Increasing preoperative body size in breast cancer patients between 2002 and 2016: implications for prognosis.

Overweight and obesity are increasing worldwide, but the extent in breast cancer patients is unknown. The two aims were to study secular trends in preoperative body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and breast volume and their impacts on clinical outcome. BMI, waist circumference, and breast volume were measured preoperatively in 24-99-year-old primary breast cancer patients (n = 640) in Sweden 2002-2016. The measurements were analyzed alone and combined in relation to recurrence and overall survival (OS). BMI, waist circumference, and breast volume increased 2002-2016 (ptrends < 0.0001). Of these, a breast volume ≥ 850 mL was associated with the strongest recurrence-risk (adjusted hazard ratio [adjHR] 1.67; 95% CI 1.17-2.39), especially combined with waist circumference ≥ 80 cm (adjHR 2.07; 95% CI 1.25-3.44), while BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 or large waist circumference conferred almost a twofold risk for death (both Log-Rank p ≤ 0.0001). Chemotherapy seemed to counteract the negative impact of a high BMI or large waist circumference on OS. Large breast volume was the strongest predictor for recurrence in all treatment groups. In conclusion, preoperative BMI, waist circumference, and breast volume increased between 2002 and 2016. Larger body size negatively impacted breast cancer-free interval and OS. If confirmed, body measurements may help select patients requiring more individualized treatment.

The prognostic impact of COX-2 expression in breast cancer depends on oral contraceptive history, preoperative NSAID use, and tumor size.

The association between tumor cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) expression and breast cancer prognosis has been inconsistent. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of COX-2 tumor expression according to adjuvant treatment, and potential effect modifications of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, and other tumor and lifestyle factors. A prospective cohort of 1,116 patients with primary breast cancer in Lund, Sweden, included 2002-2012 was followed until June 2014 (median 5 years). Tumor-specific COX-2 expression was evaluated on tissue microarrays using immunohistochemistry. Associations between COX-2 intensity (negative, weak-moderate, high) and patient and tumor characteristics as well as prognosis were analyzed. Tumor-specific COX-2 expression was available for 911 patients and was significantly associated with higher age at diagnosis and less aggressive tumor characteristics. Higher COX-2 expression was associated with lower risk for breast cancer events during the first five years of follow-up, adj HR 0.60 (95%CI: 0.37-0.97), per category. The association between COX-2 expression and prognosis was significantly modified by oral contraceptive (OC) use (Pinteraction = 0.048), preoperative NSAID use (Pinteraction = 0.009), and tumor size (Pinteraction = 0.039). COX-2 negativity was associated with increased risk for events during the first five years in ever OC users, adj HR 1.94 (1.01-3.72) and during the 11-year follow-up in preoperative NSAID users, adj HR 4.51 (1.18-11.44) as well as in patients with large tumors, adj HR 2.57 (1.28-5.15). In conclusion, this study, one of the largest evaluating COX-2 expression in breast cancer, indicates that the prognostic impact of COX-2 expression depends on host factors and tumor characteristics.

Impacts of smoking on endocrine treatment response in a prospective breast cancer cohort.

BACKGROUND: The association between smoking and breast cancer prognosis remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether preoperative smoking was associated with prognosis in different treatment groups. METHODS: This population-based cohort consisted of 1065 breast cancer patients without preoperative treatment included between 2002 and 2012 in Lund, Sweden. Smoking status was examined in relation to patient and tumour characteristics, and prognosis in different treatment groups. RESULTS: At the preoperative visit, 21.0% smoked. Median follow-up time was 5.1 years. Overall, in the 1016 patients included in the survival analyses, there was no significant association between smoking and risk of breast cancer events (adjusted hazard ratio (adjHR): 1.45; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.95-2.20). For the 309 aromatase inhibitor (AI)-treated patients ⩾50 years with oestrogen receptor-positive (ER+) tumours, smoking was associated with risk of breast cancer events (adjHR: 2.97; 95% CI: 1.44-6.13), distant metastasis (adjHR: 4.19; 95% CI: 1.81-9.72), and death (adjHR: 3.52; 95% CI: 1.59-7.81). Smoking was not associated with breast cancer events or distant metastasis in other treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative smoking was only associated with an increased risk for breast cancer events and distant metastasis in AI-treated patients. If confirmed, smoking status should be taken into consideration when selecting an endocrine therapy.

CYP1A2--a novel genetic marker for early aromatase inhibitor response in the treatment of breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Endocrine resistance is a major obstacle to optimal treatment effect in breast cancer. Some genetic markers have been proposed to predict response to aromatase inhibitors (AIs) but the data is insufficient. The aim of the study was to find new genetic treatment predictive markers of AIs. METHODS: The ongoing population-based BC-blood study in Lund, Sweden includes women with primary breast cancer. This paper is based on AI-treated patients with estrogen receptor positive tumors who underwent breast cancer surgery in 2002-2008. First, an exploratory analysis of 1931 SNPs in 227 genes involved in absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of multiple medications, using DMET™ chips, was conducted in a subset of the cohort with last follow-up in December 31st 2011 (13 cases, 11 controls). Second, selected SNPs from the first analysis were re-analyzed concerning risk for early breast cancer events in the extended cohort of 201 AI-treated with last follow-up in June 30th 2014. Clinical data were obtained from medical records and population registries. RESULTS: Only CYP1A2 rs762551 C-allele was significantly associated with increased risk for early events in the 24 patients (P = 0.0007) and in the extended cohort, adjusted Hazard ratio (HR) 2.22 (95% CI 1.03-4.80). However, the main prognostic impact was found within five years, adjusted HR 7.88 (95% CI 2.13-29.19). The impact of the CYP1A2 rs762551 C-allele was modified by a functional polymorphism in the regulator gene AhR Arg554Lys (G > A). Compared to patients who were homozygous for the major allele in both genes (CYP1A2 A/A and AhR G/G), a 9-fold risk for early events was found in patients who had at least one minor allele in both genes, adjusted HR 8.95 (95% CI 2.55-31.35), whereas patients with at least one minor allele in either but not both genes had a 3-fold risk for early events, adjusted HR 2.81 (95% CI 1.07-7.33). The impact of CYP1A2 rs762551 C-allele was also modified by the CYP19A1 rs4646 C/C, adjusted HR 3.39 (95% CI 1.60-7.16) for this combination. This association was strongest within the first five years, adjusted HR 10.42 (95% CI 3.45-31.51). CONCLUSION: CYP1A2 rs762551 was identified as a new potential predictive marker for early breast cancer events in AI-treated breast cancer patients. Moreover, combined genotypes of CYP1A2 rs762551 and CYP19A1 rs4646 or AhR Arg554Lys could further improve prediction of early AI-treatment response. If confirmed, these results may provide a way to more personalized medicine.

History of oral contraceptive use in breast cancer patients: impact on prognosis and endocrine treatment response.

The purpose was to study oral contraceptive (OC) use in relation to breast cancer events and endocrine treatment response in a prospective population-based cohort, because it is unclear whether history of OC use impacts on prognosis in breast cancer patients. Between 2002 and 2011, 994 primary breast cancer patients without preoperative treatment were enrolled in Lund, Sweden and followed until December 2012. History of OC use was obtained from preoperative questionnaires. Tumor characteristics, clinical data, and date of death were obtained from pathology reports, patient charts, and population registries. Among the 948 patients with invasive cancer and no metastasis detected on the post-operative screen, 74 % had ever used OCs. Patients were followed for up to nine years (median follow-up 3 years), and 100 breast cancer events were recorded. Ever OC use was not associated with prognosis, irrespective of duration. However, any OC use before age 20 was associated with a threefold increased risk for breast cancer events in patients <50 years but not in patients ≥50 years (P interaction = 0.009). In patients ≥50 years with estrogen receptor positive tumors, previous OC use at any age was associated with a significantly decreased risk of breast cancer events among patients who received aromatase inhibitors compared to patients who never used OCs (adjusted HR 0.37: 95 % CI 0.15-0.87). OC use was not associated with tamoxifen-response. If confirmed, history of OC use may yield valuable prognostic and treatment predictive information in addition to currently used criteria.

Tumor-specific expression of HMG-CoA reductase in a population-based cohort of breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: The mevalonate pathway synthetizes cholesterol, steroid hormones, and non-steriod isoprenoids necessary for cell survival. 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) is the rate-limiting enzyme of the mevalonate pathway and the target for statin treatment. HMGCR expression in breast tumors has recently been proposed to hold prognostic and treatment-predictive information. This study aimed to investigate whether HMGCR expression in breast cancer patients was associated with patient and tumor characteristics and disease-free survival (DFS). METHODS: A population-based cohort of primary breast cancer patients in Lund, Sweden was assembled between October 2002 and June 2012 enrolling 1,116 patients. Tumor tissue microarrays were constructed and stained with a polyclonal HMGCR antibody (Cat. No HPA008338, Atlas Antibodies AB, Stockholm, Sweden, diluted 1:100) to assess the HMGCR expression in tumor tissue from 885 patients. HMGCR expression was analyzed in relation to patient- and tumor characteristics and disease-free survival (DFS) with last follow-up June 30(th) 2014. RESULTS: Moderate/strong HMGCR expression was associated with less axillary lymph node involvement, lower histological grade, estrogen and progesterone receptor positivity, HER2 negativity, and older patient age at diagnosis compared to weak or no HMGCR expression. Patients were followed for up to 11 years. The median follow-up time was 5.0 years for the 739 patients who were alive and still at risk at the last follow-up. HMGCR expression was not associated with DFS. CONCLUSION: In this study, HMGCR expression was associated with less aggressive tumor characteristics. However, no association between HMGCR expression and DFS was observed. Longer follow-up may be needed to evaluate HMGCR as prognostic or predictive marker in breast cancer.

Impact of COX2 genotype, ER status and body constitution on risk of early events in different treatment groups of breast cancer patients.

The COX2 rs5277 (306G>C) polymorphism has been associated with inflammation-associated cancers. In breast cancer, tumor COX-2 expression has been associated with increased estrogen levels in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and activated Akt-pathway in ER-negative tumors. Our study investigated the impact of COX2 genotypes on early breast cancer events and treatment response in relation to tumor ER status and body constitution. In Sweden, between 2002 and 2008, 634 primary breast cancer patients, aged 25-99 years, were included. Disease-free survival was assessed for 570 rs5277-genotyped patients. Body measurements and questionnaires were obtained preoperatively. Clinical data, patient- and tumor-characteristics were obtained from questionnaires, patients' charts, population registries and pathology reports. Minor allele(C) frequency was 16.1%. Genotype was not linked to COX-2 tumor expression. Median follow-up was 5.1 years. G/G genotype was not associated with early events in patients with ER-positive tumors, adjusted HR 0.77 (0.46-1.29), but conferred an over 4-fold increased risk in patients with ER-negative tumors, adjusted HR 4.41 (1.21-16.02)(p(interaction) = 0.015). Chemotherapy-treated G/G-carriers with a breast volume ≥ 850 ml had an increased risk of early events irrespective of ER status, adjusted HR 8.99 (1.14-70.89). Endocrine-treated C-allele carriers with ER-positive tumors and a breast volume ≥ 850 ml had increased risk of early events, adjusted HR 2.30 (1.12-4.75). COX2 genotype, body constitution and ER status had a combined effect on the risk of early events and treatment response. The high risk for early events in certain subgroups of patients suggests that COX2 genotype in combination with body measurements may identify patients in need of more personalized treatment.

IL6 genotype, tumour ER-status, and treatment predicted disease-free survival in a prospective breast cancer cohort.

BACKGROUND: In breast cancer, high levels of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) have been associated with disease-free survival and treatment resistance. Increased serum levels of IL-6 have been correlated with increased levels of NF-κß and aromatase expression in adipose tissue. Several IL6 single nucleotide polymorphisms have been associated with breast cancer prognosis, but the impact may differ depending on tumour oestrogen receptor (ER) status. This translational study investigated the association between IL6 genotypes, ER-status, and treatment on the risk of early events among breast cancer patients. METHODS: The study included 634 25- to 99-year-old primary breast cancer patients in Sweden from 2002-2008. Genotyped IL6 single nucleotide polymorphisms rs1800797, rs1800796, rs1800795, and rs2069849 were analysed separately and as diplotypes. Disease-free survival was assessed for 567 patients. Clinical data, patient-, and tumour-characteristics were obtained from questionnaires, patient charts, population registries, and pathology reports. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 5.1 years. IL6 diplotype was not associated with early events for all 567 patients, but AGCC/AGCC diplotype-carriers with ER-negative tumours had an increased risk, (adjusted Hazard Ratio (HR) = 5.91, 95% CI: 1.28-27.42). Any C-carriers (rs1800795) with ER-negative tumours had a higher risk of early events than GG-carriers with ER-negative tumours, (adjusted HR = 3.76, 95% CI: 1.05-13.43), particularly after radiotherapy (adjusted HR = 7.17, 95% CI: 1.16-32.28). Irrespective of ER-status, chemotherapy-treated Any C-carriers had a higher risk of early events than GG-carriers (adjusted HR = 3.42, 95% CI: 1.01-11.54). CONCLUSIONS: The main finding of the present study was that IL6 genotype was strongly associated with early events among patients with ER-negative tumours, particularly among radiotherapy-treated patients, and among chemotherapy-treated patients irrespective of ER-status. The high risk for early events observed in these subgroups of patients suggests that combined information on IL6 genotype, tumour ER-status, and breast cancer treatment may represent a tool for identifying patients who require more personalised treatment.

Coffee prevents early events in tamoxifen-treated breast cancer patients and modulates hormone receptor status.

PURPOSE: Whether coffee modulates response to endocrine therapy in breast cancer patients is currently unknown. The CYP1A2 and CYP2C8 enzymes contribute to tamoxifen and caffeine metabolism. The purpose was to investigate the impact of coffee consumption on tumor characteristics and risk for early events in relation to breast cancer treatment and CYP1A2 and CYP2C8 genotypes. METHODS: Questionnaires regarding lifestyle were completed preoperatively by 634 patients in southern Sweden. CYP1A2*1F and CYP2C8*3 were genotyped. Clinical data and tumor characteristics were obtained from patients' charts, population registries, and pathology reports. Coffee consumption was categorized as low (0-1 cups/day), moderate (2-4 cups/day), or high (5+ cups/day). RESULTS: The proportion of estrogen receptor negative (ER-) tumors increased with increasing coffee consumption (p trend = 0.042). Moderate to high consumption was associated with lower frequency of discordant receptor status (ER + PgR-) OR 0.38 (0.23-0.63) compared to low consumption. Median follow-up time was 4.92 (IQR 3.01-6.42) years. Tamoxifen-treated patients with ER+ tumors (n = 310) who consumed two or more cups/day had significantly decreased risk for early events compared to patients with low consumption, adjusted HR 0.40 (0.19-0.83). Low consumption combined with at least one CYP1A2*1F C-allele (n = 35) or CYP2C8*3 (n = 13) was associated with a high risk for early events in tamoxifen-treated patients compared to other tamoxifen-treated patients, adjusted HRs 3.49 (1.54-7.91) and 6.15 (2.46-15.36), respectively. CONCLUSION: Moderate to high coffee consumption was associated with significantly decreased risk for early events in tamoxifen-treated patients and modified hormone receptor status. If confirmed, new recommendations regarding coffee consumption during tamoxifen treatment may be warranted.

Coffee Is Associated With Lower Breast Tumor Insulin-Like Growth Factor Receptor 1 Levels in Normal-Weight Patients and Improved Prognosis Following Tamoxifen or Radiotherapy Treatment.

Coffee is associated with decreased breast cancer risk, but the impact of body mass index (BMI) in combination with coffee consumption on prognosis is unclear. The suppressive effect of coffee constituents on the insulin-like growth factor receptor 1 (IGF1R) levels in breast cancer cells may play a role. The aim was to investigate the prognostic impact of coffee consumption and possible associations with tumor-specific IGF1R protein expression and BMI in a population-based cohort in Sweden, comprising 1,014 primary breast cancer patients without pretreatment enrolled 2002-2012 and followed for up to 13 years. Patients with higher coffee consumption had lower tumor IGF1R levels (P = 0.025), but only among the normal-weight patients (P = 0.005). Coffee did not impact the recurrence-risk overall. However, tamoxifen-treated patients with ER+ tumors drinking ≥ 2 cups of coffee/day had lower recurrence-risk [adjusted HR (HRadj) 0.57, 95% CI, 0.34-0.97] compared with patients with lower intake, although only among normal-weight patients (HRadj 0.37, 95% CI: 0.17-0.78; Pinteraction = 0.039). Similarly, coffee consumption ≥ 2 cups/day was associated with significantly lower recurrence-risk among the 640 radiotherapy-treated patients irrespective of BMI (HRadj 0.59, 95% CI 0.36-0.98) and in the 296 normal-weight patients (HRadj 0.36, 95% CI 0.17-0.76) but not in the 329 overweight or obese patients (HRadj 0.88, 95% CI 0.42-1.82) although the interaction was not significant (Pinteraction = 0.093). In conclusion, coffee consumption was negatively associated with tumor-specific IGF1R levels only among normal-weight patients. Though, IGF1R did not explain the association between coffee intake and improved prognosis among normal-weight tamoxifen- or radiotherapy-treated patients. Studies of IGF1R-targeting therapies may benefit from taking BMI and coffee consumption into account.

Interactions Between ABCB1 Genotype and Preoperative Statin Use Impact Clinical Outcomes Among Breast Cancer Patients.

Multiple clinical trials investigate statins' effects in breast cancer. The ABCB1 genotype appears to influence statin response and toxicity in the cardiovascular setting. This exploratory study aimed to investigate the interplay between preoperative statin use, ABCB1 genotype, and tumor-specific expression of the statin target 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) in breast cancer. Preoperative statin use, ABCB1 C3435T genotype, and HMGCR expression in relation to outcome were analyzed in 985 primary breast cancer patients from a population-based prospective cohort in Sweden from 2002 to 2012. Preoperative statin use (n = 80) was not associated with ABCB1 C3435T genotype (n = 576), HMGCR expression (n = 848), or clinical outcomes. ABCB1 C3435T TT-carriers had lower risk of breast cancer events than any C-carriers (adjusted hazard ratio (HRadj) 0.74; 95%CI 0.49, 1.12), but only in non-statin users (P interactio n = 0.042). Statin users with TT genotype had higher risk of distant metastasis (HRadj 4.37; 95%CI 1.20, 15.91; P interaction = 0.009) and shorter overall survival than other patients (HRadj 3.77; 95%CI 1.37, 10.39; P interactio n = 0.019). In conclusion, there were nominally significant interactions between ABCB1 genotype and preoperative statin use on clinical outcomes, while preoperative statin use was not associated with outcomes. Since this is an exploratory study of the impact of the ABCB1 genotype in relation to statin use and clinical outcomes in the breast cancer setting, the results should be interpreted with caution and warrant replication in an independent cohort, preferably in a randomized setting. Since statin use is common in breast cancer patients, it would be of interest to further elucidate the clinical impact of the ABCB1 genotype in breast cancer.

Characterization of a Trypanosoma cruzi acetyltransferase: cellular location, activity and structure.

Trypanosomatids are widespread parasites that cause three major tropical diseases. In trypanosomatids, as in most other organisms, acetylation is a common protein modification that is important in multiple, diverse processes. This paper describes a new member of the Trypanosoma cruzi acetyltransferase family. The gene is single copy and orthologs are also present in the other two sequenced trypanosomatids, Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania major. This protein (TcAT-1) has the essential motifs present in members of the GCN5-related acetyltransferase (GNAT) family, as well as an additional motif also found in some enzymes from plant and animal species. The protein is evolutionarily more closely related to this group of enzymes than to histone acetyltransferases. The native protein has a cytosolic cellular location and is present in all three life-cycle stages of the parasite. The recombinant protein was shown to have autoacetylation enzymatic activity.

Coactivator-dependent acetylation stabilizes members of the SREBP family of transcription factors.

Members of the SREBP family of transcription factors control cholesterol and lipid homeostasis and play important roles during adipocyte differentiation. The transcriptional activity of SREBPs is dependent on the coactivators p300 and CBP. We now present evidence that SREBPs are acetylated by the intrinsic acetyltransferase activity of p300 and CBP. In SREBP1a, the acetylated lysine residue resides in the DNA-binding domain of the protein. Coexpression with p300 dramatically increases the expression of both SREBP1a and SREBP2, and this effect is dependent on the acetyltransferase activity of p300, indicating that acetylation of SREBPs regulates their stability. Indeed, acetylation or mutation of the acetylated lysine residue in SREBP1a stabilizes the protein. We demonstrate that the acetylated residue in SREBP1a is also targeted by ubiquitination and that acetylation inhibits this process. Thus, our studies define acetylation-dependent stabilization of transcription factors as a novel mechanism for coactivators to regulate gene expression.

Body Mass Index Influences the Prognostic Impact of Combined Nuclear Insulin Receptor and Estrogen Receptor Expression in Primary Breast Cancer.

The prognostic importance of tumor-specific nuclear insulin receptor (InsR) expression in breast cancer is unclear, while membrane and cytoplasmic localization of InsR is better characterized. The insulin signaling network is influenced by obesity and may interact with the estrogen receptor α (ERα) signaling. The purpose was to investigate the interplay between nuclear InsR, ER, body mass index (BMI), and prognosis. Tumor-specific expression of nuclear InsR was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in tissue microarrays from 900 patients with primary invasive breast cancer without preoperative treatment, included in a population-based cohort in Sweden (2002-2012) in relation to prognosis. Patients were followed for up to 11 years during which 107 recurrences were observed. Nuclear InsR+ expression was present in 214 patients (23.8%) and increased with longer time between surgery and staining (P < 0.001). There were significant effect modifications by ER status and BMI in relation to clinical outcomes. Nuclear InsR+ conferred higher recurrence-risk in patients with ER+ tumors, but lower risk in patients with ER- tumors (Pinteraction = 0.003). Normal-weight patients with nuclear InsR+ tumors had higher recurrence-risk, while overweight or obese patients had half the recurrence-risk compared to patients with nuclear InsR- tumors (Pinteraction = 0.007). Normal-weight patients with a nuclear InsR-/ER+ tumor had the lowest risk for recurrence compared to all other nuclear InsR/ER combinations [HRadj 0.50, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.25-0.97], while overweight or obese patients with nuclear InsR-/ER- tumors had the worst prognosis (HRadj 7.75, 95% CI: 2.04-29.48). Nuclear InsR was more prognostic than ER among chemotherapy-treated patients. In summary, nuclear InsR may have prognostic impact among normal-weight patients with ER+ tumors and in overweight or obese patients with ER- tumors. Normal-weight patients with nuclear InsR-/ER+ tumors may benefit from less treatment than normal-weight patients with other nuclear InsR/ER combinations. Overweight or obese patients with nuclear InsR-/ER- tumors may benefit from more tailored treatment or weight management.

Combined and individual tumor-specific expression of insulin-like growth factor-I receptor, insulin receptor and phospho-insulin-like growth factor-I receptor/insulin receptor in primary breast cancer: Implications for prognosis in different treatment groups.

Clinical trials examining insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF1R)-targeting strategies have emphasized that better predictive biomarkers are required to improve patient selection.Immunohistochemical tumor-specific protein expression of IGF1R, insulin receptor (InsR), and phosphorylated IGF1R/InsR (pIGF1R/InsR) individually and combined in relation to breast cancer prognosis was evaluated in a population-based cohort of 1,026 primary invasive breast cancer patients without preoperative treatment diagnosed in Sweden. IGF1R (n = 923), InsR (n = 900), and pIGF1R/InsR (n = 904) combined cytoplasmic and membrane staining was dichotomized. IGF1Rstrong/InsRmod/strong/pIGF1R/InsRpos tumors were borderline associated with 2-fold risk for events, HRadj (2.00; 95%CI 0.96-4.18). Combined IGF1R and pIGF1R/InsR status only impacted prognosis in patients with InsRmod/strong expressing tumors (Pinteraction = 0.041). IGF1Rstrong expression impacted endocrine treatment response differently depending on patients' age and type of endocrine therapy. Phospho-IGF1R/InsRpos was associated with lower risk for events among non-endocrine-treated patients irrespective of ER status, HRadj (0.32; 95%CI 0.16-0.63), but not among endocrine-treated patients (Pinteraction = 0.024). In non-endocrine-treated patients, pIGF1R/InsRpos was associated with lower risk for events after radiotherapy, HRadj (0.31; 95%CI 0.12-0.80), and chemotherapy, HRadj (0.29; 95%CI 0.09-0.99). This study highlights the complexity of IGF hetero-and homodimer signaling network and its interplay with endocrine treatment, suggesting that combinations of involved factors may improve patient selection for IGF1R-targeted therapy.

High Estrogen Receptor ß Expression Is Prognostic among Adjuvant Chemotherapy-Treated Patients-Results from a Population-Based Breast Cancer Cohort.

PURPOSE: Isoform-specific tumor estrogen receptor ß (ERß) expression may hold prognostic information in breast cancer, especially among endocrine-treated breast cancer patients. The study's purpose was to evaluate ERß isoform 1 (ERß1) expression in relation to tumor characteristics, ESR2 genotypes, and prognosis in different treatment groups. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: A population-based prospective cohort of 1,026 patients diagnosed with primary invasive breast cancer in Lund, Sweden, between October 2002 and June 2012 was followed until June 2014 (median 5 years). Associations between immunohistochemical ERß1 expression, patient and tumor characteristics, as well as outcome within treatment groups were analyzed. RESULTS: Tumor ERß1 expression was available for 911 patients (89%) and was not associated with ESR2 genotypes. ERß1 positivity, defined as >75% (ERß175+, 72.7%), was positively associated with established favorable tumor characteristics. Overall, ERß175+ was associated with lower risk of breast cancer events [HRadj = 0.60; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.41-0.89]. The magnitude of the association was larger in patients with ERα- tumors (HRadj = 0.30; 95% CI, 0.12-0.76), compared with ERα+ tumors (HRadj = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.42-1.03). Among the 232 chemotherapy-treated patients, ERß175+ tumors were associated with lower risk of breast cancer events compared with ERß175- tumors (HRadj = 0.31; 95% CI, 0.15-0.64). Among the 671 chemonaïve patients, ERß175 status was not associated with the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: High ERß1 expression was a favorable prognostic marker in this breast cancer cohort, especially in chemotherapy-treated patients, but not in endocrine therapy-treated patients. These results warrant confirmation, preferably via a biomarker study in a previously conducted randomized trial. Clin Cancer Res; 23(3); 766-77. ©2016 AACR.

Combined Androgen and Estrogen Receptor Status in Breast Cancer: Treatment Prediction and Prognosis in a Population-Based Prospective Cohort.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether tumor androgen receptor (AR) expression was prognostic and/or predictive for endocrine treatment alone or in combination with estrogen receptor (ER). The AR has been hypothesized to have differential prognostic roles in breast cancer depending on tumor ER status, and to influence endocrine treatment response. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: A population-based prospective cohort of 1,026 patients diagnosed with primary invasive breast cancer in Lund, Sweden, between 2002 and 2012 was followed until June 2014. Associations between immunohistochemical AR expression in tumor tissue microarrays, patient and tumor characteristics, and AR genotypes were analyzed. Disease-free survival (DFS) by AR status, and combined ER/AR status was assessed in various treatment groups. RESULTS: AR expression was assessable in 913 tumors. AR(+) tumors (85.0%) were associated with higher age (P = 0.036) and favorable tumor characteristics. The AR(+) status was a prognostic marker for DFS (LogRank P = 0.025). There was an interaction between AR and ER expression with respect to prognosis (adjusted P(interaction) ≤ 0.024). Tumors with discordant hormone receptor expressions (ER(+)AR(-) or ER(-)AR(+)) demonstrated worse prognosis compared with concordant tumor expressions (ER(+)AR(+) or ER(-)AR(-)) in multivariable models [adjusted HRs (95% confidence intervals); ≥ 1.99 (1.28-3.10), P ≤ 0.002]. ER(+)AR(-) indicated early treatment failure with aromatase inhibitors (AI) among chemonaïve patients aged 50 or older. CONCLUSIONS: Prediction of breast cancer prognosis and treatment response was improved by combining AR and ER status. AR negativity predicted early treatment failure with AI but not tamoxifen, a finding that warrants confirmation in a randomized setting. Patients may benefit from anti-androgens or selective AR modulators.

Caffeine and Caffeic Acid Inhibit Growth and Modify Estrogen Receptor and Insulin-like Growth Factor I Receptor Levels in Human Breast Cancer.

PURPOSE: Epidemiologic studies indicate that dietary factors, such as coffee, may influence breast cancer and modulate hormone receptor status. The purpose of this translational study was to investigate how coffee may affect breast cancer growth in relation to estrogen receptor-α (ER) status. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: The influence of coffee consumption on patient and tumor characteristics and disease-free survival was assessed in a population-based cohort of 1,090 patients with invasive primary breast cancer in Sweden. Cellular and molecular effects by the coffee constituents caffeine and caffeic acid were evaluated in ER(+) (MCF-7) and ER(-) (MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cells. RESULTS: Moderate (2-4 cups/day) to high (≥5 cups/day) coffee intake was associated with smaller invasive primary tumors (Ptrend = 0.013) and lower proportion of ER(+) tumors (Ptrend = 0.018), compared with patients with low consumption (≤1 cup/day). Moderate to high consumption was associated with lower risk for breast cancer events in tamoxifen-treated patients with ER(+) tumors (adjusted HR, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.26-0.97). Caffeine and caffeic acid suppressed the growth of ER(+) (P ≤ 0.01) and ER(-) (P ≤ 0.03) cells. Caffeine significantly reduced ER and cyclin D1 abundance in ER(+) cells. Caffeine also reduced the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGFIR) and pAkt levels in both ER(+) and ER(-) cells. Together, these effects resulted in impaired cell-cycle progression and enhanced cell death. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical and experimental findings demonstrate various anticancer properties of caffeine and caffeic acid against both ER(+) and ER(-) breast cancer that may sensitize tumor cells to tamoxifen and reduce breast cancer growth.

Pre- and postoperative alcohol consumption in breast cancer patients: impact on early events.

PURPOSE: To investigate the association between pre- and postoperative alcohol consumption and risk for early breast cancer events, since the association between alcohol consumption and prognosis in breast cancer patients is unclear. METHODS: Alcohol consumption was recorded for 934 primary breast cancer patients who underwent breast cancer surgery in Lund, Sweden, between 2002 and 2011 and were followed until December 31(st) 2012. Clinical data were obtained from medical records and population registries. Pre- and postoperative alcohol consumption was analyzed in relation to risk for early events. RESULTS: Median follow-up time was 3.03 years and 100 breast cancer events, 65 distant metastases, and 76 deaths occurred. Compared to no consumption, any preoperative alcohol consumption was weakly associated with lower risk for early events, adjusted HR 0.69 (0.45-1.04), distant metastases, 0.60 (0.36-1.00) and death, 0.62 (0.38-1.01). In the 572 patients without axillary lymph node involvement, any alcohol consumption was not associated with risk for early events. However, in the 360 patients with axillary lymph node involvement, preoperative alcohol consumption was associated with lower risk for early events (adjusted HR 0.43 0.24-0.77; P interaction = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Pre- and postoperative alcohol consumption was weakly associated with lower risk for early breast cancer events. The data does not support recommending that all breast cancer patients abstain from low to moderate alcohol consumption.

Excessive milk production during breast-feeding prior to breast cancer diagnosis is associated with increased risk for early events.

Breast-feeding is a known protective factor against breast cancer. Breast-feeding duration is influenced by hormone levels, milk production, and lifestyle factors. The aims were to investigate how breast-feeding duration and milk production affected tumor characteristics and risk for early breast cancer events in primary breast cancer patients. Between 2002 and 2008, 634 breast cancer patients in Lund, Sweden, took part in an ongoing prospective cohort study. Data were extracted from questionnaires, pathology reports, and patients' charts from 592 patients without preoperative treatment. Breast-feeding duration ≤12 months of the first child was associated with higher frequency of ER+/PgR+ tumors (P=0.02). Median follow-up time was 4.9 years. Higher risk for early events was observed for breast-feeding duration of first child >12 months (LogRank P=0.001), total breast-feeding duration >12 months (LogRank P=0.008), as well as 'excessive milk production' during breast-feeding of the first child (LogRank P=0.001). Patients with 'almost no milk production' had no events. In a multivariable model including both 'excessive milk production' and breast-feeding duration of the first child >12 months, both were associated with a two-fold risk for early events, adjusted HRs 2.33 (95% CI: 1.25-4.36) and 2.39 (0.97-5.85), respectively, while total breast-feeding duration was not. 'Excessive milk production' was associated with a two-fold risk of early distant metastases, adjusted HR 2.59 (1.13-5.94), but not duration. In conclusion, 'excessive milk production' during breast-feeding was associated with higher risk for early events independent of tumor characteristics, stressing the need to consider host factors in the evaluation of prognostic markers.