e16334 Background: Liver cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. Although overall mortality has increased over the past two decades, age-specific patterns and demographic disparities are not fully characterized. Here, we analyzed U.S. liver cancer mortality trends from 1999 to 2023, with a focus on age-related, racial and ethnic, and geographic differences. Methods: Mortality data for U.S. adults aged ≥25 years from 1999 to 2023 were obtained from the CDC WONDER database (ICD-10 codes C22.0–C22.9). Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) were standardized to the 2000 U.S. population. Joinpoint regression was used to estimate annual percent change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC) across age groups, sex, race/ethnicity, U.S. census regions, and levels of urbanization. Results: From 1999 to 2023, overall liver cancer AAMRs increased from 6.95 to 10.1 per 100,000. Marked age-specific differences were observed. Mortality among adults aged 45–54 and 55–64 years peaked in the mid-2010s and subsequently experienced significant declines through 2023 (recent APCs < −4.5% for both groups; P < 0.001). Specifically, while the overall AAPC for the 55–64 age group was +1.89%, mortality significantly reversed after 2016 (APC, −4.59%). In contrast, mortality continued to rise among older adults, including those aged 65–74 years (AAPC, +2.26%), 75–84 years (AAPC, +1.69%), and aged ≥85 years (AAPC, +1.77%) (all P < 0.001). Differences in mortality trends were also identified across racial and ethnic groups. Sustained increases were observed among Non-Hispanic White individuals (AAPC, +1.89%; P < 0.001), while Hispanic/Latino populations experienced declines after 2013 (APC, −0.67%; P = 0.003). Non-Hispanic Black individuals demonstrated a significant decrease in mortality between 2017 and 2020 (APC, −3.82%; P = 0.03). Regionally, liver cancer mortality declined in the Northeast after 2013 (APC, −0.66%; P < 0.001), whereas no significant post-peak declines were observed in the South or West. Conclusions: U.S. liver cancer mortality trends exhibit substantial heterogeneity by age, race and ethnicity, and geographic region. The recent, sharp declines among middle-aged adults (APCs < −4.5%) likely reflect the success of large-scale viral hepatitis screenings and highly effective antiviral therapies, whereas continued increases among older adults may relate to the cumulative impact of metabolic risk factors and delayed diagnosis. Persistent racial and regional disparities highlight the need for targeted, age-specific prevention and surveillance strategies.
Trends and disparities in esophageal cancer mortality in the United States, 1999-2023.
e16102 Background: Esophageal cancer remains a significant cause of cancer mortality in the United States. While overall trends have been reported, less is known regarding contemporary long-term patterns and specific disparities across demographic and geographic strata. We aimed to characterize esophageal cancer mortality trajectories and identify populations with divergent outcomes by age, race/ethnicity, geographic region, and urbanization status. Methods: We analyzed esophageal cancer mortality data from 1999 to 2023 using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) WONDER database. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) were standardized to the 2000 U.S. standard population. Joinpoint regression analysis was utilized to estimate the annual percent change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Analyses were stratified by age, sex, race/ethnicity, census region, state, and urbanization level. Results: Overall esophageal cancer mortality in the U.S. declined significantly from 1999 to 2023 (AAPC, -0.81%; 95% CI, -0.97% to -0.65%; P < 0.001). Declines were observed across most age groups, with the steepest reductions among adults aged 45-54 years (AAPC, -1.68%; 95% CI, -2.01% to -1.35%) and 55-64 years (AAPC, -1.25%; 95% CI, -1.51% to -0.99%). Marked racial and ethnic disparities were identified. Non-Hispanic (NH) Black individuals experienced the most rapid decline (AAPC, -4.07%; 95% CI, -4.42% to -3.72%). Conversely, trends among NH White individuals remained stable overall (AAPC, -0.05%; P = 0.59), characterized by an initial increase from 1999 to 2005 (APC, 1.14%; P = 0.002) followed by a modest decline from 2005 to 2023 (APC, -0.44%; P < 0.001). Regionally, the West demonstrated the largest decline (AAPC, -1.13%; 95% CI, -1.26% to -0.99%), followed by the Northeast (AAPC, -1.05%). West Virginia was the only state to exhibit a significant increase in mortality (AAPC, 1.01%; 95% CI, 0.38% to 1.64%; P = 0.003). Mortality declined significantly in metropolitan areas (AAPC, -1.09%; P < 0.001), while trends in nonmetropolitan areas remained stagnant (AAPC, 0.48%; P = 0.12). Conclusions: Despite a national decline in esophageal cancer mortality, substantial disparities persist across racial, geographic, and urbanization groups. The dramatic improvement among NH Black populations contrasts with the relative stability in NH White populations and the lack of progress in nonmetropolitan areas. The significant rise in mortality in West Virginia warrants targeted investigation. These findings underscore the critical need for population-tailored strategies to ensure equitable progress in cancer prevention and care.
Neoadjuvant antibody–drug conjugate regimens without concurrent chemotherapy versus standard chemotherapy in early HER2-positive breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.
e12644 Background: Standard neoadjuvant therapy for HER2-positive early breast cancer combines multi-agent chemotherapy with HER2-targeted antibodies and is associated with substantial toxicity. HER2-directed antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) may enable de-escalation. We compared efficacy and toxicity of neoadjuvant ADC-based regimens given without concurrent chemotherapy versus standard chemotherapy-based regimens, including by platinum use in the control arm. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, and Web of Science through December 18, 2024 for randomized controlled trials in early/locally advanced HER2-positive breast cancer. Eligible trials compared neoadjuvant ADC-based regimens without concurrent chemotherapy versus standard chemotherapy-based regimens. Outcomes were pathologic complete response (pCR; per trial definition), grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs), and treatment discontinuation. Odds ratios (ORs) were pooled and heterogeneity was summarized with I². Results: Nine randomized trials (n = 2,021; mean age 50.7±13.7) were included. There was no significant difference in pCR between groups (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.62–1.40; I² = 59.8%). ADC-based regimens were associated with fewer grade ≥3 AEs (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.11–0.84; I² = 91.5%). Treatment discontinuation did not differ (OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.39–3.12; I² = 85.8%). Findings were consistent when stratified by platinum use in the control regimen. Conclusions: In HER2-positive early breast cancer, neoadjuvant ADC-based regimens without concurrent chemotherapy achieve pCR comparable to standard chemotherapy while substantially reducing severe toxicity without increasing discontinuation, independent of platinum use. Confirmation in phase III trials with mature survival endpoints is needed.
Potential BMI-dependent overall survival differences in postmenopausal breast cancer patients treated with CDK4/6 inhibitors: A Mayo Clinic platform study.
1110 Background: CDK4/6 inhibitors with endocrine therapy are widely used for HR+/HER2– metastatic breast cancer (BC). While studies have shown similar progression-free outcomes across agents, overall survival (OS) data are limited. Since OS is a definitive endpoint and BMI may influence outcomes, this study examines BMI-dependent OS differences among CDK4/6 inhibitors. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Mayo Clinic Platform full AMC1 dataset. Postmenopausal women with BC receiving palbociclib/ribociclib/abemaciclib plus aromatase inhibitor (AI) were included. Patients with prior use of fulvestrant, anthracyclines, radiation therapy, GnRH agonists, or history of MACE, heart failure, myocardial infarction, or stroke before BC diagnosis were excluded. Patients were stratified by BMI and CDK4/6 inhibitor. The primary outcome was 5-year OS. Results: Among 1,989 patients (palbociclib: 868; ribociclib: 465; abemaciclib: 656), palbociclib was associated with significantly worse OS compared to ribociclib in BMI <25 (HR 2.91; 95% CI: 1.76–4.79; P < 0.01) and BMI ≥30 (HR 1.91; 95% CI: 1.21–3.01; P < 0.01). Compared to abemaciclib, palbociclib showed worse OS: BMI <25 (HR 1.73; P < 0.01), BMI 25–30 (HR 1.56; P < 0.01), and BMI ≥30 (HR 1.82; P < 0.01). No significant OS differences were observed between ribociclib and abemaciclib. Palbociclib patients were older, particularly in BMI <25 (Cohen's D = 0.39 vs. ribociclib; 0.27 vs. abemaciclib) and BMI ≥30 (0.28 vs. ribociclib; 0.23 vs. abemaciclib). In the BMI 25–30 group, palbociclib group was also older than ribociclib group (Cohen's D = 0.26). Conclusions: In postmenopausal BC patients on AIs and CDK4/6 inhibitors, palbociclib was associated with worse OS in BMI < 25 and BMI ≥ 30 groups, while ribociclib and abemaciclib showed similar outcomes across BMI groups. Palbociclib patients were older than those on other drugs, which may partially confound results; however, in the BMI 25–30 group, despite similar age differences, no survival difference was observed between palbociclib and ribociclib, suggesting age alone may have limited impact. These findings indicate a potential interaction between BMI and drug choice, and highlight the need for prospective studies to confirm and adjust for these variables. Limitations include the observational design and inability to perform multivariable regression analyses to adjust for confounders. Overall survival comparisons by CDK4/6 inhibitor and BMI subgroup. Comparison BMI Group Hazard Ratio (95% CI) P-value Palbociclib vs Ribociclib <25 2.91 (1.76 – 4.79) < 0.01 25 – 30 1.34 (0.87 – 2.071) 0.17 ≥30 1.91 (1.21 – 3.01) < 0.01 Palbociclib vs Abemaciclib <25 1.73 (1.29 – 2.32) < 0.01 25 – 30 1.56 (1.09 – 2.23) < 0.01 ≥30 1.82 (1.15 – 2.88) < 0.01 Ribociclib vs Abemaciclib <25 1.27 (0.81 – 1.99) 0.29 25 – 30 0.87 (0.54 – 1.43) 0.59 ≥30 1.05 (0.63 – 1.75) 0.85
Differential risk patterns of secondary breast cancer in medullary versus papillary thyroid carcinoma survivors: A SEER-based analysis.
10585 Background: Prior studies suggest that thyroid cancer (TC) survivors may have an elevated risk of secondary malignancies. However, whether this risk differs by TC histology, specifically with breast cancer (BC), remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between TC subtype—papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) versus medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)—and subsequent BC risk, adjusting for demographic factors. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the SEER (2000–2022), including adults with a primary, microscopically confirmed PTC or MTC. Subsequent BC occurrence was defined as a binary outcome (yes/no). Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for MTC versus PTC, controlling for age (<50 vs ≥50 years), sex, and race. Stratified analyses by age and race were also performed. Stata 15 was used for statistical analyses. Results: 14,840 patients (14,563 PTC, 277 MTC) were included. MTC patients were older (mean 59.08±12.66 vs 56.16±12.98 years, p<0.001) and had a higher proportion of males (44.4% vs 29.4%, p<0.001). The overall incidence of secondary BC was lower in MTC patients (7.6% vs 22.5%, p<0.001). In unadjusted logistic regression, MTC was associated with significantly lower BC risk (OR=0.28, 95% CI: 0.18–0.44, p<0.001). After adjustment, MTC remained significantly protective (aOR=0.34, 95% CI: 0.22–0.55, p<0.001). Stratified analyses demonstrated consistent findings across age groups (<50: aOR=0.10, 95% CI: 0.03–0.42; ≥50: aOR=0.34, 95% CI: 0.21–0.54), , as well as white and Hispanic patients. Conclusions: Survivors of MTC have a substantially lower risk of developing secondary BC compared to PTC survivors. This association persists after adjustment for age, sex, and race, and is consistent across age and most racial subgroups. However, different BC types were not assessed due to limited number of BC patients among MTC survivors, and the small MTC sample size and potential survival differences between groups may affect the results. These findings highlight a possible effect of TC subtype on BC risk, suggesting the potential influence of underlying biological or genetic mechanisms. Baseline demographic characteristics of patients with papillary and medullary thyroid carcinoma. Characteristic Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC) (N=14,563) Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) (N=277) P-value Age at Diagnosis 0.0002* Mean ± SD, years 56.16 ± 12.98 59.08 ± 12.66 Median, years 57 61 Sex, n (%) <0.001† Female 10,288 (70.6) 154 (55.6) Male 4,275 (29.4) 123 (44.4) Race, n (%) 0.015† White 10,263 (70.5) 197 (71.1) Black 921 (6.3) 15 (5.4) American Indian 77 (0.5) 1 (0.4) Asian 1,379 (9.5) 13 (4.7) Hispanic 1,903 (13.1) 50 (18.1) SD: Standard Deviation. *P-value from two-sample t-test (equal variances assumed). †P-value from chi-square test for the overall distribution across categories.