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Gao L, Medford A, Spring L, Bar Y, Hu B, Jimenez R, Isakoff SJ, Bardia A, Peppercorn J. Searching for the "Holy Grail" of breast cancer recurrence risk: a narrative review of the hunt for a better biomarker and the promise of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Breast Cancer Res Treat 2024; 205:211-226. [PMID: 38355821 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-024-07253-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This paper is a narrative review of a major clinical challenge at the heart of breast cancer care: determining which patients are at risk of recurrence, which require systemic therapy, and which remain at risk in the survivorship phase of care despite initial therapy. METHODS We review the literature on prognostic and predictive biomarkers in breast cancer with a focus on detection of minimal residual disease. RESULTS While we have many tools to estimate and refine risk that are used to individualize local and systemic therapy, we know that we continue to over treat many patients and undertreat others. Many patients also experience what is, at least in hindsight, needless fear of recurrence. In this review, we frame this dilemma for the practicing breast oncologist and discuss the search for what we term the "holy grail" of breast cancer evaluation: the ideal biomarker of residual distant disease. We review the history of attempts to address this problem and the up-to-date science on biomarkers, circulating tumor cells and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). CONCLUSION This review suggests that the emerging promise of ctDNA may help resolve a crticical dilemma at the heart of breast cancer care, and improve prognostication, treatment selection, and outcomes for patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Gao
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Arielle Medford
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laura Spring
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yael Bar
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bonnie Hu
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel Jimenez
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steven J Isakoff
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aditya Bardia
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Peppercorn
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Pankotai-Bodó G, Oláh-Németh O, Sükösd F, Pankotai T. Routine molecular applications and recent advances in breast cancer diagnostics. J Biotechnol 2024; 380:20-28. [PMID: 38122830 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2023.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stands as one of the most common and lethal diseases, imposing a substantial burden on global mortality rates. Breast cancer is distinct from other forms of cancer in which it is the primary cause of death for women. Early detection of breast cancer can significantly lower the risk of mortality, improving the prognosis for those who are affected. The death rate of breast cancer has been steadily rising, according to epidemiological data, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. This emphasizes the necessity of sensitive and precise technologies that can be utilized in early breast cancer diagnosis. In this process, biomarkers play a pivotal role by facilitating the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. Currently, a wide variety of cancer biomarkers have been identified, improving the accuracy of cancer diagnosis. These biomarkers can be applied in liquid biopsies as well as on solid tissues. In the context of breast cancer, biomarkers are particularly valuable for determining who is predisposed to the disease, predicting prognosis at the time of diagnosis, and selecting the best course of therapy. This review comprehensively explores the recently developed gene-based biomarkers from biofluids that are used in the context of breast cancer, as well as the conventional and cutting-edge techniques that have been employed for breast cancer diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Pankotai-Bodó
- Department of Pathology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Állomás utca 1, Szeged H-6725, Hungary
| | - Orsolya Oláh-Németh
- Department of Pathology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Állomás utca 1, Szeged H-6725, Hungary; Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM), Genome Integrity and DNA Repair Core Group, Budapesti út 9, Szeged H-6728, Hungary
| | - Farkas Sükösd
- Department of Pathology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Állomás utca 1, Szeged H-6725, Hungary
| | - Tibor Pankotai
- Department of Pathology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Állomás utca 1, Szeged H-6725, Hungary; Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM), Genome Integrity and DNA Repair Core Group, Budapesti út 9, Szeged H-6728, Hungary; Competence Centre of the Life Sciences Cluster of the Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development and Innovation, University of Szeged, Dugonics tér 13, Szeged H-6720, Hungary.
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Medford AJ, Denault EN, Moy B, Parsons HA, Bardia A. Circulating Tumor DNA in Breast Cancer: Current and Future Applications. Clin Breast Cancer 2023; 23:687-692. [PMID: 37438196 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2023.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The assessment of plasma for circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) via liquid biopsy has revolutionized our understanding of breast cancer pathogenesis and evolution. Historically, genotyping evaluation of breast cancer required invasive tissue biopsy, limiting potential for serial evaluation over the treatment course of advanced breast cancer, and not allowing for assessment for residual disease in early breast cancer after resection. However, technological advances over the years have led to an increase in the clinical use of ctDNA as a liquid biopsy for genotype-matched therapy selection and monitoring for patients undergoing treatment for advanced breast cancer. Furthermore, increasingly sensitive assays are being developed to facilitate detection of molecular evidence of residual or recurrent disease in localized breast cancer after definitive therapy. In this review, we discuss the current and future applications of ctDNA in breast cancer. Rational applications of ctDNA offer the potential to further refine patient-centered care and personalize treatment based on molecularly defined risk assessments for patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arielle J Medford
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard, Cambridge, MA.
| | - Elyssa N Denault
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Beverly Moy
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | - Aditya Bardia
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Dowling GP, Keelan S, Toomey S, Daly GR, Hennessy BT, Hill ADK. Review of the status of neoadjuvant therapy in HER2-positive breast cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1066007. [PMID: 36793602 PMCID: PMC9923093 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1066007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The development of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-directed therapies has revolutionized the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. The aim of this article is to review the continually evolving treatment strategies in the neoadjuvant setting of HER2-positive breast cancer, as well as the current challenges and future perspectives. Methods Searches were undertaken on PubMed and Clinicaltrials.gov for relevant publications and trials. Findings The current standard of care in high-risk HER2-positive breast cancer is to combine chemotherapy with dual anti-HER2 therapy, for a synergistic anti-tumor effect. We discuss the pivotal trials which led to the adoption of this approach, as well as the benefit of these neoadjuvant strategies for guiding appropriate adjuvant therapy. De-escalation strategies are currently being investigated to avoid over treatment, and aim to safely reduce chemotherapy, while optimizing HER2-targeted therapies. The development and validation of a reliable biomarker is essential to enable these de-escalation strategies and personalization of treatment. In addition, promising novel therapies are currently being explored to further improve outcomes in HER2-positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin P Dowling
- Medical Oncology Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.,The Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.,The Department of Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stephen Keelan
- The Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.,The Department of Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sinead Toomey
- Medical Oncology Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gordon R Daly
- The Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.,The Department of Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bryan T Hennessy
- Medical Oncology Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Arnold D K Hill
- The Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.,The Department of Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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