ORCID Profile
0000-0002-7207-9286
Current Organisation
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Does something not look right? The information on this page has been harvested from data sources that may not be up to date. We continue to work with information providers to improve coverage and quality. To report an issue, use the Feedback Form.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2012
Abstract: High levels of distress and need for self-care information by patients commencing chemotherapy suggest that current prechemotherapy education is suboptimal. We conducted a randomised, controlled trial of a prechemotherapy education intervention (ChemoEd) to assess impact on patient distress, treatment-related concerns, and the prevalence and severity of and bother caused by six chemotherapy side-effects. One hundred and ninety-two breast, gastrointestinal, and haematologic cancer patients were recruited before the trial closing prematurely (original target 352). ChemoEd patients received a DVD, question-prompt list, self-care information, an education consultation≥24 h before first treatment (intervention 1), telephone follow-up 48 h after first treatment (intervention 2), and a face-to-face review immediately before second treatment (intervention 3). Patient outcomes were measured at baseline (T1: pre-education) and immediately preceding treatment cycles 1 (T2) and 3 (T3). ChemoEd did not significantly reduce patient distress. However, a significant decrease in sensory sychological (P=0.027) and procedural (P=0.03) concerns, as well as prevalence and severity of and bother due to vomiting (all P=0.001), were observed at T3. In addition, subgroup analysis of patients with elevated distress at T1 indicated a significant decrease (P=0.035) at T2 but not at T3 (P=0.055) in ChemoEd patients. ChemoEd holds promise to improve patient treatment-related concerns and some physical sychological outcomes however, further research is required on more erse patient populations to ensure generalisability.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 07-10-2021
Abstract: Sleep problems are common during chemotherapy for breast cancer (BC). We evaluated whether combined brief cognitive behavioral and bright light therapy (CBT-I + Light) is superior to treatment as usual with relaxation audio (TAU+) for insomnia symptoms and sleep efficiency (primary outcomes). We randomized women receiving intravenous chemotherapy, stratified by tumor stage and insomnia severity index, to 6-week CBT-I + Light or TAU+. CBT-I + Light included 1 in-person session, 1 telephone call, 7 emails, and 20 min bright light (BL) each morning. TAU+ comprised usual treatment and two emails with relaxation audio tracks. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed at baseline, midpoint (week 3), post (week 6), and 3-month follow-up. Women (N = 101) were randomly assigned to CBT-I + Light or TAU+. The CBT-I + Light group showed significantly greater improvement in insomnia symptoms than the TAU+ group (−5.06 vs −1.93, p = .009 between-group effect size [ES] = .69). At 3-month follow-up, both groups were lower than baseline but did not differ from each other (between-group ES = .18, p = .56). CBT-I + Light had higher patient-reported sleep efficiency than TAU+ immediately after the start of intervention (p = .05) and significantly greater improvement in fatigue (between-group ES = .59, p = .013) and daytime sleep-related impairment (between-group ES = .61, p = .009) than the TAU+ group. CBT-I + Light had a clinically significant impact on insomnia and fatigue with moderate ESs. Results support offering cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia and BL therapy during chemotherapy for BC to help manage sleep and fatigue. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (anzctr.org.au/). Registration number: ACTRN12618001255279.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2014
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 27-10-2018
DOI: 10.1093/JNCI/DJY185
Abstract: Premature menopause is a serious long-term side effect of chemotherapy. We evaluated long-term pregnancy and disease-related outcomes for patients in S0230/POEMS, a study in premenopausal women with stage I–IIIA estrogen receptor–negative, progesterone receptor–negative breast cancer to be treated with cyclophosphamide-containing chemotherapy. Women were randomly assigned to standard chemotherapy with or without goserelin, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, and were stratified by age and chemotherapy regimen. All statistical tests were two-sided. Of 257 patients, 218 were eligible and evaluable (105 in the chemotherapy + goserelin arm and 113 in the chemotherapy arm). More patients in the chemotherapy + goserelin arm reported at least one pregnancy vs the chemotherapy arm (5-year cumulative incidence = 23.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 15.3% to 31.9% and 12.2%, 95% CI = 6.8% to 19.2%, respectively odds ratio = 2.34 95% CI = 1.07 to 5.11 P = .03). Randomization to goserelin + chemotherapy was associated with a nonstatistically significant improvement in disease-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.55 95% CI = 0.27 to 1.10 P = .09) and overall survival (HR = 0.45 95% CI = 0.19 to 1.04 P = .06). In this long-term analysis of POEMS/S0230, we found continued evidence that patients randomly assigned to receive goserelin + chemotherapy were not only more likely to avoid premature menopause, but were also more likely to become pregnant without adverse effect on disease-related outcomes.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-04-2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-04-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-01-2019
Publisher: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Date: 10-04-2019
DOI: 10.1200/JCO.18.02433
Publisher: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Date: 12-2016
Publisher: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Date: 09-2020
DOI: 10.1200/JCO.19.01771
Abstract: Lipophilic drugs, such as taxanes, have a high affinity for adipose tissue and a resulting higher volume of distribution. Here, we reanalyzed clinical trial data to investigate whether the efficacy of docetaxel-based chemotherapy differs from non-docetaxel–based chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer according to their baseline body mass index (BMI). We retrospectively analyzed data from all of the patients in the adjuvant BIG 2-98 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00174655 N = 2,887) comparing non-docetaxel– to docetaxel-containing chemotherapy. BMI (kg/m 2 ) was categorized as follows: 18.5 to 25, lean 25 to 30, overweight and ≥ 30, obese. Disease-free survival (DFS) was the primary endpoint, and overall survival (OS) was the secondary endpoint. A second-order interaction was assessed among treatment, BMI, and estrogen receptor (ER) status. There was no difference in DFS or OS according to BMI in the non-docetaxel group, while reduced DFS and OS were observed with increasing BMI category in the docetaxel group. Adjusted hazard ratios for DFS and OS were, respectively, 1.12 (95% CI, 0.98 to 1.50 P = .21) and 1.27 (95% CI, 1.01 to 1.60 P = .04) for overweight versus lean groups and were 1.32 (95% CI, 1.08 to 1.62 P = .007) and 1.63 (95% CI, 1.27 to 2.09 P .001), respectively, for obese versus lean groups. Similar results were obtained when considering ER-negative and ER-positive tumors separately and when considering only patients who received a relative dose intensity ≥ 85% for docetaxel. A joint modifying role of BMI and ER status on treatment effect was evident for DFS (adjusted P = .06) and OS (adjusted P = .04). This retrospective analysis of a large adjuvant trial highlights a differential response to docetaxel according to BMI, which calls for a body composition–based re-evaluation of the risk-benefit ratio of the use of taxanes in breast cancer. These results now must be confirmed in additional series.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2002
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.BONE.2017.06.024
Abstract: In premenopausal women with early estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer, combined ovarian suppression and aromatase inhibition reduce estradiol production precipitously. The resulting unbalanced and rapid bone remodelling replaces older bone with less bone that is less fully mineralized. We hypothesized that these changes result in severe microstructural deterioration and reduced matrix mineralization density. Images of the distal radius and distal tibia were acquired using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography in a cross-sectional study of 27 premenopausal women, mean age 43.3years (range 30.4 to 53.7) with early breast cancer made estradiol deficient for 17months (range 6-120) using ovarian suppression and aromatase inhibition, 42 healthy age-matched premenopausal and 35 postmenopausal controls, mean age 62.6years (range 60.2 to 65.5). Cortical and trabecular microstructure were quantified using Strax software. Compared with premenopausal controls, the women with breast cancer had 0.75 SD (95% CI 0.21 to 1.29) lower distal radial trabecular bone volume due to 1.29 SD (0.71 to 1.87) fewer trabeculae. Cortical porosity was 1.25 SD (0.59 to 1.91) higher but cortical thickness was not reduced. Compared with postmenopausal controls 20years older, cases had comparable or lower trabecular bone volume and comparable cortical porosity and thickness. Matrix mineral density was 1.56 SD (0.90 to 2.22) lower than in premenopausal controls and 2.17 SD (1.50 to 2.84) lower than in postmenopausal controls. Results at the tibia were similar. The severe cortical porosity and trabecular deterioration associated with estradiol depletion and the longevity of premenopausal women with early breast cancer treated with endocrine therapy provide a compelling rationale to investigate the efficacy of antiresorptive therapy initiated at the time of breast cancer treatment.
Publisher: American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
Date: 04-04-2023
DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.C.6549547
Abstract: Abstract There is limited knowledge on the benefit of the α-subunit–specific PI3K inhibitor alpelisib in later lines of therapy for advanced estrogen receptor–positive (ER sup + /sup ) HER2 sup − /sup and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We conducted a phase II multicohort study of alpelisib monotherapy in patients with advanced PI3K pathway mutant ER sup + /sup HER2 sup − /sup and TNBC. In the intention-to-treat ER sup + /sup cohort, the overall response rate was 30% and the clinical benefit rate was 36%. A decline in PI3K pathway mutant circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) levels from baseline to week 8 while on therapy was significantly associated with a partial response, clinical benefit, and improved progression-free-survival [HR 0.24 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.083–0.67, i P /i = 0.0065]. Detection of i ESR1 /i mutations at baseline in plasma was also associated with clinical benefit and improved progression-free survival (HR 0.22 95% CI, 0.078–0.60, i P /i = 0.003). Significance: Alpelisib monotherapy displayed efficacy in heavily pretreated ER sup + /sup breast cancer with i PIK3CA /i mutations. i PIK3CA /i mutation dynamics in plasma during treatment and i ESR1 /i mutations detected in plasma at baseline were candidate biomarkers predictive of benefit from alpelisib, highlighting the utility of ctDNA assays in this setting. i a href="ancerdiscovery/article/doi/10.1158/2159-8290.CD-12-9-ITI" target="_blank" This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 2007 /a /i /
Publisher: American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
Date: 04-04-2023
DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.22541074
Abstract: Supplementary Data from Alpelisib Monotherapy for PI3K-Altered, Pretreated Advanced Breast Cancer: A Phase II Study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2007
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 12-1993
Abstract: All-trans-retinoic acid (all-trans RA) induces complete remission in most patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). However, continuous oral dosing results in progressive decline in plasma drug concentrations, which is associated with relapse and resistance to this retinoid. We speculated that the decline in drug levels, indicating acquired resistance, resulted partly from inducible cytochrome-P450 oxidative enzymes, which can catabolize all-trans RA. We studied the clinical pharmacology of all-trans RA in cancer patients to determine possible mechanisms of acquired resistance and evaluated the potential for reversal by ketoconazole, an inhibitor of cytochrome-P450 oxidative enzymes. Serial plasma s les were obtained from 54 patients with APL or advanced lung cancer after a single oral dose of all-trans RA (45 mg/m2). In the 34 patients with advanced lung cancer, all-trans RA (45 mg/m2) was administered twice daily for 4 weeks, and, on days 2, 28, and 29, serial plasma s les were again obtained after a single 45-mg/m2 dose. One hour prior to drug administration on days 2 and 29, a single oral dose (200-1200 mg) of ketoconazole was administered. Endogenous plasma concentrations of all-trans RA and 13-cis-retinoic acid were measured in a subset of these patients and in 11 with early-stage lung cancer. The mean area under the curve for plasma drug concentration times time (AUC) for all-trans RA on day 1 varied substantially among patients. Compared with patients with APL, the 28 patients with advanced lung cancer who completed therapy demonstrated significantly lower AUC levels on day 1 (P = .06) a subgroup with levels less than 300 ng/mL per hour on day 1 had lower endogenous plasma all-trans RA concentrations than patients with APL or early-stage lung cancer or 14 normal subjects. Following continuous oral treatment, the mean day 28 AUC for all-trans RA was significantly lower than that on day 1 (213 ng/mL per hour versus 467 ng/mL per hour P < .01), a decline significantly attenuated by ketoconazole, which increased the mean plasma all-trans RA AUC on day 29 to 375 ng/mL per hour (P < .01). Reported variability for the pharmacokinetics of all-trans RA may result from disease-related or population-based differences in basal catabolic rates influenced by genetic or environmental factors. However, the pattern of inducible catabolism of all-trans RA is not disease specific. Ketoconazole attenuates this accelerated catabolism, suggesting that oxidation by cytochrome-P450 enzymes is an important pathway for both constitutive and induced pathways of all-trans RA metabolism.
Publisher: American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
Date: 04-04-2023
DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.22541071
Abstract: Supplementary Figure from Alpelisib Monotherapy for PI3K-Altered, Pretreated Advanced Breast Cancer: A Phase II Study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-05-2020
DOI: 10.1038/S41523-020-0154-2
Abstract: Assessment of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is increasingly recognized as an integral part of the prognostic workflow in triple-negative (TNBC) and HER2-positive breast cancer, as well as many other solid tumors. This recognition has come about thanks to standardized visual reporting guidelines, which helped to reduce inter-reader variability. Now, there are ripe opportunities to employ computational methods that extract spatio-morphologic predictive features, enabling computer-aided diagnostics. We detail the benefits of computational TILs assessment, the readiness of TILs scoring for computational assessment, and outline considerations for overcoming key barriers to clinical translation in this arena. Specifically, we discuss: 1. ensuring computational workflows closely capture visual guidelines and standards 2. challenges and thoughts standards for assessment of algorithms including training, preanalytical, analytical, and clinical validation 3. perspectives on how to realize the potential of machine learning models and to overcome the perceptual and practical limits of visual scoring.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-10-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2021
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 31-07-2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.BREAST.2013.12.001
Abstract: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has a sound rationale for use in women with large operable breast cancer, and achievement of pathological complete response (pCR) is prognostic. Epirubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by docetaxel is a standard chemotherapy regimen for early breast cancer. In metastatic breast cancer the combination of gemcitabine and a taxane has shown promising results. This phase II study investigated the efficacy and safety of incorporating gemcitabine into neoadjuvant therapy. Female patients with operable breast cancer that was clinically T2 (≥3 cm) or T3-4, N0-1, M0 were enrolled to receive 24 weeks of neoadjuvant chemotherapy using epirubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by docetaxel and gemcitabine, plus trastuzumab if HER2-positive. The primary endpoint was the pathological complete response (pCR) rate in the breast in separate HER2-negative and HER2-positive cohorts. Secondary endpoints included pCR in both the breast and axillary lymph nodes, clinical and radiological response rates, disease free survival and safety. 81 patients were enrolled: 63 HER2-negative and 18 HER2-positive. 67 (84%) completed all cycles of chemotherapy, and 78 (96%) proceeded to surgery. pCR was achieved by 12 (20%) patients with HER2-negative, and 9 (53%) with HER2-positive disease. At the first interim analysis, addition of prophylactic G-CSF was recommended due to excess neutropenia. The HER2-negative cohort was closed to accrual because it did not meet the pre-specified target for pCR, and the HER2-positive cohort was closed due to slow accrual. At a median follow-up of 24 months, 12 of 81 (15%) patients had experienced a relapse of their breast cancer. Neoadjuvant gemcitabine, when added to docetaxel, after epirubicin and cyclophosphamide, did not reach the pre-specified expectations for pCR rate in HER2-negative tumours. Excess neutropenia was observed, requiring growth factor support. Addition of gemcitabine to docetaxel in this schedule cannot be recommended. Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (www.anzctr.org.au) registration number ACTRN12606000191594.
Publisher: Spandidos Publications
Date: 27-11-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-05-2014
DOI: 10.1111/AJCO.12206
Abstract: We aimed to systematically review and summarize data from the available clinical trials that examined the treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. We reviewed phase 2 and 3 studies in which an anti-HER2 agent was used in one or both arms of the study. While formal meta-analysis was not possible for such a heterogeneous group of trials, resulting forest plots outline some generalizable findings. There is strong evidence that the addition of an anti-HER2 agent to standard chemo- or endocrine therapy improves clinically relevant measurable outcomes. There is also consistent evidence that initial treatment with trastuzumab alone (and subsequent use of a cytotoxic) is inferior to the initial combination of trastuzumab plus chemotherapy, and that either T-DM1 or dual anti-HER2 agents are superior to single anti-HER2 agent regimens. There is no strong evidence that the use of more than one cytotoxic agent together with an anti-HER2 agent confers any benefit over a single cytotoxic, anti-HER2 combination. This review provides a strong evidence base for current clinical practice with a discussion of treatment in the Australian setting.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-05-2014
DOI: 10.1111/AJCO.12207
Abstract: Improvements in the treatment of metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer constitute one of the great advances in breast cancer medicine of the last generation. From being a highly aggressive fatal condition, the use of anti-HER2-targeted therapies, in particular trastuzumab, has led to significant improvements in disease outcomes. There are reports of increasing numbers of patients alive and well more than 5 years from diagnosis of metastatic disease. Nevertheless, there remain many complex and clinically difficult scenarios where there is little in the way of randomized evidence or published guidelines to guide decision making. As a companion piece to our review of HER2-targeted therapies in the metastatic setting, we decided to focus on a series of clinical scenarios that fell outside of the standard trial-based settings and where opinions and guidance from experienced clinicians and experts in the field would be considered useful to help develop safe and effective treatment strategies. The following eight cases were put forward by our panel of experts, voted on by their peers to select the most relevant and interesting cases, and the discussions worked on by teams of two followed by review and commentary by another team of two.
Publisher: AMPCo
Date: 11-2016
DOI: 10.5694/MJA16.00947
Abstract: Patients diagnosed with breast cancer may have supportive care needs for many years after diagnosis. High quality multidisciplinary care can help address these needs and reduce the physical and psychological effects of breast cancer and its treatment. Ovarian suppression and extended endocrine therapy benefits are associated with vasomotor, musculoskeletal, sexual and bone density-related side effects. Aromatase inhibitor musculoskeletal syndrome is a common reason for treatment discontinuation. Treatment strategies include education, exercise, simple analgesia and a change to tamoxifen or another aromatase inhibitor. Chemotherapy-induced alopecia may be a constant reminder of breast cancer to the patient, family, friends, acquaintances and even strangers. Alopecia can be prevented in some patients using scalp-cooling technology applied at the time of chemotherapy infusion. The adverse impact of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment on sexual wellbeing is under-reported. Identification of physical and psychological impacts is needed for implementation of treatment strategies. Fear of cancer recurrence reduces quality of life and increases distress, with subsequent impact on role functioning. Identification and multidisciplinary management are key, with referral to psychosocial services recommended where indicated. The benefits of exercise include reduced fatigue, better mental health and reduced musculoskeletal symptoms, and may also include reduced incidence of breast cancer recurrence. Identification and management of unmet supportive care needs are key aspects of breast cancer care, to maximise quality of life and minimise breast cancer recurrence.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.BREAST.2013.03.006
Abstract: In clinical practice, the surveillance and follow-up of patients with breast cancer (BC) is quite variable. At the 7th European Breast Cancer Conference, the ESO-MBC Task Force convened a series of lectures, followed by open debate, on the use of physical examination, imaging, and laboratory tests in patients with early-stage BC, and for restaging evaluations and follow-up among patients with MBC. Based on the available data, the Task Force recommends against intensive, routine radiologic or blood-based surveillance (with the exception of mammography) in patients with early-stage BC. As systemic therapies for MBC continue to improve, this question might be re-visited in the context of a carefully controlled clinical trial in specific BC subtypes. For patients with MBC, response to therapy should generally be assessed 2-3 months after initiation of treatment, and thereafter every 2-4 months for endocrine therapy or every 2-4 cycles for chemotherapy, depending on the dynamics of the disease, the location and extent of metastatic involvement, and type of treatment. Additional testing should be performed irrespective of the planned intervals if progression of disease is suspected (e.g. in the case of specific symptoms). Use of tumor markers is not recommended for surveillance of early-stage patients, but may be helpful in monitoring response to therapy in patients with metastatic disease. However, change in tumor markers alone should not be used for decision-making. Moving forward, enhanced efforts to document quality of life over time should be made in order to more fully evaluate the risk/benefit ratio of available options.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-1996
Abstract: Thirty-eight women with epithelial ovarian cancer were treated with gemcitabine, a new antimetabolite. All had previously received platinum, and 27 had also received paclitaxel. Four patients had a partial response giving a response rate of 13% in assessable patients (n = 31) and 11% for all patients entered. Additionally, 6 patients had stable disease with >50% reduction in CA-125 for at least 3 months. Activity was seen in patients resistant to both platinum and paclitaxel. Gemcitabine was well tolerated, with uncomplicated neutropenia the main hematological toxicity. Nonhematological toxicities were generally mild and included fatigue, myalgias, and skin rash. Gemcitabine has some activity in heavily pretreated ovarian cancer patients and deserves further investigation in this malignancy.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.CCT.2022.106877
Abstract: Insomnia and fatigue symptoms are common in breast cancer. Active cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, appears to be particularly disruptive to sleep. Yet, sleep complaints often go unrecognised and under treated within routine cancer care. The abbreviated delivery of cognitive behavioral therapy for Insomnia (CBTI) and bright light therapy (BLT) may offer accessible and cost-effective sleep treatments in women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer. The Sleep, Cancer and Rest (SleepCaRe) Trial is a 6-month multicentre, randomized, controlled, 2 × 2 factorial, superiority, parallel group trial. Women receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy for breast cancer at tertiary Australian hospitals will be randomly assigned 1:1:1:1 to one of four, non-pharmacological sleep interventions: (a) Sleep Hygiene and Education (SHE) (b) CBTI (c) BLT (d) CBT-I + BLT combined and simultaneously delivered. Each sleep intervention is delivered over 6 weeks, and will comprise an introductory session, a mid-point phone call, and regular emails. The primary (insomnia, fatigue) and secondary (health-related quality of life, rest activity rhythms, sleep-related impairment) outcomes will be assessed via online questionnaires at five time-points: baseline (t0, prior to intervention), mid-point intervention (t2, Week 4), post-intervention (t3, Week 7), 3-months (t4, Week 18), and 6-months follow-up (t5, Week 30). This study will report novel data concerning the comparative and combined efficacy of CBT-I and BLT during chemotherapy. Findings will contribute to the development of evidence-based early sleep and fatigue intervention during chemotherapy for breast cancer. Clinical trial information Registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (anzctr.org.au/), Registration Number: ACTRN12620001133921.
Publisher: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Date: 20-12-2008
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 31-03-2023
DOI: 10.1111/HIS.14906
Abstract: To catalogue and compare the pattern of metastatic disease in germline BRCA1/2 pathogenic mutation carriers and non‐carriers with breast, ovarian and prostate cancer from a rapid autopsy programme. The number of metastases in the major body systems and the proportion of participants with metastases were documented in 50 participants (19 germline mutation carriers). Analysis was conducted on the participants’ pattern of disease for the different cancers and mutation subgroups. The four commonly affected organ systems were the digestive (liver only) (82%), respiratory (76%), gastrointestinal (65%) and reticuloendothelial (42%). There were significant differences in the pattern of metastatic breast cancer in BRCA1/2 germline carriers compared with non‐carriers. Breast cancer carriers had significantly fewer organ systems involved (median n = 3, range = 1–3) compared with non‐carriers (median n = 9, range = 1–7) ( P = 0.03). BRCA1/2 carriers with ovarian carcinomas had significantly more organ systems with metastatic carcinoma (median n = 10, range = 3–8) than non‐carriers (median n = 5, range = 3–5) ( P 0.001). There were no significant differences in the number of involved systems in BRCA2 carriers compared with non‐carriers with prostate cancer ( P = 1.0). There was an absence of locoregional disease (6.5%) compared with distant disease (93.5%) among the three cancer subtypes ( P 0.001). The majority of metastatic deposits (97%) collected during the autopsy were identified by recent diagnostic imaging. Even though a major limitation of this study is that our numbers are small, especially in the breast cancer carrier group, the metastatic patterns of breast and ovarian cancers may be impacted by BRCA1/2 carrier status, suggesting that tumours derived from patients with these mutations use different mechanisms of dissemination. The findings may focus clinical diagnostic imaging for monitoring metastases where whole‐body imaging resources are scant.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.CLBC.2018.12.014
Abstract: The present study examined the feasibility and effects of integrating a multidisciplinary team (MDT) model of care for women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) into a large Australian cancer center. The challenges encountered and lessons learned are described. In the present prospective, longitudinal, mixed-methods implementation study, the MDT model included face-to-face consultations with a breast care nurse and social worker, followed by a MDT case discussion and face-to-face delivery of a personalized management plan. Data were collected to describe the cohort of women living with MBC who had attended a specialist breast cancer service and their supportive care needs. A total of 62 women with median age of 60 years (interquartile range [IQR], 37-82 years) participated. The median interval from the first breast cancer diagnosis was 5.7 years (IQR, 2.0-11.6 years), and the median interval from the diagnosis of MBC was 2.0 years (IQR, 0.9-3.6 years). The MDT care model required new resources and cross-sector participation. However, the participants indicated a preference for personalized needs assessment and care planning at the diagnosis of MBC. The results highlight the challenges of implementing and evaluating an MDT care model for women with MBC. The model coordinated MDT collaboration to strengthen the delivery of complex care plans. Investment in cross-sector partnerships to optimize care coordination for women with MBC was needed.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-02-2006
Publisher: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Date: 06-2021
DOI: 10.1200/EDBK_320595
Abstract: More than 90% of women with newly diagnosed breast cancer present with stage I to III disease and, with optimal multidisciplinary therapy, are likely to survive their disease. Of these patients, 70% are hormone receptor–positive and candidates for adjuvant endocrine therapy. The adoption of cumulatively better adjuvant treatments contributed to improved outcomes in patients with hormone receptor–positive, early-stage breast cancer. Premenopausal women with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer often present with complex disease and have inferior survival outcomes compared with their postmenopausal counterparts. Risk stratification strategies, including classic clinicopathologic features and newer gene expression assays, can assist in treatment decisions, including adjuvant chemotherapy use and type or duration of endocrine therapy. Gene expression assays may help identify patients who can safely forgo chemotherapy, although to a lesser extent among premenopausal patients, in whom they may play a role only in node-negative disease. Patients at lower risk of recurrence can be adequately treated with tamoxifen alone, whereas higher-risk patients benefit from ovarian function suppression with tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor. The role of adding newer therapies such as CDK4/6 inhibitors to adjuvant endocrine therapy is not yet clear. Breast cancer treatments are associated with several side effects, with major impact on patients’ quality of life and treatment adherence, particularly in premenopausal women for whom these side effects may be more prominent as the result of the abrupt decrease in estrogen concentrations. Personalized management of treatment side effects, addressing patients' concerns, and health promotion should be an integral part of the care of premenopausal women diagnosed with luminal breast cancers.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.BREAST.2010.11.008
Abstract: The management of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, a disease renowned for its aggressive natural history, has been revolutionized by the introduction of trastuzumab. Indeed, outcomes for patients with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer are now equivalent to, if not better than, those of their HER2-negative counterparts. Since the pivotal registration trial, a wealth of new clinical data has emerged regarding the use of trastuzumab in a variety of clinical contexts - adding to the evidence but also highlighting areas of uncertainly and debate. These include the optimal partner chemotherapy(ies) to trastuzumab the effectiveness of combining trastuzumab with endocrine therapy the benefits of continuing trastuzumab after progression on a trastuzumab-containing regimen and the role of trastuzumab in locally advanced and inflammatory breast cancer. In this paper we review major clinical trials addressing these questions, clinical recommendations that can be made as a result, and the strength of evidence that supports them. Finally, we identify areas of ongoing uncertainty, and propose recommendations for future research in this field.
Publisher: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Date: 12-2011
Abstract: We compared oral capecitabine, administered intermittently or continuously, versus classical cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil (CMF) as first-line chemotherapy for women with advanced breast cancer unsuited to more intensive regimens. Three hundred twenty-three eligible women were randomly assigned to capecitabine administered intermittently (1,000 mg/m 2 twice daily for 14 of every 21 days n = 107) or continuously (650 mg/m 2 twice daily for 21 of every 21 days n = 107), or to classical CMF (oral cyclophosphamide 100 mg/m 2 days 1 to 14 with intravenous methotrexate 40 mg/m 2 and fluorouracil 600 mg/m 2 on days 1 and 8 every 28 days n = 109). The primary end point was quality-adjusted progression-free survival (PFS) secondary end points included PFS, overall survival (OS), objective tumor response, and adverse events. Intermittent and continuous capecitabine were to be compared first and, if similar (P .05), combined for definitive comparisons versus CMF. Quality-adjusted PFS (P = .2), objective tumor response rate (20% P = .8), and PFS (median, 6 months hazard ratio [HR], 0.86 95% CI, 0.67 to 1.10 P = .2) were similar in women assigned capecitabine versus CMF. OS was longer in women assigned capecitabine rather than CMF (median, 22 v 18 months HR, 0.72 95% CI, 0.55 to 0.94 P = .02). Febrile neutropenia, infection, stomatitis, and serious adverse events were more common with CMF hand-foot syndrome was more common with capecitabine. Capecitabine improved OS by being similarly active, less toxic, and more tolerable than CMF. Capecitabine is a good first-line chemotherapy option for women with advanced breast cancer who are unsuited to more intensive regimens.
Publisher: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Date: 10-05-2016
Abstract: To describe estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), and estrone sulfate (E1S) levels during the first year of monthly triptorelin plus exemestane or tamoxifen and to assess possible suboptimal suppression while receiving exemestane plus triptorelin. Premenopausal patients with early breast cancer on the Suppression of Ovarian Function Trial who selected triptorelin as the ovarian suppression method and were randomly assigned to exemestane plus triptorelin or tamoxifen plus triptorelin were enrolled until the target population of 120 patients was reached. Blood s ling time points were 0, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 months. Serum estrogens were measured with a highly sensitive and specific assay. This preplanned 12-month analysis evaluated E2, E1, E1S, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone levels in all patients and the proportion of patients with E2 levels greater than 2.72 pg/mL at any time point during treatment with exemestane plus triptorelin. One hundred sixteen patients (exemestane, n = 86 tamoxifen, n = 30 median age, 44 years median E2, 51 pg/mL 55% prior chemotherapy) started triptorelin and had one or more s les drawn. With exemestane plus triptorelin, median reductions from baseline E2, E1, and E1S levels were consistently ≥ 95%, resulting in significantly lower levels than with tamoxifen plus triptorelin at all time points. Among patients on exemestane plus triptorelin, 25%, 24%, and 17% had an E2 level greater than 2.72 pg/mL at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Baseline factors related to on-treatment E2 level greater than 2.72 pg/mL were no prior chemotherapy (P = .06), higher body mass index (P = .05), and lower follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone (each P .01). During the first year, most patients on exemestane plus triptorelin had E2 levels below the defined threshold of 2.72 pg/mL, consistent with levels reported in postmenopausal patients on aromatase inhibitors, but at each time point, at least 17% of patients had levels greater than the threshold.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 27-12-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2021
DOI: 10.1038/S41523-021-00346-1
Abstract: The advent of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in modern oncology has significantly improved survival in several cancer settings. A subgroup of women with breast cancer (BC) has immunogenic infiltration of lymphocytes with expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). These patients may potentially benefit from ICI targeting the programmed death 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 signaling axis. The use of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) as predictive and prognostic biomarkers has been under intense examination. Emerging data suggest that TILs are associated with response to both cytotoxic treatments and immunotherapy, particularly for patients with triple-negative BC. In this review from The International Immuno-Oncology Biomarker Working Group , we discuss (a) the biological understanding of TILs, (b) their analytical and clinical validity and efforts toward the clinical utility in BC, and (c) the current status of PD-L1 and TIL testing across different continents, including experiences from low-to-middle-income countries, incorporating also the view of a patient advocate. This information will help set the stage for future approaches to optimize the understanding and clinical utilization of TIL analysis in patients with BC.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.BREAST.2010.11.003
Abstract: Tamoxifen has a key role in the management of women with hormone receptor (HR) positive breast cancer. It is the endocrine treatment of choice in premenopausal women with HR positive breast cancer and is also clinically indicated in significant numbers of post-menopausal women who have relative contraindications to aromatase inhibitors. Tamoxifen is a pro-drug that is metabolised to its active metabolites by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes including CYP2D6, CYP3A, CYP2B6, and CYP2C19. The CYP genes are polymorphic resulting in variable enzyme activity. Retrospective clinical data suggests that specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CYP2D6 can lead to null or reduced enzyme activity resulting in worse outcomes for those in iduals when treated with tamoxifen for HR positive breast cancer. There is however a lack of robust prospective clinical data on this subject. Commercial tests are now available for the genotyping of CYP2D6 with the aim of in idualisation of tamoxifen therapy for patients with HR positive breast cancer. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant drugs such as paroxetine and fluoxetine have also been used to manage tamoxifen induced hot flushes. These drugs potently inhibit the metabolism of tamoxifen by CYP2D6 and thus potentially may lessen the efficacy of tamoxifen. The genetic variations in other enzymes involved in tamoxifen metabolism (CYP3A, CYP2B6, CYP2C19) do not appear to cause any meaningful difference in the efficacy of tamoxifen. This review article will summarize the available published breast cancer data on the interaction between the relevant SNPs for CYP2D6, CYP3A, CYP2B6, and CYP2C19 and the efficacy of tamoxifen, their role in in idualisation of hormonal therapy and the role of the commercially available genotyping kits.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2020
Publisher: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Date: 20-04-2020
DOI: 10.1200/JCO.18.01967
Abstract: The Tamoxifen and Exemestane Trial (TEXT)/Suppression of Ovarian Function Trial (SOFT) showed superior outcomes for premenopausal women with hormone receptor (HR)–positive breast cancer treated with adjuvant exemestane plus ovarian function suppression (OFS) or tamoxifen plus OFS versus tamoxifen alone. We previously reported the magnitude of absolute improvements in freedom from any recurrence across a continuous, composite measure of recurrence risk to tailor decision making. With longer follow-up, we now focus on distant recurrence. The TEXT/SOFT HR-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–negative analysis population included 4,891 women stratified by predetermined chemotherapy use. Kaplan-Meier estimates of 8-year freedom from distant recurrence were analyzed using subpopulation treatment effect pattern plot (STEPP) methodology across subpopulations defined by the continuous composite measure of recurrence risk. For each patient, the composite risk value was obtained from a Cox model that incorporated age nodal status tumor size grade and estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and Ki-67 labeling index expression levels. The overall rate of 8-year freedom from distant recurrence was 91.1% and ranged from approximately 100% to 63% across lowest to highest composite risks. TEXT patients who received chemotherapy had an average absolute improvement with exemestane plus OFS versus tamoxifen plus OFS of 5.1%, and STEPP analysis showed improvements from less than 1% to more than 15% from lowest to highest composite risks. SOFT patients who remained premenopausal after chemotherapy had an average 5.2% absolute improvement with exemestane plus OFS versus tamoxifen and reached 10% across composite risks for tamoxifen plus OFS versus tamoxifen, the maximum improvement was approximately 3.5%. Women who did not receive chemotherapy had a more than 97% rate of 8-year freedom from distant recurrence, and improvements with exemestane plus OFS ranged from 1% to 4%. Premenopausal women with HR-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer and high recurrence risk, as defined by clinicopathologic characteristics, may experience a 10% to 15% absolute improvement in 8-year freedom from distant recurrence with exemestane plus OFS versus tamoxifen plus OFS or tamoxifen alone. The potential benefit of escalating endocrine therapy versus tamoxifen alone is minimal for those at low recurrence risk.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJROBP.2018.01.105
Abstract: To analyze the impact of postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) for patients with T1-T2 tumors and 1 to 3 positive lymph nodes enrolled on the Breast International Group (BIG) 02-98 trial. The BIG 02-98 trial randomized patients to receive adjuvant anthracycline with or without taxane chemotherapy. Delivery of PMRT was nonrandomized and performed according to institutional preferences. The present analysis was performed on participants with T1-T2 breast cancer and 1 to 3 positive lymph nodes who had undergone mastectomy and axillary nodal dissection. The primary objective of the present study was to examine the effect of PMRT on risk of locoregional recurrence (LRR), breast cancer-specific survival, and overall survival. We identified 684 patients who met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis, of whom 337 (49%) had received PMRT. At 10 years, LRR risk was 2.5% in the PMRT group and 6.5% in the no-PMRT group (hazard ratio 0.29, 95% confidence interval 0.12-0.73 P = .005). Lower LRR after PMRT was noted for patients randomized to receive adjuvant chemotherapy with no taxane (10-year LRR: 3.4% vs 9.1% P = .02). No significant differences in breast cancer-specific survival (84.3% vs 83.9%) or overall survival (81.7% vs 78.3%) were observed according to receipt of PMRT. Our analysis of the BIG 02-98 trial shows excellent outcomes in women with T1-T2 tumors and 1 to 3 positive lymph nodes found in axillary dissection. Although PMRT improved LRR in this cohort, the number of events remained low at 10 years. In all groups, 10-year rates of LRR were relatively low compared with historical studies. As such, the use of PMRT in women with 1 to 3 positive nodes should be tailored to in idual patient risks.
Publisher: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Date: 03-2023
DOI: 10.1200/JCO.22.01064
Abstract: Clinical trials frequently include multiple end points that mature at different times. The initial report, typically based on the primary end point, may be published when key planned co-primary or secondary analyses are not yet available. Clinical Trial Updates provide an opportunity to disseminate additional results from studies, published in JCO or elsewhere, for which the primary end point has already been reported. The combined analysis of SOFT-TEXT compared outcomes in 4,690 premenopausal women with estrogen rogesterone receptor–positive (ER/PgR+) early breast cancer randomly assigned to 5 years of exemestane + ovarian function suppression (OFS) versus tamoxifen + OFS. After a median follow-up of 9 years, exemestane + OFS significantly improved disease-free survival (DFS) and distant recurrence-free interval (DRFI), but not overall survival, compared with tamoxifen + OFS. We now report DFS, DRFI, and overall survival after a median follow-up of 13 years. In the intention-to-treat (ITT) population, the 12-year DFS (4.6% absolute improvement, hazard ratio [HR], 0.79 95% CI, 0.70 to 0.90 P .001) and DRFI (1.8% absolute improvement, HR, 0.83 95% CI, 0.70 to 0.98 P = .03), but not overall survival (90.1% v 89.1%, HR, 0.93 95% CI, 0.78 to 1.11), continued to be significantly improved for patients assigned exemestane + OFS over tamoxifen + OFS. Among patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative tumors (86.0% of the ITT population), the absolute improvement in 12-year overall survival with exemestane + OFS was 2.0% (HR, 0.85 95% CI, 0.70 to 1.04) and 3.3% in those who received chemotherapy (45.9% of the ITT population). Overall survival benefit was clinically significant in high-risk patients, eg, women age 35 years (4.0%) and those with 2 cm (4.5%) or grade 3 tumors (5.5%). These sustained reductions of the risk of recurrence with adjuvant exemestane + OFS, compared with tamoxifen + OFS, provide guidance for selecting patients for whom exemestane should be preferred over tamoxifen in the setting of OFS. [Media: see text]
Publisher: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Date: 03-2023
DOI: 10.1200/JCO.22.01065
Abstract: Clinical trials frequently include multiple end points that mature at different times. The initial report, typically based on the primary end point, may be published when key planned co-primary or secondary analyses are not yet available. Clinical Trial Updates provide an opportunity to disseminate additional results from studies, published in JCO or elsewhere, for which the primary end point has already been reported. The Suppression of Ovarian Function Trial (SOFT ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00066690 ) randomly assigned premenopausal women with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer to 5 years of adjuvant tamoxifen, tamoxifen plus ovarian function suppression (OFS), or exemestane plus OFS. The primary analysis compared disease-free survival (DFS) between tamoxifen plus OFS versus tamoxifen alone exemestane plus OFS versus tamoxifen was a secondary objective. After 8 years, SOFT reported a significant reduction in recurrence and improved overall survival (OS) with adjuvant tamoxifen plus OFS versus tamoxifen alone. Here, we report outcomes after median follow-up of 12 years. DFS remained significantly improved with tamoxifen plus OFS versus tamoxifen (hazard ratio, 0.82 95% CI, 0.69 to 0.98) with a 12-year DFS of 71.9% with tamoxifen, 76.1% with tamoxifen plus OFS, and 79.0% with exemestane plus OFS. OS was improved with tamoxifen plus OFS versus tamoxifen (hazard ratio, 0.78 95% CI, 0.60 to 1.01) and was 86.8% with tamoxifen, 89.0% with tamoxifen plus OFS, and 89.4% with exemestane plus OFS at 12 years. Among those who received prior chemotherapy for human epidermal growth factor receptor-2–negative tumors, OS was 78.8% with tamoxifen, 81.1% with tamoxifen plus OFS, and 84.4% with exemestane plus OFS. In conclusion, after 12 years, there remains a benefit from including OFS in adjuvant endocrine therapy, with an absolute improvement in OS more apparent with higher baseline risk of recurrence. [Media: see text]
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-05-2020
DOI: 10.1038/S41523-020-0155-1
Abstract: Stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs) are a potential predictive biomarker for immunotherapy response in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). To incorporate sTILs into clinical trials and diagnostics, reliable assessment is essential. In this review, we propose a new concept, namely the implementation of a risk-management framework that enables the use of sTILs as a stratification factor in clinical trials. We present the design of a biomarker risk-mitigation workflow that can be applied to any biomarker incorporation in clinical trials. We demonstrate the implementation of this concept using sTILs as an integral biomarker in a single-center phase II immunotherapy trial for metastatic TNBC (TONIC trial, NCT02499367), using this workflow to mitigate risks of suboptimal inclusion of sTILs in this specific trial. In this review, we demonstrate that a web-based scoring platform can mitigate potential risk factors when including sTILs in clinical trials, and we argue that this framework can be applied for any future biomarker-driven clinical trial setting.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2017
Publisher: Massachusetts Medical Society
Date: 05-03-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2017
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 17-05-2023
DOI: 10.1080/15402002.2022.2075364
Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of a combined brief cognitive behavioral plus bright light therapy (CBT-I+Light) in women receiving chemotherapy. Women (N = 101) were randomly assigned to CBT-I+Light or treatment as usual plus relaxation audios (TAU+). Participants completed sleep diaries and wore an actigraph during the 6-week intervention period. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed at baseline, mid-point (week 3), and later (week 6). Cognitive (i.e., dysfunctional sleep beliefs, pre-sleep cognitions, and arousal) and behavioral (i.e., time in bed awake and day-to-day out-of-bedtime variability) mechanisms were examined. Cognitively, both groups declined significantly in overall dysfunctional sleep beliefs from pre- to post-intervention (both Mechanisms of CBT-I+Light during chemotherapy remain to be shown. Our results suggest that changes in behavioral mechanisms may be associated with sleep improvements within this cohort. Future studies should assess the role of additional mechanisms (e.g., sleep effort) within larger s les. Whilst intervention brevity is important, more potent interventions may be required to achieve robust changes in target mechanisms.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-09-2016
DOI: 10.1038/NBT.3674
Publisher: American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
Date: 04-04-2023
DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.22541074.V1
Abstract: Supplementary Data from Alpelisib Monotherapy for PI3K-Altered, Pretreated Advanced Breast Cancer: A Phase II Study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-1995
DOI: 10.1007/BF00686832
Abstract: With the help of safer conception strategies (SCS), women with HIV (WHIV) can achieve their reproductive goals while minimizing the risk of transmission to their partners or infants. However, interpregnancy intervals of at least 24 months are recommended to optimize maternal and infant health outcomes, so postpartum WHIV need to use contraception to delay subsequent pregnancies. Understanding safer conception and family planning knowledge, attitudes, and practices among WHIV is key to tailoring family planning policy and intervention development in regions with high HIV prevalence. This study described the safer conception and family planning knowledge, attitudes, and practices of postpartum WHIV (N = 956) in rural Mpumalanga province, South Africa, 12 months after delivery. Almost all women understood the importance of condom use, but most overestimated the risk of sexual transmission. A majority of women reported that their partner's desires (53%) and the risk of perinatal transmission (58%) were very important factors when making childbearing decisions. Most women (81%) used condoms for HIV prevention and most (83%) used contraception for pregnancy prevention. Many women (33% of contraceptive users) used condoms for both HIV prevention and contraception without using another contraceptive method as well. Only 43% of contraceptive users endorsed dual method use of condoms with hormones, intrauterine devices, or sterilization. Results highlight the prominence of condom-based pregnancy and HIV transmission prevention, the influence of male partners in fertility decision-making, and the opportunity for further education and promotion of long acting methods in this setting.
Publisher: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Date: 20-09-2017
Abstract: Purpose To describe benefits and toxicities of adjuvant endocrine therapies in women younger than 35 years with breast cancer (n = 582) enrolled in the Suppression of Ovarian Function Trial (SOFT) and Tamoxifen and Exemestane Trial (TEXT). In SOFT, women still premenopausal after surgery with or without chemotherapy were randomly assigned to tamoxifen alone, tamoxifen plus ovarian function suppression (OFS), or exemestane plus OFS. In TEXT, all received OFS with or without concomitant chemotherapy and were randomly assigned to exemestane plus OFS or tamoxifen plus OFS. We summarize treatment efficacy, quality of life, and adherence of the cohort of women younger than 35 years in SOFT and TEXT, alongside data from the cohort of older premenopausal women. For 240 human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative patients younger than 35 years enrolled in SOFT after receiving chemotherapy, the 5-year breast cancer–free interval (BCFI) was 67.1% (95% CI, 54.6% to 76.9%) with tamoxifen alone, 75.9% with tamoxifen plus OFS (95% CI, 64.0% to 84.4%), and 83.2% with exemestane plus OFS (95% CI, 72.7% to 90.0%). For 145 human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative patients younger than 35 years in TEXT, 5-year BCFI was 79.2% (95% CI, 66.2% to 87.7%) with tamoxifen plus OFS and 81.6% (95% CI, 69.8% to 89.2%) with exemestane plus OFS. The most prominent quality of life symptom for patients younger than 35 years receiving OFS was vasomotor symptoms, with the greatest worsening from baseline at 6 months (on the order of 30 to 40 points), but loss of sexual interest and difficulties in becoming aroused were also clinically meaningful (≥ 8-point change). The level of symptom burden was similar in older premenopausal women. A total of 19.8% of women younger than 35 years stopped all protocol-assigned endocrine therapy early. In women younger than 35 years with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer, adjuvant OFS combined with tamoxifen or exemestane produces large improvements in BCFI compared with tamoxifen alone. Menopausal symptoms are significant but are not worse than those seen in older premenopausal women.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-1995
DOI: 10.1016/0169-5002(95)00432-Z
Abstract: Paclitaxel (Taxol), the prototype of a new class of plant-derived antineoplastic compounds, is a natural product isolated from the Pacific yew. Docetaxel (Taxotere) is a hemisynthetic product derived from the European yew. These agents share a unique mechanism of cytotoxic action by promoting assembly of microtubules and rendering the microtubules resistant to depolymerization. In vitro studies suggest a possible role for radiation sensitization. In Phase I trials, the dose-limiting toxicity was neutropenia for both agents. Other toxicities include infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions, alopecia, neurotoxicity, mucositis, diarrhoea and myalgias. To prevent infusion-related reactions, routine premedication is recommended. Noncumulative cardiac toxicity has been observed with paclitaxel. Fluid retention and rash have been reported with docetaxel. In Phase II studies of paclitaxel in advanced non-small cell lung cancer, response rates of 21% and 24% were observed. In Phase II studies of docetaxel in similar patients, response rates ranging from 28-38% were reported, including patients previously treated with cisplatin. The most common toxicity in these studies was neutropenia. Combination studies with cisplatin and other agents are in progress. Paclitaxel and docetaxel are among the most active chemotherapeutic agents for non-small cell lung cancer patients. Their testing will dominate trials of new therapies in this disease for years to come.
Publisher: American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
Date: 04-04-2023
DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.C.6549547.V1
Abstract: Abstract There is limited knowledge on the benefit of the α-subunit–specific PI3K inhibitor alpelisib in later lines of therapy for advanced estrogen receptor–positive (ER sup + /sup ) HER2 sup − /sup and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We conducted a phase II multicohort study of alpelisib monotherapy in patients with advanced PI3K pathway mutant ER sup + /sup HER2 sup − /sup and TNBC. In the intention-to-treat ER sup + /sup cohort, the overall response rate was 30% and the clinical benefit rate was 36%. A decline in PI3K pathway mutant circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) levels from baseline to week 8 while on therapy was significantly associated with a partial response, clinical benefit, and improved progression-free-survival [HR 0.24 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.083–0.67, i P /i = 0.0065]. Detection of i ESR1 /i mutations at baseline in plasma was also associated with clinical benefit and improved progression-free survival (HR 0.22 95% CI, 0.078–0.60, i P /i = 0.003). Significance: Alpelisib monotherapy displayed efficacy in heavily pretreated ER sup + /sup breast cancer with i PIK3CA /i mutations. i PIK3CA /i mutation dynamics in plasma during treatment and i ESR1 /i mutations detected in plasma at baseline were candidate biomarkers predictive of benefit from alpelisib, highlighting the utility of ctDNA assays in this setting. i a href="ancerdiscovery/article/doi/10.1158/2159-8290.CD-12-9-ITI" target="_blank" This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 2007 /a /i /
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2017
Publisher: American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
Date: 04-04-2023
DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.22541071.V1
Abstract: Supplementary Figure from Alpelisib Monotherapy for PI3K-Altered, Pretreated Advanced Breast Cancer: A Phase II Study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2008
Abstract: The role of chemotherapy in addition to combined endocrine therapy for premenopausal women with endocrine-responsive early breast cancer remains an open question, yet trials designed to answer it have repeatedly failed to adequately accrue. The International Breast Cancer Study Group initiated two concurrent trials in this population: in Premenopausal Endocrine Responsive Chemotherapy (PERCHE), chemotherapy use is determined by randomization and in Tamoxifen and Exemestane Trial (TEXT) by physician choice. PERCHE closed with inadequate accrual TEXT accrued rapidly. From 2003 to 2006, 1317 patients (890 with baseline data) were randomly assigned to receive ovarian function suppression (OFS) plus tamoxifen or OFS plus exemestane for 5 years in TEXT. We explore patient-related factors according to whether or not chemotherapy was given using descriptive statistics and classification and regression trees. Adjuvant chemotherapy was chosen for 64% of patients. Lymph node status was the predominant determinant of chemotherapy use (88% of node positive treated versus 46% of node negative). Geography, patient age, tumor size and grade were also determinants, but degree of receptor positivity and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status were not. The perceived estimation of increased risk of relapse is the primary determinant for using chemotherapy despite uncertainties regarding the degree of benefit it offers when added to combined endocrine therapy in this population.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2013
Abstract: Background In women with node-positive breast cancer, the Breast International Group (BIG) 02-98 tested the incorporation of docetaxel (Taxotere) into doxorubicin (Adriamycin)-based chemotherapy, and compared sequential and concurrent docetaxel. At 5 years, there was a trend for improved disease-free survival (DFS) with docetaxel. We present results at 8-year median follow-up and exploratory analyses within biologically defined subtypes. Methods Patients were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: (i) sequential control: doxorubicin (A) (75 mg/m(2)) × 4 →classical cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil (CMF) (ii) concurrent control: doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide (AC)(60/600 mg/m(2)) × 4 →CMF (iii) sequential docetaxel: A (75 mg/m(2)) × 3 → docetaxel (T) (100 mg/m(2)) × 3 → CMF and (iv) concurrent docetaxel: AT(50/75 mg/m(2)) × 4 →CMF. The primary comparison evaluated docetaxel efficacy regardless of the schedule. Exploratory analyses were undertaken within biologically defined subtypes. Results Two thousand eight hundred and eighty-seven patients were enrolled. After 93.4 months of median follow-up, there were 916 DFS events. For the primary comparison, there was no significant improvement in DFS from docetaxel [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.80-1.05, P = 0.187]. In secondary comparisons, sequential docetaxel significantly improved DFS compared with sequential control (HR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.67-0.99, P = 0.036), and significantly improved DFS (HR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.72-0.99, P = 0.035) and overall survival (OS) (HR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.65-0.98, P = 0.028) compared with concurrent doxorubicin-docetaxel. Luminal-A disease had the best prognosis. HRs favored addition of sequential docetaxel in all subtypes, except luminal-A but this observation was not statistically supported because of limited numbers. Conclusion With further follow-up, the sequential docetaxel schedule resulted in significantly better OS than concurrent doxorubicin-docetaxel, and continued to show better DFS than sequential doxorubicin-based control.
Publisher: American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
Date: 30-06-2022
DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.CD-21-1696
Abstract: Alpelisib monotherapy displayed efficacy in heavily pretreated ER+ breast cancer with PIK3CA mutations. PIK3CA mutation dynamics in plasma during treatment and ESR1 mutations detected in plasma at baseline were candidate biomarkers predictive of benefit from alpelisib, highlighting the utility of ctDNA assays in this setting. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 2007
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.BREAST.2016.02.008
Abstract: Optimal adjuvant endocrine therapy for premenopausal women with hormone-receptor positive breast cancer has long been debated. In particular, the role of ovarian function suppression in addition to standard tamoxifen ided oncologists worldwide, and more recently, the role of aromatase inhibitors as an alternative to tamoxifen in the setting of ovarian suppression became a key question. In 2014, the long awaited results of the International Breast Cancer Study Group (IBCSG) led randomized, phase 3 trials, Suppression of Ovarian Function Trial (SOFT) and Tamoxifen and Exemestane Trial (TEXT), provided additional evidence to inform the discussion. The interpretation of the SOFT and TEXT trial data can facilitate better selection of appropriate endocrine therapy according to in idual disease characteristics, recognizing the complexity of the puzzle, which is still not complete.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2022
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1445-5994.2011.02508.X
Abstract: Legionella species are a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia, infrequently complicated by cavitary disease. We describe Legionella pneumophila pneumonia and abscess formation in an immunosuppressed patient receiving corticosteroid therapy for metastatic breast carcinoma. The predisposing role of corticosteroids is discussed and the management of this complication is reviewed.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.BREAST.2017.06.040
Abstract: The Early Breast Cancer Trialists' Collaborative Group (EBCTCG) meta-analysis of randomized tamoxifen trials, found that women age <45 years with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+ve) breast cancer, allocated 5 years of adjuvant tamoxifen, have substantial long-term reduction of breast cancer recurrence. Breast cancer mortality was reduced by about one-third through the first 15 years. Increasing the duration of tamoxifen to 10 years can further reduce the risk of recurrence. For women age <45 years allocated 5 years of tamoxifen, the risk of contralateral breast cancer is halved over 15 years. The initial results from the Suppression of Ovarian Function Trial (SOFT) indicate tamoxifen is a suitable therapy for premenopausal women with low risk clinical-pathologic features. For women at sufficient risk to receive chemotherapy who have premenopausal E2 levels within 8 months of completion, the addition of ovarian suppression to tamoxifen for 5 years resulted in some reduction of recurrence. The use of ovarian suppression combined with an aromatase inhibitor exemestane for 5 years, resulted in further reduction of recurrence. The joint analysis of SOFT and Tamoxifen and Exemestane Trial (TEXT) found the combination of ovarian suppression plus exemestane significantly reduced recurrence, compared with ovarian suppression plus tamoxifen. Premenopausal women with ER+ve HER2-negative breast cancer with high-risk features can derive a meaningful improvement in 5-year invasive breast cancer-free interval with exemestane plus ovarian suppression, as an alternative to tamoxifen. Very young women under age 35 with ER+ve breast cancer have higher risks of recurrence, and the use of ovarian suppression with oral endocrine therapy should be considered.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-1997
DOI: 10.1016/S0959-8049(97)00363-8
Abstract: Docetaxel (Taxotere) has been studied at a dose of 100 mg/m2 i.v. as a one hour infusion every 3 weeks, in four phase II trials in patients with extensively pretreated ovarian cancer. A total of 340 patients were treated, including 256 patients in two separate EORTC (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer) trials and 84 patients in two trials in the U.S.A. All patients had received prior cisplatin or carboplatin therapy and the treatment-free interval was less than 4 months in 155 patients. The overall response rate using conventional UICC criteria was 30% among 315 evaluable cases (95% confidence interval: 24-36%). Among 155 patients whose disease was most refractory (i.e. treatment-free interval was less than 4 months), the overall response rate was 28% (95% confidence interval: 19-36%). Response duration ranged from 4 to 17 months. Grade IV neutropenia was a common finding and fluid retention was observed. The incidence of febrile neutropenia ranged from 8 to 44% of patients with two deaths (i.e. 0.6% of the total treated) related to neutropenic sepsis. Docetaxel and paclitaxel (Taxol) have comparable activities in ovarian cancer. Ongoing studies with docetaxel include its use in patients as part of first-line therapy, as well as in patients refractory to paclitaxel. To prevent the development of fluid retention, these now involve the routine use of steroid prophylaxis. It is expected that docetaxel will prove to be an important addition to the drugs available for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-05-2020
DOI: 10.1038/S41523-020-0156-0
Abstract: Stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs) are important prognostic and predictive biomarkers in triple-negative (TNBC) and HER2-positive breast cancer. Incorporating sTILs into clinical practice necessitates reproducible assessment. Previously developed standardized scoring guidelines have been widely embraced by the clinical and research communities. We evaluated sources of variability in sTIL assessment by pathologists in three previous sTIL ring studies. We identify common challenges and evaluate impact of discrepancies on outcome estimates in early TNBC using a newly-developed prognostic tool. Discordant sTIL assessment is driven by heterogeneity in lymphocyte distribution. Additional factors include: technical slide-related issues scoring outside the tumor boundary tumors with minimal assessable stroma including lymphocytes associated with other structures and including other inflammatory cells. Small variations in sTIL assessment modestly alter risk estimation in early TNBC but have the potential to affect treatment selection if cutpoints are employed. Scoring and averaging multiple areas, as well as use of reference images, improve consistency of sTIL evaluation. Moreover, to assist in avoiding the pitfalls identified in this analysis, we developed an educational resource available at itfalls .
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 28-05-2021
DOI: 10.1093/JNCI/DJAB111
Abstract: Loss of ovarian function is a recognized adverse effect of chemotherapy for breast cancer and of great importance to patients. Little is known about the ovarian toxicity of newer cancer treatments. This study examined whether breast cancer clinical trials include assessment of the impact of trial interventions on ovarian function. Eligible trials were phase III (neo)adjuvant trials of pharmacologic treatments for breast cancer, recruiting between June 2008 and October 2019, which included premenopausal women. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Clinicaltrials.gov, and EudraCT were searched. Data were extracted from trial publications, protocols, databases, and a survey sent to all trial chairs. Tests of statistical significance were 2-sided. Of 2354 records identified, 141 trials were eligible. Investigational treatments included chemotherapy (36.9%), HER2 targeted (24.8%), endocrine (12.8%), immunotherapy (7.8%), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (5.0%), and poly-ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors (2.8%). Ovarian function was a prespecified endpoint in 13 (9.2%) trials. Forty-five (31.9%) trials collected ovarian function data, but only 33 (23.4%) collected posttrial-intervention data. Common postintervention data collected included menstruation (15.6%), pregnancy (13.5%), estradiol (9.9%), and follicle-stimulating hormone levels (8.5%). Only 4 (2.8%) trials collected postintervention anti-müllerian hormone levels, and 3 (2.1%) trials collected antral follicle count. Of 22 trials investigating immunotherapy, cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors, or poly-ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors, none specified ovarian function as an endpoint, but 4 (18.2%) collected postintervention ovarian function data. The impact of pharmacologic interventions on ovarian function is infrequently assessed in phase III breast cancer (neo)adjuvant trials that include premenopausal women. Trialists should consider inclusion of ovarian function endpoints when designing clinical trials, given its importance for informed decision making.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.BREAST.2011.05.002
Abstract: Approximately one in forty women diagnosed with early breast cancer is very young (<35 years) and this age group has a worse prognosis. The inferior prognosis in very young women appears to have two aspects. Very young women present more frequently with tumors with adverse histo-pathologic features. However, even when the histo-pathologic features appear favorable (ie. endocrine responsive tumors), analyses suggest that very young women with hormone receptor positive tumors are a sub-group at particular risk for adverse outcomes, compared to older premenopausal women with similar tumors. Chemotherapy induced amenorrhea has been shown to be associated with better outcomes and very young women are less likely to develop amenorrhea. Trials to determine the optimal adjuvant hormonal therapy for very young women are important. After breast conserving surgery, very young women are at increased risk for local recurrence and require particular attention to adequacy of surgical excision, including DCIS. Younger women undergoing breast conservation benefit from a boost dose of radiation. The option of genetic counseling should be provided to women diagnosed at a very young age. When considering adjuvant systemic treatments, fertility and contraception may be important considerations for this age group. Pregnancy after a diagnosis of adequately treated early breast cancer does not appear to be associated with an increased risk for relapse. Very young women are at higher risk for psycho-social distress and non-compliance with adjuvant systemic therapy. Young women should be informed that lifestyle factors after diagnosis may reduce the risk of recurrence.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.EJCA.2015.03.018
Abstract: Breast International Group (BIG) 2-98 is a randomised phase III trial that tested the effect of adding docetaxel, either in sequence to or in combination with anthracycline-based adjuvant chemotherapy, in women with node-positive breast cancer (BC). Here, we present the 10-year final trial safety and efficacy analyses. We also report an exploratory analysis on the predictive value of Ki67 for docetaxel efficacy, in the BIG 2-98 and using a pooled analysis of three other randomised trials. 2887 patients were randomly assigned in a 2×2 trial design to one of four treatments. The primary objective was to evaluate the overall efficacy of docetaxel on disease free survival (DFS). Secondary objectives included comparisons of sequential docetaxel versus sequential control arm, safety and overall survival (OS). Ki67 expression was centrally evaluated by immunohistochemistry. After a median follow-up of 10.1years, the addition of docetaxel did not significantly improve DFS or OS (hazard ratio (HR)=0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.81-1.04 P=0.16 and HR=0.88, 95% CI=0.76-1.03 P=0.11, respectively). Sequential docetaxel did not improve DFS compared to the sequential control arm (HR=0.86, 95% CI=0.72-1.03 P=0.10). In oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive tumours with Ki67⩾14%, the addition of docetaxel resulted in 5.4% improvement in 10-year OS (P=0.03, test for interaction=0.1). In a multivariate model, there was a trend for improved DFS and OS in ER-positive patients with high Ki67 and treated with docetaxel (HR=0.79, 95% CI=0.63-1.01 P=0.05 and HR=0.76, 95% CI=0.57-1.01 P=0.06, respectively). A pooled analysis of four randomised trials showed a benefit of taxanes in highly proliferative ER-positive disease but not in low proliferating tumours (interaction test P=0.01). The DFS benefit previously demonstrated with sequential docetaxel is no longer observed at 10years. However, an exploratory analysis suggested a benefit of docetaxel in patients with highly proliferative ER-positive BC.
Publisher: Massachusetts Medical Society
Date: 29-01-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-01-2022
DOI: 10.1038/S41523-021-00362-1
Abstract: The importance of integrating biomarkers into the TNM staging has been emphasized in the 8 th Edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Staging system. In a pooled analysis of 2148 TNBC-patients in the adjuvant setting, TILs are found to strongly up and downstage traditional pathological-staging in the Pathological and Clinical Prognostic Stage Groups from the AJJC 8 th edition Cancer Staging System. This suggest that clinical and research studies on TNBC should take TILs into account in addition to stage, as for ex le patients with stage II TNBC and high TILs have a better outcome than patients with stage I and low TILs.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2009
Abstract: Acquired and de novo endocrine resistance in breast cancer (BC) may be associated with overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Gefinitib is an orally active selective EGFR inhibitor which might benefit advanced breast cancer (ABC) patients either with acquired hormone resistance or with hormone receptor (HR)-negative tumors. A two-arm multicenter phase II trial of oral gefitinib 500 mg/day was planned in two groups of 45 patients with ABC for whom chemotherapy was not currently indicated. Group 1 had hormone-resistant BC defined as HR-positive BC with progression after treatment with tamoxifen and an aromatase inhibitor. Group 2 had HR-negative BC. Tumor response was assessed every 8 weeks. The primary end point was the clinical benefit rate (CBR). Forty patients with hormone-resistant BC had a CBR of 0%. Two of 25 HR-negative BC patients showed stable disease (less than a 50% reduction and less than a 25% increase in the sum of the products of two perpendicular diameters of all measured lesions and the appearance of no new lesions) at 24 weeks resulting in a CBR of 7.7% (95% CI 0.9% to 25.1%). Enrollment ceased due to the low CBR. Toxicity resulted in treatment interruption (46%), dose reduction (20%) and withdrawal (11%) of patients. At a dose of 500 mg/day, gefitinib monotherapy resulted in a low CBR and no tumor response was identified.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-1997
DOI: 10.1111/J.1445-5994.1997.TB00912.X
Abstract: Metastatic breast cancer is a major cause of cancer death in Australian women. Docetaxel is a new cytotoxic drug that has shown promise in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer in patients who have previously received other chemotherapy, particularly an anthracycline, and has recently been approved for marketing in Australia. To report the first Australian experience with docetaxel in a group of women with metastatic breast cancer. Patients with progressive metastatic breast cancer who had previously received other chemotherapy were treated with docetaxel 75 mg/m2 or 100 mg/m2 given as a one hour infusion every three weeks. All patients received oral dexamethasone for five days starting 24 hours prior to docetaxel as prophylaxis against fluid retention. The patients' response to docetaxel and toxicity were assessed by standard criteria. Twenty-six patients were treated. The major toxicity was neutropenia with 92% of patients experiencing at least one episode of grade 4 (absolute neutrophil count < 0.5 x 10(9)/L) neutropenia. Hospital admission for febrile neutropenia occurred in 44% of patients with one death from sepsis. Cumulative fluid retention was observed but in only one patient was it dose-limiting. Apart from alopecia, other toxicities were infrequent and rarely serious. In 23 patients assessable for response, there were 11 partial responses (48%). Three other patients whose disease could not be assessed for response had clinical improvement. The median survival of all patients treated was eight months. The response rate observed with docetaxel is comparable to that seen in trials in the United States and Europe and confirms the high activity of this new cytotoxic agent. Neutropenia is the major toxicity, and consideration should be given to the use of prophylactic oral antibiotics or colony stimulating factors to try and prevent febrile episodes. Clinicians will need to balance the benefits, toxicities, and cost of docetaxel in determining the appropriateness of its use in their patients.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2008
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-08-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S13058-020-01328-0
Abstract: Metastatic breast cancer remains incurable. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) offers the ability to identify actionable genomic alterations in tumours which may then be matched with targeted therapies, but the implementation and utility of this approach is not well defined for patients with metastatic breast cancer. We recruited patients with advanced breast cancer of any subtype for prospective targeted NGS of their most recent tumour s les, using a panel of 108 breast cancer-specific genes. Genes were classified as actionable or non-actionable using the European Society of Medical Oncology Scale for Clinical Actionability of Molecular Targets (ESCAT) guidelines. Between February 2014 and May 2019, 322 patients were enrolled onto the study, with 72% ( n = 234) of patients successfully sequenced ( n = 357 s les). The majority (74%, n = 171) of sequenced patients were found to carry a potentially actionable alteration, the most common being a PIK3CA mutation. Forty-three percent ( n = 74) of patients with actionable alterations were referred for a clinical trial or referred for confirmatory germline testing or had a change in therapy outside of clinical trials. We found alterations in AKT1 , BRCA2 , CHEK2, ESR1 , FGFR1 , KMT2C , NCOR1 , PIK3CA and TSC2 to be significantly enriched in our metastatic population compared with primary breast cancers. Concordance between primary and metastatic s les for key driver genes ( TP53 , ERBB2 lification) was 75%. Additionally, we found that patients with a higher number of mutations had a significantly worse overall survival. Genomic profiling of patients with metastatic breast cancer can have clinical implications and should be considered in all suitable patients.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-03-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S13063-020-4196-4
Abstract: Women with breast cancer experience a significantly higher prevalence of sleep disturbance and insomnia than the general population. The experience of persistent sleep disturbance places these women at a higher risk of psychological and physical morbidity and a reduced quality of life. Treatment for sleep in this population is not part of routine care and is often managed inadequately. This randomised controlled trial will examine the combined effects of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and bright light therapy (BLT) on the symptoms of insomnia, fatigue and mental health. Women diagnosed with breast cancer who receive intravenous chemotherapy treatment at a quaternary referral metropolitan cancer centre in Melbourne, Australia, will be recruited. Recruitment will occur after diagnosis and prior to completion of chemotherapy. Eligible women will be randomised to the combined CBT and BLT intervention (CBT+) or relaxation audio-enhanced treatment as usual (TAU+). The CBT+ group will receive one face-to-face session on sleep strategies, one subsequent telephone call, and seven email packages containing CBT-based information and strategies. CBT+ participants will also wear Luminette® light glasses for 20 min each morning for the 6-week duration of the intervention. Women in TAU+ will receive two relaxation audio tracks via email. Outcomes will be measured at multiple points throughout the 6 weeks. Primary outcomes will be symptoms of insomnia and sleep efficiency, measured using the Insomnia Severity Index and a self-reported sleep diary. Secondary outcomes include objective measures of sleep assessed using the ActiGraph wGT3X-BT, and sleep-related complaints, fatigue and mental health, all assessed using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). Data will also be collected on potential treatment moderators and mechanisms and adherence to treatment. There will be 3-month follow-up measurements of insomnia symptoms, fatigue, sleep-related impairment, sleep disturbance, depression and anxiety. This is the first randomised controlled trial to combine CBT and BLT for the treatment of sleep disturbance in women with breast cancer. This novel design addresses the multiple causal factors for sleep complaints in this population. Results from this trial will advance knowledge in this field and may have important clinical implications for how best to treat sleep disturbance and insomnia in this population. If effective, the largely email-based format of the intervention would allow for relatively easy translation. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), ACTRN12618001255279 . Retrospectively registered on 25 July 2018.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-04-2016
DOI: 10.1038/BJC.2016.71
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-09-2009
DOI: 10.1007/S10549-009-0512-0
Abstract: Obesity has been shown to be an indicator of poor prognosis for patients with primary breast cancer (BC) regardless of the use of adjuvant systemic therapy. This is a retrospective analysis of 2,887 node-positive BC patients enrolled in the BIG 02-98 adjuvant study, a randomised phase III trial whose primary objective was to evaluate disease-free survival (DFS) by adding docetaxel to doxorubicin-based chemotherapy. In the current analysis, the effect of body mass index (BMI) on DFS and overall survival (OS) was assessed. BMI was obtained before the first cycle of chemotherapy. Obesity was defined as a BMI >or= 30 kg/m2. In total, 547 (19%) patients were obese at baseline, while 2,340 (81%) patients were non-obese. Estimated 5-year OS was 87.5% for non-obese and 82.9% for obese patients (HR 1.34 P = 0.013). Estimated 5-years DFS was 75.9% for nonobese and 70.0% for obese patients (HR 1.20 P = 0.041). Ina multivariate model, obesity remained an independent prognostic factor for OS and DFS. In this study,obesity was associated with poorer outcome in node-positive BC patients. Given the increasing prevalence of obesity worldwide, more research on improving the treatment of obese BC patients is needed.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2008
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2000
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2014
Publisher: Springer US
Date: 2009
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-2012
DOI: 10.1038/NRD2372
Abstract: Nearly all deaths caused by solid cancers occur as a result of metastasis--the formation of secondary tumours in distant organs such as the lungs, liver, brain and bone. A major obstruction to the development of drugs with anti-metastatic efficacy is our fragmented understanding of how tumours 'evolve' and metastasize, at both the biological and genetic levels. Furthermore, although there is significant overlap in the metastatic process among different types of cancer, there are also marked differences in the propensity to metastasize, the extent of metastasis, the sites to which the tumour metastasizes, the kinetics of the process and the mechanisms involved. Here, we consider the case of breast cancer, which has some marked distinguishing features compared with other types of cancer. Considerable progress has been made in the development of preclinical models and in the identification of relevant signalling pathways and genetic regulators of metastatic breast cancer, and we discuss how these might facilitate the development of novel targeted anti-metastatic drugs.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.BREAST.2012.03.003
Abstract: The 1st international Consensus Conference for Advanced Breast Cancer (ABC 1) took place on November 2011, in Lisbon. Consensus guidelines for the management of this disease were developed. This manuscript summarizes these international consensus guidelines.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-05-2012
DOI: 10.1186/BCR3179
Publisher: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Date: 03-2013
Abstract: Previous preclinical and clinical data suggest that the immune system influences prognosis and response to chemotherapy (CT) however, clinical relevance has yet to be established in breast cancer (BC). We hypothesized that increased lymphocytic infiltration would be associated with good prognosis and benefit from immunogenic CT—in this case, anthracycline-only CT—in selected BC subtypes. We investigated the relationship between quantity and location of lymphocytic infiltrate at diagnosis with clinical outcome in 2009 node-positive BC s les from the BIG 02-98 adjuvant phase III trial comparing anthracycline-only CT (doxorubicin followed by cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil [CMF] or doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide followed by CMF) versus CT combining doxorubicin and docetaxel (doxorubicin plus docetaxel followed by CMF or doxorubicin followed by docetaxel followed by CMF). Readings were independently performed by two pathologists. Disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and interaction with type of CT associations were studied. Median follow-up was 8 years. There was no significant prognostic association in the global nor estrogen receptor (ER) –positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) –negative population. However, each 10% increase in intratumoral and stromal lymphocytic infiltrations was associated with 17% and 15% reduced risk of relapse (adjusted P = .1 and P = .025), respectively, and 27% and 17% reduced risk of death in ER-negative/HER2-negative BC regardless of CT type (adjusted P = .035 and P = .023), respectively. In HER2-positive BC, there was a significant interaction between increasing stromal lymphocytic infiltration (10% increments) and benefit with anthracycline-only CT (DFS, interaction P = .042 OS, P = .018). In node-positive, ER-negative/HER2-negative BC, increasing lymphocytic infiltration was associated with excellent prognosis. Further validation of the clinical utility of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in this context is warranted. Our data also support the evaluation of immunotherapeutic approaches in selected BC subtypes.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 07-10-2014
DOI: 10.1093/JNCI/DJU321
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-05-2011
DOI: 10.1007/S00280-011-1676-Y
Abstract: Docetaxel has marked inter-patient PK variability, and metabolic phenotypic probes may enable in idualised dosing. This is the first report directly comparing the erythromycin breath test (EBT) (a CYP3A4 probe) with the antipyrine clearance test (ACT), (a general CYP-P450 redominant CYP3A4 probe) for the correlation with docetaxel PK and toxicity. Patients pretherapy underwent: (A) EBT: IV C(14)[N-methyl]-erythromycin was administered and breath s les analysed for (14)CO(2), derived parameters included (1) (14)CO(2) flux at 10-min (CO(2)f(10)), (2) 20-min (CO(2)f(20)), (3) terminal rate constant k(CO2) and (4) AUC(CO2,(0-∞)) and AUC(CO2,(0-60).) (B) ACL test: patients were given oral antipyrine 10 mg/kg, blood s les were taken for PK, and the clearance (CL(Ant)) was derived. Docetaxel was then given at 75 mg/m(2)/3-weekly or 35 mg/m(2)/weekly. S les taken for docetaxel PK in first course on day 1 and PK parameters included clearance (CL(Doc)). Twenty patients accrued, docetaxel: 3-weekly/weekly = 13:7. EBT parameters (N = 19) (mean, [CV%]): CO(2)f(10) (%/min) 0.051 (106), CO(2)f(20) 0.052 (82), k(CO2) (min(-1)) 0.007 (22), AUC(CO2,(0-∞)) 7.9 (85), AUC(CO2,(0-60)) 2.64 (81). CL(Ant) (N = 19) (ml/min) 35.8 (37). Docetaxel PK parameters (N = 19): CL(Doc) (l/h) = 57.2 (36), t(Doc1/2) (h) = 12.7 (33). No correlations were observed between the docetaxel PK and EBT parameters. For docetaxel weekly patients, a significant linear relationship was observed between CL(Doc) and CL(Ant) (P = 0.007, R (2) = 79.47%). The utility of EBT for the prediction of docetaxel PK was not confirmed in this study. The antipyrine clearance test may be superior in this regard for docetaxel, but regimen dependent and hence warrants further evaluation.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 08-01-2008
DOI: 10.1093/JNCI/DJM287
Abstract: Docetaxel is more effective than doxorubicin for patients with advanced breast cancer. The Breast International Group 02-98 randomized trial tested the effect of incorporating docetaxel into anthracycline-based adjuvant chemotherapy and compared sequential vs concurrent administration of doxorubicin and docetaxel. Patients with lymph node-positive breast cancer (n = 2887) were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: 1) sequential control (four cycles of doxorubicin at 75 mg/m2, followed by three cycles of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil [CMF]) 2) concurrent control (four cycles of doxorubicin at 60 mg/m2 plus cyclophosphamide at 600 mg/m2, followed by three cycles of CMF) 3) sequential docetaxel (three cycles of doxorubicin at 75 mg/m2, followed by three cycles of docetaxel at 100 mg/m2, followed by three cycles of CMF) 4) concurrent docetaxel (four cycles of doxorubicin at 50 mg/m2 plus docetaxel at 75 mg/m2, followed by three cycles of CMF). The primary comparison evaluated the efficacy of including docetaxel regardless of schedule and was planned after 1215 disease-free survival (DFS) events (ie, relapse, second primary cancer, or death from any cause). Docetaxel and control treatment groups were compared by log-rank tests, and hazard ratios (HR) of DFS events were calculated by Cox modeling. All statistical tests were two-sided. Due to a lower-than-anticipated rate of relapse, this analysis was performed after 5 years with 732 events. Patients in control arms had a 5-year DFS of 73% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 70% to 75%). Docetaxel treatment resulted in an improvement in DFS of borderline statistical significance compared with control treatment (HR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.74 to 1.00 P = .05). However, DFS in the sequential docetaxel arm was better than that in the concurrent docetaxel arm (HR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.69 to 1.00) and in the sequential control arm (HR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.64 to 0.98). Incorporating docetaxel into anthracycline-based therapy resulted in an improvement in DFS that was of borderline statistical significance. However, important differences may be related to doxorubicin and docetaxel scheduling, with sequential but not concurrent administration, appearing to produce better DFS than anthracycline-based chemotherapy.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-1999
Abstract: The objectives of this phase I trial were to determine the maximally tolerated doses of the combination of epirubicin and paclitaxel with and without G-CSF (granulocyte colony stimulating factor) support and to investigate whether epirubicin pharmacokinetics are altered by paclitaxel. Patients with advanced cancer, performance status 0-2, and a normal left ventricular ejection fraction who had received up to 1 prior chemotherapy regimen were treated with epirubicin followed by a 3-hour infusion of paclitaxel repeated every 3 weeks. Dose levels studied were (paclitaxel/epirubicin) 155/75, 175/75, 175/90, 200/90 mg/m2 without G-CSF and 175/90 mg/m2 with G-CSF. Thirty-five patients were entered and all were assessable for toxicity. The dose-limiting dose level was 175 mg/m2 paclitaxel and 90 mg/m2 epirubicin with limiting toxicities of febrile neutropenia, diarrhea and esophagitis. The addition of G-CSF did not allow escalation of epirubicin. No significant cardiac toxicity was observed. Epirubicin pharmacokinetics were studied during the first 2 cycles in 6 patients, who were randomized to receive 1 cycle with no interval between the completion of the epirubicin and the commencement of the paclitaxel infusion and the other cycle with a 72-hour interval between the drugs. There was no substantial effect of paclitaxel on epirubicin or epirubicinol pharmacokinetics, although there was a marginal increase in glucoronidation. In conclusion, paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 and epirubicin 75 mg/m2 is recommended for phase II and III studies.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2017
Abstract: New research questions emerge as medical needs continue to evolve and as we improve our understanding of cancer biology and treatment of malignancies. Although significant advances have been made in some areas of breast cancer research resulting in improvements in therapies and outcomes over the last few decades, other areas have not benefited to the same degree and we continue to have many gaps in our knowledge. This article summarizes the 12 short and medium-term clinical research needs in breast cancer deemed as priorities in 2016 by a panel of experts, in an attempt to focus and accelerate future research in the most needed areas: (i) de-escalate breast cancer therapies in early breast cancer without sacrificing outcomes (ii) explore optimal adjuvant treatment durations (iii) develop better tools and strategies to identify patients with genetic predisposition (iv) improve care in young patients with breast cancer (v) develop tools to speed up drug development in biomarker-defined populations (vi) identify and validate targets that mediate resistance to chemotherapy, endocrine therapy and anti-HER2 therapies (vii) evaluate the efficacy of local-regional treatments for metastatic disease (viii) better define the optimal sequence of treatments in the metastatic setting (ix) evaluate the clinical impact of intra-patient heterogeneity (intra-tumor, inter-tumor and inter-lesion heterogeneity) (x) better understand the biology and identify new targets in triple-negative breast cancer (xi) better understand immune surveillance in breast cancer and further develop immunotherapies and (xii) increase survivorship research efforts including supportive care and quality of life.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-1993
DOI: 10.1007/BF01208846
Publisher: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Date: 03-2019
DOI: 10.1200/JCO.18.01010
Abstract: The aim of the current study was to conduct a pooled analysis of studies that have investigated the prognostic value of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in early-stage triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Participating studies had evaluated the percentage infiltration of stromally located TILs (sTILs) that were quantified in the same manner in patient diagnostic s les of early-stage TNBC treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy with or without taxanes. Cox proportional hazards regression models stratified by trial were used for invasive disease-free survival (iDFS primary end point), distant disease-free survival (D-DFS), and overall survival (OS), fitting sTILs as a continuous variable adjusted for clinicopathologic factors. We collected in idual data from 2,148 patients from nine studies. Average age was 50 years (range, 22 to 85 years), and 33% of patients were node negative. The average value of sTILs was 23% (standard deviation, 20%), and 77% of patients had 1% or more sTILs. sTILs were significantly lower with older age ( P = .001), larger tumor size ( P = .01), more nodal involvement ( P = .02), and lower histologic grade ( P = .001). A total of 736 iDFS and 548 D-DFS events and 533 deaths were observed. In the multivariable model, sTILs added significant independent prognostic information for all end points (likelihood ratio χ 2 , 48.9 iDFS P .001 χ 2 , 55.8 D-DFS P .001 χ 2 , 48.5 OS P .001). Each 10% increment in sTILs corresponded to an iDFS hazard ratio of 0.87 (95% CI, 0.83 to 0.91) for iDFS, 0.83 (95% CI, 0.79 to 0.88) for D-DFS, and 0.84 (95% CI, 0.79 to 0.89) for OS. In node-negative patients with sTILs ≥ 30%, 3-year iDFS was 92% (95% CI, 89% to 98%), D-DFS was 97% (95% CI, 95% to 99%), and OS was 99% (95% CI, 97% to 100%). This pooled data analysis confirms the strong prognostic role of sTILs in early-stage TNBC and excellent survival of patients with high sTILs after adjuvant chemotherapy and supports the integration of sTILs in a clinicopathologic prognostic model for patients with TNBC. This model can be found at www.tilsinbreastcancer.org .
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2023
DOI: 10.1016/J.HOC.2022.08.006
Abstract: The benefit from removing ovaries to control premenopausal breast cancer growth was identified more than 100 years ago. Subsequent identification of estrogen receptor (ER) enabled targeting of this approach. Development of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists facilitated a reversible method of ovarian function suppression, suitable for young women with early breast cancer. Clinical trials have established the value of including ovarian suppression to reduce recurrence of ER-positive premenopausal early breast cancer. Ovarian suppression administered with chemotherapy can reduce the risk of premature menopause in ER-negative cancer, and increase the prospect of future pregnancy in premenopausal women, regardless of tumor hormone receptor status.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-05-2021
DOI: 10.1038/S41523-021-00277-X
Abstract: Heparanase promotes tumor growth in breast tumors. We now evaluated heparanase protein and gene-expression status and investigated its impact on disease-free survival in order to gain better insight into the role of heparanase in ER-positive (ER+) breast cancer prognosis and to clarify its role in cell survival following chemotherapy. Using pooled analysis of gene-expression data, we found that heparanase was associated with a worse prognosis in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) tumors (log-rank p 10 −10 ) and predictive to chemotherapy resistance (interaction p = 0.0001) but not hormonal therapy (Interaction p = 0.62). These results were confirmed by analysis of data from a phase III, prospective randomized trial which showed that heparanase protein expression is associated with increased risk of recurrence in ER+ breast tumors (log-rank p = 0.004). In vitro experiments showed that heparanase promoted tumor progression and increased cell viability via epithelial–mesenchymal transition, stemness, and anti-apoptosis pathways in luminal breast cancer. Taken together, our results demonstrated that heparanase is associated with worse outcomes and increased cell viability in ER+ BC.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-1999
No related grants have been discovered for Prudence Francis.