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Julian, Thomas B.

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7460-3141

Mayo Clinic

Allegheny Health Network

Citations 16

Lumpectomy Margins and Local Recurrence in DCIS
Wapnir, IL, Dignam, James J., Li, Jiahe, Suga, J.Marie, Brufsky, Adam M., Hopkins, Judith O. , Zeitzer, Kenneth, Lyons, Janice A., Conlin, Alison K., Kuerer, Henry M. , Siddique, Shahzad, Vallow, Laura A., Albain, Kathy S. , Cianfrocca, Mary, Julian, Thomas B. , Boileau, Jean Francois, Mamounas, Eleftherios P. , Suga, Jennifer M. , Cecchini, Reena S. , Dignam, James J. , Anderson, Stewart , Brufsky, Adam , Conlin, Alison, Kuerer, Henry M. , Mamounas, Eleftherios P. , Wolmark, Norman

JAMA Surgery | July 1, 2026 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available

10.1001/jamasurg.2026.2340 Get It

Importance The NRG Oncology research organization and NSABP B-35 randomized clinical trial prospectively collected margin width data on postmenopausal women with hormone receptor (HR)–positive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who underwent lumpectomy, whole-breast irradiation (WBI), and randomly assigned adjuvant anastrozole or tamoxifen therapy. This permitted analysis of outcomes per margin width. Objective To analyze the effect of margin width on ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR). Design, Setting, and Participants NSABP B-35 was a phase 3, double-blind, randomized clinical trial in which patients were randomized to either 5 years of tamoxifen or anastrozole. Postmenopausal women with HR-positive DCIS and tumor-free margins were eligible. Enrollment was from January 6, 2003, to June 15, 2006, in academic and community hospital members of the NSABP. Study data were analyzed from July 2024 to April 2025. Interventions There were no specific interventions based on lumpectomy margin width. Main Outcomes and Measures Lumpectomy margin width data were prospectively collected within 3 months of randomization. A pathology form classified margins as positive (ink on tumor), close (<1 mm), or negative (≥1 mm). For the negative margin subgroup, closest margin width was stated separately. Thus, an ancillary analysis using 1-mm and 2-mm margin width partitions was performed. Results A total of 3104 postmenopausal women (mean [SD] age, 61 [7.8] years) were enrolled in NSABP B-35. In an ancillary analysis, 2707 patients were included in the 1-mm margin width partition group, and 2546 patients were included in the 2-mm margin width partition group. IBTR was the most common first event, occurring in 90 of 2707 patients (3.3%): 24 of 502 patients (4.8%) with a margin width less than 1 mm and 66 of 2205 patients (3.0%) with a margin width greater than or equal to 1 mm. Ten-year unadjusted cumulative incidence of IBTR events was 5.6% vs 4.0% for margins less than 1 mm vs margins greater than or equal to 1 mm ( P = .04). Using 2 mm as the discriminant threshold for margin width, 39 of 879 patients (4.4%) with margins less than 2 mm and 49 of 1667 patients (2.9%) with margins greater than or equal to 2 mm experienced an IBTR first. Ten-year unadjusted cumulative incidence of IBTR events with margins less than or equal to 2 mm was 5.3% vs 3.8% for those with margins greater than 2 mm ( P = .05). In models adjusting for other patient and tumor factors, margin width was not a significant predictor of IBTR risk (2-mm threshold hazard ratio, 1.33; 95% CI, 0.86-2.06). Conclusions and Relevance Results of this ancillary analysis of the NSABP B-35 trial show that absolute differences in IBTR rates using margin width groupings of less than 1 mm or greater than or equal to 1 mm and margin width groupings of less than 2 mm or greater than or equal to 2 mm in postmenopausal women with HR-positive DCIS receiving lumpectomy, WBI, and adjuvant endocrine therapy were small. Omission of reexcision lumpectomies based on margin widths of less than 1 mm or less than 2 mm can be reconsidered in appropriate patients. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00053898
NRG-BR007: A phase III trial evaluating de-escalation of breast radiation (DEBRA) following breast-conserving surgery of stage 1, HR+, HER2-, RS ≤18 breast cancer.
White, Julia , Mamounas, Eleftherios P. , Bazan, Jose G. , Ganz, Patricia A. , Théberge, Valérie, Zellars, Richard C. , Shumway, Dean A. , Chen, Guang‐Pei , Julian, Thomas B. , Cecchini, Reena S. , Harris, Eleanor E R , Mamounas, Eleftherios P. , Stover, Daniel G. , Jagsi, Reshma , Anderson, Stewart , Bergom, Carmen , El-Tamer, Mahmoud Bahij , Wolmark, Norman

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2025 | Volume: 43 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: No page available

10.1200/jco.2025.43.16_suppl.tps625 Get It

TPS625 Background: Approximately 50% of newly diagnosed invasive breast cancers are stage 1, with the majority being ER/PR-positive, HER2-negative. Genomic assays such as the Oncotype DX have identified patients (pts) with reduced risk of distant metastasis and without benefit from chemotherapy added to endocrine therapy (ET), freeing them from excess toxicity. Genomic assays are also recognized as prognostic for in-breast recurrence (IBR) after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and could similarly allow de-escalation of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT). Reducing overtreatment is of interest to pts, providers, and payers. Methods: We hypothesize that BCS alone is non-inferior to BCS plus RT for IBR and breast preservation in women intending ET for stage 1 invasive breast cancer (ER and/or PR-positive, HER2-negative with an Oncotype DX Recurrence Score [RS] of ≤18). Stratification is by age (<60; ≥60), tumor size (≤1 cm; >1-2cm), and RS (≤11, >11-18/MammaPrint Low). Pts are randomized post-BCS to Arm 1 with breast RT using standard methods (moderate or ultra hypo- or conventional-fractionated whole breast RT with/without boost, or APBI) with ≥5 yrs of ET (tamoxifen or AI) or Arm 2 with ≥5 yrs of ET (tamoxifen or AI) alone. The specific regimen of ET in both arms is at the treating physician’s discretion. Eligible pts are stage 1: pT1 (≤2 cm), pN0, age ≥50 to <70 yrs, s/p BCS with negative margins (no ink on tumor), s/p axillary nodal staging (SNB or ALND), ER and/or PR-positive (ASCO/CAP), HER2-negative (ASCO/CAP), and Oncotype DX RS ≤18 (diagnostic core biopsy or resected specimen). A “low risk” MammaPrint is permissible if completed as part of usual care prior to screening. Primary endpoint is IBR (invasive breast cancer or DCIS). Secondary endpoints are breast conservation rate, invasive in-breast recurrence, relapse-free interval, distant disease-free survival, overall survival, patient-reported breast pain, patient-reported worry about recurrence, and adherence to ET. We assume a clinically acceptable difference in IBR of 4% at 10 yrs to judge omission of RT as non-inferior (10-yr event-free survival for RT group is 95.6% v 91.6% for the omission-of-RT group). BR007 is powered to detect non-inferiority with 80% power and a one-sided α=0.025, assuming that there would be a ramp-up in accrual in the first two years (leveling off in Yrs 3-5); 1,670 pts (835 per arm) are required for randomization. Conservative loss to follow-up is 1%/yr. Some T1a pts screened may have Oncotype DX scores >18, making them ineligible for the study. In the accrual process, 1,714 pts will be required to register to ensure that our final randomized cohort is 1,670 pts. As of 1-6-2025: 1,168/1,670 pts have been randomly assigned, and 1,294 screened. Support: U10 CA180868, -180822, UG1 CA189867. Clinical trial information: NCT04852887 .
Breast Tumor-Bed Biopsy for Pathological Complete Response Prediction
Cecchini, Reena S. , Santos, Jennifer De Los , Umphrey, Heidi , Julian, Thomas B. , Mamounas, Eleftherios P. , White, Julia , Balanoff, Christa , Tan, Antoinette R. , Weber, Joseph J., Edmonson, David , Brown‐Glaberman, Ursa, Diego, Emilia J. , Teshome, Mediget , Matsen, Cindy , Seaward, Samantha A. , Wapnir, Irene , Wagner, Jamie L., Tjoe, Judy A., Thompson, Alastair M., Seaward, Samantha A , Basik, Mark , Mamounas, Eleftherios P. , Lucas, Peter C. , Wolmark, Norman

JAMA Surgery | May 7, 2025 | Volume: 160 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 723

10.1001/jamasurg.2025.1072 Get It

Importance Use of modern neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) regimens has markedly increased rates of pathologic complete response (pCR) in breast cancer, raising the question of whether surgical removal of the primary tumor is required for patients with pCR. For surgery to be omitted, one must be able to accurately predict pCR before surgery. Objective To investigate if adding post-NAC core needle biopsy of the tumor bed to trimodality imaging in patients who have clinical complete response (cCR) will predict pCR (resolution of both invasive disease and ductal carcinoma in situ) in 90% or more cases. Design, Setting, and Participants This was a phase 2, prospective, nonrandomized clinical trial. Patients were enrolled from August 2017 to June 2019. This is the final analysis, which was completed in December 2023. The setting included academic and community hospital center members of NRG (ie, the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project, the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, and the Gynecologic Oncology Group) in the US and Canada. Patients with operable (T1-T3, stage I-III) invasive ductal carcinoma who completed NAC and achieved cCR and radiological complete response (rCR) or near rCR by mammography (mass ≤1 cm and no malignant microcalcifications), ultrasound (mass ≤2 cm), and magnetic resonance imaging (no mass with rapid rise or washout kinetics). Interventions Patients underwent marker-directed stereotactic multiple-core needle biopsy of the tumor bed with marker placement before breast-conservation surgery. Main Outcomes and Measures End points were negative predictive value (NPV) and sensitivity of the biopsy. Results A total of 105 patients were enrolled with 101 evaluable (mean [SD] age, 52.8 [10.5] years); 77 patients (76.2%) were younger than 60 years, and all breast cancer subtypes were represented with 32 (31.7%) triple-negative breast cancer, 21 (20.8%) hormone receptor–positive/epidermal growth factor receptor 2 ( ERBB2 ; formerly HER2 )–negative ( ERBB2 −) breast cancer, and 46 (45.5%) ERBB2 -positive ( ERBB2 +) breast cancer. In 101 evaluable patients, 36 had residual disease at surgery (pCR = 64%). With imaging criteria, NPV of the biopsy was 78.3% (95% CI, 67.9%-86.6%), and the sensitivity of the biopsy was 50% (95% CI, 32.9%-67.1%). In an exploratory subset analysis, the NPV in patients with ERBB2 + breast cancer was 90% (95% CI, 76.3%-97.2%). On retrospective central review, 62 of 101 enrolled patients met imaging eligibility criteria. In this exploratory post hoc analysis, NPV in these patients was 86.8% (95% CI, 74.7%-94.5%). Conclusions and Relevance These findings do not support breast conservation treatment without surgery based on the study criteria for cCR and rCR/near rCR by trimodality imaging and negative tumor-bed biopsy. Strict adherence to imaging criteria may be required to achieve acceptable predictive values. TRIAL Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03188393
Quality-of-life outcomes from NRG Oncology NSABP B-39/RTOG 0413: whole-breast irradiation vs accelerated partial-breast irradiation after breast-conserving surgery
Ganz, Patricia A. , Cecchini, Reena S. , White, Julia , Vicini, Frank A. , Arthur, Douglas W., Rabinovitch, Rachel , Kuske, Robert R. , Julian, Thomas B. , Parda, David S., Scheier, Michael F. , Winter, Kathryn, Paik, Soonmyung , Kuerer, Henry M. , Vallow, Laura A., Pierce, Lori J. , Mamounas, Eleftherios P. , Germain, Isabelle, Gustafson, Gregory S, Grossheim, Linda , Petersen, Ivy A. , Curran, Walter J. , White, Julia R , Hudes, Richard S , Wolmark, Norman , Mamounas, Eleftherios P. , McCormick, Beryl L. , Bear, Harry D. , Wolmark, Norman

JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute | September 10, 2024 | Volume: 117 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 103-111

10.1093/jnci/djae219 Get It

Abstract Background NRG Oncology NSABP B-39/RTOG 0413 compared whole-breast irradiation (WBI) to accelerated partial-breast irradiation (APBI). APBI was not equivalent to WBI in local tumor control. Secondary outcome was quality of life (QOL). Methods The QOL sub-study used validated self-report questionnaires, including the Breast Cancer Treatment Outcome Scale (BCTOS) and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) vitality scale. Assessments occurred before random assignment, at treatment completion (chemotherapy or radiotherapy), 4 weeks later, at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. Primary aims: cosmesis change equivalency (baseline to 3 years; a priori margin of equivalence 0.4 standard deviations) and fatigue change superiority (baseline to end of treatment [EOT]) for APBI vs WBI, by patient groups treated with or without chemotherapy when appropriate. Results From March 21, 2005 to May 25, 2009, 975 patients enrolled in this sub-study; 950 had follow-up data. APBI had 3-year cosmesis equivalent to WBI (95% CI = -0.0001 to -0.16; equivalence margin -0.22 to -0.22) in all patients. The APBI group without chemotherapy had less EOT fatigue (P = .011; mean score APBI 63 vs WBI 59); the APBI group receiving chemotherapy had worse EOT fatigue (P = .011; APBI 43 vs WBI 49). The APBI group reported less pain (BCTOS) at EOT (WBI 2.29 vs APBI 1.97) but worse pain at 3 years (WBI 1.62 vs APBI 1.71). APBI patients reported greater convenience of care than with WBI and reported less symptom severity at EOT and 4 weeks later. Conclusion Cosmetic outcomes were similar for the APBI and WBI groups, with small statistically significant differences in other outcomes that varied over time. Differences in fatigue and other symptoms appeared to resolve by ≥6 months. APBI may be preferred by some patients, for whom extended treatment is burdensome. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00103181.
NRG-BR007: A phase III trial evaluating de-escalation of breast radiation (DEBRA) following breast-conserving surgery of stage 1, HR+, HER2-, RS ≤18 breast cancer.
White, Julia , Mamounas, Eleftherios P. , Théberge, Valérie, Zellars, Richard C. , Shumway, Dean A. , Chen, Guang‐Pei , Julian, Thomas B. , Cecchini, Reena S. , Harris, Eleanor E R , Mamounas, Eleftherios P. , Stover, Daniel G. , Ganz, Patricia A. , Jagsi, Reshma , Anderson, Stewart , Bergom, Carmen , El-Tamer, Mahmoud Bahij , Wolmark, Norman

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 29, 2024 | Volume: 42 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: TPS622-TPS622

10.1200/jco.2024.42.16_suppl.tps622 Get It

TPS622 Background: Approximately 50% of newly diagnosed invasive breast cancers are stage 1, with the majority being ER/PR-positive, HER2-negative. Genomic assays such as the Oncotype DX have identified patients (pts) with reduced risk of distant metastasis and without benefit from chemotherapy added to endocrine therapy, freeing them from excess toxicity. Genomic assays are also recognized as prognostic for in-breast recurrence (IBR) after BCS and could similarly allow de-escalation of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT). Reducing overtreatment is of interest to pts, providers, and payers. Methods: We hypothesize that breast-conserving surgery (BCS) alone is non-inferior to BCS plus RT for IBR and breast preservation in women intending endocrine therapy (ET) for stage 1 invasive breast cancer (ER and/or PR-positive, HER2-negative with an Oncotype DX Recurrence Score [RS] of ≤18). Stratification is by age (<60; ≥60), tumor size (≤1 cm; >1-2cm), and RS (≤11, >11-18/MammaPrint Low). Pts are randomized post-BCS to Arm 1 with breast RT using standard methods (moderate or ultra hypo- or conventional-fractionated whole breast RT with/without boost, or APBI) with ≥5 yrs of ET (tamoxifen or AI) or Arm 2 with ≥5 yrs of ET (tamoxifen or AI) alone. The specific regimen of ET in both arms is at the treating physician’s discretion. Eligible pts are stage 1: pT1 (≤2 cm), pN0, age ≥50 to <70 yrs, s/p BCS with negative margins (no ink on tumor), s/p axillary nodal staging (SNB or ALND), ER and/or PR-positive (ASCO/CAP), HER2-negative (ASCO/CAP), and Oncotype DX RS ≤18 (diagnostic core biopsy or resected specimen); (a “low risk” MammaPrint is permissible if completed as part of usual care prior to screening). Primary endpoint is IBR (invasive breast cancer or DCIS). Secondary endpoints are breast conservation rate, invasive in-breast recurrence, relapse-free interval, distant disease-free survival, overall survival, patient-reported breast pain, patient-reported worry about recurrence, and adherence to ET. We assume a clinically acceptable difference in IBR of 4% at 10 yrs to judge omission of RT as non-inferior (10-yr event-free survival for RT group is 95.6% v 91.6% for the omission-of-RT group). BR007 is powered to detect non-inferiority with 80% power and a one-sided α=0.025, assuming that there would be a ramp-up in accrual in the first two years (leveling off in yrs 3-5); 1,670 pts (835 per arm) are required for randomization. Conservative loss to follow-up is 1%/yr. Some T1a pts screened may have Oncotype DX scores >18, making them ineligible for the study. In the accrual process, 1,714 pts will be required to register to ensure that our final randomized cohort is 1,670 pts. Current accrual (02-05-2024) is 805 screened and 716 randomly assigned. Clinical trial information: NCT04852887 .
Abstract PO1-19-02: A phase III trial evaluating De-escalation of Breast Radiation (DEBRA) following breast-conserving surgery (BCS) of stage 1, HR+, HER2-, RS ≤18 breast cancer: NRG-BR007
White, Julia, Mamounas, Eleftherios P. , Théberge, Valérie, Zellars, Richard C. , Shumway, Dean A. , Chen, Guang‐Pei , Julian, Thomas B. , Cecchini, Reena S. , Harris, Eleanor E R , Mamounas, Eleftherios P. , Stover, Daniel G. , Ganz, Patricia A. , Jagsi, Reshma , Anderson, Stewart , Bergom, Carmen , El-Tamer, Mahmoud Bahij , Wolmark, Norman

Cancer Research | May 2, 2024 | Volume: 84 | Issue: 9_Supplement | Pages: PO1-19-02-PO1-19-02

10.1158/1538-7445.sabcs23-po1-19-02 Get It

Abstract Background: Approximately 50% of newly diagnosed invasive breast cancers are stage 1, with the majority being ER/PR-positive, HER2-negative. Genomic assays such as the Oncotype DX® have identified patients (pts) with reduced risk of distant metastasis and without benefit from chemotherapy added to endocrine therapy, freeing them from excess toxicity. Genomic assays are also recognized as prognostic for in-breast recurrence (IBR) after BCS and could similarly allow de-escalation of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT). Reducing overtreatment is of interest to pts, providers, and payers. Methods: We hypothesize that BCS alone is non-inferior to BCS plus RT for in-breast recurrence and breast preservation in women intending endocrine therapy (ET) for stage 1 invasive breast cancer (ER &/or PR positive, HER2-negative with an Oncotype DX Recurrence Score [RS] of ≤18). Stratification is by age (&lt; 60; ≥60), tumor size (≤1 cm; &gt;1-2cm), and RS (&lt; 11, 11-18). Pts are randomized post-BCS to Arm 1 with breast RT using standard methods (hypo- or conventional-fractionated whole breast RT with/without boost, or APBI) with ≥5 yrs of ET (tamoxifen or AI) or Arm 2 with ≥5 yrs of ET (tamoxifen or AI) alone. The specific regimen of ET in both arms is at the treating physician’s discretion. Eligible pts are stage 1: pT1 (≤2 cm), pN0, age ≥50 to &lt; 70 yrs, s/p BCS with negative margins (no ink on tumor), s/p axillary nodal staging (SNB or ALND), ER &/or PR positive (ASCO/CAP), HER2-negative (ASCO/CAP), and Oncotype DX RS of ≤18 (diagnostic core biopsy or resected specimen). Primary endpoint is in-breast recurrence (invasive breast cancer or DCIS). Secondary endpoints are breast conservation rate, invasive in-breast recurrence, relapse-free interval, distant disease-free survival, overall survival, patient-reported breast pain, patient-reported worry about recurrence, and adherence to ET. We assume a clinically acceptable difference in IBR of 4% at 10 yrs to judge omission of RT as non-inferior (10-yr event-free survival for RT group is 95.6% vs 91.6% for the omission of RT group). BR007 is powered to detect non-inferiority with 80% power and a one-sided α=0.025, assuming that there would be a ramp-up in accrual in the first two years (leveling off in Yrs 3-5); 1,670 pts (835 per arm) are required for randomization. Conservative loss to follow-up is 1% per yr. Some of the T1a pts screened may have Oncotype DX scores &gt;18, making them ineligible for the study. In the accrual process, 1,714 pts will be required to register to ensure that our final randomized cohort is 1,670 pts. Current accrual (07-07-2023) is 555 screened and 488 randomized (~96% of predicted accrual). Support: U10CA180868, -180822, UG1CA189867, UG1CA189867; Susan G. Komen Foundation (JRW). NCT: 04852887. Citation Format: Julia White, Reena Cecchini, Eleanor Harris, Eleftherios Mamounas, Daniel Stover, Patricia Ganz, Reshma Jagsi, Stewart Anderson, Carmen Bergom, Valérie Théberge, Mahmoud El-Tamer, Richard Zellars, Dean Shumway, Guang-Pei Chen, Thomas Julian, Norman Wolmark. A phase III trial evaluating De-escalation of Breast Radiation (DEBRA) following breast-conserving surgery (BCS) of stage 1, HR+, HER2-, RS ≤18 breast cancer: NRG-BR007 [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 PO1-19-02.
Abstract GS02-07: Loco-Regional Irradiation in Patients with Biopsy-proven Axillary Node Involvement at Presentation Who Become Pathologically Node-negative After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Primary Outcomes of NRG Oncology/NSABP B-51/RTOG 1304
Mamounas, Eleftherios P. , Bandos, Hanna , White, Julia, Julian, Thomas B. , Torres, Mylin A. , Vicini, Frank A. , McCloskey, Susan A. , Gupta, Nilendu , Abu-Rustum, Nadeem, Gandhi, Saumil , Tendulkar, Rahul D. , Fujiwara, Keiichi , Seaward, Samantha A. , Irvin, William , Mutter, Robert W. , Boileau, Jean-François , Muskovitz, Andrew A., Weiss, Anna , Walter, Curran, Seaward, Samantha A , Mamounas, Eleftherios P. , Khan, Atif J. , Shaitelman, Simona Flora , Ganz, Patricia A. , Li, X. Allen , Lucas, Peter C. , Abu‐Rustum, Nadeem R. , Coleman, Robert L. , Fujiwara, Keiichi, Higgins, Kristin Ann , Jagsi, Reshma , Wolmark, Norman

Cancer Research | May 2, 2024 | Volume: 84 | Issue: 9_Supplement | Pages: GS02-07-GS02-07

10.1158/1538-7445.sabcs23-gs02-07 Get It

Abstract Background: The benefit of adjuvant regional nodal irradiation including the chest wall after mastectomy (CWI+RNI) and with whole breast irradiation (WBI+RNI) after breast conserving surgery (BCS) is well established in pts with pathologically positive axillary nodes (pN+). Pts who present with axillary node involvement (cN+), receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC), and are found to be pathologically node-negative at surgery (ypN0), have lower loco-regional recurrence (LRR) rates compared to those who remain pathologically node-positive (ypN+). This phase III, randomized trial aimed to evaluate whether CWI+RNI after mastectomy or addition of RNI to WBI after BCS significantly improves invasive breast cancer recurrence-free interval (IBC-RFI) in cN+ pts found to be ypN0 after NC. Methods: Eligible pts had clinical cT1-3, N1, M0 invasive breast cancer (biopsy-proven N+ by FNA/core needle bx), completed ≥8 wks of NC (and anti-HER2 therapy if HER2+), and were ypN0 after mastectomy or BCS and sentinel node biopsy (SLNB, ≥2 nodes), axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), or both. Pts were randomized to “No RNI” (i.e., observation after mastectomy or WBI after BCS) vs. “RNI” (i.e., CWI+RNI after mastectomy or WBI+RNI after BCS). Primary endpoint was IBC-RFI. Secondary endpoints reported here: LRR-free interval (LRRFI), distant recurrence-free interval (DRFI), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). Study was designed to have 80% power to detect 35% reduction in annual rate of IBC-RFI for an absolute risk reduction of 4.6% (5-yr cumulative rate). Per protocol, final analysis was to occur after 172 events or 10 yrs after study initiation.Here we report the time-driven analysis prespecified in the protocol. Results: From 9/13-12/20, 1,641 pts were enrolled; 1,556 pts were available for primary event analysis; median f/u time 59.5 mos (IQR 40.7-74.1). Pt/tumor characteristics were well balanced between groups. Median age 52 yrs (range 21-84); 31% non-white; 21% cT1, 60% cT2, 19% cT3; 23% triple-negative, 21% HR+/HER2-, 56% HER2+; 58% BCS; 55% SLNB, 45% ALND+/-SLNB; and 78% had breast pathologic complete response. At the time of the analysis, 109 IBC-RFI events (63% of the planned 172) were confirmed (“No RNI”: 59, “RNI”: 50). There was no statistically significant difference between groups for IBC-RFI (HR=0.88, 95%CI 0.60-1.29; p=0.51), 5-yr point estimates: 91.8% for “No RNI” and 92.7% for “RNI.” There were no statistically significant differences between the treatment groups for secondary endpoints. There were no study-related deaths and no unexpected toxicities.Grade 4 toxicity was rare (0.1% with “No RNI”, 0.5% with “RNI”); 6.5% of pts developed grade 3 toxicity in “No RNI” and 10% in “RNI” group. Most common grade 3 toxicity was radiation dermatitis (3.3% in “No RNI,” 5.7% in “RNI”). Conclusion: In pts who present with biopsy-proven axillary node involvement and convert their axillary nodes to ypN0 after NC, CWI+RNI after mastectomy, or WBI+RNI after BCS, did not significantly improve IBC-RFI, LRRFI, DRFI, DFS, or OS. These findings suggest that downstaging involved axillary nodes with NC can result in optimization of adjuvant radiotherapy without adversely affecting oncologic outcomes. Follow-up of pts for long-term outcomes continues. NCT01872975 *EPM and JW are co-first authors. Table 1 Citation Format: Eleftherios Mamounas, Hanna Bandos, Julia White, Thomas Julian, Atif Khan, Simona Shaitelman, Mylin Torres, Frank Vicini, Patricia Ganz, Susan McCloskey, Nilendu Gupta, X. Allen Li, Peter Lucas, Nadeem Abu-Rustum, Saumil Gandhi, Rahul Tendulkar, Robert Coleman, Keiichi Fujiwara, Samantha Seaward, William Irvin, Kristin Higgins, Robert Mutter, Jean-Francois Boileau, Andrew Muskovitz, Reshma Jagsi, Anna Weiss, Curran Walter Jr., Norman Wolmark. Loco-Regional Irradiation in Patients with Biopsy-proven Axillary Node Involvement at Presentation Who Become Pathologically Node-negative After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Primary Outcomes of NRG Oncology/NSABP B-51/RTOG 1304 [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 GS02-07.
NRG-BR007: A phase III trial evaluating de-escalation of breast radiation (DEBRA) following breast-conserving surgery (BCS) of stage 1, HR+, HER2-, RS ≤18 breast cancer.
White, Julia , Mamounas, Eleftherios P. , Théberge, Valérie, Zellars, Richard C. , Shumway, Dean A. , Chen, Guang‐Pei , Julian, Thomas B. , Cecchini, Reena S. , Harris, Eleanor E R , Mamounas, Eleftherios P. , Stover, Daniel G. , Ganz, Patricia A. , Jagsi, Reshma , Anderson, Stewart , Bergom, Carmen , El-Tamer, Mahmoud Bahij , Wolmark, Norman , Goodwin, Annabel

Journal of Clinical Oncology | June 4, 2023 | Volume: 41 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: TPS623-TPS623

10.1200/jco.2023.41.16_suppl.tps623 Get It

TPS623 Background: Approximately 50% of newly diagnosed invasive breast cancers are stage 1, with the majority being ER/PR-positive, HER2-negative. Genomic assays such as the Oncotype DX have identified patients (pts) with reduced risk of distant metastasis and without benefit from chemotherapy added to endocrine therapy, freeing them from excess toxicity. Genomic assays are also recognized as prognostic for in-breast recurrence (IBR) after BCS and could similarly allow de-escalation of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT). Reducing overtreatment is of interest to pts, providers, and payers. Methods: We hypothesize that BCS alone is non-inferior to BCS plus RT for in-breast recurrence and breast preservation in women intending endocrine therapy (ET) for stage 1 invasive breast cancer (ER &/or PR positive, HER2-negative with an Oncotype DX Recurrence Score [RS] of ≤18). Stratification is by age (<60; ≥60), tumor size (≤1 cm; >1-2cm), and RS (<11, 11-18). Pts are randomized post-BCS to Arm 1 with breast RT using standard methods (hypo- or conventional-fractionated whole breast RT with/without boost, or APBI) with ≥5 yrs of ET (tamoxifen or AI) or Arm 2 with ≥5 yrs of ET (tamoxifen or AI) alone. The specific regimen of ET in both arms is at the treating physician’s discretion. Eligible pts are stage 1: pT1 (≤2 cm), pN0, age ≥50 to <70 yrs, s/p BCS with negative margins (no ink on tumor), s/p axillary nodal staging (SNB or ALND), ER &/or PR positive (ASCO/CAP), HER2-negative (ASCO/CAP), and Oncotype DX RS of ≤18 (diagnostic core biopsy or resected specimen). Primary endpoint is in-breast recurrence (invasive breast cancer or DCIS). Secondary endpoints are breast conservation rate, invasive in-breast recurrence, relapse-free interval, distant disease-free survival, overall survival, patient-reported breast pain, patient-reported worry about recurrence, and adherence to ET. We assume a clinically acceptable difference in IBR of 4% at 10 yrs to judge omission of RT as non-inferior (10-yr event-free survival for RT group is 95.6% vs 91.6% for the omission of RT group). BR007 is powered to detect non-inferiority with 80% power and a one-sided α=0.025, assuming that there would be a ramp-up in accrual in the first two years (leveling off in Yrs 3-5); 1,670 pts (835 per arm) are required for randomization. Conservative loss to follow-up is 1% per yr. Some of the T1a pts screened may have Oncotype DX scores >18, making them ineligible for the study. In the accrual process, 1,714 pts will be required to register to ensure that our final randomized cohort is 1,670 pts. Current accrual (02-08-2023) is 370 screened and 323 randomized (~87% of predicted accrual). Clinical trial information: NCT04852887 .
Abstract OT1-12-01: A phase III trial evaluating De-escalation of Breast Radiation (DEBRA) following breast-conserving surgery (BCS) of stage 1, HR+, HER2-, RS ≤18 breast cancer: NRG-BR007
White, Julia, Mamounas, Eleftherios P. , Théberge, Valérie, Zellars, Richard C. , Shumway, Dean A. , Chen, Guang‐Pei , Julian, Thomas B. , Rea, Wendy, Cecchini, Reena S. , Harris, Eleanor E R , Mamounas, Eleftherios P. , Stover, Daniel G. , Ganz, Patricia A. , Jagsi, Reshma , Bergom, Carmen , El-Tamer, Mahmoud Bahij , Anderson, Stewart , Wolmark, Norman

Cancer Research | March 2, 2023 | Volume: 83 | Issue: 5_Supplement | Pages: OT1-12-01-OT1-12-01

10.1158/1538-7445.sabcs22-ot1-12-01 Get It

Abstract BACKGROUND: Approximately 50% of newly diagnosed breast cancers are stage 1, with the majority being ER/PR-positive, HER2-negative. Genomic assays such as Oncotype DX® have identified pts with reduced distant metastasis and without benefit from chemotherapy, freeing patients from excess toxicity. Also, these genomic assays are prognostic of local-regional recurrence (LRR). The de-escalation of therapy is of interest to pts, providers, and payers. Low risk, as identified by Oncotype and Mammaprint®, is associated with low LRR after BCS and breast radiotherapy (RT). METHODS: We hypothesize that BCS alone is non-inferior to BCS plus RT for ipsilateral breast recurrence (IBR) and breast preservation in women intending appropriate endocrine therapy (ET) for stage 1 (ER and/or PR positive, HER2-negative, with an Oncotype DX Recurrence Score [RS] of ≤18) breast cancer. Stratification is by age (&lt; 60; ≥60), tumor size (≤1 cm; &gt;1-2cm), and RS (&lt; 11; 11-18). Pts are randomized post-BCS to Arm 1 with breast RT using standard methods (hypo- or conventional-fractionated whole breast RT with or without boost, APBI) plus 5 years of ET (tamoxifen or AI) or Arm 2 with 5 years of ET (tamoxifen or AI) alone. The specific regimen of ET in both arms is at the treating physician’s discretion. Eligible pts are stage 1: pT1 (2 cm), pN0, age ≥50 to &lt; 70 years, s/p BCS with negative margins (no ink on tumor), s/p axillary nodal staging (SNB or ALND), ER and/or PR positive (ASCO/CAP), HER2-negative (ASCO/CAP), and have an Oncotype DX RS of ≤18 (diagnostic core biopsy or resected specimen). Primary endpoint is IBR. Secondary endpoints are breast conservation rate, invasive in-breast recurrence, recurrence-free interval, distant disease-free survival, overall survival, patient-reported breast pain, patient-reported worry about recurrence, and adherence to ET. We assume a clinically acceptable difference in IBR of 4% at 10 years to judge omission of RT as non-inferior (10-year event-free survival for RT group is 95.6% versus 91.6% for the omission-of-RT group). The study is designed to be able to detect non-inferiority with 80% power and a one-sided α=0.025, and assuming that there would be a ramp-up in accrual in the first two years of the study (leveling off in Years 3-5), 1,670 (835 per arm) patients are required to be randomized. Conservative loss to follow-up is 1% per year. Some of the T1a pts screened will have Oncotype DX scores &gt;18, making them ineligible for the study. In the accrual process, pts will be required to register (1,714 patients) to ensure that our final randomized cohort is 1,670 pts. Accrual as of 6-30-2022 is 169 screened and 147 randomized. Contact information: Protocol: CTSU member website: https://www.ctsu.org. NRG Oncology Pgh Clinical Coordinating Dpt: 1-800-477-7227 or ccdPGH@NRGOncology.org. Support: U10CA180868, -180822, UG1CA189867. NCT04852887. Citation Format: Julia White, Reena S. Cecchini, Eleanor E. Harris, Eleftherios (Terry) Mamounas, Daniel Stover, Patricia A. Ganz, Reshma Jagsi, Carmen Bergom, Valérie Théberge, Mahmoud B. El-Tamer, Richard Zellars, Dean A. Shumway, Guang-Pei Chen, Stewart J. Anderson, Thomas B. Julian, Norman Wolmark, Wendy Rea. A phase III trial evaluating De-escalation of Breast Radiation (DEBRA) following breast-conserving surgery (BCS) of stage 1, HR+, HER2-, RS ≤18 breast cancer: NRG-BR007 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr OT1-12-01.