Prognosis and treatment outcomes for patients with stage IA triple-negative breast cancer

To evaluate the role of chemotherapy in stage IA triple-negative breast cancer, we conducted a retrospective population-based study including 8601 patients. The use of chemotherapy significantly increased from 2010 to 2019 in patients with T1b and T1c tumors (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Receipt of chemotherapy was associated with improved breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS, adjusted hazard ratio = 0.70; p = 0.006), particularly in patients with T1c tumors (5-year BCSS 94.5% vs. 91.2%).

Mortality Risks Over 20 Years in Men With Stage I to III Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer

Importance

In women with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer, the risk of distant recurrence and death persists for at least 20 years from diagnosis. The risk of late mortality in men with HR+ breast cancer has not been reported.

Objective

To report 20-year risks of breast cancer-specific mortality (BCSM) and non-BCSM in men with stage I to III HR+ breast cancer and identify factors associated with late BCSM.

Design, Setting, and Participants

An observational cohort study was conducted of men diagnosed with HR+ breast cancer from 1990 to 2008, using population-based data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. Men diagnosed with stage I to III HR+ breast cancer were included in the analysis. Cumulative incidence function was used to estimate the outcomes of baseline clinicopathologic variables regarding cumulative risk of BCSM and non-BCSM since diagnosis. Smoothed hazard estimates over time were plotted for BCSM. Fine and Gray multivariable regression evaluated the association of preselected variables with BCSM, conditional on having survived 5 years.

Main Outcome Measure

BCSM.

Results

A total of 2836 men with stage I to III HR+ breast cancer were included, with a median follow-up of 15.41 (IQR, 12.08-18.67) years. Median age at diagnosis was 67 (IQR, 57-76) years. The cumulative 20-year risk of BCSM was 12.4% for stage I, 26.2% for stage II, and 46.0% for stage III. Smoothed annual hazard estimates for BCSM revealed an increase in late hazard rates with each incremental node category, reaching a bimodal distribution in N3 and stage III, with each having peaks in hazard rates at 4 and 11 years. Among patients who survived 5 years from diagnosis, the adjusted BCSM risk was higher for those younger than 50 years vs older than 64 years, those with grade II or III/IV vs grade I tumors, and stage II or III vs stage I disease.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this study suggest that, in men with stage I to III HR+ breast cancer, the risk of BCSM persists for at least 20 years and depends on traditional clinicopathologic factors, such as age, tumor stage, and tumor grade. Among men with higher stages of disease, the kinetics of the BCSM risk appear different from the risk that has been reported in women.

Survival analysis of patients with brain metastases at initial breast cancer diagnosis over the last decade

PURPOSE

There have been significant advances in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (BC) over the past years, and long-term outcomes after a diagnosis of brain metastases are lacking. We aimed to identify predictors of brain metastases at initial breast cancer diagnosis, describe overall survival (OS) in the past decade, and identify factors associated with OS after brain metastases diagnosis.

METHODS

We evaluated patients with de novo stage IV BC using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database from 2010 to 2019. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to assess predictors of brain metastases at initial breast cancer diagnosis. OS was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and log rank test was used to compare differences between groups. Cox regression was used to assess associations between several variables and OS.

RESULTS

1,939 patients with brain metastases at initial breast cancer diagnosis were included. Factors associated with this presentation were grade III/IV tumors, ductal histology, hormone receptor (HR)-negative/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive subtype, and extracranial metastases. Patients with HR-positive/HER2-positive disease had the longest OS (median 18 months) and 12.2% were alive at 8 years. Factors associated with shorter OS included older age, lower income, triple-negative subtype, higher grade, and visceral metastases.

CONCLUSION

Over the last decade, the median OS of patients with brain metastases at initial breast cancer diagnosis remained poor; however, a substantial minority survive 5 or more years, with rates higher in patients with HER2-positive tumors. In addition to tumor subtype, OS varied according to age, extracranial metastases, and sociodemographic factors.

Estimating mortality in women with triple-negative breast cancer: The 'ESTIMATE triple-negative' tool

PURPOSE

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with a high risk of breast cancer-specific mortality (BCSM). Estimating the risk of BCSM and non-BCSM in TNBC would aid clinical decision-making. We developed the tool 'ESTIMATE-TN', to assess BCSM, non-BCSM, and all-cause mortality in non-metastatic TNBC.

METHODS

Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER), we created an interactive tool that provides a nonparametric estimate of the cumulative risk of BCSM and non-BCSM between years 0 and 7 from diagnosis, accounting for baseline clinical and pathologic variables, using Gray's subdistribution method.

RESULTS

We included 37,293 women with TNBC diagnosed during 2010-2017. Most patients were White (71.9%) and aged 50-69 years (51.3%). Most tumour characteristics were high-grade (78.6%), T2 (42.4%), and N0 (69.5%). ESTIMATE-TN allows to input patient and tumour characteristics, and the preferred timeframe. For example, patients aged 50-59 years with a new diagnosis of T2, N1, high-grade TNBC have a risk of BCSM at 7 years of 30.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 26.3-35.4%) and a risk of non-BCSM over the same period of 2.8% (95% CI: 1.3-4.3%). After 3 years from initial diagnosis, the residual cumulative risks of BCSM and non-BCSM at 7 years are 17.4% (95% CI: 12.6-22.2%) and 1.1% (95% CI: 0-2.5%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

ESTIMATE-TN is an interactive tool for TNBC that can be used to integrate population-based risks of BCSM and non-BCSM based on patient and tumour characteristics, facilitating our understanding of competing risks of death, which can aid clinical decision-making.

Survival in male breast cancer over the past 3 decades

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer mortality in women has declined statistically significantly over the past several years. In men, it is unclear whether survival has changed over time. We evaluated changes in breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) and overall survival (OS) in male breast cancer over the past 3 decades.

METHODS

We evaluated men diagnosed with breast cancer between 1988 and 2017, reported in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry. Patients were categorized into 3 groups by year of diagnosis: 1988-1997, 1998-2007, and 2008-2017. BCSS and OS were estimated by Kaplan-Meier, and differences between groups were compared by log-rank test. Multivariable Cox regression evaluated the independent association of year of diagnosis with BCSS and OS. All tests were 2-sided.

RESULTS

We included 8481 men. Overall, BCSS at 5 years was 83.69%, 83.78%, and 84.41% in groups 1988-1997, 1998-2007, and 2008-2017, respectively (P = .86). There was no statistically significant difference in BCSS between the 3 groups within each stage of disease. Among all patients, OS at 5 years was 64.61%, 67.31%, and 69.05% in groups 1988-1997, 1998-2007, and 2008-2017, respectively (P = .01). In adjusted Cox models, each additional year of diagnosis had no statistically significant association with BCSS (hazard ratio = 1.00, 95% confidence interval = 0.99 to 1.01, P = .75), but there was statistically significant improvement in OS (hazard ratio = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.98 to 0.99, P = .009).

CONCLUSIONS

Over the past 3 decades, there has been no statistically significant improvement in BCSS in male breast cancer. Changes in OS over time are consistent with increasing life expectancy. Efforts to improve BCSS in male breast cancer are warranted.

Abstract PD6-08: PD6-08 Mortality risks over 20 years in men with stage I-III hormone receptor-positive breast cancer

Background: In women with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer, the risk of distant recurrence and death persists for at least 20 years (y) from diagnosis. The risk of late mortality in men with HR+ breast cancer has not been reported. The aims of this study were to evaluate long-term risks of breast cancer-specific mortality (BCSM) and non-BCSM in men with stage I-III HR+ breast cancer. In addition, we aimed to identify factors associated with late deaths from breast cancer in men.

Methods: Using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program, we identified men diagnosed with stage I-III HR+ breast cancer between 1990-2008. We used cumulative incidence function to estimate the effect of baseline clinical and pathologic variables including age at diagnosis, stage, tumor size (T), nodal status (N), and tumor grade, on cumulative risks of BCSM and non-BCSM over time. We estimated annual rate of events per 100 person-years. We plotted smoothed hazard estimates over time for BCSM by stage and nodal status. Fine and Gray multivariable regression was used to evaluate the association of pre-selected variables with BCSM, conditional on having survived 5 y.

Results: We included 2,836 patients (pts) with a median follow-up of 15.41 y. Median age at diagnosis was 67 y (IQR 57-76 y). Stage distribution was: 34.5% stage I, 46% stage II, and 19.5% stage III. The table shows risks of BCSM and non-BCSM and annual event rates by stage, N status, and grade. The cumulative risk of BCSM in y 0-20 was 12.4% for stage I, 26.2% for stage II and 46.0% for stage III. In contrast, the cumulative risk of non-BCSM over the same period ranged from 42.8% in stage III to 52.4% in stage I. Of all BCSM events, the proportion that occurred 0-&lt; 5y, 5-&lt; 10y and ≥10y was: For stage I 22.55%, 50% and 27.45%; For stage II 37.58%, 38.93% and 23.49%, For stage III 49.15%, 31.62% and 19.23%; respectively (p&lt; 0.001). Among pts with stage II breast cancer, we observed a peak in the risk of BCSM at 6 y with a hazard rate of 3%, followed by a minimal decline in risk thereafter. However, among pts with stage III (n=554), and those with N3 (n=160), we observed a risk of BCSM that peaked first at 4-5 y (hazard rates: 6.3% and 9.9% for stage III and N3, respectively) followed by a small decline and then peaked again at 11-12 y (hazard rates: 7.5% and 12.7% for stage III and N3, respectively). In adjusted Fine and Gray regression conditional on having survived 5 y, risks of BCSM were higher for pts aged &lt; 50 y vs &gt;64 y (Hazard ratio [HzR] 1.59; 95% CI, [1.17 – 2.16]), grade III/IV vs grade I (HzR 1.85; 95% CI, [1.22 – 2.79]), and stage III vs stage I (HzR 3.93; 95% CI, [2.93 – 5.26]).

Conclusions: In HR+ male breast cancer, risks of BCSM persist for at least 20 y after diagnosis and depend on traditional clinicopathologic factors such as age, tumor stage and tumor grade. Among the relatively small group of men with higher stages of disease, we observed a prolonged risk of BCSM with an early and late peak, which is different from the risk that is reported in women (Leone JP, BCRT 2021). Whether the observed trends in hazards over time reflect biologic differences in tumor characteristics, tumor dormancy, and/or host factors between male and female breast cancer cannot be elucidated from these data. Better adjuvant therapies are warranted to reduce early and late BCSM risks.

Risks of BCSM, non-BCSM and annual event rates in men with stage I-III hormone receptor-positive breast cancer

Citation Format: Julieta Leone, Michael J. Hassett, Rachel Freedman, Sara Tolaney, Noah Graham, Nabihah Tayob, Carlos T. Vallejo, Eric Winer, Nancy U. Lin, Jose P. Leone. PD6-08 Mortality risks over 20 years in men with stage I-III hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr PD6-08.

Abstract PD7-05: Survival of patients with brain metastases at initial breast cancer diagnosis over the last decade

Background

Brain metastases (BM) is a challenging presentation of breast cancer (BC) and has historically been associated with poor prognosis. The risk of BM is higher in patients (pts) with hormone receptor (HR) negative, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive, or triple negative (TN) tumors.

There have been significant advances in the treatment of metastatic BC over the past several years, and long-term outcomes after a diagnosis of breast cancer brain metastases (BCBM) are lacking; therefore, this study aimed to identify clinical predictors of BM at initial BC diagnosis, to describe trends in overall survival (OS) over the past decade, and to identify factors associated with OS after BM diagnosis.

Methods

We evaluated pts with de novo stage IV BC using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database from 2010-2019. A multivariate logistic regression model was conducted among all pts with stage IV BC to assess predictors of BM at initial BC diagnosis. OS probabilities were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and log rank test was used to compare differences between groups. Among pts with BM at initial BC diagnosis, univariate analyses were performed to determine the effects of each variable on OS. A Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess the independent association of several variables with OS.

Results

A total of 425,110 pts with BC were identified from 2010-2019; 25,113 had stage IV BC at diagnosis and among these, 1,939 pts had BM at initial BC diagnosis. For this last group median age was 60 years and median follow up was 54 months.

We performed a logistic regression model to evaluate the factors correlated with BM at initial BC diagnosis among all stage IV BC pts and found that lobular vs ductal histology (OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.55-0.85), HR-/HER2+ vs HR+/HER2- tumors (OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.64-2.29), and the presence of bone (OR 1.19; 95% CI 1.07-1.32), liver (OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.12-1.39), lung (OR 1.72; 95% CI 1.55-1.89), or lymph node (OR 1.21; 95% CI 1.03-1.42) metastases, were significantly associated with this presentation.

The table shows OS by tumor subtype among all pts with BM at initial BC diagnosis, as well as the survival rate at 2, 5 and 8 years. We observed significant differences in survival by tumor subtype, where pts with HR+/HER2+ disease had the longest OS (median 18 months; 95% CI: 13-22 months; p = &lt; 0.0001) and the highest rate of OS at 8 years (12.2%; 95% CI 7.61%-17.95%). In contrast, TN BC had a median OS of 6 months (95% CI 5-8 months) and a rate of OS at 8 years of 2.57% (95% CI 0.1%-5.48%).

Multivariate analysis among pts with BM at initial BC diagnosis revealed differences in OS in those who were &gt;64 years vs &lt; 50 years (Hazard Ratio [HzR] 1.51; 95% CI 1.29-1.77), married vs single (HzR 0.79; 95% CI 0.70-0.91), lower vs higher income (HzR 1.45; 95% CI 1.19-1.76), tumor grade III/IV vs grade I (HzR 1.68; 95% CI 1.24-2.28), TN subtype vs HR+/HER2- (HzR 2.13; 95% CI 1.81-2.49), as well as pts with additional liver (HzR 1.34; 95% CI 1.20-1.51) or lung metastases (HzR 1.34; 95% CI 1.20-1.49).

We did not observe significant changes in OS over time (adjusted HzR 0.996 per year; 95% CI: 0.96-1.02, p = 0.837).

Conclusions:

Over the last decade, the median OS of pts with BM at initial BC diagnosis has remained poor. However, a substantial minority of pts survive 5 or more years, with long-term survival rates higher in pts with HER2+ tumors. In addition to tumor subtype, OS varied according to age, the presence of metastases to other organs, and sociodemographic factors.

Efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in male breast cancer compared with female breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is standard for many females with breast cancer (FBC). The efficacy of NAC in male breast cancer (MaBC) is unclear. The aim of this study was to compare proportions of pathologic complete response (pCR) between MaBC and FBC by tumor subtype (TS).

METHODS

MaBC and FBC treated with NAC between 2010 and 2016, with known TS, were evaluated from the National Cancer Database. Proportions of pCR (ypT0/Tis ypN0) were compared between sexes within TS by Fisher test. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the independent association of sex with pCR. Overall survival (OS) was estimated by Kaplan-Meier.

RESULTS

A total of 385 MaBC and 68,065 FBC were included. Median time from initiation of NAC to surgery was 143 days in MaBC and 148 days in FBC. Proportions of pCR in MaBC and FBC by TS were: hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HR+/HER2-): 4.9% vs 9.7%, p = .01; HR+/HER2+: 16.1% vs 33.6%, p < .001; HR-/HER2+: 44.0% vs 53.2%, p = .42; and HR-/HER2-: 21.4% vs 32.1%, p = .18, respectively. FBC had twice the odds of pCR than MaBC (adjusted odds ratio, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.5-2.8; p < .001). Five-year OS for MaBC with pCR vs not was 90% vs 64.7%; p = .02. Five-year OS for FBC with pCR vs not was 91.9% vs 75.3%; p < .01.

CONCLUSIONS

Proportions and odds of pCR to NAC were numerically lower in MaBC compared with FBC for each TS and statistically significant for HR+/HER2- and HR+/HER2+. The independent association of sex with pCR was confirmed in multivariable analysis. pCR is prognostic in both MaBC and FBC.

Estimating long-term mortality in women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer: The 'ESTIMATE' tool

PURPOSE

The risk of breast cancer-specific mortality (BCSM) persists for at least 20 years from diagnosis. Estimating the risk of BCSM over this extended period along with competing risks of death would aid clinical decision-making. We aimed to develop an interactive tool called 'ESTIMATE', to explore the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry to quantify residual risks of BCSM, non-BCSM and all-cause mortality in non-metastatic, hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer patient subgroups at any given time after diagnosis, up to 20 years.

METHODS

Using SEER data, we included 264,237 women with invasive, non-metastatic, HR-positive breast cancer diagnosed from 1990 to 2006. We developed a tool that provides a nonparametric estimate of the residual cumulative risk of BCSM and non-BCSM by year 20 after any specified time from initial diagnosis, among patients defined by baseline clinical and pathologic variables, using Gray's subdistribution method.

RESULTS

ESTIMATE allows the user to input patient and tumour characteristics and the preferred timeframe. For example, patients in the age group of 40-49 diagnosed with T1cN1, grade II breast cancer who survived 7 years, have a 14% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.9%-16.1%) residual cumulative risk of BCSM in the next 13 years, and a 6.4% (95% CI: 4.7%-8.1%) residual cumulative risk of non-BCSM over the same period.

CONCLUSIONS

ESTIMATE provides population-based risks of BCSM, non-BCSM and all-cause mortality through 20 years after diagnosis of HR-positive breast cancer, based on patient and tumour characteristics. ESTIMATE can inform discussions about prognosis, a balance between competing risks and aid clinical decision-making.

Abstract P2-10-01: Estimating risk of breast cancer-specific mortality (BCSM) and non-BCSM in patients with triple-negative breast cancer

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with high risk of distant recurrence and death. At present, our ability to estimate risk of death from causes other than breast cancer is limited. Particularly among elderly patients (pts), who have been historically underrepresented in clinical trials. In pts with TNBC, assessing both risks is important for our treatment recommendations. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk of BCSM and non-BCSM in TNBC by patient (pt) and tumor characteristics. Methods: Using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program, we identified women diagnosed with non-metastatic invasive TNBC between 2010-2016. Fine and Gray regression was used to evaluate the association of BCSM with pre-specified variables including pt age, tumor size (T), nodal status (N), and tumor grade, while considering deaths from other causes as competing events. We then estimated cumulative risk of BCSM, non-BCSM and all-cause mortality within subgroups defined by baseline clinical and pathologic variables. We conducted a subset analysis of N0 pts older than 50 years, given that we anticipated this subgroup would have the most clinically useful balance between BCSM and non-BCSM. Results: We included 37,293 pts. Age distribution was: 27.1% &lt;50 years, 51.3% 50-69 years, 15.0% 70-79 years, and 6.6% ≥80 years. Among all pts, 42.4% presented with T2 tumors and 69.5% had N0 disease. In adjusted Fine and Gray regression, risks of BCSM were higher for pts aged &gt;80 years vs 50-69 years (Hazard ratio [HR] 1.62; 95% CI, [1.45 - 1.80]), T4 vs T1a (HR 8.51; 95% CI, [6.20 - 11.68]), N3 vs N0 (HR 6.31; 95% CI, [5.70 - 7.00]) and grade III/IV vs grade I (HR 2.10; 95% CI, [1.44 - 3.07]). The cumulative risk of BCSM in year 0-7 was 10.7% for N0, 27.9% for N1, 46.4% for N2 and 64.0% for N3. In contrast, the cumulative risk of non-BCSM over the same period ranged from 7.5% in N1 to 8.7% in N2. The table shows risks of BCSM, non-BCSM and all-cause mortality among pts with N0 disease by age at diagnosis and tumor size. Pts 50-69 years had an increasing cumulative risk of BCSM by tumor size up to 13.0% in those with T2 tumors, while the risk of non-BCSM ranged from 4.8% to 5.9%. Pts aged 70-79 years with T1a/b, N0 tumors had risks of BCSM that were approximately 60% lower than the risks of non-BCSM. In pts aged ≥80 years, the risk of non-BCSM increased and is significantly higher than BCSM in patients with T1b-T2 disease. Conclusions: The risk of BCSM in TNBC depends on traditional clinicopathologic factors and is in general, much higher than the risk of non-BCSM. However, the high risk of non-BCSM among older pts is substantial which needs to be taken into consideration when making treatment recommendations. An interactive tool to estimate risks of BCSM, non-BCSM and all-cause mortality for TNBC will be presented at the meeting.

BCSMnon-BCSMAll-cause mortalityCumulative risk (%) and 95% CICumulative risk (%) and 95% CICumulative risk (%) and 95% CIyears 0-7years 0-7years 0-7Tumor size among age 50-69, N0 onlyT1a2.6 (1.0 - 4.3)5.9 (3.2 - 8.6)8.5 (5.3 - 11.6)T1b3.9 (2.8 - 5.0)4.8 (3.3 - 6.3)8.7 (6.9 - 10.5)T1c8.1 (6.9 - 9.4)4.8 (3.9 - 5.8)13.0 (11.4 - 14.5)T213.0 (11.6 - 14.4)5.5 (4.4 - 6.5)18.5 (16.8 - 20.2)Tumor size among age 70-79, N0 onlyT1a6.1 (0 - 12.7)13.9 (7.0 - 20.9)20.0 (10.2 - 28.7)T1b5.3 (3.0 - 7.7)13.3 (9.0 - 17.7)18.6 (13.7 - 23.3)T1c11.0 (8.7 - 13.4)14.3 (11.4 - 17.2)25.3 (21.7 - 28.8)T221.0 (17.4 - 24.6)17.4 (13.4 - 21.5)38.5 (33.3 - 43.2)Tumor size among age ≥80, N0 onlyT1a6.6 (0 - 19.7)27.0 (11.0 - 43.1)33.7 (11.8 - 50.1)T1b7.1 (2.1 - 12.2)33.2 (23.2 - 43.2)40.3 (28.9 - 49.9)T1c8.4 (5.2 - 11.6)32.7 (26.4 - 39.0)41.1 (34.1 - 47.3)T222.7 (18.1 - 27.3)41.6 (34.2 - 49.1)64.3 (56.0 - 71.1)

Citation Format: Jose P Leone, Noah Graham, Julieta Leone, Sara M Tolaney, Bernardo A Leone, Rachel A Freedman, Michael J Hassett, Carlos T Vallejo, Eric P Winer, Nancy U Lin, Nabihah Tayob. Estimating risk of breast cancer-specific mortality (BCSM) and non-BCSM in patients with triple-negative breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-10-01.

Factors associated with late risks of breast cancer-specific mortality in the SEER registry

Purpose

Most reports describing the risk of late relapse in breast cancer (BC) have been based on selected patients enrolled into clinical trials. We examined population-based long-term risks of BC-specific mortality (BCSM), the risks of BCSM conditional on having survived 5 years, and factors associated with late BCSM.

Methods

Using SEER, we identified women diagnosed with BC (T1-T2, N0-N2, M0) between 1990 and 2005 with known hormone receptor (HR) status. Kaplan–Meier analyses determined cumulative risks of BCSM. We performed Fine and Gray regression stratified by HR status.

Results

We included 202,080 patients (median follow-up of 14.17 years). Of all BC deaths, the proportion that occurred after 5 years was 65% for HR-positive vs 28% for HR-negative (p < 0.001) BC. In HR-positive BC, the cumulative risks of BCSM during years 5–20 were 9.9%, 21.9%, and 38% for N0, N1, and N2 disease. For HR-negative BC, the risks were 7.9%, 12.2%, and 19.9%, respectively. For T1a/b, N0, HR-positive BC, the risk of BCSM was 6 times lower than the risk of non-BCSM. In N2, HR-positive BC, the risk of BCSM was 43% higher than the risk of non-BCSM. In adjusted Fine and Gray models stratified by HR status, the risks of BCSM conditional on having survived 5 years for both HR-positive and HR-negative depended on T-N status, age, and year of diagnosis. In HR-positive, the risks also depended on race and grade.

Conclusion

The risks of BCSM beyond 5 years, although different, remain important for both HR-positive and HR-negative BC. Strategies to prevent early and late recurrences are warranted.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10549-021-06233-4.

Twenty-year risks of breast cancer-specific mortality for stage III breast cancer in the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results registry

PURPOSE

We aimed to report the 20-year risk of breast cancer-specific mortality (BCSM), report the risk of BCSM conditional on having survived 5 years, and identify factors associated with late deaths in stage III breast cancer.

METHODS

Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data, we included women with stage III breast cancer diagnosed from 1990 to 2005. We excluded women with unknown hormone receptor (HR) status, women who did not undergo resection of the primary tumor or axillary nodes, or unknown cause of death. We estimated risks of BCSM using cumulative incidence function and used Fine and Gray regression to identify factors associated with late deaths.

RESULTS

Final sample was 36,500 patients with 14 years of median follow-up. For each stage subgroup, the risk of BCSM at 20 years was significantly higher for HR-negative vs HR-positive tumors (IIIA: 49.8% vs 43.2%, P < 0.0001; IIIB: 60.9% vs 47.6%, P < 0.0001; IIIC: 68.7% vs 63.1%, P < 0.0001). Compared with the risks of non-BCSM, the risks of BCSM at 20 years were four times higher in stage IIIC HR-positive disease and seven times higher in stage IIIC HR-negative disease. Risks of BCSM conditional on having survived 5 years depended on tumor size, nodal status, race, and tumor grade for HR-positive disease and depended on tumor size, nodal status, and age for HR-negative disease.

CONCLUSIONS

In stage III breast cancer, the risk of BCSM at 20 years is very high and remains important even beyond the first 5 years in both HR-positive and HR-negative disease. Late BCSM depends on traditional clinicopathologic factors.

Abstract PS6-13: Population-based tool to estimate residual risks of breast cancer specific mortality (BCSM) and non-BCSM

Background: The risk of breast cancer death persists for at least 20 years from diagnosis. Most reports describing this risk have been based on selected patients (pts) enrolled into clinical trials. These studies report absolute risks at fixed timepoints (i.e. 10 or 20 years) and do not consider the dynamic changes in risks over time. The aim of this study was to develop a tool to calculate residual risks of BCSM and non-BCSM based on individual pt and tumor characteristics, at any given time after breast cancer diagnosis. Methods: Using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program, we identified women diagnosed with non-metastatic invasive breast cancer between 1990-2005, with one primary cancer in their lifetime, and known hormone receptor (HR) status. We estimated the effect of baseline clinical and pathologic variables known to be prognostic, including pt age, HR status, tumor size (T), nodal status (N), and tumor grade, on residual cumulative risks of BCSM and non-BCSM over time. The tool generates the residual death risk (RDR), which is a nonparametric estimate of the cumulative risk of BCSM and non-BCSM by year 20 after any given time from initial diagnosis, among patients defined by baseline clinical and pathologic variables using the method of Gray (1988) implemented in the cmprsk package in R. Results: We included 235,015 pts (median follow-up = 14 years). Among all breast cancer deaths, the proportion occurring after 5 years was 60% for HR+ vs 24% for HR- (p&lt;0.001). The table shows risks of BCSM and non-BCSM by HR and N status. The cumulative risk of BCSM in year 5-20 ranged from 4.2% in HR+ T1a N0 to 50.1% in HR+ N3. Using the RDR tool, a 54 year-old pt, diagnosed 7 years prior with a HR+, T1c, N1, grade 2 breast cancer, has a 16.6% residual cumulative risk of BCSM over the following 13 years, and a residual cumulative risk of non-BCSM over the same period of 4.0%. For a 66 year-old pt, diagnosed 10 years prior with a HR+, T1c, N0, grade 1 breast cancer, her residual cumulative risk of BCSM over the following 10 years is 2.9%, and her residual cumulative risk of non-BCSM over the same period is 10.0%. For a 45 year-old pt, diagnosed 8 years prior with a HR-, T2, N1, grade 3 breast cancer, her residual cumulative risks of BCSM and non-BCSM over the following 12 years are 4.4% and 4.9%, respectively. Conclusions: For HR+ breast cancer, risks of BCSM remain high beyond 5 years from diagnosis. For HR- breast cancer, the risk of BCSM is highest within 5 years from diagnosis; however, risks beyond 5 years are still considerable. The RDR tool provides population-based long-term estimates of cumulative risk of BCSM and non-BCSM over time, based on individual pt and tumor characteristics.

BCSMnon-BCSMAll-cause mortality% Event-FreeCumulative risk (%)Cumulative risk (%)Cumulative risk (%)at 5 yat 10 yy 5-20y 0-20y 0-20y 0-20Nodal status by HR status (any T)HR+N097.293.98.610.633.243.8N192.183.920.025.225.550.8N281.566.236.145.621.266.8N367.749.150.163.116.179.2HR-N089.285.47.317.022.739.7N174.268.312.234.317.051.3N257.049.320.053.514.568.0N340.733.526.268.79.378.0Tumor size among N0 onlyHR+T1a99.097.64.25.030.435.4T1b98.997.25.15.934.440.2T1c97.694.38.710.532.943.3HR-T1a97.394.74.97.323.030.3T1b95.191.96.210.527.137.7T1c91.787.97.514.823.037.8

Citation Format: Jose P Leone, Sara M Tolaney, Bernardo A Leone, Rachel A Freedman, Michael J Hassett, Julieta Leone, Carlos T Vallejo, Eric P Winer, Nancy U Lin, Nabihah Tayob. Population-based tool to estimate residual risks of breast cancer specific mortality (BCSM) and non-BCSM [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS6-13.

Abstract P5-06-13: Factors associated with twenty-year (y) risks of breast cancer-specific mortality (BCSM) for locally-advanced breast cancer (LABC) in the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) registry

Background: Patients (pts) with LABC have a high risk of early recurrence and death. The risk of late BCSM in pts with LABC is unclear. Recent studies have shown that the risk of BCSM persists beyond 5 y (Pan, NEJM 2017); however, pts with LABC as well as those with hormone receptor (HR)-negative disease have not been studied. The aims of this study were to report on population-based long-term risks of BCSM, and the risks of BCSM conditional on having survived 5 y, among pts with LABC. In addition, we aimed to identify factors associated with late deaths from breast cancer.

Methods: We evaluated women with LABC (T3 or T4 [any N] or N3 [any T], M0 disease), diagnosed between 1990 and 2005, reported to SEER. HR status was known for all pts, but HER2 was unavailable. Pts with another primary tumor either before or after breast cancer were excluded. The dependent outcome is based on the cause-of-death recode variable from SEER (which can include disease or treatment-related deaths). Patients with non-cancer cause of deaths were censored. We used Kaplan-Meier analyses to determine the effect of baseline variables on cumulative risks of BCSM, estimated the annual rate of events per 100 person-years, and performed unadjusted Fine and Gray regressions for T3/T4 pts and for N3 pts stratified by HR status.

Results: We included 24,082 pts (median follow-up = 7.16 y). Of all breast cancer deaths, the proportion that occurred after 5 y was 46% for HR+ vs 13% for HR- (p&lt;0.001), the proportion after 10 y was 13% vs 2% respectively (p&lt;0.001). The table shows risks of BCSM by HR, N and T status, and annual event rates. The cumulative risk of BCSM in y 5-20 ranged from 10.2% in HR- T3/T4,N0 to 59.4% in HR+ T3/T4,N3. Conditional on having survived 5 y, unadjusted hazards of BCSM among T3/T4 pts were the following: T3/T4 HR+ N3 vs N0 (Hazard ratio [HzR] 3.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.4-4.5); T3/T4 HR- N3 vs N0 (HzR 3.6; 95% CI, 2.7-4.7). Unadjusted hazards of BCSM among N3 pts were the following: N3 HR+ T4 vs T1 (HzR 1.5; 95% CI, 1.3-1.8); N3 HR- T4 vs T1 (HzR 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3-2.7).

Conclusions: Among pts with LABC, event rates within 5 y are high, in both HR+ and HR- pts. Beyond 5 y, BCSM still depends on traditional clinicopathologic factors and more late events occur in HR+ disease than in HR- disease. The observed late events lead to an extremely high cumulative risk of BCSM by y 20 in both HR+ and HR- LABC.

BCSMAll-cause mortality% Event-FreeAnnual rate (%)Cumulative risk (%)Cumulative risk (%)at 5 yat 10 yy 5-&lt;10y 10-&lt;15y 15-20y 5-20y 0-20y 0-20HR status among N3HR+N366.345.57.85.03.554.970.179.2HR-N338.931.04.70.91.027.371.878.0Nodal status among T3/T4HR+N090.281.82.01.40.617.125.256.6N179.866.53.72.41.431.245.164.0N271.251.86.54.13.148.163.176.2N356.936.99.06.03.459.476.983.8HR-N075.571.31.20.30.710.232.251.0N156.449.32.80.80.418.554.167.1N238.831.54.41.21.428.172.180.8N328.820.86.80.91.034.681.285.1Tumor size among N3 onlyHR+T175.956.76.04.32.647.660.271.0T268.446.18.14.94.156.370.179.7T361.740.98.55.83.758.974.781.0T449.730.910.26.32.660.280.288.3HR-T151.141.54.30.81.527.062.769.4T241.934.83.81.00.722.967.775.9T333.325.75.30.70.626.275.479.0T424.616.28.81.43.060.590.393.9

Citation Format: Jose P Leone, Bernardo A Leone, Michael J Hassett, Julieta Leone, Rachel A Freedman, Sara M Tolaney, Eric P Winer, Carlos T Vallejo, Nancy U Lin. Factors associated with twenty-year (y) risks of breast cancer-specific mortality (BCSM) for locally-advanced breast cancer (LABC) in the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) registry [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-06-13.

Abstract P6-19-02: Tumor subtypes and survival in male breast cancer: SEER 2010-2014

Background: Male breast cancer (MaBC) is an uncommon disease, and population-based information regarding prognostic factors is limited. Most MaBC are hormone receptor (HR) positive, however, the association of tumor subtypes with overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) is unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics of each tumor subtype and its impact on OS and BCSS.

Methods: Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data, we identified men with invasive breast cancer between 2010 and 2014 with known estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor (together HR) status and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status. Tumor subtypes were classified as: HR+/HER2-, HR+/HER2+, HR-/HER2+ and triple negative (TN). We examined tumor subtypes by patient (pt) characteristics and performed multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses to determine the associations of each variable with OS and BCSS.

Results: We included 1508 pts with a median follow-up of 24 months (range 0-60). Median age was 65 years (range 26-97). At diagnosis, 86.6% of tumors were ductal, 97.1% HR+, 42.1% T1, 55.7% N0, 7.9% M1. Tumor subtype distribution was: 85.5% HR+/HER2-, 11.6% HR+/HER2+, 0.9% HR-/HER2+ and 2% TN. Compared with other subtypes, pts with TN tumors had higher grade disease, presented with more advanced stage and died more often from breast cancer (all p&lt;0.0001); whereas pts with HR+/HER2- tumors were older (p=0.02) and more often white (p=0.02). In univariate analysis, OS at 5 years for all HER2- and all HER2+ was 74.2% and 64.1%, respectively (p=0.002); while BCSS at 5 years for all HER2- and all HER2+ was 88.4% and 78.8%, respectively (p=0.009). Of all subtypes, TN had the worst OS and BCSS (p&lt;0.0001). Breast cancer was the cause of death in 43.7% of HR+/HER2-, 54.2% of all HER2+ and 100% of TN (p&lt;0.0001). In multivariate analyses for OS, older pts (Hazard ratio [HaR] 3 vs. &lt;50 years; p=0.001), stage IV (HaR 9 vs. stage I; p&lt;0.001), HR+/HER2+ tumors (HaR 1.9 vs. HR+/HER2-; p=0.003), TN tumors (HaR 8.5 vs. HR+/HER2-; p&lt;0.001) and unmarried pts (HaR 1.9 vs. married; p=0.002) had significantly worse survival. In multivariate analyses for BCSS, stage IV (HaR 25.7 vs. stage I; p&lt;0.001), HR+/HER2+ tumors (HaR 2.1 vs. HR+/HER2-; p=0.019), TN tumors (HaR 17 vs. HR+/HER2-; p&lt;0.001) and unmarried pts (HaR 2.2 vs. married; p=0.009) had significantly worse survival.

Conclusion: We observed significant differences in outcomes by tumor type in men with breast cancer which mirror those previously observed for women with breast cancer. Among the limited numbers of men with HER2+ and TN disease in our sample, outcomes were poor, suggesting possible under-treatment, aggressive tumor biology, and/or more advanced of disease at presentation. Studies to better understand the inferior survival for men with these subtypes are warranted and efforts to ensure appropriate treatment are paramount.

Citation Format: Leone J, Freedman RA, Zwenger AO, Lin NU, Tolaney SM, Vallejo CT, Leone BA, Winer EP, Leone JP. Tumor subtypes and survival in male breast cancer: SEER 2010-2014 [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 P6-19-02.

Abstract P5-23-06: Metastatic pattern in stage IV male breast cancer at initial diagnosis: A population-based study

Background: Male breast cancer (MaBC) is a relatively uncommon disease, representing less than 1% of all breast cancers. Although men tend to present at more advanced stages, the prognostic influence of metastatic pattern (MP), sites of metastases and factors associated with specific organ involvement are unknown. The primary aim of this study was to analyze the influence of MP compared with other biologic and clinical factors in the survival of patients (pts) with stage IV breast cancer at initial diagnosis (BCID). Secondary aims were to describe sites of metastases and evaluate factors associated with specific sites of metastatic spread.

Methods: We evaluated men with microscopically confirmed stage IV BCID with known metastatic sites, reported to the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) 18 registries program from 2010 to 2014. Pts with other primary tumor either before or after breast cancer were excluded. MP was categorized as bone only, visceral (lung, liver or brain), bone and visceral and other. Pt characteristics were compared between MP. Univariate and multivariate analyses determined the effects of each variable on overall survival (OS). Logistic regression examined factors associated with specific sites of metastases.

Results: We included 136 pts. Median age was 63 years (range 28-91). At diagnosis, bone only metastases represented 31.6% of pts, visceral 16.2%, bone and visceral 38.2% and other 14%. Median OS for the entire cohort was 33 months (95% CI 19 months – not reached). Bone was the most common site of metastases (69.9%), followed by lung (44.9%), liver (14%) and brain (8.1%). OS rate at 3 years by MP was: bone only 46.05%, visceral 53.57%, bone and visceral 37.23% and other 70.56% (p=0.41). There were no significant differences in pt or tumor characteristics between MP. However, in adjusted logistic regression, triple negative (TN) and ER/PR+/HER2+ tumors had higher odds of brain metastases than ER/PR+/HER2- (all p&lt;0.05). Also, ER/PR+/HER2+ tumors had higher odds of liver metastases (p=0.027). Univariate analysis showed that older age (HR 1.7; p=0.03), no surgery (HR2.5; p=0.005), TN tumors (HR 5.6; p&lt;0.001) and pts with brain metastases (HR 4.2; p&lt;0.001) had worse prognosis. In multivariate analysis, TN subtype (HR 4.2; p=0.001) and pts with brain metastases (HR 3.44; p=0.012) had significantly shorter OS.

Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study of MP in MaBC. The cohort had an acceptable median OS which did not differ significantly according to MP. Although brain metastases were less common, it is important to recognize their worse prognosis. Independent predictors of OS included tumor subtype and brain metastases. Tumor subtype had a clear influence on specific sites of metastases, particularly for brain and liver involvement.

Citation Format: Leone JP, Leone BA, Zwenger AO, Vallejo CT, Romero AO, Machiavelli MR, Perez JE, Leone J. Metastatic pattern in stage IV male breast cancer at initial diagnosis: A population-based 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 P5-23-06.

Abstract P1-12-02: Prognostic factors and survival according to tumor subtype in women presenting with breast cancer brain metastases at initial diagnosis

Background: Breast cancer represents one of the most common causes of brain metastases. The occurrence of this event is a catastrophic complication of metastatic breast cancer, associated with poor prognosis. However, the presence of brain metastases at the time of initial breast cancer diagnosis (BMIBCD) is uncommon. Because of this, the prognostic assessment and management of patients (pts) who present with BMIBCD is very challenging. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of tumor subtype compared with other prognostic factors in the survival of pts who present with BMIBCD.

Methods: We evaluated women with brain metastases at the time of initial diagnosis of microscopically confirmed breast cancer, reported to the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) 18 registries program from 2010 to 2013. Pts with other primary malignancy either before or after breast cancer were excluded. Pt characteristics were compared between tumor subtypes. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the effects of each variable on overall survival (OS).

Results: Seven hundred forty pts were included. Median age was 60 years (range 26-93). After a median follow-up of 6 months (range 1-48), median OS for the whole population was 10 months and 20.7% of pts were alive at 36 months. At diagnosis, brain was the only site of metastasis in 125 pts, whereas 66.2% of pts had metastases in bone, 33.2% in liver and 44.7% in lung. Tumor subtype distribution was: 46.6% hormone receptor (HR)+/HER2-, 17% HR+/HER2+, 14.1% HR-/HER2+ and 22.3% triple negative (TN). Pts with TN brain metastases had higher grade (p&lt;0.0001), higher rate of brain only (p=0.001) and lung metastases (p=0.03), had lower rates of bone metastases (p&lt;0.0001) and were more likely to die from breast cancer (p&lt;0.0001). Univariate analysis showed that older age (p=0.0002), black race (p=0.004), lobular histology (p=0.01), unmarried pts (p=0.01), the presence of liver (p&lt;0.0001) and lung metastases (p=0.002) and TN pts (median OS 6 months; p&lt;0.0001) had worse prognosis. The HR+/HER2+ subtype had the longest OS with a median of 22 months. In multivariate analysis, older age (hazard ratio 1.8; p=0.001), lobular histology (hazard ratio 2.08; p=0.006), TN subtype (hazard ratio 2.25; p&lt;0.001), liver metastases (hazard ratio 1.6; p=0.001) and unmarried pts (hazard ratio 1.39; p=0.04) had significantly shorter OS. Race, tumor grade, bone metastases, lung metastases and brain only metastases had no association with OS.

Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the largest study of BMIBCD. Although the prognosis of these pts is generally poor, it is important to notice that 20.7% of pts were still alive 3 years after diagnosis. There were substantial differences in OS according to tumor subtype, TN pts had the shortest OS. HR+/HER2- represented the largest proportion of cases, therefore these pts should not be ignored when designing clinical trials for pts with brain metastases. In addition to tumor subtype, other independent predictors of OS are age at diagnosis, marital status, histology and liver metastases.

Citation Format: Leone JP, Leone J, Zwenger AO, Iturbe J, Leone BA, Vallejo CT. Prognostic factors and survival according to tumor subtype in women presenting with breast cancer brain metastases at initial diagnosis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-12-02.

Abstract P6-09-21: Prognostic impact of metastatic pattern in stage IV breast cancer at initial diagnosis

Background: Stage IV breast cancer at initial diagnosis (BCID) can be recognized in approximately 5% of all breast neoplasms. Clinical outcomes of these patients (pts) are highly variable and depend on tumor biology and pt characteristics. The prognostic influence of metastatic pattern (MP) at initial presentation and factors associated with specific organ involvement have been understudied. The primary aim of this study was to analyze the influence of MP compared with other biologic and clinical factors in the survival of pts with stage IV BCID. The secondary aim was to evaluate factors associated with specific sites of metastatic spread.

Methods: We evaluated women with microscopically confirmed stage IV BCID with known metastatic sites, reported to the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) 18 registries program from 2010 to 2013. Pts with other primary tumor either before or after breast cancer were excluded. MP was categorized as bone only, visceral (lung, liver or brain), bone and visceral and other. Pt characteristics were compared between MP. Univariate and multivariate analyses determined the effects of each variable on overall survival (OS). Logistic regression examined factors associated with specific sites of metastases.

Results: We included 9143 pts. Median age was 61 years (range 19-102). Median OS for the entire cohort was 28 months (95% CI 27-29 months). At diagnosis, bone only metastases represented 37.5% of pts, visceral 21.9%, bone and visceral 28.8% and other 11.9%. Median OS by MP was: bone only 38 months, visceral 21 months, bone and visceral 19 months and other 33 months (p&lt;0.0001). Bone was the most common site of metastases (66.2%), followed by lung (30.5%), liver (26.2%) and brain (7.4%). Pts with visceral metastases were more often black race, had higher grade, less likely to be lobular histology and more likely to be triple negative (TN) (all p&lt;0.0001). Univariate analysis showed that older age, black race, grade 3/4 tumors, TN pts, bone and visceral MP, higher number of metastatic sites and unmarried pts had worse prognosis (all p&lt;0.0001). In multivariate analysis, older age (HR 1.9; p&lt;0.001), black race (HR 1.17; p=0.002), grade 3/4 tumors (HR 1.6; p&lt;0.001), TN subtype (HR 2.24; p&lt;0.001), bone and visceral MP (HR 2.07, p&lt;0.001) and unmarried pts (HR 1.25; p&lt;0.001) had significantly shorter OS. In adjusted logistic regression, as compared with ER/PR+/HER2- tumors, TN and ER/PR-/HER2+ had higher odds of brain, liver, lung and other metastases (all p&lt;0.05). ER/PR+/HER2+ had higher odds of liver metastases (p&lt;0.001). All three subtypes had lower odds of bone metastases (p&lt;0.001).

Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the largest study of MP in stage IV BCID. There were substantial differences in prognosis according to MP, bone only was the most common MP and had the best OS, whereas bone and visceral MP had the worst prognosis. We observed significant differences in pt characteristics according to MP. Independent predictors of OS included age at diagnosis, race, marital status, tumor grade, tumor subtype and MP. There was a clear influence of tumor subtype among other factors on specific sites of metastases. Our study identified several prognostic factors that could guide therapy selection in treatment naïve pts.Background: Stage IV breast cancer at initial diagnosis (BCID) can be recognized in approximately 5% of all breast neoplasms. Clinical outcomes of these patients (pts) are highly variable and depend on tumor biology and pt characteristics. The prognostic influence of metastatic pattern (MP) at initial presentation and factors associated with specific organ involvement have been understudied. The primary aim of this study was to analyze the influence of MP compared with other biologic and clinical factors in the survival of pts with stage IV BCID. The secondary aim was to evaluate factors associated with specific sites of metastatic spread.

Methods: We evaluated women with microscopically confirmed stage IV BCID with known metastatic sites, reported to the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) 18 registries program from 2010 to 2013. Pts with other primary tumor either before or after breast cancer were excluded. MP was categorized as bone only, visceral (lung, liver or brain), bone and visceral and other. Pt characteristics were compared between MP. Univariate and multivariate analyses determined the effects of each variable on overall survival (OS). Logistic regression examined factors associated with specific sites of metastases.

Results: We included 9143 pts. Median age was 61 years (range 19-102). Median OS for the entire cohort was 28 months (95% CI 27-29 months). At diagnosis, bone only metastases represented 37.5% of pts, visceral 21.9%, bone and visceral 28.8% and other 11.9%. Median OS by MP was: bone only 38 months, visceral 21 months, bone and visceral 19 months and other 33 months (p&lt;0.0001). Bone was the most common site of metastases (66.2%), followed by lung (30.5%), liver (26.2%) and brain (7.4%). Pts with visceral metastases were more often black race, had higher grade, less likely to be lobular histology and more likely to be triple negative (TN) (all p&lt;0.0001). Univariate analysis showed that older age, black race, grade 3/4 tumors, TN pts, bone and visceral MP, higher number of metastatic sites and unmarried pts had worse prognosis (all p&lt;0.0001). In multivariate analysis, older age (HR 1.9; p&lt;0.001), black race (HR 1.17; p=0.002), grade 3/4 tumors (HR 1.6; p&lt;0.001), TN subtype (HR 2.24; p&lt;0.001), bone and visceral MP (HR 2.07, p&lt;0.001) and unmarried pts (HR 1.25; p&lt;0.001) had significantly shorter OS. In adjusted logistic regression, as compared with ER/PR+/HER2- tumors, TN and ER/PR-/HER2+ had higher odds of brain, liver, lung and other metastases (all p&lt;0.05). ER/PR+/HER2+ had higher odds of liver metastases (p&lt;0.001). All three subtypes had lower odds of bone metastases (p&lt;0.001).

Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the largest study of MP in stage IV BCID. There were substantial differences in prognosis according to MP, bone only was the most common MP and had the best OS, whereas bone and visceral MP had the worst prognosis. We observed significant differences in pt characteristics according to MP. Independent predictors of OS included age at diagnosis, race, marital status, tumor grade, tumor subtype and MP. There was a clear influence of tumor subtype among other factors on specific sites of metastases. Our study identified several prognostic factors that could guide therapy selection in treatment naïve pts.

Citation Format: Leone BA, Vallejo CT, Romero AO, Machiavelli MR, Perez JE, Leone J, Leone JP. Prognostic impact of metastatic pattern in stage IV breast cancer at initial diagnosis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-09-21.

Abstract P6-19-01: Prognostic factors in male breast cancer: A population-based study

Background: Male breast cancer (MaBC) is a relatively uncommon disease, representing less than 1% of all breast cancers. Given its rarity, information about prognostic factors is unclear and mainly extrapolated from data from female breast cancer. This represents an important challenge for the risk assessment and treatment decisions in men. The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics of patients with MaBC and factors associated with prognosis over the past decade.

Methods: We evaluated men with microscopically confirmed invasive breast cancer diagnosed between 2003 and 2012, reported to the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) 18 registries program. Patients (pts) with other primary malignancy either before or after breast cancer were excluded. Pt characteristics were compared between tumor grades. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the effects of each variable on overall survival (OS).

Results: We included 2992 pts. Median age was 65 years (range 23-97). Median follow-up was 36 months (range 0-119). At diagnosis, ductal histology represented 85% of cases, ER positive 95.1% and PR positive 86%. Thirty-one percent were Stage I, 42% stage II, 18% stage III and 9% stage IV. Only 12.8% of pts had breast conservation and 23.7% received adjuvant radiotherapy. Tumor grade distribution was: 12.4% grade 1, 51.5% grade 2 and 36% grade 3/4. Pts with grade 3/4 tumors were more likely mixed ductal and lobular histology (p&lt;0.0001), more often ER and PR negative (p&lt;0.0001), presented with more advanced stage (p&lt;0.0001), were more likely to have mastectomy and radiotherapy (p&lt;0.0001 and p=0.001, respectively) and to die from breast cancer (p&lt;0.0001). Univariate analysis showed that older age, black race, grade 3/4 tumors, stage IV disease, no surgery, no radiotherapy, ER negative tumors, PR negative tumors and unmarried pts had worse prognosis. Most deaths in the ER negative group occurred within the first 5 years (OS rate at 5 years 66.2%). OS rates between ER positive and ER negative groups were similar after 7.5 years (60.9% and 61.9%, respectively). In multivariate analysis, older age, grade 3/4 tumors, stage IV disease, no surgery, no radiotherapy, ER negative tumors and unmarried pts had shorter OS.

 Univariate pMultivariate pAge&lt;0.0001&lt;0.0001Race0.0001NSGrade&lt;0.00010.006Stage&lt;0.0001&lt;0.0001Surgery&lt;0.00010.0001Radiation0.020.004ER0.030.04PR0.005NSMarital status&lt;0.0001&lt;0.0001HistologyNS 

Conclusions: MaBC is most commonly diagnosed at early stages of disease. Tumors are frequently ductal in histology with high rates of ER positivity, however grade 1 is uncommon. We observed significant differences in pt characteristics according to tumor grade. The main difference in OS by ER status is seen during the first 5 years. Age at diagnosis, tumor grade, stage, surgery, radiotherapy, ER and marital status have clear influence on OS in MaBC over the past decade.

Citation Format: Leone JP, Zwenger AO, Iturbe J, Leone J, Leone BA, Vallejo CT, Bhargava R. Prognostic factors in male breast cancer: A population-based study. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-19-01.

Double modulation of 5-fluorouracil by trimetrexate and leucovorin in patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma

The purpose of this report is to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity (Tx) of a double modulation of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) by trimetrexate (TMTX) and leucovorin (LV) in patients with advanced recurrent (inoperable) or metastatic colorectal cancer (ACC). Between December 1997 and August 2000, 36 patients were entered in this phase II study. Median age was 61 years, and 18 patients (50%) were female. Median performance status was 0 (range: 0-1), whereas primary tumor location was colon in 21 patients (58%) and rectum in 15 patients (42%). The number of metastatic sites was 1:29 patients (81%); 2:6 patients (17%) and 3:1 patient (3%). Hepatic involvement was observed in 33 patients (92%). Treatment consisted of TMTX 110 mg/m2 IV over 1 hour at hour (H) 0; LV 50 mg/m2 IV over 2 hours IV infusion starting at H 18; and 5-FU 900 mg/m2 IV bolus at H 20. LV (rescue) 15 mg/m2 orally was administered every 6 hours (total 6 doses) beginning at H 24. Cycles were repeated every 2 weeks until progressive disease (PD) or severe Tx. Thirty-four patients are assessable for response (R) (two patients refused further treatment after the first course of therapy), whereas all patients were assessable for Tx. Complete response: 1 patient (3%); partial response: 4 patients (12%), with an overall objective response rate of 15% (95% CI, 1%-25%); no change: 12 patients (35%); and progressive disease: 17 patients (50%). The median time to treatment failure was 4 months and median survival was 11 months. Tx was within acceptable limits. The dose-limiting side effect was mucositis. Eight episodes of grade II or III stomatitis were observed and were responsible for dosage modifications of TMTX and 5-FU. Leukopenia was observed in 16 patients (44%); neutropenia was registered in 19 patients (53%); anemia was seen in 18 patients (50%); emesis in 22 patients (61%); and dermatitis in 3 patients (8%). There were no therapy-related deaths. The double modulation of 5-FU by TMTX and LV showed modest antitumoral activity with mild to moderate Tx.

Docetaxel as Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients With Advanced Cervical Carcinoma

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of docetaxel as single-agent neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locoregionally advanced cervical carcinoma. Between April 1998 and August 2000, 38 untreated patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stages IIB to IVA were entered onto this study. The median age was 44 years (range: 25-66 years). Stages: IIB 22 patients, IIIB 15 patients, and IVA 1 pt. Treatment consisted of docetaxel 100 mg/m2 IV infusion during 1 hour. Standard premedication with dexamethasone, diphenhydramine, and ranitidine was used. Cycles were repeated every 3 weeks for three courses, followed by radical surgery when it was judged appropriate, or definitive radiotherapy. Both staging and response assessment were performed by a multidisciplinary team. 106 cycles of therapy were administered; all patients were evaluable for TX, whereas 35 were evaluable for response (3 patients refused further treatment after the first cycle of therapy). Complete response (CR): 1 patient (3%); partial response: 11 patients (31%), for an overall objective response rate of 34% (95% CI: 15-53%); no change (NC): 16 patients (46%); and progressive disease: 7 patients (20%). Six patients (17%) underwent surgery and a pathologic CR was confirmed in 1 of them. The median time to treatment failure and the median survival have not been reached yet. The limiting toxicity was leukopenia in 25 patients (69%) (G1-G2: 14 patients, G3: 10 patients, and G4: 1 patient). Neutropenia: 28 patients (78%) (G1-G2: 10 patients, G3: 8 and G4: 10). Myalgias: 17 patients (47%) (G1-G2: 15 patients and G3: 2 patients). Emesis: 21 patients (55%) (G1-G2: 19 patients and G3: 2 patients). Alopecia G3: 13 patients (36%); rash cutaneous 26 patients (68%) (G1-G2: 22 patients and G3: 4 patients). There were no hypersensitivity reactions or fluid-retention syndrome. The received dose intensity was 91% of that projected. Docetaxel is an active drug against advanced cervical carcinoma with moderate toxicity. Further evaluation in association with other agents is clearly justified.

Vinorelbine and paclitaxel for locoregional advanced or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer

A phase II trial was performed to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of the novel combination of vinorelbine and paclitaxel as first-line chemotherapy in patients with stages IIIB and IV non-small-cell lung cancer. From January 1997 to September 1999, 34 patients (9 stage IIIB and 25 stage IV) received a regimen consisting of the following: vinorelbine 30 mg/m2 20 minutes intravenous (i.v.) infusion, days 1 and 8; and paclitaxel 135 mg/m2 3-hour i.v. (starting 1 hour after vinorelbine) on day 1. Cycles were repeated every 28 days until progression of disease or unacceptable toxicity development. The median age was 57 years (range 41-70 years); median performance status was 1. Histology was as follows: squamous cell in 24 (71%), large cell in 1 (3%), and adenocarcinoma in 9 (26%). All patients are evaluable for toxicity, whereas 30 are evaluable for response (4 patients refused treatment). Objective response was recorded in 4 of 30 patients (13%, 95% CI 1-25%). No complete response was observed. Partial response was recorded in 4 patients (13%), no change in 10 patients (34%), and progressive disease in 16 patients (53%). The median time to treatment failure was 4 months and median survival was 9 months. The limiting toxicity was myelosuppression: leukopenia in 23 patients (68%), whereas neutropenia was observed in 25 patients (78%). Peripheral neurotoxicity developed in 14 patients (41%) (without G3 or G4 episodes), and constipation (G1-G2: 10 patients), myalgia (G1-G2: 11 patients), diarrhea (G1-G2: 7 patients), and stomatitis were observed in 7 patients. Vinorelbine-paclitaxel combination showed only modest activity against locoregionally advanced or metastatic NSCLC.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with ifosfamide, cisplatin, and vinorelbine in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix

A phase II trial was performed to assess the efficacy and toxicity of a combination of ifosfamide (IFX), cisplatin (CDDP), and vinorelbine (VNB) as neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for untreated advanced cervical carcinoma (ACC). Between October 1995 and February 1998, 40 patients were entered in this study. Their median age was 43 years (range: 23-74 years). International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stages were: IIB, 23; IIIB, 13; and IVA, 4. Therapy consisted of: IFX 2,000 mg/m2 1-hour (H) IV infusion days 1 to 3; 2-mercaptoethanesulfonic acid sodium salt (mesna) 400 mg/m2 IV bolus H 0 and 4, and 800 mg/m2 by mouth H 8, days 1 to 3; VNB 25 mg/m2 20-minute IV infusion days 1 and 8; and CDDP 75 mg/m2 IV day 3. Cycles were repeated every 28 days for a total of three courses. Both staging and response (R) assessment were performed by a multidisciplinary team. An objective response (OR) was observed in 24 of 40 patients (60%; 95% confidence interval, 45-75%). Four patients achieved complete response (CR) (10%); 20 partial response (50%); 12 patients stable disease (30%); and 4 progressive disease (10%). Eight of 24 patients (33%) with OR underwent radical surgery, and histologic CRs were recorded in 2 of them. The remaining patients received definitive radiotherapy after NAC. The dose-limiting toxicity was myelosuppression. Leukopenia occurred in 32 patients (80%) and was grade III or IV in 14 patients (36%). Peripheral neuropathy occurred in 9 patients (22%), whereas myalgias occurred in 10 (25%). Constipation was observed in 9 patients (23%); emesis occurred in 35 patients (88%). There were no therapy-related deaths. These results indicate that IFX/CDDP/VNB is an active combination for ACC with moderate toxicity. Implementation of this regimen in a multimodal therapy protocol deserves further study.

Biochemical modulation of 5-fluorouracil by methotrexate in patients with advanced gastric carcinoma

A phase II trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of a modulation of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) by methotrexate (MTX) (with leucovorin (LV) rescue) as first-line chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced (inoperable) or metastatic gastric carcinoma. From July 1993 through August 1996, 36 patients with advanced gastric carcinoma received a regimen that consisted of: MTX 200 mg/m2 diluted in 250 ml normal saline by intravenous infusion over 20 minutes at hour 0; 5-FU 1,200 mg/m2 intravenous push injection at hour 20. Beginning 24 hours after MTX administration all patients received LV 15 mg/m2 intramuscularly every 6 hours for six doses. Cycles were repeated every 15 days. One patient was not assessable for response. Objective regression was observed in 15 of 37 patients (43%; 95% confidence interval, 26%-60%). One patient (3%) achieved complete response and 14 (40%) achieved partial response. No change was recorded in 14 patients (40%) and progressive disease was noted in six patients (17%). The median time to treatment failure was 7 months and the median survival was 12 months. Toxicity was within acceptable limits but one therapy-related death resulting from severe leukopenia occurred. The dose-limiting toxicity was mucositis. Five episodes of grade 3 or 4 stomatitis were observed and caused dosage modifications of MTX and 5-FU. Biochemical modulation of 5-FU by MTX appears as an attractive modality in patients with advanced gastric cancer. Further investigation both in experimental and clinical fields is needed to clearly define its role and to design the best modulatory strategy.

Biomodulation with sequential intravenous IFN-alpha2b and 5-fluorouracil as second-line treatment in patients with advanced colorectal cancer

A phase II trial was carried out by the Grupo Oncologico Cooperativo del Sur (G.O.C.S.) to assess the efficacy and toxicity of a biochemical modulation of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) by i.v. pretreatment with interferon (IFN)-alpha2b in patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma refractory to previous therapy with 5-FU modulated by methotrexate (MTX) or leucovorin (LV) or both. Between January 1993 and October 1995, 34 patients were entered on the study. The treatment was IFN-alpha2b 5 x 10(6)/m2 IU in a 1-h i.v. infusion, followed immediately by 5-FU 600 mg/m2 i.v. bolus injection. Courses were repeated weekly until observation of progressive disease or severe toxicity. One patient could not be assessed for response. Objective regression was observed in 2 of 33 patients (6%, 95% confidence interval, 0%-14%). No patient achieved a complete response. Two patients had partial responses (6%). No change was recorded in 14 patients (41%), and progressive disease occurred in 17 (52%). The median time to treatment failure was 3 months, and the median survival was 5 months. Toxicity was within acceptable limits. The main side effects were mucositis and diarrhea. Four episodes of grade 2 stomatitis were observed, causing dosage modifications. The most frequent toxic effects attributable to IFN-alpha2b were mild fatigue and fever. In conclusion, second-line therapy with i.v. IFN-alpha2b preceding 5-FU has shown an interesting profile of activity in a patient population with clearly unfavorable characteristics. From this perspective, further appropriately designed studies are needed to identify the greatest potential of IFN-alpha2b as a modulator of 5-FU.

Prognostic significance of pathological response of primary tumor and metastatic axillary lymph nodes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced breast carcinoma

PURPOSE

The prognostic significance of pathological response of primary tumor and metastatic axillary lymph nodes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was assessed in patients with noninflammatory locally advanced breast carcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 1989 and April 1995, 148 consecutive patients with locally advanced breast carcinoma participated in the study. Of these, 140 fully evaluable patients (67, stage IIIA; 73, stage IIIB) were treated with three courses of 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FAC), followed by modified radical mastectomy when technically feasible or definitive radiation therapy. The median age was 53 years (range, 26 to 75 years); 55% of patients were postmenopausal.

RESULTS

Objective response was recorded in 99 of 140 patients (71%; 95% confidence interval, 63% to 79%). Complete response occurred in 11 patients (8%), and partial response occurred in 88 patients (63%). No change was recorded in 37 patients (26%), and progressive disease occurred in 4 patients (3%). One hundred and thirty-six patients underwent the planned surgery. Maximal pathological response of the primary tumor (in situ carcinoma or minimal microscopic residual tumor) was observed in 24 (18%); 112 patients (82%) presented minimal pathological response of the primary tumor (gross residual tumor). The number of metastatic axillary nodes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was as follows: N0, 39 patients (29%); N1-N3, 35 patients (26%); > N3, 62 patients (45%). Considering the initial TNM status, 75% of the patients had decreases in tumor compartment after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Also, 31% and 23% of patients with clinical N1 and N2, respectively, showed uninvolved axillary lymph nodes. A significant correlation was noted between pathological response of primary tumor and the number of metastatic axillary lymph nodes. Median disease-free survival was 34 months, whereas median overall survival was 66 months. Pathological responses of both primary tumor and metastatic axillary lymph nodes were strongly correlated with disease-free survival and overall survival in univariate analyses. Additionally, in a proportional hazard regression model and in an accelerated failure time model, metastatic axillary lymph nodes significantly influenced both disease-free survival and overall survival, whereas pathological response of primary tumor did so on disease-free survival only.

CONCLUSION

After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, pathological responses of both primary tumor and metastatic axillary lymph nodes had a marked prognostic significance and influenced outcome for patients with locally advanced breast carcinoma. Our results suggest that maximal tumor shrinkage and sterilization of potentially involved axillary nodes may represent a major goal of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Further studies are warranted to clarify whether these results reflect the therapeutic effect or intrinsic biologic factors of the tumor.

Double modulation of 5-fluorouracil by methotrexate and high-dose L-leucovorin in advanced colorectal cancer

A phase II trial was performed to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of a double modulation of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) by methotrexate (MTX) and L-leucovorin (L-LV) in patients with advanced recurrent (inoperable) or metastatic colorectal carcinoma (ACC). Between July 1993 and October 1995, 41 patients with ACC received a regimen that consisted of MTX 150 mg/m2 i.v., infused over a 20-minute period at hour 0, followed 19 hours later by L-LV 250 mg/m2 in a 2-hour i.v. infusion. 5-FU, 900 mg/m2, was administered by i.v. push injection at hour 20. Beginning 24 hours after MTX administration, all patients received four doses of L-LV, 15 mg/m2 i.m., every 6 hours. Cycles were repeated every 15 days. Two patients were not assessable for response. Objective regression was observed in 11 of 39 (28%) patients, [95% confidence interval (CI), 14-42%]. One (2%) patient achieved complete response (CR) and 10 (26%) partial response (PR). No change was recorded in 15 (39%) patients and progressive disease was noted in 13 (33%) patients. The median time to treatment failure was 6 months and the median survival time was 10 months. Toxicity was within acceptable limits, but one therapy-related death due to severe leukopenia was observed. The dose-limiting toxicity was mucositis. Eight episodes of grade 3 or 4 stomatitis were observed, and were responsible for dosage modifications of MTX and 5-FU. In conclusion, further in experimental and clinical studies are clearly necessary in order to design the best modulatory strategy of 5-FU.

Vinorelbine as neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced cervical carcinoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of vinorelbine (VNB) as single-agent neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced cervical carcinoma (ACC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between December 1993 and October 1995, 43 untreated patients with stages IIB to IVA squamous cell cervical cancer were entered onto this study. Forty-two patients are assessable for response and 43 for toxicity. The median age was 46 years (range, 28 to 65). Distribution by stages (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics [FIGO]) was as follows: IIB, 18 patients; IIIA, one; IIIB, 19; and IVA, five. Therapy consisted of VNB 30 mg/m2 by 20-minute intravenous (IV) infusion repeated weekly for 12 injections and followed by radical surgery if feasible or definitive radiotherapy. Both staging and response assessment were performed by a multidisciplinary team.

RESULTS

One patient was considered not assessable for response. A total of 493 cycles of therapy were administered and objective remissions were observed in 19 of 42 patients (45%; 95% confidence interval, 30% to 60%). Two patients (5%) had a complete response (CR) and 17 (40%) a partial response (PR); no change (NC) was observed in 16 (38%) and progressive disease (PD) in seven (17%). Six of 19 patients (32%) who achieved objective responses (ORs) underwent surgery. The median time to failure and median survival time have not been reached yet. There were no therapy-related deaths. The dose-limiting toxicity was myelosuppression. Leukopenia occurred in 35 patients (81%) and was grade 3 or 4 in seven (17%). Twelve patients (28%) developed peripheral neuropathy, while myalgias occurred in 10 (23%). Constipation was observed in nine patients (21%), one with a prolonged ileum. Phlebitis was recorded in 18 patients (41%). In contrast, emesis and mucositis were rarely observed. No patient developed alopecia grade 3. By the end of the twelfth course of treatment, the average received dose-intensity was 85.4% of that projected.

CONCLUSION

VNB is an active drug against ACC with moderate toxicity. Its activity is among the highest reported for single agents. Further evaluation in association with other agents is clearly justified.

Ifosfamide and vinorelbine as first-line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of the combination of ifosfamide (IFX) and vinorelbine (VNB) as first-line chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between August 1993 and August 1995, 45 patients with untreated MBC received a regimen that consisted of IFX 2 g/m2 by 1-hour intravenous (i.v.) infusion on days 1 to 3, mesna 400 mg/m2 by i.v. bolus at hours 0 and 4 and 800 mg/m2 orally at hour 8 on days 1 to 3, and VNB 35 mg/m2 by 20-minute i.v. infusion on days 1 and 15. Courses were repeated every 28 days. During the first course only, half-dose VNB (17.5 mg/m2) was administered on days 8 and 22. The median age was 53 years and 30 patients (67%) were postmenopausal. Dominant sites of disease were soft tissue in nine patients, bone in seven, and visceral in 29.

RESULTS

Objective responses (ORs) were recorded in 25 of 43 assessable patients (58%; 95% confidence interval, 43% to 73%). Complete remissions (CRs) occurred in six patients (14%) and partial remissions (PRs) in 19 (44%). No change (NC) was recorded in 10 patients (23%) and progressive disease (PD) in eight patients (19%). The median time to treatment failure was 12 months and the median survival duration 19 months. Myelosuppression was the limiting toxicity, mainly leukopenia in 32 patients (74%). In contrast, anemia and thrombocytopenia were mild. Other significant toxicities included peripheral neuropathy in nine patients (21%), constipation in 15 (35%), and myalgias in 11 (26%).

CONCLUSION

IFX/VNB is an active combination against MBC with moderate toxicity and deserves further evaluation.

High-dose cisplatin as neoadjuvant organ-preserving chemotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx

PURPOSE

We conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of fractionated high-dose cisplatin as neoadjuvant organ-preserving chemotherapy, followed by definitive radiotherapy, for untreated and advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From August 1990 to April 1994, 32 patients bearing previously untreated advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx (12 stage III and 20 stage IV) received three courses of high-dose cisplatin (100 mg/m2 on day 1 and day 8 every 28 days) before definitive external radiation therapy with 65 to 70 Gy (180-200 cGy daily for 6-8 weeks). Twenty-eight patients were men; median age was 57 years (range, 31-69); and median performance status (ECOG) was 1 (0-2).

RESULTS

With an average follow-up time of 18 months (range, 6-47), 30 patients are evaluable for response and 32 for toxicity. Responses after three courses of chemotherapy were: complete response, 18 patients (60%), and partial response, 7 patients (23%), for an overall response rate of 83%. Only one patient showed progressive disease. Fifteen patients (50%; 12 complete and 3 partial responders) had pathologic complete remission. Eighty percent of patients had no evidence of disease after the therapeutic program. Median disease-free survival was 24 months, and median overall survival was 28 months (range, 6-47). Overall, in 46% of all evaluable patients, organ preservation with acceptable function was achieved. Disease-free survival and larynx preservation were strongly correlated with pathologic complete remission. The average dose intensity received at the end of the third course of therapy was 47 mg/m2/week. There were no drug-related deaths. The main acute toxicity was grade 2-3 nausea and vomiting in 75% of patients. Two patients developed renal impairment after the first course of cisplatin. Ototoxicity (grade 2-3) was seen in 43% of patients, and peripheral neuropathy (grade 2-3) was observed in 12% of patients. In contrast, myelotoxicity and mucositis were mild.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this strategy with fractionated high-dose cisplatin given on an outpatient basis is an attractive approach that produces a high rate of complete response and larynx preservation with an advantageous toxicity profile.

High-dose cisplatin with dipyridamole in advanced non-small cell lung cancer. A Grupo Oncológico Cooperativo del Sur study

From March 1991 to October 1992, 41 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (20 stage IIIB and 21 stage IV) received a regimen consisting of cisplatin (CP) 100 mg/m2 i.v. days 1 and 8, and dipyridamole (DPD) 100 mg p.o. 75 minutes before CP, and then at hours 6, 12, and 18 as first-line chemotherapy. Cycles were repeated every 28 days for a total of 3. Median age was 56 years (range: 40-70). All patients had a performance status 0 to 1 and a weight loss < or = 10%. Squamous-cell carcinoma was diagnosed in 19 patients; adenocarcinoma in 16, and large-cell carcinoma in 6. A total of 37 patients were fully evaluable for response, whereas 39 were assessable for toxicity. No complete responses were observed: 5 patients (14%) achieved partial response; 23 patients (62%) showed no change, and progressive disease was observed in 9 (24%). The median time to treatment failure was 4 months, whereas median survival was 8 months. The average dose intensity received at the end of the third course of therapy was 46 mg/m2/week. There were no drug-related deaths. Toxicity was mild to moderate, with a high incidence of ototoxicity (54%) and emesis (67%). In conclusion, these results failed to demonstrate any significant advantage from a high-dose CP regimen modulated by DPD in patients with advanced NSCLC.

Vinorelbine as first-line chemotherapy for metastatic breast carcinoma

PURPOSE

A phase II trial was performed to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of vinorelbine (VNB) as first-line chemotherapy for metastatic breast carcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between August 1991 and February 1993, 45 patients with metastatic breast cancer were entered onto the study. Therapy consisted of VNB 30 mg/m2 diluted in 500 mL of normal saline administered as a 1-hour intravenous infusion. Injections were repeated weekly until evidence of progressive disease (PD) or severe toxicity developed.

RESULTS

One patient was considered not assessable for response. An objective response (OR) was observed in 18 of 44 patients (41%; 95% confidence interval, 26% to 56%). Three patients (7%) had a complete response (CR) and 15 (34%) had a partial response (PR). The median time to treatment failure for the entire group was 6 months (range, 1 to 15), and the median duration of response was 9 months (range, 1 to 15). The median survival duration has not been reached yet. There were no treatment-related deaths. The dose-limiting toxicity was myelosuppression. Leukopenia occurred in 35 patients (78%) and was grade 3 or 4 in 16 (36%). Phlebitis was observed in 19 of 29 patients (66%) who did not have central implantable venous systems. Fifteen patients (33%) developed peripheral neurotoxicity. Myalgia occurred in 20 patients (44%).

CONCLUSION

VNB is an active drug against metastatic breast cancer with moderate toxicity, which justifies further evaluation in association with other agents.

Ifosfamide and mitoxantrone as first-line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer

PURPOSE

A phase II trial was performed to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of a combination of ifosfamide (IFX) and mitoxantrone (MXN) as first-line chemotherapy for metastatic breast carcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 1990 and August 1991, 48 patients with metastatic breast cancer were entered onto the study. Therapy consisted of IFX 2 g/m2 given as a 1-hour intravenous (IV) infusion on days 1 to 3; mesna 400 mg/m2 as an IV bolus immediately before and 4 hours after IFX administration and 2,000 mg orally 8 hours after IFX administration on days 1 to 3; and MXN 12 mg/m2 as an i.v. bolus on day 3. Cycles were repeated every 21 days until progressive disease (PD) or severe toxicity developed.

RESULTS

One patient was considered not assessable for response. Objective regression (OR) was observed in 28 of 47 patients (60%; 95% confidence interval, 46% to 74%). Six patients (13%) had a complete response (CR) and 22 (47%) had a partial response (PR). The median time to treatment failure for the whole group was 9 months (range, 1 to 28); median survival was 19 months (range, 2 to 28). There were no treatment-related deaths. The limiting toxicity was myelosuppression. Leukopenia occurred in 37 patients (77%) and was grade 3 or 4 in 19 patients (40%). Nausea and vomiting were observed in 38 patients (80%), mucositis in 16 patients (33%), and grade 2 hematuria in two patients (4%). Eight patients (16%) developed mild neurotoxicity.

CONCLUSION

The combination of IFX plus MXN is an active regimen against metastatic breast cancer with moderate toxicity that deserves further evaluation.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for cervical carcinoma

Between October 1986 and August 1988, 33 previously untreated patients with locally advanced cervical carcinoma were studied to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of a neoadjuvant chemotherapy combination consisting of cisplatin 50 mg/m2 intravenously (IV) on day 1, vincristine 1.4 mg/m2 IV on day 1, and bleomycin 25 mg/m2 IV in a 6-hour infusion on days 1-3. Cycles were repeated every 10 days for a total of three cycles, after which definitive radiation therapy (external and intracavitary) was administered. The median age was 47 years, and distribution by stages (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) was as follows: IIB, 12 subjects; IIIB, 19; and IVA, two. A multidisciplinary team conducted both staging and assessment of response to induction chemotherapy before the beginning of radiotherapy. Thirty-one women were fully evaluable for response and toxicity. No complete response was observed; seven subjects (23%) experienced a partial response, 18 (58%) had no change, and six (19%) showed progressive disease. Toxicity was mild to moderate and included nausea and vomiting, alopecia, hyperthermia, peripheral neurotoxicity, and anemia. We conclude that this regimen at this dosage and time interval produced a low number of objective regressions with a significant progression rate and is of doubtful value as neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Advanced colorectal carcinoma. A prospective randomized trial of sequential methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, and leucovorin versus 5-fluorouracil alone

One hundred and twenty-five previously untreated patients bearing metastatic or advanced recurrent (inoperable) colorectal carcinoma and measurable disease were prospectively randomized. Those in arm A received 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), 1,200 mg/m2 i.v. infusion over 2 h, while those in arm B received methotrexate (MTX), 200 mg/m2 i.v. (push injection), followed 20 h later by 5-FU, 1,200 mg/m2 i.v. infusion over 2 h, plus calcium leucovorin (LV), 25 mg i.m. every 6 h for eight doses beginning 24 h after MTX administration. Cycles were repeated every 15 days. All patients receiving treatment were evaluable for toxicity and survival, and 118 patients were evaluable for response. The objective regression rate (complete plus partial response) was 12% (7 of 58) in arm A and 28% (17 of 60) in arm B (p = 0.049). No change was observed in 24% (14 of 58) in arm A and in 35% (21 of 60) in arm B (p = 0.28), while progressive disease was registered in 64% (37 of 58) and 37% (22 of 60) in arms A and B, respectively (p = 0.006). Median duration of response was 3 months in arm A and 5 months in arm B (p = 0.39). The median survival was 8.3 months in arm A and 11.2 months in arm B (p = 0.25). No statistically significant differences were found when objective regression and survival were related to site of primary tumor, performance status, and number of involved organs. There were two drug-related deaths in arm B due to severe myelosuppression followed by mucositis and sepsis. Of nonhematologic toxicities, diarrhea was more frequently observed in arm B, as were mucositis and infectious complications. Our results indicate that the sequential schedule MTX-5-FU-LV with 20-h intervals between MTX and 5-FU is superior in terms of objective regression to 5-FU alone given at the dose and schedule used in the present study. However, MTX-5-FU-LV did not have a significant impact on survival.

Bone-only versus visceral-only metastatic pattern in breast cancer: analysis of 150 patients. A GOCS study. Grupo Oncológico Cooperativo del Sur

The medical records of 510 patients with metastatic breast cancer were retrospectively reviewed. Seventy-seven patients with metastases confined to skeleton and 73 patients bearing visceral-only disease were identified. All patients had a disease-free interval greater than or equal to 6 months and received systemic therapy with any of the following modalities: chemotherapy, hormonotherapy, or chemohormonotherapy. The clinical features, response to treatment, and survival were analyzed and compared for both groups. Median survival of patients with osseous metastases was 28 months, while it was 13 months for those patients with a visceral pattern (p less than 0.001). Response rates to first and second line systemic therapy for both metastatic patterns showed no significant differences, suggesting a similar degree of sensitivity or resistance in both groups. Objective regression to first therapy was 45% in the group with bony disease and 41% among patients with visceral involvement; median duration of response was 16 months and 13 months, respectively. In both groups progressive disease conserved the original metastatic pattern in most patients. We conclude that although a superiority in survival was evident for the osseous metastatic pattern, for these patients efforts should be made to select the least aggressive therapy in order to avoid excessive toxicity. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Phase II Trial of Cytarabine, Cisplatin and Vindesine for Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Thirty-two patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were entered in this study to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of a chemotherapy schedule including cisplatin (C) 40 mg/m2 intravenously (i.v.) on days 1–3; vindesine (V) 3 mg/m2 i.v. on day 1, and cytarabine (ara-C) 15 mg/m2 subcutaneously every 12 hours on days 1–3 (total dose: 90 mg/m2). Cisplatin was administered simultaneously with one dose of ara-C. Cycles were repeated every 28 days. Five patients out of 28 (18 %) fully evaluable for response presented partial remissions. No complete response was observed. Median survival was 8 months and median duration of response was 4 months. Hematologic toxicity was severe in 3 patients. There were no toxicity-related deaths. Other adverse reactions included nausea and vomiting, alopecia and peripheral neuropathy. We conclude that this chemotherapy combination is marginally effective against NSCLC showing in this group of patients a low number of responses of short duration without a significant impact on survival.

Stage IV breast cancer: clinical course and survival of patients with osseous versus extraosseous metastases at initial diagnosis. The GOCS (Grupo Oncológico Cooperativo del Sur) experience

The medical records of 414 patients with metastatic breast carcinoma treated between 1978 and 1986 were reviewed and 44 women were identified as having stage IV disease when the primary breast lesion was detected. Of these 44 women, 25 had metastatic disease limited to the skeleton while 19 had extraosseous lesions only. The clinical features, response to therapy, and survival were analyzed and compared for both groups. The median survival of those patients with bone-only metastases was 52 months as compared with 13 months for those with extraskeletal lesions (p = 0.0025). The response rate to first-line systemic therapy was similar for both groups (47% for bone metastases and 44% for extraosseous metastases). The median duration of response was 14 months (range, 3-55 months) for patients with bone disease and 8 months (range, 4-43 months) for those with extraskeletal lesions. We conclude that patients with metastatic breast cancer confined to the skeleton at initial diagnosis tend to follow an indolent, chronic course with prolonged survival. Therefore the increase in response rate with aggressive chemotherapy should be balanced against its higher morbidity. Further studies are needed to confirm whether the better prognosis of these patients is determined by the anatomical confinement of the disease to the skeleton or merely reflects the influence of other prognostic factors.