Prognostic significance of HER2 loss after HER2-targeted neoadjuvant treatment in patients with HER2-positive locally advanced breast cancer

Loss of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression can be seen in almost 25-30 % patients after HER2 receptor directed neoadjuvant treatment. These patients have unclear clinical outcomes in previous studies. We aimed to investigate the importance of HER2 loss, additionally with predictive factors for the loss of HER2. This was a retrospective and multicenter study that included 272 HER2-positive BC patients with no pathological complete response who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus HER2-targeted treatments. The factors that may affect the loss of HER2 detected by immunohistochemistry(IHC) and the association with survival were analyzed.The rate of HER2 loss after neoadjuvant treatments(NAT) was 27.9 % (n = 76). Disease recurrence was observed in 18(23.7 %) patients with HER2 loss, while it was detected in 62 (31.7 %) patients without HER2 loss(p = 0.23). Pre and post-NAT ER status, and post-NAT ki-67 status had a significant impact on disease-free survival(DFS) (p = 0.0012, p = 0.004, and p = 0.04, respectively).There were no significant association between DFS and loss of HER2 (p = 0.64) and dual anti-HER2 blockade (p = 0.21). Pre-NAT clinical stage (HR:1.65 p = 0.013), post-NAT LN status (HR:3.18, p = 0.02) and pre-NAT ER status (HR:0.24, p = 0.041) were significant independent prognostic factors for DFS while post-NAT residual disease in axillar tissue was an independent prognostic factor for OS (HR:1.54 p = 0.019). Moreover, age (<40 years vs ≥40 years) (p = 0.031) and tumor grade (p = 0.004) were predictive factors for HER2 loss. Our results showed that HER2 loss did not affect survivals. However, young age and being high grade tumor may predict HER2 loss.

The Prognostic Role of Mismatch Repair Status and CDX-2 Expression with Inflammatory Markers and Pathological Risk Factors in Stage II and III Colon Cancer: Multicenter Real-Life Data

OBJECTIVE

Colorectal cancer is common worldwide, and adjuvant treatment's benefit is still controversial. We designed this study to determine the role of MSI and CDX-2 status determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) combined with the inflammatory markers and pathological parameters in predicting disease recurrence in stage II and III colon cancer.

METHODS

A total of 226 stage II/III colon cancer patients with a median age of 59 years who underwent initial surgery were included in this retrospective study. The pathologic assessment of MSI and CDX-2 was performed twice by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and two different pathologists. No staining/weak staining below 10% of the tumor was accepted as CDX-2 negative, and any MSI clones with weak staining below 10% were accepted as MSI-H. The laboratory parameters were noted at the initial diagnosis.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-one and 105 patients were diagnosed with stage III and II colon cancer. 58.0% of patients were male, 46 (20.4%) of tumor tissue were MSS, and 17 (7.5%) were CDX-2 negative. One hundred twenty-nine tumors were localized in the right colon. Disease recurrence was significantly correlated with tumor localization, CDX-2 status, stage at diagnosis, and preoperatively median CRP and CEA levels. DFS rates for MSS patients with CDX-2 negative and positive were 36.7% and 98.1%, respectively [p < 0.001]. There was no significant correlation between MSI status and CDX-2 status. MSI status, the presence of adjuvant treatment, and systemic inflammatory markers were not significant prognostic factors for DFS. CDX-2 status [HR:0.08, CI 95% 0.03-0.17, p < 0.001 HR: 1.7, CI 95% 1.1-3.0, p = 0.03], disease stage [HR:2.6, CI 95% 1.43-4.74], and preoperatively CEA levels [HR:4.1 CI 95% 2.18-785, p < 0.001 were independent significant prognostic factors for DFS.

CONCLUSION

CDX-2 loss was an independent prognostic factor for DFS and disease recurrence in early-stage colon cancer. MSS patients with CDX-2 loss had significantly worse survival outcomes, and this might be the reason for deciding on adjuvant chemotherapy.

Efficacy of adjuvant capecitabine in residual triple negative breast cancer: a multicenter observational Turkish Oncology Group (TOG) study

BACKGROUND

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by high rates of recurrence, especially in patients with residual disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Capecitabine is being used as standard adjuvant treatment in residual TNBC. We aimed to investigate the real-life data regarding the efficacy of capecitabine in residual TNBC.

DESIGN AND METHODS

In this retrospective multicenter study, TNBC patients with residual disease were evaluated. Patients, who received standard anthracycline and taxane-based NAC and adjuvant capecitabine were eligible. Overall survival (OS), disease free survival (DFS) and toxicity were analyzed.

RESULTS

170 TNBC patients with residual disease were included. Of these, 62.9% were premenopausal. At the time of analysis, the recurrence rate was 30% and death rate was 18%. The 3-year DFS and OS were 66% and 74%, respectively. In patients treated with adjuvant capecitabine, residual node positive disease stood out as an independent predictor of DFS (p = 0.024) and OS (p = 0.032). Undergoing mastectomy and the presence of T2 residual tumor was independent predictors of DFS (p = 0.016) and OS (p = 0.006), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The efficacy of capecitabine was found lower compared to previous studies. Selected patients may have further benefit from addition of capecitabine. The toxicity associated with capecitabine was found lower than anticipated.

The efficacy of palbociclib and ribociclib in the first-line treatment of metastatic hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative breast cancer in male patients: a Turkish oncology group (TOG) study

INTRODUCTION

Male breast cancer, comprising approximately 1% of all breast cancer cases, often leads to the exclusion of male patients as a criterion in clinical trials. While the efficacy of Cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitors has been established in metastatic hormone receptor-positive (HR +) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2 -) breast cancer in women, limited data exist on their effectiveness in male patients. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of palbociclib or ribociclib in male patients with breast cancer.

METHODS

This study is a multicenter, retrospective study. We included male patients with HR + and HER2-metastatic breast cancer who received palbociclib or ribociclib as first-line treatment. Our primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rates (ORR), and drug-related adverse effects.

RESULTS

A total of 46 male patients from 27 institutions were enrolled. The median age at initiation of CDK 4/6 inhibitors was 63.64 ± 13.69 years, with a median follow-up of 21.33 (95% CI 14.92-27.74) months. The ORR were 84% for palbociclib and 76.2% for ribociclib. The mPFS for the entire cohort was 28.06 months (95% CI 18.70-37.42). No significant difference in PFS was observed between palbociclib and ribociclib (mPFS: 24.46 months (95% CI 11.51-37.42) vs 28.33 months (95% CI 14.77-41.88), respectively, p = 0.211). No new adverse events were reported.

DISCUSSION

This study demonstrates that palbociclib and ribociclib are effective and safe options for first-line treatment in male patients with HR + /HER2 - metastatic breast cancer. However, further prospective studies are warranted to establish their efficacy in this population.

Integrated FDG-PET/CT contribution over cross-sectional imaging in recurrence or progression of pancreaticobiliary neoplasms

PURPOSE

We aim to compare FDG-PET/CT and cross-sectional imaging (contrastenhanced CT/MRI) diagnostic abilities in detecting recurrence/progression of pancreaticobiliary system tumors and to reveal the clinical impact of integrated FDGPET/CT to CT/MRI on patient management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

FDG-PET/CT and CT/MRI scans of 70 patients from initiation of treatment until proven recurrence/progression were retrospectively evaluated. FDGPET/CT and contrast-enhanced CT/MRI accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV are compared in terms of overall recurrence/progression diagnosis and sitespecific concern; local disease, local lymph node, and distant organ metastasis. The impact of integrated FDG-PET/CT on patient management is scrutinized.

RESULTS

CT/MRI has higher sensitivity than FDG-PET/CT in detecting loco-regional involvement (90% vs 76.7% P: 0.152), local lymph node metastasis (88.9% vs 77.8%, P: 0.380) and distant organ metastasis (96.5% vs 80.7%; P: 0.006) in tumor recurrence/progression. In overall diagnosis, CT/MRI is more sensitive and accurate but less specific than FDG-PET/CT (92.3% vs 87.7%; 87.1% vs 84.2%; 40% vs 20%, respectively). In 8% (6/70) of patients FDG-PET/CT had a major impact on patient management.

CONCLUSION

FDG-PET/CT and cross-sectional imaging have different advantages and shortcomings. In recurrence/progression, recognition of early changes is more feasible by CT/MRI. However, inconsistency of morphologic and metabolic findings is important reason of cross-sectional imaging failure. FDG-PET/CT is superior in showing extraabdominal metastases, but missing small-volume lesions and misinterpreting inflammatory changes are still a problem lowering its sensitivity. Nevertheless FDGPET/CT is good option for guiding undetermined imaging findings or clinic-radiologic mismatch.

Predictive significance of inflammatory markers and mGPS in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with abiraterone or enzalutamide

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer is a prevalent cancer in men worldwide, and castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is characterized by disease progression despite androgen deprivation therapy. While clinical and prognostic biomarkers have been identified in CRPC, the significance of serum inflammatory markers remains unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 79 CRPC patients treated with abiraterone or enzalutamide. Inflammatory markers, including the modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), were assessed as predictive tools for treatment response. Patient data were obtained from medical charts, and statistical analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The median age of the patients was 67 years, with most having a Gleason score of 8-10. The median values for NLR, PLR, and SII were 2.9, 168.5, and 713.5, respectively. The objective response rate (ORR) to abiraterone or enzalutamide therapy was 55.1%. mGPS showed a significant association with ORR, with the mGPS 0 group having the highest response rate (59.5%). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 12.8 months, and median overall survival (OS) was 35.4 months. Palliative radiotherapy during therapy and PSA doubling time were independent prognostic factors for PFS.

CONCLUSIONS

mGPS and PSA doubling time significantly impacted survival, and mGPS significantly predicted the treatment response in mCRPC, which may lead to further prospective studies.

Impact of SPARC expression on treatment response of pembrolizumab and brain metastasis in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) often exhibits elevated Secreted Protein Acidic and Cysteine-Rich (SPARC) expression. In this study, we investigated the impact of SPARC expression on clinicopathologic features, pembrolizumab response, and prognosis in metastatic NSCLC patients.

METHODS

Thirty-six patients diagnosed with metastatic NSCLC without actionable driver mutation and who received pembrolizumab with or without chemotherapy were included in this study. PD-L1 and SPARC expression were evaluated, with PD-L1 expression categorized based on tumor proportion score and SPARC staining intensity graded as 1+, 2+, and 3 +. Patients' characteristics were compared across groups, and possible predictive markers were determined by binary logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

No significant associations were found between SPARC expression and smoking status, histopathological tumor type, T and N status, and liver and bone metastasis. Higher SPARC expression was significantly linked to lower brain metastasis rates but higher CNS progression rates (p = 0.022 and p = 0.011, respectively. The objective response rate (ORR) showed a trend of being higher in the SPARC 1 + group (85.7% vs. 43.8% and 50.0% in 2 + and 3 + groups, respectively, p = 0.052. Univariate analysis did not find SPARC expression to be a significant prognostic factor for progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.7) and overall survival (OS) (p = 0.07).SPARC 1 + expression negatively affected the pembrolizumab response(p = 0.04,OR:0.11, 95%CI 0.01-0.92).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study sheds light on a novel aspect of SPARC expression as a potential predictor of pembrolizumab response and a marker for CNS progression in metastatic NSCLC patients treated in the first-line setting.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio as prognostic markers in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer treated with atezolizumab in combination with chemotherapy

Atezolizumab is now the standard treatment for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). Herein, we investigated the prognostic role of inflammatory markers in patients treated with atezolizumab plus chemotherapy and evaluated the efficacy and safety of adding atezolizumab to chemotherapy for patients with ES-SCLC and prognostic and predictive factors as a real-life experience. This retrospective study included 55 patients who received front-line atezolizumab with etoposide plus platin regimen for ES-SCLC. We analyzed the survival outcomes and factors that may predict response and survival. The objective response rate (ORR) was 81.8%. At a median follow-up of 23.5 months, the median progression-free survival (PFS) time was 10.8 months, and the median overall survival (OS) time was 15.2 months. In univariate analysis for PFS, limited-stage disease at the time of diagnosis, the presence of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI), the presence of liver metastasis, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were found to be prognostic factors (P = .041, P = .034, P = .031, P = .004, and P = <.001, respectively). In other words, while the median PFS time was 14.1 months in patients with PLR ≤ 135.7, it was 7.5 months in patients with > 135.7. Similarly, median PFS was 14.9 months in patients with NLR ≤ 3.43, while it was 9.6 months in patients with > 3.43. Univariate analysis for OS revealed that limited stage at the time of diagnosis, NLR and PLR were significant prognostic indicators (P = .01, P = .006, and P = .007, respectively). Median OS time for patients with both NLR ≤ 3.43 and PLR ≤ 135.7 was significantly better than that of patients with NLR > 3.43 and PLR > 135.7 (16.9 vs 11.3 and 16.9 vs 11.5 months, respectively). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that PLR was an independent significant predictive factor for the response to atezolizumab plus chemotherapy (OR: 0.07, P = .028). The patients with PLR ≤ 135.7 were significantly good responders to atezolizumab plus chemotherapy treatment. Real-life data demonstrated a significant correlation between survival and NLR and, PLR in ES-SCLC patients treated with atezolizumab. In addition, PLR was a significant predictive indicator of response to atezolizumab plus chemotherapy.

The Role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in Predicting the Neoadjuvant Treatment Response in Patients with Locally Advanced Breast Cancer

Purpose

Patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) should be treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Pathological complete response (pCR) is related to better disease-free survival (DFS). The best strategy for assessing the efficacy of NAC has not been established yet, but several studies have shown that 18F-FDG PET/CT is a potential imaging tool for assessing pCR. The aim of this study is to investigate the merits of 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging in predicting pCR in both axillary and breast tissue and to establish a threshold maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) for predicting the response after completion of NAC.

Methods

A total of 186 LABC patients, treated with an NAC regimen according to tumor subtype, were retrospectively analyzed in this study. All patients underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging before and after completion of NAC. PET parameters were measured in the most FDG avid breast tissue and axillary lymph nodes. We analyzed the correlation between the tumor SUVmax of the PET/CT response and the pCR after surgery. DFS was also evaluated with respect to pCR.

Results

Higher pCR rates were significantly associated with a higher tumor grade, an initial Ki-67 ≥20% (p = 0.03 and p = 0.003, respectively), a triple-negative subtype (32.9%), and a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2)-positive subtype (24.7%) (p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between the pCR and a complete response in 18F-FDG PET/CT (p < 0.001). The overall sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 18F-FDG PET/CT to determine the pCR after NAC were 100%, 72.2%, 85%, 75.2%, and 100%, respectively. We demonstrated a 1.1 cutoff SUVmax for breast tumors after NAC (OR: 3.94, 95% CI: 1.14-5.05, p = 0.004), the 18F-FDG PET/CT response to NAC (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.25-0.99, p = 0.003), and the molecular subtype of breast tumors (OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.38-0.88, p = 0.011).

Conclusion

Our results confirm that 18F-FDG PET/CT is a useful method for predicting the NAC response in LABC.

Real-world data on efficacy and safety of first-line alectinib treatment in advanced-stage, ALK-positive non-small-cell lung cancer patients: a Turkish Oncology Group study

Aims: In this multicenter study, the authors aimed to determine the real-life efficacy and safety of first-line alectinib. Materials & methods: This retrospective trial included advanced-stage, ALK-positive non-small-cell lung cancer patients who were treated with first-line alectinib in terms of ALK-tyrosine kinase inhibitors, regardless of previous chemotherapy. The co-primary end points were progression-free survival both for all patients and for the treatment-naive population. The secondary end points were overall response rate, overall survival, rate of CNS progression and safety. Results & conclusion: A total of 274 patients (n = 177 for treatment-naive patients) were enrolled in the study. The median progression-free survival was 26 and 28.8 months for all patients and the treatment-naive group, respectively. The overall response rate, CNS progression rate and 1-year overall survival ratio were 77.9, 12.4 and 77%. Alectinib is a highly effective therapy with a favorable safety profile.

Atezolizumab combined with chemotherapy in the first-line treatment of extensive-stage small cell lung cancer: a real-life data of the Turkish Oncology Group

PURPOSE

Atezolizumab has been shown to be effective and safe in randomized trial in the first-line treatment of extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC). However, there are limited real-life data on atezolizumab. In this study, we aimed to determine the real-life efficacy and safety of atezolizumab combined with chemotherapy in the first-line treatment of extensive-stage SCLC.

METHODS

This trial is a retrospective multicenter study of the Turkish Oncology Group, which included extensive-stage SCLC patients who received atezolizumab combined with chemotherapy in a first-line treatment. The characteristics of the patients, treatment and response rates, and PFS and OS are presented. Factors associated with PFS and OS were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 213 patients at the 30 oncology centers were included. The median number of chemotherapy cycle was 5 (1-8) and atezolizumab cycle was 7 (1-32). After median 11.9 months of follow-up, median PFS and OS was 6.8 months (95%CI 5.7-7.8), and 11.9 months (95%CI 11-12.7), respectively. The ORR was 61.9%. ECOG-PS (p = 0.002) and number of metastatic sites (p = 0.001) were associated with PFS and pack-year of smoking (p = 0.05), while ECOG-PS (p = 0.03) and number of metastatic sites (p = 0.001) were associated with OS. Hematological side effects were common and toxicities were manageable.

CONCLUSION

This real-life data confirm the efficacy and safety of atezolizumab in combination with chemotherapy in first-line treatment of extensive-stage SCLC.

Serum endotrophin levels in patients with heart failure with reduced and mid-range ejection fraction

BACKGROUND

Endotrophin, a type VI collagen cleavage product, has fibrosis, and insulin resistance effects. Type VI collagen also plays a role in cardiac fibrosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of endotrophin in the pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis by determining its levels in patients with heart failure with reduced and mid-range ejection fraction (EF). We also aimed to determine the possible association between endotrophin and treatment that prevents ventricular fibrosis.

METHODS

Sixty patients with heart failure with reduced and mid-range EF and 27 volunteers with no cardiac failure were included in this study. In both groups, biochemical tests, EF, and endotrophin levels were measured. ELISA was performed for the determination of endotrophin levels.

RESULTS

When compared with the control group, there was no significant difference for endotrophin levels in the patient group (p = .35). Participants in the study were divided into two groups according to their EFs, 40% and less, and 40-49%. They were classified according to their use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blocking drugs. Endotrophin levels were significantly lower in patients with mid-range EFs between 40 and 49% (p = .03) using RAAS blockers.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to evaluate the relationship between endotrophin and heart failure. Endotrophin levels were found to be low in patients with heart failure with mid-range EF who were using RAAS blockers. This suggests that RAAS blockers may influence endotrophin levels and thus could have a role in the prevention of remodelling.

Serum Adropin Levels Are Reduced in Adult Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

OBJECTIVES

Adropin is a novel marker of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to explore the association of serum adropin levels with hepatosteatosis among adult patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Serum biochemical parameters including liver and renal function tests, insulin levels, and serum adropin levels were compared between adult patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and healthy control cases.

RESULTS

A total of 51 patients with a mean age of 37.9 ± 9.96 years diagnosed with grade 2-3 hepatosteatosis and 30 healthy control cases with a mean age of 34.8 ± 9.5 years were included in the study. Serum adropin levels in the NAFLD group were statistically significantly lower than in the control cases (588.4 ± 261.0 vs. 894.2 ± 301.2, respectively; p < 0.001). The study participants were further subdivided into 2 groups as patients with (n = 35) or without (n = 46) insulin resistance using the serum homeostatic model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Serum adropin levels were statistically significantly lower in patients with insulin resistance (p < 0.01). There was a negative correlation between adropin levels and serum insulin, HOMA-IR, urea, gamma-glutamyl transferase, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.

CONCLUSION

We observed a decrease in serum adropin levels among adult patients with NAFLD. We also found lower levels of serum adropin in patients with insulin resistance, supporting previous data in the literature. Studies investigating the association of adropin levels with other inflammatory parameters are warranted to define its exact role in the pathogenesis of hepatosteatosis.