Citations 339

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in patients with stage 2/3 HR+HER2-negative breast cancer (BC) treated with neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) in the I-SPY2 endocrine optimization pilot (EOP) trial.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2025 | Volume: 43 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 3008-3008

10.1200/jco.2025.43.16_suppl.3008

3008 Background: Numerous studies have demonstrated the prognostic value of ctDNA analysis after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for early-stage high-risk breast cancer. Few studies have characterized ctDNA in pts receiving NET for early-stage hormone receptor positive (HR+)/HER2- BC that is predicted to benefit less from chemotherapy. Methods: Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) was isolated from 432 plasma samples from 108 pts enrolled in the I-SPY2 EOP trial. Pts had Stage 2/3 HR+/HER2-, MammaPrint low or high risk 1 BC. Pts were randomized to one of 7 neoadjuvant-based treatment arms including arms containing AI, Z-endoxifen, Lasofoxifene, vepdegestrant (ARV-471), and Abemaciclib. Pts were treated for 6 months prior to surgery. Blood was collected at baseline (T0), 3 weeks (T1), 12 weeks (T2), and 6 months (T3). A personalized ctDNA test (Signatera) was designed to detect up to 16 patient-specific mutations (from whole-exome sequencing of pretreatment tumor) in cfDNA by ultra-deep sequencing. The chi-square test was used to assess associations between categorical variables, and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to evaluate differences in medians. Results: ctDNA information was available for 101 patients at baseline (T0) (Table 1). At T0, 36 (35.6%) patients were ctDNA-positive. 23/36 (63.9%) became ctDNA-negative and 13/36 (36.1%) remained ctDNA-positive. At T0, 65/101 patients (64.4%) were ctDNA-negative. Of these, 57 (87.7%) remained negative, while 8 (12.3%) became ctDNA-positive at T1 before reverting to ctDNA-negative. A higher percentage of ctDNA-positive patients at T0 were cN+ compared to ctDNA-negative pts (p = 0.036, 64% vs. 40%). Additionally, ctDNA-positivity at T0 was strongly associated with higher Ki67 (p = 0.03) and larger functional tumor volume by MRI at baseline (p = 0.03). T3/T4 and high-grade tumors at baseline were also associated with having ctDNA positivity at baseline, though this was not statistically significant (p = 0.34 and 0.058, respectively). Conclusions: In this study of pts with Stage 2/3 HR+ HER2- BC with largely MammaPrint low risk signatures, over one-third of pts had detectable ctDNA at baseline. Detectable ctDNA at baseline was associated with cN+ disease, larger FTV, and high baseline Ki67. The majority of pts with positive ctDNA at baseline cleared the ctDNA on NET. Clinical trial information: NCT01042379 . Clinicopathologic characteristics of EOP patients. All Patients(N=101) Age at screening 55 (27-80) years* Clinical N Stage Node+ (cN+) 49 (48.5%) Node- (cN-) 52 (51.5%) SET status High 84 (83.2%) Low 14 (13.9%) Missing 3 (2.97%) MammaPrint (MP) risk** High risk 1 (H1) 15 (14.9%) Low risk 86 (85.1%) *Mean(min-max). **H1: MP score between 0 and -0.57; low: MP score between 0 and 0.355.
Utilization of tumor-informed ctDNA to de-escalate treatment or monitoring in metastatic breast cancer exceptional responders.

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

10.1200/jco.2025.43.16_suppl.e13042

e13042 Background: The conventional treatment paradigm for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is to continue systemic therapy until disease progression. With improved systemic therapy options, some patients (pts) with MBC attain radiographic remission. Tumor-informed circulating tumor (ct)DNA detects molecular disease burden and may guide decision-making. We report on an institutional cohort of pts with MBC in which tumor-informed ctDNA testing was utilized prospectively to guide decisions on systemic therapy or surveillance imaging frequency. Methods: Utilizing an IRB-approved protocol, we retrospectively identified pts monitored with tumor-informed ctDNA using the Signatera™ mPCR-NGS assay (Natera, Inc) as part of routine clinical care in Mayo Clinic, Rochester. We then identified a subset with biopsy-proven MBC who attained radiographic remission of disease following systemic therapy, deemed by the treating medical oncologist as “exceptional responders”. Real-time ctDNA testing was used to inform a decision to either discontinue systemic therapy, treatment de-escalation (remove a component of multi-drug therapy), increase the time interval between restaging scans, or stay off therapy previously stopped due to toxicity . Data on breast cancer characteristics, imaging results, ctDNA test results, and outcomes were collected. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: 10 pts met our study criteria. The median age at MBC diagnosis was 42 years (range 28-61); 5 pts had TNBC, 3 pts had HER2+, and 2 pts with ER+/HER2- MBC. Most pts (60%) were on first or second line therapy (range 1-5). The median duration of the most recent regimen was 27.5 months (range 10-70 months). All pts were without radiographic evidence of active cancer at the time of ctDNA testing with negative results (0 MTM/mL) at the time of clinical decision-making. 4 pts stopped all systemic therapy and proceeded with observation (1 trastuzumab, 1 trastuzumab deruxtecan, 1 pembrolizumab, and 1 talazoparib). 2 pts discontinued a targeted therapy (1 olaparib, 1 abemaciclib) while continuing endocrine therapy. 1 patient stopped targeted therapy (abemaciclib) due to a blood clot, and ctDNA testing guided the decision to not start another CDK4/6 inhibitor while continuing endocrine therapy. In 3 pts the frequency of restaging scans was decreased to either annually or semi-annually. The median follow-up after a ctDNA-informed decision was 11 months (range 1-41 months). At this time, no patient has converted to ctDNA-positivity, experienced resurgence or progression of disease, needed to change systemic therapy or increase imaging frequency. Conclusions: Tumor-informed ctDNA may offer additional confidence to oncologists and pts to deescalate systemic therapy or decrease the interval of imaging frequency in exceptional responders with MBC. Additional data to support this approach is needed.
Correction: Activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling in the tumor stroma drives endocrine therapy-dependent breast tumor regression

Oncotarget | May 20, 2025 | Volume: 16 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 379-381

10.18632/oncotarget.28728 | PMID 40391748

Abstract CT237: A randomized phase 2 non-inferiority trial of (Z)-endoxifen + goserelin and exemestane + goserelin as neoadjuvant treatment for premenopausal women with ER+/HER2- breast cancer (EVANGELINE)

Cancer Research | April 25, 2025 | Volume: 85 | Issue: 8_Supplement_2 | Pages: CT237-CT237

10.1158/1538-7445.am2025-ct237

Abstract Background: Endocrine therapy (ET) with aromatase inhibitors (AI) plus ovarian function suppression (OFS) is standard for premenopausal women with ER+/HER2- breast cancer. However, many premenopausal women are intolerant of AI + OFS, leaving tamoxifen (with or without OFS) as their only option. Extensive studies have demonstrated that premenopausal women treated with neoadjuvant ET whose tumors exhibit Ki-67 ≤ 10% following 4 weeks of therapy (defined as endocrine sensitive disease (ESD)) achieve 5-year distant disease-free survival > 96%. Problematically, only 41% of patients reach this ESD threshold with tamoxifen compared to 78% with AI+OFS (Nitz JCO 2022). (Z)-endoxifen (ENDX) is a potent selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that inhibits ERα at plasma concentrations of 3-5 ng/ml and dually targets PKCβ1, a suspected oncogene in breast tumors, at concentrations ≥ 500 ng/ml. We therefore developed the EVANGELINE study (NCT05607004) is an open label, randomized neoadjuvant phase II study that includes a pharmacokinetic (PK) Run-in, aiming to evaluate whether ENDX +/- goserelin is non-inferior to exemestane plus goserelin with respect to ESD rate. Following the completed PK run-in portion of the study, where 40mg/day or 80mg/day ENDX were assessed, the 40 mg/day dose was selected for further evaluation in the second part of the trial. The second part is comprised of a randomized treatment cohort, for patients with a Ki-67% >10% at preregistration randomized to either 40mg (Z)-endoxifen + goserelin or exemestane + goserelin neoadjuvant treatment and a Single Arm Treatment Cohort for patients who have a Ki-67 ≤ 10% at pre-registration assigned to 40mg/day (Z)-endoxifen monotherapy neoadjuvant treatment. Methods: To investigate ENDX further in premenopausal women, a multicenter study in the United States, was designed(EVANGELINE; NCT05607004). This phase 2, open-label, randomized, neoadjuvant trial includes a PK run-in phase designed to assess whether the 4-week ESD rate with (Z)-endoxifen + goserelin is non-inferior to that of exemestane + goserelin in premenopausal women with Stage IIA or IIB ER+/HER2- breast cancer with diagnostic Ki67 > 10%. Additionally, a single arm Phase 2, open-label neoadjuvant Cohort was designed to assess the 4-week ESD rate with ENDX monotherapy in premenopausal women with Stage IIA or IIB ER+/HER2- BC with diagnostic Ki67 ≤10%. Subjects will undergo neoadjuvant treatment for six months before receiving surgical treatment in the involved breast. This study will additionally assess safety, tolerability, response rates, surgical outcomes, and monitor disease progression. Comprehensive biomarker evaluations will be conducted using paired tumor biopsies and blood samples collected at baseline and week four, as well as 6 month surgical specimens. Enrollment in the PK run-in phase (n-22) was completed in Fall 2024 with the second portion of the trial slated to begin early in 2025. Citation Format: Matthew P. Goetz, Vera J. Suman, Claudia Lopez, Hayley Erickson, Lonnissa Nguyen, Sandra S. Hammer, Lida Mina, Pooja Advani, Roberto Leon-Ferre, Karthik Giridhar, Felipe Batalini, Daniel Flora, Jason M. Jones, Nusayba A. Bagegni, Katie N. Hunt, Mara Piltin, Amy Degnim, James N. Ingle, Judy C. Boughey, Sarah A. Buhrow, Joel M. Reid, Matthew Schellenberg, John R. Hawse, Steven C. Quay. A randomized phase 2 non-inferiority trial of (Z)-endoxifen + goserelin and exemestane + goserelin as neoadjuvant treatment for premenopausal women with ER+/HER2- breast cancer (EVANGELINE) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_2):Abstract nr CT237.
Abstract 7130: Spatially resolved single-cell analysis reveals cGAS-STING-mediated tumor-immune interactions via IFNα as determinants of pembrolizumab sensitivity in triple-negative breast cancer

Cancer Research | April 21, 2025 | Volume: 85 | Issue: 8_Supplement_1 | Pages: 7130-7130

10.1158/1538-7445.am2025-7130

Abstract Purpose: While an addition of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), pembrolizumab, has improved outcomes of patients with TNBC, early-stage TNBC patients with residual cancer burden (RCB) II/III after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in combination with pembrolizumab (NAP) still have poor outcomes. Previously, we demonstrated that intratumoral HLA-DRA expression and interferon-alpha (IFNα) responses were associated with immune-inflamed phenotype and better outcomes in TNBC patients receiving chemotherapy. This study utilized the CosMx™ SMI to investigate in early-stage TNBC treated with NAP. Methods: Of 151 samples from TNBC patients treated with NAP at Mayo Clinic, 8 pre-treatment biopsy samples (5 pCR and 3 RCB II/III were analyzed using the CosMx™ SMI platform. Linear mixed models to assess differential expression (DE), adjusting for hierarchical data structures. DE analyses were expressed as log2-fold changes (logFC), with the Benjamini-Yekutieli method. GSEA and IPA for signaling pathway exploration. Results: 1.7 million cells were identified across 8 samples after stringent quality control. Immune cell profiling revealed higher B cells, plasma cells, plasmablasts, and T cells (CD4 and CD8) in responders, whereas fibroblasts and myeloid cells were enriched in non-responders. DE analysis showed significantly elevated expression of HLA-DRA (logFC 1.955, p<0.001), other MHC class I and II components, and IFNα in responders. Tumor cells in responders exhibited the highest IFNα expression across cell types. GSEA and IPA analysis revealed enrichment in interferon signaling, antigen presentation, and the cGAS-STING pathway, which drives IFNα production. Spatial analysis categorized cells by their proximity to tumor cells: within 50 µm, 50-100 µm, and over 100 µm. T cells, particularly CD8 T cells, showed a distance-dependent distribution, with a higher abundance near tumor cells in responders. CD8 T cell activation scores declined with increasing distance from IFNα-positive tumor cells but remained consistently low near IFNα-negative tumor cells. IFNγ-positive CD8 T cells exhibited higher activation compared to IFNγ-negative cells, with activation levels influenced by proximity to tumor cells. Lastly, MHC expression in tumor cells was examined relative to CD8 T cell proximity. HLA-DRA and CIITA expression decreased as tumor cells were farther from CD8 T cells. Conclusions: This spatially resolved single-cell analysis highlights the pivotal role of tumor-immune interactions in response to pembrolizumab in TNBC. Our data suggest that tumor cells secrete IFNα through the activation of the cGAS-STING pathway, which activates T cells within close proximity, highlighting the potential role of cGAS-STING agonist as well as IFNα signaling and antigen presentation in augmenting TNBC responses to ICIs. Citation Format: Yi Liu, Saranya Chumsri, Yaohua Ma, Jodi M. Carter, Aziza Nassar, Edith Perez, Roberto A. Leon-Ferre, David Zahrieh, David W. Hillman, Judy C. Boughey, James Ingle, Krishna R. Kalari, Fergus J. Couch, Matthew P. Goetz, Keith L. Knutson, E. Aubrey Thompson. Spatially resolved single-cell analysis reveals cGAS-STING-mediated tumor-immune interactions via IFNα as determinants of pembrolizumab sensitivity in triple-negative breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 7130.
Abstract 6388: Exploiting CTPS1 dependency for the treatment of breast and ovarian cancer

Cancer Research | April 21, 2025 | Volume: 85 | Issue: 8_Supplement_1 | Pages: 6388-6388

10.1158/1538-7445.am2025-6388

Breast and ovarian cancer represent the most common and lethal cancers in women. Despite chemotherapy and targeted agents, recurrence is frequent and outcomes for patients with advanced disease are dismal, underscoring the need for novel therapeutic strategies. Using an unbiased approach with DepMap CRISPR screens across more than 1000 cancer cell lines, we identified six genes (CTPS1, RHOA, PRKRA, RAD9A, HUS1, and RAD1) that were essential for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, but not ERα+ breast cancer cells, that were also associated with poor outcomes. Validation of these effects by siRNA knockdown studies revealed that suppression of CTPS1 elicited the most potent inhibitory effects, characterized by S phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Similar effects were also found in ovarian cancer cells which share many molecular features. CTPS1, along with CTPS2, is responsible for enzymatic conversion of UTP to CTP, an essential nucleoside triphosphate required for multiple cellular processes including DNA/RNA synthesis, phospholipid synthesis and glycosylation. CTPS1 was found to be highly expressed in tumor tissues, for both breast and ovarian cancer. RT-PCR assessment of CTPS1 expression in a panel of over 40 breast and ovarian cancer lines confirmed variable, but elevated expression relative to normal models. Notably, chemotherapy-resistant and PARP inhibitor (PARPi)-resistant models exhibited the highest levels of CTPS1 expression among all cells analyzed. In partnership with Step Pharma, which has developed a first-in-class highly selective CTPS1 inhibitor (STP938), we have demonstrated that STP938 elicits potent anti-proliferative effects at nM concentrations across many cell line and patient derived models, both in 2D and 3D culture systems. Furthermore, STP938 exhibited strong anti-cancer activity in chemotherapy- and PARPi-resistant ovarian cancer models, both as a monotherapy and in combination with standard-of-care treatments. RNA-seq analysis in cell models following STP938 treatment or CTPS1 knockdown/knockout showed significant dysregulation of DNA replication and cell cycle related genes, suggesting potential synergy with drugs targeting replication stress or DNA damage response pathways. Single-cell sequencing further revealed specific cell-cell interactions/cross talk/pathways that are disrupted by STP938 in vivo using ovarian cancer patient-derived xenograft. The first-in-human clinical trial for STP938 began in 2022 for relapsed/refractory B- and T-cell lymphomas (NCT05463263). In August 2024, a second phase I trial opened for advanced solid tumors, including an expansion cohort for CTPS2-null ovarian cancer (NCT06297525) at Mayo Clinic. These laboratory discoveries, and ongoing clinical studies, are expected to pave the way for a broader uptake of this novel therapeutic approach aimed at improving outcomes in patients with highly aggressive forms of these diseases. Citation Format: Xiyin Wang, Michael Emch, Lauren Voll, Rebecca Epp, Esther Rodman, Noa Odell, Nicole Pearson, Xiaonan Hou, Matthew Goetz, Scott Kaufmann, John Weroha, Philip Beer, John Hawse. Exploiting CTPS1 dependency for the treatment of breast and ovarian cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 6388.
Abstract 1666: Novel endoxifen-based proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) small molecules synergize with olaparib and exhibit potent antitumor activity in triple negative breast cancer through induction of DNA damage

Cancer Research | April 21, 2025 | Volume: 85 | Issue: 8_Supplement_1 | Pages: 1666-1666

10.1158/1538-7445.am2025-1666

Abstract Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer diagnosed in American women. The majority of breast cancers express estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). However, 15-20% lack expression of all three and are called triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). TNBC accounts for a disproportionately large amount of morbidity and mortality due to its aggressive nature and the paucity of effective adjuvant maintenance therapy, driving an urgent need for novel therapeutics. Z-endoxifen (ENDX) is a potent tamoxifen metabolite that dually targets ERα and protein kinase C beta I (PKCβI). We recently described next-generation molecules, the first-in-class endoxifen-PROTAC (ENDX-PROTAC) compounds which incorporate ENDX as the warhead and cereblon (CRBN) as the E3 ubiquitin ligase recruitment moiety (Jayaraman 2024, SABCS). We used the PRISM screen of over 900 cancer cell lines to determine that ENDX-PROTACs have broad antitumor activity in both TNBC and ER+ breast cancer in addition to, leukemia, pancreatic, lymphoma, lung, melanoma, and ovarian cancer cells, among others. ENDX-PROTACs primarily target a key translation termination factor, G to S phase transition 1 (GSPT1). Here, we demonstrate for the first time that these compounds also cause marked DNA damage. The lead compounds of this series, EPrC-007 and EPrC-009 demonstrated potent anti-proliferative effects in MDA-MB-231, BT549, and MDA-MB-436 TNBC cell lines. EPrC-007 induced substantial DNA double strand breaks in MDA-MB-231 cells as assessed by γ-H2AX Western blotting. Interrogation of DNA repair pathways revealed activation of ATM/CHK2 and downregulation of ATR/CHK1, suggesting inhibition of DNA repair as a potential mechanism. Additionally, EPrC-007 also induced γ-H2AX foci in MDA-MB-231 and BT549 cells, but not in the MCF10A normal breast tissue cell line, suggesting selective anti-tumor activity. Since we suspect that EPrC-007 blocks DNA repair machinery, we next sought to determine if these molecules would synergize with DNA damaging agents or other DNA repair inhibitors. Promisingly, EPrC-007 demonstrated remarkable synergy with olaparib (poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor), hydroxyurea (ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor), and cisplatin (direct DNA damaging agent), but not camptothecin (topoisomerase I inhibitor). Importantly, only olaparib co-treatment demonstrated synergy in the PARP- and PROTAC-resistant HCC1143 TNBC cell line. Furthermore, the combination of EPrC-007 with olaparib induced markedly more γ-H2AX foci than either agent alone, confirming synergy at the DNA damage level. Taken together, our studies demonstrate the remarkable potential of ENDX-PROTACs in the single-agent setting as well as in combination with PARP inhibitors. Citation Format: Aamod S. Dekhne, Swaathi Jayaraman, Lucy Rai Thulung, Becky Bruinsma, Baustin M. Welch, Samuel Wyatt, Esther P. Rodman, Sayantani Bhattacharya, Thomas R. Caulfield, John R. Hawse, Matthew J. Schellenberg, Matthew P. Goetz. Novel endoxifen-based proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) small molecules synergize with olaparib and exhibit potent antitumor activity in triple negative breast cancer through induction of DNA damage [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 1666.
Abstract 5978: Pharmacological blockade of AURKA and NOTCH3 oncogenic pathways to inhibit cancer cell plasticity in triple negative breast cancer

Cancer Research | April 21, 2025 | Volume: 85 | Issue: 8_Supplement_1 | Pages: 5978-5978

10.1158/1538-7445.am2025-5978

Abstract Background: Despite recent advances in the treatment of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) many patients are still suffering from early recurrence, therapy resistance, and organ metastasis 1 to 3 years post-chemotherapy. TNBC cells with stem cell-like properties are resistant to standard of care chemotherapy and are responsible for early tumor relapse and poor outcome. Up-regulation of PD-L1 expression in Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) has been associated with immune evasion capacity and promotion of their stem-like properties. In this study we identify two druggable stemness target, Aurora-A Kinase (AURKA) and NOTCH3, with positive feedback on intra-tumoral PD-L1 expression and cancer cell plasticity. Methods: MDA-MB 231, MDA-MB 231 LM and SUM149-PT TNBC cells were used both in 2D and 3D environment. Unique TNBC cells were established from metastatic PDX models. TNBC cells were treated with Alisertib (AURKA inhibitor, 50nM) or AV353 (NOTCH3 inhibitor, 200ng). Immunofluorescence and immunoblot were used to compare different biomarker expression. ALDH was measured using Aldefluor kit. Apoptotic cells were quantified in real-time using IncuCyte S3. In vivo studies; 1x106 MDA MB 231/LM cells were injected into the mammary fat pad of NSG-female mice and treated with Alisertib or AV353. Control groups were treated with pacebo. Results: Our study shows that AURKA and NOTCH3 pharmacological blockade reduced nuclear/undruggable PD-L1, that is not achieved clinically by using FDA-approved immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Significantly, following stemness-targeted therapy with alisertib or AV353, reduction of intra-tumoral PD-L1 resulted in inhibition of tumor growth, decreased levels of CD44 expression, increased CD8+ T-cell tumor infiltration, impairment in the enrichment of ALDHhigh CSCs and enhanced chemosensitivity. In vivo pharmacological blockade of AURKA and NOTCH3 signaling pathways induced inhibition of tumor growth, apoptosis, and impairment of organ metastases. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that selective AURKA and NOTCH3 pharmacological blockade results in the inhibition of cancer cell plasticity that is linked to reduction of undruggable nuclear PD-L1 in TNBC cells. Our findings provide the strong preclinical rationale to develop novel clinical trials for patients with advanced TNBC that are refractory to chemotherapy and show limited response to FDA-approved ICIs. Citation Format: Antonino Bonaventura D'Assoro, Matthew Goetz, Carol Lange, Roberto Leon-Ferre, Tufia Haddad, James Ingle, Annapaola Montagner, Andrew Takchi, Ellie Babadi, Lucio Miele, Urban Lendahl, Urban Lendahl. Pharmacological blockade of AURKA and NOTCH3 oncogenic pathways to inhibit cancer cell plasticity in triple negative breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 5978.
Abstract 2429: A multi-modal learning framework to integrate digital pathology image and multi-omics data in breast cancer

Cancer Research | April 21, 2025 | Volume: 85 | Issue: 8_Supplement_1 | Pages: 2429-2429

10.1158/1538-7445.am2025-2429

Abstract Deep learning has advanced digital pathology and multi-omics data analysis. However, there is still a critical need to integrate these modalities to better understand complex diseases. Deep learning models, such as Prov-Gigapath, a state-of-the-art pathology foundation model, have been developed for analyzing whole-slide images (WSI). Our previously published deep-learning framework, OmicsFootPrint (OFP), transforms high-dimensional multi-omics data into intuitive genomically-arranged circular images and utilizes transfer learning to overcome the challenges of high-dimensional, low-sample-size data. In this study, we aimed to combine WSI and multi-omics data to develop a framework capable of distinguishing between invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), which is clinically significant as it may help explain differential responses to therapies, such as tamoxifen versus letrozole. We enhanced the performance of our OFP model by dividing each multi-omics circular image (1024x1024x3 pixels) into 16 equal-sized patches (256x256x3 pixels). Each patch was trained using a separate EfficientNetV2 architecture with pre-trained ImageNet weights. The probability outcomes from these 16 models were subsequently combined through a meta-learner model using the AutoGluon framework. Concurrently, WSI images corresponding to the same patients were independently trained, maintaining consistent train/validation/test splits. The Prov-Gigapath model, which was trained using a dataset from the Providence Health System, was employed to extract patch-level embeddings from the WSI data. These embeddings were fine-tuned using a LongNet-based masked autoencoder to predict outcomes. Finally, predictions from the OFP model and the WSI-based Prov-Gigapath model were integrated through a meta-learner, preserving the original train/validation/test split. Model performances (AUC) were evaluated using the held-out test set. The gold standard used for the analysis was histological identification of IDC versus ILC, against which the performance of omics data alone, WSI data alone, and the multi-modal integration approach were compared. We evaluated our integrated model as a proof-of-concept using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) breast cancer cohort, comprising 92 ILC and 391 IDC samples. Multi-omics data, including gene expression, microRNA, copy number variation, and RPPA, were analyzed using the OFP framework, while WSI data were processed using the Prov-Gigapath method. The results demonstrated that the multi-modal integration approach significantly outperformed individual modalities, achieving an AUC of 0.98 compared to 0.87 for OFP (original), 0.95 for OFP (16-patches), and 0.92 for WSI. Integrating WSI and multi-omics data improves predictive accuracy, significantly improving the classification of breast cancer subtypes over histology alone. Citation Format: Naresh Prodduturi, Xiaojia Tang, Hamid R. Tizhoosh, Kevin J. Thompson, Richard Weinshilboum, Karthik V. Giridhar, Judy C. Boughey, Eric W. Klee, Liewei Wang, Matthew P. Goetz, Vera Suman, Krishna R. Kalari. A multi-modal learning framework to integrate digital pathology image and multi-omics data in breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 2429.
ELAINE 3: phase 3 study of lasofoxifene plus abemaciclib to treat ER+/HER2-, ESR1 -mutated, metastatic breast cancer

Future Oncology | April 13, 2025 | Volume: 21 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 1317-1324

10.1080/14796694.2025.2481825 | PMID 40222048