Lymphovascular invasion has a significant prognostic impact in patients with early breast cancer, results from a large, national, multicenter, retrospective cohort study

Background

We determined the prognostic impact of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in a large, national, multicenter, retrospective cohort of patients with early breast cancer (BC) according to numerous factors.

Patients and methods

We collected data on 17 322 early BC patients treated in 13 French cancer centers from 1991 to 2013. Survival functions were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method and multivariate survival analyses were carried out using the Cox proportional hazards regression model adjusted for significant variables associated with LVI or not. Two propensity score-based matching approaches were used to balance differences in known prognostic variables associated with LVI status and to assess the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) in LVI-positive luminal A-like patients.

Results

LVI was present in 24.3% (4205) of patients. LVI was significantly and independently associated with all clinical and pathological characteristics analyzed in the entire population and according to endocrine receptor (ER) status except for the time period in binary logistic regression. According to multivariate analyses including ER status, AC, grade, and tumor subtypes, the presence of LVI was significantly associated with a negative prognostic impact on overall (OS), disease-free (DFS), and metastasis-free survival (MFS) in all patients [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.345, HR = 1.312, and HR = 1.415, respectively; P < 0.0001], which was also observed in the propensity score-based analysis in addition to the association of AC with a significant increase in both OS and DFS in LVI-positive luminal A-like patients. LVI did not have a significant impact in either patients with ER-positive grade 3 tumors or those with AC-treated luminal A-like tumors.

Conclusion

The presence of LVI has an independent negative prognostic impact on OS, DFS, and MFS in early BC patients, except in ER-positive grade 3 tumors and in those with luminal A-like tumors treated with AC. Therefore, LVI may indicate the existence of a subset of luminal A-like patients who may still benefit from adjuvant therapy.

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In a study of 17 322 early BC patients, LVI had a significant independent negative prognostic impact on survival.

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LVI negatively impacted survival in almost every patient category and cancer subtype, with and without AC.

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LVI did not have a negative survival impact in patients with ER+ grade 3 or with luminal A-like tumors with chemotherapy.

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Results suggest a possible benefit of AC in LVI-positive luminal A-like patients.

[Surgery or not on an atypical breast lesion? Taking anxiety into account in shared decision support from a prospective cohort of 300 patients]

INTRODUCTION

Organized and individual breast screening have been accompanied by an increase in the detection of "atypical breast lesions (ABL)". Recently, the NOMAT multicenter study proposed a predictive model of the risk of developing breast cancer after detection of an ABL in order to avoid surgical removal of "low-risk" lesions. It also aimed to provide information on psychological experience, in particularly anxiety, to assist in the shared medical decision process.

METHODS

Three hundred women undergoing surgery for ABL were included between 2015 and 2018 at 18 French centers. Women completed questionnaires before and after surgery assessing their level of anxiety (STAI-State, STAI-Trait), their level of tolerance to uncertainty, their perceived risk of developing a breast cancer, and their satisfaction with the management care.

RESULTS

One hundred nighty nine patients completed the STAI-Status before and after surgery. Overall, a decrease in anxiety level (35.4 vs 42.7, P<0.001) was observed. Anxious temperament and greater intolerance to uncertainty were significantly associated swith decreased anxiety (33%), whereas younger age was associated with increased anxiety (8%).

CONCLUSION

Surgery for ABL seems to be associated with only a few cases with an increase in anxiety and seems to increase the perception of the risk of developing breast cancer. Taking into account the psychological dimension remains in all cases essential in the process of shared therapeutic decision.

Lack of prognostic impact of sentinel node micro-metastases in endocrine receptor-positive early breast cancer: results from a large multicenter cohort☆

Background

Prognostic impact of lymph node micro-metastases (pN1mi) has been discordantly reported in the literature. The need to clarify this point for decision-making regarding adjuvant therapy, particularly for patients with endocrine receptor (ER)-positive status and HER2-negative tumors, is further reinforced by the generalization of gene expression signatures using pN status in their recommendation algorithm.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively analyzed 13 773 patients treated for ER-positive breast cancer in 13 French cancer centers from 1999 to 2014. Five categories of axillary lymph node (LN) status were defined: negative LN (pN0i−), isolated tumor cells [pN0(i+)], pN1mi, and pN1 divided into single (pN1 = 1) and multiple (pN1 > 1) macro-metastases (>2 mm). The effect of LN micro-metastases on outcomes was investigated both in the entire cohort of patients and in clinically relevant subgroups according to tumor subtypes. Propensity-score-based matching was used to balance differences in known prognostic variables associated with pN status.

Results

As determined by sentinel LN biopsy, 9427 patients were pN0 (68.4%), 546 pN0(i+) (4.0%), 1446 pN1mi (10.5%) and 2354 pN1 with macro-metastases (17.1%). With a median follow-up of 61.25 months, pN1 status, but not pN1mi, significantly impacted overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), metastasis-free survival (MFS), and breast-cancer-specific survival. In the subgroup of patients with known tumor subtype, pN1 = 1, as pN1 > 1, but not pN1mi, had a significant prognostic impact on OS. DFS and MFS were only impacted by pN1 > 1. Similar results were observed in the subgroup of patients with luminal A-like tumors (n = 7101). In the matched population analysis, pN1macro, but not pN1mi, had a statistically significant negative impact on MFS and OS.

Conclusion

LN micro-metastases have no detectable prognostic impact and should not be considered as a determining factor in indicating adjuvant chemotherapy. The evaluation of the risk of recurrence using second-generation signatures should be calculated considering micro-metastases as pN0.

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LN micro-metastases have no detectable prognostic impact.

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pN1 status, but not pN1mi, significantly impacted overall survival, disease-free survival, metastasis-free survival.

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In the subgroup of patients with known tumor subtype, pN1=1, as pN1>1, but not pN1mi, had a significant prognostic impact on OS.

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LN micro-metastases should not be considered as a determining factor in indicating adjuvant chemotherapy.

[Comparing outcomes of Immediate Breast reconstruction with and without use of radiotherapy]

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer and its treatment remains a public health problem. There is still a lack of epidemiological data concerning complications and aesthetic results bound to radiotherapy after an immediate breast reconstruction. The objective of this study was to compare outcomes of immediate breast reconstruction regardless to the use of radiotherapy (history of radiotherapy or adjuvant radiation therapy), in order to determine risk factor of complications and bad aesthetic results.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study between January 2014 and December 2016 at the hospital "Gustave Roussy" in Paris, concerning breast cancer patients who needed immediate breast reconstruction after total mastectomy. The primary endpoint was to assess the failure rate of reconstruction and the aesthetic result, the secondary endpoint assessed the early and late rate of complications. We realized a multivariate analysis in order to identify risks factors that may predict complications.

RESULTS

Three hundred and thirty three patients have been included: 157 in the "radiotherapy group" compared to 176 in the "no radiotherapy group". Preoperative characteristics were comparable. Average follow-up was between 1 and 3years without missing. Patients who benefited from radiotherapy had an equal risk failure of reconstruction. The subgroup analysis revealed non-significant differences: 12.7% failure rate reconstruction in the "radiotherapy group" vs. 12.5%. We could notify a better rate of "excellent results" in the "no radiotherapy group": 35% vs. 8.2%. Secondary outcomes were comparable.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiotherapy related to immediate breast reconstruction didn't increase the failure rate of reconstruction or aesthetic results, comparatively to non-irradiated patients. It is therefore permissible to suggest an immediate breast reconstruction to any patients which would benefit from a total mastectomy followed by radiotherapy; in order to prevent them from a secondary breast reconstruction, who could be physically and psychologically more impactful.

Modulation of Rb phosphorylation and antiproliferative response to palbociclib: the preoperative-palbociclib (POP) randomized clinical trial

Background

The cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4)/6 inhibitor Palbociclib is a new standard treatment in hormone-receptor positive breast cancer patients. No predictive biomarkers have been identified and no pharmacodynamics has properly been described so far.

Patients and methods

Patients with early-breast cancer were randomized 3 : 1 to oral palbociclib 125 mg daily for 14 days until the day before the surgery versus no treatment. Primary objective was antiproliferative response defined as a natural logarithm of Ki67 expression at day 15 below 1. Secondary end points were subgroups analyses and safety. Exploratory analyses included search for predictive biomarkers. Immunostainings (Ki67, RB, pRB, p16, pAKT, pER, pCDK2, CyclinD1), FISH (CCND1) and gene expression (GE) arrays were carried out at baseline and at surgery. In addition, activating PIK3CA and AKT1 mutations were assessed at baseline.

Results

74 patients were allocated to palbociclib and 26 to control. Most patients (93%) were hormone-receptor (HR)-positive, whereas 8% were HER2-positive. Palbociclib led to significantly more antiproliferative responses when compared with control (58% versus 12%, P < 0.001), and to a significantly higher Ki67 decrease (P < 0.001). In the HR-positive/HER2-negative subgroup, this antiproliferative effect was even more marked in the palbociclib arm when compared with control (70% versus 9%, P < 0.001). Palbociclib treatment led also to a significantly higher decrease from baseline in phospho-Rb when compared with control (P < 0.001). Among treated patients, changes in Ki67 correlated with changes in phospho-Rb (Spearman rank r = 0.41, P < 0.0001). GE analyses confirmed a major effect on proliferation and cell cycle genes. Among treated patients, CCNE2 expression was significantly more decreased in antiproliferative responders versus nonresponders (P = 0.006).

Conclusion

Short-term preoperative palbociclib decreases Ki67 in early-breast cancer patients. Early decrease of Rb phosphorylation correlates with drug's effect on cell proliferation and could potentially identify patients with primary resistance.

Clinical trial registration

NCT02008734.

Abstract P2-08-08: Isolated ipsilateral local recurrence of breast cancer: Predictive factors and prognostic impact

Background

Tumour features associated with isolated invasive breast cancer ipsilateral local recurrence (ILR) after breast conservative treatment (BCT) and consequences on overall survival (OS) are still debated. The aim of our study was to examine predictive factors of isolated ILR after BCT with in sano resection and whole breast irradiation as well as the impact of such an ILR on overall survival in a large multi-institutional cohort.

Methods

Patients were retrospectively identified from a large cohort of 23,375 consecutive patients who underwent BCT for invasive breast cancer in 16 cancer centres. End-points were ILR rate and OS. The impact of ILR on OS was assessed through multivariate analysis by logistic regression and Cox model, adjusted on ERs/Grade status (ERs+/Grade 1, ERs+/Grade 2, ERs+/Grade 3 and ERs-) and then on tumour subtypes.

Results

Of 15,570 patients, ILR rate was 3.1%. Cumulative ILR rates differed according to ERs/grade (ERs+/Grade2: HR=1.42, p=0.010; ERs+/Grade3: HR=1.41, p=0.067; ERs-: HR=2.14, p&lt;0.0001), endocrine therapy (HR=2.05, p&lt;0.0001) and age&lt;40-years old (HR=2.28, p=0.005) in multivariate analysis. When multivariate analysis was adjusted on tumour subtype, the latter was the only independent factor. OS-after-ILR was significantly different according to ILR-free intervals (HR=4.96 for ILR-free interval between 2-5-years and HR=9.00 when &lt;2-years, in comparison with ≥5-years).

Impact of free interval time on OS among patients with ILR and among all patients  p-valueHRInfSupILRno ILR 1   &lt;2 years0.0172.2551.1594.388 2-5 years0.0012.451.423.89 ≥5 years0.1030.5550.2741.126Tumor subtypesLuminal A G1 1   Luminal A G20.0031.4311.1321.810 Triple negative&lt;0.00012.6992.0553.544 Luminal B ER-&lt;0.00013.1952.4144.229 Luminal B ER+0.021.6081.0762.401 HER2+&lt;0.00012.2791.4523.579

Conclusion

ERs/Grade status, lack of endocrine therapy and tumour subtypes predict isolated ILR risk in patients treated with BCT. Short ILR-free-intervals represent a strong pejorative factor for OS. These results may help selecting initial treatment as well as tailoring ILR systemic chemotherapy.

Citation Format: Houvenaeghel G, de Nonneville A, Cohen M, Classe J-M, Reyal F, Mazouni C, Chopin N, Martinez A, Daraï E, Coutant C, Colombo P-E, Gimbergues P, Chauvet M-P, Azuar A-S, Rouzier R, Tunon de Lara C, Murraciole X, Agostini A, Gonçalves A, Lambaudie E. Isolated ipsilateral local recurrence of breast cancer: Predictive factors and prognostic impact [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 P2-08-08.

[Mastectomy and immediate reconstruction: Indications, techniques and decision algorithm]

Immediate breast reconstruction indications extend to infiltrating carcinomas, due to new matrix implant coverage techniques and the development of perforator flaps. These techniques allow adjuvant treatments. However, the decision of immediate reconstruction must be discussed with the oncological multidisciplinary team and the benefits/risks must also be evaluated in relation to the morphology of the patients and their co-morbidities. The chosen type of mastectomy: conventional or skin sparing and/or nipple sparing depends on the shape and volume of the breast, the localization of the tumor in the breast and the distance from the nipple areola complex (NAC). We describe an algorithm to allow, in the case of therapeutic mastectomy with or without adjuvant radiotherapy, an immediate reconstruction with implants or free or pedicled flaps.

[Decision algorithm in immediate breast reconstruction]

Immediate breast reconstruction showed many advantages in terms of aesthetic and functional results and improvement of quality of life when compared to delayed breast reconstruction. Previous radiotherapy or the use of adjuvant treatments such as radiation therapy, or chemotherapy are no longer a contraindication for immediate breast reconstruction. However, it is important to respect certain rules in order to decrease the risk of complications: the choice of reconstruction technique, the management of the skin envelope according to the breast shape you want to create, the time delay between the first and the second stage of reconstruction depending on a possible adjuvant treatment.

Abstract P2-11-17: Is post mastectomy radiotherapy contributive in pN0-1mi breast cancers patients? Results of a French multi-centric cohort

Aim: To assess the value of Post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) in breast cancer patients with no or minimal lymph nodes involvement.

Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed a French multi-centric cohort of 4283 patients treated between 1980 and 2013, by mastectomy and axillary dissection with or without PMRT. Practices were analyzed according 3 treatment periods (1980-1999, 2000-2005; 2006-2013). The value of PMRT on loco-regional recurrence, disease-free survival, breast cancer specific survival and overall survival was assessed in pN0-1mi patients, using multivariate analyses (logistic regression and Cox model). It was subsequently assessed according to the number of clinicopathologic recurrence-risk factors, generating a prognostic index (f-PMRT index), in an attempt to isolate a pN0-1mi patients subgroup deriving benefit from PMRT. We tested the accuracy of the Cambridge-PMRT (c-PMRT) index in the discrimination of patients with significantly different outcomes, as well as the value of PMRT in each c-PMRT prognostic group.

Results: PMRT was considered in more than half pN0-1mi patients of our cohort. Whereas matching pN0-1mi patients according to the number of clinicopathologic recurrence-risk factors led to isolate a higher-risk subpopulation (≥ 3 RR factors), PMRT had no significant impact on patients' outcomes, on multivariate analysis. Whereas the Cambridge-PMRT index had the potential to discriminate 3 patient populations with significantly different outcomes, its use did not help to the decision making for PMRT.

Conclusion: Despite a large cohort, we failed to isolate a subgroup of early breast cancer patients suitable for PMRT, in the absence of lymph node involvement.

Citation Format: Forissier V, Tallet A, Cohen M, Classe J-M, Reyal F, Chopin N, Mazouni C, Gimbergues P, Daraï E, Colombo PE, Azuar P, Lambaudie E, Houvenaeghel G. Is post mastectomy radiotherapy contributive in pN0-1mi breast cancers patients? Results of a French multi-centric cohort [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 P2-11-17.

Abstract P1-07-07: Overtime distribution and predictors of local recurrences (LRs) in patients with hormone receptor positive (HR+) and node positive (N+) breast cancers (BCs): 10 -year follow-up analysis of UNICANCER-PACS 01 and PACS04 trials

Purpose:Incidence of LRs in patients (pts) treated for HR+ HER2- localized BC and distribution overtime have not been described in recent years after introduction of new generation of adjuvant therapies and more extensive use of radiotherapy. We evaluated the incidence and distribution overtime of LRs in pts with HR+ HER2- N+ BCs who entered PACS 01 and PACS04 trials.

Patients and Methods: Data were analyzed from 2909 pts with HR+/HER2- BC out of 5008 included in both trials. Pts underwent mastectomy or lumpectomy plus axillary dissection for a localized N+ BC and, according to study design, were randomized to: 6 cycles of FE100C (standard arm) versus FE100C x 3 cycles followed by docetaxel 100 mg/m2 x 3 cycles (FEC-D) (PACS01) or 6 cycles of Epirubicin 75mg/m2 and Docetaxel 75 mg/m2 (ED75)(PACS04). Loco-regional radiotherapy was mandatory after lumpectomy and recommended in other cases. All pts received 5 years of hormone therapy (HT). A competing risk multivariate analysis was conduct using Fine and Gray model to identify risk factors associated to isolated LRs. Competing events were nodal recurrence, contralateral BC, distant metastasis and death. Cumulative incidence associated to each event was estimated by a Kablfleish-Prentice estimator.

Results: Pts' median age was 50 (22-65); 67.2% underwent lumpectomy, 32.8% mastectomy; 67.6% had 1 to 3 N+, 32.4% more than 3 N+; 45.7% had lymphovascular invasion; 49.5% received FE100C, 35.8% ET75, 14.7% had FEC-D; while radiotherapy was given to 97.3% and HT to 92.2%, of whom 90.5% received tamoxifen. At a median follow-up of 9.1 years, 60 pts (2.1%) experienced LR as first event. The 5-year and 10-year cumulative incidence of LRs were 1.04% and 2.53%, respectively. The cumulative incidence of LRs increased from the 5th year, and the annual risk tended to remain constant over time. Multivariate analysis of competing risk showed that younger age, conservative surgery and omission of HT (not prescribed or non-adherence) were independently associated with risk of developing LRs.

Table 1. Multivariate analysis on competing risk of predictors of LRsVariablesHR 95%CIP valueAge at entry (&lt;35 years, ≥ 35)*0.95 [0.92; 0.99]0.009Mastectomy, lumpectomy0.39 [0.17; 0.86]0.020&gt; 20mm, ≤20 mm0.68 [0.37; 1.24]0.203N+ &gt;3, 1-31.73 [0.99; 3.02]0.055Grade II/III, I1.06 [0.50; 2.24]0.885PR+,PR-1.78 [0.70; 4.53]0.223Type of chemotherapy 3FEC-3D, 6FEC/6ET1.32 [0.65; 2.69]0.446Number of cycles 6, &lt;60.71 [0.17; 0.75]0.630Hormone therapy Yes,No0.36 [0.17; 0.75]0.006*treated as continuous variable

Conclusion: Our analysis showed that incidence of LRs in pts with HR+ N+ BCs treated within PACS trials were considerably lower as compared to earlier studies. These findings may reflect differences in treatment era, as the more extensive use of radiotherapy and new generation of adjuvant chemotherapy. Despite current adjuvant strategies, young age at diagnosis and omission of HT remain independent risk factors of LRs.

Citation Format: Pistilli B, Filleron T, Mazouni C, Zingarello A, Lacroix-Triki M, Rivera S, Coudert B, Serin D, Canon J-L, Campone M, Bachelot T, Goncalves A, Levy C, Cottu P, Petit T, Eymard J-C, Tunon De Lara C, Roché H, Roca L, Lemonnier J, Delaloge S. Overtime distribution and predictors of local recurrences (LRs) in patients with hormone receptor positive (HR+) and node positive (N+) breast cancers (BCs): 10 -year follow-up analysis of UNICANCER-PACS 01 and PACS04 trials [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 P1-07-07.

Abstract PD7-06: MAAT: Menses after adjuvant treatment. Prediction of menses recovery after chemotherapy for early breast cancer (BC) by using a nomogram model in UNICANCER PACS04 and PACS05 trials

Purpose:The likelihood of menses recovery (MR) is largely variable in premenopausal patients (pts) receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for BC. Quantifying this probability for each single patient could impact discussion of chemotherapy side effects and better individualize fertility counseling.We performed a pooled analysis from PACS04 and PACS05 randomized trials aiming to develop a nomogram to estimate the probability of menses recovery at 6 and 18 months (mos) after the end of adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) for premenopausal pts with early BC.

Patients and Methods: The analyzed population consisted of 1683 pts who were premenopausal and ≤ 50 (out of 4524 enrolled in both trials). In PACS05 node-negative BC pts were randomized to 4 or 6 cycles of FE100C (standard arm); in PACS04 node-positive pts were randomized to 6 cycles of FE100C or 6 cycles of Epirubicin 75mg/m2 and Docetaxel 75 mg/m2 (ED75). Endocrine therapy (ET) (Tamoxifen) x 5 years was mandatory for ER+ BC. Variables significantly associated with MR in the univariate analysis (P&lt;0.20) were included in the multivariate analysis. Using this data set, a logistic regression-based nomogram was developed to predict MR at 6 and 18 mos.

Results: Pts' characteristics were: median age 43 (22-50), median body mass index (BMI) at baseline 22.6 (15.6-54.7), at the end of chemotherapy 22.8 (15.8-58.6). ED75 was administrated to 517 (30.7%), while 802 (47.7%) received 6FE100C, 364 (21.6) 4FE100C. Trastuzumab was given to 122 (7.2%), ET to 1229 (73%) pts. CT-induced amenorrhea was observed in 1407 (83.6%) pts. Factors associated to MR were assessed on 1210 pts (excluding pts who recovered menses during CT or of whom date of recovery was not specified). At a median follow-up of 90 mos, 28.2% (342/1210) of pts had recovered menstrual cycles: 11% (133/1210) at 6 mos and 24.3% (294/1210) at 18 mos. Multivariate analysis showed that younger age, higher BMI at the end of CT, non-alkylating agents and absence of ET were independently associated to MR.

Table 1 Multivariate Cox regression analysis of menses recoveryVariablesHR (95%CI)P valueAge1.49 (1.16-1.93)&lt; 0.002Age2*0.99 [0.98-0.99]&lt;0.0001BMI after CT1.02 (0.99-1.04)0.07Alkylating agents0.72 (0.57-0.90)0.004Endocrine Therapy0.50 (0.40-0.62)&lt;0.001* The quadratic term in the age variable accounts for the non-linearity of the relation between the age and the probability of recovering menses. Overall this probability tend to decrease when age increase with a greater decrease for the older patients.

Nomogram concordance-index was 0.749 and 0.750 for predicting MR at 6 and 18 mos respectively. A better calibration was observed at 18 mos, comparing nomogram predictions with the actual probability of MR in the 1210 women.

Conclusion:Our analysis confirmed the possibility of developing a user-friendly nomogram for predicting menses recovery after adjuvant chemotherapy. As next step, we will externally validate our nomogram on CANTO premenopausal population, one of the biggest national cohorts aiming to assess the long-term impact of cancer treatments toxicities (UNICANCER NCT01993498 - http://etudecanto.org/).

Citation Format: Pistilli B, Mazouni C, Zingarello A, Faron M, Saghatchian M, Grynberg M, Spielmann M, Kerbrat P, Roché H, Lorgis V, Bachelot T, Campone M, Levy C, Goncalves A, Lesur A, Veyrat C, Vanlemmens L, Lemonnier J, Delaloge S. MAAT: Menses after adjuvant treatment. Prediction of menses recovery after chemotherapy for early breast cancer (BC) by using a nomogram model in UNICANCER PACS04 and PACS05 trials [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 PD7-06.

Long-term outcome of the REMAGUS 02 trial, a multicenter randomised phase II trial in locally advanced breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy with or without celecoxib or trastuzumab according to HER2 status

BACKGROUND

The REMAGUS-02 multicenter randomised phase II trial showed that the addition to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) of trastuzumab in patients with localised HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) increased the pathological complete response (pCR) rate and that the addition of celecoxib in HER2-negative cases did not increase the pCR rate. We report here the long-term follow-up results for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 2004 to 2007, 340 stage II-III BC patients were randomly assigned to receive neoadjuvant EC-T (four cycles of epirubicin-cyclophosphamide followed by four cycles of docetaxel) +/- celecoxib in HER2-negative cases (n = 220) and ± trastuzumab in HER2-positive cases (n = 120). From September 2005, all patients with HER2-positive BC received adjuvant T (n = 106).

RESULTS

Median follow-up was nearly 8 years (94.4 months, 20-127 m). In the HER2-negative subgroup, addition of celecoxib was not associated with a DFS benefit. Favourable factors were smaller tumour size, expression of progesterone receptor status (PgR) and pCR. In the HER2-positive population, neoadjuvant trastuzumab was not associated with a DFS benefit. Axillary pCR was the only prognostic factor associated with DFS in this group [HR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.2-0.97], p = 0.035]. To note, DFS and OS were significantly higher in the HER2-positive than in HER2-negative BC patients (HR = 0.58 [0.36-0.92], p = 0.021).

CONCLUSION

Celecoxib combined with NAC provided neither pCR nor survival benefit in patients with HER2-negative BC. Absence of PgR is a major prognostic factor. Neoadjuvant trastuzumab increased pCR rates without translation into a DFS or OS benefit compared with adjuvant trastuzumab only. Axillary pCR could be a more relevant surrogate of survival than in the breast in HER2-positive population. A retrospective comparison shows that patients with HER2-positive tumours have a better outcome than HER2-negative BC patients showing the impact of trastuzumab on the natural history of BC.

Abstract P3-10-03: Receipt of breast cancer risk assessment and personalized prevention information among women diagnosed with a benign breast lesion (BBL) in a one stop breast unit: A prospective assessment

Background: Women's awareness about their personal breast cancer (BC) risk in the general population is generally low. Mass screening and mass prevention interventions have as yet been moderately efficient in breast oncology. "Personalized prevention" including risk communication, personalized screening and primary prevention recommendations is a promising. A personal history of BBL slightly increases subsequent BC risk.

Objectives: the main objective was to evaluate the acceptability of a mathematical tool- based breast cancer risk assessment and subsequent proposal of a personalized BC prevention program in a BBL population. Secondary objectives were to evaluate information receipt, awareness, satisfaction, and anxiety.

Methods: Women were eligible for the study if aged 40-74, were recently diagnosed with a benign breast lesion at the one stop breast Unit of the center, had no personal history of cancer or atypical lesions and were not BRCA carriers. Women were proposed a personalized risk assessment using a mathematical tool (BCSC score adapted to the French population-Ragusa et al) together with personalized information on risk, BC screening and prevention, release of a personalized program and evaluation of their receipt. The main end point was the proportion of women willing to have a risk assessment and personalized counseling. A cut-off point of 70% was considered critical to consider acceptability. Secondary end points were perceived BC risk, satisfaction, anxiety and distress levels at day 2 using standardized questionnaires, as well as adherence with the proposed programs.

Results: Of 150 women proposed BC risk assessment and personalized prevention information between 02/2014 and 03/2015, 129 (86%) accepted. Median age: 53.6 years. 33% had a low BC risk (&lt; 1.1% at 5 yrs [mean risk of 50 yrs-old women in France]), 53% a moderate risk (1.1-1.66% at 5 yrs), while 14% were high risk (&gt; 1.66% at 5 yrs). 87% had never had any previous information on BC risk. 3 pts required a genetic assessment.

Participants were globally very satisfied with physicians' and nurses' interpersonal skills, availability and provision of information (mean score &gt; 4; range 2-5). The mean scores of clarity of the BC risk information (4.14±1;range 2-5) and screening program information (4.21±0.93; range 2-5) were high.

The mean score of perceived risk level was estimated to 33.5% (SD=21.9).

Mean scores of state anxiety (36.7±12.2; range 20-71), trait anxiety (39.5±8.9; range 23-59), depressive symptoms (3.4±3.3; range 0-12) and psychological distress indicated low levels of all. Higher level of state-anxiety was associated with lower scores of satisfaction with doctors and nurses human qualities (r = 0.26, p&lt;.05) and with lower scores of clarity of information about screening program (r = 0.25, p&lt;.05).

Conclusion: The receipt of breast cancer risk assessment and personalized prevention information among women diagnosed with BBL was high (86%). Information need is high given the low level of real risk awareness. Such population may benefit from personalized prevention. Anxiety and distress scores were low and satisfaction rates high.

Citation Format: Tlemsani C, Boinon D, Yung MF, Ragusa S, Mazouni C, Balleyguier C, Saghatchian M, Ghouadni A, Rivera S, Michiels S, Delaloge S. Receipt of breast cancer risk assessment and personalized prevention information among women diagnosed with a benign breast lesion (BBL) in a one stop breast unit: A prospective assessment. [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 P3-10-03.

A preoperative nomogram to predict the risk of synchronous distant metastases at diagnosis of primary breast cancer

Background:

The detection of synchronous metastases at primary diagnosis of breast cancer (BC) affects its initial management. A risk calculator that incorporates many factors to evaluate an individual's risk of harbouring synchronous metastases would be useful to adapt cancer management.

Patients and Methods:

Patients with primary diagnosis of BC were identified from three institutional databases sharing homogeneous work-up recommendations. A risk score for synchronous metastases was estimated and a nomogram was constructed using the first database. Its performance was assessed by receiver characteristic (ROC) analysis. The nomogram was externally validated in the two independent cohorts.

Results:

A preoperative nomogram based on the clinical tumour size (P<0.001), clinical nodal status (P<0.001), oestrogen (P=0.17) and progesterone receptors (P=0.04) was developed. The nomogram accuracy was 87.3% (95% confidence interval (CI), 84.45–90.2%). Overall, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 86.1% for the validation set from the Institut Curie-René Huguenin, and 63.8% for the MD Anderson validation set. The negative predictive value (NPV) was high in the three cohorts (97–99%).

Conclusions:

We developed and validated a strong metastasis risk calculator that can evaluate with high accuracy an individual's risk of harbouring synchronous metastases at diagnosis of primary BC.

Condensed abstract:

A nomogram to predict synchronous metastases at diagnosis of breast cancer was developed and externally validated. This tool allows avoiding unnecessary expensive work-up.

Toward a new strategy in desmoid of the breast?

AIM

To report initial results of observation as well as surgery in patients with desmoid tumors (DTs) of the breast, a rare tumor for which data are scarce.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The initial approaches were categorized as either front-line loco-regional treatment [(surgery or radiotherapy group, SRG) n = 20] or initial observation [(no surgery/no radiotherapy group, NSRG) n = 11].

RESULTS

A total of 27 women and 4 men were assessed between 1992 and 2013 and included in this study. Patient characteristics were adequately balanced in the 2 groups. Fifteen patients (48.4%) had a past history of breast surgery in the previous 24 months. The median initial DT size on MRI was 50 mm. The median follow-up was 36 months. In the SRG, 8/20 patients (40%) experienced recurrence. The median time to recurrence was 29 months. During the study period, 6 patients in the SRG (30%) received a mastectomy at the time of diagnosis (n = 3) or at relapse (n = 3), 7 patients (35%) received a thoracic wall resection and 8 patients (40%) received radiotherapy at the time of diagnosis (n = 2) or at recurrence (n = 5). In the NSRG, the median tumor size change was -4 mm (range -13 to +20). Three patients changed treatment strategies during the observation period; one received surgery, and 2 were administered anti-hormonal treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Loco-regional treatments of breast DTs resulted in undesired disfigurement. Front-line observation yielded encouraging results and could enable the identification of patients who require loco-regional treatment. This strategy needs further evaluation.

Abstract P5-13-02: Decision making from multidisciplinary team meetings to bedside: factors predicting for physicians' and breast cancer patients' acceptance of clinical trials proposed by MTMs

Background: In University hospitals or Comprehensive Cancer Centers (CCC), breast cancer (BC) patients have a theoretically large access to clinical trials as part of the management and treatment of their localized or advanced disease. Though, most patients are not proposed inclusion into suitable trials or studies or do not accept them. We aimed at determining the factors that influence physicians and patient's choice to respectively propose or enter clinical trials for which the patients were considered eligible by MTM.

Methods: Patients who were considered eligible for a clinical trial by a BC-specific multidisciplinary team meeting (MTM) assessing their cases were prospectively registered during a 6 months period. The complete files of these patients were prospectively registered following initial written proposal by the MTM. The 27 clinical trials proposed were classified in 5 categories: cognitive studies, imaging, radiation therapy, diagnostic/prognostic biology, or interventional therapeutic studies. Detailed analysis of factors predicting physician's proposal and patient's final inclusion was conducted. Candidate factors were age, socio-demographic characteristics, PS, type of clinician, time intervals, stage of disease, type of disease, type of study, single vs multiple study proposal.

Results: MTM proposed 547 inclusions into clinical trials for 397 patients between March 3rd and Sept 21st, 2011. 267 pts were considered eligible for 1 trial, 100 for 2, 25 for 3, 4 for 4 and 1 for 5 trials; 211 for cognitive studies, 13 for imaging, 71 for radiation therapy, 136 for diagnostic/prognostic biology, 116 for interventional therapeutic studies. Upon referral physician's visit, the trial was only proposed in 39.3% and pts were finally included in 29.1% of the cases. Reasons for non inclusion were patients' refusal in only 5–11%, but absence of proposal by physician in 45–81%, according to the types of studies. The only factor predicting both proposal by the referral physician's and final inclusion into trials was type of study (both p &lt; 0.001). Diagnostic/prognostic biology trials were proposed in 71%, while interventional therapeutic and cognitive studies were only respectively proposed in 35 and 19% of the cases. The factors predicting non-inclusion upon physicians' proposal were professional status (p = 0.03) and type of study (p = 0.0007). The highest inclusion rates were among retired pts and those with executive work (84 and 76% respectively).

Conclusion: The main reason for non inclusion into clinical trials remains absence of physicians' proposal, while professional status and type of study influence both the physicians' and the patients' decision. Educative measures dedicated mostly to treating physicians might be proposed.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-13-02.

Abstract P4-12-01: A nomogram based on clinical, imaging and histological data to predict the risk of upgrades to malignancy at surgery in biopsy-diagnosed premalignant lesions of the breast

Background: Population-based mammography screening has resulted in the increased detection of suspicious, non-palpable lesions that require histopathological assessment. When a “pre-malignant” lesion, such as lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), atypical ductal or lobular hyperplasia (ADH and ALH) or flat epithelial atypia (FEA), is discovered on the primary biopsy, a surgical excision is recommended due to the risk of underestimation of the lesion. DCIS or invasive carcinoma is finally retrieved in 10–30% of the patients, meaning a large part receive unnecessary surgery. The aim of this study was to define a nomogram integrating clinical, imaging and histological data to predict for the risk of underestimation of the lesion. Intentionally, we decided to include all the premalignant lesions which implied the same management, whereas most of the previous models of the literature are focused in only one or another type of atypia.

Patients and Methods: We collected complete clinical, radiological and double-reading histological data on all patients with a diagnosis of pure atypical lesion (CLIS, ADH, ALH, FEA) on image-guided biopsy performed at the One-Stop Unjt of our breast care center from 2004 to 2011. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to develop a model predicting for the presence of DCIS or invasive carcinoma on the final surgical sample, and build a nomogram. This nomogram was evaluated on a training set of 205 patients treated at IGR.

Results: 205 patients were eligible for the study. Of these 205 patients, 50 cancers (24.4%) were diagnosed at definitive surgery (21 DCIS, 20 ductal and 9 lobular invasive carcinoma). Univariate analysis retrieved age (p = 0.03), number of biopsy cores (p = 0.02) and type of radiological anomalies (p = 0.02) as factors associated with cancer at surgery. The presence of microcalcifications on biopsies of limit significance was included in the multivariate analysis (p = 0.09). The final most informative nomogram included information on patient age (p = 0.03), type of radiological anomalies (p = 0.02) and number of biopsy cores (p = 0.04). The predictive accuracy of the nomogram was 0.71 and 0.68 in the training set before and after bootstrapping, respectively. The calibration of the nomogram was good. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive values were 68%, 73%, 45%, and 88%, respectively.

Conclusion: This nomogram could help identify a subset of patients with premalignant disease for whom surgery could be spared and who would be eligible for exclusive clinical follow-up. A validation study is currently undergoing in an external dataset.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-12-01.

Abstract P4-14-12: Evaluation of the effect of pasireotide LAR administration in the lymphocele prevention after mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer: results of a phase 2 randomized study

Background: Lymphocele is the principal post-operative morbidity following axillary node dissection. According to the literature, the incidence can vary from 4% to 89%. Encouraging results in terms of reducing postoperative lymphoceles as well as the volume and duration of drainage using octreotide LAR has been recently reported. Pasireotide LAR, a long acting drug designed to target multiple somatostatin receptors, was evaluated in this trial.

Trial design: A phase II, two centers, randomized, double-blind, non-comparative pilot study was carried out in order to evaluate efficacy and safety of a single injection of pasireotide LAR 60 mg administered 7–10 days before scheduled mastectomy with axillary dissection surgery. This study included a parallel placebo arm to assess the natural course of the disease.

Eligibility criteria: Adult female breast cancer patients planned to undergo a mastectomy (without reconstruction at the same time) and axillary node dissection.

Specific aims: To assess the efficacy and safety of a single injection of pasireotide LAR 60 mg or placebo prior to mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection surgery in reducing symptomatic lymphocele development. Symptomatic lymphocele was evaluated and was defined as: 1. total lymphocele drainage/aspiration volume (unique or iterative) &gt;60 cc inclusive within the 28 days after surgery (excluding post-surgery drain) or; 2. a systematic aspiration volume at day 28 &gt; 120 cc.

Statistical methods: The statistical analysis was carried out sequentially after observing the absence of symptomatic lymphocele for each patient. It involves estimating the probability of a response in each group using a Bayesian design based on a beta-binomial model. The probability of response was considered random and its prior distribution was centered on 80% in the pasireotide group and 60% in the placebo group according to the investigators initial guesses. The distribution of the probability of response was updated after the observation of the patients included in the trial.

Results: A total of 90 patients were included over 18 months: 42 in the treatment group and 48 in the placebo group. In the treatment group, the posterior mean estimation of the response rate (i.e. patients who did not experience a symptomatic lymphocele) was 62.4% (95% CI: 48.6%–75.3%) and 50.2% in the placebo group (95% CI: 37.6%–62.8%%). In the treatment group, one serious adverse event occurred in a patient with known insulin dependent diabetes requiring hospitalization for hyperglycaemia.

Conclusion: A one time injection of pasireotide LAR to prevent symptomatic lymphocele development in women undergoing mastectomy with axillary dissection is promising. Further clinical studies are warranted.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-14-12.

Breast Cancer Index predicts pathological complete response and eligibility for breast conserving surgery in breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

The aim of neoadjuvant chemotherapy is to increase the likelihood of successful breast conservation surgery (BCS). Accurate identification of BCS candidates is a diagnostic challenge. Breast Cancer Index (BCI) predicts recurrence risk in estrogen receptor+lymph node-breast cancer. Performance of BCI to predict chemosensitivity based on pathological complete response (pCR) and BCS was assessed.

METHODS

Real-time RT-PCR BCI assay was conducted using tumor samples from 150 breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Logistical regression and c-index were used to assess predictive strength and additive accuracy of BCI beyond clinicopathologic factors.

RESULTS

BCI classified 42% of patients as low, 35% as intermediate and 23% as high risk. Low BCI risk group had 98.4% negative predictive value (NPV) for pCR and 86% NPV for BCS. High versus low BCI group had a 34 and 5.8 greater likelihood of achieving pCR and BCS, respectively (P=0.0055; P=0.0022). BCI increased c-index for pCR (0.875-0.924; P=0.017) and BCS prediction (0.788-0.843; P=0.027) beyond clinicopathologic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

BCI significantly predicted pCR and BCS beyond clinicopathologic factors. High NPVs indicate that BCI could be a useful tool to identify breast cancer patients who are not eligible for neoadjuvant chemotherapy. These results suggest that BCI could be used to assess both chemosensitivity and eligibility for BCS.

A nomogram to predict individual prognosis in node-negative breast carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Currently, the benefit of chemotherapy (CT) in node-negative breast carcinoma (NNBC) is discussed. The evaluation of classical clinical and histological factors is limited to assess individual outcome. A statistical model was developed to improve the prognostic accuracy of NNBC.

METHODS

A total of 305 node-negative breast carcinomas who underwent surgery (+/- radiotherapy) but no adjuvant treatment were selected. Putative prognosis factors including age, tumour size, oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR), Scarff-Bloom-Richardon (SBR) grading, urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) and thymidine kinase (TK) were evaluated. The developed model was internally validated using Harrell's concordance index. A prognosis index (PI) was proposed and compared with Adjuvant! Online program.

RESULTS

Age (p < 0.001), pathological tumour size (pT) (p < 0.001), PgR (p = 0.02), and PAI-1 (p ≤ 0.001) were included in the Cox regression model predicting Breast cancer specific survival (BCSS) at 5-years. Internal validation revealed a concordance index of 0.71. A PI score was derived from our nomogram. The PI score was significantly associated with BCSS (hazard ratio (HR): 4.1 for intermediate, p=0.02, HR: 8.8, p < 0.001 for high group) as compared to Adjuvant! Online score (HR: 1.4, p=0.14).

CONCLUSION

A nomogram can be used to predict probability survival curves for individual breast cancer patients.

OT2-07-01: Pasireotide Long Acting Release (LAR) in Breast Cancer Patients To Prevent Lymphocele after Mastectomy and Axillary Node Dissection: A Randomized, Multicenter, Phase II Study

Background: Lymphocele is the principal post-operative morbidity following axillary node dissection. According to the literature, incidence can vary from 4 to 89%.

Encouraging results in terms of reducing postoperative lymphoceles as well as drainage duration and volume using octreotide have been recorded recently. A new molecule, namely pasireotide, developed by Novartis Pharma AG, Basle Switzerland, is a somatostatin analog possessing high binding affinity to 4 of the 5 somatostatin receptors. Trial design: We are performing a prospective, randomized 1:1, double blind, multicenter trial against placebo with a Bayesian design.

Eligibility criteria: any female patient scheduled for breast surgery with mastectomy and axillary node dissection indicated at the pre-surgical stage.

Specific aims: The purpose of this trial is to assess the efficacy of a single pre-surgical injection of pasireotide LAR 60 mg im in reducing the postoperative incidence of symptomatic lymphoceles following mastectomy with axillary node dissection for breast cancer. Patients are followed up for 4 weeks

Statistical methods: The statistical analysis will be carried out sequentially after observing the principal criterion (i.e. success is defined as a total volume of lymphocele following single or repeated aspiration ≤ 60 cc in the 28 days following surgery or a routine aspiration volume on the 28th day ≤ 120cc) of each patient included for each randomization group, with or without treatment.

It involves estimating the probability of a response in each group using a Bayesian design based on a beta-binomial model. With the Bayesian approach, the response rate in each group (πi) is considered as a random variable, with a priori density focused on the anticipated response rate of 80% in the group receiving treatment and 60% in the non-treatment group, which will be sequentially updated as the observations are made according to a so-called a posteriori law. Present accrual and target accrual: The sample size consists of a total of 90 patients with 45 patients in the active treatment group and 45 patients in the placebo one. To date more than 50% of the patients have been included.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr OT2-07-01.

P5-13-08: Breast Cancer Index Predicts Likelihood of Breast Conservation Surgery after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Introduction: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy increases the likelihood that breast conservation therapy for breast cancer patients will be successful. Breast Cancer Index (BCI), a gene expression assay combining HoxB13/IL17BR ratio and Molecular Grade Index (MGI), is prognostic for the risk of distant recurrence and overall survival in tamoxifen-treated and untreated breast cancer patients. It was previously reported that high risk patients, as determined by BCI, had a 10-fold greater probability of pathologic complete response (pCR) with neoadjuvant chemotherapy than low risk patients. The aim of the current study was to examine the relationship between BCI score and the use of breast conservation surgery (BCS) following treatment with neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Material and Methods: A total of 145 women (tumor size T1, T2 and T3) were treated with neoadjuvant cheomtherapy for stage I-III breast cancer. RNA was extracted from FFPE tumor samples and a real-time RT-PCR assay was completed to generate a BCI score and risk group categorization as previously described (Jerevall et al. Br J Cancer 2011). The relationship between BCS, BCI and clinicopathological factors was examined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

Results: Of the 145 patients (67% ER+, 54% PR+, 57% &gt;50 y old), 48 (33.1%) underwent BCS. BCI categorized 62 (43%) of patients as low, 50 (34%) as intermediate and 33 (23%) as high risk. The rate of BCS for the three BCI risk categories was 15% (low risk), 48% (intermediate risk) and 45% (high risk). In the low risk group, the rate of BCS was 15% corresponding to a NPV of 85%. This is consistent with previous data from the same cohort, where the NPV of BCI for pCR was 98.4% with only one patient in the low risk group achieving pCR. In univariate analysis, pathological tumor size (pT), ER, PR, grade and BCI were predictors of BCS. A higher BCI score was associated with higher likelihood of BCS (odds ratio of 3.90; CI: 1.45−10.49; p=0.0069). In multivariate analysis, pT and BCI remained significantly associated with BCS, while ER status was not (p=0.23). Results were similar in the subset of patients with T1 and T2 tumors (N=97). In this subset, BCI categorized 42% of patients as low, 37% as intermediate and 21% as high risk and the rate of BCS was 22%, 64% and 60%, respectively. In multivariate analysis of this subset, only BCI was significantly associated with BCS. In all patients, the concordance index based on a model with pT alone was 0.695. When BCI was incorporated into the model with pT, the concordance index increased to 0.801 (p= 0.0002).

Conclusion: In this study, we have shown that patients with higher BCI scores were associated with a higher likelihood of receiving BCS after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Addition of BCI to tumor size increased accuracy in predicting likelihood of BCS. BCI along with standard pathological factors may improve estimation of individual probability of BCS after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This study gives rise to the hypothesis that patients with low BCI should not be eligible for neoadjuvant chemotherapy since the likelihood of breast conservation is low. Further large confirmatory studies are necessary.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-13-08.

P4-09-29: A Nomogram To Predict Prognosis in Node-Negative Breast Carcinoma

Background: Currently, the usefulness of conventional markers for breast carcinoma is limited to assess individual outcome. A statistical model was developed to improve the prognostic accuracy using multiple conventional and emerging prognostic biomarkers.

Methods: A total of 305 node-negative breast carcinomas who underwent surgery (+/− radiotherapy) but no adjuvant treatment was selected. Putative prognosis factors including age, tumor size, ER, PR, SBR grading, urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) and thymidine kinase (TK) were evaluated. The developed model was internally validated using Harrell's concordance index and calibrated. An external validation of the new model is warranted.

Results: Age (p&lt;0.001), PR (p= 0.02), and PAI-1(p=&lt;0.001) were included in the Cox regression model predicting overall survival at 5-years. Internal validation revealed a concordance index of 0.711 to 0.694 before and after calibration.

Conclusion: A nomogram can be used to predict probability survival curves for individual breast cancer patients and the effect of treatment options can be evaluated using these models.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-09-29.

Epstein-Barr virus as a marker of biological aggressiveness in breast cancer

Purpose:

Although a potential role of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the pathogenesis of breast cancer (BC) has been underlined, results remain conflicting. Particularly, the impact of EBV infection on biological markers of BC has received little investigation.

Methods:

In this study, we established the frequency of EBV-infected BC using real-time quantitative PCR (RT–PCR) in 196 BC specimens. Biological and pathological characteristics according to EBV status were evaluated.

Results:

EBV DNA was present in 65 of the 196 (33.2%) cases studied. EBV-positive BCs tended to be tumours with a more aggressive phenotype, more frequently oestrogen receptor negative (P=0.05) and with high histological grade (P=0.01). Overexpression of thymidine kinase activity was higher in EBV-infected BC (P=0.007). The presence of EBV was weakly associated with HER2 gene amplification (P=0.08).

Conclusion:

Our study provides evidence for EBV-associated BC undergoing distinct carcinogenic processes, with more aggressive features.

Abstract P4-10-13: Therapeutic Delays, Mode of Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Operable Invasive Breast Cancer (BC) in Elderly Versus Non Elderly Patients in the Community

Background: National mammography screening program covers populations aged 50-74. We wondered whether breast cancer characteristics and treatment delays were influenced by age and screening method in a community-based breast unit.

Patients and Methods: We analyzed complete data of prospectively recorded community operable breast cancer cases in a single regional cancer center between Jan 1st, 2005 and Oct 10th, 2007. Pts were eligible if they i. had a final diagnosis of invasive BC ii. were operated as first trt for BC, iii. had no history of other previous malignancy within the past 5 year period. Logistic regression analyses (SAS) were used to determine factors influencing delays between first description of the lesion and first appointment at breast unit.

Results: 1044 pts met the inclusion criteria and had full data available. Age did not appear as a predictor of therapeutic delay, with both elderly and non-elderly pts having a median delay of 19 days between first screening/evidence of disease and 1st appointment at the breast unit. 59% of elderly and 65% of non-elderly pts had respectively had their breast cancer diagnosed through mammographic screening. As expected, mammographic screening as mode of discovery of the cancer was highest, among the 688 pts aged 50-74 (73%). Tumors characteristics and surgical treatment did not differ according to age categories elderly/non elderly as described in Table 1. Conservation rates were high in both populations.

Conclusion: Despite absence of national mammographic screening program in elderly populations, patterns of screening and care appear efficient in a community-based setting, with absence of therapeutic delays, similar tumor staging and similar accesss to conservative surgery as compared to younger populations.

Evaluation of Changes in Plasma Protein Profiles during Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Using MALDI-TOF/MS Procedure

Background: Comparison of protein profiles of the plasma before chemotherapy and after completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy may reveal tumor markers that could be used to monitor tumor response.Patients and Methods: We examined matching pre- and post-treatment serum samples 39 HER2-postive breast cancer patients (n=78 samples) who all received 6 months of preoperative chemotherapy with or without trastuzumab in the context of a randomized clinical trial. Serum was analyzed with an Applied Biosystems 4700 Proteomics Analyzer matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometer. Samples were grouped and pooled into those who achieved pathological complete response (pCR, n=20) and those who had residual disease (RD, n=19). We compared matching baseline and post-chemotherapy/pre-surgery samples separately in both response groups and also compared baseline samples between the two response groups.Results: MALDI-TOF analysis revealed a total of 2329 and 3152 peaks in pooled samples of cases with pCR and RD, respectively. A total of 32 peaks were differentially expressed between base line and post-chemotherapy pCR samples and 643 peaks in cases with RD (false discovery rate ≤ 20%). A total of 8 differentially expressed proteins were identified in the before- and after-chemotherapy samples from their peptides after digestion and LC-MALDI-TOF/TOF. These included 4 AFM, C3, hemopexin, SAP in pCR samples and AP1, hemopexin, Complement B, amyloid P component in the RD group.Conclusion: Our study suggests that MALDI mass spectrometry may be used to detect differences in baseline serum profiles of patients who are highly sensitive to chemotherapy and those who are less sensitive. Also, changes occur in the serum during chemotherapy and this may offer the possibility of monitoring response to treatment in the future.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 2037.

A Nomogram To Predict Breast Cancer Probability in Patients with Nipple Discharge

Background: Nipple discharge is a symptoms of breast disease that lead to the diagnosis of breast cancer in 5% of cases. Our objective was to develop a scoring system based on clinical and radiological factors to predict the risk of breast cancer (BC).Methods: Predictive factors of breast cancer were identified in a population of 90 women operated for unilateral nipple discharge, at Institut Beauregard, in France. A scoring system that gives individual probability of BC was developed based on univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. This model was validated in an external independent data set of 263 patients treated at Institut Gustave Roussy, in France.Results: The frequency of BC was 50% and 19.1%, respectively in the training set and in the validation. set. Factors associated with BC were age (p=0.04), presence of a clinical tumor (p=0,03), presence of a nodular lesion (p=0,03) or microcalcifications (p= 0.006) at mammography, in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis. Only age (p= 0.03), microcalcifications (p= 0,007), or nodular lesion (p=0.06) at mammography were significance or tend to reach significance in multivariate analysis. Based on AIC, factors entered in the model were: age, clinical mass, abnormal images at mammography. The model has a good auc (76.6%). In the validation set, the auc was lower (66.6%).Conclusion: A clinico-radiological model can be built to predict BC in women with nipple discharge to help the decision-making and plan the suitable surgery. A further validation and testing of biological parameters might improve our model.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 5031.

[Indications and technical procedures of mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction]

Achieving a mastectomy occurs in one third of the acts of breast cancer surgery. In the present context, the increase in the diagnosis of early breast cancer, including widespread or multifocal forms, the possibility of a reconstruction at the same time is discussed. It will be proposed in a specific context, taking into account various factors: oncological (characteristics of the tumor, adjuvant treatments), clinical (smoking, comorbidity) and psychological (choice of the patient). The technique of mastectomy will be adapted to the indication and choice of reconstruction procedure. Including the preservation of the nipple-areola complex, or the skin envelope will be possible for some guidance. The reconstruction is possible with the use of breast implants, or musculocutaneous flaps or by the combination of both. Some of these techniques are associated with significant morbidity, and appropriate selection of procedure to the patient will guarantee a lower risk of complications.

Estrogen receptor expression and docetaxel efficacy in patients with metastatic breast cancer: A pooled analysis of four randomized trials

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Background:Differences in the efficacy of various chemotherapies in patients with estrogen receptor (ER) positive metastatic breast cancer are not well understood. In the present study, we assessed the efficacy of docetaxel in patients with metastatic breast cancer according to ER expression.Methods: The efficacy of docetaxel on response rates and progression-free survival were analyzed according to ER expression in four randomized trials that included a total of 1,631 patients. Odds-ratio for tumor response was estimated with logistic regression and hazard ratio for progression-free survival was estimated with Cox proportional hazards models. Results: ER expression was assessable in 1,037 patients included in these trials (64%). ER was expressed in 601 tumors (58%). Overall, docetaxel was associated with an increased response rate (odds ratio: 2.66, 95% CI: 1.83 to 3.87) and decreased hazard of disease progression (hazard ratio: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.73 to 0.97) compared to non-docetaxel containing therapy. Docetaxel was associated with similar improvement in response rate both in patients with ER-positive (odds ratio: 2.90, 95% CI: 1.72 to 4.87) and ER-negative disease (odds ratio: 2.55, 95% CI: 1.44 to 4.51). Among all ER-positive patients, tumor response rate was 31.1% among patients who did not receive docetaxel and 46.8% among patients who did receive docetaxel. Decreased hazard of disease progression due to docetaxel was also similar in ER-positive (HR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.67–1.00) and ER-negative cancers (HR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.70–1.07), but these results were heterogeneous among trials. The effect of docetaxel was not different in ER-positive and ER-negative disease, both in terms of response rates and progression-free survival (interaction test, p = 0.77 and p = 0.93). Conclusions: Docetaxel increases response rates and decreases the risk of disease-progression in a statistically similar extent both in patients with ER-positive and ER-negative metastatic breast cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Impact of the mode of estrogen receptor determination on breast cancer prognosis

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Background: Impact of the mode of estrogen receptor determination on breast cancer prognosis Abstract Background: We examined if the mode of estrogen receptor (ER) determination and expression in primary breast cancer impact on patient's prognosis. Methods: We conducted an analysis on a prospective cohort of 1012 patients treated for stage I-III Breast Cancer at Conception Hospital, Marseille, France between 1984 to 2003. ER was determined according to enzyme immuno-assay (EIA) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Disease-free and overall survivals were evaluated according to the mode of ER quantification and in function of qualitative or quantitative ER expression. Results: ER was a strong predictor of overall survival in the whole population whatever method used for the status determination (p<0.001); however when stratifying the analysis on ER quantitative expression, ER was still a prognostic indicator in the EIA group for OS (p= 0.004) and DFS (p<0.001), group but not in the IHC group for OS (p=0.58) and DFS (p= 0.195). Conclusions: ER determination in breast cancer is strongly associated with a better prognosis, but the level of influence of ER varies with the assay and ER expression.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.