Design and testing of a humanized porcine donor for xenotransplantation.

Recent human decedent model studies1,2 and compassionate xenograft use3 have explored the promise of porcine organs for human transplantation. To proceed to human studies, a clinically ready porcine donor must be engineered and its xenograft successfully tested in nonhuman primates. Here we describe the design, creation and long-term life-supporting function of kidney grafts from a genetically engineered porcine donor transplanted into a cynomolgus monkey model. The porcine donor was engineered to carry 69 genomic edits, eliminating glycan antigens, overexpressing human transgenes and inactivating porcine endogenous retroviruses. In vitro functional analyses showed that the edited kidney endothelial cells modulated inflammation to an extent that was indistinguishable from that of human endothelial cells, suggesting that these edited cells acquired a high level of human immune compatibility. When transplanted into cynomolgus monkeys, the kidneys with three glycan antigen knockouts alone experienced poor graft survival, whereas those with glycan antigen knockouts and human transgene expression demonstrated significantly longer survival time, suggesting the benefit of human transgene expression in vivo. These results show that preclinical studies of renal xenotransplantation could be successfully conducted in nonhuman primates and bring us closer to clinical trials of genetically engineered porcine renal grafts.

Mutational analysis of anal cancers demonstrates frequent PIK3CA mutations associated with poor outcome after salvage abdominoperineal resection.

BACKGROUND: A better understanding of the molecular profile of anal squamous cell carcinomas (ASCCs) is necessary to consider new therapeutic approaches, and the identification of prognostic and predictive factors for response to treatment. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed tumours from ASCC patients for mutational analysis of KRAS, NRAS, HRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, MET, TP53 and FBXW7 genes by HRM and Sanger sequencing analysis. RESULTS: Specimens from 148 patients were analysed: 96 treatment-naive tumours and 52 recurrences after initial radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Mutations of KRAS, PIK3CA, FBXW7 and TP53 genes were present in 3 (2.0%), 30 (20.3%), 9 (6.1%) and 7 tumours (4.7%), respectively. The distribution of the mutations was similar between treatment-naive tumours and recurrences, except for TP53 mutations being more frequent in recurrences (P=0.0005). In patients treated with abdominoperineal resection (APR) after relapse (n=38, median follow-up of 18.2 years), overall survival (OS) was significantly correlated with HPV16 status (P=0.048), gender (P=0.045) and PIK3CA mutation (P=0.037). The PIK3CA status retained its prognostic significance in Cox multivariate regression analysis (P=0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified PIK3CA mutation as an independent prognostic factor in patients who underwent APR for ASCC recurrence, suggesting a potential benefit from adjuvant treatment and the evaluation of targeted therapies with PI3K/Akt/mTor inhibitors in PIK3CA-mutated patients.

The Identification of Large Rearrangements Involving Intron 2 of the CDH1 Gene in BRCA1/2 Negative and Breast Cancer Susceptibility.

E-cadherin, a CDH1 gene product, is a calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion molecule playing a critical role in the establishment of epithelial architecture, maintenance of cell polarity, and differentiation. Germline pathogenic variants in the CDH1 gene are associated with hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC), and large rearrangements in the CDH1 gene are now being reported as well. Because CDH1 pathogenic variants could be associated with breast cancer (BC) susceptibility, CDH1 rearrangements could also impact it. The aim of our study is to identify rearrangements in the CDH1 gene in 148 BC cases with no BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variants. To do so, a zoom-in CGH array, covering the exonic, intronic, and flanking regions of the CDH1 gene, was used to screen our cohort. Intron 2 of the CDH1 gene was specifically targeted because it is largely reported to include several regulatory regions. As results, we detected one large rearrangement causing a premature stop in exon 3 of the CDH1 gene in a proband with a bilateral lobular breast carcinoma and a gastric carcinoma (GC). Two large rearrangements in the intron 2, a deletion and a duplication, were also reported only with BC cases without any familial history of GC. No germline rearrangements in the CDH1 coding region were detected in those families without GC and with a broad range of BC susceptibility. This study confirms the diversity of large rearrangements in the CDH1 gene. The rearrangements identified in intron 2 highlight the putative role of this intron in CDH1 regulation and alternative transcripts. Recurrent duplication copy number variations (CNV) are found in this region, and the deletion encompasses an alternative CDH1 transcript. Screening for large rearrangements in the CDH1 gene could be important for genetic testing of BC.

Exclusive and adjuvant radiotherapy in breast cancer patients with synchronous metastases.

BACKGROUND: Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program and the European Concerted Action on survival and Care of Cancer Patients (EUROCARE) project indicate that about 6% of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer have stage IV disease, representing about 12 600 new cases per year in the United States in 2005. Historically, local therapy of the primary tumor in this setting has been aimed solely at symptom palliation. However, several studies suggest that surgical excision of the primary tumor can prolong these patients' survival. DISCUSSION: Exclusive locoregional radiotherapy is an alternative form of locoregional treatment in this setting and may represent an effective alternative to surgery in this setting. Here we discuss current issues regarding exclusive and adjuvant locoregional radiotherapy in breast cancer patients with synchronous metastases. SUMMARY: Several studies suggest that surgery or exclusive irradiation of the primary tumor is associated with better survival in breast cancer patients with synchronous metastases and that exclusive locoregional radiotherapy may represent an effective alternative to surgery in this setting. Results of well-designed prospective studies are needed to re-evaluate treatment of the primary breast tumor in patients with metastases at diagnosis, and to identify those patients who are most likely to benefit.

Medico-economic impact of MSKCC non-sentinel node prediction nomogram for ER-positive HER2-negative breast cancers.

BACKGROUND: Avoiding axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for invasive breast cancers with isolated tumor cells or micrometastatic sentinel node biopsy (SNB) could decrease morbidity with minimal clinical significance. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to simulate the medico-economic impact of the routine use of the MSKCC non-sentinel node (NSN) prediction nomogram for ER+ HER2- breast cancer patients. METHODS: We studied 1036 ER+ HER2- breast cancer patients with a metastatic SNB. All had a complementary ALND. For each patient, we calculated the probability of the NSN positivity using the MSKCC nomogram. After validation of this nomogram in the population, we described how the patients' characteristics spread as the threshold value changed. Then, we performed an economic simulation study to estimate the total cost of caring for patients treated according to the MSKCC predictive nomogram results. RESULTS: A 0.3 threshold discriminate the type of sentinel node (SN) metastases: 98.8% of patients with pN0(i+) and 91.6% of patients with pN1(mic) had a MSKCC score under 0.3 (false negative rate = 6.4%). If we use the 0.3 threshold for economic simulation, 43% of ALND could be avoided, reducing the costs of caring by 1 051 980 EUROS among the 1036 patients. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated the cost-effectiveness of using the MSKCC NSN prediction nomogram by avoiding ALND for the pN0(i+) or pN1(mic) ER+ HER2- breast cancer patients with a MSKCC score of less than or equal to 0.3.

Corporate America and community health: exploring the business case for investment.

OBJECTIVES: The principal aim of this project was to learn from corporate executives about the most important components of a business case for employer leadership in improving community health. METHODS: We used dialogue sessions to gain insight into this issue. RESULTS: The strongest elements included metrics and measurement, return on investment, communications, shared values, shared vision, shared definitions, and leadership. Important barriers included lack of understanding, lack of clear strategy, complexity of the problem, trust, lack of resources and leadership, policies and regulations, and leadership philosophy. Substantial variability was observed in the degree of understanding of the relationship between corporate health and community health. CONCLUSIONS: The business case for intentional and strategic corporate investment in community health occurs along a continuum has a set of clearly defined elements that address why investment may make sense, but also asks questions about the "what-to-do" and the "how-to-do-it."

Pathological Characteristics of Both Tumors in Bifocal and Bicentric Breast Cancer.

AIM: The objective of the present study was to describe the biological characteristics of each lesion in patients with bifocal/bicentric (BF/BC) breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 205 patients diagnosed with BF/BC cancer. The degree of concordance between the two lesions was assessed using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients. RESULTS: A total of 205 patients were included. Both tumors displayed the same histological type in 182 patients (89%). The same grade was found for both tumors in 178 of the cases (96.7% and 100% for grade 3 lesions). Immunohistochemical concordance between the two tumors was excellent, with correlation coefficients of 0.98, 0.96 and 0.99 for estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR) and Ki67, respectively. Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER2) status was available for both tumors in 177 cases (86%), with a perfect concordance. We did not find any differences in molecular sub-type between tumor foci. CONCLUSION: Immunohistochemistry should be performed only on the main tumor in cases of BF/BC cancer.

Impact of Adjuvant Chemotherapy on Breast Cancer Survival: A Real-World Population.

BACKGROUND: The impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on breast cancer prognosis has been demonstrated in randomized trials, but its impact is unknown in real-world populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy on the survival of breast cancer patients in an unselected population. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 32,502 women treated at the Institut Curie between 1981 and 2008 for a first invasive breast cancer without metastasis. The patients were matched based on their propensity score to receive adjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS: The matching generated a subsample of 9,180 patients with an overlapping propensity score. In the group without chemotherapy, the overall survival (OS) rates at 5 and 10 years of follow-up were 87.6% (95% CI [86.7-88.6]) and 75.0% (95% CI [73.6-76.5]), respectively, versus 92.1% (95% CI [91.3-92.9]) and 81.9% (95% CI [80.6-83.2]), respectively, in the chemotherapy group. Distant disease-free survival (DDFS) was significantly improved in the five first years (absolute benefit of 3.5%). In a multivariate analysis, adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with better OS (HR = 0.75, 95% CI [0.69-0.83], p<0.0001) and DDFS (HR = 0.82, 95% CI [0.75-0.90], p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improves OS and DDFS rates in an unselected population, in accordance with previous results reported by randomized trials.

Successful up-scaled population interventions to reduce risk factors for non-communicable disease in adults: results from the International Community Interventions for Health (CIH) Project in China, India and Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Non-communicable disease (NCD) is increasing rapidly in low and middle-income countries (LMIC), and is associated with tobacco use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity. There is little evidence for up-scaled interventions at the population level to reduce risk in LMIC. METHODS: The Community Interventions for Health (CIH) program was a population-scale community intervention study with comparator population group undertaken in communities in China, India, and Mexico, each with populations between 150,000-250,000. Culturally appropriate interventions were delivered over 18-24 months. Two independent cross-sectional surveys of a stratified sample of adults aged 18-64 years were conducted at baseline and follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 6,194 adults completed surveys at baseline, and 6,022 at follow-up. The proportion meeting physical activity recommendations decreased significantly in the control group (C) (44.1 to 30.2%), but not in the intervention group (I) (38.0 to 36.1%), p<0.001. Those eating ≥ 5 portions of fruit and vegetables daily decreased significantly in C (19.2 to 17.2%), but did not change in I (20.0 to 19.6%,), p=0.013. The proportion adding salt to food was unchanged in C (24.9 to 25.3%) and decreased in I (25.9 to 19.6%), p<0.001. Prevalence of obesity increased in C (8.3 to 11.2%), with no change in I (8.6 to 9.7%,) p=0.092. Concerning tobacco, for men the difference-in-difference analysis showed that the reduction in use was significantly greater in I compared to C (p=0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Up-scaling known health promoting interventions designed to reduce the incidence of NCD in whole communities in LMIC is feasible, and has measurable beneficial outcomes on risk factors for NCD, namely tobacco use, diet, and physical inactivity.

Comorbidity of Alcoholism and Anxiety Disorders: The Role of Family Studies.

People with alcoholism frequently also suffer from an anxiety disorder. The mechanisms underlying this comorbidity remain unclear. Clinical findings indicate that anxiety disorders may lead to the development of alcoholism. Conversely, alcoholism may contribute to the development of anxiety symptoms. Family studies have reported elevated rates of anxiety disorders in the relatives of patients with alcoholism and vice versa, suggesting that both disorders may share some susceptibility factors. The Yale Family Study of the comorbidity of alcoholism and anxiety confirmed these observations. The study also found gender-specific differences in the risk for some comorbid anxiety disorders. Moreover, the relatives of people with alcohol dependence or anxiety were at increased risk for alcohol dependence but not alcohol abuse.

[Cost of treatment and follow up of breast cancer: a retrospective assessment in a comprehensive cancer centre]. / Evaluation rétrospective du coût du cancer du sein dans un centre de lutte contre le cancer.

CONTEXT: Breast cancer is one of the major causes of premature death for women. Its cost management is important for both the national health insurance and the individual health care providers. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the global medical cost of breast cancer from diagnosis to follow up in one French medical centre: centre René-Huguenin, Saint-Cloud (92). METHOD: Duration of medical activities and other medical resources utilisations were collected from a retrospective cohort of 120 patients followed from January 1995 to February 2000. Unit costs were obtained from cost accounts of the Centre. RESULTS: The mean medical cost per patient was FF 66,067 [60,318-7,815] (USD $ 10,744 [9,809-11,679]). The mean cost varied from FF 41,875 (UDS $ 6,810) to FF 81,020 (UDS $ 13,175) depending on choice of type of therapy. The initial treatment phase was the most expensive, costing FF 48,397 [46,176-50,617] (USD $ 7,870 [7,509-8,231]) which represented 73.3% of the global cost. CONCLUSION: This study has provided an estimate of the real global cost of managing patients with breast cancer in a single French Comprehensive Cancer Centre (CLCC). The study method used is readily transposable to other treatment contexts and to other types of cancer.

High rates of child hypertension associated with obesity: a community survey in China, India and Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and epidemiological evidence suggests that it is increasing in parallel with obesity in children and adolescents in low- and middle-income countries. AIM: To identify and determine the relationship between overweight, obesity and hypertension in a community sample of school children. METHODS: Anthropometric data were collected from 12,730 school children aged 12-18 years in China, India and Mexico as part of the Community Interventions for Health programme, an international study evaluating community interventions to reduce non-communicable disease by addressing the three main risk factors of tobacco use, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity. Logistic regression was used to examine the association of body mass index and gender and hypertension. RESULTS: Prevalence rates of hypertension were 5.2% in China, 10.1% in India and 14.1% in Mexico, and pre-hypertension rates in China, India and Mexico were 13.4%, 9.4% and 11.2%, respectively. Overweight and obesity prevalence rates varied by country and were 16.6% in China, 4.1% in India and 37.1% in Mexico. In all countries there was a significant association between overweight and obesity and rates of hypertension. Overweight children were 1.7-2.3 times more likely to be hypertensive and obese children 3.5-5.5 more likely to show hypertension than those of normal weight. CONCLUSIONS: Rates of hypertension and overweight and obesity are high in school children in China, India and Mexico, and increased bodyweight is a significant risk factor for hypertension.

Prognostic value of molecular subtypes, ki67 expression and impact of postmastectomy radiation therapy in breast cancer patients with negative lymph nodes after mastectomy.

PURPOSE: To determine whether Ki67 expression and breast cancer subtypes could predict locoregional recurrence (LRR) and influence the postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) decision in breast cancer (BC) patients with pathologic negative lymph nodes (pN0) after modified radical mastectomy (MRM). METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 699 BC patients with pN0 status after MRM, treated between 2001 and 2008, were identified from a prospective database in a single institution. Tumors were classified by intrinsic molecular subtype as luminal A or B, HER2+, and triple-negative (TN) using estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors. Multivariate Cox analysis was used to determine the risk of LRR associated with intrinsic subtypes and Ki67 expression, adjusting for known prognostic factors. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 56 months, 17 patients developed LRR. Five-year LRR-free survival and overall survival in the entire population were 97%, and 94.7%, respectively, with no difference between the PMRT (n=191) and no-PMRT (n=508) subgroups. No constructed subtype was associated with an increased risk of LRR. Ki67 >20% was the only independent prognostic factor associated with increased LRR (hazard ratio, 4.18; 95% CI, 1.11-15.77; P<.0215). However, PMRT was not associated with better locoregional control in patients with proliferative tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Ki67 expression but not molecular subtypes are predictors of locoregional recurrence in breast cancer patients with negative lymph nodes after MRM. The benefit of adjuvant RT in patients with proliferative tumors should be further investigated in prospective studies.

Radiotherapy for stage II and stage III breast cancer patients with negative lymph nodes after preoperative chemotherapy and mastectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) in Stage II-III breast cancer patients with negative lymph nodes (pN0) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). PATIENTS AND MATERIALS: Of 1,054 breast cancer patients treated with NAC at our institution between 1990 and 2004, 134 had pN0 status after NAC and mastectomy. The demographic data, tumor characteristics, metastatic sites, and treatments were prospectively recorded. The effect of PMRT on locoregional recurrence-free survival and overall survival (OS) was evaluated by multivariate analysis, including known prognostic factors. RESULTS: Of the 134 eligible patients, 78 (58.2%) received PMRT and 56 (41.8%) did not. At a median follow-up time of 91.4 months, the 5-year locoregional recurrence-free survival and OS rate was 96.2% and 88.3% with PMRT and 92.5% and 94.3% without PMRT, respectively (p = NS). The corresponding values at 10 years were 96.2% and 77.2% with PMRT and 86.8% and 87.7% without PMRT (p = NS). On multivariate analysis, PMRT had no effect on either locoregional recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio, 0.37; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-1.61; p = .18) or OS (hazard ratio, 2.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.71-6; p = .18). This remained true in the subgroups of patients with clinical Stage II or Stage III disease at diagnosis. A trend was seen toward poorer OS among patients who had not had a pathologic complete in-breast tumor response after NAC (hazard ratio, 6.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.82-54.12; p = .076). CONCLUSIONS: The results from the present retrospective study showed no increase in the risk of distant metastasis, locoregional recurrence, or death when PMRT was omitted in breast cancer patients with pN0 status after NAC and mastectomy. Whether the omission of PMRT is acceptable for these patients should be addressed prospectively.

Needs assessment of cancer survivors in Connecticut.

INTRODUCTION: There are knowledge gaps regarding the needs of cancer survivors in Connecticut and their utilization of supportive services. METHODS: A convenience sample of cancer survivors residing in Connecticut were invited to complete a self-administered (print or online) needs assessment (English or Spanish). Participants identified commonly occurring problems and completed a modified version of the Supportive Care Needs Survey Short Form (SNCS-SF34) assessing needs across five domains (psychosocial, health systems/information, physical/daily living, patient care /support, and sexuality). RESULTS: The majority of the 1,516 cancer survivors (76.4%) were women, 47.5% had completed high school or some college, 66.1% were diagnosed ≤5 years ago, and 87.7% were non-Hispanic white. The breast was the most common site (47.6%), followed by the prostate, colorectal, lung, and melanoma. With multivariate adjustment, need on the SCNS-SF34 was greatest among women, younger survivors, those diagnosed within the past year, those not free of cancer, and Hispanics/Latinos. We also observed some differences by insurance and education status. In addition, we assessed the prevalence of individual problems, with the most common being weight gain/loss, memory changes, paying for care, communication, and not being told about services. CONCLUSIONS: Overall and domain specific needs in this population of cancer survivors were relatively low, although participants reported a wide range of problems. Greater need was identified among cancer survivors who were female, younger, Hispanic/Latino, and recently diagnosed. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: These findings can be utilized to target interventions and promote access to available resources for Connecticut cancer survivors.

Locoregional treatment for breast carcinoma after Hodgkin's lymphoma: the breast conservation option.

PURPOSE: To report clinical and pathologic characteristics and outcome of breast cancer (BC) after irradiation for Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) in women treated at the Institut Curie, with a special focus on the breast-conserving option. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Medical records of 72 women who developed either ductal carcinoma in situ or Stage I-III invasive carcinoma of the breast after HL between 1978 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Median age at HL diagnosis was 23 years (range, 14-53 years). Median total dose received by the mediastinum was 40 Gy, mostly by a mantle-field technique. Breast cancers occurred after a median interval of 21 years (range, 5-40 years). Ductal invasive carcinoma and ductal carcinoma in situ represented, respectively, 51 cases (71%) and 14 cases (19%). Invasive BCs consisted of 47 cT0-2 tumors (82%), 5 cN1-3 tumors (9%), and 20 Grade 3 tumors (35%). Locoregional treatment for BCs consisted of mastectomy with (3) or without (36) radiotherapy in 39 patients and lumpectomy with (30) or without (2) adjuvant radiotherapy in 32 patients. The isocentric lateral decubitus radiation technique was used in 17 patients after breast-conserving surgery (57%). With a median follow-up of 7 years, 5-year overall survival rate and locoregional control rate were, respectively, 74.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 64-88%) and 82% (95% CI, 72-93%) for invasive carcinoma and 100% (95% CI, 100 -100%) and 92% (95% CI, 79-100%) for in situ carcinoma. In patients with invasive tumors, the 5-year distant disease-free survival rate was 79% (95% CI, 69-91%), and 13 patients died of progressive BC. Contralateral BC was diagnosed in 10 patients (14%). CONCLUSIONS: Breast-conserving treatment can be an option for BCs that occur after HL, despite prior thoracic irradiation. It should consist of lumpectomy and adjuvant breast radiotherapy with use of adequate techniques, such as the lateral decubitus isocentric position, to protect the underlying heart and lung.

Community Health Environment Scan Survey (CHESS): a novel tool that captures the impact of the built environment on lifestyle factors.

BACKGROUND: Novel efforts and accompanying tools are needed to tackle the global burden of chronic disease. This paper presents an approach to describe the environments in which people live, work, and play. Community Health Environment Scan Survey (CHESS) is an empirical assessment tool that measures the availability and accessibility, of healthy lifestyle options lifestyle options. CHESS reveals existing community assets as well as opportunities for change, shaping community intervention planning efforts by focusing on community-relevant opportunities to address the three key risk factors for chronic disease (i.e. unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and tobacco use). METHODS: The CHESS tool was developed following a review of existing auditing tools and in consultation with experts. It is based on the social-ecological model and is adaptable to diverse settings in developed and developing countries throughout the world. RESULTS: For illustrative purposes, baseline results from the Community Interventions for Health (CIH) Mexico site are used, where the CHESS tool assessed 583 food stores and 168 restaurants. Comparisons between individual-level survey data from schools and community-level CHESS data are made to demonstrate the utility of the tool in strategically guiding intervention activities. CONCLUSION: The environments where people live, work, and play are key factors in determining their diet, levels of physical activity, and tobacco use. CHESS is the first tool of its kind that systematically and simultaneously examines how built environments encourage/discourage healthy eating, physical activity, and tobacco use. CHESS can help to design community interventions to prevent chronic disease and guide healthy urban planning.

Is regional lymph node irradiation necessary in stage II to III breast cancer patients with negative pathologic node status after neoadjuvant chemotherapy?

PURPOSE: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) generally induces significant changes in the pathologic extent of disease. This potential down-staging challenges the standard indications of adjuvant radiation therapy. We assessed the utility of lymph node irradiation (LNI) in breast cancer (BC) patients with pathologic N0 status (pN0) after NAC and breast-conserving surgery (BCS). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Among 1,054 BC patients treated with NAC in our institution between 1990 and 2004, 248 patients with clinical N0 or N1 to N2 lymph node status at diagnosis had pN0 status after NAC and BCS. Cox regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRR-FS), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: All 248 patients underwent breast irradiation, and 158 patients (63.7%) also received LNI. With a median follow-up of 88 months, the 5-year LRR-FS and OS rates were respectively 89.4% and 88.7% with LNI and 86.2% and 92% without LNI (no significant difference). Survival was poorer among patients who did not have a pathologic complete primary tumor response (hazard ratio, 3.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-7.99) and in patients with N1 to N2 clinical status at diagnosis (hazard ratio = 2.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-4.36). LNI did not significantly affect survival. CONCLUSIONS: Relative to combined breast and local lymph node irradiation, isolated breast irradiation does not appear to be associated with a higher risk of locoregional relapse or death among cN0 to cN2 breast cancer patients with pN0 status after NAC. These results need to be confirmed in a prospective study.