Raheem, Farah

PURPOSE Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer. Early-stage, high-risk patients with TNBC are treated with chemotherapy and pembrolizumab per the KEYNOTE-522 regimen. This report examines real-world clinical effectiveness and toxicity of this regimen. METHODS This 19-site retrospective analysis included all patients who received at least one dose of the KEYNOTE-522 regimen. Safety, efficacy, and health care encounters were collected. RESULTS 675 patients from 19 sites in the United States who received chemotherapy and pembrolizumab for early-stage TNBC were included. 547 (81.0%) patients underwent surgery and 250 (54.7%) patients had a pathologic complete response (pCR). No baseline characteristics were predictive of pCR status. 224 patients (33.2%) had an adverse drug event resulting in ≥1 dose reduction of chemotherapy and were significantly more likely to have residual disease. Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) were observed in 388 (57.5%) patients and grade 3+ irAEs were observed in 176 (26.1%) patients. There was no difference in pCR status between provider's choice chemotherapy schedules. There was no difference of pCR rate between Black and White patients (55.6% v 51.6%, P = .489). White patients were significantly more likely to have any grade and grade 3+ irAEs. Older patients (age ≥65 years) had similar pCR rates compared with younger patients; however, older patients were significantly more likely to have grade 3+ irAEs. CONCLUSIONS In this multi-institutional real-world cohort, we observed a lower pCR rate, higher rates of toxicity, frequent emergency health care utilization, and the reporting of rare irAEs at higher frequency than the KEYNOTE-522 regimen. These findings have important implications for clinical management of patients with early-stage TNBC and warrant further validation with real-world data sets.

ABSTRACT Interactions between clinical pharmacists and industry partners continue to evolve as health care increases in complexity and technology assumes a more dominant role. To address the corresponding ethical challenges, the 2025 Industry Relations Committee of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) was charged with updating the 2008 ACCP position statement, Pharmacists and Industry: Guidelines for Ethical Interactions . This update expands its perspective, reflecting the broader and more influential roles pharmacists play across the health care ecosystem. All clinical pharmacist–industry interactions should be grounded in improving patient care. Through this lens, six recommendations are provided: (1) Pharmacists should not engage in industry partnerships or collaborations that might unduly influence objectivity, independence, or fairness in clinical and professional judgments; (2) Pharmacists should disclose and mitigate financial, consulting, or other relationships that constitute potential conflicts of interest and should not participate in activities where an existing conflict cannot be resolved; (3) Pharmacists who participate in industry‐sponsored research should follow accepted ethical, regulatory, and scientific standards; (4) Pharmacists providing continuing education programs or developing drug information materials should maintain control of content; ensure their content is fair, balanced, and free from bias; and disclose and mitigate any conflicts; (5) Formal instruction on ethical interactions with industry professionals should begin early and continue through all stages of pharmacist education, training, and professional development; (6) Pharmacists should maintain the confidentiality and privacy of patients and other health care professionals when working with industry partners. Questions to guide personal industry interactions are provided. This paper does not detail every emerging area (e.g., artificial intelligence, social media), but recommendations are applicable wherever clinical pharmacists leverage their professional expertise. By maintaining a critical, discerning, and ethical approach to industry collaborations, clinical pharmacists can uphold professional obligations while contributing to the advancement of evidence‐based practice, ultimately prioritizing patient welfare.

Abstract Introduction Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype lacking estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR), and HER2 expression. It accounts for ∼15% of breast cancers and is more common in Black women, younger patients, and those with BRCA1 mutations. TNBC carries a poor prognosis with 5-year survival rates of 92% (localized), 66.8% (regional), and 14.3% (metastatic). Patients with high-risk of recurrence can be treated with different adjuvant therapies based on results of 3 trials (capecitabine, pembrolizumab, olaparib), but data on adverse events (AE) on their combination is limited.High-risk, stage II-III TNBC is treated with curative intent using neoadjuvant chemotherapy with pembrolizumab, followed by surgery and radiation. Pembrolizumab, an anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor, was FDA-approved in 2021 based on KEYNOTE-522. This phase III trial showed that pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy significantly improved pathologic complete response (pCR) and event-free survival (EFS). 3-year EFS was 84.5% vs. 76.8% with placebo (HR 0.63); 5-year follow-up confirmed sustained benefit, with OS of 86.6%. Patients achieving pCR had better outcomes, while those with residual disease remained at high risk for recurrence, justifying further adjuvant therapy.In KEYNOTE-522, grade ≥3 treatment-related (AEs occurred in 77.1% receiving pembrolizumab-chemotherapy vs. 73.3% with placebo-chemotherapy. Pembrolizumab was linked to more serious AEs (34.1% vs. 20.1%) and higher discontinuation rates (23.3% vs. 12.3%). Before pembrolizumab, capecitabine was standard of care for TNBC with residual disease, based on the CREATE-X trial (HR 0.52 for OS benefit). Common AEs included hand-foot syndrome, fatigue, and liver enzyme elevation. Notably, KEYNOTE-522 excluded adjuvant capecitabine, and CREATE-X predated the use of pembrolizumab. Olaparib, a PARP inhibitor, was FDA-approved in 2022 for high-risk early TNBC with germline BRCA mutations, based on OlympiA. It improved invasive disease-free and OS. Grade ≥3 AEs included anemia, neutropenia, and fatigue. OlympiA did not include pembrolizumab or capecitabine, limiting insight into optimal sequencing or combination. Currently, no trials compare pembrolizumab, capecitabine, or olaparib directly, nor do they guide how to sequence or combine these therapies. Despite NCCN guidelines allowing combined/sequential use in high-risk patients, real-world safety and outcome data are lacking. This study aims to evaluate and compare the safety and effectiveness of capecitabine, olaparib, pembrolizumab, and their combinations. We will describe AE rates, onset, discontinuation, and dose modifications to inform clinical management and help reduce early termination of effective therapies. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational study across all Mayo Clinic sites. Eligible patients were ≥18 years with early-stage TNBC who initiated adjuvant therapy with capecitabine, pembrolizumab, olaparib, or combinations (capecitabine + pembrolizumab or olaparib + pembrolizumab) from October 2018 to September 2024. Patients with metastatic disease, other active malignancies, or receiving concurrent investigational therapy were excluded. The primary outcomes were incidence and timing of treatment-related AEs. Secondary outcomes included time to AE resolution, immune-related AEs, treatment interruptions/modifications, early discontinuation, and EFS. Time-to-event data will be analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models. Subgroup analyses by age, DPYD status, regimen, and dosing will be conducted. Data was abstracted from electronic health records and managed using REDCap. Results Data collection is completed. Final analyses are being conducted, and results will be presented at SABCS 2025. Citation Format: R. Garza-Morales, F. Raheem, D. Alton, S. Sharma, B. Murad, W. Harris, E. Terwilliger, F. Batalini. Analysis of Adverse Events and Outcomes of Adjuvant Therapies in TNBC as Monotherapy and Combination: Pembrolizumab, Capecitabine, and Olaparib [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2025; 2025 Dec 9-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2026;32(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS4-10-06.

1089 Background: T-DXd has become an important treatment option in mBC and other malignancies. Interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis (ILD) occurred in 10-14% of pts in the DESTINY-Breast trials (0-2% G5 ILD), and with potential lower incidence/severity in earlier line settings (Krop et al, ASCO 2023). We previously reported the Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN experience with T-DXd related ILD in mBC (Hoppenworth et al, ASCO 2024). Here, we expand the data to include patients treated at all locations of the Mayo Clinic Enterprise. Methods: We retrospectively identified pts with mBC who received ≥1 dose of T-DXd across the Mayo Clinic enterprise (Rochester, MN; Mayo Clinic Health System locations in MN/WI; Scottsdale, AZ; and Jacksonville, FL) between July 2022-December 2023. Demographic, mBC characteristics, and pulmonary clinical variables were abstracted from the clinical records. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Diagnosis of ILD was determined by treating clinicians, and severity was approximated to CTCAE V5 based on clinical documentation. Results: 252 pts with mBC received T-DXd during the study period. The majority were Caucasian (86%) and female (99%) with a median age of 63. 91 pts (36%) were current/formers smokers and 97 (39%) had prior pulmonary comorbidities. The majority had HER2 low (155, 62%) and HR positive (164, 65%) mBC. 35 (14%) developed any grade ILD [G1: 6 (17%), G2: 13 (37%), G3: 3 (8.6%), G4: 3 (8.6%), G5: 10 (29%)], with 15 (43%) presenting with ≥G3. 29 (83%) presented with at least 1 symptom (cough or SOB). Among those with previous pulmonary toxicity, 4 (33%) had previous pneumonitis in the ILD cohort. The median prior lines of all therapies (including endocrine therapy) were 5, with a median of 3 prior lines of chemotherapy in both the ILD (range 1-13) and non-ILD cohorts (range 1-13). Median onset to any grade ILD was 7 cycles. 20 pts (57%) received steroids for ILD. 14 (40%) had a bronchoscopy, all had a CT chest, 16 (46%) were hospitalized, 7 (20%) were intubated and 1 (3%) had a lung biopsy. Pts with G5 ILD had a median of 3 lines of chemo and a median of 8 cycles prior to onset of ILD, compared to 3 lines of chemo and a median of 7 cycles for those with G1-4 ILD. G5 pts were all Caucasian females, 5 were former smokers, 5 were non-smokers, 1 had a history of pneumonitis. T-DXd was rechallenged in 4 pts (G1-2 ILD) without ILD recurrence. Conclusions: In this retrospective case series,14% of pts treated with T-DXd experienced any grade ILD (4% G5) which is in alignment with the rate observed in the pivotal DESTINY-Breast trials, though with higher rates of G5 toxicity. Among those with ILD, increased lines of therapy were not associated with increased risk. Further research is needed to correlate risk.

Purpose The time to complete oncology pharmacist tasks is needed to determine workload and productivity. The Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) and the Hematology/Oncology Practice and Research Network (PRN) of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) partnered with the aim of establishing consensus on the time required to complete oncology pharmacy tasks. Methods Fifteen patient care tasks and 9 non-patient care tasks, commonly completed by oncology pharmacists were each assigned an average amount of time to be completed. This list was then converted into 24 statements and the Delphi survey method was utilized with an expert panel to arrive at consensus between December 2023 and February 2024. Consensus was defined as at least 75% agreement. The complete manuscript was endorsed by HOPA and ACCP Hematology/Oncology PRN. Results Thirty-three pharmacist-experts agreed to participate in this survey with all participating in round 1, and 29 (87.9%) participating in round 2. In round 1, 9 tasks achieved consensus, with 7 of these being classified as patient care associated. Seven statements reaching 65% but less than 75% agreement were deemed to reach borderline consensus. Eight statements failed to achieve at least 65% agreement and were modified based on respondent feedback. In round 2, 15 statements were included with all achieving consensus. At the completion of round 2, all 24 statements reached consensus, and the survey was deemed complete. Conclusion This project produced the first comprehensive consensus statements for the average time for a US-based oncology pharmacist to complete common patient and non-patient care-related tasks.

Abstract Background Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors have significantly improved outcomes for patients with ER+/HER2− breast cancer. Nevertheless, they differ from each other in terms of chemical, biological, and pharmacological features, as well as toxicity profiles. We aim to determine whether QTc prolongation is caused by CDK4/6i in general or if it is associated with ribociclib only. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the prevalence of QTc prolongation as an adverse event in HR+ breast cancer patients treated with CDK4/6i vs those without CDK4/6i. We pooled relative risk (RR) and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for the binary endpoint of QT prolongation. Results We included 14 RCTs comprising 16 196 patients, of whom 8576 underwent therapy with CDK4/6i. An increased risk of QTc prolongation was associated with the use of CDK4/6i (RR = 2.35, 95% CI = 1.67 to 3.29, P < .001; I2 = 44%). Subgroup analyses revealed a significant increase in the QTc interval for the ribociclib and palbociclib cohorts. The ribociclib subgroup showed a relative risk of 3.12 (95% CI = 2.09 to 4.65, P < .001; I2 = 12%), whereas the palbociclib subgroup had a relative risk of 1.51 (95% CI = 1.05 to 2.15, P = .025; I2 = 0%). Conclusion Palbociclib was associated with QTc prolongation; however, the relative risk for any grade QTc was quantitively twice with ribociclib. Furthermore, grade 3 QTc prolongations were observed exclusively with ribociclib. These results are important for guiding clinical decision-making and provide reassurance regarding the overall safety profile of this drug class.

Abstract Abstract Title: Real-world analysis comparing Black and White patients with triple-negative breast cancer receiving therapy per KEYNOTE-522 Background: KEYNOTE-522 was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial which resulted in the FDA approval of pembrolizumab with neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with newly diagnosed, high-risk, early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Despite the significant improvement in pathological complete response (pCR) and event-free survival rates across all patients, the landmark trial included only 4.5% Black patients. It is essential to assess outcomes in representative treatment populations. We assessed real-world toxicity and treatment outcomes across Black and White patients who received standard-of-care treatment per KEYNOTE-522. Methods: In this retrospective, multicenter study, we examined patients with early-stage TNBC who received planned treatment per KEYNOTE-522 as standard-of-care (SOC) therapy. 16 sites were included in the analysis. IRB approval was obtained from each participating site. Number and length of treatment delays, treatment-related toxicities (both chemotherapy and immune-related) of all grades, and pCR rate were collected from the electronic medical record of each participating site, and deidentified data were shared for central analysis. Results: Of the 577 patients who initiated treatment with chemotherapy and immunotherapy, 534 patients were included in this analysis with 105 patients who self-identified as Black (19.7%) and 429 who self-identified as White (80.3%). There were no statistically significant differences in clinical and pathological characteristics between the two groups. White women were more likely to have grade 3+ immune-related adverse events (irAEs) compared to Black women (33.8% vs 20.9%, P=0.011). There was no significant difference across Black and White patients with respect to grade 3+ chemotherapy-related adverse events. Out of the 444 patients who have completed surgery, no difference in pCR rate was observed between Black and White women (45/86 52.3% vs 200/358 55.9%) (p = 0.6). The authors also saw no difference in the rates of hospitalizations between Black and White women (39% vs 36% p = 0.5), and rates of acute care utilization (38% vs 38% p = 0.9). Conclusions: We report safety and efficacy across Black and White women in a real-world analysis of patients who received treatment per KEYNOTE-522. Notably, White patients had a significantly higher frequency of grade 3+ irAEs, although the reason for this finding is unclear based on this analysis. Black patients had similar pCR rates and rates of treatment-related hospitalizations compared to White patients. Assessment of outcomes and toxicity by race in clinical trials and real-world analyses are critical in drug development. Citation Format: Mara Hofherr, Andrew Davis, Spenser January, Emily Owen, Farah Raheem, Lida A. Mina, Suganya Arunachalam Karikalan, Lauren Lyons, Meredith Watson Rose, Katherine Madden, Jerline Hsin, Aimee Keegan, Wai Yu, Shawna Kraft, Allison Schepers, Emily Armgardt, Douglas Mazewski, Alison Svoboda, Kayla Harwood, Jodi Taraba, Yonatan Resnick, Shelly Hummert, Lisa Grate, Sidney Keisner, Jacob Hobbs, Todd Davis, Kristin Bastian, Dawn Minikel, Wiliam Adler, Traci White, Avneek Singh Sandu, Fouad Boulbol, Kelsey Finch, Katherine Clifton. Real-world analysis comparing Black and White patients with triple-negative breast cancer receiving therapy per KEYNOTE-522 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PS14-02.

Abstract Title: Real-world analysis of adverse events in patients with triple-negative breast cancer receiving therapy per KEYNOTE-522 Background: KEYNOTE-522 was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial which resulted in the FDA approval of pembrolizumab with neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients (pts) with newly diagnosed, high-risk, early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Given the improvement in pathological complete response (pCR) and event-free survival rates, this regimen has emerged as standard-of-care (SOC) therapy. To date, real world outcome analyses are limited. Methods: In this retrospective, multicenter study, we examined pts with early-stage TNBC who received planned treatment per KEYNOTE-522 as SOC. 16 sites were included in the analysis. IRB approval was obtained from each participating site. Number and length of treatment delays, treatment related toxicities (both chemotherapy and immune-related) of all grades, and pCR rate were collected from the electronic medical record of each participating site, and deidentified data were shared for central analysis. Results: 577 pts were included in this analysis. The median age of the cohort was 52 [range 27-77]. 457 pts had T1-2 disease and 139 had T3-4 disease. 316 pts had N0 disease and 261 had N1-3 disease. 506 pts had baseline ECOG 0, 62 had ECOG 1, and 9 had ECOG 2-3. Of the 482 patients who had surgery at the time of this analysis, 219 patients had pCR (54.5%) and 192 pts were still receiving treatment. 217 patients (37%) had an adverse drug event (ADE) causing dose reductions and 228 patients (39.5%) had to discontinue treatment early. There were 360 unplanned care visits, with 91 patients having 2+ visits. 66 patients had hospitalizations due to the regimen with 102 total hospitalizations. 179 (31%) of patients had grade 3+ immune related adverse events (irAEs), including many that are rare and potentially serious. 317 (54%) had an immune related adverse effect (see Table 1). There was no significant difference in the frequency of grade 3+ irAE based on age or body mass index. We observed no difference in residual disease between patients who discontinued treatment early and those who did not. However, if patients had an ADR causing a dose reduction, pts were significantly more likely to have residual disease (P=0.039) Conclusions: In a multicenter real-world analysis, the KEYNOTE-522 regimen was associated with a high frequency of dose reductions, early treatment discontinuations, ER visits, and hospitalizations. This may have accounted for a lower pCR rate than observed in the landmark clinical trial. Most grade 3+ irAEs occurred at greater frequency in our real-world analysis. Providers should carefully monitor for toxicity to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Table 1 Citation Format: Mara Hofherr, Katherine Clifton, Spenser January, Emily Owen, Farah Raheem, Lida A. Mina, Suganya Arunachalam Karikalan, Lauren Lyons, Meredith Watson Rose, Katherine Madden, Jerline Hsin, Aimee Keegan, Wai Yu, Shawna Kraft, Allison Schepers, Emily Armgardt, Douglas Mazewski, Alison Svoboda, Kayla Harwood, Jodi Taraba, Yonatan Resnick, Shelly Hummert, Lisa Grate, Sidney Keisner, Jacob Hobbs, Todd Davis, Kristin Bastian, Dawn Minikel, Traci White, William Adler, Avneek Singh Sandu, Fouad Boulbol, Kelsey Finch, Andrew Davis. Real-World Analysis of Adverse Events in Patients with Triple Negative Breast Cancer Receiving Therapy per KEYNOTE-522 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PS14-06.

Endocrine therapy is the main treatment for hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer. However, advanced tumors develop resistance to endocrine therapy, rendering it ineffective as the disease progresses. There are several molecular mechanisms of primary and secondary endocrine resistance. Resistance can develop due to either alteration of the estrogen receptor pathway (e.g., ESR1 mutations) or upstream growth factors signaling pathways (e.g., PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway). Despite progress in the development of molecularly targeted anticancer therapies, the emergence of resistance remains a major limitation and an area of unmet need. In this article, we review the mechanisms of acquired endocrine resistance in HR+ advanced breast cancer and discuss current and future investigational therapeutic approaches.