Diagnosis Of Metastatic Breast Cancer Research Articles

Overall survival associated with CDK4/6 inhibitors in patients with HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer in the United States: A SEER-Medicare population-based study.

Evidence on overall survival (OS) with cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors is generally limited to data from clinical trials or a few observational studies with limited generalizability to Medicare population. The aim of this study was to determine OS benefits associated with CDK4/6 inhibitors in older Medicare patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 overexpressing (HER2-) metastatic breast cancer (MBC). In a retrospective cohort design, female patients aged ≥65years with diagnosis of HR+/HER2- MBC from 2015 to 2017 who initiated first-line systemic therapy within 12months of MBC diagnosis were selected from the Survey Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare database. The effect of treatment type (endocrine therapy [ET]+CDK4/6 inhibitor vs. ET alone) on OS was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier methods and multivariable Cox regression models. Adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and 95% CIs were estimated. A total of 630 eligible patients were identified (169 patients treated with ET+CDK4/6 inhibitor and 461 patients treated with ET alone). In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, OS rate at 3years after first-line treatment initiation was 73.0% for ET+CDK4/6 inhibitor versus 49.1% for ET alone (log-rank p<.0001). In Cox regression analysis, first-line ET+CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy was associated with 41% lower rate of mortality versus ET alone (aHR, 0.590; 95% CI, 0.423-0.823). The findings of this real-world study demonstrate significant OS benefit associated with ET+CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy over ET alone in an older Medicare population of patients with HR+/HER2- MBC, largely consistent with the evidence from clinical trials.

The process of reaching psychological adjustment among adult women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and receiving cancer pharmacotherapy

ObjectiveThis study clarified the process by which adult women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and undergoing cancer pharmacotherapy reach psychological adjustment. MethodsA semistructured interview was conducted with adult women who had received their MBC diagnosis. The data collected were analyzed using Kinoshita's modified grounded theory approach. ResultsA total of 21 women with an average age of 50 years participated in the study. Seven categories and 21 concepts were generated through the analysis. Upon being diagnosed with MBC by a doctor, the participants felt the “threat of death” and “conflict with painful cancer pharmacotherapy.” Thereafter, they received “encouragement from strong supporters,” consolidated their “resolve to save their life,” and began cancer pharmacotherapy. During the therapy, they made “efforts to internalize MBC” to overcome the distress arising from the “struggle to internalize MBC,” and this led to the “expansion of self-awareness.” ConclusionsDespite finding themselves in harsh circumstances, the participants remained focused on the big picture and realized that cancer had changed their values and outlook on life, leading to psychological growth. It is important for nurses to provide systematic and continuous support from the time of MBC diagnosis.

Efficacy and safety of anlotinib-based treatment in metastatic breast cancer patients.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of anlotinib-based treatment in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients with failure of standard treatment. We collected the medical data of 56 female patients with the diagnosis of MBC and had failed the standard treatment before. These patients received at least two cycles of anlotinib-based treatment as the second-line or beyond treatment between October 2019 and April 2022 in Jiangsu Cancer Hospital. The primary endpoint of our study was progression-free survival (PFS), and it was estimated with Kaplan-Meier. The second end points were disease control rate (DCR), objective response rate (ORR), and side effects. The median PFS time of a total of 56 patients was 5.7 months (95% CI, 3.17-8.22months). The ORR and DCR was 28.6% and 71.4%, respectively. In second-line, third-line, and beyond treatment, the median PFS was 11.7 months, 8.7 months, and 4.7 months, respectively. In different subtype of breast cancer, the median PFS was 5.6 months, 5.7months, and 6.4 months in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive (HER2+), hormone receptor positive and HER2 negative (HR+/HER2-), and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients, respectively. Most adverse effects were clinically manageable, and the most common events were platelet count decrease (35.7%), hand-foot syndrome (19.6%), diarrhea (19.6%), and fatigue (17.9%). The most common grade 3 and 4 adverse events were platelet count decrease (25.0%), diarrhea (7.1%), and oral mucositis (5.4%). Anlotinib-based treatment showed good efficacy and manageable toxicity in multi-line treatment of MBC patients who failed the standard treatment.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with metastatic breast cancer and pseudocirrhosis: a single center retrospective cohort study.

Pseudocirrhosis is a term used to describe changes in hepatic contour that mimic cirrhosis radiographically, but lack the classic pathologic features of cirrhosis. This radiographic finding is frequently found in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), but the risk factors and clinical consequences are poorly understood. In this retrospective study, we identified patients with MBC and pseudocirrhosis who were treated at a single center from 2002 to 2021. We used chart extraction and radiology review to determine demographic characteristics, treatment history, imaging features, and complications of pseudocirrhosis. 120 patients with MBC and pseudocirrhosis were identified with the following BC subtypes: hormone receptor (HR) positive, HER2 negative (n = 99, 82.5%), HR+/HER2+ (n = 14, 11.7%), HR- /HER2+ (n = 3, 2.5%), and triple negative (TNBC; n = 4, 3.3%). All patients had liver metastases and 82.5% (n = 99) had > 15 liver lesions. Thirty-six patients (30%) presented with de novo metastatic disease. Median time from MBC diagnosis to pseudocirrhosis was 29.2months. 50% of patients had stable or responding disease at the time of pseudocirrhosis diagnosis. Sequelae of pseudocirrhosis included radiographic ascites (n = 97, 80.8%), gastric/esophageal varices (n = 68, 56.7%), splenomegaly (n = 26, 21.7%), GI bleeding (n = 12, 10.0%), and hepatic encephalopathy (n = 11, 9.2%). Median survival was 7.9months after pseudocirrhosis diagnosis. Radiographic ascites was associated with shorter survival compared to no radiographic ascites (42.8 vs. 76.2months, p = < 0.001). This is the largest case series of patients with MBC and pseudocirrhosis. Nearly all patients had HR+ MBC and extensive liver metastases. Survival was short after pseudocirrhosis and prognosis worse with radiographic ascites.

Metavivorship and Narrative Repair in Teva Harrison’s &lt;i&gt;In-Between Days&lt;/i&gt; (2016)

Teva Harrison’s autobiographical graphic memoir In-Between Days (2016), which chronicles her experiences living with a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis, is a hallmark text of graphic medicine that must be approached from a framework that combines knowledge of disease process and comics art. As she reflects on her rounds of treatment, her symptoms, her anxieties, and her everyday experiences since diagnosis, Harrison combines text and image in innovative page layouts that exploit the artistic possibilities of the medium. Attention is paid to paratextual elements of comics, panel shape and sequence, and word-image interactions, with reference to comics theory and previous work on cancer in graphic novels. Giving voice to her individualized patient experience, Harrison also crafts a memoir with pedagogical value for comics scholars and healthcare providers alike. By applying the concepts of “metavivorship” (Tometich et al., 2020) and “narrative repair” (Nielsen, 2019) to In-Between Days, analysis highlights the creator’s efforts to reconcile body and mind as she lives with metastatic disease.

Axillary adenopathy detected on breast MRI following COVID-19 vaccination: outcomes and follow-up recommendations

This retrospective study presents 110 patients with suspected COVID-19 vaccine-related axillary adenopathy on breast MRI. Our study aimed to assess the outcomes of axillary adenopathy detected on breast MRI performed within one year after COVID-19 vaccination. The median time between the COVID-19 vaccine and breast MRI was shorter in patients with detected adenopathy compared to patients without detected adenopathy (6 weeks [2–17] versus 15 [7–24] weeks, p < 0.001). Unilateral axillary adenopathy detected on breast MRI had a low malignancy rate (3.3%), and no cases of malignant axillary adenopathy were diagnosed without a known breast cancer in the ipsilateral breast. Our findings suggest that unilateral axillary adenopathy identified on breast MRI ipsilateral to a recent COVID-19 vaccination can be considered benign in the absence of a suspicious breast finding or known breast cancer. Regardless of vaccine status and timing, unilateral axillary adenopathy detected on MRI evaluation with a known malignancy or suspicious breast finding should be considered suspicious. This will avoid unnecessary scheduling constraints, patient anxiety, and cost, without delaying diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer.

Absolute lymphocyte count decreases with disease progression and is a potential prognostic marker for metastatic breast cancer.

Peripheral blood parameters such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are prognostic markers for breast cancer patients. For instance, patients with a high NLR have a poor prognosis. Meanwhile, high absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) is reportedly a predictive factor for some chemotherapies. However, the underlying mechanisms behind how these markers relate to patient outcomes and how these markers change during the clinical course of patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) remains unknown. We retrospectively investigated 156 patients who were treated for MBC and eventually transitioned to best supportive care (BSC) at our hospital between January 2017 and December 2021. Changes in peripheral blood parameters during MBC treatments and their association with patient outcomes were examined. From the time of MBC diagnosis (baseline) through to the transition to BSC, ALC became significantly lower, while the NLR and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) became significantly higher (p < 0.001 for all). This association was independent of hormone receptor status. Cox proportional hazard modeling found patients with hormone receptor-negative and a lower baseline ALC had a significantly shorter overall survival (p = 0.030 and p = 0.019, respectively). We observed that peripheral blood markers gradually changed with MBC disease progression. Our data suggest that baseline ALC may be a potential prognostic marker after recurrence.

Unmet Employment Related Needs of Metastatic Breast Cancer Survivors: A Work System Analysis

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is incurable breast cancer (i.e., stage IV) affecting approximately 165,000 women in the US, some of whom will live for years with MBC. Survivors living with MBC frequently experience functional impairments and sickness relating to treatment and their disease progression. Unlike “curable” cancers, MBC survivors are likely to deal with ongoing and/or evolving impairments due to cancer and cancer treatment until end of life, which presents challenges to work and employment. Little is known about the work-related needs of MBC survivors and the factors that impact individual survivors’ decisions to stay-or-leave work. The objective of this study is to understand the work system barriers and facilitators facing MBC survivors who were working at the time of MBC diagnosis. We conducted a survey of MBC survivors as a part of a larger research project to explore the importance of work and work-related decisions in this population. We conducted a secondary, deductive content analysis of a free-text response survey question guided by the Work System model. We identified a total of 77 excerpts, grouped into 12 barriers and 5 facilitators from survey responses of 133 MBC survivors. The person work system element resulted in the most barriers and facilitators, with numerous barriers relating to a lack of information available for MBC survivors. We only identified one excerpt relating to the technology work system element. Given the rapidly growing capabilities of technologies, there is a missed opportunity to design technologies that can support MBC survivors. The increased use of dedicated personnel (e.g., social work, navigators or financial counselors) and the development of patient-facing health IT may better support the unique needs of MBC survivors.

Analysis of Rates of Brain Metastases and Association With Breast Cancer Subtypes in Ontario, Canada

Approximately 1 in 7 patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) will receive radiotherapy for brain metastases (BRM). Significant differences in cumulative incidence of BRM by breast cancer subtype may inform future BRM screening protocols. To describe cumulative incidence of BRM among patients with de novo MBC. In this population-based cohort study, population health administrative databases in Ontario, Canada, held at the ICES were used to identify patients diagnosed with de novo MBC between 2009 and 2018. Given that a code for BRM does not exist within ICES, we analyzed the incidence of radiotherapy for BRM. The median (IQR) follow-up was 19.3 (6.2-39.5) months. A total of 100 747 patients with a new diagnosis of breast cancer between January 2009 and December 2018 were identified. Of these patients, 17 955 were excluded because they had previous or subsequent malignant neoplasms, 583 were excluded because they were younger than 18 years, 974 were excluded because there was an invalid Ontario Health Insurance Plan number or a date of death on or before the index date. Among 81 235 remaining patients, 3916 were identified as having de novo MBC. Treatment with radiotherapy for breast cancer BRM. Cumulative incidence of radiotherapy for BRM accounting for the competing risk of death, and time from MBC diagnosis to brain radiotherapy. Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed for time-to-event end points. Logistic regression was used to account for confounding variables. Among 3916 patients with MBC, 1215 (31.0%) had HR-positive/ERBB2 (formerly HER2)-negative cancer, 310 (7.9%) had ERBB2-positive/HR-positive cancer, 200 (5.1%) had ERBB2-positive/HR-negative cancer, 258 (6.6%) had TNBC, and the remaining 1933 patients (49.4%) had an unknown breast cancer subtype. The median (IQR) age at diagnosis was 63 (52-75). A total of 549 (14.0%) underwent stereotactic radiosurgery or whole brain radiotherapy for breast cancer BRM. Cumulative incidence of BRM was higher among patients with ERBB2-positive/HR-negative breast cancer (34.7%), ERBB2-positive/HR-positive breast cancer (28.1%), and triple-negative breast cancer (21.9%) compared to those with HR-positive/ERBB2-negative breast cancer (12.1%). The median (IQR) time from MBC diagnosis to brain radiotherapy ranged from 7.5 (2.3-17.4) months for patients with TNBC to 19.8 (12.2-35.1) months for those with ERBB2-positive/HR-positive breast cancer. Incidence and time to development of BRM vary significantly by breast cancer subtype. A better understanding of the biology of intracranial metastatic disease may help inform potential screening programs or preventative interventions.

Chemotherapy Shows a Better Efficacy Than Endocrine Therapy in Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients with a Heterogeneous Estrogen Receptor Expression Assessed by 18F-FES PET.

Simple SummaryAbout 10–20% of breast cancer patients have a heterogeneous estrogen receptor expression. The diagnosis and treatment strategy remains controversial in these patients, especially regarding the metastatic pattern. The aim of our study was to investigate the occurrence and properties of estrogen receptor heterogeneity and to evaluate the following treatment efficacy among a certain group of metastatic breast cancer patients. We found the novel 18F-FES PET/CT method could identify patients with estrogen receptor heterogeneity, and chemotherapy showed a better efficacy compared with endocrine therapy in these patients. Our findings could give valuable suggestions to physicians and researchers in clinical practice.Background: The heterogeneity of estrogen receptor (ER) expression has long been a challenge for the diagnosis and treatment strategy of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). A novel convenient method of ER detection using 18F-fluoroestradiol positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FES PET/CT) offers a chance to screen and analyze MBC patients with ER uncertainty. Methods: MBC patients who received 18F-FES PET/CT were screened and patients with both FES positive (FES+) and negative (FES-) lesions were enrolled in this study. Progression-free survival (PFS) was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and was compared using the log-rank test. Results: A total of 635 patients were screened and 75 of 635 (11.8%) patients showed ER uncertainty; 51 patients received further treatment and were enrolled in this study. Among them, 20 (39.2%) patients received chemotherapy (CT), 21 (41.2%) patients received endocrine-based therapy (ET), and 10 (19.6%) patients received combined therapy (CT + ET). CT showed a better progression-free survival (PFS) compared with ET (mPFS 7.1 vs. 4.6 months, HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.20–0.93, p = 0.03). CT + ET did not improve PFS compared with either CT or ET alone (mPFS 4.4 months, p > 0.2). All three treatment options were well tolerated. Conclusions: 18F-FES PET/CT could identify patients with ER heterogeneity. Patients with bone metastasis are more likely to have ER heterogeneity. Patients with ER heterogeneity showed better sensitivity to CT rather than ET. Combined therapy of CT + ET did not improve the treatment outcome.

The Effects of Diabetes and Glycemic Control on Cancer Outcomes in Individuals With Metastatic Breast Cancer.

It is unclear whether diabetes and glycemic control affects the outcomes of breast cancer, especially among those with metastatic disease. This study aims to determine the impact of diabetes and hyperglycemia on cancer progression and mortality in individuals with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Patients with a diagnosis of MBC between 2010 and 2021 were identified using the MBC database at 2 academic institutions. We evaluated the effects of diabetes and glycemic control on overall survival (OS) and time to next treatment (TTNT). We compared 244 patients with diabetes (median age 57.6 years) to 244 patients without diabetes (matched for age, sex, ethnicity, and receptor subtype). OS at 5 years [diabetes: 54% (95% CI 47-62%) vs controls: 56% (95% CI 49-63%), P = 0.65] and TTNT at 1 year [diabetes: 43% (95% CI 36-50%) vs controls: 44% (95% CI 36-51%), P = 0.33] were similar between groups. A subgroup analysis comparing those with good glycemic control and those with poor glycemic control among patients with specific receptor subtype profiles showed no differences in OS at 5 years or TTNT at 1 year. In an 8-year landmark subgroup analysis, there was worse OS among individuals with diabetes compared to controls, and OS was found to be better among those with good glycemic control compared to those with poor control. Diabetes was not associated with increased mortality in individuals with MBC at 5 years. However, diabetes and hyperglycemia were associated with worse OS among a cohort of longer-term survivors. These findings suggest that individualized diabetes and glycemic goals should be considered in patients with MBC.

Real-world practice patterns in the diagnosis of recurrent metastatic breast cancer in Washington state.

e13640 Background: Evidence-based, national guidelines for the diagnosis of recurrent metastatic breast cancer (MBC) recommend confirmation of recurrence with biopsy and reassessment of biomarker status. Real world practice patterns may demonstrate disparities in adherence to guidelines with implications for patients and health systems. Methods: We utilized the Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research (HICOR) data repository that links Washington State cancer registry data to enrollment and claims from the major insurance payers in the state. We identified women &gt; 18 years old diagnosed with recurrent MBC between 2008 and 2017 with evidence of enrollment in a commercial plan (Premera or Regence), Medicare, or Medicaid. Recurrence in Stage I-III patients was detected through identification of ICD 9/10 codes for metastatic disease or resumption of breast cancer systemic therapy (after minimum of 4 months from completion of early breast cancer therapy). Using claims, we identified receipt of and factors associated with biopsy, biomarker re-assessment, and treatment administered at recurrence. Results: We identified 715 patients with recurrent MBC (any ER or HER2 status) with median age of 62 (range 52-73). The majority of the cohort were Caucasian (89%) with the rest comprising of Asian, Black, American Indian, and Hispanic patients. Based on the Rural Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) classification, patients predominantly lived in metropolitan neighborhoods (97%). Approximately 13% of patients lived in areas of high deprivation (area of deprivation index, ADI, 8-10). Patients had either Commercial (53.1%), Medicaid (4.2%), Medicare (29.7%) or multiple (13.0%) insurance. Patients were primarily treated at high volume centers (70.9%), though 23% of patients were seen at low volume centers (&lt;25 breast cancer patients/year). Of the patients with recurrent MBC, 49.5% received a biopsy to confirm metastatic diagnosis. Similarly, 48.7% of recurrent MBC patients underwent biomarker reassessment. Patients with highest co-morbidity index (&gt;2) were more likely to undergo biopsy confirmation (20.3% vs 13.0%, p = 0.02). Biopsy was more often performed in patients receiving care at a high-volume center compared to low-volume center (74.3% vs 18.6%, p = 0.03). First line treatment selection was directly associated with receipt of biopsy and biomarker testing. Hormone therapy only was more common in patients who did not undergo biopsy (62.3% vs 37.7%, p &lt;0.001) or biomarker reassessment (62.7% vs 37.3%, p &lt;0.001). Conclusions: Our study shows there is variation across Washington state in biopsy and biomarker assessment in the diagnosis of recurrent metastatic breast cancer. Nearly half of cases had metastatic biopsy omitted. Our findings demonstrate downstream implications for treatment selection and support the need for quality initiatives to improve adherence to guidelines.

The effects of bone targeted therapy in patients with greater than two years survival with metastatic breast cancer and bone metastasis.

e13076 Background: Administration of bone targeted therapy such as zoledronic acid (ZA) or of denosumab (D) decrease the risk of skeletal related events (SRE) such as radiation to the bone, pathological bone fractures, and spinal cord compression in patients with a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and bone metastasis. As these patients continue to live longer it is unknown what are the impacts from long-term administration of ZA or D among those who live longer than 2 years. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of patients with MBC and bone metastasis who lived for more than 2 years since diagnosis and received treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center for MBC in addition to ZA and/or D between 2015 and 2021. Patient demographics, date of diagnosis, tumor characteristics, bone targeted agent treatment plans and SRE were extracted from the institutional database and electronic health records. We defined 3 patterns of receipt of bone targeted therapy: Pattern A: ZA every 3-4 weeks; Pattern B: D every 4-6 weeks; Pattern C; D every 4-6 weeks for a period followed by every 3 months. The association between these patterns and SRE was assessed using Fisher’s exact test. Results: We included 178 patients: Pattern A with 49 patients, Pattern B with 85 patients, and Pattern C with 44 patients. The proportion of patients who suffered a SRE in Patterns A, B, and C were 22.4% (11/49), 20% (17/85), and 21.4% (10/44). There was no statistical difference in the proportion of SRE between these three groups (p = 0.92). Conclusions: We did not observe a difference in the rate of SRE between the three different patterns of bone targeted therapy administration in patients with MBC and bone metastasis. Other treatment patterns will be considered in future analysis.[Table: see text]

Real-world outcomes among patients with HER2+ metastatic breast cancer with brain metastases.

BACKGROUND: Among patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) metastatic breast cancer (MBC), incidence of brain metastases (BMs) is relatively high and increasing. Despite the high unmet need for patients with HER2+ MBC and BMs, real-world data on treatment patterns and outcomes for these patients are limited. OBJECTIVE: To compare treatment patterns and overall survival (OS) among patients with HER2+ MBC with and without BMs in the United States. METHODS: This was a real-world retrospective cohort study in which adults diagnosed with HER2+ MBC between January 1, 2016, and May 31, 2019, were identified in the Flatiron Health electronic health records database. The cohort was stratified by presence of BMs at MBC diagnosis (baseline) and before the initiation of each line of therapy (LOT). Key outcomes were OS and systemic therapy/regimen used within each LOT. An adjusted Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the impact of BMs on OS. RESULTS: Of 1,755 included patients, 173 (9.9%) had BMs at baseline. Trastuzumab+ pertuzumab-based regimens were the most common first- (n = 689, 44.3%) and second-line (n = 316, 35.3%) treatments for all patients. Among patients with BMs, trastuzumab emtansine was the most common third-line regimen (n = 18, 23.4%). Lapatinib-based regimens were used more frequently among patients with BMs but were used by less than 20% of patients with BMs within any LOT. Median OS was 22.3 and 37.3 months for patients with and without BMs at baseline, respectively. Patients with BMs had a higher risk of death compared with patients without BMs (HR, 3.2; 95% CI = 2.6-3.8). CONCLUSIONS: BMs are associated with an increased risk of mortality among patients with HER2+ MBC. Further studies are needed to evaluate the extent to which novel systemic therapies for HER2+ MBC address the unmet need among patients with BMs. DISCLOSURES: This study was funded by Seagen Inc. Andres Forero-Torres is an employee of and owns stock in Seagen Inc. Kendra DeBusk is an employee of Seagen Inc. and owns stock in Seagen Inc. and Roche. Andy Surinach and Yutong Liu are employees of Genesis Research, which received funding from Seagen Inc. in connection with this study. At the time of this study, Chimeka Ike was an employee of Seagen Inc. and owns stock in Seagen Inc. At the time of this study, Nicolas Lindegger was an employee of Seagen Inc., Seagen International GmbH, and owns stock in Seagen Inc. and Roche. At the time of this study, Naomi Schwartz was a paid consultant to Seagen Inc.; she currently is an employee of and owns stock in Seagen Inc.

Chemotherapy shows better efficacy than endocrine therapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer with heterogeneous estrogen receptor expression.

1050 Background: Heterogeneity of estrogen receptor (ER) expression has long been challenges for diagnosis and treatment strategy of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). A novel convenient way of ER detection using 18F-fluoroestradiol positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FES PET/CT) offers a chance to screen and analyze MBC patients with ER uncertainty. Methods: MBC patients who received 18F-FES PET/CT were screened and patients with both FES positive (FES+) and negative (FES-) lesions were enrolled in this study. Progression‐free survival (PFS) was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method and compared by log-rank test. Results: A total of 635 patients were screened and 75 of 635 (11.8%) patients showed ER uncertainty. 51 patients received further treatment and were enrolled in this study. Among them, 20 (39.2%) patients received chemotherapy (CT), 21 (41.2%) patients received endocrine-based therapy (ET) and 10 (19.6%) patients received combined therapy (CT+ET). CT showed better progression-free survival (PFS) compared to ET (mPFS 7.1 vs 4.6 months, HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.20-0.93, P = 0.03). CT+ET did not improve PFS compared to either CT or ET alone (mPFS 4.4 months, P &gt; 0.2). Conclusions: 18F-FES PET/CT could identify patients with ER heterogeneity. Patients with ER uncertainty showed better sensitivity to CT rather than ET. Combined therapy of CT+ET did not improve treatment outcome.

Clinical and radiographic characteristics of patients with metastatic breast cancer and pseudocirrhosis: A single-center retrospective cohort study.

1101 Background: Pseudocirrhosis is a term used to describe changes in hepatic contour that mimic cirrhosis radiographically, but lack the classic pathologic features of cirrhosis. This radiographic finding is frequently found in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC); the pathophysiology and clinical consequences are poorly understood. The objective of this study is to describe the patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics associated with pseudocirrhosis, and to assess associated clinical outcomes. Methods: In this retrospective study, we identified patients with MBC and imaging findings consistent with pseudocirrhosis (diffuse liver contour abnormalities) who were treated at the University of California San Francisco from 2002-2021. We used chart extraction and radiology review to determine demographic characteristics, treatment history, response to treatment, imaging features, and complications of pseudocirrhosis. Comparisons between groups were made using the unpaired t-test or two-sided Fisher’s exact test. Results: 120 patients with MBC and radiographic evidence of pseudocirrhosis were identified with the following BC subtypes: Hormone receptor (HR) positive, HER2 negative (n = 99, 82.5%), HR+/HER2+ (n = 14, 11.7%), HR-/HER2+ (n = 3, 2.5%), and triple negative (TNBC; n = 4, 3.3%). All patients with pseudocirrhosis had liver metastases (n = 120, 100.0%) and 82.5% (n = 99) had &gt; 15 lesions. Median time from diagnosis of MBC to radiographic evidence of pseudocirrhosis was 29.2 months. Most patients received chemotherapy for MBC prior to the finding of pseudocirrhosis (n = 111, 92.5%) with median 2.0 lines. Pseudocirrhosis was observed in the setting of stable or responding disease in 50% of patients (n = 60). Patients received a median of 1.0 line of additional therapy after pseudocirrhosis diagnosis, with a median overall survival of 7.9 months from pseudocirrhosis to death. Sequelae of pseudocirrhosis included the radiographic finding of ascites (n = 97, 80.8%), gastric/esophageal varices (n = 68, 56.7%), splenomegaly (n = 26, 21.7%), GI bleeding (n = 12, 10.0%), or hepatic encephalopathy (n = 11, 9.2%). Radiographic evidence of ascites was associated with a shorter survival from MBC diagnosis compared to no ascites (42.8 vs. 76.2 months, p = &lt; 0.001). GI/Hepatology consultation was uncommon (n = 9, 7.5%). Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the largest reported case series of patients with MBC and pseudocirrhosis. Nearly all patients had HR+ disease and extensive liver metastases. Pseudocirrhosis was frequently observed in the setting of responding or stable disease, creating complexity in management. Survival was short in all patients, particularly patients with radiographic evidence of ascites. Further understanding of the pathogenesis of and risk factors for pseudocirrhosis could help improve outcomes for this condition.

Real world incidence and management of adverse events in patients with HR+, HER2− metastatic breast cancer receiving CDK4 and 6 inhibitors in a United States community setting

Objective To examine the real-world incidence and management of select adverse events (AEs) among female patients with hormone receptor positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2−) metastatic breast cancer (MBC), receiving a cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4 and 6) inhibitor (palbociclib, abemaciclib, or ribociclib). Methods This retrospective study analyzed data from the US Oncology Network iKnowMed electronic health record database for 396 patients with an initial MBC diagnosis on/after 1 January 2014 and receipt of first CDK4 and 6 regimen between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2018. In this descriptive study, the proportion of patients who experienced select AEs and associated dose modifications or discontinuations were reported. The occurrence of select healthcare resource utilization categories was also reported. Results Median follow-up time was 451, 262, and 355 days for patients in the palbociclib, abemaciclib, and ribociclib cohorts, respectively. The most common AEs were neutropenia (palbociclib, 44.8%; abemaciclib, 10.6%; ribociclib, 36.3%), diarrhea (palbociclib, 8.0%; abemaciclib, 43.0%; ribociclib, 8.8%), and fatigue (palbociclib, 12.9%; abemaciclib, 17.6%; ribociclib, 16.5%). AEs resulted in a treatment hold among 91 (23.0%), a dose reduction among 86 (21.7%), and permanent discontinuation among 48 (12.1%) patients overall. Conclusions This real-world study provides insight into the occurrence of AEs which varied by CDK4 and 6 inhibitor. Compared to clinical trials, frequencies of AEs were numerically lower but dose reductions due to AEs were numerically higher. It is possible these differences reflect proactive management of AEs on the part of clinicians to help patients remain on therapy.

Cancer treatment-specific medication beliefs among metastatic breast cancer patients: a qualitative study.

Over 168,000 women are living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in the USA. More efficacious treatments have lengthened overall survival, but these treatments often result in a myriad of symptoms and financial burden that may negatively impact perceptions of cancer treatment and medication-taking behavior. To explore cancer treatment-specific medication beliefs among women undergoing cancer treatment for MBC. A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews that were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis was conducted using ATLAS.ti 8.0 software. Inter-rater reliability was set at a threshold of 0.80. Participants were recruited from a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive care center. Eligibility included ≥18 years old, English speaking, confirmed MBC diagnosis, and able/willing to complete interviews via telephone or Zoom. Participants (n = 16) were largely Caucasian (86.7%) and non-Hispanic (93.3%). Mean age was 55.62 years. Three major themes were revealed, with corresponding subthemes: (1) positive cancer treatment-specific medication beliefs highlighting the benefit of treatment (relief of cancer-related symptoms and medication efficacy: delayed disease progression/extended survival); (2) negative cancer treatment-specific medication beliefs that caused concern for cancer treatment (medication symptoms, side effects and drug-drug interactions, financial toxicity, lack of guarantee medication would work); and (3) dialectical cancer treatment-specific medication beliefs indicating the benefits of cancer treatment outweigh the risks. Overall, participants noted that the benefits of cancer treatment outweighed the risks in the context of metastatic disease. Participants understood their prognosis and that they depended on their cancer treatment for survival. Oncology providers should continue to assess and address medication beliefs over the treatment trajectory and assist MBC patients with the decisional balance between the risk and benefit of continued cancer treatment.

Women with short survival after diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer: a population-based registry study

PurposeDespite therapeutic advances, overall survival of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) at the population level has seen little improvement over the past decades. Aggressive tumor biology or delay in access to cancer care might be contributing factors. With this retrospective population-based study we aimed to quantify and characterize patients with very short survival time following MBC diagnosis.MethodsWomen diagnosed with MBC between Jan 1st, 2005 and Dec 31st, 2016 were identified using the population-based Stockholm–Gotland breast cancer registry. Data regarding demographic and clinicopathological characteristics, survival, and treatment were extracted retrospectively from the registry and from patient charts. Patients who died within 90 days following diagnosis of MBC were identified and their characteristics were compared with all other patients diagnosed with MBC during the same period.ResultsBetween 2005 and 2016, 3124 patients were diagnosed with MBC, of whom 498 (16.2%) died within 90 days of diagnosis. Nearly half (N = 233) did not receive any antitumoral treatment. Patients with short survival were older (p < 0.001), had higher primary tumor grade (p < 0.001), higher clinical stage at primary diagnosis (p = 0.002), and more often estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer (p < 0.001). Visceral metastases were more frequent (p < 0.001) and patients with short survival received adjuvant chemotherapy (p < 0.001) to a lesser extent compared to patients with a better prognosis. In multivariable analysis older age, time period of diagnosis, metastasis site, adjuvant chemotherapy, and primary tumor grade were independent predictors for short survival, whereas ER status was not.ConclusionNearly one out of six patients with MBC survive less than 3 months after diagnosis. Our findings demonstrate a different spectrum of MBC at population level and can potentially inform on individualized follow-up strategies and treatment algorithms.

Coping With Changes to Sex and Intimacy After a Diagnosis of Metastatic Breast Cancer: Results From a Qualitative Investigation With Patients and Partners.

Objective:Prior research examining sexual and intimacy concerns among metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients and their intimate partners is limited. In this qualitative study, we explored MBC patients’ and partners’ experiences of sexual and intimacy-related changes and concerns, coping efforts, and information needs and intervention preferences, with a focus on identifying how the context of MBC shapes these experiences.Methods:We conducted 3 focus groups with partnered patients with MBC [N = 12; M age = 50.2; 92% White; 8% Black] and 6 interviews with intimate partners [M age = 47.3; 83% White; 17% Black]. Participants were recruited through the Fox Chase Cancer Center Tumor Registry and the Cancer Support Community. Qualitative data were analyzed using the Framework Method and Dedoose software.Results:Qualitative analyses revealed several key themes reflecting ways in which MBC shapes experiences of sex/intimacy: (1) the heavy disease/treatment burden leads to significant, long-term sexual concerns (e.g., loss of interest and vaginal dryness/discomfort) and consequent heightened emotional distress for both patients (e.g., guilt around not being able to engage in intercourse) and partners (e.g., guilt around pressuring the patient to engage in sexual activity despite pain/discomfort); (2) viewing the relationship as having “an expiration date” (due to expected earlier mortality) influences patients’ and partners’ concerns related to sex/intimacy and complicates coping efforts; and (3) information needs extend beyond managing sexual side effects to include emotional aspects of intimacy and the added strain of the life-limiting nature of the disease on the relationship. The heightened severity of sexual concerns faced by patients with MBC, compounded by the terminal nature of the disease, may place patients and partners at risk for significant adverse emotional and interpersonal consequences.Conclusion:Findings suggest unique ways in which sex and intimate relationships change after a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer from both patients’ and partners’ perspectives. Consideration of the substantial physical and emotional burden of MBC and the broader context of the relationship and intimacy overall is important when developing a sexuality-focused intervention in this population. Addressing sexual concerns is a critical part of cancer care with important implications for patients’ health and quality of life.