Determining personalized treatment by gene expression profiling in metastatic breast carcinoma patients: a pilot

M Sureda1,2, J Rebollo3, E Mª Martínez-Navarro4,5

  • 1Plataforma de Oncología-Fundación TEDECA, Hospital Quironsalud Torrevieja, Partida de la Loma s/n, 03184, Torrevieja, Alicante, Spain. manuel.sureda@quironsalud.es.

Abstract

Insights

Microarray gene expression profiling (MAGE) helps personalize treatment for metastatic breast carcinoma patients. This approach offers clinical benefit in heavily pretreated individuals with limited life expectancy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genomics
  • Translational Medicine

Background:

  • Metastatic breast carcinoma (MBC) presents significant treatment challenges, particularly in heavily pretreated patients with limited life expectancy.
  • Optimizing treatment strategies for this patient subset is crucial for improving outcomes and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the utility of microarray gene expression profiling (MAGE) in guiding personalized treatment decisions for MBC patients.
  • To assess the clinical benefit and survival outcomes associated with MAGE-guided therapy in a cohort of heavily pretreated patients.

Main Methods:

  • MBC patients with hormone therapy progression and a survival expectancy of at least 3 months were included.
  • Microarray gene expression profiling (MAGE) was performed, analyzing genes known to interact with available drugs.
  • Conventional sequencing, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) complemented MAGE.

Main Results:

  • A clinical benefit rate (stable disease + partial response) of 76% was observed in 30 evaluable patients who had received a median of 4 prior treatment lines.
  • Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 6 months in patients achieving clinical benefit.
  • Median overall survival (OS) for the entire series was 11 months.

Conclusions:

  • MAGE provides valuable information for establishing personalized treatment plans in frail MBC patients with limited life expectancy.
  • This approach can help mitigate therapeutic futility and guide treatment selection in challenging clinical scenarios.