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Predictive Immune Modeling of Solid Tumors
Published on: February 25, 2020
Predictive Factors of Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (NACT) and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Early-Stage
Khashayar Yazdanpanah Ardakani1, Francesca Fulvia Pepe2, Serena Capici2
1School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy.
Abstract:
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogenous group of breast tumors. This type of breast tumor is relatively difficult to manage, due to the lack of expression of Hormone Receptors (HR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2). Efforts have been made to understand the factors involved in determining how a triple-negative breast tumor responds to therapy. The standard of treatment in most cases today is a combined modality of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and chemotherapy with agents such as anti-mitotic (taxanes) or DNA-damaging agents (alkylating agents, cyclophosphamides, platin salts). In this study, we investigated the predictive and prognostic factors for TNBC, in the neoadjuvant setting; understanding each patient's response before treatment initiation is crucial to guiding the subsequent approach and finally improving patient outcomes. We focused on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes at the site of the primary tumor (TILs), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), the mutational status of protein 53 (p53), and Ki-67, investigating the potential roles of these factors in predicting responses to anti-cancer agents.
Insights
This study explores biomarkers like tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to predict treatment response in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Identifying these factors early can guide therapy and improve outcomes for TNBC patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) presents a significant clinical challenge due to its heterogeneity and lack of targeted therapies.
- Current treatment often involves a combination of chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify predictive and prognostic factors for treatment response in the neoadjuvant setting for TNBC.
- To guide personalized therapeutic strategies and improve patient outcomes by understanding individual responses before treatment initiation.
Main Methods:
- Investigated tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in primary tumors.
- Analyzed circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA).
- Assessed the mutational status of p53 and Ki-67 expression levels.
Main Results:
- Exploration of TILs, CTCs, ctDNA, p53 mutations, and Ki-67 as potential predictors of response to neoadjuvant therapy in TNBC.
- Focus on understanding how these biomarkers correlate with patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Identifying predictive biomarkers is crucial for optimizing neoadjuvant treatment strategies in TNBC.
- Further research into these factors may lead to more effective, individualized therapeutic approaches for TNBC patients.
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