Abstract ED02-03: Innovative approaches at the diagnosis and treatment of invasive lobular carcinoma
Authors: Mouabbi J. 
Published: May 2024

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) represents a unique subtype of breast cancer characterized by distinctive clinical and molecular features. This presentation aims to delve into innovative approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of ILC, focusing on novel techniques in imaging, unique molecular findings, signaling pathway alterations, targetable biomarkers, and microenvironment profiling that can pave the way for the development of novel therapies.

Imaging Techniques in ILC:

Accurate diagnosis is the foundation for effective treatment. ILC often presents diagnostic challenges due to the fact that lobular cells tends to infiltrate the affected organs in a diffuse manner instead of forming a discrete tumor mass making diagnostic imaging such as screening mammograms and CT scans less precise. This presentation will explore cutting-edge imaging techniques such as contrast-enhanced mammography, novel radioisotopes for positron emission tomography (PET) such as Fluoroestradiol F18 (FES), Fluciclovine and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) for improved detection and characterization of ILC lesions. Furthermore, we will discuss emerging modalities like radiomics and artificial intelligence, which hold promise in enhancing early diagnosis and risk assessment.

Molecular Insights into ILC:

ILC is distinguished by its unique molecular profile, notably the loss of E-cadherin expression. We will delve into recent advancements in understanding the molecular landscape of ILC, including genomic alterations, epigenetic changes, and the role of signaling pathways providing insights into potential therapeutic vulnerabilities.

Targetable Biomarkers and Pathways:

Identification of targetable biomarkers is essential for the development of precision therapies in ILC. This presentation will highlight promising targets, including ERBB2 (HER2), ROS1, TROP2, AKT1 along with other novel biomarkers.

Microenvironment Profiling:

The tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in cancer progression and therapy response. We will discuss recent advancements in characterizing the ILC microenvironment, including the immune cell infiltrate and stromal components. Understanding the dynamic interplay between the tumor and its microenvironment can inform the development of immunotherapies and combination strategies tailored to ILC.

In conclusion, this presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the latest innovations in ILC diagnosis and treatment. Our exploration of advanced imaging techniques, molecular findings, targetable pathways, biomarkers, and microenvironment profiling will shed light on the exciting potential for personalized therapeutic approaches in the management of ILC. By staying at the forefront of these developments, we can pave the way for improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life for patients with ILC.

Citation Format: J. Mouabbi. Innovative approaches at the diagnosis and treatment of invasive lobular carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr ED02-03.