Age-Independent Preoperative Chemosensitivity and 5-Year Outcome Determined by Combined 70- and 80-Gene Signature in a Prospective Trial in Early-Stage Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The Neoadjuvant Breast Symphony Trial (NBRST) demonstrated the 70-gene risk of distant recurrence signature, MammaPrint, and the 80-gene molecular subtyping signature, BluePrint, precisely determined preoperative pathological complete response (pCR) in breast cancer patients. We report 5-year follow-up results in addition to an exploratory analysis by age and menopausal status. METHODS: The observational, prospective NBRST (NCT01479101) included 954 early-stage breast cancer patients aged 18-90 years who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and had clinical and genomic data available. Chemosensitivity and 5-year distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed. In a post hoc subanalysis, results were stratified by age (≤ 50 vs. > 50 years) and menopausal status in patients with hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HR+/HER2-) tumors. RESULTS: MammaPrint and BluePrint further classified 23% of tumors to a different subtype compared with immunohistochemistry, with more precise correspondence to pCR rates. Five-year DMFS and OS were highest in MammaPrint Low Risk, Luminal A-type and HER2-type tumors, and lowest in MammaPrint High Risk, Luminal B-type and Basal-type tumors. There was no significant difference in chemosensitivity between younger and older patients with Low-Risk (2.2% vs. 3.8%; p = 0.64) or High-Risk tumors (14.5% vs. 11.5%; p = 0.42), or within each BluePrint subtype; this was similar when stratifying by menopausal status. The 5-year outcomes were comparable by age or menopausal status for each molecular subtype. CONCLUSION: Intrinsic preoperative chemosensitivity and long-term outcomes were precisely determined by BluePrint and MammaPrint regardless of patient age, supporting the utility of these assays to inform treatment and surgical decisions in early-stage breast cancer.

Distinct Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Response and 5-Year Outcome in Patients With Estrogen Receptor-Positive, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Negative Breast Tumors That Reclassify as Basal-Type by the 80-Gene Signature.

PURPOSE: The 80-gene molecular subtyping signature (80-GS) reclassifies a proportion of immunohistochemistry (IHC)-defined luminal breast cancers (estrogen receptor-positive [ER+], human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative [HER2-]) as Basal-Type. We report the association of 80-GS reclassification with neoadjuvant treatment response and 5-year outcome in patients with breast cancer. METHODS: Neoadjuvant Breast Registry Symphony Trial (NBRST; NCT01479101) is an observational, prospective study that included 1,069 patients with early-stage breast cancer age 18-90 years who received neoadjuvant therapy. Pathologic complete response (pCR) and 5-year distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed in 477 patients with IHC-defined ER+, HER2- tumors and in a reference group of 229 patients with IHC-defined triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). RESULTS: 80-GS reclassified 15% of ER+, HER2- tumors (n = 73) as Basal-Type (ER+/Basal), which had similar pCR compared with TNBC/Basal tumors (34% v 38%; P = .52), and significantly higher pCR than ER+/Luminal A (2%; P < .001) and ER+/Luminal B (6%; P < .001) tumors. The 5-year DMFS (%, [95% CI]) was significantly lower for patients with ER+/Basal tumors (66% [52.6 to 77.3]), compared with those with ER+/Luminal A tumors (92.3% [85.2 to 96.1]) and ER+/Luminal B tumors (73.5% [44.5 to 79.3]). Importantly, patients with ER+/Basal or TNBC/Basal tumors that had a pCR exhibited significantly improved DMFS and OS compared with those with residual disease. By contrast, patients with ER+/Luminal B tumors had comparable 5-year DMFS and OS whether or not they achieved pCR. CONCLUSION: Significant differences in chemosensitivity and 5-year outcome suggest patients with ER+/Basal molecular subtype may benefit from neoadjuvant regimens optimized for patients with TNBC/Basal tumors compared with patients with ER+/Luminal subtype. These data highlight the importance of identifying this subset of patients to improve treatment planning and long-term survival.

High concordance of 70-gene recurrence risk signature and 80-gene molecular subtyping signature between core needle biopsy and surgical resection specimens in early-stage breast cancer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: With increased neoadjuvant therapy recommendations for early-stage breast cancer patients due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that molecular diagnostic assays provide reliable results from preoperative core needle biopsies (CNB). The study objective was to determine the concordance of MammaPrint and BluePrint results between matched CNB and surgical resection (SR) specimens. METHODS: Matched tumor specimens (n = 121) were prospectively collected from women enrolled in the FLEX trial (NCT03053193). Concordance is reported using overall percentage agreement and Cohen's kappa coefficient. Correlation is reported using Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: We found good concordance for MammaPrint results between matched tumor samples (90.9%, κ = 0.817), and a very strong correlation of MammaPrint indices (r = 0.94). The concordance of BluePrint subtyping in matched samples was also excellent (98.3%). CONCLUSIONS: CNB samples demonstrated high concordance with paired SR samples for MammaPrint risk classification and BluePrint molecular subtyping, suggesting that physicians are provided with accurate prognostic information that can be used to guide therapy decisions.

A Three-Dimensional Bioabsorbable Tissue Marker for Volume Replacement and Radiation Planning: A Multicenter Study of Surgical and Patient-Reported Outcomes for 818 Patients with Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Accurate identification of the tumor bed after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) ensures appropriate radiation to the tumor bed while minimizing normal tissue exposure. The BioZorb® three-dimensional (3D) bioabsorbable tissue marker provides a reliable target for radiation therapy (RT) planning and follow-up evaluation while serving as a scaffold to maintain breast contour. METHODS: After informed consent, 818 patients (826 breasts) implanted with the BioZorb® at 14 U.S. sites were enrolled in a national registry. All the patients were prospectively followed with the BioZorb® implant after BCS. The data collected at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months included all demographics, treatment parameters, and provider/patient-assessed cosmesis. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 18.2 months (range, 0.2-53.4 months). The 30-day breast infection rate was 0.5 % of the patients (n = 4), and re-excision was performed for 8.1 % of the patients (n = 66), whereas 2.6 % of the patients (n = 21) underwent mastectomy. Two patients (0.2 %) had local recurrence. The patient-reported cosmetic outcomes at 6, 12, and 24 months were rated as good-to-excellent by 92.4 %, 90.6 %, and 87.3 % of the patients, respectively and similarly by the surgeons. The radiation oncologists reported planning of target volume (PTV) reduction for 46.2 % of the patients receiving radiation boost, with PTV reduction most commonly estimated at 30 %. CONCLUSIONS: This report describes the first large multicenter study of 818 patients implanted with the BioZorb® tissue marker during BCS. Radiation oncologists found that the device yielded reduced PTVs and that both the patients and the surgeons reported good-to-excellent long-term cosmetic outcomes, with low adverse effects. The BioZorb® 3D tissue marker is a safe adjunct to BCS and may add benefits for both surgeons and radiation oncologists.

A Prospective, Single Arm, Multi-site, Clinical Evaluation of a Nonradioactive Surgical Guidance Technology for the Location of Nonpalpable Breast Lesions during Excision.

OBJECTIVES: This study was a multicenter evaluation of the SAVI SCOUT(®) breast localization and surgical guidance system using micro-impulse radar technology for the removal of nonpalpable breast lesions. The study was designed to validate the results of a recent 50-patient pilot study in a larger multi-institution trial. The primary endpoints were the rates of successful reflector placement, localization, and removal. METHODS: This multicenter, prospective trial enrolled patients scheduled to have excisional biopsy or breast-conserving surgery of a nonpalpable breast lesion. From March to November 2015, 154 patients were consented and evaluated by 20 radiologists and 16 surgeons at 11 participating centers. Patients had SCOUT(®) reflectors placed up to 7 days before surgery, and placement was confirmed by mammography or ultrasonography. Implanted reflectors were detected by the SCOUT(®) handpiece and console. Presence of the reflector in the excised surgical specimen was confirmed radiographically, and specimens were sent for routine pathology. RESULTS: SCOUT(®) reflectors were successfully placed in 153 of 154 patients. In one case, the reflector was placed at a distance from the target that required a wire to be placed. All 154 lesions and reflectors were successfully removed during surgery. For 101 patients with a preoperative diagnosis of cancer, 86 (85.1 %) had clear margins, and 17 (16.8 %) patients required margin reexcision. CONCLUSIONS: SCOUT(®) provides a reliable and effective alternative method for the localization and surgical excision of nonpalpable breast lesions using no wires or radioactive materials, with excellent patient, radiologist, and surgeon acceptance.

An international study comparing conventional versus mRNA level testing (TargetPrint) for ER, PR, and HER2 status of breast cancer.

To compare results from messenger RNA (mRNA)-based TargetPrint testing with those from immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) conducted according to local standard procedures at hospitals worldwide. Tumor samples were prospectively obtained from 806 patients at 22 hospitals. The mRNA level of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) was assessed by TargetPrint quantitative gene expression readouts. IHC/ISH assessments were performed according to local standards at the participating hospitals. TargetPrint readout showed a high concordance with IHC/ISH of 95 % (kappa 0.81) for ER, 81 % (kappa 0.56) for PR, and 94 % (kappa 0.76) for HER2. The positive/negative agreement between TargetPrint and IHC for ER, PR, and HER2 was 96 %/87 %, 84 %/74 %, and 74 %/98 %, respectively. The concordance rate in IHC/ISH results between hospitals varied: 88-100 % for ER (kappa 0.50-1.00); 50-100 % for PR (kappa 0.20-1.00); and 90-100 % for HER2 (kappa 0.59-1.00). mRNA readout of ER, PR, and HER2 status by TargetPrint was largely comparable to local IHC/ISH analysis. However, there was substantial discordance in IHC/ISH results between different hospitals. When results are discordant, the use of TargetPrint would improve the reliability of hormone receptor and HER2 results by prompting retesting in a reference laboratory.

Comparison of molecular subtyping with BluePrint, MammaPrint, and TargetPrint to local clinical subtyping in breast cancer patients.

PURPOSE: To compare breast cancer subtyping with the three centrally assessed microarray-based assays BluePrint, MammaPrint, and TargetPrint with locally assessed clinical subtyping using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). METHODS: BluePrint, MammaPrint, and TargetPrint were all performed on fresh tumor samples. Microarray analysis was performed at Agendia Laboratories, blinded for clinical and pathological data. IHC/FISH assessments were performed according to local practice at each institution; estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) assessments were performed on 132 samples, and Ki-67 on 79 samples. RESULTS: The concordance between BluePrint and IHC/FISH subtyping was 94 % for the Luminal-type, 95 % for the HER2-type, and 94 % for the Basal-type subgroups. The concordance of BluePrint with subtyping using mRNA single gene readout (TargetPrint) was 96 % for the Luminal-type, 97 % for the HER2-type, and 98 % for the Basal-type subgroups. The concordance for substratification into Luminal A and B using MammaPrint and Ki-67 was 68 %. The concordance between TargetPrint and IHC/FISH was 97 % for ER, 80 % for PR, and 95 % for HER2. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of multigene assays such as TargetPrint, BluePrint, and MammaPrint may improve the clinical management of breast cancer patients. High discordance between Luminal A and B substratification based on MammaPrint versus locally assessed Ki-67 or grade indicates that chemotherapy decisions should not be based on the basis of Ki-67 readout or tumor grade alone. TargetPrint serves as a second opinion for those local pathology settings where high-quality standardization is harder to maintain.

Noncompliance with adjuvant radiation, chemotherapy, or hormonal therapy in breast cancer patients.

INTRODUCTION: There is little information on patient-driven noncompliance of adjuvant therapies and its consequences. METHODS: This retrospective study compares clinical, pathological features and outcomes of breast cancer patients who were compliant to recommended radiation, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapies to those who were noncompliant. RESULTS: Noncompliance rates for chemotherapy, radiation, and tamoxifen were 31 of 421 (7%), 30 of 855 (4%), and 294 of (37%) respectively. Old age was associated with noncompliance to chemotherapy and radiation, but younger women tend to be more often noncompliant to tamoxifen. Noncompliance with chemotherapy or radiation did not significantly affect 5-year local and distant disease-free survival rates. Noncompliance with tamoxifen was associated with decreased 5-year local and distant disease-free survivals (87% versus 96%, 76% versus 87%, respectively, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Noncompliance with tamoxifen is the most common, resulting in significantly increased risk of local and distant disease recurrence.

Reoperative sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with locally recurrent breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is considered a standard of care in the staging of breast cancer. The objective was to examine our experience with reoperative SLNB. METHODS: We identified 19 patients in our breast cancer database who had a SLNB in the reoperative setting. All 19 patients had undergone previous breast-conserving surgery with either an axillary lymph node dissection or an SLNB. The reoperative sentinel lymph node (SLN) was identified using blue dye, radioisotope, or both. RESULTS: The SLN was identified in 84% of the reoperative cases. Of these successful cases, both blue dye and radioisotope were used in five cases, and radioisotope alone was used in 11 cases. Radioisotope identified the SLN in the 100% of successful SLNB cases (P = .0003). There were 3 unsuccessful cases in which blue dye and radioisotope failed to identify the sentinel node. CONCLUSIONS: Reoperative SLNB after previous axillary surgery is technically feasible.

Prediction of postoperative seroma after latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The latissimus dorsi flap has become a first-line option in reconstruction of the breast cancer patient. Donor-site seroma is a commonly described postoperative complication of the latissimus dorsi flap. METHODS: A retrospective chart review from 1998 to 2003 of all patients undergoing latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction was performed (n = 50). Age of the patients, timing of breast reconstruction, type of nodal dissection (axillary versus sentinel versus none), and chemotherapy status of the patients were examined. RESULTS: The overall incidence of seroma formation was 47 percent. Those patients who had undergone prior or concurrent nodal dissection at the time of breast reconstruction were found to have a higher incidence of seroma formation than patients who had no nodal dissection (52 percent versus 25 percent) (p = 0.15). Age also was a risk factor for seroma formation, as 63 percent of patients older than 50 had formed seroma as compared with 39 percent of those younger than age 50 (p = 0.08). CONCLUSION: The authors conclude that advanced age and the presence of nodal disruption before or concurrent with latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction are predictors of donor-site seroma formation.

Laparoscopic diagnosis and repair of asymptomatic bilateral inguinal hernias.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to investigate age, sex, and side of hernia presentation at clinical examination as potential intrinsic risk factors for bilateral inguinal hernia (BIH), and to quantify the characteristics of clinical examination versus laparoscopy as a diagnostic tool for BIH. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was utilized to analyze 99 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. RESULTS: The incidence of BIH based on clinical examination alone was 49%, compared with 71% laparoscopically. Clinical examination of BIH resulted in 69% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% predictive value for bilateral diagnosis, and 57% predictive value for unilateral diagnosis. Left hernia presentation at clinical examination (prevalence rate ratio = 10.5, 95% confidence interval: 3.6 to 30.7) and male sex (prevalence rate ratio = 6.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.3 to 35.0) were found to be independent risk factors for BIH. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy yields detection of BIH that would be missed by clinical examination alone. Furthermore, left-sided hernia and male sex were associated with BIH.