Tobacco NtUBC1 and NtUBQ2 enhance salt tolerance by reducing sodium accumulation and oxidative stress through proteasome activation in Arabidopsis

The ubiquitin/proteasome system plays a crucial role in the regulation of plant responses to environmental stress. Here, we studied the involvement of the UBC1 and UBQ2 genes encoding a ubiquitin conjugating enzyme (E2) and ubiquitin extension protein, respectively, in the response to salt stress. Our results showed that the constitutive expression of tobacco NtUBC1 and NtUBQ2 in Arabidopsis thaliana improved salt tolerance, along with the lower Na+ level and higher K+/Na+ ratio compared to control plants. Moreover, the expression levels of sodium transporters, including AtHKT1 (High-Affinity K+ Transporter1) and AtSOS1 (Salt Overly Sensitive 1), were higher in NtUBC1- and NtUBQ2-Arabidopsis. However, the transcript level of AtNHX1 (Na+/H+ Exchanger 1) was similar between control and transgenic plants. After salt exposure, the activity of the 26S proteasome markedly increased in NtUBC1- and NtUBQ2-expressing plants; however, ubiquitinated protein levels decreased compared to control plants. Furthermore, higher activity of antioxidant enzymes and lower ROS production were observed in UBC1- and UBQ2-expressing plants. We further challenged atubc1, atubc2, and atubq2 single mutants and atubc1ubc2 double mutant lines with salt stress; interestingly, the salt sensitivity and sodium levels of the studied mutants were enhanced, while the potassium levels were reduced. However, the atubc1ubc2 double mutant illustrated a more severe phenotype than the single mutants, probably due to the redundant function of UBC1 and UBC2 in Arabidopsis. Taken together, NtUBC1 and NtUBQ2 enhance salt tolerance by enhancing 26S proteasome activity and reducing Na+ accumulation, ROS, and ubiquitinated/salt-denatured proteins.

Ethylene and ROS mediate root growth inhibition induced by the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA)

Bisphenol A (BPA) functions as a detrimental substance that disrupts the endocrine system in animals while also impeding the growth and development of plants. In our previous study, we demonstrated that BPA hinders the growth of roots in Arabidopsis by diminishing cell division and elongation, which is ascribed to the increased accumulation and redistribution of auxin. Here, we examined the mediation of ROS and ethylene in BPA-induced auxin accumulation and root growth inhibition. BPA enhanced ROS levels, and ROS increased auxin contents but reduced cell division activity and the expression of EXPA8 involved in root elongation. ROS scavenger treatment reversed BPA-triggered root growth retardation, auxin accumulation, and cell division inhibition. In addition, BPA induced ethylene, and ethylene synthesis inhibitor treatment reversed BPA-triggered root growth retardation and auxin accumulation. Taken together, ROS and ethylene are involved in BPA-inhibited cell elongation and cell division by mediating auxin accumulation and redistribution.

Non-standard employment and COVID-19 testing in South Korean workers

OBJECTIVES

SARS-CoV-2 testing has been critical in monitoring and containing the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is a dearth of studies on how individuals' adherence to testing varies according to their working conditions. This study aimed to investigate the association between the type of employment contract and COVID-19 testing among wage workers in South Korea.

STUDY DESIGN

We used a nationally representative sample of employees aged 20-65 years collected from March 24 to 31, 2022. To focus on individual responses when the test was recommended, our sample consisted of 1266 participants who had experienced symptoms of COVID-19 or had been exposed to a confirmed case in the household.

METHODS

We used multivariate logistic regression to estimate the association between the odds of receiving a PCR test and the type of employment contract while controlling for other potential covariates.

RESULTS

The percentage of participants who had a SARS-CoV-2 PCR test was 77.8%. After adjusting for all potential covariates, daily workers (OR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.70, P = 0.003) and part-time workers (OR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.86, P = 0.007) had significantly lower odds of being tested relative to standard workers. Other temporary or atypical workers showed no significant differences from standard workers.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggested that individuals in the most vulnerable job positions, with less job security and working hours, exhibited a decreased inclination to undergo COVID-19 testing. More effective job retention and income support policies are required to improve compliance.

Safety and efficacy of transitioning from selexipag to oral treprostinil in pulmonary arterial hypertension: Findings from the ADAPT registry

PURPOSE

Oral treprostinil and selexipag are drugs targeting the prostacyclin pathway and are approved for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In the setting of unsatisfactory clinical response or tolerability issues while on selexipag, there is little data on clinical benefit, safety, or strategies on transitioning to oral treprostinil. Using prospective data from the ADAPT registry, we aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes, safety, and transition strategies in ten patients with PAH transitioning from selexipag to oral treprostinil.

METHODS

ADAPT was a prospective, real-world, multicenter, United States-based registry of patients with PAH newly started on oral treprostinil, with a cohort of patients (n = 10) transitioning from selexipag to oral treprostinil. PAH variables of interest were collected from standard-of-care clinic visits. Clinical improvement was defined by modified REPLACE criterion, and risk was assessed by REVEAL Lite 2 from baseline to last follow-up. Real world transition strategies were recorded. Healthcare utilization or worsening PAH was evaluated within 30 days of transitions.

RESULTS

Seven patients transitioned due to worsening PAH or lack of efficacy on selexipag, and three patients transitioned due to tolerability issues. Based on the modified REPLACE criterion, five patients demonstrated clinical improvement after transition from selexipag to oral treprostinil. Using REVEAL Lite 2 to assess risk, three patients improved and five patients maintained risk category from baseline to last follow-up. All transitions occurred in an outpatient setting either as abrupt stop/start or cross-titration, without parenteral treprostinil bridging.

CONCLUSION

Transition from selexipag to oral treprostinil was safe, performed without parenteral prostacyclin bridging, and resulted in clinical and categorical risk improvements in some patients.

Risk factors for persistent pain after breast cancer surgery: a multicentre prospective cohort study

Identifying factors associated with persistent pain after breast cancer surgery may facilitate risk stratification and individualised management. Single-population studies have limited generalisability as socio-economic and genetic factors contribute to persistent pain development. Therefore, this prospective multicentre cohort study aimed to develop a predictive model from a sample of Asian and American women. We enrolled women undergoing elective breast cancer surgery at KK Women's and Children's Hospital and Duke University Medical Center. Pre-operative patient and clinical characteristics and EQ-5D-3L health status were recorded. Pain catastrophising scale; central sensitisation inventory; coping strategies questionnaire-revised; brief symptom inventory-18; perceived stress scale; mechanical temporal summation; and pressure-pain threshold assessments were performed. Persistent pain was defined as pain score ≥ 3 or pain affecting activities of daily living 4 months after surgery. Univariate associations were generated using generalised estimating equations. Enrolment site was forced into the multivariable model, and risk factors with p < 0.2 in univariate analyses were considered for backwards selection. Of 210 patients, 135 (64.3%) developed persistent pain. The multivariable model attained AUC = 0.807, with five independent associations: age (OR 0.85 95%CI 0.74-0.98 per 5 years); diabetes (OR 4.68, 95%CI 1.03-21.22); pre-operative pain score at sites other than the breast (OR 1.48, 95%CI 1.11-1.96); previous mastitis (OR 4.90, 95%CI 1.31-18.34); and perceived stress scale (OR 1.35, 95%CI 1.01-1.80 per 5 points), after adjusting for: enrolment site; pre-operative pain score at the breast; pre-operative overall pain score at rest; postoperative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use; and pain catastrophising scale. Future research should validate this model and evaluate pre-emptive interventions to reduce persistent pain risk.

Quantitating Diffusion Enhancement in Pore Hierarchies

A microporous continuum traversed by a set of mutually perpendicular channels is considered to be a model for a hierarchically porous system of the mesoporous zeolite type. Transient profiles of molecular uptake as determined by kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) simulation are found to be in excellent agreement with the result attained by the application of the two-region model (the Kärger model) of molecular diffusion. In particular, it is found that, in the two limiting cases referred to as fast exchange and slow exchange, there exist two simple analytical expressions for the rate of molecular uptake and hence for the quantification of transport enhancement in comparison with the purely microporous adsorbent. In the general case, transport enhancement is simply recognized by the reciprocal addition of the expressions in the two limiting cases.

Social Hypersensitivity in Bipolar Disorder: An ERP Study

Introduction

Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a disorder in which cognitive function is relatively preserved but social functioning is markedly impaired. Interestingly, studies on BD show that the patients have a strong desire for social rewards. Hypersensitivity to social rewards in BD has not yet been sufficiently examined through experimental methods, although recent studies have pointed out that their reward hypersensitivity is the cause of symptoms and dysfunction.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether patients with BD are hypersensitive to social rewards using the social value capture task.

Methods

Groups of 25 BD and healthy control (HC) each completed the social value attention capture task. This task consists of a practice phase in which associative learning of social rewards with specific stimuli occurs, and a test phase in which the stimuli associated with rewards appear as distractors during the participants performing a selective attention task. We also recorded event-related potential (ERP) in the practice phase in order to investigate BDs’ cortical activity for social reward.

Results

showed significantly decreased accuracy rate and increased reaction time in the high social reward-associated distractor trials of the test phase in the BD compared to the HC. As a result of analysis in ERP components, P3 amplitude for social reward was significantly greater in the BD than the HC.

Conclusions

BD patients exhibit behavioral and physiological hypersensitivity to social rewards that might contribute to social dysfunction.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Tunable asymmetric spin wave excitation and propagation in a magnetic system with two rectangular blocks

Asymmetric spin wave excitation and propagation are key properties to develop spin-based electronics, such as magnetic memory, spin information and logic devices. To date, such nonreciprocal effects cannot be manipulated in a system because of the geometrical magnetic configuration, while large values of asymmetry ratio are achieved. In this study, we suggest a new magnetic system with two blocks, in which the asymmetric intensity ratio can be changed between 0.276 and 1.43 by adjusting the excitation frequency between 7.8 GHz and 9.4 GHz. Because the two blocks have different widths, they have their own spin wave excitation frequency ranges. Indeed, the spin wave intensities in the two blocks, detected by the Brillouin light scattering spectrum, were observed to be frequency-dependent, yielding tuneable asymmetry ratio. Thus, this study provides a new path to enhance the application of spin waves in spin-based electronics.

Wood transcriptome analysis of Pinus densiflora identifies genes critical for secondary cell wall formation and NAC transcription factors involved in tracheid formation

Although conifers have significant ecological and economic value, information on transcriptional regulation of wood formation in conifers is still limited. Here, to gain insight into secondary cell wall (SCW) biosynthesis and tracheid formation in conifers, we performed wood tissue-specific transcriptome analyses of Pinus densiflora (Korean red pine) using RNA sequencing. In addition, to obtain full-length transcriptome information, PacBio single molecule real-time iso-sequencing was carried out using RNAs from 28 tissues of P. densiflora. Subsequent comparative tissue-specific transcriptome analysis successfully pinpointed critical genes encoding key proteins involved in biosynthesis of the major secondary wall components (cellulose, galactoglucomannan, xylan and lignin). Furthermore, we predicted a total of 62 NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2 and CUC2) family transcription factor members and identified seven PdeNAC genes preferentially expressed in developing xylem tissues in P. densiflora. Protoplast-based transcriptional activation analysis found that four PdeNAC genes, homologous to VND, NST and SND/ANAC075, upregulated GUS activity driven by an SCW-specific cellulose synthase promoter. Consistently, transient overexpression of the four PdeNACs induced xylem vessel cell-like SCW deposition in both tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) and Arabidopsis leaves. Taken together, our data provide a foundation for further research to unravel transcriptional regulation of wood formation in conifers, especially SCW formation and tracheid differentiation.

Decreases in arsenic accumulation by the plasma membrane intrinsic protein PIP2;2 in Arabidopsis and yeast

Arsenic (As) is a toxic pollutant that mainly enters the human body via plants. Therefore, understanding the strategy for reducing arsenic accumulation in plants is important to human health and the environment. Aquaporins are ubiquitous water channel proteins that bidirectionally transport water across cell membranes and play a role in the transportation of other molecules, such as glycerol, ammonia, boric acid, and arsenic acid. Previously, we observed that Arabidopsis PIP2;2, encoding a plasma membrane intrinsic protein, is highly expressed in NtCyc07-expressing Arabidopsis, which shows a higher tolerance to arsenite (As(III)). In this study, we report that the overexpression of AtPIP2;2 enhanced As(III) tolerance and reduced As(III) levels in yeast. Likewise, AtPIP2;2-overexpressing Arabidopsis exhibited improved As(III) tolerance and lower accumulation of As(III). In contrast, atpip2;2 knockout Arabidopsis showed reduced As(III) tolerance but no significant change in As(III) levels. Interestingly, the AtPIP2;2 transcript and protein levels were increased in roots and shoots of Arabidopsis in response to As(III). Furthermore, As(III) efflux was enhanced and As(III) influx/accumulation was reduced in AtPIP2;2-expressing plants. The expression of AtPIP2;2 rescued the As(III)-sensitive phenotype of acr3 mutant yeast by reducing As levels and slightly reduced the As(III)-tolerant phenotype of fps1 mutant yeast by enhancing As content, suggesting that AtPIP2; 2 functions as a bidirectional channel of As(III), while the As(III) exporter activity is higher than the As(III) importer activity. All these results indicate that AtPIP2;2 expression promotes As(III) tolerance by decreasing As(III) accumulation through enhancing As(III) efflux in Arabidopsis. This finding can be applied to the generation of low arsenic crops for human health.

CAX3 (cation/proton exchanger) mediates a Cd tolerance by decreasing ROS through Ca elevation in Arabidopsis

KEY MESSAGE

Over-expression of CAX3 encoding a cation/proton exchanger enhances Cd tolerance by decreasing ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) through activating anti-oxidative enzymes via elevation of Ca level in Arabidopsis CAXs (cation/proton exchangers) are involved in the sequestration of cations such as Mn, Li, and Cd, as well as Ca, from cytosol into the vacuole using proton gradients. In addition, it has been reported that CAX1, 2 and 4 are involved in Cd tolerance. Interestingly, it has been reported that CAX3 expressions were enhanced by Cd in Cd-tolerant transgenic plants expressing Hb1 (hemoglobin 1) or UBC1 (Ub-conjugating enzyme 1). Therefore, to investigate whether CAX3 plays a role in increasing Cd tolerance, CAX3 of Arabidopsis and tobacco were over-expressed in Arabidopsis thaliana. Compared to control plants, both transgenic plants displayed an increase in Cd tolerance, no change in Cd accumulation, and enhanced Ca levels. In support of these, AtCAX3-Arabidopsis showed no change in expressions of Cd transporters, but reduced expressions of Ca exporters and lower rate of Ca efflux. By contrast, atcax3 knockout Arabidopsis exhibited a reduced Cd tolerance, while the Cd level was not altered. The expression of Δ90-AtCAX3 (deletion of autoinhibitory domain) increased Cd and Ca tolerance in yeast, while AtCAX3 expression did not. Interestingly, less accumulation of ROS (H2O2 and O2-) was observed in CAX3-expressing transgenic plants and was accompanied with higher antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GR). Taken together, CAX3 over-expression may enhance Cd tolerance by decreasing Cd-induced ROS production by activating antioxidant enzymes and by intervening the positive feedback circuit between ROS generation and Cd-induced spikes of cytoplasmic Ca.

Single-Center Experience of Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Patients With Secondary Biliary Cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Secondary biliary cirrhosis (SBC) represents a unique form of cirrhosis that develops in the liver secondary to persistent biliary obstruction. This study aimed to review the living donor liver transplants (LDLTs) performed at our center for patients with SBC and end-stage liver disease and to share the perioperative strategies undertaken to achieve satisfactory outcomes.

METHODS

The medical records of 29 patients who underwent LDLT for SBC between December 1994 and July 2018 at the Asan Medical Center (Seoul, South Korea) were retrospectively reviewed. Their clinical data were extracted and statistically analyzed. Survival curves were computed.

RESULTS

The perioperative and in-hospital morbidity rates were 72.4% and 10.3%, respectively. The overall mean recipient follow-up was 80.0 (SD, 66.4) months (range, 0.8-246.8 months). Patient survival rates after 1, 3, 5, and 10 years after transplant were 82.8%, 79.3%, 79.3%, and 79.3%, respectively. For liver grafts, the survival rates were 82.8%, 75.8%, 75.8%, and 75.8% at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

LDLT is potentially a final lifesaving resort for patients with SBC with portal hypertension. However, considering the difficulty of surgery and perioperative management, LDLT should be performed by experienced transplant surgeons in a center where a multidisciplinary approach is possible.

Mechanism for Higher Tolerance to and Lower Accumulation of Arsenite in NtCyc07-Overexpressing Tobacco

Arsenite [As(III)] is a highly toxic chemical to all organisms. Previously, we reported that the overexpression of NtCyc07 enhanced As(III) tolerance and reduced As(III) accumulation in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). To understand a mechanism for higher As(III) tolerance and lower As(III) accumulation in NtCyc07-overexpressing tobacco, we examined the expression levels of various putative As(III) transporters (aquaporin). The expressions of putative As(III) exporter NIP1;1, PIP1;1, 1;5, 2;1, 2;2, and 2;7 were enhanced, while the expressions of putative As(III) importer NIP3;1, 4;1, and XIP2;1 were decreased, contributing to the reduced accumulation of As(III) in NtCyc07-overexpressing tobacco. In addition, the levels of oxidative stress indicators (H₂O₂, superoxide and malondialdehyde) were lower, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase) were higher in NtCyc07-tobacco than in the control tobacco. This suggests that the lower oxidative stress in transgenic tobacco may be attributed to the higher activities of antioxidant enzymes and lower As(III) levels. Taken together, the overexpression of NtCyc07 enhances As(III) tolerance by reducing As(III) accumulation through modulation of expressions of putative As(III) transporters in tobacco.

The mechanism of root growth inhibition by the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA)

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a harmful environmental contaminant acting as an endocrine disruptor in animals, but it also affects growth and development in plants. Here, we have elucidated the functional mechanism of root growth inhibition by BPA in Arabidopsis thaliana using mutants, reporter lines and a pharmacological approach. In response to 10 ppm BPA, fresh weight and main root length were reduced, while auxin levels increased. BPA inhibited root growth by reducing root cell length in the elongation zone by suppressing expansin expression and by decreasing the length of the meristem zone by repressing cell division. The inhibition of cell elongation and cell division was attributed to the enhanced accumulation/redistribution of auxin in the elongation zone and meristem zone in response to BPA. Correspondingly, the expressions of most auxin biosynthesis and transporter genes were enhanced in roots by BPA. Taken together, it is assumed that the endocrine disruptor BPA inhibits primary root growth by inhibiting cell elongation and division through auxin accumulation/redistribution in Arabidopsis. This study will contribute to understanding how BPA affects growth and development in plants.

MRI Patterns of Extrapontine Lesion Extension in Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma is a devastating childhood cancer that despite being primarily diagnosed by MR imaging alone, lacks robust prognostic imaging features. This study investigated patterns and quantification of extrapontine lesion extensions as potential prognostic imaging biomarkers for survival in children with newly diagnosed diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Volumetric analysis of baseline MR imaging studies was completed in 131 patients with radiographically defined typical diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas. Extrapontine tumor extension was classified according to the direction of extension: midbrain, medulla oblongata, and right and left middle cerebellar peduncles; various extrapontine lesion extension patterns were evaluated. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival differences; linear regression was used to evaluate clinical-radiographic variables prognostic of survival.

RESULTS

At least 1 extrapontine lesion extension was observed in 125 patients (95.4%). Of the 11 different extrapontine lesion extension patterns encountered in our cohort, 2 were statistically significant predictors of survival. Any extension into the middle cerebellar peduncles was prognostic of shorter overall survival (P = .01), but extension into both the midbrain and medulla oblongata but without extension into either middle cerebellar peduncle was prognostic of longer overall survival compared with those having no extension (P = .04) or those having any other pattern of extension (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Within this large cohort of patients with typical diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas, 2 specific extrapontine lesion extension patterns were associated with a significant overall survival advantage or disadvantage. Our findings may be valuable for risk stratification and radiation therapy planning in future clinical trials.

A Convenient Plant-Based Detection System to Monitor Androgenic Compound in the Environment

Environmental androgen analogues act as endocrine disruptors, which inhibit the normal function of androgen in animals. In the present work, through the expression of a chimeric gene specified for the production of the anthocyanin in response to androgen DHT (dihydrotestosterone), we generated an indicator Arabidopsis that displays a red color in leaves in the presence of androgen compounds. This construct consists of a ligand-binding domain of the human androgen receptor gene and the poplar transcription factor gene PtrMYB119, which is involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis in poplar and Arabidopsis. The transgenic Arabidopsis XVA-PtrMYB119 displayed a red color in leaves in response to 10 ppm DHT, whereas it did not react in the presence of other androgenic compounds. The transcript level of PtrMYB119 peaked at day 13 of DHT exposure on agar media and then declined to its normal level at day 15. Expressions of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes including chalcone flavanone isomerase, chalcone synthase, flavanone 3-hydroxylase, dihydroflavonol 4-reductase, UFGT (UGT78D2), and anthocyanidin synthase were similar to that of PtrMYB119. It is assumed that this transgenic plant can be used by nonscientists for the detection of androgen DHT in the environment and samples such as food solution without any experimental procedures.

Comparative identification, nutritional, and physiological regulation of chicken liver-enriched genes

The liver performs a number of vital functions in the chicken. In order to identify unique gene expression patterns and link them to potential functions in the chicken liver, genes enriched in the liver of chickens needed to be investigated in a comparative manner. In this study, 41 liver-enriched genes were identified through chicken microarray, and many of them were validated through comparative analysis of mice and humans. Thirteen of them were unique in chickens, and their liver enhancement was confirmed by reverse transcription PCR. Furthermore, the expression of those 13 chicken liver-enriched genes was investigated, in response to nutritional and physiological challenges. Real-time PCR revealed that expression of PIT54 (P < 0.01), phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase 2 (PRPS2) (P < 0.05), sulfotransferase (SULT) (P < 0.05), and cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily C, polypeptide 18 (CYP2C18) (P < 0.05) were significantly decreased in the liver during fasting compared to ad libitum control. During the post-laying stage, expression of GAL8 was significantly increased (P < 0.01), but CYP2C18 expression was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Liver-enriched genes that were identified in this study and their expression patterns under fasting and the post-laying stage will serve as future targets to gain a better understanding of liver physiology, function and development in poultry.

Role of the INDETERMINATE DOMAIN Genes in Plants

The INDETERMINATE DOMAIN (IDD) genes comprise a conserved transcription factor family that regulates a variety of developmental and physiological processes in plants. Many recent studies have focused on the genetic characterization of IDD family members and revealed various biological functions, including modulation of sugar metabolism and floral transition, cold stress response, seed development, plant architecture, regulation of hormone signaling, and ammonium metabolism. In this review, we summarize the functions and working mechanisms of the IDD gene family in the regulatory network of metabolism and developmental processes.

Development of bisphenol A (BPA)-sensing indicator Arabidopsis thaliana which synthesizes anthocyanin in response to BPA in leaves

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an estrogenic endocrine disruptor which disturbs a normal animal development. We generated an indicator plant that senses and provides a clear visual indicator of an estrogen-like compound BPA in the environment. We developed transgenic Arabidopsis lines expressing a construct designed to synthesize anthocyanin (thus showing a red color) in response to BPA. We transformed Arabidopsis with a recombinant vector containing the chimeric estrogen receptor (XVE region), LAP and coding region of PtrMYB119 (transcription factor involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis in poplar and Arabidopsis). Upon binding of the estrogen compound to the ligand-binding domain of E (estrogen receptor) in XVE, the XV domain binds to LAP promoter and triggering the transcription of PtrMYB119 with a subsequent enhancement of anthocyanin biosynthetic gene expression, resulting in anthocyanin synthesis. The leaves of the transgenic Arabidopsis line XVE-PtrMYB119 turned red in the presence of 10 ppm BPA. The transcript level of PtrMYB119 peaked at day 3 of BPA exposure, then decreased to its minimal level at day 5. Similar expression patterns to that of PtrMYB119 were detected for genes encoding the anthocyanin biosynthetic enzymes chalcone synthase, chalcone flavanone isomerase, flavanone 3-hydroxylase, dihydroflavonol 4-reductase, anthocyanidin synthase, and UFGT (UGT78D2). The leaves of transgenic plants did not turn red in response to BPA at concentrations below 10 ppm, but PtrMYB119 expression was induced by BPA at concentrations as low as 1 ppt BPA. Since this transgenic plant turns red in the presence of BPA without any experimental procedures, this line can be easily used by non-scientists.

Abstract P3-07-06: Evidence for tumor heterogeneity and clonal evolution during invasive progression in breast cancer

Purpose: Intratumoral heterogeneity is well recognized to be an important driver of treatment resistance and metastasis. We undertook this N of three study to measure the degree of heterogeneity in three large preinvasive lesions, all with invasive components to determine the relationship between tumor heterogeneity, spatial distribution, clonal evolution, and invasive progression.

Methods: We identified patients A, B, C with extensive DCIS measuring 7.5 cm, 6 cm, and 7 cm associated with 0.3 cm, 3.8cm, and 3.4 cm of an invasive component and 0, 7 and 1 positive lymph node, respectively. We sequenced the tumor sample for Case A from 32 unique blocks with precise geospatial localization; invasive cancer was identified in 3 of 32 blocks. Case B had 26 blocks sequenced with invasive cancer in 13 of 26 blocks. Case C had 23 blocks sequenced with invasive in 11 of 23 blocks. For germline reference, we sequenced DNA from an uninvolved tissue from each case. NGS libraries were made from FFPE derived DNA (20-40ng) for full exome sequencing. Variant calling was performed by GATK HaplotypeCaller, Platypus and Mutect. Identified somatic mutations were annotated with Oncotator and pathway enrichment analysis was performed with Bioconductor. To investigate the clonal evolution and progression history, phylogenetic trees were constructed in R and sub-clonal analysis was performed with Treeomics.

Results: The sequence data was analyzed with Platypus, MuTect and GATK HaplotypeCaller. The somatic mutation sites were concatenated into one sequence for each sample. Both neighbor-joining trees and maximum parsimony trees were built for each case. Phylogenetic analysis and sub-clonal analysis support the multi-clonal invasion model of invasive cells, in which invasive cancer can evolve from multiple clades, either early or late in the evolutionary history, independently. Dense sampling allowed reconstruction of the temporal order of mutations that accumulated in the cell lineage of the invasive cancers. Furthermore, phylogeny and sub-clone spatial analysis revealed that distant regions may be closely genetically related and showed a weak spatial sub-clone clustering pattern, which is consistent with the predictions of Big Bang model. For driver genes, we find that except for SETD2 in Case B, the majority of driver gene mutations are sub-clonal. Somatic mutations on ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter pathway was found in all cases.

Conclusions: Extensive sampling and sequencing of tumors yields important insights about tumor heterogeneity and tumor progression of DCIS to invasive cancer. Variable invasive propensity was identified, with foci of invasion were geospatially associated with preinvasive regions of progressively higher mutational load.

Citation Format: Ding Y, Marks J, King L, Hardman T, Hall A, Mallo D, Rodrigo A, Maley C, Hwang S. Evidence for tumor heterogeneity and clonal evolution during invasive progression in breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-07-06.

Abstract P3-08-07: Distinct biological signatures describe differences in BRCA mutated subgroups

Background: BRCA mutated (BRCA+) breast cancers are expected to have increased activation of Homologous Recombination Deficiency (HRD) and altered DNA damage repair pathways when compared to BRCA wildtype (BRCA-). To better understand differences in these populations, biological patterns and immune responses to BRCA+ breast cancers were evaluated. The primary aim of our study was to use novel gene expression tools to assess early stage breast cancers with and without germline BRCA mutations, and within distinct BRCA+ subgroups.

Methods: We identified 124 early stage untreated breast cancers with and without BRCA mutations (n = 62 and 62, respectively). Our BRCA- group was matched by hormone receptor (HR) status, age, and stage to the BRCA+ group. The NanoString Breast Cancer 360 panel was applied to RNA isolated from 80 breast tumors (BRCA+ = 39; BRCA- = 41). The BRCA+ group had a BRCA1+ subgroup (n=17) and a BRCA2+ subgroup (n=22).

Results: There was a significant increase in two BC360 signatures in both the BRCA1+ and BRCA2+ tumors compared with the BRCA- population: Prosigna™Risk of Recurrence (ROR) score [BRCA1+: HR: 1.142 (95% CI 1.019, 1.279), p=0.02; BRCA2+: HR: 1.321 (95% CI 1.190, 1.466), p&lt;0.001] and HRD [BRCA1+: HR: 3.576 (95% CI 2.174, 5.880), p=0.02; BRCA2+: HR: 1.801 (95% CI 1.142, 2.840), p&lt;0.001]. BRCA1+ tumors had lower expression of ESR1 [p=0.03], PGR [p=0.02], ER signaling [p&lt;0.001], and differentiation [p=0.005]; while BRCA2+ tumors had lower expression of stroma markers [p=0.02] and inflammatory chemokines [p=0.001]. The two BRCA+ subgroups had distinct molecular subtype correlation trends that were highly significant. BRCA1+ tumors were positively associated with a basal subtype [p&lt;0.001], whereas this association was not significant for BRCA2+ tumors. BRCA2+ tumors were associated with an increase in luminal B subtype [p=0.05]. All BRCA+ tumors had a decrease in luminal A subtype correlation [BRCA1+: p&lt;0.001; BRCA2+: p=0.002]. In addition to the BC360 signatures, a differential analysis of all genes in the BC360 panel revealed more single gene differences in BRCA2+ than BRCA1+ tumors when compared to BRCA- tumors.

Conclusions: In early stage BRCA+ breast cancer, tumors have higher ROR and increased HRD signature scores compared to BRCA- tumors. Furthermore, BRCA1+ and BRCA2+ tumors have both signature and single gene expression differences when compared to BRCA- tumors, indicating distinct subgroup-related biology. The greater correlation of BRCA1+ tumors with basal-like biology and BRCA2+ tumors with aggressive hormonal biology confirms these trends. Distinctions in hormone receptor signaling, DNA-damage pathways, and microenvironment/inflammatory features between BRCA1 and BRCA2 associated cancers suggest a need for different prevention and therapeutic strategies for each of these breast cancer subtypes. The unique biological patterns identified here should be further evaluated as predictive or prognostic tools that could be translated into clinical care for early stage BRCA+ patients.

Citation Format: Force J, Plichta J, Stashko I, Kimmick G, Westbrook K, Sammons S, Hwang S, Hyslop T, Kauff N, Castellar E, Nair S, Weinhold K, Davis S, Mashadi-Hossein A, Brauer HA, Marcom PK. Distinct biological signatures describe differences in BRCA mutated subgroups [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-08-07.

Abstract P3-01-02: Detection of circulating tumor cells (CTC) in blood and disseminated tumor cells (DTC) in bone marrow at surgery identifies breast cancer patients (pts) with long-term risk of distant recurrence and breast cancer-specific death

We examined the prognostic impact of CTCs and DTCs detected at the time of definitive surgery in pts diagnosed with early breast cancer (EBC).

Methods: Blood and bone marrow samples from 742 treatment-naïve EBC pts, not eligible for neoadjuvant therapy, were collected immediately prior to surgery. 87% were hormone receptor (HR)-positive, and 71% were node-negative. DTCs (n=584) were enumerated using an EPCAM-based method involving immunomagnetic enrichment and flow cytometry (IE/FC). CTCs were enumerated either by IE/FC (n=288) or CellSearch (n=380). Optimal cutoffs for CTC-/DTC-positivity were selected using Monte-Carlo cross validation. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to determine correlation between levels of CTCs/DTCs vs. distant recurrence-free survival (DRFS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS). The overall median follow-up was 7.1 years for DRFS and and 9.1 years for BCSS, but extended up to 13.3 years in subset analyses (Table 1).

Results: CTC-positivity by CellSearch was associated with HER2-positivity (Fisher p=0.01). Using optimized cutoffs in multivariate analyses, we found that CTC-positive pts by CellSearch had a statistically significant increased risk of distant recurrence (HR 4.93, p=0.0067). Moreover, pts who were CTC-positive by IE/FC had a statistically significant increased risk of breast cancer-specific death (HR=3.54, p=0.0138). DTC status, by itself, was not prognostic; however, when combined with CTC status by IE/FC (n=273), positive detection for both (CTC+DTC+) was significantly associated with increased risk of distant recurrence (HR=3.09, p=0.0270) and breast cancer-specific death (HR=4.55, p=0.0205).

Table 1.Multivariate analysis to determine the prognostic significance of CTCs and DTCs detected at the time of surgery in treatment naive early breast cancer patients. Adjusted for age at diagnosis, tumor size, pathologic stage, HR and HER2 status, node status and grade.  DRFS  BCSS  Variable and Method% positiveHR [95% CI]Wald p-valueMedian f/u [range] Years*HR [95% CI]Wald p-valueMedian f/u [range] Years*CTC+ vs. CTC- by CellSearch94.93[1.56-15.6]0.00676.4 [0.16-13.8]4.50[0.76-26.5]0.09627.5 [0.71-15.0]CTC+ vs. CTC- by IE/FC401.92[0.93-3.95]0.07599.8 [0.09-18.5]3.54[1.29-9.72]0.013813.3 [1.93-18.5]DTC+ vs. DTC- by IE/FC181.46[0.75-2.81]0.26317.5 [0.09-18.5]1.48[0.64-3.42]0.35429.8 [1.55-18.5]CTC+DTC+ vs. CTC-DTC- by IE/FC8**3.09[1.14-8.40]0.02709.8 [0.09-18.5]4.55[1.26-16.39]0.020513.3 [1.93-18.5]*f/u - follow-up; **double positive

Conclusions: We demonstrate the impact of quantitative evaluation of CTCs and DTCs by IE/FC. Our large single institution dataset, in which CTCs and DTCs have been contemporaneously quantitated, has the longest patient follow-up. Simultaneous detection of CTCs and DTCs at the time of definitive surgery in treatment naïve EBC pts is an independent prognostic factor associated with increased long-term risk of distant recurrence and death due to breast cancer. Given the lack of early endpoints for low-risk patients, liquid biopsy may be an important consideration for future studies.

Citation Format: Magbanua MJM, Yau C, Wolf D, Lee JS, Chattopadhyay A, Scott JH, Yoder E, Hwang S, Alvarado M, Ewing CA, Delson AL, van't Veer L, Esserman L, Park JW. Detection of circulating tumor cells (CTC) in blood and disseminated tumor cells (DTC) in bone marrow at surgery identifies breast cancer patients (pts) with long-term risk of distant recurrence and breast cancer-specific death [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-01-02.

Expression of the Tobacco Non-symbiotic Class 1 Hemoglobin Gene Hb1 Reduces Cadmium Levels by Modulating Cd Transporter Expression Through Decreasing Nitric Oxide and ROS Level in Arabidopsis

Hemoglobin (Hb) proteins are ubiquitous in plants, and non-symbiotic class 1 hemoglobin (Hb1) is involved in various biotic and abiotic stress responses. Here, the expression of the tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) hemoglobin gene NtHb1 in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) showed higher cadmium (Cd) tolerance and lower accumulations of Cd, nitric oxide (NO), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) like hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). NtHb1-expressing Arabidopsis exhibited a reduced induction of NO levels in response to Cd, suggesting scavenging of NO by Hb1. In addition, transgenic plants had reduced accumulation of ROS and increased activities of antioxidative enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase) in response to Cd. While the expression of the Cd exporters ABC transporter (PDR8) and Ca²⁺/H⁺ exchangers (CAXs) was increased, that of the Cd importers iron responsive transporter 1 (IRT1) and P-type 2B Ca²⁺ ATPase (ACA10) was reduced in response to Cd. When Col-0 plants were treated with the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and H₂O₂, the expression pattern of Cd transporters (PDR8, CAX3, IRT1, and ACA10) was reversed, suggesting that NtHb1 expression decreased the Cd level by regulating the expression of Cd transporters via decreased NO and ROS. Correspondingly, NtHb1-expressing Arabidopsis showed increased Cd export. In summary, the expression of NtHb1 reduces Cd levels by regulating Cd transporter expression via decreased NO and ROS levels in Arabidopsis.

Early development of de novo hepatocellular carcinoma after direct-acting agent therapy: Comparison with pegylated interferon-based therapy in chronic hepatitis C patients

Patients with chronic hepatitis C who achieve a sustained viral response after pegylated interferon therapy have a reduced risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, but the risk after treatment with direct-acting antivirals is unclear. We compared the rates of early development of hepatocellular carcinoma after direct-acting antivirals and after pegylated interferon therapy. We retrospectively analysed 785 patients with chronic hepatitis C who had no history of hepatocellular carcinoma (211 treated with pegylated interferon, 574 with direct-acting antivirals) and were followed up for at least 24 weeks after antiviral treatment. De novo hepatocellular carcinoma developed in 6 of 574 patients receiving direct-acting antivirals and in 1 of 211 patients receiving pegylated interferon. The cumulative incidence of early hepatocellular carcinoma development did not differ between the treatment groups either for the whole cohort (1.05% vs 0.47%, P = .298) or for those patients with Child-Pugh Class A cirrhosis (3.73% vs 2.94%, P = .827). Multivariate analysis indicated that alpha-fetoprotein level >9.5 ng/mL at the time of end-of-treatment response was the only independent risk factor for early development of hepatocellular carcinoma in all patients (P < .0001, hazard ratio 176.174, 95% confidence interval 10.768-2882.473) and in patients treated with direct-acting agents (P < .0001, hazard ratio 128.402, 95% confidence interval 8.417-1958.680). In conclusion, the rate of early development of hepatocellular carcinoma did not differ between patients treated with pegylated interferon and those treated with direct-acting antivirals and was associated with the serum alpha-fetoprotein level at the time of end-of-treatment response.

Abstract P4-15-13: When is cancer not really cancer? The PREvent ductal carcinoma in situ invasive overtreatment now (PRECISION)* initiative

Background

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) now represents 20-25% of all breast neoplasia due to large-scale detection by widely adopted population-based breast cancer screening programs. As a result, thousands of women are confronted with DCIS each year: more than 8,000 in the UK, 2,500 in the Netherlands, and some 50,000 in the US. Conventional management includes surgery, supplemented by radiotherapy and/or endocrine therapy, but overtreats the majority of DCIS as ˜1% recur annually and breast cancer mortality is ˜3% at 20 years. Uncertainty as to which DCIS lesions will progress to invasive cancer or, after excision, which will return with recurrent DCIS or invasive breast cancer drives this overtreatment. This urges us to learn how to distinguish DCIS that may progress to invasive breast cancer from the majority of indolent DCIS. Such distinction may be best achieved by synergistic international collaboration between leading global experts from various disciplines, driven by the essential input from patient voices as full members of the research team.

Aim

PRECISION (PREvent ductal Carcinoma In Situ Invasive Overtreatment Now) aims to save thousands of women with low risk DCIS the burden of intensive inappropriate treatment of DCIS (surgery, radiation therapy, hormonal therapies) through the discovery of new data and development of novel tests that promote informed and shared decision-making between patients and clinicians, without compromising the excellent outcomes for DCIS management presently achieved.

Methods

First, three large DCIS cohorts and supplementary resources will be collected enabling in depth molecular studies. Second, extensive genomic characterization, immune profiling and imaging analysis will be performed. In vivo and in vitro modeling will be performed to study the biology of DCIS in detail. Finally, all clinical, immune, and molecular data will be incorporated into a clinical risk prediction model. This risk prediction model will be validated in three prospective randomized DCIS trials in the US (COMET trial), UK (LORIS trial), and mainland Europe (LORD trial).

How the results of this research will be used

The discoveries from our laboratory studies, including a risk stratification model, will be cross-validated in three prospective trials of DCIS active surveillance versus conventional treatment (the COMET, LORIS and LORD trials). As such, the main result of this study will be that we can identify a group of women for which active surveillance for DCIS could be a safer alternative to intensive treatment. Ultimately, this may also contribute to a more reassuring perception of risk regarding non-life threatening precancerous lesions in general, reducing anxiety and preserving quality of life.

* The PRECISION Team is a Cancer Research UK Grand Challenge Award 2017 winning team and will be jointly funded by Cancer Research UK and the Dutch Cancer Society.

Citation Format: Wesseling J, Thompson A, Nik-Zainal S, Futreal A, Hwang S, Jonkers J, Lips E, Rea D, On Behalf of the PRECISION Team. When is cancer not really cancer? The PREvent ductal carcinoma in situ invasive overtreatment now (PRECISION)* initiative [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-15-13.

Abstract OT3-05-01: TBCRC 039: Phase II study of combination ruxolitinib (INCB018424) with preoperative chemotherapy for triple negative inflammatory breast cancer

Background: Stage III triple negative(TN) inflammatory breast cancer(IBC) is associated with a poor prognosis evidenced by a 15 month(mo) median disease free survival(DFS) and overall survival(OS) of 34 mo. The substantial incidence of developing distant metastasis may be due to the prevalence of cancer cells with stem cell-like features (e.g. CD44+/CD24-) in TNIBC. The transcriptional pathway JAK2/STAT3 is associated with the survival of CD44+/CD24- cells, and preclinical data demonstrates overexpression of activated STAT3(pSTAT3) in &gt; 95% of TNIBC. Preclinical studies have shown that ruxolitinib (Incyte®Corporation), an approved JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor, suppresses pSTAT3 in IBC patient derived xenograft models, and when combined with paclitaxel, results in a synergistic reduction in tumor weight. Given the lack of a known therapeutic target in TNIBC, this preoperative proof of principle study exploits the survival mechanism of CD44+/CD24- stem cells prevalent in this disease, by combining ruxolitinib(Rux) with paclitaxel(T) followed by doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide(AC).

Methods: Up to 64 pts with newly diagnosed stage III TNIBC (cT4d, any N, M0) are eligible if they have adequate organ function and are willing to undergo 2 research biopsies(rbx) of the affected breast. Following baseline rbx, pts are randomized to a 7 day(d) run-in phase of Rux vs Rux(15 mg bid) + T(80mg/m2/wkx1). A 2nd rbx is obtained after the run-in phase. Pts randomized to RuxT continue to receive a total of Tx12 wks+Rux. Pts randomized to Rux alone, are re-randomized to receive Tx12 wks+Rux vs Tx12wks alone. Following T, all pts receive AC (A-60mg/m2,C-600mg/m2) every 14d x 4. Pts proceed to modified radical mastectomy (MRM) followed by chest wall/regional lymph nodes radiation therapy.

Correlatives: To assess the effect of JAK inhibition with Rux on pSTAT3 and STAT3 related gene expression, molecular and genomic markers (e.g. RNA-seq, ChIPseq, FISH) will be determined in each rbx and residual tumor at MRM. The relative frequency and topology of CD44+/CD24- cell population and pSTAT3 expression by IHC will also be assessed in these tumor specimens. IL-6 and CRP plasma concentrations will be measured at baseline, prior to T and AC and prior to MRM.

Statistics: The primary endpoint is change in markers of JAK/STAT inhibition. If the proportion of rbx exhibit a biologic response to Rux alone (i.e. change from pSTAT3 expression to pSTAT3 negative) is &lt;10%, then Rux alone is minimally effective on JAK inhibition vs alternative hypothesis that Rux inhibits JAK if the proportion of biologic response is ≥33%. If ≥5/25 rbx treated with Rux alone have a biologic response then the hypothesis that biologic response is ≤10% is rejected with an error rate of 0.098 (target 0.10). If ≤4/25 rbx have a biologic response then the hypothesis that biologic response is ≥33% is rejected with an error rate of 0.05 (target 0.10). Biologic response of rbx with Rux alone will also be compared with the proportion of biologic response to RuxT (33% vs. 66% based upon presumed synergy with RuxT). Secondary endpoints are clinical: pathologic complete response in breast/lymph nodes, Residual Cancer Burden, DFS and OS. Clinical Trial Information: NCT02876302.

Citation Format: Overmoyer B, Regan M, Polyak K, Brock J, Van Poznak C, King T, Haddad T, Stearns V, Hwang S, Winer E. TBCRC 039: Phase II study of combination ruxolitinib (INCB018424) with preoperative chemotherapy for triple negative inflammatory breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT3-05-01.

Abstract P2-05-05: Not presented

This abstract was not presented at the symposium.

Abstract P5-17-04: Changing the DCIS conversation: Development of an alternative discourse by patient stakeholders in the COMET study

The conversation about ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is structured and influenced by traditional oncology values and beliefs, resulting in current standards of guideline concordant care (GCC). It is now widely known that DCIS is a heterogeneous condition requiring a tailored treatment approach based on characteristics of the specific lesion. Further, “low-risk” DCIS—defined as low grade, hormone-receptor positive condition—may be a subset with lower likelihood of progression to invasive breast cancer. Yet, most women diagnosed with any type of DCIS are encouraged to undergo the same immediate, aggressive treatments that women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer receive. Emerging evidence suggests that surgery may not increase overall survival compared to no surgery in many women diagnosed with low-risk DCIS.

The COMET (Comparison of Operative to Monitoring and Endocrine Therapy) study is a new randomized, prospective clinical trial funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute that aims to determine whether active surveillance is a safe and reasonable alternative to GCC for patients with low-risk DCIS. COMET also seeks to change the way patients, providers, and other key stakeholders view DCIS management options. Thus, COMET governance integrates patient collaborators into every aspect of planning and development via a Patient Leadership Team (PLT) and an independent external multi-stakeholder advisory board (SAB). The PLT is a fully integrated, yet autonomous part of the COMET study governance and is comprised of 4 patient advocates who meet independently and with COMET Principal Investigators (PIs). The SAB is a fully external and independent body of clinicians, content experts, payers, patients and patient advocates, and policymaker advisors.

To facilitate the cultural shift, the PLT developed communication materials with language and terminology that aims to communicate a diagnosis of DCIS without increasing unnecessary fear and anxiety that often accompanies a diagnosis of invasive cancer. In collaboration with study team PI's and the SAB, PLT also has developed content for a newly established website (www.DCISoptions.org), which includes patient-centered materials that aim to help newly diagnosed patients understand that a majority of DCIS is low-risk and that they have time to make informed decisions about their care.

The PLT contends that managing DCIS is as much a cultural phenomenon as a scientific one. As such, changing the conversation about DCIS between medical providers and patients is essential for generating a cultural shift in understanding the condition, correcting risk perception, and enabling improvement in patient experience. The novel approach of a stand-alone PLT that is also integrated throughout the trial's stakeholder structure ensures patient-centered involvement across all aspects of the study. The unique talents of each stakeholder group are leveraged in a unified effort to educate the DCIS community about low-risk DCIS, with the overarching goal of enabling a patient to choose the treatment approach that best reflects her risk profile and personal preferences, thus minimizing potential physical, emotional, and financial harms.

Citation Format: Frank ES, Basila D, Collyar D, Pinto D, Smith ML, Geirisch J, Lynch T, Hwang S. Changing the DCIS conversation: Development of an alternative discourse by patient stakeholders in the COMET study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-17-04.