Article

Key clinical point: The third dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine increased the levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) treated with anti-CD20 therapy or fingolimod who had a weak humoral response after 2 doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

Major finding: After revaccination, the mean levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD IgG titers increased significantly in both anti-CD20 (75.7 arbitrary units [AU]; P < .001) and fingolimod (29.6 AU; P = .006) treated groups. No serious adverse events were recorded.

Study details: The findings come from an observational cohort study involving 130 patients with MS treated with anti-CD20 therapy (n = 101) or fingolimod (n = 29) who had a weak humoral response after 2 doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and were offered a third dose.

Disclosures: The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and Oslo university hospital provided funding for conducting the study. Dr. König and Dr. Holmøy reported receiving speaker honoraria from various sources.

Source: König M et al. JAMA Neurol. 2022 (Jan 24). Doi: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2021.5109

Key clinical point: The third dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine increased the levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) treated with anti-CD20 therapy or fingolimod who had a weak humoral response after 2 doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

Major finding: After revaccination, the mean levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD IgG titers increased significantly in both anti-CD20 (75.7 arbitrary units [AU]; P < .001) and fingolimod (29.6 AU; P = .006) treated groups. No serious adverse events were recorded.

Study details: The findings come from an observational cohort study involving 130 patients with MS treated with anti-CD20 therapy (n = 101) or fingolimod (n = 29) who had a weak humoral response after 2 doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and were offered a third dose.

Disclosures: The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and Oslo university hospital provided funding for conducting the study. Dr. König and Dr. Holmøy reported receiving speaker honoraria from various sources.

Source: König M et al. JAMA Neurol. 2022 (Jan 24). Doi: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2021.5109

Key clinical point: The third dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine increased the levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) treated with anti-CD20 therapy or fingolimod who had a weak humoral response after 2 doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

Major finding: After revaccination, the mean levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD IgG titers increased significantly in both anti-CD20 (75.7 arbitrary units [AU]; P < .001) and fingolimod (29.6 AU; P = .006) treated groups. No serious adverse events were recorded.

Study details: The findings come from an observational cohort study involving 130 patients with MS treated with anti-CD20 therapy (n = 101) or fingolimod (n = 29) who had a weak humoral response after 2 doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and were offered a third dose.

Disclosures: The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and Oslo university hospital provided funding for conducting the study. Dr. König and Dr. Holmøy reported receiving speaker honoraria from various sources.

Source: König M et al. JAMA Neurol. 2022 (Jan 24). Doi: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2021.5109

Key clinical point: Sulindac relieved musculoskeletal symptoms in patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer (BC) who received aromatase inhibitor (AI) for ≥3 months.

Major finding: At 12 months, patients receiving sulindac reported a significant improvement in the total Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC; − 5.85; P = .003), pain (−5.40; P = .043), stiffness (−9.53, P < .001), and physical function (− 5.61; P = .006) with 37% of patients with higher baseline symptoms reporting ≥50% improvement in total WOMAC along with an overall tolerable safety profile.

Study details: Findings are from a phase 2 study of postmenopausal women with HR+ BC stable on AI therapy for ≥3 months, of which 43 women received 150 mg sulindac twice daily for 12 months whereas 40 women formed the non-randomized control arm.

Disclosures: This study was supported by the US National Cancer Institute. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Martinez JA et al. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2022;192:113-122 (Jan 18). Doi: 10.1007/s10549-021-06485-0.

Key clinical point: Sulindac relieved musculoskeletal symptoms in patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer (BC) who received aromatase inhibitor (AI) for ≥3 months.

Major finding: At 12 months, patients receiving sulindac reported a significant improvement in the total Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC; − 5.85; P = .003), pain (−5.40; P = .043), stiffness (−9.53, P < .001), and physical function (− 5.61; P = .006) with 37% of patients with higher baseline symptoms reporting ≥50% improvement in total WOMAC along with an overall tolerable safety profile.

Study details: Findings are from a phase 2 study of postmenopausal women with HR+ BC stable on AI therapy for ≥3 months, of which 43 women received 150 mg sulindac twice daily for 12 months whereas 40 women formed the non-randomized control arm.

Disclosures: This study was supported by the US National Cancer Institute. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Martinez JA et al. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2022;192:113-122 (Jan 18). Doi: 10.1007/s10549-021-06485-0.

Key clinical point: Sulindac relieved musculoskeletal symptoms in patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer (BC) who received aromatase inhibitor (AI) for ≥3 months.

Major finding: At 12 months, patients receiving sulindac reported a significant improvement in the total Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC; − 5.85; P = .003), pain (−5.40; P = .043), stiffness (−9.53, P < .001), and physical function (− 5.61; P = .006) with 37% of patients with higher baseline symptoms reporting ≥50% improvement in total WOMAC along with an overall tolerable safety profile.

Study details: Findings are from a phase 2 study of postmenopausal women with HR+ BC stable on AI therapy for ≥3 months, of which 43 women received 150 mg sulindac twice daily for 12 months whereas 40 women formed the non-randomized control arm.

Disclosures: This study was supported by the US National Cancer Institute. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Martinez JA et al. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2022;192:113-122 (Jan 18). Doi: 10.1007/s10549-021-06485-0.

Key clinical point: Nanoparticle albumin-bound (nab) paclitaxel showed a superior pathological complete response (pCR) rate but similar disease-free survival (DFS) compared with docetaxel in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer (BC).

Major finding: Rate of pCR was significantly higher in the nab-paclitaxel vs. docetaxel group (36.71% vs. 20.00%; P = .031); however, DFS was not significantly different (P = .331). At least 1 drug-related adverse event was reported in 94.94% vs. 95.00% patients in the nab-paclitaxel vs. docetaxel group.

Study details: Findings are from a retrospective analysis of 159 patients with HER2-negative invasive BC who underwent surgery after receiving nab-paclitaxel (n = 79) or docetaxel (n = 80), both with epirubicin and cyclophosphamide.

Disclosures: This study was funded by the Postdoctoral Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province, and others. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Lv Z-D et al. Front Oncol. 2022 (Jan 11). Doi: 10.3389/fonc.2021.760655.

Key clinical point: Nanoparticle albumin-bound (nab) paclitaxel showed a superior pathological complete response (pCR) rate but similar disease-free survival (DFS) compared with docetaxel in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer (BC).

Major finding: Rate of pCR was significantly higher in the nab-paclitaxel vs. docetaxel group (36.71% vs. 20.00%; P = .031); however, DFS was not significantly different (P = .331). At least 1 drug-related adverse event was reported in 94.94% vs. 95.00% patients in the nab-paclitaxel vs. docetaxel group.

Study details: Findings are from a retrospective analysis of 159 patients with HER2-negative invasive BC who underwent surgery after receiving nab-paclitaxel (n = 79) or docetaxel (n = 80), both with epirubicin and cyclophosphamide.

Disclosures: This study was funded by the Postdoctoral Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province, and others. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Lv Z-D et al. Front Oncol. 2022 (Jan 11). Doi: 10.3389/fonc.2021.760655.

Key clinical point: Nanoparticle albumin-bound (nab) paclitaxel showed a superior pathological complete response (pCR) rate but similar disease-free survival (DFS) compared with docetaxel in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer (BC).

Major finding: Rate of pCR was significantly higher in the nab-paclitaxel vs. docetaxel group (36.71% vs. 20.00%; P = .031); however, DFS was not significantly different (P = .331). At least 1 drug-related adverse event was reported in 94.94% vs. 95.00% patients in the nab-paclitaxel vs. docetaxel group.

Study details: Findings are from a retrospective analysis of 159 patients with HER2-negative invasive BC who underwent surgery after receiving nab-paclitaxel (n = 79) or docetaxel (n = 80), both with epirubicin and cyclophosphamide.

Disclosures: This study was funded by the Postdoctoral Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province, and others. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Lv Z-D et al. Front Oncol. 2022 (Jan 11). Doi: 10.3389/fonc.2021.760655.

Key clinical point: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low expression was significantly discordant between early and advanced stages of invasive breast cancer (BC), with the expression being enriched in the advanced stages.

Major finding: Significant discordance in HER2 expression between the primary tumor and matched biopsy samples was observed in the overall population (Cohen’s kappa coefficient (K) 0.33; 95% CI 0.21-0.44) and in subgroups of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) BC (K 0.32; 95% CI 0.19-0.45) and triple-negative (TN) BC (K 0.18; 95% CI −0.09 to 0.46) with HER2-low expression being enriched in advanced-stage biopsies vs. primary tumors in the overall population (64% vs. 53%), ER+ BC (71% vs. 57%), and TNBC (38% vs. 36%).

Study details: Findings are from a retrospective analysis of 232 patients with HER2-negative invasive BC.

Disclosures: This study was partially funded by the Italian Ministry of Health with Ricerca Corrente. Some of the authors declared serving as an advisor and consultant or receiving honoraria from several sources.

Source: Tarantino P et al. Eur J Cancer. 2022;163:P35-43 (Jan 13). Doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2021.12.022.

Key clinical point: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low expression was significantly discordant between early and advanced stages of invasive breast cancer (BC), with the expression being enriched in the advanced stages.

Major finding: Significant discordance in HER2 expression between the primary tumor and matched biopsy samples was observed in the overall population (Cohen’s kappa coefficient (K) 0.33; 95% CI 0.21-0.44) and in subgroups of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) BC (K 0.32; 95% CI 0.19-0.45) and triple-negative (TN) BC (K 0.18; 95% CI −0.09 to 0.46) with HER2-low expression being enriched in advanced-stage biopsies vs. primary tumors in the overall population (64% vs. 53%), ER+ BC (71% vs. 57%), and TNBC (38% vs. 36%).

Study details: Findings are from a retrospective analysis of 232 patients with HER2-negative invasive BC.

Disclosures: This study was partially funded by the Italian Ministry of Health with Ricerca Corrente. Some of the authors declared serving as an advisor and consultant or receiving honoraria from several sources.

Source: Tarantino P et al. Eur J Cancer. 2022;163:P35-43 (Jan 13). Doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2021.12.022.

Key clinical point: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low expression was significantly discordant between early and advanced stages of invasive breast cancer (BC), with the expression being enriched in the advanced stages.

Major finding: Significant discordance in HER2 expression between the primary tumor and matched biopsy samples was observed in the overall population (Cohen’s kappa coefficient (K) 0.33; 95% CI 0.21-0.44) and in subgroups of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) BC (K 0.32; 95% CI 0.19-0.45) and triple-negative (TN) BC (K 0.18; 95% CI −0.09 to 0.46) with HER2-low expression being enriched in advanced-stage biopsies vs. primary tumors in the overall population (64% vs. 53%), ER+ BC (71% vs. 57%), and TNBC (38% vs. 36%).

Study details: Findings are from a retrospective analysis of 232 patients with HER2-negative invasive BC.

Disclosures: This study was partially funded by the Italian Ministry of Health with Ricerca Corrente. Some of the authors declared serving as an advisor and consultant or receiving honoraria from several sources.

Source: Tarantino P et al. Eur J Cancer. 2022;163:P35-43 (Jan 13). Doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2021.12.022.

Key clinical point: A regimen consisting of docetaxel and capecitabine (TX) followed by cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and capecitabine (CEX) prolonged survival in patients with early breast cancer (BC) vs. a regimen containing of only docetaxel followed by cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and fluorouracil (T-CEF).

Major finding: Patients assigned to TX-CEX vs. T-CEF arms had significantly higher 15-year survival rate (77.6% vs. 73.3%; hazard ratio [HR] 0.81; log-rank P = .037) with patients in the triple-negative subgroup benefitting the most (HR 0.59; 95% CI 0.36-0.97).

Study details: Findings are from the open-label, phase 3 FinXX study including 1,495 patients with axillary node-positive or high-risk node-negative early BC, who were randomly assigned to the TX-CEX or T-CEF arms.

Disclosures: This study was supported by Roche, Sanofi, AstraZeneca, the Cancer Society of Finland, and others. The authors declared serving as consultants, advisors, or on the speaker’s bureau or receiving honoraria and research funding from several sources.

Source: Joensuu H et al. J Clin Oncol. 2022 (Jan 12). Doi: 10.1200/JCO.21.02054.

Key clinical point: A regimen consisting of docetaxel and capecitabine (TX) followed by cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and capecitabine (CEX) prolonged survival in patients with early breast cancer (BC) vs. a regimen containing of only docetaxel followed by cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and fluorouracil (T-CEF).

Major finding: Patients assigned to TX-CEX vs. T-CEF arms had significantly higher 15-year survival rate (77.6% vs. 73.3%; hazard ratio [HR] 0.81; log-rank P = .037) with patients in the triple-negative subgroup benefitting the most (HR 0.59; 95% CI 0.36-0.97).

Study details: Findings are from the open-label, phase 3 FinXX study including 1,495 patients with axillary node-positive or high-risk node-negative early BC, who were randomly assigned to the TX-CEX or T-CEF arms.

Disclosures: This study was supported by Roche, Sanofi, AstraZeneca, the Cancer Society of Finland, and others. The authors declared serving as consultants, advisors, or on the speaker’s bureau or receiving honoraria and research funding from several sources.

Source: Joensuu H et al. J Clin Oncol. 2022 (Jan 12). Doi: 10.1200/JCO.21.02054.

Key clinical point: A regimen consisting of docetaxel and capecitabine (TX) followed by cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and capecitabine (CEX) prolonged survival in patients with early breast cancer (BC) vs. a regimen containing of only docetaxel followed by cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and fluorouracil (T-CEF).

Major finding: Patients assigned to TX-CEX vs. T-CEF arms had significantly higher 15-year survival rate (77.6% vs. 73.3%; hazard ratio [HR] 0.81; log-rank P = .037) with patients in the triple-negative subgroup benefitting the most (HR 0.59; 95% CI 0.36-0.97).

Study details: Findings are from the open-label, phase 3 FinXX study including 1,495 patients with axillary node-positive or high-risk node-negative early BC, who were randomly assigned to the TX-CEX or T-CEF arms.

Disclosures: This study was supported by Roche, Sanofi, AstraZeneca, the Cancer Society of Finland, and others. The authors declared serving as consultants, advisors, or on the speaker’s bureau or receiving honoraria and research funding from several sources.

Source: Joensuu H et al. J Clin Oncol. 2022 (Jan 12). Doi: 10.1200/JCO.21.02054.

Key clinical point: Fosnetupitant showed a favorable safety profile with a low risk of causing injection-site reactions in patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy with doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide or epirubicin-cyclophosphamide (AC/EC).

Major finding: Treatment-related adverse events (TRAE) were reported by 21.2% vs. 22.0% of patients in fosnetupitant vs. fosaprepitant group with adverse events relevant to injection site reactions observed in 5.8% vs. 26.0% of patients in fosnetupitant vs. fosaprepitant groups. Grade 3 or higher TRAEs occurred in 9.6% vs. 0% patients in fosnetupitant vs. fosaprepitant groups, with none leading to death or treatment discontinuation.

Study details: Findings are from a phase 3 study including 102 patients with breast cancer receiving AC/EC chemotherapy who were randomly assigned to receive fosnetupitant or fosaprepitant, both in combination with intravenous palonosetron and dexamethasone.

Disclosures: This study was funded by Taiho Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd. The authors declared receiving grants, consulting fees, payments, honoraria, travel support, or contracts from several sources including Taiho Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd.

Source: Matsuura K et al. Cancer. 2022 (Jan 19). Doi: 10.1002/cncr.34088.

Key clinical point: Fosnetupitant showed a favorable safety profile with a low risk of causing injection-site reactions in patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy with doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide or epirubicin-cyclophosphamide (AC/EC).

Major finding: Treatment-related adverse events (TRAE) were reported by 21.2% vs. 22.0% of patients in fosnetupitant vs. fosaprepitant group with adverse events relevant to injection site reactions observed in 5.8% vs. 26.0% of patients in fosnetupitant vs. fosaprepitant groups. Grade 3 or higher TRAEs occurred in 9.6% vs. 0% patients in fosnetupitant vs. fosaprepitant groups, with none leading to death or treatment discontinuation.

Study details: Findings are from a phase 3 study including 102 patients with breast cancer receiving AC/EC chemotherapy who were randomly assigned to receive fosnetupitant or fosaprepitant, both in combination with intravenous palonosetron and dexamethasone.

Disclosures: This study was funded by Taiho Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd. The authors declared receiving grants, consulting fees, payments, honoraria, travel support, or contracts from several sources including Taiho Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd.

Source: Matsuura K et al. Cancer. 2022 (Jan 19). Doi: 10.1002/cncr.34088.

Key clinical point: Fosnetupitant showed a favorable safety profile with a low risk of causing injection-site reactions in patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy with doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide or epirubicin-cyclophosphamide (AC/EC).

Major finding: Treatment-related adverse events (TRAE) were reported by 21.2% vs. 22.0% of patients in fosnetupitant vs. fosaprepitant group with adverse events relevant to injection site reactions observed in 5.8% vs. 26.0% of patients in fosnetupitant vs. fosaprepitant groups. Grade 3 or higher TRAEs occurred in 9.6% vs. 0% patients in fosnetupitant vs. fosaprepitant groups, with none leading to death or treatment discontinuation.

Study details: Findings are from a phase 3 study including 102 patients with breast cancer receiving AC/EC chemotherapy who were randomly assigned to receive fosnetupitant or fosaprepitant, both in combination with intravenous palonosetron and dexamethasone.

Disclosures: This study was funded by Taiho Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd. The authors declared receiving grants, consulting fees, payments, honoraria, travel support, or contracts from several sources including Taiho Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd.

Source: Matsuura K et al. Cancer. 2022 (Jan 19). Doi: 10.1002/cncr.34088.

Key clinical point: Aromatase inhibitor vs. tamoxifen reduced the risk for breast cancer (BC) recurrence in premenopausal women with early-stage, estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) BC receiving ovarian suppression.

Major finding: Aromatase inhibitor vs. tamoxifen was associated with significantly reduced rates of BC recurrence during the first 4 years of follow-up (risk ratio [RR] 0.68; P < .0001) and distant recurrence (RR 0.83; P = .018). No significant differences in breast cancer mortality, death without recurrence, or all-cause mortality were observed between the treatment groups.

Study details: Findings are a meta-analysis of 4 phase 3 trials (ABCSG-XII, TEXT, SOFT, and HOBOE) including 7,030 premenopausal women with ER+ BC who were randomly assigned to aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, exemestane, or letrozole) or tamoxifen for 3 or 5 years, all in combination with ovarian suppression or ablation.

Disclosures: This study was funded by the Cancer Research UK and UK Medical Research Council. The authors declared serving as leaders and fiduciaries or receiving grants, consulting fees, travel support, or honoraria from several sources.

Source: Early Breast Cancer Trialists' Collaborative Group. Lancet Oncol. 2022 (Feb 3). Doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(21)00758-0.

Key clinical point: Aromatase inhibitor vs. tamoxifen reduced the risk for breast cancer (BC) recurrence in premenopausal women with early-stage, estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) BC receiving ovarian suppression.

Major finding: Aromatase inhibitor vs. tamoxifen was associated with significantly reduced rates of BC recurrence during the first 4 years of follow-up (risk ratio [RR] 0.68; P < .0001) and distant recurrence (RR 0.83; P = .018). No significant differences in breast cancer mortality, death without recurrence, or all-cause mortality were observed between the treatment groups.

Study details: Findings are a meta-analysis of 4 phase 3 trials (ABCSG-XII, TEXT, SOFT, and HOBOE) including 7,030 premenopausal women with ER+ BC who were randomly assigned to aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, exemestane, or letrozole) or tamoxifen for 3 or 5 years, all in combination with ovarian suppression or ablation.

Disclosures: This study was funded by the Cancer Research UK and UK Medical Research Council. The authors declared serving as leaders and fiduciaries or receiving grants, consulting fees, travel support, or honoraria from several sources.

Source: Early Breast Cancer Trialists' Collaborative Group. Lancet Oncol. 2022 (Feb 3). Doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(21)00758-0.

Key clinical point: Aromatase inhibitor vs. tamoxifen reduced the risk for breast cancer (BC) recurrence in premenopausal women with early-stage, estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) BC receiving ovarian suppression.

Major finding: Aromatase inhibitor vs. tamoxifen was associated with significantly reduced rates of BC recurrence during the first 4 years of follow-up (risk ratio [RR] 0.68; P < .0001) and distant recurrence (RR 0.83; P = .018). No significant differences in breast cancer mortality, death without recurrence, or all-cause mortality were observed between the treatment groups.

Study details: Findings are a meta-analysis of 4 phase 3 trials (ABCSG-XII, TEXT, SOFT, and HOBOE) including 7,030 premenopausal women with ER+ BC who were randomly assigned to aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, exemestane, or letrozole) or tamoxifen for 3 or 5 years, all in combination with ovarian suppression or ablation.

Disclosures: This study was funded by the Cancer Research UK and UK Medical Research Council. The authors declared serving as leaders and fiduciaries or receiving grants, consulting fees, travel support, or honoraria from several sources.

Source: Early Breast Cancer Trialists' Collaborative Group. Lancet Oncol. 2022 (Feb 3). Doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(21)00758-0.

Key clinical point: Protein-truncating variants (PTV) of 9 breast cancer (BC) risk genes showed substantial differences in tumor pathology and were generally associated with triple-negative (TN) or high-grade disease.

Major finding: BRCA1 showed the highest association for TN disease (odds ratio [OR] 55.32; 95% CI 40.51-75.55) and ATM variants for the hormone receptor-positive (HR+) erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2-negative (ERBB2−) high-grade subtype (OR 4.99; 95% CI 3.68-6.76). RAD51C (OR 6.19; 95% CI 3.17-12.12), RAD51D (OR 6.19; 95% CI 2.99-12.79), and BARD1 (OR 10.05; 95% CI 5.27-19.19) were most strongly associated with TN disease. PALB2 PTVs showed higher ORs for HR+ERBB2− high-grade subtype (OR 9.43; 95% CI 6.24- 14.25) and TN disease (OR 8.05; 95% CI 5.17-12.53).

Study details: This was a case-control analysis of the BRIDGES study including 42,680 patients with BC who were matched with 46,387 healthy controls.

Disclosures: This study was funded by the European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, Wellcome Trust, and several other sources. The authors declared receiving grants, honorariums, personal fees, or awards from several sources.

Source: Breast Cancer Association Consortium. JAMA Oncol. 2022 (Jan 27). Doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2021.6744.

Key clinical point: Protein-truncating variants (PTV) of 9 breast cancer (BC) risk genes showed substantial differences in tumor pathology and were generally associated with triple-negative (TN) or high-grade disease.

Major finding: BRCA1 showed the highest association for TN disease (odds ratio [OR] 55.32; 95% CI 40.51-75.55) and ATM variants for the hormone receptor-positive (HR+) erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2-negative (ERBB2−) high-grade subtype (OR 4.99; 95% CI 3.68-6.76). RAD51C (OR 6.19; 95% CI 3.17-12.12), RAD51D (OR 6.19; 95% CI 2.99-12.79), and BARD1 (OR 10.05; 95% CI 5.27-19.19) were most strongly associated with TN disease. PALB2 PTVs showed higher ORs for HR+ERBB2− high-grade subtype (OR 9.43; 95% CI 6.24- 14.25) and TN disease (OR 8.05; 95% CI 5.17-12.53).

Study details: This was a case-control analysis of the BRIDGES study including 42,680 patients with BC who were matched with 46,387 healthy controls.

Disclosures: This study was funded by the European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, Wellcome Trust, and several other sources. The authors declared receiving grants, honorariums, personal fees, or awards from several sources.

Source: Breast Cancer Association Consortium. JAMA Oncol. 2022 (Jan 27). Doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2021.6744.

Key clinical point: Protein-truncating variants (PTV) of 9 breast cancer (BC) risk genes showed substantial differences in tumor pathology and were generally associated with triple-negative (TN) or high-grade disease.

Major finding: BRCA1 showed the highest association for TN disease (odds ratio [OR] 55.32; 95% CI 40.51-75.55) and ATM variants for the hormone receptor-positive (HR+) erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2-negative (ERBB2−) high-grade subtype (OR 4.99; 95% CI 3.68-6.76). RAD51C (OR 6.19; 95% CI 3.17-12.12), RAD51D (OR 6.19; 95% CI 2.99-12.79), and BARD1 (OR 10.05; 95% CI 5.27-19.19) were most strongly associated with TN disease. PALB2 PTVs showed higher ORs for HR+ERBB2− high-grade subtype (OR 9.43; 95% CI 6.24- 14.25) and TN disease (OR 8.05; 95% CI 5.17-12.53).

Study details: This was a case-control analysis of the BRIDGES study including 42,680 patients with BC who were matched with 46,387 healthy controls.

Disclosures: This study was funded by the European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, Wellcome Trust, and several other sources. The authors declared receiving grants, honorariums, personal fees, or awards from several sources.

Source: Breast Cancer Association Consortium. JAMA Oncol. 2022 (Jan 27). Doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2021.6744.

Key clinical point: A regimen consisting of docetaxel and capecitabine (TX) followed by cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and capecitabine (CEX) vs. only docetaxel followed by cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and fluorouracil (T-CEF) prolonged recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients with non- BRCA1-like early triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Major finding: Overall, patients assigned to TX-CEX vs. T-CEF arms had higher RFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.39; P = .01), with the capecitabine-containing chemotherapy being significantly more effective than conventional chemotherapy in patients with non-BRCA1-like tumor (HR 0.23; P < .01) but not in patients with BRCA1-like tumor (HR 0.66; P = .42).

Study details: Findings are from the open-label, phase 3 FinXX study including 202 patients with early TNBC who were randomly assigned to TX-CEX or T-CEF arms.  BRCA1-like status was obtained for 129 patients.

Disclosures: This work was supported by the Dutch Cancer Society. The authors declared serving as board members and employees or receiving fees, grants, nonfinancial, and research support from several sources.

Source: de Boo LW et al. Br J Cancer. 2022 (Feb 5). Doi: 10.1038/s41416-022-01711-y.

Key clinical point: A regimen consisting of docetaxel and capecitabine (TX) followed by cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and capecitabine (CEX) vs. only docetaxel followed by cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and fluorouracil (T-CEF) prolonged recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients with non- BRCA1-like early triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Major finding: Overall, patients assigned to TX-CEX vs. T-CEF arms had higher RFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.39; P = .01), with the capecitabine-containing chemotherapy being significantly more effective than conventional chemotherapy in patients with non-BRCA1-like tumor (HR 0.23; P < .01) but not in patients with BRCA1-like tumor (HR 0.66; P = .42).

Study details: Findings are from the open-label, phase 3 FinXX study including 202 patients with early TNBC who were randomly assigned to TX-CEX or T-CEF arms.  BRCA1-like status was obtained for 129 patients.

Disclosures: This work was supported by the Dutch Cancer Society. The authors declared serving as board members and employees or receiving fees, grants, nonfinancial, and research support from several sources.

Source: de Boo LW et al. Br J Cancer. 2022 (Feb 5). Doi: 10.1038/s41416-022-01711-y.

Key clinical point: A regimen consisting of docetaxel and capecitabine (TX) followed by cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and capecitabine (CEX) vs. only docetaxel followed by cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and fluorouracil (T-CEF) prolonged recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients with non- BRCA1-like early triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Major finding: Overall, patients assigned to TX-CEX vs. T-CEF arms had higher RFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.39; P = .01), with the capecitabine-containing chemotherapy being significantly more effective than conventional chemotherapy in patients with non-BRCA1-like tumor (HR 0.23; P < .01) but not in patients with BRCA1-like tumor (HR 0.66; P = .42).

Study details: Findings are from the open-label, phase 3 FinXX study including 202 patients with early TNBC who were randomly assigned to TX-CEX or T-CEF arms.  BRCA1-like status was obtained for 129 patients.

Disclosures: This work was supported by the Dutch Cancer Society. The authors declared serving as board members and employees or receiving fees, grants, nonfinancial, and research support from several sources.

Source: de Boo LW et al. Br J Cancer. 2022 (Feb 5). Doi: 10.1038/s41416-022-01711-y.

Key clinical point: Adding carboplatin to neoadjuvant paclitaxel followed by doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide improved long-term event-free survival (EFS) along with a manageable safety profile in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Major finding: Patients receiving carboplatin+veliparib+paclitaxel vs. paclitaxel showed significant improvements in EFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.63; P = .02), whereas EFS was not significntly different among patients assigned to carboplatin+veliparib+paclitaxel vs. carboplatin+paclitaxel (HR 1.12; P = .62). Rates of treatment-emergent and post-treatment-emergent adverse events and secondary malignancies were similar across treatment groups.

Study details: Findings are based on the 4.5-year follow-up data from the phase 3 BrighTNess trial including 634 patients with stage II-III TNBC who were randomly assigned to receive carboplatin+veliparib, carboplatin+veliparib placebo, or carboplatin placebo+veliparib placebo, all in combination with paclitaxel.

Disclosures: This study was supported by AbbVie. Some authors declared serving on the advisory board and speaker’s bureau or receiving travel funds, writing support, honoraria, research funds, and consulting fees from several sources including AbbVie. D Maag declared being an employee or stockholder of AbbVie.

Source: Geyer CE Jr et al. Ann Oncol. 2022 (Jan 27). Doi: 10.1016/j.annonc.2022.01.009.

Key clinical point: Adding carboplatin to neoadjuvant paclitaxel followed by doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide improved long-term event-free survival (EFS) along with a manageable safety profile in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Major finding: Patients receiving carboplatin+veliparib+paclitaxel vs. paclitaxel showed significant improvements in EFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.63; P = .02), whereas EFS was not significntly different among patients assigned to carboplatin+veliparib+paclitaxel vs. carboplatin+paclitaxel (HR 1.12; P = .62). Rates of treatment-emergent and post-treatment-emergent adverse events and secondary malignancies were similar across treatment groups.

Study details: Findings are based on the 4.5-year follow-up data from the phase 3 BrighTNess trial including 634 patients with stage II-III TNBC who were randomly assigned to receive carboplatin+veliparib, carboplatin+veliparib placebo, or carboplatin placebo+veliparib placebo, all in combination with paclitaxel.

Disclosures: This study was supported by AbbVie. Some authors declared serving on the advisory board and speaker’s bureau or receiving travel funds, writing support, honoraria, research funds, and consulting fees from several sources including AbbVie. D Maag declared being an employee or stockholder of AbbVie.

Source: Geyer CE Jr et al. Ann Oncol. 2022 (Jan 27). Doi: 10.1016/j.annonc.2022.01.009.

Key clinical point: Adding carboplatin to neoadjuvant paclitaxel followed by doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide improved long-term event-free survival (EFS) along with a manageable safety profile in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Major finding: Patients receiving carboplatin+veliparib+paclitaxel vs. paclitaxel showed significant improvements in EFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.63; P = .02), whereas EFS was not significntly different among patients assigned to carboplatin+veliparib+paclitaxel vs. carboplatin+paclitaxel (HR 1.12; P = .62). Rates of treatment-emergent and post-treatment-emergent adverse events and secondary malignancies were similar across treatment groups.

Study details: Findings are based on the 4.5-year follow-up data from the phase 3 BrighTNess trial including 634 patients with stage II-III TNBC who were randomly assigned to receive carboplatin+veliparib, carboplatin+veliparib placebo, or carboplatin placebo+veliparib placebo, all in combination with paclitaxel.

Disclosures: This study was supported by AbbVie. Some authors declared serving on the advisory board and speaker’s bureau or receiving travel funds, writing support, honoraria, research funds, and consulting fees from several sources including AbbVie. D Maag declared being an employee or stockholder of AbbVie.

Source: Geyer CE Jr et al. Ann Oncol. 2022 (Jan 27). Doi: 10.1016/j.annonc.2022.01.009.