Investigation of recurrence prediction ability of EndoPredict® using microarray data from fresh frozen tissues in ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer and indication expansion of EndoPredict® from microarray data from fresh-frozen to FFPE tissues.

BACKGROUND: EndoPredict® (EP) is a multigene assay to predict distant recurrence risk in luminal breast cancer. EP measures the expression of 12 genes in primary tumor by qRT-PCR from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues and calculates EP risk score that indicates the risk of distant recurrence. We evaluated the performance of EP in predicting distant recurrence risk using microarray data from fresh frozen (FF) tissues. We also examined the applicability of EP to microarray data from FFPE tissues. METHODS: We analyzed the publicly available data of 431 node-negative and 270 node-positive patients with luminal breast cancer who received endocrine therapy alone. We evaluated the prognostic value of EP using microarray data from FF tissues. Next, we created an algorithm to calculate EP risk score using microarray data from FFPE tissues. We examined the correlation coefficient of EP risk score and concordance rate of EP risk high/low using microarray data from FFPE/FF tissue pairs in a validation set of 39 patients. RESULTS: In 431 node-negative patients, the distant recurrence-free survival (DRFS) rate was significantly worse in those with high EP risk scores (P = 3.68 × 10-6, log-rank). The 5-year DRFS was 95.2% in those with low EP risk score. In the validation set, the correlation coefficient of EP risk score was 0.93 and the concordance rate of EP risk high/low was 91.7%. CONCLUSIONS: EP using microarray data from FF tissues was useful in predicting distant recurrence risk in luminal breast cancer, and EP might be utilized in microarray data from FFPE tissues.

Seven-plus hours of daily sedentary time and the subsequent risk of breast cancer: Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort Study.

This study aimed to investigate the association between daily sedentary time and the risk of breast cancer (BC) in a large Japanese population. The participants were 36,023 women aged 35-69 years from the Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort Study. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for BC incidence in relation to time spent sedentarily (categorical variables: <7 and ≥7 hours/day [h/d]). Additionally, the associations of BC incidence to the joint effect of sedentary time with each component of physical activity, such as leisure-time metabolic equivalents (METs), frequency of leisure-time physical activity, and daily walking time, were examined. During 315,189 person-years of follow-up, 554 incident cases of BC were identified. When compared to participants who spent <7 h/d sedentary, those who spent ≥7 h/d sedentary have a significantly higher risk of BC (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.07-1.71). The corresponding HRs among participants who spent ≥7 h/d sedentary with more physical activity, such as ≥1 h/d for leisure-time METs, ≥3 days/week of leisure-time physical activity, and ≥1 h/d of daily walking were 1.58 (95% CI, 1.11-2.25), 1.77 (95% CI, 1.20-2.61), and 1.42 (95% CI, 1.10-1.83), respectively, compared with those who spent <7 h/d sedentary. This study found that spending ≥7 h/d of sedentary time is associated with the risk of BC. Neither leisure-time physical activity nor walking had a BC-preventive effect in those with ≥7 h/d of sedentary time.

Risk Factors for Infusion Reactions in Patients with Breast Cancer Administered Trastuzumab Therapy.

Trastuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) that is indicated for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. The administration of biologics, such as trastuzumab, frequently causes infusion reactions (IRs) with fever and chills. This study aimed to clarify the risk factors for IRs in trastuzumab therapy. Between March 2013 and July 2022, 227 patients with breast cancer who started trastuzumab therapy were included in this study. The severity of IRs was graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, Version 5.0. The incidence of IRs in trastuzumab therapy was 27.3% (62/227). Dexamethasone administration was significantly different between the IR and non-IR groups in patients receiving trastuzumab therapy (univariate analysis, p < 0.001; multivariate analysis, p = 0.0002). Without dexamethasone, the severity of IRs in the pertuzumab combination group (Grade 1, 8/65; Grade 2, 23/65) was significantly higher than that in the non-pertuzumab group (Grade 1, 9/37; Grade 2, 3/37; p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that the risk of IRs is significantly higher in patients not premedicated with dexamethasone in trastuzumab therapy and that the concomitant use of pertuzumab without dexamethasone increases the severity of IRs caused by trastuzumab.

Multi-gene assay 95- and 155-gene classifiers for prognosis prediction and chemotherapy omission in lymphnode positive luminal-type breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of lymphnode positive breast cancer is worse than that of lymph node negative breast cancer but some cases may not require chemotherapy. We investigated the ability of the new multi-gene assays, 95GC and 155GC, to identify patients with lymphnode positive Luminal-type breast cancer whose chemotherapy can be omitted relatively safely. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We extracted 1721 cases of lymphnode positive Luminal-type breast cancer from 22 public database Caucasoid cohorts and 3 Asian cohorts, and performed recurrence prognosis analysis with 95GC and 155GC. RESULTS: Using 95GC, the cases were stratified as the high (n = 917) and low (n = 202) groups according to the prognosis of lymphnode positive Luminal-type endocrine only breast cancer. The 5 years DRFS in the low risk group was relatively good at 90%, and no additional effect of chemotherapy was observed, suggesting omission of chemotherapy. The recurrence prognosis was also significantly dichotomized into the high and low risks by 95GC in 21GC RS 0-25 cases. Here, we found a group with poor prognosis even in post-menopause RS 0-25 and requiring chemotherapy. Additionally, a group in which the prognosis was good in pre-menopause RS 0-25, and the omission of chemotherapy could be considered. Patients in the high-risk group at 155GC had poor prognosis after chemotherapy. 155GC also showed a group that chemotherapy alone was not sufficient. CONCLUSION: In this study, we demonstrated the possibility of accurately selecting patient groups for which chemotherapy can be omitted from lymphnode positive Luminal-type breast cancer.

Optimal Treatment of Hormone Receptor-positive Advanced Breast Cancer Patients With Palbociclib.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Palbociclib was the first cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor approved worldwide. Currently, CDK4/6 inhibitors are strongly recommended for endocrine therapy in the first or second line with hormone receptor-positive advanced breast cancer. It is expected the use of CDK4/6 inhibitor will further increase. Therefore, the aim was to investigate and better understand the use of palbociclib. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with advanced breast cancer who were treated with palbociclib in three hospitals between 2018 and 2022. Clinical data were obtained from the patients' medical electronic records. RESULTS: A total of 143 patients were enrolled. The median age was 66 years (range=33-89), and the majority (90.9%) were postmenopausal patients. In total, median time-to-treatment discontinuation (TTD) (95% confidence interval, CI) was 7 (6-10) months. Median TTD (95% CI) was 13 (7-20) months for the first or second line, and significantly prolonged compared to TTD for the third or later lines with palbociclib (p<0.0001). The importance of front-line use was indicated. Multivariate analyses showed that no visceral metastasis or first or second line therapy influenced the longer TTD. Between patients above or below 70 years of age, older age did not negatively affect TTD, though there were significantly more cases of dose reduction or withdrawal in patients over 70 years old. The variation of adverse events (AEs) among hospitals was very large (9.0%, 31.3%, 4.5%). We found that understanding of AE management was important. CONCLUSION: This study showed that dose reduction or withdrawal of palbociclib had no harmful effects in Japanese patients. Efficacy was also high in older patients. It is important to manage palbociclib administration more safely and appropriately. A combination of dose reduction and withdrawal is key to this therapeutic strategy.

Incidence and risk factors of infusion reactions in patients with breast cancer administered trastuzumab plus pertuzumab-based regimen.

PURPOSE: Pertuzumab (Per) is a humanized monoclonal antibody used in combination with trastuzumab (Tra) in the treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer. The administration of biologics, such as Tra and Per, frequently causes infusion reactions (IRs) with fever and chills. This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of and risk factors for IRs in Tra + Per combination therapy. METHODS: Between March 2013 and December 2019, 64 patients with breast cancer who started Tra + Per combination therapy were included in the study. The severity of IRs was graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0. RESULTS: The incidence of IRs in the Tra + Per combination therapy was 48.4% (31/64). The severity of IRs in the Tra + Per combination therapy was Grade 1 (9 patients) and Grade 2 (22 patients). Lymphocyte counts were significantly different between the IR and non-IR groups in patients receiving Tra + Per combination therapy (univariate analysis, p = 0.006; multivariate analysis, p = 0.050). ROC curve analysis found the cutoff value of lymphocyte counts were 1.60 (× 103/µL). The incidence of IRs in the lymphocyte counts ≥ 1.60 group was significantly higher than that in the lymphocyte counts < 1.60 group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that the severity of IRs in most patients is moderate or less and the risk of IRs is higher in patients with higher lymphocyte counts (≥ 1.60 × 103/µL).

Predictors of the development of nab-paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer patients: post hoc analysis of a prospective, phase II, self-controlled clinical trial.

In a previous study, we showed that cryotherapy and compression therapy have comparable efficacy in preventing nab-paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy. However, even with cryotherapy or compression therapy, there were patients with National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4.0 grade ≥ 2 and/or Patient Neurotoxicity Questionnaire (PNQ) grade ≥ D peripheral neuropathies. Therefore, this post hoc analysis was performed to identify predictors of nab-paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy. The clinical data in this post hoc analysis were the data of 38 breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy with nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-PTX) at our outpatient chemotherapy center from August 2017 to March 2019. The number of patients was analyzed assuming that there were data for 76 hands. Variables related to the development of nab-PTX-induced peripheral neuropathy were used for regression analysis. Multivariate-ordered logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors for the development of nab-PTX-induced peripheral neuropathy. Significant factors included smoking history [odds ratio (OR) 4.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.60-13.5; P = 0.0048] with neuropathy evaluated by CTCAE, body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.01-1.26; P = 0.039) with neuropathy evaluated by PNQ (sensory), and smoking history (OR 3.80, 95% CI 1.40-10.30; P = 0.0087) and age (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.11; P = 0.012) with neuropathy evaluated by PNQ (motor). In conclusion, smoking history, BMI and age were identified as significant predictors of the development of nab-PTX-induced-peripheral neuropathy.

[A Case of Aortitis Caused by Pegfilgrastim Use during Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Treating Breast Cancer].

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(G-CSF)is useful for preventing febrile neutropenia induced by chemotherapy. Recently, some cases of aortitis have been reported following administration of G-CSF. Here, we present a case of aortitis induced by pegfilgrastim(peg-G)use during neoadjuvant chemotherapy for treating breast cancer. A 61-year-old woman with breast cancer(cT2N1M0, stage ⅡB, triple negative)started neoadjuvant chemotherapy FEC(100). Eleven days after the third course of peg-G administration, the patient developed a fever and general malaise. Blood test results showed an increase in inflammatory markers and severe anemia. The symptoms were not controlled with antibiotics. Blood and urine culture test results were negative. Computed tomography revealed remarkable wall thickening of the aorta. Therefore, we suspected aortitis induced by peg-G. The symptoms rapidly improved with prednisolone therapy. The possibility of aortitis should be considered for those with fever or raised inflammatory markers following the use of G-CSF. Steroids can be used for the treatment of G-CSF-induced aortitis.

Predictors for development of palbociclib-induced neutropenia in breast cancer patients as determined by ordered logistic regression analysis.

This retrospective study aimed to identify predictors for the development of palbociclib-induced neutropenia. This study retrospectively analysed 78 breast cancer patients who had received palbociclib at our hospital between January 2018 and May 2020. For the regression analysis of factors associated with palbociclib-induced neutropenia, variables were extracted manually from medical charts. The level of palbociclib-induced neutropenia was evaluated using the National Cancer Institute's Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 5). Multivariate ordered logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors for the development of neutropenia. Optimal cut-off thresholds were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Values of P < 0.05 (2-tailed) were considered significant. Significant factors identified included concomitant use of statin (odds ratio [OR] = 0.104, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.018-0.598; P = 0.011) and body mass index (BMI) (OR = 1.118, 95% CI = 1.007-1.241; P = 0.037). ROC analysis revealed that neutropenia (grade 4) was more likely to occur with a BMI ≥ 22.3 kg/m2. In conclusion, no concomitant use of statins and high BMI were identified as significant predictors for the development of palbociclib-induced neutropenia.

Plasmalogen Deficiency and Overactive Fatty Acid Elongation Biomarkers in Serum of Breast Cancer Patients Pre- and Post-Surgery-New Insights on Diagnosis, Risk Assessment, and Disease Mechanisms.

The polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) elongase, ELOVL5, is upregulated in breast cancer (BC) vs. adjacent normal tissue. We performed a comprehensive lipid metabolomic analysis of serum using high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry from two case-control studies that included non-BC, BC subjects pre-surgery, and BC subjects one-month post-surgery to determine if the metabolic signatures of over-active fatty acid elongation and other lipid changes could be detected in BC vs. non-BC subjects: study 1 (n = 48: non-BC, n = 69: pre-surgery BC); study 2 (blinded validation: n = 121: non-BC, n = 62: pre-surgery BC, n = 31: one month post-surgery). The ratio of the ELOVL5 precursor, linoleic acid (18:2) to a non-ELOVL5 precursor, oleic acid (18:1) was evaluated in multiple lipid pools (phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn), phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho), lyso-PtdCho, and free fatty acids). This ratio was lower in pre-surgery BC subjects in all pools in both studies (p < 0.001). At one-month post-surgery, the 18:2/18:1 ratios increased vs. pre-surgery and were no longer different from non-BC subjects (p > 0.05 expect for lyso-PtdCho). In contrast to the elongation biomarkers, docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) containing ethanolamine plasmalogen (EtnPls) species were observed to be further decreased in BC subjects one-month post-surgery vs. pre-surgery levels (p < 0.001). These results are consistent with the hypothesis that ELOVL5 is upregulated in BC tissue, which would result in the selective depletion of 18:2 vs. 18:1 containing lipid species. Surgical removal of the tumor removes the overactive ELOVL5 effect on serum lipids. In contrast, the low EtnPls levels do not appear to be caused by BC tumor activity and may be pre-existent and a possible risk factor for BC. These results indicate that it may be possible to screen for both breast cancer risk and breast cancer activity using a simple blood test.

The influence of venous system patterns on DIEP flap viability for breast reconstruction.

A deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap has unique variations in the anatomy of the vascular supply, and this idea has been adapted to the venous system. Venous system patterns, including connections between the superficial and deep inferior epigastric vein (SDC) or connections of the superficial inferior epigastric vein across the midline-crossing linking veins (MCLV), have gradually become recognized as a cause of fat necrosis and induration due to venous congestion. Therefore, it is important to select patients who are appropriate for transplantation by evaluating blood flow in the flap based on these patterns. The subjects were 52 consecutive patients who underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Relationships of fat necrosis and induration of a transplanted flap and venous system patterns (presence of SDC on the contralateral side: cSDC or MCLV, direction and diameter of perforator vein) in the flap were investigated. Logistic regression and univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify predictors of fat necrosis and induration of the flap. Fat necrosis and induration were detected in 17.4 and 34.8% of cases, respectively. These incidences were significantly linked to the absence of cSDC and MCLV patterns in the flap. Patients without a cSDC or MCLV pattern had harder fat tissue in Zone II, especially in the distal portion. These results suggest that the absence of a cSDC or MCLV pattern causes complications such as fat necrosis and induration in a transplanted flap. If neither pattern is detected before surgery, improvement of venous drainage is recommended.

Predictors for development of denosumab-induced hypocalcaemia in cancer patients with bone metastases determined by ordered logistic regression analysis.

This retrospective study was undertaken to identify predictors for the development of hypocalcaemia even with prophylactic administration of calcium and vitamin D, and to help guide future strategies to improve the safety, efficacy, and QOL of patients receiving denosumab. Between January 2016 and February 2020, a total of 327 advanced cancer patients at our hospital who were receiving denosumab were enrolled. Variables associated with the development of hypocalcaemia were extracted from the clinical records. The level of hypocalcaemia was evaluated using CTCAE version 5. Multivariate ordered logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors for the development of hypocalcaemia. Optimal cut off thresholds were determined using ROC analysis. Values of P < 0.05 (2-tailed) were considered significant. 54 patients have developed hypocalcemia (≥ Grade 1). Significant factors identified included concomitant use of vonoprazan [odds ratio (OR) = 3.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14-12.26; P = 0.030], dexamethasone (OR = 2.45, 95%CI 1.14-5.42; P = 0.022), pre-treatment levels of serum calcium (OR = 0.27, 95%CI 0.13-0.54; P < 0.001), ALP/100 (OR = 1.04, 95%CI 1.01-1.07; P = 0.003), and haemoglobin (OR = 0.79, 95%CI 0.68-0.93; P = 0.004). ROC curve analysis revealed that the threshold for pre-treatment levels of serum calcium was ≤ 9.3 mg/dL, ALP was ≥ 457 U/L, and haemoglobin was ≤ 10.4 g/dL. In conclusion, concomitant use of vonoprazan or dexamethasone, and pre-treatment levels of serum calcium (low), ALP (high) and haemoglobin (low) were identified as significant predictors for the development of denosumab-induced hypocalcaemia.

The effect of denosumab in breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant aromatase inhibitors: 36-month results.

INTRODUCTION: Aromatase inhibitor (AI)-associated bone loss increases the risk of bone fracture and reduces patients' quality of life, making it a critical issue worldwide. We conducted a prospective non-randomized clinical trial (UMIN-CTR, UMIN 000016173) to assess the effect of denosumab on bone loss in patients treated with adjuvant AI and have previously reported the results at 12 and 24 months. This study aimed to present the results at 36 months of treatment with denosumab for osteopenia in breast cancer patients who were undergoing treatment with adjuvant AI; 36 months is the longest denosumab treatment period reported so far. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients received 60-mg denosumab subcutaneously every 6 months. Daily supplements containing 500-mg elemental calcium and at least 400 international units of vitamin D were highly recommended throughout the study period. The levels of bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers, serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b, and bone alkaline phosphatase were determined at baseline and 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months. RESULTS: At 36 months, the bone mineral density of the lumbar spine, right femoral neck, and left femoral neck were found to increase by 8.8% (95% confidence interval CI 7.6-10.1), 4.3% (95% CI 3.0-5.5), and 3.1% (95% CI 2.1-4.1), respectively. No non-traumatic clinical fractures occurred in patients receiving AI and denosumab. CONCLUSION: Twice-yearly administration of denosumab to the breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant AI, regardless of the skeletal site, resulted in consistent increases in BMD without severe adverse events at 36 months.

[A Case of Synchronous Bilateral Male Breast Cancer].

A 71-year-old man with right and left mammary tumor came to our hospital. Using needle biopsy, we diagnosed both tumors as ER-positive, PgR-positive, and HER2(1+)invasive ductalcarcinoma. We performed radicalmastectomy and axillary dissection. After surgery, the patient received postoperative chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy. The incidence of male breast cancer has been reported to be<1% of all breast cancer cases; only a few cases of simultaneous bilateral male breast cancer has been reported. Here, we report a rare case of synchronous bilateral male breast cancer.

xCT Inhibition Increases Sensitivity to Vorinostat in a ROS-Dependent Manner.

As histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) have limited efficacy against solid tumors, we investigated whether and how oxidative stress is involved in sensitivity to HDACIs to develop a novel therapeutic option of HDACIs treatment. We first tested whether a reduction of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) by glutamine deprivation affects sensitivity to a commercially available HDACI vorinostat and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Next we investigated the relationship between a glutamate-cystine transporter xCT and the efficacy of vorinostat using siRNA of xCT and bioinformatic analyses. Finally, we verified the combinatory effects of vorinostat and the xCT inhibitor salazosulfapyridine (SASP) on ROS accumulation, cell death induction, and colony formation. Glutamine deprivation increased vorinostat-mediated cell death with ROS accumulation. Genetic ablation of xCT improved the efficacy of vorinostat, consistent with the results of public data analyses demonstrating that xCT expressions positively correlate with insensitivity to HDACIs in many types of cancer cell lines. Vorinostat caused ROS accumulation when combined with SASP, possibly resulting in synergistic ferroptosis. Our study provides a novel mechanistic insight into the mechanism underlying sensitivity to HDACIs involving xCT, suggesting xCT to be a promising predictive marker of HDACIs and rationalizing combinatory therapy of HDACIs with xCT inhibitors to induce ferroptosis.

Predictive factors for the development of proteinuria in cancer patients treated with bevacizumab, ramucirumab, and aflibercept: a single-institution retrospective analysis.

The development of proteinuria restricts the dose of anti-angiogenic agents, thereby reducing their efficacy. Thus, this retrospective study was undertaken to identify predictive factors of the development of angiogenesis inhibitor-induced proteinuria, and to elucidate if there is a difference in the likelihood of proteinuria among anti-angiogenic agents or cancer types, to help guide future strategies to improve the safety, efficacy, and quality of life of patients receiving chemotherapy. Between April 2014 and February 2019, 124 cancer patients at our outpatient chemotherapy center who were receiving chemotherapy with bevacizumab, ramucirumab, or aflibercept were enrolled. Variables related to the development of proteinuria were extracted from the patients' clinical records and used for regression analysis. The level of the proteinuria was evaluated based on CTCAE version 5. Multivariate ordered logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictive factors for the development of proteinuria. The Wilcoxon/Kruskal-Wallis test was used to identify significant differences between groups. Significant factors identified included systolic blood pressure (SBP) [odds ratio (OR) = 1.031, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.005-1.058; P = 0.0197], number of cycles (OR = 1.049, 95% CI = 1.018-1.082; P = 0.0019), and calcium channel blocker use (OR = 2.589, 95% CI = 1.090-6.146; P = 0.0311). There was no difference among the three anti-angiogenic agents (P = 0.4969) or among cancer types (P = 0.2726) in the likelihood of proteinuria. In conclusion, SBP, number of cycles, and calcium channel blocker use were identified as significant predictors of the development of angiogenesis inhibitor-induced proteinuria. There was no difference among the three anti-angiogenic agents or among cancer types.

Comparison of the efficacy of cryotherapy and compression therapy for preventing nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy: A prospective self-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Recently, the efficacy of cryotherapy and compression therapy to prevent taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy has been reported. We prospectively compared the efficacy of cryotherapy using a frozen glove (FG) and compression therapy using a surgical glove (SG) to prevent nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-PTX)-induced peripheral neuropathy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Breast cancer patients who received 260 mg/m2 of nab-PTX were eligible to participate in this trial. Patients wore a FG on one hand (60 min) without changing and two SGs of the same size (i.e., one size smaller than the size that best fit their hand) on the other hand (90 min) during chemotherapy. Peripheral neuropathy was evaluated at each treatment cycle using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4.0, the Patient Neurotoxicity Questionnaire (PNQ), and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Taxane subscale. Temperatures at each fingertip in both groups were measured thermographically. RESULTS: Between August 2017 and March 2019, 43 patients were enrolled and 38 were evaluated. No cases showed discordance of peripheral neuropathy between each gloved group in cases of CTCAE ≥ grade 2. In cases of PNQ ≥ grade D, using the Nam equivalence test, the upper test (P = 0.0329) and lower test (P = 0.0052) both showed negative results in comparisons between each gloved group. Fingertip temperature was significantly lower in the FG group than in the SG group after treatment (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: It seems to be no difference in incidence of nab-PTX-induced peripheral neuropathy using either cryotherapy or compression therapy.

[A Case of Small Cell Carcinoma of the Breast].

A 67-year-old woman with a mass in the right breast was admitted to our hospital. The tumor measured 35mm in diameter in the right breast, and the lymph node measured 30mm in diameter in the right axilla. The mass was diagnosed as malignant based on core needle biopsy. Immunohistochemistry staining for synaptophysin, chromogranin A, and CD56 was positive, suggesting that the tumor was small cell carcinoma. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography imaging excluded any other primary disease. Thus, the patient was diagnosed as having primary small cell carcinoma of the breast. Modified radical mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection was performed. The pathological diagnosis of the surgical material confirmed small cell carcinoma. The expression of estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor receptors was negative. After surgery, chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-based breast cancer treatment were performed. The patient was relapse free 9 months after surgery.

Fluorescence-based discrimination of breast cancer cells by direct exposure to 5-aminolevulinic acid.

Protoporphyrin IX-fluorescence measurement is a powerful in situ approach for cancer detection after oral/topical administration of 5-aminolevulinic acid. However, this approach has not been clinically established for breast cancer, probably due to insufficient delivery of 5-aminolevulinic acid to the mammary glands. In the present study, we directly exposed breast cancer cells to 5-aminolevulinic acid to assess their discrimination via protoporphyrin IX-fluorescence. Fluorescence intensity (FI) was measured in the human breast cancer cell lines MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 and breast epithelial cell line MCF10A by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. After 5-aminolevulinic acid exposure for 2 hours, protoporphyrin IX-FI in MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells significantly increased with marked cell-to-cell variability, whereas that in MCF10A cells increased moderately. Combined exposure of the cancer cells to 5-aminolevulinic acid and Ko143, a specific inhibitor of ATP-binding cassette transporter G2, further increased protoporphyrin IX-FI and alleviated the cell-to-cell variability in MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, indicating improvement in the reproducibility and accuracy for fluorescence-based cancer detection. The increased FI by combined administration of these two drugs was also demonstrated in cells obtained via fine needle aspiration from mouse xenograft models inoculated with MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, a cutoff value for increased protoporphyrin IX-FI ratio, before and after exposure to these drugs, clearly discriminated between cancer and noncancer cells. Taken together, direct exposure to 5-aminolevulinic acid and Ko143 may be a promising strategy for efficient fluorescence-based detection of breast cancer cells ex vivo using fine needle aspiration.