Chemotherapy effects on bone mineral density and microstructure in women with breast cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Chemotherapy involves the administration of steroids to prevent nausea and vomiting; however, its effect on bone microstructure remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone microstructure associated with chemotherapy using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) in women with early breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective single-arm observational study included non-osteoporotic, postmenopausal women with breast cancer. The patients underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), HR-pQCT, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b (TRACP-5b) or procollagen type-I N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) measurements at baseline, end of chemotherapy, and 6 months after chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was the change in total volumetric BMD at the distal tibia and radius. RESULTS: Eighteen women were included in the study (median age: 57 years; range: 55-62 years). At 6 months after chemotherapy, HR-pQCT indicated a significant decrease in total volumetric BMD (median: distal tibia -4.5%, p < 0.01; distal radius -2.3%, p < 0.01), cortical volumetric BMD (-1.9%, p < 0.01; -0.8%, p = 0.07, respectively), and trabecular volumetric BMD (-1.1%, p = 0.09; -3.0%, p < 0.01, respectively). The DXA BMD also showed a significant decrease in the lumbar spine (median: -4.5%, p < 0.01), total hip (-5.5%, p < 0.01), and femoral neck (-4.2%, p < 0.01). TRACP-5b and P1NP levels were significantly increased at the end of chemotherapy compared to baseline. CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal women undergoing chemotherapy for early breast cancer experienced significant BMD deterioration in weight-bearing bone, which was further reduced 6 months after chemotherapy.

TERT Promoter Mutations Increase Tumor Aggressiveness by Altering TERT mRNA Splicing in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

CONTEXT: Telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter (TERT-p) mutations, which upregulate TERT expression, are strongly associated with tumor aggressiveness and worse prognosis in papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs). TERT expression is also observed in a proportion of PTCs without TERT-p mutations, but such tumors show less aggressiveness and better prognosis than TERT-p mutation-positive tumors. OBJECTIVE: TERT has multiple splicing variants whose relationships with the TERT-p status and clinicopathological characteristics remain poorly understood. We examined the relationship between the TERT-p mutational status, the TERT splicing pattern, and clinicopathological features. METHODS: We investigated the expression of 2 major variants, α deletion (dA) and ß deletion (dB), in a series of 207 PTCs operated on between November 2001 and March 2020 in Nagasaki University Hospital and Kuma Hospital. RESULTS: The TERT-p mutations were found in 33 cases, and among 174 mutation-negative cases, 24 showed TERT expression. All cases were classified into 3 groups: the TERT-p mutation-negative/expression-negative group (mut-/exp-), the TERT-p mutation-negative/expression-positive group (mut-/exp+), and the TERT-p mutation-positive group (mut+/exp+). The +A+B/dB ratio in mut+/exp+ was significantly higher than that in mut-/exp+ PTCs. Analysis with clinicopathological data revealed that +A+B expression was associated with higher PTC aggressiveness, whereas dB expression counteracted this effect. Functional in vitro study demonstrated that dB strongly inhibited cell growth, migration, and clonogenicity, suggesting its tumor-suppressive role. CONCLUSION: These results provide evidence that the TERT-p mutations alter the expression of different TERT splice variants, which, in turn, associates with different tumor aggressiveness.

Patient Preference for Surgical Methods for Ipsilateral Breast Tumor Recurrence.

BACKGROUND: Mastectomy has been the standard surgical treatment for ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR). Recently, there has been growing interest in repeat breast-conserving surgery (rBCS) for IBTR among breast surgeons; however, there is currently little information regarding patient preferences for surgical procedure for IBTR. The purpose of this study was to evaluate preference for surgical procedure (mastectomy vs. rBCS) among breast cancer patients who had undergone salvage surgery for IBTR. METHODS: Overall, 100 breast cancer patients who had undergone salvage surgery for IBTR were asked about their preferred surgical methods for IBTR and the reason. The association of patient preference and the reasons related to various clinical and pathological factors were assessed. RESULTS: Of the 100 respondents, only 11 patients (11%) preferred rBCS. Patients who had undergone rBCS and radiotherapy for IBTR were significantly more likely to prefer to undergo rBCS than other groups (p = 0.030). The most frequent reason for choosing rBCS was the patient's desire to minimize breast deformity and surgical wounds. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that there is a low rate of patients who opt to undergo rBCS among patients who had undergone salvage surgery for IBTR. Discrepancies in perceptions regarding the surgical procedure for IBTR between patients and their surgeons may exist.

The Japanese Breast Cancer Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for surgical treatment of breast cancer, 2022 edition.

The 2022 revision of the Japanese Breast Cancer Society (JBCS) Clinical Practice Guidelines for surgical treatment of breast cancer was updated following a systematic review of the literature using the Medical Information Network Distribution Service (MINDS) procedure, which focuses on the balance of benefits and harms for various clinical questions (CQs). Experts in surgery designated by the JBCS addressed five areas: breast surgery, axillary surgery, breast reconstruction, surgical treatment for recurrent and metastatic breast cancer, and other related topics. The revision of the guidelines encompassed 4 CQs, 7 background questions (BQs), and 14 future research questions (FRQs). A significant revision in the 2022 edition pertained to axillary management after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in CQ2. The primary aim of the 2022 JBCS Clinical Practice Guidelines is to provide evidence-based recommendations to empower patients and healthcare professionals in making informed decisions regarding surgical treatment for breast cancer.

EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF A DEXAMETHASONE-BASED MOUTHWASH TO PREVENT CHEMOTHERAPY-INDUCED STOMATITIS IN WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER: A MULTICENTRE, OPEN-LABEL, RANDOMISED PHASE 2 STUDY.

PURPOSE: No standard approach other than oral care is available for preventing chemotherapy-induced stomatitis in patients with breast cancer. In this randomized, controlled phase 2 trial, we aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a dexamethasone-based mouthwash in preventing chemotherapy-induced stomatitis in patients with early breast cancer. BASIC PROCEDURES: Patients with breast cancer scheduled for epirubicin and cyclophosphamide (EC) or docetaxel and cyclophosphamide (TC) therapy were selected and allocated in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received chemotherapy, oral care, and a dexamethasone-based mouthwash, whereas the control group received chemotherapy and oral care. The primary endpoint was the incidence of stomatitis. This was a phase 2 study, and the significance level for the analysis of the primary endpoint was set a priori at 0.2. MAIN FINDINGS: Data pertaining to 58 patients in the control group and 59 patients in the intervention group were analyzed. Stomatitis incidence was 55% and 38% in the control and intervention groups, respectively (risk ratio, 0.68; 80% confidence interval, 0.52-0.88; P = .052). Stomatitis severity was lower in the intervention group than in the control group (P = .03). The proportion of patients who adhered to the mouthwash regimen was 87% (interquartile range, 67.8%-95.3%). No severe oral infections were observed. PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS: The dexamethasone-based mouthwash safely reduced stomatitis incidence and severity in patients receiving chemotherapy for early breast cancer. Phase 3 clinical trials are warranted for validating our results.

Factors associated with financial toxicity in patients with breast cancer in Japan: a comparison of patient and physician perspectives.

BACKGROUND: Financial toxicity (FT) is a notable concern for patients with breast cancer worldwide. The situation regarding FT in Japan, however, has not been well explored. This study examined FT in patients with breast cancer in Japan and presented an overview of the group study's overall findings. METHODS: The survey used the Questant application and primarily targeted patients with breast cancer attending research facilities and physicians who are members of the Japanese Breast Cancer Society. The Japanese version of the Comprehensive Score for FT (COST) was used to quantify patients' FT. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify factors related to FT in patients with breast cancer in Japan and evaluate the sufficiency of information support level (ISL) for medical expenses. RESULTS: We collected 1558 responses from patients and 825 from physicians. In terms of factors affecting FT, recent payments had the highest impact, followed by stage, and related departments positively affecting FT. Conversely, factors such as income, age, and family support were found to negatively affect FT. A significant discrepancy was identified between patients and physicians in perceived information support, with patients frequently feeling unsupported and physicians believing that they have provided adequate support. Furthermore, differences in the frequency of explanations and opportunities to ask questions about medical costs across FT grades were found. The analysis also showed that physicians with a better understanding of information support needs and greater knowledge of medical costs tended to provide more support that is comprehensive. CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the importance of addressing FT in patients with breast cancer in Japan and highlights the need for enhanced information support, deeper understanding by physicians, and collaborative efforts among professionals to mitigate financial burden and provide personalized, tailored support for individual needs.

Association of quantitative analysis of intratumoral reduced E-cadherin expression with lymph node metastasis and prognosis in patients with breast cancer.

Loss of E-cadherin expression is a poor prognostic factor in patients with breast cancer. Breast cancer cells co-cultured with adipocytes reportedly promote E-cadherin attenuation and tumor progression. The current study aimed to investigate the association of reduced E-cadherin expression with adipose tissue invasion (ATI) and prognosis in breast cancer. Surgical specimens were collected from 188 women with invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast who had undergone surgery without neoadjuvant treatment. We compared E-cadherin expression in ATI and invasive front (IF) using immunohistochemistry with ImageJ. Reduced E-cadherin expression was detected not only in the ATI area but also in the IF, and the degree of reduced E-cadherin expression was positively correlated with both areas. In patients with lymph node metastasis compared to those without, E-cadherin expression was reduced and this reduction was associated with poor recurrence-free survival. We concluded that E-cadherin expression is reduced not only at the ATI area but also at the IF of the tumor. Reduced E-cadherin expression is a clear prognostic factor for breast cancer. Hence, future research is warranted for establishing an objective and quantitative E-cadherin staining assay that will allow clinical use of E-cadherin as a prognostic factor.

An Evaluation of the Efficacy of Compression Therapy Using Sleeves and Stockings to Prevent Docetaxel-induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Breast Cancer Patients.

Taxanes are key drugs for patients with breast cancer. A major adverse effect of taxanes is peripheral neuropathy (PN). To investigate the ability of compression therapy using sleeves and stockings to prevent PN due to the taxane docetaxel, we conducted a single-center historical control trial. Patients receiving docetaxel at 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks for 4 cycles as first-line chemotherapy for breast cancer were eligible. PN was evaluated using the common terminology criteria for adverse events version 4.0. The primary endpoint was the incidence of allgrade PN until 3 weeks after the fourth docetaxel administration. We evaluated 26 patients in the intervention group and compared their data to those collected retrospectively from 52 patients treated with docetaxel without compression. Neither the incidence of all-grade PN until 3 weeks after the fourth docetaxel administration (63.5% in the control group vs. 76.9% in the intervention group, p=0.31) nor that of PN grade ≥ 2 (13.5% vs. 15.4%, p=0.99) differed between the groups. In this study, the efficacy of compression therapy using sleeves and stockings to prevent PN induced by docetaxel was not demonstrated. Further clinical studies including medications or intervention are needed to reduce the incidence and severity of PN induced by chemotherapy.

Prognosis of asymptomatic versus symptomatic metastatic breast cancer: a multicenter retrospective study.

In Japan, asymptomatic metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is often detected using tumor markers or imaging tests. We aimed to investigate differences in clinicopathological features, prognosis, and treatment between asymptomatic and symptomatic MBCs. Patients with MBC were retrospectively divided into asymptomatic and symptomatic groups to compare their prognosis by breast cancer subtype: luminal, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive, and triple negative. Of 204 patients with MBC (114 asymptomatic, 90 symptomatic), the symptomatic group had a higher frequency of multiple metastatic sites and TN subtype. All cohorts in the asymptomatic group tended to or had longer post-recurrence survival (PRS) than those in the symptomatic group. In contrast, all cohorts and TN patients in the asymptomatic group tended to have or had longer overall survival (OS) than those in the symptomatic group, although no significant difference was observed in the luminal and HER2 subtypes. In the multivariate analysis, TN, recurrence-free survival, multiple metastatic sites, and symptomatic MBC were independently predictive of PRS. Regarding the luminal subtype, the asymptomatic group had longer chemotherapy duration than the symptomatic group, with no significant difference in OS between the groups. Asymptomatic and symptomatic MBCs differ in terms of subtypes and prognosis, and whether they require different treatment strategies for each subtype warrants further investigation.

Lymphedema After Axillary Lymph Node Dissection in Breast Cancer: Prevalence and Risk Factors-A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Background: Lymphedema may develop when axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) injures and obstructs the lymph ducts in the upper limb. In patients with breast cancer, lymphedema is difficult to treat and can cause arm swelling, heaviness, and restricted movement. We aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors for lymphedema after ALND in patients with breast cancer. Methods and Results: This retrospective study included 175 patients with breast cancer who underwent ALND in the Nagasaki University Hospital, Japan, between 2005 and 2018. Lymphedema was defined as symptomatic arm swelling with a >2-cm difference in the arm circumference between the affected and contralateral arms. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of lymphedema. Surgical and pathological findings were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed, including the chi-square test, Student's t-test, and logistic regression analysis. Lymphedema was prevalent in 20% of the study participants, and the mean time interval from surgery to development of lymphedema was 479 days. In the univariate analysis, a body mass index of >26 kg/m2, smoking, radiotherapy (RT), and dissection of >18 axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) significantly increased the risk of lymphedema. In the multivariate analysis, smoking, RT, and dissection of >18 ALNs significantly increased the risk of lymphedema. Conclusions: The prevalence of lymphedema in our study was 20%. Our findings suggest that smoking, RT, and dissection of >18 ALNs are risk factors for lymphedema. Aggressive and empiric ALND might be associated with axillary lymph duct damage.

Bilateral Inflammatory Breast Cancer That Developed Two Years after Treatment for Triple-negative Breast Cancer.

A 66-year-old woman underwent partial mastectomy and a sentinel lymph node biopsy for left breast cancer; the pathological diagnosis was invasive ductal carcinoma (pT1aN0, pStage I, triple-negative subtype). Postoperative radiotherapy was performed. Two years later, she developed redness and induration at both breasts. The diagnosis was bilateral inflammatory breast cancer. After four cycles of dose-dense epirubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by 12 weekly paclitaxel cycles, bilateral total mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection were performed. At the one-year follow-up after undergoing operation and radiotherapy, she remained alive without recurrence. Dose-dense treatment regimens may help patients achieve complete resection without short-term recurrence.

Adjuvant endocrine therapy effects on bone mineral density and microstructure in women with breast cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Although aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are typical drugs for cancer treatment-induced bone loss, their effects on the bone microstructure remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated changes in the bone mineral density (BMD) and bone microstructure associated with AI treatment using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) in patients with early breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, single-arm, observational study included non-osteoporotic, postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Patients underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), HR-pQCT, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b (TRACP-5b) or procollagen type-I N-terminal propeptide measurements at baseline and 6 and 12 months after AI therapy. The primary endpoint was changes in the total volumetric BMD (Tt.vBMD), trabecular vBMD (Tb.vBMD), and cortical vBMD (Ct.vBMD) longitudinally at the distal radius and tibia. RESULTS: Twenty women were included (median age 57.5 years; range 55-72 years). At 12 months, HR-pQCT indicated a significant decrease in the Tt.vBMD (median distal radius - 5.3%, p < 0.01; distal tibia - 3.2%, p < 0.01), Tb.vBMD (- 3.2%, p < 0.01; - 1.0%, p < 0.05, respectively), and Ct.vBMD (- 3.2%, p < 0.01; - 2.7%, p < 0.01, respectively). Estimated bone strength was also significantly decreased. The DXA BMD value in the total hip (p < 0.01) and femoral neck (p = 0.03), but not in the lumbar spine, was significantly decreased. The TRACP-5b levels was significantly negatively associated with changes in the Tt.vBMD in both the distal radius and tibia (r =  - 0.53, r =  - 0.47, respectively) CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal women who received AIs for early breast cancer experienced significant trabecular and cortical bone deterioration and a decrease in estimated bone strength within only 1 year.

Protocol for studying the efficiency of ChemoCalc software in helping patients to understand drug treatment costs for breast cancer: A multicenter, open-label, randomized phase 2 study.

Survival of patients with breast cancer can be prolonged by treatment with drugs, particularly new molecular-targeted drugs. However, these agents can be expensive and such treatments can be "an economic burden." In this ongoing trial, we aim to assess the usefulness of ChemoCalc, a software package for calculating drug costs, to help patients understand the financial outlays. In this multicenter, randomized controlled phase 2 trial, 106 patients with advanced breast cancer will be assigned to either the "ChemoCalc" or "Usual Explanation" group. Treatment using ChemoCalc will be discussed with patients in the ChemoCalc group, whereas standard treatments, without using ChemoCalc, will be discussed with patients in the Usual Explanation group. Subsequently, the participants will decide the treatment and complete a five-grade evaluation questionnaire; those in the Usual Explanation group will receive information about ChemoCalc. Investigators will report if patients subsequently decide to change treatments. The primary endpoint will be the scores of two key questions compared between the groups: "Did you understand the cost of treatment in today's discussion?" and "Do you think the cost of treatment is important in choosing a treatment?". The secondary endpoints will be to compare discrepancies between treatments recommended by physicians and those selected by patients, the time required for discussion, other questionnaire factors, and the relationship between Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity tool and treatment selection. This will be the first randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of software to help patients understand drug cost estimates and whether it subsequently affects treatment choice. This study will be conducted according to the CONSORT statement. All participants will sign a written consent form. The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Clinical Research Review Board of Nagasaki University (19070801). The protocol (version 1) was designed and will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki (1964) and the Ethical Guidelines for Medical and Health Research Involving Human Subjects (2017). The findings will be disseminated through scientific and professional conferences, and in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000039904. https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000041968.

Downstaging and Histological Effects Might Be Reliable Predictors of the Efficacy of DOC+CDDP+5-FU (DCF) as Neoadjuvant Therapy for Stage III or Borderline Resectable Esophageal Cancer: a Single Institute Experience.

PURPOSE: In Japan, two courses of CDDP+5-FU (CF) therapy followed by surgery are accepted as a standard treatment for stage II/III esophageal cancer (EC) based on the results of the JCOG9907 trial. To gain a better survival, benefit especially for stage III patients in comparison with CF therapy, a three-arm phase III trial (neoadjuvant setting: CF vs. CF + radiation vs. DOC+CF [DCF]) is ongoing. We have aggressively performed DCF therapy for stage III or IV patients since October 2014. We herein review the outcomes of DCF therapy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 27 patients with stage III or IV EC (male, n = 24; female, n = 3; median age, 70.0 years) who received DCF therapy. RESULTS: The response rate was 48.1%. Downstaging was achieved over the course of treatment in 14 patients (51.9%). Twenty-six patients transitioned to surgery, with 25 receiving R0 resection. DCF-treated patients who achieved downstaging showed significantly longer relapse-free survival (RFS) than those without downstaging (p = 0.0002). DCF-treated patients with a grade ≥ 1b histological effect showed significantly longer RFS than those with a grade < 1b effect (p = 0.0282). The multivariate analysis showed that downstaging was the only factor significantly associated with RFS in DCF-treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: DCF therapy for stage ≥ III esophageal carcinoma is both feasible and effective. These findings suggest that downstaging and the histological effect might predict the effects of DCF therapy for EC.

The linkage between medical student readiness for interprofessional learning and interest in community medicine.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between medical student readiness for interprofessional learning and interest in community medicine prior to incorporating community-oriented interprofessional education into the curriculum. METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to students at Nagasaki University School of Medicine in Japan during each of three consecutive years (N=2244). The Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) was administered in addition to a questionnaire to evaluate interest in community medicine. The Kruskal-Wallis and Steel-Dwass tests were used to determine differences between school years. Correlation between the RIPLS score and interest in community medicine was evaluated with Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Relationships between RIPLS score and demographic parameters, and interest in community medicine were evaluated with multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Eighty-four percent (1891/2244) of students responded. The RIPLS score was highest in school year 1, followed by year 6, year 5, year 3, and years 4 and 2. Interest in community medicine correlated with the RIPLS score (rs = 0.332, p < 0.001), but less in year 1 (rs = 0.125, p = 0.002) than in other years. RIPLS score was significantly associated with gender, age, school year, interest in community medicine, but not the year that the survey was conducted. CONCLUSIONS: Community-oriented interprofessional education has the potential to improve attitudes towards interprofessional learning. When introducing this promising education into the curriculum from year 1, attracting students' interest in community medicine should be considered.

Study Protocol for Assessing the Efficacy of Compression Therapy Using Stockings and Sleeves to Prevent Docetaxel-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Breast Cancer Patients.

Taxanes are key drugs for patients with breast cancer. A major adverse effect associated with the administration of the taxane docetaxel is chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). We are conducting a singlecenter, single-arm, open-label historical control trial to evaluate the ability of compression therapy using stockings or sleeves to prevent CIPN due to docetaxel treatment. The primary endpoint is the incidence of all-grade CIPN according to patients' records until 3 weeks after the fourth docetaxel administration. This study's results will clarify whether compression therapy using stockings or sleeves can prevent CIPN in breast cancer patients.

S-1 and CPT-11 Plus Ramucirumab (IRIS+Rmab) as Second-Line Chemotherapy for Patients with Oxaliplatin-Refractory Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC): A Multicenter Phase II Study in Japan (N-DOCC-F-C-1701).

This multicenter phase II N-DOCC-F-C-1701 trial is being planned in order to investigate the efficacy and safety of CPT-11+S-1 +Ramucirumab (IRIS+Rmab), which is anticipated to have a stronger anti-tumor effect than IRIS+Bmab in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) previously treated with oxaliplatin (L-OHP) containing regimen, in consideration of the result of RAISE, FIRIS and some phase II trials of IRIS+Bevacicizumab (Bmab). The number of patients is set at 38 for the statistical analysis, assuming an expected median PFS of 5.0 months (threshold: 3.0 months). The primary endpoint of the study is the progression free survival (PFS), and the secondary endpoints are the overall response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), adverse events (AE), quality of life (QOL) and review of nausea and vomiting. This trial is registered in the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry as UMIN000028170. We intend to start conducting the trial in September 1, 2017. If this trial meets the endpoint, IRIS+Rmab might be supported as a new optional standard regimen for mCRC.

Optimal Tumor Reduction Rate and Modalities for Predicting pCR in Women With Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To predict pCR during neoadjuvant chemotherapy is still difficult. The aim of this study was to evaluate the optimal tumor reduction rate and modalities for predicting pCR after two cycles of docetaxel. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed 52 patients with HER2-positive or triple-negative breast cancer. The tumor reduction rate was evaluated after two 3-week cycles of docetaxel (plus trastuzumab for HER2-positive cancer patients). Patients without progression completed two additional cycles of docetaxel and four cycles of an anthracycline-containing regimen. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients achieved pCR. The optimal tumor reduction rates for predicting pCR were 23, 39, 32, and 40% for US, caliper, MMG, and MRI measurements, respectively. The AUC was highest for caliper measurements. The optimal modality for predicting pCR differed among subtypes. CONCLUSION: Although tumor reduction rate after two cycles of chemotherapy is highly predictive of pCR, the optimal cutoff value differed among the modalities and breast cancer subtype.