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McCaffrey C, Jahangir C, Murphy C, Burke C, Gallagher WM, Rahman A. Artificial intelligence in digital histopathology for predicting patient prognosis and treatment efficacy in breast cancer. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2024; 24:363-377. [PMID: 38655907 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2024.2346545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Histological images contain phenotypic information predictive of patient outcomes. Due to the heavy workload of pathologists, the time-consuming nature of quantitatively assessing histological features, and human eye limitations to recognize spatial patterns, manually extracting prognostic information in routine pathological workflows remains challenging. Digital pathology has facilitated the mining and quantification of these features utilizing whole-slide image (WSI) scanners and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. AI algorithms to identify image-based biomarkers from the tumor microenvironment (TME) have the potential to revolutionize the field of oncology, reducing delays between diagnosis and prognosis determination, allowing for rapid stratification of patients and prescription of optimal treatment regimes, thereby improving patient outcomes. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors discuss how AI algorithms and digital pathology can predict breast cancer patient prognosis and treatment outcomes using image-based biomarkers, along with the challenges of adopting this technology in clinical settings. EXPERT OPINION The integration of AI and digital pathology presents significant potential for analyzing the TME and its diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive value in breast cancer patients. Widespread clinical adoption of AI faces ethical, regulatory, and technical challenges, although prospective trials may offer reassurance and promote uptake, ultimately improving patient outcomes by reducing diagnosis-to-prognosis delivery delays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine McCaffrey
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Chowdhury Jahangir
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Clodagh Murphy
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Caoimbhe Burke
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - William M Gallagher
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Arman Rahman
- UCD School of Medicine, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Ciarka A, Piątek M, Pęksa R, Kunc M, Senkus E. Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs) in Breast Cancer: Prognostic and Predictive Significance across Molecular Subtypes. Biomedicines 2024; 12:763. [PMID: 38672117 PMCID: PMC11048219 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are pivotal in the immune response against breast cancer (BC), with their prognostic and predictive significance varying across BC subtypes. In triple-negative BC (TNBC), higher TIL levels correlate with improved prognosis and treatment response, guiding therapeutic strategies and potentially offering avenues for treatment de-escalation. In metastatic TNBC, TILs identify patients with enhanced immunotherapy response. HER2+ BC, similar to TNBC, exhibits positive correlations between TILs and treatment response, especially in neoadjuvant settings. Luminal BC generally has low TILs, with limited prognostic impact. Single hormone receptor-positive BCs show distinct TIL associations, emphasizing subtype-specific considerations. TILs in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) display ambiguous prognostic significance, necessitating further investigation. Standardizing TIL assessment methods is crucial for unlocking their full potential as biomarkers, guiding treatment decisions, and enhancing patient care in BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Ciarka
- Department of Pathomorphology, Medical University of Gdańsk, M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 3a, 80-214 Gdańsk, Poland (M.K.)
| | - Michał Piątek
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Opole, pl. Kopernika 11a, 45-040 Opole, Poland
| | - Rafał Pęksa
- Department of Pathomorphology, Medical University of Gdańsk, M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 3a, 80-214 Gdańsk, Poland (M.K.)
| | - Michał Kunc
- Department of Pathomorphology, Medical University of Gdańsk, M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 3a, 80-214 Gdańsk, Poland (M.K.)
| | - Elżbieta Senkus
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 3a, 80-214 Gdansk, Poland
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Lan HR, Chen M, Yao SY, Chen JX, Jin KT. Novel immunotherapies for breast cancer: Focus on 2023 findings. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 128:111549. [PMID: 38266449 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111549] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as a revolutionary approach in cancer therapy, and recent advancements hold significant promise for breast cancer (BCa) management. Employing the patient's immune system to combat BCa has become a focal point in immunotherapeutic investigations. Strategies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), adoptive cell transfer (ACT), and targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME) have disclosed encouraging clinical outcomes. ICIs, particularly programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 inhibitors, exhibit efficacy in specific BCa subtypes, including triple-negative BCa (TNBC) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive cancers. ACT approaches, including tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, showed promising clinical outcomes in enhancing tumor recognition and elimination. Targeting the TME through immune agonists and oncolytic viruses signifies a burgeoning field of research. While challenges persist in patient selection, resistance mechanisms, and combination therapy optimization, these novel immunotherapies hold transformative potential for BCa treatment. Continued research and clinical trials are imperative to refine and implement these innovative approaches, paving the way for improved outcomes and revolutionizing the management of BCa. This review provides a concise overview of the latest immunotherapies (2023 studies) in BCa, highlighting their potential and current status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Rong Lan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310002, China
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
| | - Shi-Ya Yao
- Department of Gastrointestinal, Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
| | - Jun-Xia Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, China.
| | - Ke-Tao Jin
- Department of Gastrointestinal, Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China.
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Gao H, Ouyang D, Guan X, Xu J, Chen Q, Zeng L, Pang J, Zou Q, Qian K, Yi W. Immune characteristics and clinical significance of peripheral blood lymphocytes in breast cancer. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:50. [PMID: 38195475 PMCID: PMC10775541 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-11815-8] [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: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the context of breast cancer (BC), the correlation between lymphocytes and clinical outcomes, along with treatment response, has garnered attention. Despite this, few investigations have delved into the interplay among distinct peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) types, immune attributes, and their clinical implications within the BC landscape. METHODS The primary objective of this study was to scrutinize the baseline status of PBL subsets in patients with primary BC, track their dynamic changes throughout treatment, and ascertain their interrelation with prognosis. Flow cytometry was employed to analyse PBLs from a cohort of 74 BC patients. RESULTS Our analysis revealed that baseline levels of Treg and PD-L1 + T cells were lower in BC patients compared to the reference values. Notably, a disparity in baseline PD-L1 + T cell levels surfaced between patients who underwent adjuvant therapy and those subjected to neoadjuvant therapy (NAT). Furthermore, a meticulous evaluation of PBL subsets before and after treatment underscored discernible alterations in 324 + T cells and CD19 + CD32 + B cells over the course of therapy. Strikingly, heightened CD4 + T cell levels at baseline were linked to enhanced event-free survival (EFS) (p = 0.02) and a robust response to chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that PBLs may serve as a significant marker to assess the immune status of BC patients, and therapy has the potential to modify patient immune profiles. In addition, peripheral blood CD4 + T cell levels may serve as promising biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis in future studies of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Gao
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No.139 People's Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, P.R. China
- Clinical Research Center For Breast Disease In Hunan Province, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Dengjie Ouyang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No.139 People's Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, P.R. China
- Clinical Research Center For Breast Disease In Hunan Province, Changsha, 410011, China
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xinyu Guan
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No.139 People's Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, P.R. China
- Clinical Research Center For Breast Disease In Hunan Province, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Jiachi Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No.139 People's Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, P.R. China
- Clinical Research Center For Breast Disease In Hunan Province, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Qitong Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No.139 People's Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, P.R. China
- Clinical Research Center For Breast Disease In Hunan Province, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Liyun Zeng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No.139 People's Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, P.R. China
- Clinical Research Center For Breast Disease In Hunan Province, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Jian Pang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No.139 People's Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, P.R. China
- Clinical Research Center For Breast Disease In Hunan Province, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Qiongyan Zou
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No.139 People's Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, P.R. China
- Clinical Research Center For Breast Disease In Hunan Province, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Ke Qian
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No.139 People's Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, P.R. China.
- Clinical Research Center For Breast Disease In Hunan Province, Changsha, 410011, China.
| | - Wenjun Yi
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No.139 People's Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, P.R. China.
- Clinical Research Center For Breast Disease In Hunan Province, Changsha, 410011, China.
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Yoo SY, Heo J. Oncolytic virotherapy targeting the IL15 pathway. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 31:100732. [PMID: 37860016 PMCID: PMC10583162 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.100732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- So Young Yoo
- BIO-IT Foundry Technology Institute, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Heo
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Pusan National University and Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
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Miyakoshi J, Yazaki S, Shimoi T, Onishi M, Saito A, Kita S, Yamamoto K, Kojima Y, Sumiyoshi-Okuma H, Nishikawa T, Sudo K, Noguchi E, Murata T, Shiino S, Takayama S, Suto A, Fujiwara Y, Yoshida M, Yonemori K. Discordance in PD-L1 expression using 22C3 and SP142 assays between primary and metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. Virchows Arch 2023; 483:855-863. [PMID: 37668667 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-023-03634-2] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS SP142 and 22C3 assays are approved companion diagnostic assays for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy selection in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The discordance in PD-L1 status between primary and metastatic tumors in the same patient has been poorly characterized. Here, we examined the concordance of PD-L1 status between the two assays and between primary tumors and metastases for each assay. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated tumor samples from 160 patients with TNBC, including 45 patients with paired primary and metastatic tumors. PD-L1 status was assessed using SP142 and 22C3 assays, to determine the immune cell (IC) score, tumor cell (TC) score (SP142 and 22C3), and combined proportion score (CPS: 22C3). RESULTS The concordance of PD-L1 positivity at diagnostic cutoffs for SP142 (IC ≥ 1) and 22C3 (CPS ≥ 10) was substantial (κ = 0.80) in primary tumors and moderate (κ = 0.60) in metastatic tumors. In comparison, between primary and metastatic tumors, the concordance with 22C3 was moderate (κ = 0.50), whereas that with SP142 was poor (κ = -0.03). Among patients who were PD-L1 negative for both assays in primary tumors, 7/30 (23.3%) were PD-L1 positive for both or either 22C3 or SP142 in the metastatic tumors. CONCLUSIONS The inter-assay concordance of PD-L1 positivity at diagnostic cutoffs was substantial in primary tumors and moderate in metastatic tumors. Discordance between PD-L1 status in primary and metastatic tumors was frequently observed, especially with SP142. Some patients with a PD-L1-negative status in primary tumors may still be candidates for immunotherapy, depending on the PD-L1 status in their metastatic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Miyakoshi
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1, Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Shu Yazaki
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1, Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Tatsunori Shimoi
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1, Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Mai Onishi
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1, Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Ayumi Saito
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1, Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Shosuke Kita
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1, Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Kasumi Yamamoto
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1, Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Yuki Kojima
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1, Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Hitomi Sumiyoshi-Okuma
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1, Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Tadaaki Nishikawa
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1, Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Kazuki Sudo
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1, Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Emi Noguchi
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1, Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Takeshi Murata
- Department of Breast Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Sho Shiino
- Department of Breast Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Shin Takayama
- Department of Breast Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Akihiko Suto
- Department of Breast Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Fujiwara
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1, Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Masayuki Yoshida
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan.
| | - Kan Yonemori
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1, Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
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Castellano G, Giugliano F, Curigliano G, Marra A. Clinical utility of genomic signatures for the management of early and metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. Curr Opin Oncol 2023; 35:479-490. [PMID: 37621170 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This comprehensive review aims to provide timely and relevant insights into the current therapeutic landscape for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and the molecular features underlying this subtype. It emphasizes the need for more reliable biomarkers to refine prognostication and optimize therapy, considering the aggressive nature of TNBC and its limited targeted treatment options. RECENT FINDINGS The review explores the multidisciplinary management of early TNBC, which typically involves systemic chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy. It highlights the emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) as promising therapeutic strategies for TNBC. Recent clinical trials investigating the use of ICIs in combination with chemotherapy and the approval of pembrolizumab and atezolizumab for PD-L1-positive metastatic TNBC are discussed. The efficacy of PARP inhibitors and ADCs in treating TNBC patients with specific genetic alterations is also highlighted. SUMMARY The findings discussed in this review have significant implications for clinical practice and research in TNBC. The identification of distinct molecular subtypes through gene expression profiling has enabled a better understanding of TNBC heterogeneity and its clinical implications. This knowledge has the potential to guide treatment decisions, as different subtypes display varying responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Furthermore, the review emphasizes the importance of developing reliable genomic and transcriptomic signatures as biomarkers to refine patient prognostication and optimize therapy selection in TNBC. Integrating these signatures into clinical practice may lead to more personalized treatment approaches, improving outcomes for TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Castellano
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Giugliano
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Marra
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS
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Barroso-Sousa R, Pacífico JP, Sammons S, Tolaney SM. Tumor Mutational Burden in Breast Cancer: Current Evidence, Challenges, and Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3997. [PMID: 37568813 PMCID: PMC10417019 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor mutational burden (TMB) correlates with tumor neoantigen burden, T cell infiltration, and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in many solid tumor types. Based on data from the phase II KEYNOTE-158 study, the anti-PD-1 antibody pembrolizumab was granted approval for treating patients with advanced solid tumors and TMB ≥ 10 mutations per megabase. However, this trial did not include any patients with metastatic breast cancer; thus, several questions remain unanswered about the true role of TMB as a predictive biomarker of benefit to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in breast cancer. In this review, we will discuss the challenges and opportunities in establishing TMB as a predictive biomarker of benefit to immunotherapy in metastatic breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Barroso-Sousa
- Dasa Institute for Education and Research (IEPD), Brasilia 71635-580, DF, Brazil
- Dasa Oncology, Hospital Brasilia, Brasilia 71635-580, DF, Brazil
| | - Jana Priscila Pacífico
- Dasa Institute for Education and Research (IEPD), Brasilia 71635-580, DF, Brazil
- Dasa Oncology, Hospital Brasilia, Brasilia 71635-580, DF, Brazil
| | - Sarah Sammons
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sara M. Tolaney
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Kumar R, Qi T, Cao Y, Topp B. Incorporating lesion-to-lesion heterogeneity into early oncology decision making. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1173546. [PMID: 37350966 PMCID: PMC10282604 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1173546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
RECISTv1.1 (Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors) is the most commonly used response grading criteria in early oncology trials. In this perspective, we argue that RECISTv1.1 is ambiguous regarding lesion-to-lesion variation that can introduce bias in decision making. We show theoretical examples of how lesion-to-lesion variability causes bias in RECISTv1.1, leading to misclassification of patient response. Next, we review immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) clinical trial data and find that lesion-to-lesion heterogeneity is widespread in ICI-treated patients. We illustrate the implications of ignoring lesion-to-lesion heterogeneity in interpreting biomarker data, selecting treatments for patients with progressive disease, and go/no-go decisions in drug development. Further, we propose that Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP) models can aid in developing better metrics of patient response and treatment efficacy by capturing patient responses robustly by considering lesion-to-lesion heterogeneity. Overall, we believe patient response evaluation with an appreciation of lesion-to-lesion heterogeneity can potentially improve decision-making at the early stage of oncology drug development and benefit patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Timothy Qi
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Yanguang Cao
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Brian Topp
- Quantitative Pharmacology & Pharmacometrics, Immuno-oncology, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, United States
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