Breast-conserving surgery is not associated with increased local recurrence in patients with early-stage node-negative triple-negative breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is routinely used for patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Upfront breast-conserving therapy (BCT) consisting of breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) has been shown to be associated with improved outcome in patients with early TNBC as compared to mastectomy.

METHODS

We identified 2632 patients with early TNBC from the German Breast Group meta-database. Patients with cT1-2 cN0 and ypN0, available surgery and follow-up data were enrolled. Data of 1074 patients from 8 prospective NACT trials were available. Endpoints of interest were locoregional recurrence as first site of relapse (LRR), disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). We performed univariate and multivariate Fine-Gray analysis and Cox regression models.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 64 months, there were 94 (8.8%) locoregional events as first site of relapse. Absence of pathologic complete response (pCR) was associated with increased LRR upon uni- and multivariate analysis (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.28; p < 0.001 and HR = 2.22; p = 0.001). Type of surgery was not associated with LRR. Patients in the BCS-group had better DFS and OS (DFS: HR = 0.47; p < 0.001 and OS: HR = 0.40; p < 0.001). BCS was associated with improved DFS and OS upon multivariate analysis (DFS: HR = 0.51; p < 0.001; and OS HR = 0.43; p < 0.001), whereas absence of pCR was associated with worse DFS and OS (DFS: HR = 2.43; p < 0.001; and OS: HR = 3.15; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective analysis of patients with early stage node-negative TNBC treated with NACT, BCS was not associated with an increased risk of LRR but with superior DFS and OS.

Patient-reported outcomes in high-risk HR+ /HER2- early breast cancer patients treated with endocrine therapy with or without palbociclib within the randomized PENELOPEB study

BACKGROUND

The PENELOPEB trial investigating efficacy and safety of additional 1-year post-neoadjuvant palbociclib to standard endocrine therapy (ET) high-risk hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) early breast cancer patients failed to improve invasive disease-free survival (iDFS). This analysis compared patient-reported outcomes (PROs) between treatment groups.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients received 13 cycles of palbociclib 125 mg/day (n = 631) or placebo (n = 619) orally for 3 out of 4 weeks + ET. European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), its breast cancer (BR23) and fatigue (FA13) modules, mood questionnaire GAD7 and European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) instruments were used for the assessment of quality of life (QoL). Repeated-measures mixed-effects models were used to evaluate differences in PRO, changes of PRO over time, and treatment-by-time interactions.

RESULTS

924 of 1250 patients (73.9%) completed baseline and at least one post-baseline questionnaire of all PRO instruments. General health status (GHS)/QoL based on EORTC QLQ-C30 was high in both arms (mean [SD]: palbociclib 70.1 [19.3], placebo 71.4 [18.8]) and was slightly higher in the placebo arm (LeastSquare mean difference: 0.82, p < 0.001). Higher fatigue was reported in the palbociclib arm (mean [SD]: 30.3 [23.8] vs. placebo 28.3 [22.7]; p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed among FA13 physical, cognitive, and emotional fatigue subscales.

CONCLUSION

Patient-reported global QoL and fatigue did not substantially change in both treatment arms. Slight differences in GHS, physical functioning, and fatigue favored the placebo arm statistically without achieving clinically meaningful thresholds.

RANK Expression as an Independent Predictor for Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Luminal-Like Breast Cancer: A Translational Insight from the GeparX Trial

PURPOSE

The GeparX study investigated whether denosumab as add-on treatment to nab-paclitaxel-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) with two different schedules (125 mg/m² weekly vs. day 1, 8 every 22 days) may increase pathologic complete response (pCR) rate. The addition of denosumab to NACT did not improve pCR rates as recently published. In this study, we investigated whether receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B (RANK) expression, as part of the denosumab target pathway: (i) may retrospectively identify a subgroup of patients with additional clinical benefit of denosumab or (ii) may predict response to nab-paclitaxel NACT.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

RANK protein was IHC-stained on pre-therapeutic core biopsies from patients of the GeparX study (n = 667) with the antibody RANK/Envision System HRP (DAB) and was analyzed for the percentage of membranous RANK tumor cell staining (>5% RANKhigh vs. ≤5% RANKlow).

RESULTS

We could not identify any patient subgroup with differential response under denosumab add-on treatment in patients with RANKhigh expression [139/667, 20.8%; OR, 0.86; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.44-1.68; P = 0.667] or RANKlow expression (528/667 (79.2%) OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.78-1.56; P = 0.589; Pinteraction = 0.528). However, the pCR rate was higher in the RANKhigh subgroup compared with RANKlow (50% vs. 39%; OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.04-2.21; P = 0.037). RANK expression constituted an independent predictor of response to NACT frequently in patients with luminal-like subtype (HR+/HER2-; OR, 2.98; 95% CI, 1.30-6.79; P = 0.010). No predictive value of RANK expression among the different nab-paclitaxel regimens was observed.

CONCLUSION

We report RANK expression to be an independent predictive biomarker for response to NACT in patients with luminal-like breast cancer.

Financial Toxicity and Patient Experience Outcomes on a Multi-Institutional Phase I Single Fraction Stereotactic Partial Breast Irradiation Protocol for Early-Stage Breast Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Given the demonstrated financial toxicity (FT) of radiation treatment on breast cancer patients shown in both conventional and our recent 5 fraction stereotactic APBI (S-PBI) study, we assessed the FT, as well as patient-reported utility, quality-of-life and patient experience measures, on patients treated in our phase I single fraction S-PBI trial.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A phase I single fraction dose escalation trial of S-PBI for early-stage breast cancer was conducted. Women with in-situ or stage I-II (AJCC 6) invasive breast cancer following breast conserving surgery were treated with S-PBI in 1 fraction to a total dose of 22.5, 26.5 or 30 Gy (Clinical trials.gov ID NCT02685332). At one month follow-up, patients were asked to complete our novel "Patient Perspective Cost and Convenience of Care Questionnaire". Patients also completed the EQ-5D-5L, including the visual analogue scale of overall health (VAS), at enrollment, 6, 12-, 24-, 36-, and 48-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Of 29 patients enrolled and treated, questionnaire data was available for all patients. Our trial encompassed a wide range of annual household incomes, education, and employment status. Overall, 44.8% (n = 13/29) of patients reported that radiation treatment presented a financial burden. Interestingly, no demographic information, such as patient race, marital status, education, household income, or employment during treatment predicted perceived FT. Patients reporting FT trended towards younger age (median 64 vs 70.5) and having a cancer related co-pay similar to our 5 fraction S-PBI FT trial; however, due to the small size of this study, this did not reach significance (p = 0.24 and 0.10, respectively). VAS and utility scores were calculated per the EQ-5D-5L and remained unchanged from baseline through 4-year follow-up. Likewise, there was no difference in the utility or VAS between patients who reported FT and those who did not. Interestingly, while patient reported cosmesis was similar for all patients at enrollment, patients who reported FT noted significantly worse cosmesis scores (fair/poor vs good/excellent) at 6 month and 2-year follow-ups (p = 0.01 and 0.04, respectively). Finally, patients were surveyed on treatment related disruption to their daily activities and enjoyment of life. The median values were 0 (scale 0-10, with 0 being no disruption) regardless of perceived FT. Patients were also uniformly satisfied with treatment time with a median score of 10 (scale 0-10, 10 being most satisfied).

CONCLUSION

Here, we show that despite using SPBI in a single fraction, nearly half of the patients treated still reported FT of treatment. Importantly, single fraction S-PBI has no negative impact on patient VAS or utility scores, and all patients were uniformly satisfied with treatment time without significant disruption to their life.

Abstract P4-06-13: Neoadjuvant paclitaxel/olaparib in comparison to paclitaxel/carboplatinum in patients with HER2-negative breast cancer and homologous recombination deficiency – long-term survival of the GeparOLA study

Background: The GeparOLA study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination of paclitaxel (P) plus olaparib (O) as part of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, either hormone receptor (HR)-positive or HR-negative and homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) defined as having a g/tBRCA mutation and/or a high HRD score. Primary analysis showed a pCR rate of 55.1% (90% CI 44.5%-65.3%) with PO and 48.6% (90% CI 34.3%-63.2%) with P plus carboplatinum (Cb). The PO combination could not exclude a pCR rate of ≤55% in the PO arm but was significantly better tolerated. Analysis on the stratified subgroups showed higher pCR rates with PO in the cohorts of patients &lt; 40 years and HR-positive tumors (Fasching Ann Oncol 2020). Here, we report long-term data. Methods: GeparOLA (NCT02789332) was a non-comparative, multicenter, prospective, randomized, open-label, phase II trial. Patients with primary HER2-negative breast cancer, HRD and indication for chemotherapy (cT2-cT4a-d or cT1c and cN+ or cT1c and pNSLN+ or cT1c and TNBC or cT1c and Ki-67 &gt;20%) were randomly assigned to receive either P 80 mg/m2 weekly plus O 100 mg twice daily for 12 weeks or P plus Cb area under the curve 2 (AUC2) weekly for 12 weeks, both followed by four cycles of either 2-weekly or 3-weekly epirubicin 90 mg/m2 plus cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2. Primary endpoint was pCR (ypT0/is ypN0) rate after NACT with PO followed by EC. Long-term efficacy endpoints included invasive disease-free survival (iDFS), distant disease-free survival (DDFS) and overall survival (OS). The time-to-event endpoints analysis is planned with median follow-up of at least 4 years and a follow-up completeness of at least 80%. Results: Between September 2016 and July 2018, 274 patients were screened, of whom 107 were randomized and 106 (PO N=69; PCb N=37) started treatment. The median age was 47.0 years (range 25.0-71.0); 32 patients were aged &lt; 40 years; 36.2% of patients had cT1 tumors and 31.8% were cN-positive; the majority (86.8%) had grade 3 tumors and a Ki-67&gt;20% (89.6%). Seventy-seven patients (72.6%) had TNBC. After a median follow-up of 49.8 months (range 0.1-69.1), 18 (15 in PO; 3 in PCb) iDFS events and 7 (6 in PO; 1 in PCb) deaths were reported. The 4-year survival rates are shown in the table below. iDFS (HR PO to PCb=2.86 [95%CI 0.83-9.9], log-rank p=0.081), DDFS (HR =3.03 [95%CI 0.67-13.67], log-rank p=0.129), and OS (HR=3.27 [95%CI 0.39-27.2], log-rank p=0.244) tended to be inferior with olaparib. Patients without g/tBRCA mutation seem to benefit from the use of carboplatinum (7/30 iDFS/DDFS events in PO; 0/16 in PCb, log-rank p=0.037, HR n.a.). Conclusions: In patients with HER2-negative and HRD breast cancer the use of olaparib instead of carboplatinum although showing comparable pCR rates, tended to result in an overall inferior outcome. This was mainly driven by the patients without a g/tBRCA mutation. In patients with a g/t BRCA mutation no difference between olaparib and carboplatinum was seen. Key words: Olaparib, HER2-negative breast cancer, HRD, survival Funding: The study was financially supported by AstraZeneca

Citation Format: Peter A. Fasching, Sabine Schmatloch, Jan Hauke, Julia Rey, Christian Jackisch, Peter Klare, Theresa Link, Claus Hanusch, Jens Huober, Andrea Stefek, Sabine Seiler, Wolfgang D. Schmitt, Christoph Uleer, Gabriele Doering, Kerstin Rhiem, Andreas Schneeweiss, Carsten Denkert, Rita K. Schmutzler, Eric Hahnen, Michael Untch, Valentina Nekljudova, Jens-Uwe Blohmer, Sibylle Loibl. Neoadjuvant paclitaxel/olaparib in comparison to paclitaxel/carboplatinum in patients with HER2-negative breast cancer and homologous recombination deficiency – long-term survival of the GeparOLA study [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 P4-06-13.

Abstract PD15-06: PD15-06 Pathologic complete response and breast-conserving surgery are associated with improved prognosis in patients with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Background: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is standard of care for patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Treatment response, especially pathologic complete response (pCR), is a strong predictive factor for treatment outcome. In the setting of up-front surgery, retrospective data have suggested improved outcome in patients with early TNBC that received breast-conserving surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy (BCT) as compared to mastectomy. Methods: We identified 2632 patients with early TNBC from the German Breast Group meta-database. Patients with cT1-2 cN0 and ypN0, available surgery and follow-up data were eligible for this project. A total of 1074 patients from 8 prospective NACT trials were analyzed. Endpoints of interest were locoregional recurrence as first site of relapse (LRR, other sites of recurrence were considered competing events), disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS); analyses were performed using univariate and multivariate Fine-Gray (for LRR) and Cox models including study, age, cT, surgery type and pCR. For the analyses including pCR as covariable, only patients at risk at the landmark time were evaluated. Results: Median age was 48 years, 69.6% of patients had cT2 tumors and 85.3% underwent BCS. Of the 1074 analyzed patients, 48.8% achieved pCR. After a median follow-up of 64 months, there were 94 (8.8%) locoregional events as first site of relapse. Upon univariate analysis, absence of pCR (hazard ratio [HR]=2.28; 95%CI 1.44-3.61; p&lt; 0.001) and ypT-stage (ypT0/is vs. ypT1-3, HR=0.61; 95%CI 0.40-0.95; p=0.028) were significantly associated with LRR, while type of surgery, age and cT-stage were not. Upon multivariate analysis, absence of pCR was the only factor associated with increased risk of LRR (HR=2.22; 95%CI 1.38-3.58; p=0.001). Patients that underwent mastectomy (N=158) were significantly younger (age ≤ 50 years 72.8% vs. 59.9% for BCT [N=916]; p=0.002) DFS and OS was significantly better in patients who underwent BCT compared to mastectomy (DFS: HR=0.47; 95%CI 0.34-0.66; p&lt; 0.001 and OS: HR=0.40; 95%CI 0.26-0.63; p&lt; 0.001). In multivariate analysis, BCT was associated with a significantly better DFS and OS as compared to mastectomy (DFS: HR=0.51; 95%CI 0.36-0.72; p&lt; 0.001; and OS HR=0.43; 95%CI 0.27-0.68; p&lt; 0.001), whereas absence of pCR was associated with significantly worse DFS and OS (DFS: HR=2.43; 95%CI 1.78-3.31; p&lt; 0.001; and OS: HR=3.15; 95%CI 1.94-5.10; p&lt; 0.001). Conclusions: In this retrospective analysis from the GBG meta-database, treatment response, e.g. pCR, was the main determinant of locoregional recurrence in patients with early stage TNBC treated with NACT. BCT was associated with improved DFS and OS compared to mastectomy, which may at least in part reflect favorable patient selection.

Citation Format: David Krug, Valentina Vladimirova, Michael Untch, Thorsten Kühn, Andreas Schneeweiss, Carsten Denkert, Beyhan Ataseven, Christine Solbach, Bernd Gerber, Hans Tesch, Michael Golatta, Sabine Seiler, Jörg Heil, Valentina Nekljudova, Sibylle Loibl. PD15-06 Pathologic complete response and breast-conserving surgery are associated with improved prognosis in patients with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy [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 PD15-06.

Abstract GS5-02: Neoadjuvant paclitaxel/olaparib in comparison to paclitaxel/carboplatinum in patients with HER2-negative breast cancer and homologous recombination deficiency – long-term survival of the GeparOLA study

Background: The GeparOLA study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination of paclitaxel (P) plus olaparib (O) as part of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, either hormone receptor (HR)-positive or HR-negative and homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) defined as having a g/tBRCA mutation and/or a high HRD score. Primary analysis showed a pCR rate of 55.1% (90% CI 44.5%-65.3%) with PO and 48.6% (90% CI 34.3%-63.2%) with P plus carboplatinum (Cb). The PO combination could not exclude a pCR rate of ≤55% in the PO arm but was significantly better tolerated. Analysis on the stratified subgroups showed higher pCR rates with PO in the cohorts of patients &lt; 40 years and HR-positive tumors (Fasching Ann Oncol 2020). Here, we report long-term data. Methods: GeparOLA (NCT02789332) was a non-comparative, multicenter, prospective, randomized, open-label, phase II trial. Patients with primary HER2-negative breast cancer, HRD and indication for chemotherapy (cT2-cT4a-d or cT1c and cN+ or cT1c and pNSLN+ or cT1c and TNBC or cT1c and Ki-67 &gt;20%) were randomly assigned to receive either P 80 mg/m2 weekly plus O 100 mg twice daily for 12 weeks or P plus Cb area under the curve 2 (AUC2) weekly for 12 weeks, both followed by four cycles of either 2-weekly or 3-weekly epirubicin 90 mg/m2 plus cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2. Primary endpoint was pCR (ypT0/is ypN0) rate after NACT with PO followed by EC. Long-term efficacy endpoints included invasive disease-free survival (iDFS), distant disease-free survival (DDFS) and overall survival (OS). The time-to-event endpoints analysis is planned with median follow-up of at least 4 years and a follow-up completeness of at least 80%. Results: Between September 2016 and July 2018, 274 patients were screened, of whom 107 were randomized and 106 (PO N=69; PCb N=37) started treatment. The median age was 47.0 years (range 25.0-71.0); 32 patients were aged &lt; 40 years; 36.2% of patients had cT1 tumors and 31.8% were cN-positive; the majority (86.8%) had grade 3 tumors and a Ki-67&gt;20% (89.6%). Seventy-seven patients (72.6%) had TNBC. After a median follow-up of 49.8 months (range 0.1-69.1), 18 (15 in PO; 3 in PCb) iDFS events and 7 (6 in PO; 1 in PCb) deaths were reported. The 4-year survival rates are shown in the table below. iDFS (HR PO to PCb=2.86 [95%CI 0.83-9.9], log-rank p=0.081), DDFS (HR =3.03 [95%CI 0.67-13.67], log-rank p=0.129), and OS (HR=3.27 [95%CI 0.39-27.2], log-rank p=0.244) tended to be inferior with olaparib. Patients without g/tBRCA mutation seem to benefit from the use of carboplatinum (7/30 iDFS/DDFS events in PO; 0/16 in PCb, log-rank p=0.037, HR n.a.). Conclusions: In patients with HER2-negative and HRD breast cancer the use of olaparib instead of carboplatinum although showing comparable pCR rates, tended to result in an overall inferior outcome. This was mainly driven by the patients without a g/tBRCA mutation. In patients with a g/t BRCA mutation no difference between olaparib and carboplatinum was seen. Key words: Olaparib, HER2-negative breast cancer, HRD, survival Funding: The study was financially supported by AstraZeneca

Citation Format: Peter A. Fasching, Sabine Schmatloch, Jan Hauke, Julia Rey, Christian Jackisch, Peter Klare, Theresa Link, Claus Hanusch, Jens Huober, Andrea Stefek, Sabine Seiler, Wolfgang D. Schmitt, Christoph Uleer, Gabriele Doering, Kerstin Rhiem, Andreas Schneeweiss, Carsten Denkert, Rita K. Schmutzler, Eric Hahnen, Michael Untch, Valentina Nekljudova, Jens-Uwe Blohmer, Sibylle Loibl. Neoadjuvant paclitaxel/olaparib in comparison to paclitaxel/carboplatinum in patients with HER2-negative breast cancer and homologous recombination deficiency – long-term survival of the GeparOLA study [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 GS5-02.

Long delay from symptom onset to first consultation contributes to permanent vision loss in patients with giant cell arteritis: a cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To characterise factors associated with permanent vision loss (PVL) and potential reasons for the therapeutic delay contributing to PVL in giant cell arteritis (GCA).

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of GCA patients diagnosed at the University Hospital Basel between December 2006 and May 2021.

RESULTS

Of 282 patients with GCA (64% females), 49 (17.4%) experienced PVL. In 43/49 (87.8%) PVL occurred before treatment. Of these, 24 (55.8%) patients had first non-ocular symptoms and eventually sought consultation when PVL occurred in a median of 21 (IQR 14.75-31.0) days after the first symptoms. Only five of the 24 patients had consulted a physician before PVL, but GCA diagnosis was missed. Treatment was initiated rapidly after diagnosis (median 1 day (IQR 0.0-7.0)). PVL on therapy occurred in six patients in a median of 40 (IQR 20.5-67.3) days after treatment started. In two of those, glucocorticoids were tapered too quickly.In multivariable analysis, patients with PVL were older (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.29, p=0.001) and reported more frequently jaw claudication (OR 3.52, 95% CI 1.02 to 13.16, p=0.051). PVL was present in 18 (42.9%) of the 42 patients with vasculitic ultrasound findings in all six temporal artery segments. The incidence of PVL over 15 years did not decline (Spearman rank=0.3, p=0.68).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of GCA-associated PVL remains high. Associated factors were advanced age, jaw claudication and ultrasound findings consistent with vasculitis in all six temporal artery segments. Despite preceding non-ocular GCA symptoms weeks before the onset of PVL, most patients were not seen by a rheumatologist before PVL occurred.

Subcutaneous injection of trastuzumab into the thigh versus abdominal wall in patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer: Pharmacokinetic, safety and patients' preference - Substudy of the randomised phase III GAIN-2 study

BACKGROUND

Trastuzumab given intravenously in combination with chemotherapy is standard of care for patients with early HER2-positive breast cancer (BC). Different randomised studies have shown equivalent efficacy of a subcutaneous injection into the thigh compared to the intravenous formulation. Other body regions for injection have not been investigated but might be more convenient for patients.

METHODS

After surgery, patients were randomised to receive either subcutaneous trastuzumab into the thigh or into the abdominal wall (AW). Patient preferences were evaluated using validated questionnaires (PINT). Primary objectives of this multicentre, non-blinded, randomised substudy of the GAIN-2 study were to investigate pharmacokinetics of the injection into the thigh versus AW and to determine patients' preferences of either administration site versus the previously received intravenous application.

RESULTS

226 patients were randomised and 219 patients (thigh: N = 110; AW: N = 109) formed the modified intent-to-treat (mITT). Overall, 83.5% (out of N = 182 with information about patients' preference) preferred subcutaneous over previous intravenous application or had no preference. Preference was similar between both administration sites (thigh: 80.6%; AW: 86.5; p = 0.322). Pharmacokinetic analysis included 30 patients. Geometric means of C_max and AUC_0-21d were higher in thigh than in AW group (geometric mean ratio with body weight adjustment: C_max: 1.291, 90%-CI 1.052-1.584; AUC_0-21d: 1.291, 90%-CI 1.026-1.626). Safety profile was in line with previous reports of subcutaneous trastuzumab.

CONCLUSION

Subcutaneous trastuzumab into the thigh showed an approximately 30% higher bioavailability. Injections were well tolerated and preferred over intravenous administration. The subcutaneous injection into the thigh should remain the standard of care.

Effect of Denosumab Added to 2 Different nab-Paclitaxel Regimens as Neoadjuvant Therapy in Patients With Primary Breast Cancer: The GeparX 2 × 2 Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Adjuvant denosumab might improve disease-free survival in hormone receptor (HR)-positive primary breast cancer (BC). The optimal neoadjuvant nab-paclitaxel schedule in terms of efficacy and safety is unclear.

Objective

To determine whether adding denosumab to anthracycline/taxane-containing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) increases the pathological complete response (pCR) rate and which nab-paclitaxel schedule is more effective in the NACT setting.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The GeparX was a multicenter, prospective, open-label, phase 2b, 2 × 2 randomized clinical trial conducted by GBG and AGO-B at 38 German sites between February 2017 and March 2019. The analysis data set was locked September 4, 2020; analysis was completed November 13, 2020. Patients had unilateral or bilateral primary BC, stage cT2-cT4a-d or cT1c, with either clinically node-positive or pathologically node-positive or HR-negative disease, or Ki-67 proliferation index greater than 20%, or ERBB2 (formerly HER2)-positive BC.

Interventions

Patients were randomized to receive or not receive denosumab, 120 mg subcutaneously every 4 weeks for 6 cycles, and either nab-paclitaxel, 125 mg/m2 weekly for 12 weeks or days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks for 4 cycles (8 doses), followed by 4 cycles of epirubicin/cyclophosphamide, 90/600 mg/m2 (every 2 weeks or every 3 weeks). Carboplatin was given in triple-negative BC (TNBC), and trastuzumab biosimilar ABP980 plus pertuzumab was given in ERBB2-positive BC (ERBB2-positive substudy).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was pCR rates between arms for each randomization.

Results

A total of 780 female (n = 779) and male (n = 1) patients (median [range] age, 49.0 [22-80] years) were randomized to the 4 treatment groups. The pCR (ypT0 ypN0) rate was 41.0% (90% CI, 37%-45%) with denosumab vs 42.8% (90% CI, 39%-47%) (P = .58) without denosumab, irrespective of BC subtype. Nab-paclitaxel weekly resulted in a significantly (significance level of α = .10) higher pCR rate of 44.9% (90% CI, 41%-49%) vs 39.0% (90% CI, 35%-43%) (P = .06) with nab-paclitaxel days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks. The pCR rates for nab-paclitaxel schedules in subgroups were only significantly different for TNBC (60.4% vs 50.0%; P = .06). Grade 3 to 4 toxic effects did not differ with or without denosumab. Nonhematologic toxic effects of grade 3 to 4 were higher with nab-paclitaxel weekly (33.7% vs 24.1%; P = .004).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this randomized clinical trial, denosumab added to anthracycline/taxane-based NACT did not improve pCR rates. Nab-paclitaxel at a dosage of 125 mg/m2 weekly significantly increased the pCR rate compared with the days 1 and 8, every-3-weeks schedule overall and in TNBC, but generated higher toxicity.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02682693.

Outcome of breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy during pregnancy compared with non-pregnant controls

BACKGROUND

A diagnosis of breast cancer during pregnancy (PrBC) does not impact prognosis if standard treatment is offered. However, caution is warranted as gestational changes in pharmacokinetics may lead to reduced chemotherapy concentration.

METHODS

Survival of PrBC patients treated with chemotherapy during pregnancy was compared to non-pregnant breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy, diagnosed after 2000, excluding patients older than 45 years or with a postpartum diagnosis. The data was registered in two multicenter registries (the International Network of Cancer, Infertility and Pregnancy and the German Breast Group). Cox proportional hazards regression was used to compare disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) between both groups, adjusting for age, stage, grade, hormone receptor status, human epidermal growth factor 2 status and histology, weighted by propensity scoring to account for the differences in baseline characteristics between pregnant patients and controls.

RESULTS

In total, 662 pregnant and 2081 non-pregnant patients were selected. Pregnant patients were more likely to have stage II breast cancer (60.1% vs 56.1%, p = 0.035), grade 3 tumors (74.0% vs 62.2%, p < 0.001), hormone receptor-negative tumors (48.4% vs 34.0%, p < 0.001) or triple-negative breast cancer (38.9% vs 26.9%, p < 0.001). Median follow-up was 66 months. In multivariable analysis, DFS and OS were comparable for pregnant and non-pregnant patients (DFS: HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.82-1.27, p = 0.83; OS: HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.81-1.45, p = 0.59).

CONCLUSION

Outcome of women with breast cancer treated with chemotherapy during pregnancy is comparable to young non-pregnant women. These results support chemotherapy for PrBC when indicated.

Clinical and molecular characteristics of HER2-low-positive breast cancer: pooled analysis of individual patient data from four prospective, neoadjuvant clinical trials

BACKGROUND

The development of anti-HER2 antibody-drug conjugates opens new therapeutic options for patients with breast cancer, including patients with low expression of HER2. To characterise this new breast cancer subtype, we have compared the clinical and molecular characteristics of HER2-low-positive and HER2-zero breast cancer, including response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and prognosis.

METHODS

In this pooled analysis of individual patient data, we evaluated a cohort of 2310 patients with HER2-non-amplified primary breast cancer that were treated with neoadjuvant combination chemotherapy in four prospective neoadjuvant clinical trials (GeparSepto, NCT01583426; GeparOcto, NCT02125344; GeparX, NCT02682693; Gain-2 neoadjuvant, NCT01690702) between July 30, 2012, and March 20, 2019. Central HER2 testing was done prospectively before random assignment of participants in all trials. HER2-low-positive status was defined as immunohistochemistry (IHC) 1+ or IHC2+/in-situ hybridisation negative and HER2-zero was defined as IHC0, based on the American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists guidelines. Disease-free survival and overall survival data were available for 1694 patients (from all trials except GeparX) with a median follow-up of 46·6 months (IQR 35·0-52·3). Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models and Cox-proportional hazards models were performed based on a predefined statistical analysis plan for analysis of the endpoints pathological complete response, disease-free survival, and overall survival.

FINDINGS

A total of 1098 (47·5%) of 2310 tumours were HER2-low-positive and 1212 (52·5%) were HER2-zero. 703 (64·0%) of 1098 patients with HER2-low-positive tumours were hormone receptor positive, compared with 445 (36·7%) of 1212 patients with HER2-zero tumours (p<0.0001). HER2-low-positive tumours had a significantly lower pathological complete response rate than HER2-zero tumours (321 [29·2%] of 1098 vs 473 [39·0%] of 1212, p=0·0002). Pathological complete response was also significantly lower in HER2-low-positive tumours versus HER2-zero tumours in the hormone receptor-positive subgroup (123 [17·5%] of 703 vs 105 [23·6%] of 445, p=0·024), but not in the hormone receptor-negative subgroup (198 [50·1%] of 395 vs 368 [48·0%] of 767, p=0·21). Patients with HER2-low-positive tumours had significantly longer survival than did patients with HER2-zero tumours (3-year disease-free survival: 83·4% [95% CI 80·5-85·9] vs 76·1% [72·9-79·0]; stratified log-rank test p=0·0084; 3-year overall survival: 91·6% [84·9-93·4] vs 85·8% [83·0-88·1]; stratified log-rank test p=0·0016). Survival differences were also seen in patients with hormone receptor-negative tumours (3-year disease-free survival: 84·5% [95% CI 79·5-88·3] vs 74·4% [70·2-78.0]; stratified log-rank test p=0·0076; 3-year overall survival: 90·2% [86·0-93·2] vs 84·3% [80·7-87·3], stratified log-rank test p=0·016), but not in patients with hormone receptor-positive tumours (3-year disease-free survival 82·8% [79·1-85·9] vs 79·3% [73·9-83·7]; stratified log-rank test p=0·39; 3-year overall survival 92·3% [89·6-94·4] vs 88·4% [83·8-91·8]; stratified log-rank test p=0·13).

INTERPRETATION

Our results show that HER2-low-positive tumours can be identified as new subgroup of breast cancer by standardised IHC, distinct from HER2-zero tumours. HER2-low-positive tumours have a specific biology and show differences in response to therapy and prognosis, which is particularly relevant in therapy-resistant, hormone receptor-negative tumours. Our results provide a basis for a better understanding of the biology of breast cancer subtypes and the refinement of future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

FUNDING

German Cancer Aid (Deutsche Krebshilfe).

Chemotherapy-induced ovarian failure in young women with early breast cancer: Prospective analysis of four randomised neoadjuvant/adjuvant breast cancer trials

BACKGROUND

Young women receiving chemotherapy for early breast cancer (EBC) have a high probability for ovarian failure, defined by chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea (CIA) as a surrogate. CIA is insufficiently reliable and reproducible. We analysed chemotherapy-induced ovarian failure (CIOF) by assessing hormone parameters, CIA, and antral follicle count (AFC).

METHODS

Blood samples of women aged ≤45 years treated with anthracycline/taxane-based chemotherapy for EBC from four neoadjuvant/adjuvant trials were collected at baseline, at the end of treatment (EOT), and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after EOT. Centrally assessed oestradiol (cutoff <52.2 ng/L) and follicle-stimulating hormone (cutoff >12.4IU/L) were used to define CIOF for patients with baseline premenopausal hormone levels, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and AFC to assess ovarian reserve. Further analyses included CIA, regain of premenopausal hormone levels, and disease-free survival (DFS) also in subgroups.

RESULTS

Six hundred ninety-six patients aged ≤45 years had premenopausal hormone levels at baseline. Overall, 85.1% (592/696) experienced CIOF at EOT, and 147 of 592 had further hormone measurements after EOT. Of those, 32.7% (48/147) regained premenopausal hormone levels after 6 months, 57.9% (66/114) regained premenopausal hormone levels after 12 months, 83.0% (73/88) regained premenopausal hormone levels after 18 months, and 89.2% (74/83) regained premenopausal hormone levels after 24 months. After 24 months, 72.4% (21/29) of patients without CIOF and 100% (14/14) with CIOF had low AMH levels. Four-year DFS without CIOF versus CIOF was 65.9% versus 84.6% (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.37-3.19; P < 0.001); in hormone receptor positive 61.8% versus 87.5% (HR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.57-4.60; P < 0.001); in <30 years 68.3% versus 92.6% (HR = 4.87, 95% CI: 1.05-22.63; P = 0.026).

CONCLUSION

Most premenopausal women experienced CIOF after chemotherapy for EBC. After 2 years, nearly all regain premenopausal hormone levels. CIOF was associated with better DFS, especially in patients with hormone receptor-positive EBC or aged <30 years.

Palbociclib combined with endocrine treatment in breast cancer patients with high relapse risk after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: Subgroup analyses of premenopausal patients in PENELOPE-B

518

Background: PENELOPE-B assessed efficacy of the CDK4/6 inhibitor 1-year palbociclib versus placebo added to endocrine therapy (ET) as post-neoadjuvant treatment in a high-risk breast cancer population. Palbociclib did not improve invasive disease-free survival (iDFS) compared to placebo (3-year iDFS 81.3% vs 77.7%) (Loibl et al. J Clin Oncol 2021). Here we report results from the subpopulation of premenopausal women. Methods: Patients with hormone receptor positive, HER2-negative breast cancer without pathological complete response after taxane‐containing neoadjuvant chemotherapy and at high risk of relapse (CPS‐EG score ≥3 or 2 and ypN+) were randomized (1:1) to receive 13 cycles of palbociclib 125mg daily or placebo on days 1-21 in a 28d cycle in addition to standard endocrine treatment including tamoxifen (TAM) +/- gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRH) and aromatase inhibitor (AI) +/- GnRH. Randomization was stratified by nodal status at surgery, age ( < 50 vs ≥50 years), Ki-67, region, and CPS-EG score. Results: 616/1250 patients were premenopausal at the time of enrollment, 185 of these patients (30.0%) were younger than 40 years of age. 95.2% had ypN+ after surgery; 42.8% had ypT2 and 46.8% a CPS-EG score of 3. 23.1% of the premenopausal women had a Ki67 of > 15% in residual disease. 66.1% started with TAM alone; 19.3% with TAM and ovarian function suppression (OFS); and 13.6% received an AI+OFS. There was no difference in iDFS between palbociclib and placebo in the premenopausal women HR 0.948 (0.693-1.30). The 3-year iDFS was 80.6% and 78.3%, respectively. Palbociclib vs placebo in subgroups by endocrine treatment: TAM alone HR 1.05 (0.715-1.53) p = 0.817; TAM+GnRH HR 0.52 (0.267-1.02) p = 0.057 and AI+GnRH HR 1.58 (0.548-4.56) p = 0.397; pinteraction0.124. Hematologic toxicity was significantly more common with palbociclib. Non-hematological toxicity any grade palbociclib vs placebo were: fatigue 67.4% vs 51.3%; hot flushes 52.2% vs 54.8%; bone pain 15.6% vs 16.6%; and vaginal dryness 11.0% vs 11.5%. When receiving palbociclib fewer patients in the AI+GnRH group vs the TAM +/- GnRH cohort experienced anemia (54.1% vs 80.5%) and thrombocytopenia (37.8% vs 65.1%). Fatigue (75.7% vs 66.3%) and nausea (40.5% vs 24.9%) were more common with AI+GnRH than TAM +/-GnRH when palbociclib was added. Thromboembolic events were low with overall 9 events (4 vs 5; AI+GnRH 2.4% vs 1.3% TAM+/-GnRH). Conclusions: The addition of palbociclib to endocrine therapy did not improve iDFS in premenopausal women. These are the first safety results from a phase III study for the combination tamoxifen +/-GnRH and palbociclib. The addition of palbociclib to tamoxifen +/-GnRH in premenopausal women did not increase side effects compared to AI+GnRH and seems to be an alternative to AI+GnRH. Clinical trial information: NCT01864746.

Outcome of breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy during pregnancy compared with non-pregnant controls

515

Background: Overall a diagnosis of breast cancer during pregnancy (BCP) appears not to impact maternal prognosis if standard treatment is offered. However, caution is warranted as gestational changes in pharmacokinetics with respect to the distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs may lead to reduced chemotherapy concentration in pregnant patients. This cohort study was designed to focus on the maternal prognosis of BCP patients that receive chemotherapy during pregnancy. Methods: The outcome of BCP patients treated with chemotherapy during pregnancy was compared to non-pregnant breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy, diagnosed after 2000, excluding postpartum diagnosis and with an age limit of 45 years. The data was registered by two multicentric registries (the International Network of Cancer, Infertility and Pregnancy and the German Breast Cancer Group) that collect both retro-and prospectively breast cancer data. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to compare disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) between both groups, adjusting for age, stage, grade, hormone receptor status, human epidermal growth factor 2 status and histology, weighted by propensity scoring in order to account for the differences in baseline characteristics between pregnant patients and controls. Results: In total, 662 pregnant and 2081 non-pregnant patients, were eligible for analysis. Median age at diagnosis was 34 (range 22-47) years for pregnant and 38 (range 19-45) years for non-pregnant patients. Pregnant patients were more likely to have stage II breast cancer (60.1% vs 56.1%, p = 0.035), grade 3 tumors (74.0% vs 62.2%, p < 0.001), hormone receptor-negative tumors (48.4% vs 34.0%, p < 0.001) or triple-negative breast cancer (38.9% vs 26.9%, p < 0.001). Median follow-up was 66 months. DFS and OS were comparable for pregnant and non-pregnant patients (DFS: HR 1.02, 95%CI 0.82-1.27, p = 0.83; OS: HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.81-1.45, p = 0.59). A subgroup analysis of 339 women that received more than 60% of chemotherapy during pregnancy (cut-off at median) revealed a comparable survival compared to non-pregnant women (DFS: HR 0.81, 95%CI 0.62-1.06, p = 0.13; OS: HR 0.85 95% CI 0.58-1.23, p = 0.39). Conclusions: Pregnancy-induced alternations in chemotherapy concentration do not seem to affect maternal prognosis in breast cancer patients. These results support initiation of chemotherapy for BCP where indicated for oncological reasons.

Palbociclib for Residual High-Risk Invasive HR-Positive and HER2-Negative Early Breast Cancer-The Penelope-B Trial

PURPOSE

About one third of patients with hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative breast cancer who have residual invasive disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) will relapse. Thus, additional therapy is needed. Palbociclib is a cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 inhibitor demonstrating efficacy in the metastatic setting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

PENELOPE-B (NCT01864746) is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III study in women with hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative primary breast cancer without a pathological complete response after taxane-containing NACT and at high risk of relapse (clinical pathological staging-estrogen receptor grading score ≥ 3 or 2 and ypN+). Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive 13 cycles of palbociclib 125 mg once daily or placebo on days 1-21 in a 28-day cycle in addition to endocrine therapy (ET). Primary end point is invasive disease-free survival (iDFS). Final analysis was planned after 290 iDFS events with a two-sided efficacy boundary P < .0463 because of two interim analyses.

RESULTS

One thousand two hundred fifty patients were randomly assigned. The median age was 49.0 years (range, 19-79), and the majority were ypN+ with Ki-67 ≤ 15%; 59.4% of patients had a clinical pathological staging-estrogen receptor grading score ≥ 3. 50.1% received aromatase inhibitor, and 33% of premenopausal women received a luteinizing hormone releasing hormone analog in addition to either tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor. After a median follow-up of 42.8 months (92% complete), 308 events were confirmed. Palbociclib did not improve iDFS versus placebo added to ET-stratified hazard ratio, 0.93 (95% repeated CI, 0.74 to 1.17) and two-sided weighted log-rank test (Cui, Hung, and Wang) P = .525. There was no difference among the subgroups. Most common related serious adverse events were infections and vascular disorders in 113 (9.1%) patients with no difference between the treatment arms. Eight fatal serious adverse events (two palbociclib and six placebo) were reported.

CONCLUSION

Palbociclib for 1 year in addition to ET did not improve iDFS in women with residual invasive disease after NACT.

Efficacy of Endocrine Therapy for the Treatment of Breast Cancer in Men: Results from the MALE Phase 2 Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

The extent of changes in estradiol levels in male patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer receiving standard endocrine therapies is unknown. The sexual function and quality of life related to those changes have not been adequately evaluated.

Objective

To assess the changes in estradiol levels in male patients with breast cancer after 3 months of therapy.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multicenter, phase 2 randomized clinical trial assessed 56 male patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Patients were recruited from 24 breast units across Germany between October 2012 and May 2017. The last patient completed 6 months of treatment in December 2017. The analysis data set was locked on August 24, 2018, and analysis was completed on December 19, 2018.

Interventions

Patients were randomized to 1 of 3 arms: tamoxifen alone or tamoxifen plus gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa) or aromatase inhibitor (AI) plus GnRHa for 6 months.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was the change in estradiol levels from baseline to 3 months. Secondary end points were changes of estradiol levels after 6 months, changes of additional hormonal parameters, adverse effects, sexual function, and quality of life after 3 and 6 months.

Results

In this phase 2 randomized clinical trial, a total of 52 of 56 male patients with a median (range) age of 61.5 (37-83) years started treatment. A total of 3 patients discontinued study treatment prematurely, 1 in each arm. A total of 50 patients were evaluable for the primary end point. After 3 months the patients' median estradiol levels increased by 67% (a change of +17.0 ng/L) with tamoxifen, decreased by 85% (-23.0 ng/L) with tamoxifen plus GnRHa, and decreased by 72% (-18.5 ng/L) with AI plus GnRHa (P < .001). After 6 months, median estradiol levels increased by 41% (a change of +12 ng/L) with tamoxifen, decreased by 61% (-19.5 ng/L) with tamoxifen plus GnRHa, and decreased by 64% (-17.0 ng/L) with AI plus GnRHa (P < .001). Sexual function and quality of life decreased when GnRHa was added but were unchanged with tamoxifen alone.

Conclusions and Relevance

This phase 2 randomized clinical trial found that AI or tamoxifen plus GnRHa vs tamoxifen alone led to a sustained decrease of estradiol levels. The decreased hormonal parameters were associated with impaired sexual function and quality of life.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01638247.

Evaluating the ventilatory effect of transnasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilatory exchange in apnoeic small children with two different oxygen flow rates: a randomised controlled trial. Anaesthesia 2020;76:924-932. [PMID: 33351194 DOI: 10.1111/anae.15335]

Transnasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilatory exchange prolongs safe apnoeic oxygenation time in children. In adults, transnasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilatory exchange is reported to have a ventilatory effect with PaCO₂ levels increasing less rapidly than without it. This ventilatory effect has yet to be reproduced in children. In this non-inferiority study, we tested the hypothesis that children weighing 10-15 kg exhibit no difference in carbon dioxide clearance when comparing two different high-flow nasal therapy flow rates during a 10-min apnoea period. Following standardised induction of anaesthesia including neuromuscular blockade, patients were randomly allocated to high-flow nasal therapy of 100% oxygen at 2 or 4 l.kg^-1 .min^-1 . Airway patency was ensured by continuous jaw thrust. The study intervention was terminated for safety reasons when SpO₂ values dropped < 95%, or transcutaneous carbon dioxide levels rose > 9.3 kPa, or near-infrared spectroscopy values dropped > 20% from their baseline values, or after an apnoeic period of 10 min. Fifteen patients were included in each group. In the 2 l.kg^-1 .min^-1 group, mean (SD) transcutaneous carbon dioxide increase was 0.46 (0.11) kPa.min^-1 , while in the 4 l.kg^-1 .min^-1 group it was 0.46 (0.12) kPa.min^-1 . The upper limit of a one-sided 95%CI for the difference between groups was 0.07 kPa.min^-1 , lower than the predefined non-inferiority margin of 0.147 kPa.min^-1 (p = 0.001). The lower flow rate of 2 l.kg^-1 .min^-1 was non-inferior to 4 l.kg^-1 .min^-1 relative to the transcutaneous carbon dioxide increase. In conclusion, an additional ventilatory effect of either 2 or 4 l.kg^-1 .min^-1 high-flow nasal therapy in apnoeic children weighing 10-15 kg appears to be absent.

Cardiotoxicity and Cardiovascular Biomarkers in Patients With Breast Cancer: Data From the GeparOcto-GBG 84 Trial

Background Patients with breast cancer can be affected by cardiotoxic reactions through cancer therapies. Cardiac biomarkers, like NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T, might have predictive value. Methods and Results Echocardiography, ECG, hemodynamic parameters, NT-proBNP and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T were assessed in 853 patients with early-stage breast cancer randomized in the German Breast Group GeparOcto-GBG 84 phase III trial. Patients received neo-adjuvant dose-dense, dose-intensified epirubicin, paclitaxel, and cyclophosphamide (iddEPC group, n=424) or paclitaxel, non-pegylated doxorubicin, and in triple negative breast cancer, (paclitaxel, non-pegylated doxorubicin, carboplatin group, n=429) treatment for 18 weeks. Patients positive for human epidermal growth receptor 2 (n=354, 41.5%) received monoclonal antibodies on top of allocated therapy; 119 (12.9%) of all patients showed a cardiotoxic reaction during therapy (15 [1.8%] using a more strict definition). Presence of cardiotoxic reactions was irrespective of treatment allocation (P=0.31). Small but significant increases in NT-proBNP developed early in patients with a cardiotoxic reaction as compared with those without in whom NT-proBNP rose only towards the end of therapy (P=0.04). High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T rose early in both groups. Logistic regression showed that NT-proBNP (odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% CI, 1.008-1.055; P=0.01) and hemoglobin (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.05-1.63; P=0.02) measured at 6 weeks after treatment initiation were significantly associated with cardiotoxic reactions. Conclusions NT-proBNP and hemoglobin are significantly associated with cardiotoxic reactions in patients with early-stage breast cancer undergoing dose-dense and dose-intensified chemotherapy, but high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T is not. Registration URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02125344.

Neoadjuvant paclitaxel/olaparib in comparison to paclitaxel/carboplatinum in patients with HER2-negative breast cancer and homologous recombination deficiency (GeparOLA study)

BACKGROUND

The efficacy and toxicity of olaparib as combination therapy in early breast cancer (BC) patients with homologous recombinant deficiency (HRD) [score high and/or germline (g) or tumour (t) BRCA1/2 mutation] is not well described. GeparOLA (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02789332) investigated olaparib in combination with paclitaxel in HER2-negative early BC with HRD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with untreated primary HER2-negative cT2-cT4a-d or cT1c with either cN+ or pNSLN+ or cT1c and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) or cT1c and Ki-67>20% BC with HRD were randomised either to paclitaxel (P) 80 mg/m² weekly plus olaparib (O) 100 mg twice daily for 12 weeks or P plus carboplatinum (Cb) area under the curve 2 weekly for 12 weeks, both followed by epirubicin/cyclophosphamide (EC). Stratification factors were hormone receptor (HR) status (HR+ versus HR-) and age (<40 versus ≥40 years). The primary endpoint was pathological complete response (pCR; ypT0/is ypN0). A two-sided one-group χ²-test was planned to exclude a pCR rate of ≤55% in the PO-EC arm. Secondary end points were other pCR definitions, breast conservation rate, clinical/imaging response, tolerability and safety.

RESULTS

A total of 107 patients were randomised between September 2016 and July 2018; 106 (PO N = 69; PCb N = 37) started treatment. Median age was 47.0 years (range 25.0-71.0); 36.2% had cT1, 61.0% cT2, 2.9% cT3, and 31.8% cN-positive tumours; grade 3 tumours: 86.8%; Ki-67>20%: 89.6%; TNBC: 72.6%; confirmed gBRCA1/2 mutation: 56.2%. The pCR rate with PO was 55.1% [90% confidence interval (CI) 44.5% to 65.3%] versus PCb 48.6% (90% CI 34.3% to 63.2%). Analysis for the stratified subgroups showed higher pCR rates with PO in the cohorts of patients <40 years and HR+ patients.

CONCLUSION

GeparOLA could not exclude a pCR rate of ≤55% in the PO arm. PO was significantly better tolerated and the combination merits further evaluation.

Locoregional recurrence risk after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: A pooled analysis of nine prospective neoadjuvant breast cancer trials

AIM

This pooled analysis aimed to evaluate locoregional recurrence (LRR) rates of breast cancer (BC) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and to identify independent LRR predictors.

METHODS

10,075 women with primary BC from nine neoadjuvant trials were included. The primary outcome was the cumulative incidence rate of LRR as the first event after NACT. Distant recurrence, secondary malignancy or death were defined as competing events. For identifying LRR predictors, surgery type, pathological complete response (pCR), BC subtypes and other potential risk factors were evaluated.

RESULTS

Median followup was 67 months (range 0-215), overall LRR rate was 9.5%, 4.1% in pCR versus 9.5% in non-pCR patients. Younger age, clinically positive lymph nodes, G3 tumours, non-pCR and TNBC but not surgery type were independent LRR predictors in multivariate analysis. Among BC subtypes, 5-year cumulative LRR rates were associated with higher risk in non-pCR versus pCR patients, which was significant for HR+/HER2- (5.9% vs 3.9%; HR = 2.32 [95%CI 1.22-4.43]; p = 0.011); HR-/HER2+ (14.8% vs 3.1%; HR = 4.26 [94%CI 2.35-7.71]; p < 0.001) and TNBC (18.5% vs 4.2%; HR = 4.10 [95%CI 2.88-5.82]; p < 0.001) but not for HR+/HER2+ (8.1% vs 4.8%; HR = 1.56 [95%CI 0.85-2.85]; p = 0.150). Within non-pCR subgroup, LRR risk was higher for HR-/HER2+ and TNBC vs HR+/HER2- (HR = 2.05 [95%CI 1.54-2.73]; p < 0.001 and HR = 2.77 [95%CI 2.27-3.39]; p < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This pooled analysis demonstrated that young age, node-positive and G3 tumours, as well as TNBC, and non-pCR significantly increased the risk of LRR after NACT. Hence, there is a clear need to investigate better multimodality therapies in the post-neoadjuvant setting for high-risk patients.

Abstract OT2-04-08: A randomized double-blind phase III clinical trial of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with atezolizumab or placebo in patients (pts) with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) followed by adjuvant atezolizumab or placebo: NSABP B-59/GBG 96-GeparDouze

Background: TNBC is associated with higher percentages of pathological complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), and women with a pCR have a favorable prognosis. However, previous studies have found that women with residual disease have a substantially higher risk of recurrence than women with other subtypes of breast cancer. Additionally, other recent studies have found that therapeutic blockade of PD-L1 binding by atezolizumab has resulted in relevant anti-tumor efficacy. Design This is a phase III, double blind, placebo-control trial evaluating neoadjuvant atezolizumab with NAC followed by adjuvant atezolizumab in TNBC. Pts are stratified by region (North America; Europe), tumor size (1.1-3.0cm; &gt;3.0cm), AC/EC schedule (q2w; q3w), nodal status (positive; negative), and PD-L1 status (positive; negative or indeterminate) then randomized 1:1 to receive atezolizumab/placebo 1200 mg IV every 3 wks concurrently with both sequential regimens of weekly paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 IV for 12 doses with every 3-wk carboplatin AUC of 5 IV for 4 doses followed by AC/EC every 2-3 wks (per investigator discretion) for 4 cycles. Following surgery, pts resume atezolizumab/placebo 1200 mg IV every 3 wks as adjuvant therapy for 6 months. Radiotherapy based on local standards is co-administered with atezolizumab/placebo. Eligibility criteria Centrally-confirmed ER-neg, PR-neg, HER2-neg invasive breast cancer by ASCO/CAP guidelines. Primary tumor must be stage T2 or T3 if cN0 or cN1 with negative biopsy or T1c, T2, or T3 if cN1 with positive biopsy or cN2 or cN3. LVEF &gt;55% and no significant cardiac history. Statistical methods Co-primary endpoints are event-free survival (EFS) and pCR breast/nodes. Secondary endpoints include pCR breast, overall survival, distant disease-free survival, safety and toxicity. Trial is an academic collaboration between NSABP and GBG with support from Genentech/Roche. As of 7-8-19, 279/1,520 pts have been randomized. NCT03281954 Support: Genentech/Roche.

Citation Format: Charles E Geyer Jr., Sibylle Loibl, Priya Rastogi, Sabine Seiler, Joseph P Costantino, Valentina Nekljudova, Patricia Cortazar, Peter C Lucas, Carsten Denkert, Eleftherios P Mamounas, Christian Jackish, Norman Wolmark. A randomized double-blind phase III clinical trial of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with atezolizumab or placebo in patients (pts) with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) followed by adjuvant atezolizumab or placebo: NSABP B-59/GBG 96-GeparDouze [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 OT2-04-08.

NSABP B-59/GBG 96-GeparDouze: A randomized double-blind phase III clinical trial of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with atezolizumab or placebo in patients (pts) with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) followed by adjuvant atezolizumab or placebo

TPS605

Background: TNBC is associated with higher percentages of pathological complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), and women with a pCR have a favorable prognosis. However, Liedtke (2008) and Loibl (2017) found that women with residual disease have a substantially higher risk of recurrence than women with other subtypes of breast cancer. Additionally, Adams (2017) and Schmid (2017) found that therapeutic blockade of PD-L1 binding by atezolizumab has resulted in relevant anti-tumor efficacy. Methods: Design: This is a phase III, double blind, placebo-control trial evaluating neoadjuvant atezolizumab with NAC followed by adjuvant atezolizumab in TNBC. Pts are stratified by region (North America; Europe), tumor size (1.1-3.0cm; >3.0cm), AC/EC schedule (q2w; q3w), nodal status (positive; negative), and PD-L1 status (positive; negative or indeterminate) then randomized 1:1 to receive atezolizumab/placebo 1200 mg IV every 3 wks concurrently with both sequential regimens of weekly paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 IV for 12 doses with every 3-wk carboplatin AUC of 5 IV for 4 doses followed by AC/EC every 2-3 wks (per investigator discretion) for 4 cycles. Following surgery, pts resume atezolizumab/placebo 1200 mg IV every 3 wks as adjuvant therapy for 6 months. Radiotherapy based on local standards is co-administered with atezolizumab/placebo. Eligibility criteria: Centrally confirmed ER-neg, PR-neg, HER2-neg invasive breast cancer by ASCO/CAP guidelines. Primary tumor must be stage T2 or T3 if cN0 or cN1 with negative biopsy or T1c, T2, or T3 if cN1 with positive biopsy or cN2 or cN3. LVEF >55% and no significant cardiac history. Statistical methods: Co-primary endpoints are event-free survival (EFS) and pCR breast/nodes. Secondary endpoints include pCR breast, overall survival, distant disease-free survival, safety and toxicity. Trial is an academic collaboration between NSABP and GBG with support from Genentech/Roche. Support: Genentech/Roche. Clinical trial information: NCT03281954.

Abstract P1-17-07: Cancer management and outcome of very young non-pregnant patients with breast cancer diagnosed at 40 years or younger– GBG 29

Introduction

Breast cancer diagnosed in young women who are 40 years (yrs) or younger is a relatively rare disease. However, it represents the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in this age-group. Furthermore, young age at diagnosis is associated with an increased risk of recurrence and worse survival. To date, general concepts concerning oncological cancer management should be driven by clinicopathological tumor characteristics and should adhere to standardized protocols for patients in general, but little is known about the oncological cancer treatment and outcome of this very young women in today's clinical practice.

Patients and Methods

The breast cancer in pregnancy registry study (BCP/GBG29/BIG 03-02) is a multicenter, international, observational study. BCP was established to investigate the oncological management and outcome of breast cancer in pregnancy. Since 2014 non-pregnant patients who are 40 yrs or younger are eligible if diagnosed with histological confirmed invasive breast cancer, independent of the type of treatment as control cohort. All patients received oncological treatment according to local standards. In this study the following endpoints will be analyzed descriptively for the young non-pregnant women cohort: breast cancer staging at diagnosis, biological characteristics of breast cancer at diagnosis, diagnostic procedures, treatment modalities, toxicity, pathological complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, disease-free survival and overall survival.

Results

From February 2014 until June 2018, 969 non-pregnant patients ≤40 yrs have been registered. The median age at diagnosis was 35 yrs (range 19-40). Overall, 90.1% of patients had a stage T1-2 at diagnosis and 67.1% of patients had negative lymph nodes. 86.7% of tumors were invasive ductal carcinomas and 4.1% lobular carcinomas. Grading (G) 3 was reported in 55.5%. 26.6% of tumors were luminal A-like (ER- and/or PgR-positive, HER2-negative, G1-2), 40.0% luminal B-like (ER- and/or PgR-positive, HER2-negative, G3 or ER- and/or PgR-positive, HER2-positive, any G), 7.7% HER2 positive non-luminal-like, and 25.7% triple negative breast cancers. 3.8% of young non-pregnant patients had metastatic disease at primary diagnosis.

Conclusion

This registry comprises a large cohort of young non-pregnant patients with breast cancer diagnosed at the age of 40 yrs or younger and provides important data about a modern breast cancer treatment as well as oncological outcome in this setting of young women. Further results including oncological management, toxicity, and survival will be presented at the meeting.

Citation Format: Seiler S, Schmatloch S, Reinisch M, Neunhöffer T, Schmidt M, Bechtner C, Marmé F, Wagner M, Möbus V, Reimer T, Kleine-Tebbe A, Sinn B, Stickeler E, Untch M, Janni W, Seither F, Loibl S. Cancer management and outcome of very young non-pregnant patients with breast cancer diagnosed at 40 years or younger– GBG 29 [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 P1-17-07.

Abstract OT3-05-01: A randomized double-blind phase III clinical trial of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with atezolizumab or placebo in patients (pts) with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) followed by adjuvant atezolizumab or placebo: NSABP B-59/GBG 96-GeparDouze

Background:

TNBC is associated with higher percentages of pathological complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), and women with a pCR have a favorable prognosis. However, Liedtke (2008) and Loibl (2017) found that women with residual disease have a substantially higher risk of recurrence than women with other subtypes of breast cancer. Additionally, Adams (2017) and Schmid (2017) found that therapeutic blockade of PD-L1 binding by atezolizumab has resulted in relevant anti-tumor efficacy.

Methods:

Design

This is a phase III, double blind, placebo-control trial evaluating neoadjuvant atezolizumab with NAC followed by adjuvant atezolizumab in TNBC. Pts are stratified by region (North America; Europe), tumor size (1.1-3.0cm; &gt;3.0cm), AC/EC schedule (q2w; q3w), and nodal status (positive; negative), then randomized 1:1 to receive atezolizumab/placebo 1200 mg IV every 3 wks concurrently with both sequential regimens of weekly paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 IV for 12 doses with every 3-wk carboplatin AUC of 5 IV for 4 doses followed by AC/EC every 2-3 wks (per investigator discretion) for 4 cycles. Following surgery, pts resume atezolizumab/placebo 1200 mg IV every 3 wks as adjuvant therapy for 6 months. Radiotherapy based on local standards is co-administered with atezolizumab/placebo.

Eligibility criteria

Centrally-confirmed ER-neg, PR-neg, HER2-neg invasive breast cancer by ASCO/CAP guidelines. Primary tumor must be stage T2 or T3 if cN0 or cN1 with negative biopsy or T1c, T2, or T3 if cN1 with positive biopsy or cN2 or cN3. LVEF &gt;55% and no significant cardiac history.

Statistical methods

Co-primary endpoints are event-free survival (EFS) and pCR breast/nodes. Secondary endpoints include pCR breast, overall survival, distant disease-free survival, safety and toxicity. Trial is an academic collaboration between NSABP and GBG with support from Genentech/Roche.

NCT03281954

Support: Genentech/Roche

Citation Format: Geyer, Jr. CE, Loibl S, Rastogi P, Seiler S, Costantino JP, Nekljudova VN, Cortazar P, Lucas PC, Denkert C, Mamounas EP, Jackisch C, Wolmark N. A randomized double-blind phase III clinical trial of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with atezolizumab or placebo in patients (pts) with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) followed by adjuvant atezolizumab or placebo: NSABP B-59/GBG 96-GeparDouze [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 OT3-05-01.

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonists During Chemotherapy for Preservation of Ovarian Function and Fertility in Premenopausal Patients With Early Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Individual Patient-Level Data

Purpose The role of temporary ovarian suppression with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) during chemotherapy as a strategy to preserve ovarian function and fertility in premenopausal women remains controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis using individual patient-level data was conducted to better assess the efficacy and safety of this strategy in patients with early breast cancer. Methods The trials in which premenopausal women with early breast cancer were randomly assigned to receive (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy alone or with concurrent GnRHa were eligible for inclusion. Primary end points were premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) rate and post-treatment pregnancy rate. Disease-free survival and overall survival were secondary end points. Because each study represents a cluster, statistical analyses were performed using a random effects model. Results A total of 873 patients from five trials were included. POI rate was 14.1% in the GnRHa group and 30.9% in the control group (adjusted odds ratio, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.26 to 0.57; P < .001). A total of 37 (10.3%) patients had at least one post-treatment pregnancy in the GnRHa group and 20 (5.5%) in the control group (incidence rate ratio, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.06 to 3.15; P = .030). No significant differences in disease-free survival (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.72 to 1.42; P = .999) and overall survival (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.42 to 1.06; P = .083) were observed between groups. Conclusion Our findings provide evidence for the efficacy and safety of temporary ovarian suppression with GnRHa during chemotherapy as an available option to reduce the likelihood of chemotherapy-induced POI and potentially improve future fertility in premenopausal patients with early breast cancer.

Prevalence of pathogenic BRCA1/2 germline mutations among 802 women with unilateral triple-negative breast cancer without family cancer history

Background

There is no international consensus up to which age women with a diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and no family history of breast or ovarian cancer should be offered genetic testing for germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 (gBRCA) mutations. Here, we explored the association of age at TNBC diagnosis with the prevalence of pathogenic gBRCA mutations in this patient group.

Methods

The study comprised 802 women (median age 40 years, range 19–76) with oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 negative breast cancers, who had no relatives with breast or ovarian cancer. All women were tested for pathogenic gBRCA mutations. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the association between age at TNBC diagnosis and the presence of a pathogenic gBRCA mutation.

Results

A total of 127 women with TNBC (15.8%) were gBRCA mutation carriers (BRCA1: n = 118, 14.7%; BRCA2: n = 9, 1.1%). The mutation prevalence was 32.9% in the age group 20–29 years compared to 6.9% in the age group 60–69 years. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant increase of mutation frequency with decreasing age at diagnosis (odds ratio 1.87 per 10 year decrease, 95%CI 1.50–2.32, p < 0.001). gBRCA mutation risk was predicted to be > 10% for women diagnosed below approximately 50 years.

Conclusions

Based on the general understanding that a heterozygous mutation probability of 10% or greater justifies gBRCA mutation screening, women with TNBC diagnosed before the age of 50 years and no familial history of breast and ovarian cancer should be tested for gBRCA mutations. In Germany, this would concern approximately 880 women with newly diagnosed TNBC per year, of whom approximately 150 are expected to be identified as carriers of a pathogenic gBRCA mutation.

Abstract OT3-05-04: A randomized, open-label, multi-center phase IV study evaluating palbociclib plus endocrine treatment versus a chemotherapy-based treatment strategy in patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer in a real world setting (PADMA)

Background:

Although endocrine therapy (ET) is recommended as first-line therapy for hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (MBC) up to 50% of patients receive chemotherapy in this setting. Meanwhile new targeted treatment options for combination with ET have been developed and endocrine-based therapy with the CDK4/6 inhibitor Palbociclib (P) improves the progression free survival (PFS) of ET alone by about 50%. So far, there is no data comparing chemotherapy with or without maintenance ET and ET in combination with P as first-line therapy. Patients included in clinical trials are often criticized not to mirror the general breast cancer population and every-day clinical practice due to rigid inclusion and exclusion criteria, limited number of treatment options, strict monitoring intervals and study assessments.

Methods:

PADMA trial is a so called low intervention trial with no rigid inclusion and exclusion criteria, and study assessments.Patients with first-line HR+/HER2- MBC who are candidate for mono-chemotherapy will be eligible to receive either P plus ET per label or mono-chemotherapy per investigator´s choice with or without maintenance ET (1:1 randomization). Primary objective is to compare the time-to-treatment failure (TTF) for patients randomized to receive the mono-chemotherapy treatment strategy versus those randomized to receive P and ET. TTF is defined as time from randomization to discontinuation of treatment due to disease progression, treatment toxicity, patient's preference, or death. Main secondary objectives are progression free survival, overall survival at 36 months, amongst other time to event endpoints as well as toxicity and compliance. All patients receive a specific mobile device (PADMA-Phone) and a validated wearable device (ActiWatch) in order to collect data regarding sleep and activity levels, patient well-being and health care utilization (number and duration of phone calls, and patient visits to investigator site) for assessment of daily monitoring treatment impact (DMTI).

Results:

Overall, 360 patients will be accrued to show an improved TTF for P in combination with ET compared to mono-chemotherapy of investigator´s choice with or without maintenance ET. Recruitment will start in QIII/2017 and is planned for approximately 18 months in 100 sites in Germany, Spain, Poland, Italy, France, UK and Canada.

Conclusions:

The aim of PADMA is to demonstrate that an endocrine-based strategy consisting of ET plus P is superior to a chemotherapy-based strategy as first-line therapy in women with HR+/HER2- MBC in a real world setting. Assessment of patient-reported outcome, health care utilization, and sleep and activity levels will deliver important information on the differences between endocrine-based and chemotherapy-based treatment.

Citation Format: Loibl S, Barinoff J, Seiler S, Decker T, Denkert C, Hardy-Bessard A-C, Senkus-Konefka E, Cognetti F, Palmieri C, Gelmon K, Luebbe K, Furlanetto J, Mueller V, Mundhenke C, Schmidt M, von Minckwitz G, Uhlig M, Burchardi N, Thill M. A randomized, open-label, multi-center phase IV study evaluating palbociclib plus endocrine treatment versus a chemotherapy-based treatment strategy in patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer in a real world setting (PADMA) [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 OT3-05-04.

Abstract P5-20-09: Pharmacokinetic results of a subcutaneous injection of trastuzumab into the thigh versus into the abdominal wall in patients with HER2-positive primary breast cancer (BC) treated within the neo-/adjuvant GAIN-2 study

Background

A new subcutaneous (s.c.) formulation of trastuzumab became available in 2013 based on equivalent efficacy, pharmacokinetic (PK) profile and safety with the standard intravenous (i.v.) administration, where the s.c. trastuzumab was administered only into the thigh. As an s.c. injection into the abdominal wall (abdw) might be more convenient for patients (pts) and health care professionals, the PK profile of s.c. trastuzumab injected into the thigh vs the abdw in pts with HER2+ early BC needs to be evaluated.

Methods

GAIN-2 study compared two intense dose-dense (idd) anthracycline/taxane containing regimens. After completion of the anthracycline and i.v. trastuzumab given concurrently with taxanes, HER2+ BC pts were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to continue adjuvant s.c. trastuzumab 600mg fixed dose injected every 3 weeks either into the thigh or the abdw. Randomization was stratified according to CT arm [(iddEnPC) vs tailored dd CT (dtEC-dtD)] and age (≤50 vs &gt;50). Pts in the EnPC arm received 14 and in the dtEC-dtD arm 15 cycles of s.c. trastuzumab.

For the PK profile of s.c. trastuzumab serum samples collected before cycle 7, on days 2, 4, 8, 15 and 21 of cycle 7 are evaluated. With a total sample size of 30 (15 per group), the simulated 90% two-sided CI for the area under the plasma concentration (AUC0-last) will be (0.79-1.27) and for the peak drug concentration (Cmax) will be (0.77-1.30). Allowing for a dropout rate of 15%, 18 pts per group will be included in the PK analysis.

The primary objective was to assess the PK profile of s.c. trastuzumab injected into the thigh vs the abdw. The secondary objectives included safety and tolerability.

Results

The per-protocol (pp) set consists of 30 pts (17 in the thigh group and 13 in the abdw group). Baseline characteristics were well balanced between the groups. The log-transformed Geometric Least Square Means (GLSM) for Cmax were 11.77 and 11.52 in the thigh and the abdw group, respectively. The geo-mean ratio (on the original scale) for Cmax was 1.29 (90% CI 1.05-1.58). The log-transformed GLSM for AUC0-last were 14.54 and 14.28 in the thigh and the abdw group, respectively. The geo-mean ratio for AUC0-last was 1.29 (90% CI 1.02-1.63).

Overall 29 pts (96.7%) reported any grade and 5 pts (16.7%) high grade adverse events (AEs). The incidence of any grade AEs was similar between the two groups. The most common AEs were anemia (70.6% for the thigh vs 61.5% for the abdw group, p=0.705), leukopenia (80.0% for both groups, p=1.000) and fatigue (47.1% for the thigh vs 76.9% for the abdw group, p=0.141). 6 serious AEs were reported (2 in the thigh vs 4 in the abdw group). The final PK results of s.c. trastuzumab will be presented at the meeting.

Conclusions

Bioavailability of s.c. trastuzumab as reflected by peak and total exposure measured in cycle 7 was approx. 30% higher if administered into the thigh than into the abdw in pts with HER2+ primary BC treated after dose-dense CT plus i.v. trastuzumab. However, no increased toxicity was observed. Study limitations were that no cross-over design was used and number of pts satisfying criteria for pp-set were different in the arms.

Citation Format: Möbus V, Mahlberg R, Janni W, Tomé O, Marmé F, Forstbauer H, Reimer T, von der Assen A, Reinisch M, Lorenz R, Schmatloch S, Schmidt M, Sinn B, Klutinus N, Stickeler E, Untch M, Seiler S, Burchardi N, von Minckwitz G, Loibl S. Pharmacokinetic results of a subcutaneous injection of trastuzumab into the thigh versus into the abdominal wall in patients with HER2-positive primary breast cancer (BC) treated within the neo-/adjuvant GAIN-2 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 P5-20-09.

Advances in in Vitro and in Vivo Models for Studying the Staphylococcal Factors Involved in Implant Infections

Implant infections due to staphylococci are one of the greatest threats facing patients receiving implant devices. For many years researchers have sought to understand the mechanisms involved in the adherence of the bacterium to the implanted device and the formation of the unique structure, the biofilm, which protects the indwelling bacteria from the host defence and renders them resistant to antibiotic treatment. A major goal has been to develop in vitro and in vivo models that adequately reflect the real-life situation. From the simple microtiter plate assay and scanning electron microscopy, tools for studying adherence and biofilm formation have since evolved to include specialised equipment for studying adherence, flow cell systems, real-time analysis of biofilm formation using reporter gene assays both in vitro and in vivo, and a wide variety of animal models. In this article, we discuss advances in the last few years in selected in vitro and in vivo models as well as future developments in the study of adherence and biofilm formation by the staphylococci.

A randomized, open-label, multicentre, phase IV study evaluating palbociclib plus endocrine treatment versus a chemotherapy based treatment strategy in patients with hormone receptor positive/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer in a real world setting

TPS1115

Background: Although endocrine based therapy is recommended as first-line treatment in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in patients with an HER2-/HR+ tumour up to 50% of the patients receive chemotherapy. Palbociclib (P) a CDK4/6 inhibitor improves PFS by 42% in endocrine sensitive and resistant HER2-/HR+ MBC when added to an endocrine therapy (ET). Patients included in clinical trials are often criticised not to be representative for real world breast cancer patients. Methods: Patients with first-line HER2-/HR+ MBC who are candidate for mono-chemotherapy will be eligible to be randomised 1:1 to receive either P plus ET per label or mono-chemotherapy per investigator´s choice with or without maintenance ET. In both study arms, treatment will be given until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, withdrawal of consent of the patient or change of initial treatment plan (either planned six chemotherapy cycles followed by maintenance ET or chemotherapy until disease progression). Primary objective is to compare the time-to-treatment failure (TTF), defined as time from randomization to discontinuation of treatment for any reason, including disease progression, treatment toxicity and death. Secondary objectives are progression free survival, overall survival at 36 months, amongst other time to event endpoints; investigator assessed overall clinical response; toxicity and compliance; patient well-being and health care utilization by daily monitoring treatment impact. Aim: 360 patients will be accrued to show an improved TTF for P in combination with ET. Recruitment will start in QII/2017 and is planned for approximately 18 months in 100 sites in Germany, Spain, Poland, Italy, France, UK and Canada. Conclusions: The aim of the trial is to demonstrate that an endocrine based strategy consisting of ET plus P is superior to a chemotherapy based strategy as first-line therapy in women with HER2-/HR+ breast cancer in a real world setting.

Impact in delay of start of chemotherapy and surgery on pCR and survival in breast cancer: A pooled analysis of individual patient data from six prospectively randomized neoadjuvant trials

571

Background: Time interval from diagnostic biopsy to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) start (TBC) and from last chemotherapy application to surgery (TCS) are influenced by many factors. It is unclear whether a delay of systemic therapy or surgery impacts patients (pts) outcome. Methods: 9127 pts with early BC from 6 German neoadjuvant trials receiving an anthracycline-taxane based NACT were included. pCR (ypT0/is ypN0), disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared according to TBC and TCS length (cut-off of ≤4 vs >4weeks (w)), overall and in subgroups (BC subtypes [luminal, HER2+, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)] and pCR [yes vs no] for survival endpoints) adjusted by study. Results: Data on TBC were available for 8072 pts, on TCS for 6420, on follow-up (FU) for 7889. Median age was 49 yrs, 25.6% had cT3-4, 48.6% N+, 44.1% G3, 46.0% luminal, 26.4% TNBC, 27.6% HER2+ tumors. Median (m) FU-time was 65 months [0-201]. mTBC was 23 days [0-228] (67.5% ≤4w vs 32.5% >4w), mTCS was 28d [0-204] (53.7% ≤4w vs 46.3% >4w), with inter-study variability for mTBC ranging from 14 to 32d and for mTCS ranging from 24 to 29d from the oldest to the most recently conducted study. TBC did not influence the pCR rate, neither in all patients nor in subgroups. At multivariable logistic regression analysis TBC length did not independently predict pCR. TBC did not influence DFS or OS, neither in all patients nor in subgroups. TCS<4w was associated with a trend towards a better DFS in all patients (HR=1.11 95%CI (0.99-1.24), p=0.08) and in pts not achieving pCR (HR=1.12, 95%CI (0.99-1.26), p=0.08). No difference was observed within BC subtypes. OS was not impacted by TCS length. At multivariable Cox regression analysis TBC or TCS≤4 vs >4w did not independently influence DFS or OS. Conclusions: A delay in starting NACT does not impact the pCR rate, DFS or OS and results are independent of the subgroup. However, early surgery after NACT in pts without pCR seems to influence outcome. Our analysis is explorative, but indicates for the first time, that time interval of starting NACT and undergoing surgery might be uncritical. Further research is ongoing.

Lower Magnetization Transfer Ratio in the Forceps Minor Is Associated with Poorer Gait Velocity in Older Adults

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Gait disturbances in the elderly are disabling and a major public health issue but are poorly understood. In this multimodal MR imaging study, we used 2 voxel-based analysis methods to assess the voxelwise relationship of magnetization transfer ratio and white matter hyperintensity location with gait velocity in older adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We assessed 230 community-dwelling participants of the Austrian Stroke Prevention Family Study. Every participant underwent 3T MR imaging, including magnetization transfer imaging. Voxel-based magnetization transfer ratio-symptom mapping correlated the white matter magnetization transfer ratio of each voxel with gait velocity. To assess a possible relationship between white matter hyperintensity location and gait velocity, we applied voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping.

RESULTS

We found a significant association between the magnetization transfer ratio within the forceps minor and gait velocity (β = 0.134; 95% CI, 0.011-0.258; P = .033), independent of demographics, general physical performance, vascular risk factors, and brain volume. White matter hyperintensities did not significantly change this association.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides new evidence for the importance of magnetization transfer ratio changes in gait disturbances at an older age, particularly in the forceps minor. The histopathologic basis of these findings is yet to be determined.

Using static and dynamic canonical correlation coefficients as quantitative EEG markers for Alzheimer's disease severity

We analyzed the relation between Alzheimer's disease (AD) severity as measured by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores and quantitative electroencephalographic (qEEG) markers that were derived from canonical correlation analysis. This allowed an investigation of EEG synchrony between groups of EEG channels. In this study, we applied the data from 79 participants in the multi-centric cohort study PRODEM-Austria with probable AD. Following a homogeneous protocol, the EEG was recorded both in resting state and during a cognitive task. A quadratic regression model was used to describe the relation between MMSE and the qEEG synchrony markers. This relation was most significant in the δ and θ frequency bands in resting state, and between left-hemispheric central, temporal and parietal channel groups during the cognitive task. Here, the MMSE explained up to 40% of the qEEG marker's variation. QEEG markers showed an ambiguous trend, i.e. an increase of EEG synchrony in the initial stage of AD (MMSE>20) and a decrease in later stages. This effect could be caused by compensatory brain mechanisms. We conclude that the proposed qEEG markers are closely related to AD severity. Despite the ambiguous trend and the resulting diagnostic ambiguity, the qEEG markers could provide aid in the diagnostics of early-stage AD.