Multiomics analysis of serial PARP inhibitor treated metastatic TNBC inform on rational combination therapies

Marilyne Labrie1,2, Allen Li3, Allison Creason4

  • 1Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA. labriem@ohsu.edu.

NPJ Precision Oncology
|October 20, 2021
PubMed

Insights

This study explored how triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) adapts to poly-ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi). Identifying emergent resistance mechanisms can guide personalized combination therapies for better patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) presents significant treatment challenges.
  • Mechanisms of resistance to poly-ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) in TNBC are not fully understood.
  • Tumor-immune microenvironment interactions are crucial in cancer progression and treatment response.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the feasibility of real-time deep analysis of serial tumor samples from TNBC patients.
  • To identify emerging mechanisms of resistance and therapeutic opportunities during PARPi treatment.
  • To correlate tumor and immune state changes with response to PARPi.

Main Methods:

  • Pilot study involving serial tumor sample analysis from TNBC patients undergoing PARPi therapy.
  • Deep analysis of tumor protein networks and immune cell infiltration.
  • Comparison of molecular profiles between an exceptional responder and a rapid progressor.

Main Results:

  • An exceptional responder with BRCA-mutant basal breast cancer showed significant tumor destruction and CD8 effector cell infiltration, linked to STING-mediated immune activation.
  • Tumor cells in the exceptional responder exhibited extensive protein network rewiring under PARPi.
  • A rapid progressor with luminal androgen receptor breast cancer displayed minimal changes, indicating indifference to PARPi.

Conclusions:

  • Real-time analysis of serial tumor samples can reveal emergent resistance mechanisms to PARPi in TNBC.
  • PARPi treatment can induce significant changes in tumor cell networks and the immune microenvironment, influencing treatment response.
  • Identifying these emergent changes enables the selection of patient-specific combination therapies for improved outcomes.