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Introduction Aromatase-inhibitors (AIs) are commonly used for treatment of patients with hormone-receptor positive breast carcinoma, and are known to induce bone density loss and increase the risk of fractures. The current standard-of-care screening tool for fracture risk is bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX®) may be used in conjunction with BMD to identify additional osteopenic patients at risk of fracture who may benefit from a bone-modifying agent (BMA). The trabecular bone score (TBS), a novel method of measuring bone microarchitecture by DXA, has been shown to be an independent indicator of increased fracture risk. We report how the addition of TBS and FRAX®, respectively, to BMD contribute to identification of elevated fracture risk (EFR) in postmenopausal breast cancer patients treated with AIs. Methods 100 patients with early stage hormone-positive breast cancer treated with AIs, no prior BMAs, and with serial DXAs were identified. BMD and TBS were measured from DXA images before and following initiation of AIs, and FRAX® scores were calculated from review of clinical records. EFR was defined as either: BMD ≤−2.5 or BMD between −2.5 and −1 plus either increased risk by FRAX® or degraded microstructure by TBS. Results At baseline, BMD alone identified 4% of patients with EFR. The addition of FRAX® increased detection to 13%, whereas the combination of BMD, FRAX® and TBS identified 20% of patients with EFR. Following AIs, changes in TBS were independent of changes in BMD. On follow-up DXA, BMD alone detected an additional 1 patient at EFR (1%), whereas BMD+ FRAX® identified 3 additional patients (3%), and BMD+FRAX®+TBS identified 7 additional patients (7%). Conclusions The combination of FRAX®, TBS, and BMD maximized the identification of patients with EFR. TBS is a novel assessment that enhances the detection of patients who may benefit from BMAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: Patients ≥65years old (“older”) are often not included in randomized clinical trials (RCT), but when they are, care in an RCT might improve quality of life (QoL). We conducted a prospective comparison of QoL among older women receiving standard chemotherapy from the same cooperative group physicians in an RCT vs. an observational study (“off-trial”). Methods: Older women with invasive, non-metastatic breast cancer (n=150 RCT; 530 off-trial) were included. Linear mixed-effects models tested associations between chemotherapy on- vs. off-trial and changes in EORTC (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire) QoL scores over 24months, controlling for pre-treatment QoL, age, education, tumor factors, comorbidity, and other covariates. Results: Anthracycline regimens were used by 58% of women treated on-trial vs. 54% of those treated off-trial. Women in the RCT reported an adjusted mean increase of 13.7 points (95% CI 10.2, 17.1) in global QoL at 24months (vs. mid-treatment), while women treated off-trial had only an adjusted improvement of 7.0 points (95% CI 3.5, 10.4; p=.007 for difference in mean changes). Women in the RCT had significantly greater improvement in emotional function than those treated off-trial, controlling for baseline; they also had greater reductions in therapy side effects and fatigue at 24months than women off-trial, controlling for covariates. Conclusion: There may be different QoL trajectories for older women undergoing breast cancer chemotherapy on- vs. off-trial. If confirmed, the results suggest that the extra monitoring and communication within an RCT could provide the infrastructure for interventions to address symptoms and improve QoL for the growing older cancer population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Oversuppression of bone turnover can be a critical factor in the pathogenesis of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). We investigated N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTX) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) as potential predictors of ONJ onset. Patients and Methods: Patients with ONJ and available stored serum were identified retrospectively from the institutional databases. Four approximate points were examined: point of ONJ diagnosis and 12, 6, and 1 month before the diagnosis. NTX and BAP were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and examined as possible predictors of ONJ. Results: From March 1998 to September 2009, we identified 122 patients with ONJ. Of these, 56 (46%) had one or more serum samples available. Overall, 55 patients (98%) received bisphosphonates. Using the exact dates, no obvious patterns in either NTX or BAP were noted. Similarly, using the ordinal points, no evidence of suppression of NTX or BAP over time was seen. The consecutive median values were as follows: The median NTX values were 8.0 nmol/L (range 3.8 to 32.9) at 12 months before ONJ; 9.5 nmol/L (range 4.7 to 42.7) at 6 months; 9.5 nmol/L (range 4.5 to 24.6) at 1 month, and 10.4 nmol/L (range 4.4 to 32.5) at the ONJ diagnosis. The median BAP values were BAP 18.0 U/L (range 7.0 to 74) at 12 months before ONJ; 18.0 U/L (range 4.0 to 134) at 6 months; 14.0 U/L (range 4.0 to 132) at 1 month, and 18.0 U/L (range 0.7 to 375) at the ONJ diagnosis. Only 2 patients (4%) had NTX and 17 (30%) had BAP below the normal range at the ONJ diagnosis. Conclusions: In the present large retrospective study, no trends were seen in the NTX and BAP levels before the ONJ diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The etiology of osteonecrosis of the jaw is poorly understood, but preferential mandibular uptake of intravenous bisphosphonates (IVBPs) has been implicated. We examined this association within a prospective study assessing the effect of IVBPs on radionuclide bone scanning. Patients and Methods: Women with at least 3 osseous breast metastases on bone scanning and previous IVBP use within 8 weeks were eligible for the present study. After the first clinically indicated bone scan, the patients received zoledronic acid within 72 hours and underwent a second bone scan within another 72 hours. The regions of interest on the bone scan were read in triplicate, and the mean count per pixel was calculated for the mandible (CM), left femur (CFL), right femur (CFR), and thigh (CB). The mandibular bone turnover (MBT) was quantified as the ratio of (CM − CB)/(CF − CB), where CF = (CFL + CFR/2). The MBT was compared before and after IVBP use. Results: A total of 10 patients were enrolled (median age 51 years, range 40 to 71); none had known osteonecrosis of the jaw. Of the 10 patients, 8 had paired bone scans available for analysis. The previous zoledronic acid exposure was 48.6 mg (range 24 to 148) for a median of 13 months (range 6 to 35). The baseline mean MBT ratio was 2.33 (range 0.88 to 4.22). After IVBP administration, the mean MBT ratio was statistically unchanged at 2.23 (range 1.05 to 3.09). The MBT had declined in 4 patients and increased in 4. Only 1 patient had had an MBT of less than 1.0 before IVBP use, and no patient had an MBT ratio of less than 1.0 after IVBP use. Conclusions: The mandibular region appears to be a site of increased uptake of technetium-99m bound to methylene diphosphonate-technetium. Acute changes in bisphosphonate binding in the mandible were not observed in our patients receiving chronic IVBP therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Purpose: To assess the safety, tolerability, and clinical outcomes of an adjuvant chemotherapy regimen designed to incorporate a non-cross-resistant agent (paclitaxel, T) with a maximally dose-intensified regimen of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC) in conjunction with hematopoietic growth factor support (recombinant human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor; G-CSF; Filgrastim). A secondary aim was to assess if a higher dose (10mcg/kg/day) of G-CSF is more efficacious than the conventional dose (5mcg/kg/day) in this setting. Patients and Methods: Female patients with early-stage, node-positive invasive breast cancer were eligible for this multicenter, cooperative group feasibility trial that was designed as the pilot study for a larger randomized clinical trial. The protocol treatment comprised five cycles of dose-intensified AC (75 and 2000mg/m2/cycle, respectively, intravenously every three weeks) with G-CSF support, followed by an additional four cycles of T (175mg/m2 by 3h intravenous infusion, every three weeks). Patients were randomized to receive one of two dose levels of G-CSF (5 vs. 10 mcg/kg/day) during AC chemotherapy. Data on both short-term toxicity and long-term survival were collected. Results: One hundred and seventy two node-positive patients with operable primary breast cancer were accrued to this trial between February 1993 and April 1994. 130 of the 172 patients (76%) completed all protocol-specified therapy. Of the 42 early study withdrawals, 23 were due to unacceptable acute treatment-related toxicity. No differences in toxicities or clinical outcomes were noted between the two different dose levels of G-CSF support. At 6.8 years median follow-up, relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) rates for all patients are 70% and 78%, respectively. Ten patients developed second malignancies during follow-up, including three cases with a hematologic malignancy (2% incidence). Conclusion: The delivery of dose-intensified AC followed by T was feasible in this large-scale pilot trial, although significant acute toxicities were commonly encountered. The data confirmed the acceptable tolerability of T after aggressive myelotoxic therapy in the adjuvant setting, leading to a larger randomized clinical trial comparing three dose levels of doxorubicin in AC with or without the addition of T (CALGB 9344). Supportive care using twice the conventional dose of G-CSF did not significantly improve the tolerability or change the toxicities of this regimen, and the occurrence of secondary malignancies is consistent with the emerging risk profile of dose-intensive regimens with growth factor support. With long-term follow-up, the clinical outcomes remain relatively favorable and correlate with such expected prognostic factors as the number of involved nodes and hormone receptor status. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cytochrome P450 aromatase (aromatase), a product of the CYP19 gene, catalyzes the synthesis of estrogens from androgens. Because aromatase-dependent estrogen biosynthesis has been linked to hormone-dependent breast carcinogenesis, it is important to elucidate the mechanisms that regulate CYP19 gene expression. The main objective of this study was to identify the receptors (EP) for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) that mediate the induction of CYP19 transcription in human adipocytes and breast cancer cells. Treatment with PGE2 induced aromatase, an effect that was mimicked by either EP2 or EP4 agonists. Antagonists of EP2 or EP4 or small interference RNA-mediated down-regulation of these receptors suppressed PGE2-mediated induction of aromatase. PGE2 via EP2 and EP4 stimulated the cAMP->protein kinase A pathway resulting in enhanced interaction between P-CREB, p300, and the aromatase promoter I.3/II. Overexpressing a mutant form of p300 that lacks histone acetyltransferase activity suppressed PGE2-mediated induction of aromatase promoter activity. PGE2 via EP2 and EP4 also caused a reduction in both the amounts of BRCA1 and the interaction between BRCA1 and the aromatase promoter I.3/II. Activation of the aromatase promoter by PGE2 was suppressed by overexpressing wild-type BRCA1. Silencing of EP2 or EP4 also blocked PGE2-mediated induction of the progesterone receptor, a prototypic estrogen-response gene. In a mouse model, overexpressing COX-2 in the mammary gland, a known inducer of PGE2 synthesis, led to increased aromatase mRNA and activity and reduced amounts of BRCA1; these effects were reversed by knocking out EP2. Taken together, these results suggest that PGE2 via EP2 and EP4 activates the cAMP->PKA->CREB pathway leading to enhanced CYP19 transcription and increased aromatase activity. Reciprocal changes in the interaction between BRCA1, p300, and the aromatase promoter I.3/II contributed to the inductive effects of PGE2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Breast cancer is a significant public health burden with more than 200,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States each year. Although many incident cases represent localized disease, a significant proportion of women with early stage breast cancer eventually experience a distant relapse and ultimately die of metastatic breast cancer complications. Consequently, investigators strive to improve the adjuvant treatment paradigm and thus, optimize outcomes for women with early stage breast cancer. Within the last year a study describing a decline in incident breast cancer cases in the United States was reported. In addition, the results from a number of notable adjuvant treatment studies were reported or updated. Innovations in taxane-containing strategies and dose dense chemotherapy strategies were prominently featured. In addition, a number of insights pertaining to the treatment of women with HER2-positive breast cancer were reported. An overview of selected recently reported studies will be reviewed here. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer reduces the risks of recurrence and death in many subsets of patients. The quest for better regimens, defined as both more effective and less toxic has led to numerous clinical trials testing the taxanes in the adjuvant setting. These trials are generally positive but do not clearly identify a single best or ideal regimen for all patients. This paper reviews the available data in this area of clinical research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Modern chemotherapy has diminished the risks of distant relapse and death in many subgroups of patients with early stage breast cancer. Although the initial trials relied on empirically designed regimens, studies are increasingly based on preclinical science and reflect the growing understanding of the molecular basis of cancer. Empiric clinical trials proved the worth of combination chemotherapy, the limited value of very long courses of treatment, and the benefits of adding first anthracyclines and then later taxanes. More recent trials have demonstrated the limits on empiric dose escalation and the benefits of optimized scheduling. Many trials are currently focused on novel targeted agents. Based on several decades of studies in thousands of women it is reasonable to consider a combination of chemotherapy agents for patients with hormone unresponsive or otherwise high-risk tumors. Anthracyclines and taxanes should be incorporated into the treatment plans of patients in the higher risk subsets and the specific regimens should be taken from the several randomized studies. When available, eligible patients should be enrolled on prospective clinical trials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women, affecting thousands of people each year. The majority of women are diagnosed with early stage breast cancer, which is curable. The follow-up care of the breast cancer survivor requires an understanding of the goals of follow-up and the short and long term side effects of breast cancer treatment. In this article, we will discuss the principles of follow-up care of the breast cancer survivor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The evidence is now clear that taxanes added to standard adjuvant regimens have acceptable toxicity and can improve outcomes for patients with breast cancer. The North American Intergroup 0148 study (CALGB 9344) clearly showed a benefit in terms of disease-free survival and overall survival when paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 was added to adjuvant doxorubicin (A) and cyclophosphamide (C) therapy in 3121 patients with node-positive breast cancer. Adding paclitaxel to AC therapy resulted in a hazard reduction of 17% for recurrence (adjusted Wald χ2 P = 0.0023) and 18% for death (adjusted Wald χ2 P = 0.0064). Results from a similar trial, NSABP B28, in which paclitaxel was also added to standard AC adjuvant therapy and compared with standard AC therapy alone in 3060 patients with node-positive breast cancer are consistent with those of the CALGB trial. This trial also demonstrated a 17% reduction in disease-free survival events (P = 0.008) and a non-significant trend in overall survival when paclitaxel was added. A third large trial (BCIRG 001) testing taxanes as adjuvant therapy comparing 5-fluorouracil plus AC with docetaxel (T) plus AC (TAC vs FAC) yielded a significant improvement in disease-free survival (32% reduction in risk of recurrence, P = 0.0011), as well as a favourable trend in overall survival with the substitution of the taxane in place of 5-fluorouracil. Additional studies in the preoperative setting demonstrate benefits in terms of local tumour response and overall outcomes when taxanes are added to standard therapy. Very recent results suggest that dose-dense administration of chemotherapy including paclitaxel is associated with better outcomes than standard regimens in adjuvant therapy. Hence, the available data are clearly consistent with the hypothesis that taxanes can add to the benefits of existing chemotherapy regimens in the adjuvant setting. Future studies will need to identify subgroups of patients with greater or lesser benefits from taxanes and focus on optimisation of this class of agents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose A joint American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society for Radiation Oncology, and Society of Surgical Oncology panel convened to develop a focused update of the American Society of Clinical Oncology guideline concerning use of postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT). Methods A recent systematic literature review by Cancer Care Ontario provided the primary evidentiary basis. The joint panel also reviewed targeted literature searches to identify new, potentially practice-changing data. Recommendations The panel unanimously agreed that available evidence shows that PMRT reduces the risks of locoregional failure (LRF), any recurrence, and breast cancer mortality for patients with T1-2 breast cancer with one to three positive axillary nodes. However, some subsets of these patients are likely to have such a low risk of LRF that the absolute benefit of PMRT is outweighed by its potential toxicities. In addition, the acceptable ratio of benefit to toxicity varies among patients and physicians. Thus, the decision to recommend PMRT requires a great deal of clinical judgment. The panel agreed clinicians making such recommendations for individual patients should consider factors that may decrease the risk of LRF, attenuate the benefit of reduced breast cancer–specific mortality, and/or increase risk of complications resulting from PMRT. When clinicians and patients elect to omit axillary dissection after a positive sentinel node biopsy, the panel recommends that these patients receive PMRT only if there is already sufficient information to justify its use without needing to know additional axillary nodes are involved. Patients with axillary nodal involvement after neoadjuvant systemic therapy should receive PMRT. The panel recommends treatment generally be administered to both the internal mammary nodes and the supraclavicular-axillary apical nodes in addition to the chest wall or reconstructed breast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Big data represents a new opportunity to increase our understanding of cancer care as it is practiced globally and to improve it through the refinement of clinic guidelines and the identification of knowledge gaps. Here we review the historical approach to evidence development (randomized clinical trials), some of their limitations, and the complementary role that big data analytics may play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Bevacizumab is a humanised monoclonal antibody which blocks the binding of circulating vascular endothelial growth factor to its receptors. To date, the Food and Drug Administration has approved bevacizumab for the treatment of several solid tumours. To assess the impact of bevacizumab-based regimens on outcome in these advanced solid tumour types, we performed a meta-analysis. We included all of the randomised trials (phase II or III) where bevacizumab was tested in the first line setting compared with a control arm, including chemotherapy, placebo or other anti-neoplastic agents. Methods A literature-based meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in accordance with the preferences for reported items in systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines were undertaken. The primary end-point considered was overall survival (OS). The secondary end-points were progression-free survival (PFS) time, response rate and safety. A subgroup analysis was performed to highlight any differences between studies in different tumour types for all end-points. Results The pooled analysis from RCTs on bevacizumab-based regimens revealed significantly increased OS (hazard ratio [HR] for death 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.88–0.95; P < 0.0001), PFS (HR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.67–0.78; P < 0.00001) and response rate (risk ratio: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.27–1.50; P < 0.00001) compared to control arm in solid tumours overall and in colorectal, lung, ovarian and renal cancer as single indications. However, notably, no effect on survival was seen in breast cancer. Conclusion This study confirmed that bevacizumab-based regimens result in a significant effect on survival and response in advanced colorectal, lung, ovarian and kidney cancer. In cancers where bevacizumab failed overall as in breast cancer, a dedicated biomarkers analysis is warranted to select the proper subgroup of patient that might have the adequate clinical benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and Id-1 are overexpressed in avariety of human malignancies. Recently, each of these genes was found to play a role in mediating breast cancer metastasis to the lungs, but their potential interdependence was not evaluated. Hence, the main objective of the current study was to determine whether COX-2-derived prostaglandin (PGE2) activated Id-1 transcription, leading in turn to increased invasiveness of mammary epithelial cells. In MDA-MB-231 cells, treatment with PGE2 induced Id-1, an effect that was mimicked by an EP4 agonist. PGE2 via EP4 activated the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) → ERK1/2 pathway, which led to increased expression of Egr-1. PGE2 stimulated EGFR signaling by inducing the release of amphiregulin, an EGFR ligand. The ability of PGE2 to activate Id-1 transcription was mediated by enhanced binding of Egr-1 to the Id-1 promoter. Silencing of COX-2 or pharmacological inhibition of COX-2 led to reduced PGE2 production, decreased Id-1 expression, and reduced migration of cells through extracellular matrix. A similar decrease in cell migration was found when Id-1 was silenced. The interrelationship between COX-2, PGE2, Id-1, and cell invasiveness was also compared in nontumorigenic SCp2 and tumorigenic SCg6 mammary epithelial cells. Consistent with the findings in MDA-MB-231 cells, COX-2-derived PGE2 induced Id-1, leading in turn to increased cell invasiveness. Taken together, these results suggest that PGE2 via EP4 activated the EGFR → ERK1/2 → Egr-1 pathway, leading to increased Id-1 transcription and cell invasion. These findings provide new insights into the relationship between COX-2 and Id-1 and their potential role in metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Management of the axilla in stage II/III breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST) is controversial. To understand current patterns of care, we collected axillary data from 2 NST trials: HER2-positive (Cancer and Leukemia Group B [CALGB] 40601) and triple-negative (CALGB 40603).Study Design: Axillary evaluation pre- and post-NST was per the treating surgeon and could include sentinel node biopsy. Post-NST, node-positive patients were recommended to undergo axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). We report pre-NST histopathologic nodal evaluation and post-NST axillary surgical procedures with correlation to clinical and pathologic nodal status.Results: Seven hundred and forty-two patients were treated, 704 had complete nodal data pre-NST and post-NST. Pre-NST, 422 (60%) of 704 patients underwent at least 1 procedure for axillary node evaluation (total of 468 procedures): fine needle aspiration (n = 234; 74% positive), core needle biopsy (n = 138; 72% positive), and sentinel node biopsy (n = 96; 33% positive). Pre-NST, 304 patients were considered node-positive. Post-NST, 304 of 704 patients (43%) underwent sentinel node biopsy; 44 were positive and 259 were negative (29 and 36 patients, respectively, had subsequent ALND). Three hundred and ninety-one (56%) patients went directly to post-NST ALND and 9 (1%) pre-NST node-positive patients had no post-NST axillary procedure. Post-NST, 170 (24%) of the 704 patients had residual axillary disease. Agreement between post-NST clinical and radiologic staging and post-NST histologic staging was strongest for node-negative (81%) and weaker for node-positive (N1 31%, N2 29%), with more than half of the clinically node-positive patients found to be pathologic negative (p < 0.001).Conclusions: Our results suggest there is no widely accepted standard for axillary nodal evaluation pre-NST. Post-NST staging was highly concordant in patients with N0 disease, but poorly so in node-positive disease. Accurate methods are needed to identify post-NST patients without residual axillary disease to potentially spare ALND. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Knocking out mPGES-1 suppresses mouse mammary tumor growth. [•] Angiogenesis is reduced by genetic ablation of mPGES-1. [•] Aromatase activity is substantially reduced in mPGES-1-deficient mammary glands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background/purpose: To evaluate radiation plans of patients undergoing mastectomy with immediate expander-implant reconstruction followed by postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT). Materials/methods: We identified 41 patients from June 2004 to May 2007 who underwent mastectomy, immediate expander-implant reconstruction, and PMRT with intensity-modulated radiation therapy. We assessed chest wall (CW) coverage and volume of heart and lung irradiated. Results: In 73% of patients, all CW borders were adequately covered, and in 22%, all but 1 border were adequately covered. The total lung V 20 was<20% in 39/41 patients. The mean lung V 20 was 13% (range, 3–23%), and the mean heart D mean was 2.81Gy (range, 0.53–9.60Gy). In patients with left-sided lesions without internal mammary nodes (IMNs) treatment (n =22), the mean lung V 20 was 12.6% and the mean heart D mean was 3.90Gy, and in the patient with IMN treatment, the lung V 20 was 18% and heart D mean was 8.04Gy. For right-sided lesions without IMN treatment (n =12), the mean lung V 20 was 12.4% and the mean heart D mean was 0.90Gy, and in patients with IMN treatment (n =6), these numbers were 17.8% and 1.76Gy. At a median follow-up of 29months, the 30-month actuarial local control was 97%. Conclusions: In women undergoing immediate expander-implant reconstruction, PMRT can achieve excellent local control with acceptable heart and lung doses. These results can be achieved even when the IMN are being treated, although doses to the heart and lungs will be higher. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Background: The 21-gene recurrence score assay is prognostic for women with node-negative, oestrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer treated with tamoxifen. A low recurrence score predicts little benefit of chemotherapy. For node-positive breast cancer, we investigated whether the recurrence score was prognostic in women treated with tamoxifen alone and whether it identified those who might not benefit from anthracycline-based chemotherapy, despite higher risks of recurrence. Methods: The phase 3 trial SWOG-8814 for postmenopausal women with node-positive, oestrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer showed that chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and fluorouracil (CAF) before tamoxifen (CAF-T) added survival benefit to treatment with tamoxifen alone. Optional tumour banking yielded specimens for determination of recurrence score by RT-PCR. In this retrospective analysis, we assessed the effect of recurrence score on disease-free survival by treatment group (tamoxifen vs CAF-T) using Cox regression, adjusting for number of positive nodes. Findings: There were 367 specimens (40% of the 927 patients in the tamoxifen and CAF-T groups) with sufficient RNA for analysis (tamoxifen, n=148; CAF-T, n=219). The recurrence score was prognostic in the tamoxifen-alone group (p=0·006; hazard ratio [HR] 2·64, 95% CI 1·33–5·27, for a 50-point difference in recurrence score). There was no benefit of CAF in patients with a low recurrence score (score <18; log-rank p=0·97; HR 1·02, 0·54–1·93), but an improvement in disease-free survival for those with a high recurrence score (score ≥31; log-rank p=0·033; HR 0·59, 0·35–1·01), after adjustment for number of positive nodes. The recurrence score by treatment interaction was significant in the first 5 years (p=0·029), with no additional prediction beyond 5 years (p=0·58), although the cumulative benefit remained at 10 years. Results were similar for overall survival and breast-cancer-specific survival. Interpretation: The recurrence score is prognostic for tamoxifen-treated patients with positive nodes and predicts significant benefit of CAF in tumours with a high recurrence score. A low recurrence score identifies women who might not benefit from anthracycline-based chemotherapy, despite positive nodes. Funding: National Cancer Institute and Genomic Health. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Metastasis may arise years after removal of a primary tumor. The mechanisms allowing latent disseminated cancer cells to survive are unknown. We report that a gene expression signature of Src activation is associated with late-onset bone metastasis in breast cancer. This link is independent of hormone receptor status or breast cancer subtype. In breast cancer cells, Src is dispensable for homing to the bones or lungs but is critical for the survival and outgrowth of these cells in the bone marrow. Src mediates AKT regulation and cancer cell survival responses to CXCL12 and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), factors that are distinctively expressed in the bone metastasis microenvironment. Breast cancer cells that lodge in the bone marrow succumb in this environment when deprived of Src activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mutation screening of the breast and ovarian cancer predisposition genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 is becoming an increasingly important part of clinical practice. Classification of rare non-truncating sequence variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes is problematic because it is not known whether these subtle changes alter function sufficiently to predispose cells to cancer development. Several studies have reported the biochemical analysis of BRCA2 variants, which disrupted the 5′ and 3′splicing consensus elements (the GU-AG rule). However, little has been done to look into the consequences of variants located outside the 5′ and 3′ consensus splice sites. cDNA analysis demonstrates that the BRCA2*IVS4-12del5 splice site variant results in the deletion of exon 5, and the gene putatively produces a truncated BRCA2 protein of 164 amino acids instead of 3418 with the incorporation of 22 out of frame amino acids. The pattern of breast, melanoma, and pancreatic cancers in the paternal kindred is consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance of a deleterious BRCA2 mutation. Analysis of a tumor specimen indicates loss of heterozygosity (LOH). Sequence alignment indicates the deleted region is well conserved across different species. These results support the conclusion that BRCA2 IVS4-12del5 is a deleterious mutation. This study will shed light on the reclassification of intronic variants that do not disrupt the 5′ and 3′ splice sites (the GU-AG rule). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: To determine intervals between surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation in patients treated with mastectomy with immediate expander-implant reconstruction, and to evaluate locoregional and distant control and overall survival in these patients. Methods and Materials: Between May 1996 and March 2004, 104 patients with Stage II–III breast cancer were routinely treated at our institution under the following algorithm: (1) definitive mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection and immediate tissue expander placement, (2) tissue expansion during chemotherapy, (3) exchange of tissue expander for permanent implant, (4) radiation. Patient, disease, and treatment characteristics and clinical outcomes were retrospectively evaluated. Results: Median age was 45 years. Twenty-six percent of patients were Stage II and 74% Stage III. All received adjuvant chemotherapy. Estrogen receptor staining was positive in 77%, and 78% received hormone therapy. Radiation was delivered to the chest wall with daily 0.5-cm bolus and to the supraclavicular fossa. Median dose was 5040 cGy. Median interval from surgery to chemotherapy was 5 weeks, from completion of chemotherapy to exchange 4 weeks, and from exchange to radiation 4 weeks. Median interval from completion of chemotherapy to start of radiation was 8 weeks. Median follow-up was 64 months from date of mastectomy. The 5-year rate for locoregional disease control was 100%, for distant metastasis-free survival 90%, and for overall survival 96%. Conclusions: Mastectomy with immediate expander-implant reconstruction, adjuvant chemotherapy, and radiation results in a median interval of 8 weeks from completion of chemotherapy to initiation of radiation and seems to be associated with acceptable 5-year locoregional control, distant metastasis-free survival, and overall survival. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: Previous studies demonstrate differing treatment patterns between older and younger patients with breast cancer. To explore the reasons for these disparities we conducted a survey of 28 oncologists specializing in breast cancer. Design and methods: Twenty-eight medical oncologists from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and the University of California Los Angeles who specialize in the treatment of breast cancer were asked to provide adjuvant treatment recommendations in hypothetical scenarios featuring older patients with high-risk breast cancer. For each of these hypothetical patients, the patient''s age was varied over four possible values (70, 75, 80, or 85 years of age) and health and functional status varied across three possible states (perfect health, average health, or major health problems). Survey data were compiled and analyzed to determine the impact of theoretical patient age, baseline health, and functional status on their treatment recommendations. Results: The proportion of oncologists who recommended adjuvant chemotherapy decreased as the patient''s age increased or as the patient''s functional status and health status decreased. For 96% of physicians (95% CI, 82–100%), patient age influenced chemotherapy recommendations, controlling for health/functional status; the same proportion of respondents were influenced by health/functional status, controlling for patient age. There was increased variability in treatment recommendations as the patient''s age increased or functional status and health status decreased. Conclusion: Among these medical oncologists who primarily treat breast cancer adjuvant treatment recommendations vary based on patient age, health, and functional status. Future studies are needed to correlate age, health, and functional status with the risks and benefits of adjuvant therapy so that consensus guidelines can be formed. A more comprehensive baseline assessment of the older patient, such as can be derived from a comprehensive geriatric assessment may be useful in this regard. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purposes: To retrospectively determine the factors influencing treatment decisions in older breast cancer patients at a single center. Experimental design: 216 patients age &ges;75 seen in post-treatment follow-up between January, 1997 and June, 2000 were identified in the Memorial Sloan–Kettering breast cancer database. Eligible patients were &ges;75 years old at diagnosis, had a diagnosis of stage I, II, or III breast cancer, and received their follow-up care at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. A retrospective chart review was performed. Patients were stratified by: (1) prognostic factors (age (75–79 or &ges;80), Charlson comorbidity score, tumor size, nodal status, stage, ER, PR, creatinine, albumin, hemoglobin, and liver function tests), (2) local treatment (lumpectomy, axillary lymph node dissection (AxLND), radiation (XRT), modified radical mastectomy (MRM)) and (3) systemic treatment (tamoxifen, chemotherapy). Combined local treatment was defined as (a) lumpectomy, AxLND, XRT or (b) MRM, AxLND, XRT (if tumor &ges;5 cm or &ges;4+ lymph nodes). Results: 96 patients were eligible for this study: 46 patients (75–79 years); 50 patients (&ges;80 years). The majority of patients (74%) were treated with lumpectomy but those &ges;80 were less likely to receive XRT (94% age 75–80; 45% age >80; P<0.01). Patients &ges;80 were also less likely to receive AxLND (94% age 75–79; 62% age &ges;80; P<0.01). A logistic regression model identified two independent prognostic variables for not receiving combined local treatment: increased age (P<0.01) and increased comorbidity score (P=0.01). Increased age did not correlate with increased comorbidity (P=0.48). 5.2% of patients received adjuvant chemotherapy (all age <80). 83% of ER positive patients received tamoxifen (89% age 75–79; 79% age >80). Conclusion: We hypothesize that both comorbidity and age play a significant role in influencing treatment decisions in the older breast cancer patient but these two variables are not necessarily correlated. Prospective studies are needed to determine the relative impact of these variables. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

While ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is known as a precursor lesion to most invasive breast carcinomas, the mechanisms underlying this transition remain enigmatic. DCIS is typically diagnosed by the mammographic detection of microcalcifications (MC). MCs consisting of non-stoichiometric hydroxyapatite (HA) mineral are frequently associated with malignant disease, yet it is unclear whether HA can actively promote malignancy. To investigate this outstanding question, we compared phenotypic outcomes of breast cancer cells cultured in control or HA-containing poly(lactide- co- glycolide) (PLG) scaffolds. Exposure to HA mineral in scaffolds increased the expression of pro-tumorigenic interleukin-8 (IL-8) among transformed but not benign cells. Notably, MCF10DCIS.com cells cultured in HA scaffolds adopted morphological changes associated with increased invasiveness and exhibited increased motility that were dependent on IL-8 signaling. Moreover, MCF10DCIS.com xenografts in HA scaffolds displayed evidence of enhanced malignant progression relative to xenografts in control scaffolds. These experimental findings were supported by a pathological analysis of clinical DCIS specimens, which correlated the presence of MCs with increased IL-8 staining and ductal proliferation. Collectively, our work suggests that HA mineral may stimulate malignancy in preinvasive DCIS cells and validate PLG scaffolds as useful tools to study cell-mineral interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The neoadjuvant setting provides a unique opportunity to study the effect of systemic treatments on breast cancer biology and to identify clinically useful prognostic and predictive biomarkers. Discrepancies and inconsistencies in the use of definitions and endpoint assessments in this setting confound the analysis and interpretation of results across clinical trials and hinder research progress. This Review represents a joint effort of the Breast International Group and the National Cancer Institute-sponsored North American Breast Cancer Group to provide clinicians and researchers with a series of standardised definitions and endpoints that could be implemented in future neoadjuvant clinical trials. Definitions of the setting of interest and of survival endpoints are recommended, together with proposals for standard assessment of the response to treatment, use of functional and molecular imaging endpoints, and characterisation and selection of the population to treat. We expect that implementation of these recommendations will improve the conduct, reporting, and effectiveness of clinical trials and fully exploit the clinical and scientific potential of the neoadjuvant setting in breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]