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Molecular Cancer Jun 2023Cancer is the most prevalent cause of death globally, and radiotherapy is considered the standard of care for most solid tumors, including lung, breast, esophageal, and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Cancer is the most prevalent cause of death globally, and radiotherapy is considered the standard of care for most solid tumors, including lung, breast, esophageal, and colorectal cancers and glioblastoma. Resistance to radiation can lead to local treatment failure and even cancer recurrence.
MAIN BODY
In this review, we have extensively discussed several crucial aspects that cause resistance of cancer to radiation therapy, including radiation-induced DNA damage repair, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis escape, abundance of cancer stem cells, modification of cancer cells and their microenvironment, presence of exosomal and non-coding RNA, metabolic reprogramming, and ferroptosis. We aim to focus on the molecular mechanisms of cancer radiotherapy resistance in relation to these aspects and to discuss possible targets to improve treatment outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
Studying the molecular mechanisms responsible for radiotherapy resistance and its interactions with the tumor environment will help improve cancer responses to radiotherapy. Our review provides a foundation to identify and overcome the obstacles to effective radiotherapy.
Topics: Humans; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Glioblastoma; Apoptosis; Treatment Outcome; Breast; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 37322433
DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01801-2 -
Genes May 2023Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy worldwide and the leading cause of cancer-related death among women. Brain metastases are a primary contributor... (Review)
Review
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy worldwide and the leading cause of cancer-related death among women. Brain metastases are a primary contributor to mortality, as they often go undetected until late stages due to their dormant nature. Moreover, the clinical management of brain metastases is complicated by the relevant issue of blood-brain barrier penetration. The molecular pathways involved in the formation, progression, and colonization of primary breast tumors and subsequent brain metastases are diverse, posing significant hurdles due to the heterogeneous nature of breast cancer subtypes. Despite advancements in primary breast cancer treatments, the prognosis for patients with brain metastases remains poor. In this review, we aim to highlight the biological mechanisms of breast cancer brain metastases by evaluating multi-step genetic pathways and to discuss currently available and emerging treatment strategies to propose a prospective overview of the management of this complex disease.
Topics: Female; Humans; Breast Neoplasms; Prospective Studies; Brain Neoplasms; Prognosis; Breast
PubMed: 37372340
DOI: 10.3390/genes14061160 -
Virchows Archiv : An International... Jul 2023The heterogeneous group of B3 lesions in the breast harbors lesions with different malignant potential and progression risk. As several studies about B3 lesions have... (Review)
Review
The heterogeneous group of B3 lesions in the breast harbors lesions with different malignant potential and progression risk. As several studies about B3 lesions have been published since the last Consensus in 2018, the 3rd International Consensus Conference discussed the six most relevant B3 lesions (atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), flat epithelial atypia (FEA), classical lobular neoplasia (LN), radial scar (RS), papillary lesions (PL) without atypia, and phyllodes tumors (PT)) and made recommendations for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Following a presentation of current data of each B3 lesion, the international and interdisciplinary panel of 33 specialists and key opinion leaders voted on the recommendations for further management after core-needle biopsy (CNB) and vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB). In case of B3 lesion diagnosis on CNB, OE was recommended in ADH and PT, whereas in the other B3 lesions, vacuum-assisted excision was considered an equivalent alternative to OE. In ADH, most panelists (76%) recommended an open excision (OE) after diagnosis on VAB, whereas observation after a complete VAB-removal on imaging was accepted by 34%. In LN, the majority of the panel (90%) preferred observation following complete VAB-removal. Results were similar in RS (82%), PL (100%), and FEA (100%). In benign PT, a slim majority (55%) also recommended an observation after a complete VAB-removal. VAB with subsequent active surveillance can replace an open surgical intervention for most B3 lesions (RS, FEA, PL, PT, and LN). Compared to previous recommendations, there is an increasing trend to a de-escalating strategy in classical LN. Due to the higher risk of upgrade into malignancy, OE remains the preferred approach after the diagnosis of ADH.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast; Breast Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating; Mammography; Biopsy, Large-Core Needle; Precancerous Conditions; Phyllodes Tumor; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37330436
DOI: 10.1007/s00428-023-03566-x -
Clinical Cancer Research : An Official... Jul 2023The oncogene ERBB2 encoding the receptor tyrosine-protein kinase erbB-2 (HER2) is frequently overexpressed or amplified and occasionally mutated in a variety of human... (Review)
Review
The oncogene ERBB2 encoding the receptor tyrosine-protein kinase erbB-2 (HER2) is frequently overexpressed or amplified and occasionally mutated in a variety of human cancers. The early discovery of this oncogene, its established oncogenic relevance in diverse cancers, its substantial expression on the surface of cancer cells, and its druggable catalytic activity have made it one of the most pursued targets in the history of cancer drug development. Initiatives targeting HER2 provided the early stimulus for several transformational pharmaceutical technologies, including mAbs, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, and others. The seismic impact of these efforts has been felt in treatment of many cancers, including breast, gastroesophageal, lung, colorectal, and others. This impact continues to broaden with increasing indications on the horizon and a plethora of novel agents in development. However, implementation of these therapeutic strategies has been complex. The clinical translation of every one of these classes of agents has been notable for underperformance or overperformance characteristics that have informed new lines of research providing deeper insights into the mechanistic complexities and unrealized opportunities provided by this molecular target. Despite all the successes to date, the preponderance of scientific evidence indicates that the full potential of HER2 as a target for cancer therapeutics is far greater than currently realized, and numerous lines of investigation are ongoing to deepen and broaden the scope of impact of HER2 as a signaling, homing, or immunologic target. In this review, we explore the existing data and evolving paradigms surrounding this remarkable target for cancer therapy.
Topics: Humans; Female; Receptor, ErbB-2; Antineoplastic Agents; Signal Transduction; Oncogenes; Neoplasms; Breast; Breast Neoplasms
PubMed: 36574481
DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-22-0283 -
Science Advances Jul 2023The progression of noninvasive ductal carcinoma in situ to invasive ductal carcinoma for patients with breast cancer results in a significantly poorer prognosis and is...
The progression of noninvasive ductal carcinoma in situ to invasive ductal carcinoma for patients with breast cancer results in a significantly poorer prognosis and is the precursor to metastatic disease. In this work, we have identified insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2 (IGFBP2) as a potent adipocrine factor secreted by healthy breast adipocytes that acts as a barrier against invasive progression. In line with this role, adipocytes differentiated from patient-derived stromal cells were found to secrete IGFBP2, which significantly inhibited breast cancer invasion. This occurred through binding and sequestration of cancer-derived IGF-II. Moreover, depletion of IGF-II in invading cancer cells using small interfering RNAs or an IGF-II-neutralizing antibody ablated breast cancer invasion, highlighting the importance of IGF-II autocrine signaling for breast cancer invasive progression. Given the abundance of adipocytes in the healthy breast, this work exposes the important role they play in suppressing cancer progression and may help expound upon the link between increased mammary density and poorer prognosis.
Topics: Female; Humans; Adipocytes; Antibodies, Neutralizing; Breast; Breast Neoplasms; Insulin-Like Growth Factor II
PubMed: 37436978
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg1840 -
Journal of Clinical Pathology Dec 2023GATA binding protein 3 (GATA3) is a zinc-finger pioneer transcription factor involved in diverse processes. GATA3 regulates gene expression through binding nucleosomal... (Review)
Review
GATA binding protein 3 (GATA3) is a zinc-finger pioneer transcription factor involved in diverse processes. GATA3 regulates gene expression through binding nucleosomal DNA and facilitating chromatin remodelling. Post-translational modifications modulate its activity. During development, GATA3 plays a key role in cell differentiation. Mutations in are linked to breast and bladder cancer. GATA3 expression is a feature of the luminal subtype of bladder cancer and has implications for immune status and therapeutic response. It also has clinical relevance in squamous cell carcinomas and soft tissue sarcomas. This paper reviews the structure and function of GATA3, its role in cancer and its use and pitfalls as an immunohistochemical marker.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Mutation; GATA3 Transcription Factor; Breast Neoplasms; Biomarkers, Tumor
PubMed: 37726118
DOI: 10.1136/jcp-2023-209017 -
The Breast Journal 2024Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare, benign inflammatory disorder of the breast that is often underrecognized. The exact etiology and pathophysiology are... (Review)
Review
Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare, benign inflammatory disorder of the breast that is often underrecognized. The exact etiology and pathophysiology are unknown, but milk stasis is felt to play a role. Classically, this condition is noninfectious, but many cases are noted to be associated with species. Most patients affected are parous women with a mean age of 35, and many have breastfed within five years of diagnosis. Patients typically present with a painful mass and symptoms of inflammation, and these features can sometimes mimic breast cancer. Biopsy is needed to make a definitive diagnosis, and noncaseating granulomas are found on core biopsy. Many patients have a waxing and waning course over a period of six months to two years. Goal of treatment is to avoid surgery given poor wound healing, high risk of recurrence, and poor cosmetic outcomes. Medical treatment is preferred and includes observation, antibiotics, steroids, and immune modulators such as methotrexate. In more recent years, topical and intralesional steroids have become the treatment of choice, with similar outcomes to oral steroids.
Topics: Female; Humans; Adult; Granulomatous Mastitis; Breast Neoplasms; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Breast; Steroids
PubMed: 38304866
DOI: 10.1155/2024/6693720 -
Breast (Edinburgh, Scotland) Jun 2023Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Over the past few decades, remarkable progress has been made in understanding the biology and pathology of... (Review)
Review
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Over the past few decades, remarkable progress has been made in understanding the biology and pathology of breast cancer. A personalized conservative approach has been currently adopted addressing the patient's individual risk of relapse. After postoperative whole breast irradiation for early-stage breast cancer, a rate of recurrences outside the initial tumour bed lower than 4% was observed. Thus, the highest benefits of breast irradiation seem to result from the dose delivered to the tissue neighbouring the tumour bed. Nonetheless, reducing treatment morbidity while maintaining radiation therapy's ability to decrease local recurrences is an important challenge in treating patients with radiation therapy. In this regard, strategies such as partial-breast irradiation have been developed to reduce toxicity without compromising oncologic outcomes. According to the national and international published guidelines, clinical oncologists can refer to specific dose/fractionation schedules and eligible criteria. However, there are still some areas of open questions. Breast cancer represents a multidisciplinary paradigm; it should be considered a heterogeneous disease where a "one-treatment-fits-all" approach cannot be considered an appropriate option. This is a wide overview on the main partial breast irradiation advantages, risks, timings, techniques, and available recommendations. We aim to provide practical findings to support clinical decision-making, exploring future perspectives, towards a balance for optimisation of breast cancer.
Topics: Female; Humans; Breast; Breast Neoplasms; Combined Modality Therapy; Mastectomy, Segmental; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
PubMed: 37116401
DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2023.04.007 -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Jun 2023To describe long term breast cancer mortality among women with a diagnosis of breast cancer in the past and estimate absolute breast cancer mortality risks for groups of... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
OBJECTIVES
To describe long term breast cancer mortality among women with a diagnosis of breast cancer in the past and estimate absolute breast cancer mortality risks for groups of patients with a recent diagnosis.
DESIGN
Population based observational cohort study.
SETTING
Routinely collected data from the National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service.
PARTICIPANTS
All 512 447 women registered with early invasive breast cancer (involving only breast and possibly axillary nodes) in England during January 1993 to December 2015, with follow-up to December 2020.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Annual breast cancer mortality rates and cumulative risks by time since diagnosis, calendar period of diagnosis, and nine characteristics of patients and tumours.
RESULTS
For women with a diagnosis made within each of the calendar periods 1993-99, 2000-04, 2005-09, and 2010-15, the crude annual breast cancer mortality rate was highest during the five years after diagnosis and then declined. For any given time since diagnosis, crude annual breast cancer mortality rates and risks decreased with increasing calendar period. Crude five year breast cancer mortality risk was 14.4% (95% confidence interval 14.2% to 14.6%) for women with a diagnosis made during 1993-99 and 4.9% (4.8% to 5.0%) for women with a diagnosis made during 2010-15. Adjusted annual breast cancer mortality rates also decreased with increasing calendar period in nearly every patient group, by a factor of about three in oestrogen receptor positive disease and about two in oestrogen receptor negative disease. Considering just the women with a diagnosis made during 2010-15, cumulative five year breast cancer mortality risk varied substantially between women with different characteristics: it was <3% for 62.8% (96 085/153 006) of women but ≥20% for 4.6% (6962/153 006) of women.
CONCLUSIONS
These five year breast cancer mortality risks for patients with a recent diagnosis may be used to estimate breast cancer mortality risks for patients today. The prognosis for women with early invasive breast cancer has improved substantially since the 1990s. Most can expect to become long term cancer survivors, although for a few the risk remains appreciable.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Receptors, Estrogen; Breast; England; Cohort Studies
PubMed: 37311588
DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-074684 -
Lancet (London, England) Jun 2023A tumour-bed boost delivered after whole-breast radiotherapy increases local cancer-control rates but requires more patient visits and can increase breast hardness.... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Dose-escalated simultaneous integrated boost radiotherapy in early breast cancer (IMPORT HIGH): a multicentre, phase 3, non-inferiority, open-label, randomised controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
A tumour-bed boost delivered after whole-breast radiotherapy increases local cancer-control rates but requires more patient visits and can increase breast hardness. IMPORT HIGH tested simultaneous integrated boost against sequential boost with the aim of reducing treatment duration while maintaining excellent local control and similar or reduced toxicity.
METHODS
IMPORT HIGH is a phase 3, non-inferiority, open-label, randomised controlled trial that recruited women after breast-conserving surgery for pT1-3pN0-3aM0 invasive carcinoma from radiotherapy and referral centres in the UK. Patients were randomly allocated to receive one of three treatments in a 1:1:1 ratio, with computer-generated random permuted blocks used to stratify patients by centre. The control group received 40 Gy in 15 fractions to the whole breast and 16 Gy in 8 fractions sequential photon tumour-bed boost. Test group 1 received 36 Gy in 15 fractions to the whole breast, 40 Gy in 15 fractions to the partial breast, and 48 Gy in 15 fractions concomitant photon boost to the tumour-bed volume. Test group 2 received 36 Gy in 15 fractions to the whole breast, 40 Gy in 15 fractions to the partial breast, and 53 Gy in 15 fractions concomitant photon boost to the tumour-bed volume. The boost clinical target volume was the clip-defined tumour bed. Patients and clinicians were not masked to treatment allocation. The primary endpoint was ipsilateral breast tumour relapse (IBTR) analysed by intention to treat; assuming 5% 5-year incidence with the control group, non-inferiority was predefined as 3% or less absolute excess in the test groups (upper limit of two-sided 95% CI). Adverse events were assessed by clinicians, patients, and photographs. This trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN47437448, and is closed to new participants.
FINDINGS
Between March 4, 2009, and Sept 16, 2015, 2617 patients were recruited. 871 individuals were assigned to the control group, 874 to test group 1, and 872 to test group 2. Median boost clinical target volume was 13 cm (IQR 7 to 22). At a median follow-up of 74 months there were 76 IBTR events (20 for the control group, 21 for test group 1, and 35 for test group 2). 5-year IBTR incidence was 1·9% (95% CI 1·2 to 3·1) for the control group, 2·0% (1·2 to 3·2) for test group 1, and 3·2% (2·2 to 4·7) for test group 2. The estimated absolute differences versus the control group were 0·1% (-0·8 to 1·7) for test group 1 and 1·4% (0·03 to 3·8) for test group 2. The upper confidence limit for test group 1 versus the control group indicated non-inferiority for 48 Gy. Cumulative 5-year incidence of clinician-reported moderate or marked breast induration was 11·5% for the control group, 10·6% for test group 1 (p=0·40 vs control group), and 15·5% for test group 2 (p=0·015 vs control group).
INTERPRETATION
In all groups 5-year IBTR incidence was lower than the 5% originally expected regardless of boost sequencing. Dose-escalation is not advantageous. 5-year moderate or marked adverse event rates were low using small boost volumes. Simultaneous integrated boost in IMPORT HIGH was safe and reduced patient visits.
FUNDING
Cancer Research UK.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Neoplasm Staging; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Breast; Mastectomy, Segmental; Breast Diseases
PubMed: 37302395
DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)00619-0