Augmented interpretation of HER2, ER, and PR in breast cancer by artificial intelligence analyzer: enhancing interobserver agreement through a reader study of 201 cases
Minsun Jung et al.
Research | Published: 23 February 2024 in Breast Cancer Research
Accurate classification of breast cancer molecular subtypes is crucial in determining treatment strategies and predicting clinical outcomes. In a groundbreaking study, researchers developed an AI-powered analyzer, Lunit SCOPE, to assess HER2, ER, and PR status in breast cancer, significantly reducing interobserver variability among pathologists. This comprehensive AI-assisted reader study demonstrated improved consistency and accuracy in evaluating molecular subtypes crucial for personalized treatment strategies. The findings underscore the potential of AI in enhancing diagnostic precision and optimizing therapeutic approaches in breast cancer care.
An interactive 3D atlas of sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer developed using SPECT/CT
Josephine Situ et al.
Research | Published: 30 July 2024 in Cancer Imaging
This study presents the first interactive 3D atlas of breast sentinel lymph nodes developed using SPECT/CT data with integrated statistical results. The 3D atlas enhances our understanding of breast lymphatic drainage patterns and tumour prevalence from a large patient cohort and provides a valuable resource for medical education which has the potential to aid breast cancer treatment planning.
Targeting tumor–stromal interactions in triple-negative breast cancer using a human vascularized micro-tumor model
Stephanie J. Hachey et al.
Research | Published: 05 January 2024 in Breast Cancer Research
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly aggressive with limited available treatments. In a pioneering study, researchers utilized a vascularized micro-tumor (VMT) system to explore stromal cell activation and tumor-stromal interactions in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Single-cell RNA sequencing identified neoplastic signaling pathways in stromal cells, revealing new therapeutic targets at the tumor-stromal interface. Targeting Tie2 signaling alongside paclitaxel, as well as dual inhibition of HER3 and Akt, showed promise in enhancing treatment efficacy, offering a novel approach to reshaping the TNBC microenvironment for improved patient outcomes.
Unraveling malignant phenotype of peritumoral tissue: transcriptomic insights into early-stage breast cancer
Pere Miquel Morla-Barcelo et al.
Research | Published: 03 June 2024 in Breast Cancer Research
Early-stage invasive ductal carcinoma displays high survival rates due to early detection and treatments. However, there is still a chance of relapse of 3–15% after treatment. In an important study, researchers uncovered key transcriptomic changes in peritumoral tissue surrounding early-stage invasive ductal carcinoma, potentially leading to relapse. By identifying a four-gene signature (CDK1, PCNA, EZH2, BUB1) linked to recurrence, the team highlights a novel approach for monitoring patient prognosis. This discovery could pave the way for new biomarkers to predict relapse and improve outcomes in breast cancer care.
Modulation of the tumor microenvironment and mechanism of immunotherapy-based drug resistance in breast cancer
Moumita Kundu et al.
Review | Published: 07 May 2024 in Molecular Cancer
Breast cancer, the most frequent female malignancy, is often curable when detected at an early stage. The treatment of metastatic breast cancer is more challenging and may be unresponsive to conventional therapy. In a comprehensive review, researchers explore how the tumor microenvironment (TME) influences immunotherapy resistance in metastatic breast cancer, focusing on key players like cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). The review discusses how interactions within the TME, including CAF-TAM crosstalk and altered tumor metabolism, contribute to therapy failure. Innovative strategies like CAF reprogramming, TAM polarization, and genomic techniques are highlighted as promising approaches to overcome immune resistance and improve treatment outcomes for breast cancer patients.
Formative research to adapt a cardiac rehabilitation program to breast cancer survivors: the heart health after cancer treatment (HEART-ACT) study
Alison Chang et al.
Research | Published: 17 May 2024 in Cardio-Oncology
An innovative HEART-ACT program, designed through patient interviews and design sessions, aims to improve cardiovascular health and reduce cancer recurrence risk in breast cancer survivors. Focusing on physical activity, nutrition, and emotional well-being, the 12-week multidisciplinary program addresses barriers like motivation and exercise safety concerns. Emphasizing practicality, cultural relevance, and expert guidance, it seeks to integrate healthy behaviours into survivors' lives, potentially transforming survivorship care.
A Fab of trastuzumab to treat HER2 overexpressing breast cancer brain metastases
Eurydice Angeli et al.
Research | Published: 15 April 2024 in Experimental Hematology & Oncology
In this study, Dr. Eurydice Angeli et al. engineered anti-HER2 Fab antibodies and did a thorough preclinical development for therapeutic translational purpose, offering a promising treatment for HER2 breast cancer brain metastases. Direct cerebrospinal fluid injection showed these antibodies effectively target and penetrate brain tumors with minimal side effects, outperforming traditional treatments hindered by the blood-brain barrier. This innovative approach, soon to be tested in a phase I clinical trial, could revolutionize care for patients with limited options.
Real-world effectiveness of CDK 4/6 inhibitors in estrogen-positive metastatic breast cancer
Mathilde Louise Gehrchen et al.
Article | Published: 20 June 2024 in BJC Reports
In a study published in BJC Reports, researchers compared the effectiveness of three CDK4/6 inhibitors—palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib—in treating metastatic ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer. Utilizing real-world data, the study found that abemaciclib and ribociclib offer significantly prolonged progression-free survival compared to palbociclib. Despite no significant differences in overall survival among the three drugs, this research challenges current treatment guidelines, suggesting a potential re-evaluation of CDK4/6 inhibitors' ranking. This is the largest real-world study to date to confirm CDK 4/6i treatment benefits in metastatic breast cancer and underscores the importance of tailoring breast cancer treatment to enhance patient outcomes.
Lasofoxifene as a potential treatment for aromatase inhibitor-resistant ER-positive breast cancer
Muriel Lainé et al.
Research | Published: 07 June 2024 in Breast Cancer Research
Breast cancers treated with aromatase inhibitors (AIs) can develop AI resistance, which is often driven by estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα/ESR1) activating mutations, as well as by ER-independent signaling pathways. In a groundbreaking study, researchers discovered that Lasofoxifene (LAS), alone or with Palbociclib (PAL), significantly inhibits tumor growth in aromatase inhibitor (AI)-resistant breast cancer without ESR1 mutations, outperforming Fulvestrant (FUL). This novel treatment also notably reduced bone metastases. These findings, crucial for patients with AI-resistant breast cancer, suggest LAS could be a promising therapy, potentially transforming treatment paradigms and offering new hope to those battling this challenging disease.
Toxicity of external beam accelerated partial-breast irradiation (APBI) in adjuvant therapy of early-stage breast cancer: prospective randomized study
Petr Burkon et al.
Research | Published: 07 June 2024 in Radiation Oncology
In a groundbreaking study (NCT06007118), researchers found that Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) is significantly less toxic and more feasible than Whole Breast Irradiation (WBI) for early breast cancer treatment. APBI led to lower rates of skin toxicity and better cosmetic outcomes, with only 17% experiencing late skin toxicity compared to 61% in the WBI group. This pivotal research, conducted at Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, supports APBI's integration into clinical practice, offering patients effective, less invasive treatment options.
