (16.6%) stage 2A, one (8.33%) had stage 1C and one had stage 0. HDL data were available in seven (58.3%) with mean of 37, albumin in 10 (83.3%) with mean of 3.61, BMI in 11 (91.66%) patients with a mean of 33.30. Within subgroups, two patients were black and 10 white. Both black patients had LE disease (stage 0-2). Of the white patients, four (40%) had limited disease while six (60%) had extensive breast cancer. Family history assumed a similar distribution as three (60%) of patients with negative family history for cancer had limited disease and two (40%) had extensive one, same numbers applied for family-history-positive population. Three (60%) of patients with limited disease smoker and two (40%) did not. As for laterality, a total of nine patients had left-sided breast cancer, of whom five had had limited disease and four fell into the extensive disease category. The hormonal status for most patients were HER/NEU negative (seven out of 10 patients, two patients did not have this information on file), ER positive (11 out of 12) and PR positive (8 out of 12). Estrogen status: Low HDL was seen in three out of seven patients, low albumin in four out of 10 and obese BMI in nine out of 11. Finally, 11 out of 12 patients had at least one indicator of high estrogen. No significant change in prevalence of these markers was seen when comparing patients with limited and extensive disease.

Conclusion

None of the aforementioned variables assumed statistical significance between the two subgroups. Results, however, show that as a whole, 11 out of the 12 patients had at least one indicator of high estrogen. Our results point in the direction that elevated estrogen is probably associated with MBC. Further meta-analysis of similar studies can be helpful to explain the dynamics of this association. Our statistical analysis was limited due to the small sample size, which is due to the extreme rarity of the disease.