bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of brain relapse in HER-2 positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients (pts)
Authors: Duchnowska R. , Czartoryska-Arlukowicz B. , Radecka B. , Szostakiewicz B. , Sosinska K. , Karpinska A. , Dziadziuszko R. , Kubiatowski T. , Staroslawska E. , Szczylik C. 
Published: March 2020

10508 Background: Brain relapse is a common occurrence in HER2-positive breast cancer pts. We assessed factors determining the risk of this event in a large unselected series of HER2-positive MBC pts. Methods: Study group included 233 consecutive HER2-positive (IH 3+ or FISH+) MBC pts (median age 53 years); 49% premenopausal, 49% postmenopausal and 2% with unknown menopausal status. Dominant site of disease included viscera (78%), soft tissue (11%) and bones (10%). Of the 206 pts (88%) with known steroid receptor status, ER+/PgR+, ER+/PgR-, ER-/PgR+, ER-/PgR- phenotypes included 58%, 15%, 5% and 21% of pts, respectively. Prior (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy, endocrine therapy or a combination thereof was administered in 40%, 6% and 35% of pts, respectively. Disease-free interval to the development of MBC ranged between 0 and 142 months (median 16 months). 184 pts (79%) received trastuzumab for MBC, usually in combination with chemotherapy. Statistical analysis included contingency tables, chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazard model. Results: Median follow-up from the development of MBC was 25 months (range 0.5–130 months). 54 pts (23%) developed brain metastases after a median of 13 months (range, 0 to 81 months). Cumulative risk of brain relapse was 11% (95% CI: 7–16%) and 24% (95% CI: 17–32%) at one and two years, respectively. Trastuzumab treatment was associated with insignificantly reduced risk of brain metastases (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.29–1.39, p = 0.25). In the univariate analysis, premenopausal status was the only significant factor associated with increased risk of brain relapse (HR 2.56, 95% CI 1.28–5.00, p = 0.008). Conclusion: HER-2 positive MBC pts carry high risk of brain relapse, in particular prior to menopause. Protective role of trastuzumab warrants further research. [Table: see text]
Pejorative factors identification for survival in patients with brain metastases from breast carcinoma treated with whole brain radiation therapy
Authors: Le Scodan R. , Massard C. , Fourme E. , Guinebretiere J. , Goupil A. , De Lalande B. , Cohen-Solal C. , Moisson P. , Floiras J. , Labib A. 
Published: March 2020

10513 Background: To determine overall survival and independent prognostic factors for patients with brain metastases from breast carcinoma treated with whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT). Methods: From January 1998 through December 2003, 132 patients with brain metastases (BM) from breast carcinoma were treated with WBRT (median dose: 3000 cGy/ 10 fractions). We analyzed a number of potential predictors of survival after WBRT: age, presence of other systemic metastases, performance status, RTOG recursive partition analysis (RPA) class (1–2 vs 3), total dose of WBRT, number of brain metastases, interval between primary tumor and brain metastases, SBR score, tumor receptor hormonal (RH) status, lymphocyte count (< 700 vs ≥ 700 G/L), serum lactate dehydrogenase and HER-2 overexpression. The survival time with BM was defined as the time from the date of BM to the date of death or date of last of follow-up. Multivariate analysis was used to determine the effect of prognostic factors on overall survival using the Cox proportional hazard model. Results: One hundred and seventeen patients received exclusive WBRT. Surgery was followed by WBRT in 14 patients and stereotactic radiosurgery was followed by WBRT in 1. The median survival with BM was 6 months (range: 0–52). The 1-year and 2-years survival rates were 31% (CI95%: 23.5–39.8) and 16% (CI95%: 9.8–24.9). In multivariate analysis, RTOG RPA class III, lymphopenia (<700) and negative tumor RH status were independent prognostic factors for poor survival. Moreover, analysis of Her-2 overexpression was performed in 53 patients and 43% BM patients overexpressed Her-2. In preliminary analysis, Her-2 status was not a prognostic factor of survival. A complete analysis is ongoing and will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions: This large study confirms the value of established prognostic factors such as the RTOG RPA score and some less-well recognized factors such as lymphopenia and tumor RH status. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Effect of tibolone on tumor angiogenesis parameters in short-term treated women
Authors: Frankenne F. E. , Munaut C. , Wijzen F. , Planellas Gomez J. , Kloosterboer L. , Foidart J. 
Published: March 2020

10519 Background: Large recent studies have shown increased mammographic density, breast pain and a marginally increased risk of breast cancer in women treated with continuous combined estrogen/progestogen (ccEPT), while tibolone has a minimal effect. A placebo-controled clinical trial (STEM), approved by several ethical comities, has been initiated to assess effect and potential mechanism of action of tibolone on breast tumor. We present the results on 12 angiogenesis-related parameters. Methods: 102 women with breast cancer who had to undergo a mastectomy were treated for 2 weeks with tibolone 2.5 mg/day or placebo. RNA was extracted from tumor snap-frozen biopsies (paired before and after treatments) and reverse-transcripted into 2 cDNA batches on which 6 distinct PCRs were performed in duplicate per parameter/sample. A vascular density (VD) index was determined on CD31 specifically stained tumor sections by counting 10 fields per section on 5 distinct sections per biopsy. Results: The validity of the VD evaluation is highlighted by the high correlation coefficient (r = 0.81) between the data within the placebo group at a 2 week interval. In the tumor samples, no change of the VD index was seen. Since it could be argued that VD index could not correctly reflect a modulation of angiogenesis after only 14 days of treatment, we looked at a potential change of the expression of a large array of angiogenesis-related factors (VEGFs, VEGFRs, PAI-1). No modification of the expression in any of these factors was observed. Conclusions: Our data lead to conclude that, in this study, tibolone displays a neutral effect on angiogenesis in breast tumor. [Table: see text]
The International Core Literature Consensus (ICLC) : A tool for Resident training
Authors: Cook N. , Parkinson C. A. , Jagsi R. , Patel S. , Hughes-Davies L. 
Published: March 2020

10545 Background: Teaching residents is a responsibility of almost all oncology attendings. Although much effort is put into direct teaching, there is often little attention paid to the structuring of reading. Many professional societies (including ASCO) publish detailed curriculum documents to guide study. However it is not clear how useful these are. They tend to be over-inclusive and offer no advice about what to read. We propose an alternative approach: The International Core Literature Consensus (ICLC). Here we have tested this approach using breast cancer as an example. Methods: We identified 40 highly cited breast oncology investigators and invited them to join an Expert Panel. The panel was asked to select the 100 most important papers in breast cancer. We define the ‘Core Literature‘ as those papers which a resident should have read by the end of their first rotation through a breast cancer service. We also surveyed residents to find out how useful they have found existing curriculum documents and what sort of curriculum they might find helpful. Results: Using the Expert Panel, we were rapidly able to define a core list of the 100 most important papers in breast cancer medicine. There was a surprising level of agreement between Experts (>90% concordance). Most of the disagreement was over whether some historically important but now out of date papers (such as the original Bonadonna description of CMF) should be included. Initial results from our residents survey suggest that although many residents (60%) are aware of the ASCO curriculum, few find it helpful (27%). Very few trainees have been given a detailed reading guide (9%) although all (100%) felt that it was very important to have such recommendations to guide their reading. Conclusions: Residents find the ASCO curriculum document unhelpful for structuring their reading and want better recommendations. We used an Expert Panel to define an International Core Literature Consensus, an alternative form of curriculum which our survey shows is closer to what residents find helpful. Such a core consensus could easily be constructed for every tumour site and updated every year. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Monitorization of primary therapy (PT) by additional imaging methods in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC)
Authors: Margelí M. , Cirauqui B. , Vallejos V. , Sánchez C. , Mariscal A. , Castellà E. , Rull M. , Torrente A. , Fraile M. , Barnadas A. 
Published: March 2020

10580 Introduction: The response of locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) to Primary therapy (PT) may be monitored clinically and by mammography (MG). Magnetic resonance (MR) and 99mTc-sestamibi scintimammography (SMM) are increasingly being used. The aim of this study was to determine whether MG, MR and SMM are accurate indicators of tumour response to PT and whether they are predictors of histological response. Patients and Methods: A prospective observational study was approved at our institution and 52 patients( p) with core biopsy diagnostic of LABC and written consent were enrolled (mean age 52 years, SD 13) All p had clinical, MG, MR, SM assessment pre- and post- PT. Primary chemotherapy based on anthracyclines was administered as follows: 19 p FEC, 17 p AC-Docetaxel, 8 p Gemcitabine- Doxorubicine- Paclitaxel, 1 p FEC- Docetaxel and 1 p Carboplatin- VP16. 6 p were treated with hormone-therapy. RECIST criteria were considered for clinical response assessment and the same criteria was adapted for imaging and pathologic response. Results: After PT 33 tumours were considered not suitable for breast-conserving surgery. Based on histopathological findings, 10 (19%) lesions showed complete pathologic response, 30 (58%) partial response, 12 (23%) stabilization. No progression was detected. Clinical assessment of tumour complete response agreed with pathology in 40 of 52 tumours (78%), and with MG in 39 (78%). Correlation between MG and pathological findings was observed in 42 p (84%). Correlation between MR and pathological findings was observed in 42 p (82%). Correlation between SMM and pathological findings was observed in 31 p (66%). Among patients with complete pathologic remission, 9 of ten patients achieve a complete response by MR and SMM. Conclusion: In conclusion, our results don’t show that MR and SMM add any benefit to the diagnostic arsenal for predicting histopathological complete response to PT. However these new diagnostic methods should be considered in selected cases. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Tamoxifen-related endocrine symptoms in early breast cancer patients are relieved when it is switched to anastrozole
Authors: Massacesi C. , Zepponi L. , Rocchi M. B. , Rossini S. , Burattini L. 
Published: March 2020

10597 Background: To determine how menopausal symptoms and quality of life changed when adjuvant tamoxifen has been suspended for any reason in favor of anastrozole in early breast cancer (BC) patients (pts). Methods: Major inclusion criteria: severe side effects or serious potential diseases caused by tamoxifen (20 mg die) that switched to anastrozole (1 mg die); confirmed early BC radically resected and with positive hormonal receptors; postmenopausal status; adjuvant chemo and/or radiotherapy suspended at least 4 wks before the hormonal switch. Exclusion criteria: discontinuation of tamoxifen for endocrine symptoms. Menopausal symptoms and health-related quality of life were assessed by the series of Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B) plus endocrine subscale (ES) questionnaires at the switch and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months later. Sample size was decided by the effect size method (SD fixed as 0.5, effect of medium value). Score modifications were evaluated by one-way ANOVAS. Results: From Feb 2002 to Jun 2003, a total of 44 women were enrolled into the study. Discontinuation of tamoxifen was for: asymptomatic uterine problems (endometrium thickening or fibromatosis) in 56% of pts; cardiovascular disorders (mainly leg thrombosis and phlebitis) in 18%; patient’s refusal in 9%; GI persistent side effects in 5%; other reasons in 12% of pts. Endocrine symptoms ameliorated between baseline and 3 months, and stabilized thereafter. Mean ES scores improvement from baseline test was +3 (95% CI, 1 to 5), +4 (95% CI, 3 to 6), +5 (95% CI, 3 to 7), and +4 (95% CI, 3 to 6) at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, respectively. FACT-ES global score had a mean improvement during 1-yr period of 9 points (95% CI 6 to 13, p < .0005), with 22 patients (50%) ever reaching an increase ≥ 5% of the baseline score. There also was a significant improvement in TOI score (+4 points, 95% CI 2 to 6, p < .0005), and physical and breast cancer subscales (+2, 95% CI 1 to 2, p < .001, and +1, 95% CI, 1 to 2, p < .001, respectively). Pts receiving anastrozole reported higher rate of mild arthritic and bone pain (27% vs 7%, p = .021). Conclusion: When a patient develops an endocrine symptom while on tamoxifen, a change in favor of anastrozole should be considered to minimize those symptoms and to improve quality of patient’s life. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Impact of taxanes on weight gain during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (Ctx) for breast cancer (BC)
Authors: Melisko M. E. , Millerick C. A. , Maniar P. , Moore D. , Rosenwein M. , Rugo H. S. , Esserman L. 
Published: March 2020

10606 Background: Weight gain after the diagnosis of BC has been associated with increased risk of recurrence and mortality. Previous studies have documented weight gain after cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and 5-fluoruracil (CMF) and adriamycin and cyclophosphamide (AC) chemotherapy, but the impact of taxane chemotherapy has not been described. Methods: We reviewed the charts of 119 patients (pts) who completed neoadjuvant Ctx between 1997–2005. Age, baseline body mass index (BMI), tumor size, nodal status, hormone receptor status, menopausal status, co-morbid illnesses and anti-depressant use were collected. Weight was recorded at each Ctx visit and at follow-up visits for two years. Results: 22 pts received AC only. 97 pts received AC followed by a taxane - 58 docetaxel (D), 39 paclitaxel (P). Median f/u time was 26.3 months. 66/119 (55%) of pts gained weight during Ctx, with a median change of + 1 pound (range -28 to +19.5 pounds) at the end of Ctx. 49/119 (41%) of pts gained weight during AC and 76/97 (78%) of pts gained weight during the taxane. Mean weight change after AC was -1.8 pounds compared to +3.2 pounds after the taxane (p < 0.001). Age, baseline BMI, and menopausal status prior to Ctx did not predict weight gain. There was no difference in weight gain between pts who received D vs. P (p = 0.19). 8/22 (36%) patients who received AC alone recurred, and 13/95 (14%) who received both AC and T recurred; however this was not statistically significant (p = 0.23). Total weight change during neoadjuvant Ctx did not predict recurrence; however weight gain during the AC portion was associated with a higher risk of recurrence when adjusted for weight gain during taxane Ctx (p = 0.035, Cox regression). Each one pound gained was associated with an 11% increase in risk of recurrence. Conclusions: Weight gain is common during neoadjuvant Ctx for BC, particulary during treatment with taxanes. Further follow up is required to establish if weight gain is maintained over time and to determine the impact of weight change on BC outcomes and health. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
A phase II trial of trastuzumab (H) + capecitabine (X) as first-line treatment in patients (pts) with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC)
Authors: Xu L. , Song S. , Zhu J. , Luo R. , Li L. , Jiao S. , Chen L. , Tao M. , Su Y. , Liu D. 
Published: March 2020

10615 Background: The addition of H to a taxane provides significant clinical benefit, including prolonged survival, in HER2-positive MBC. H adds little to the toxicity of taxanes alone. As monotherapy, X has consistently high activity and favorable safety. The addition of X to docetaxel extends survival in MBC. Preliminary data [Bangemann et al. 2000] indicated that the combination of H + X is effective and well-tolerated for intensively pretreated HER2-positive MBC (ORR 47%). The current study evaluated the efficacy and safety of H + X in first-line MBC. Methods: 72 pts of a planned population of 100 pts were enrolled between Mar03 and Dec05. All pts had measurable (WHO criteria), HER2-positive (IHC 3+ or IHC 2+/FISH positive) and untreated MBC, KPS ≥60, and adequate organ function. H was administered as a 4mg/kg loading dose followed by 2mg/kg i.v. weekly (until disease progression) and X 1250mg/m2 bid d1–14 q3w (max 6 cycles). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Results: Baseline characteristics: median age 49 years (range 27–74), median KPS 90 (range 60–100). Principal tumor sites: lymph nodes (49%), lung (33%), liver (28%), breast (14%), thoracic wall (9%), chest (9%), other (12%). Prior treatment: surgery (77%), radiotherapy (21%), and adjuvant chemotherapy (58%), including anthracycline (35%), paclitaxel (7%), docetaxel (7%) and other (21%). 43 pts are evaluable for safety and efficacy. The remaining 29 pts are being analyzed. 6 pts received 3 cycles of H + X; the other 37 pts completed 6 cycles of treatment. 16 pts received H monotherapy after completing 6 cycles of H + X. 3 pts discontinued H due to disease progression. The most common grade 1/2 adverse events (AEs) were HFS (14%), neutropenia (14%), SGOT abnormality (16%), and SGPT abnormality (14%). Grade 3 HFS occurred in 4 pts (10%) with grade 3 myelosuppression in 1 pt (2%). AEs were mild and resolved in all pts. The overall response rate was 63%, including 5 CRs and 22 PRs. At a median follow-up of 6 months, median PFS has not been reached. Conclusions: The combination of H and X is a highly active and well-tolerated regimen for first-line treatment of HER2-positive MBC. Updated data will be presented. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) with cyclophosphamide (C) as 1st-line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients previously treated with adjuvant anthracyclines
Authors: Vandenberg T. A. , Trudeau M. , Provencher L. , Panasci L. C. , Yelle L. , Rayson D. , Latreille J. , Clemons M. , Giroux M. , Pouliot J. 
Published: March 2020

10627 Background: Anthracyclines (A) are key elements in adjuvant and metastatic chemotherapy regimens for breast cancer. Pre-exposure limits the utilization of A in advanced disease due to cumulative cardiotoxicity. PLD (Caelyx/Doxil) has equivalent activity to conventional doxorubicin in MBC. However PLD has reduced toxicity, including significantly less cardiotoxicity. Combinations of A+C are the backbone of many adjuvant therapies, thus C represents a logical drug to combine with PLD. Methods: MBC patients with measurable disease who completed anthracycline containing adjuvant therapy > 12 months ago were entered in a multi-center single arm phase II trial. They received PLD 35mg/m2 + cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2 every 3 weeks. This study was powered to demonstrate an objective response rate > 25%. Results: Seventy three patients were enrolled. Prior adjuvant therapy included: AC (37%), CEF/FEC (28%), AC-T (15%), AT (7%), EC (7%). The median cumulative dose of prior A were 240mg/m2 and 580mg/m2 for doxorubicin or epirubicin, respectively. Median time since adjuvant chemotherapy was 4.4 years (1–14). Patients received a median of 6 cycles (2–10) of PLD + C. Major toxicities were; grade 3/4 neutropenia (7.5%), asymptomatic > 10% declines in LVEF (9%) (reversible upon discontinuation of PLD), grade 3/4 hand foot syndrome (6%). Other toxicities were uncommon and usually did not require discontinuation. The objective response rate (ORR) was 38% (4% CR and 34% PR), with an additional 32% having stable disease > 6 months for a clinical benefit of 70% (CB). ORR was similar for patients who had received adjuvant taxanes. Kaplan-Meyer estimated median time to progression was 31.5 weeks (23% progression free). Conclusions: The combination of PLD + C every 3 weeks in patients who have completed adjuvant anthracycline chemotherapy after more than one year prior is well tolerated and has a clinical benefit rate of 70%. This finding is similar to other commonly employed chemotherapeutic regimens for MBC and suggests that re-treatment with a non-cardiotoxic anthracycline following previous anthracycline therapy may be a reasonable therapeutic option for some patients. [Table: see text]
Chemotherapy-related adverse events among breast cancer patients: A retrospective analysis of the SEER-Medicare database
Authors: Doyle J. J. , Hershman D. L. , Neugut A. I. , Stern L. S. , Katz L. M. , Dolgitser M. 
Published: March 2020

10634 Background: Systemic chemotherapy is a common treatment option for female breast cancer (BC) patients. Chemotherapeutic agents often cause myelosuppression events (MEs), which may be costly and severe. Methods: Women ≥ 65 years of age diagnosed with stage I - III breast cancer from 1/1/92–12/31/99 within The Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database were analyzed. Using our extensive previous work with this BC cohort, a retrospective cohort study was conducted to assess the incidence and costs of MEs in chemotherapy-treated BC patients. Chemotherapies were captured using HCPCS codes; hospitalizations related to ME events (identified with ICD-9 diagnosis codes for anemia, thrombocytopenia, or leukopenia) were detected anytime after index date (date of first BC diagnosis). Total inpatient charges after index date were calculated. Results: 31,748 female BC patients were identified, 17.6% of whom received chemotherapy during follow-up. The mean age for these patients was 75.6 years (SD = 6.6, Range: 66–107). ME-related hospitalizations were significantly more likely in chemotherapy than non-chemotherapy patients, with 12.1% and 1.8%, respectively [OR = 2.3 (2.0–2.5)]; anemia in 8.6% and 5.1%, respectively [OR = 1.8 (1.6–1.0)], thrombocytopenia in 2.0% and 0.7%, respectively [OR = 2.9 (2.3–3.7)], and leukopenia in 4.4% and 0.5%, respectively [OR = 9.7 (7.8–12.1)]. Chemotherapy patients had significantly higher inpatient charges than patients without chemotherapy. Among chemotherapy patients, significantly higher inpatient charges were found in those with MEs than without ($15,297 vs. $4,211, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Chemotherapy-related MEs were common among Medicare BC patients and led to substantial hospital charge increases. No significant financial relationships to disclose.