Acquired gene alterations in patients treated with ribociclib plus endocrine therapy or endocrine therapy alone using

F André1, N Solovieff2, F Su3

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.

Abstract

Insights

Analyzing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in advanced breast cancer patients treated with ribociclib plus endocrine therapy (ET) revealed acquired gene alterations. These findings in RB1, SPEN, and ESR1 may inform future resistance mechanisms and treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genomics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Previous research identified baseline markers for ribociclib plus endocrine therapy (ET) sensitivity/resistance.
  • This study analyzes paired circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) samples from baseline and end-of-treatment (EOT) in MONALEESA trials.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate acquired gene alterations in ctDNA after treatment with ribociclib plus ET or placebo plus ET.
  • To identify potential mechanisms of acquired resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors.

Main Methods:

  • Sequencing of paired baseline and EOT ctDNA samples from 523 patients across MONALEESA trials.
  • Analysis using a targeted next-generation sequencing panel and statistical modeling (McNemar test, Bayesian mixed-effects model).
  • Focus on genes with >5% alteration prevalence at EOT, adjusting for ctDNA fraction and study differences.

Main Results:

  • Increased prevalence of alterations observed at EOT versus baseline in RB1, SPEN, FGFR2 (ribociclib arm), PBRM1 (placebo arm), and ESR1 (both arms).
  • RB1 and SPEN alteration increases were specific to the ribociclib plus ET arm.
  • Common acquired ESR1 mutations included Y537C/N/S/D, D538G, E380Q, and L536H/R/P/LC.

Conclusions:

  • Acquired gene alterations were identified in patients with advanced HR+/HER2- breast cancer treated with ribociclib plus ET.
  • These findings provide insights into acquired resistance mechanisms.
  • Data may guide future systemic interventions in the post-CDK4/6 inhibitor setting.