Abstract Backgroud. Breast cancer (BC) is the most common and deadly cancer in women worldwide. Emerging evidence highlights the role of gut microbiota in modulating breast cancer risk, treatment response, and recurrence through various mechanisms, including the production of biologically active compounds and metabolites. These non-viable microbial products and metabolic byproducts from probiotic fermentation, known as postbiotics, exert beneficial effects on the host without the need for live microorganisms. Postbiotics derived from Lacticaseibacillus species represent a novel class of therapeutics with potential anti-cancer properties. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of an innovative postbiotic product (iPB), developed through sequential fermentation of L.paracasei NPB01 and L.rhamnosus GG, in BC experimental models. Methods. The following cell lines were used to represent main BC subtypes: MCF7 cells (ER+/HER2), MDA-MB-231 (triple negative breast cancer), SKBR3 (HER2+). MCF-10A (normal breast epithelial cells), Caco-2 (enterocytes), and peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMC) were used as control. Cell viability was assessed by colony formation assay. Apoptosis was evaluated using Annexin V/7-AAD staining, HLA class I surface expression by flow cytometry, and cancer cells migration by wound healing assay. Results. iPB exposure resulted in >50% colony formation reduction in MCF7, >30% in MDA-MB-231 and >40% in SKBR3 cells starting from 0.5 mg/ml for 72 h (p<0.01). iPB increased early and late apoptotic cell rate in all BC cell lines starting from 0.5 mg/ml for 72 h. On the contrary, iPB exposure up to 5 mg/ml for 120 h did not affect cell viability in control cells (MCF-10A, Caco-2, PBMC). 1.20 to 1.30 fold increase in HLA class I expression was observed in all BC cell lines after the exposure with iPB starting from the dose of 0.5 mg/ml for 72 h. A less intense HLA class I expression increase was observed in control cells after the iPB exposure. Cell migration process and inflammatory cytokines response were inhibited by the iPB exposure in all BC cell models. Conclusions. iPB reduces cell viability and cell migration in all main BC phenotypes. These effects parallel with HLA class I surface expression increase in all BC cell phenotypes, potentially enhancing immunogenicity. These findings suggest that iPB may represent a promising novel agent in BC treatment and prevention. Citation Format: Roberto Berni Canani, Chiara Luongo, Laura Pisapia, Franca Oglio, Roberta Di Santillo, Alessia Gaeta, Chiara Scocco, Marco Michelini, Vittoria Mauriello, Alessia Cadavere, Camilla Messuri, Saranya Chumsri, Dawn Mussallem. Postbiotic based on sequential fermentation of L.paracasei NPB01 and L.rhamnosus GG exerts antitumor activities against breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 312.
Characterization of Oncogenic and Immunogenic Profiling in Patients with Breast Cancer Tumors After Radiation Therapy
International Journal of Molecular Sciences | April 2, 2026 | Volume: 27 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 3227
Biological heterogeneity among different breast cancer (BC) subtypes results in markedly varying clinical outcomes. Identification and analysis of key gene biomarkers that are differentially regulated during radiation therapy (RT) may pose multiple clinical challenges for BC treatment. The purpose of the study is to identify and analyze the expression of key gene biomarkers and their networks that are differentially regulated after hypofractionated RT. Patients with BC (cT0-T2, N0, M0) were treated with hypofractionated whole breast RT 25 Gy in five fractions, 4 to 8 weeks before breast conservation surgery (BCS). Biopsy (pre-RT; n = 5) and surgical (post-RT; n = 14 or 15) BC tumor samples were used for NanoString targeted sequencing. We identified 165 and 244 differentially expressed genes (DEGs; p < 0.05) in BC tumor samples from BC patients post-RT using the nCounter BC360 and IO360 panels, respectively. Gene networks and pathway analysis revealed that RT increases the gene signature of tumor inflammation (TIS), cytotoxicity, and apoptosis, while downregulating the gene signatures of tumor cell proliferation, differentiation, and cell adhesion, and increases the claudin-low gene score. RT-induced mammary stemness and enhanced infiltration of stroma, mast, and macrophage cells in the BC tumor microenvironment (TME). Further, the nCounter IO360 (immuno-oncology) panel analysis validated the findings of BC360 and demonstrated that RT increased the myeloid inflammation signature and chemokine expression, modulated B, T, NK, and DC cell activities, and enhanced residual cancer burden (RCB) in BC tumors, thus creating an immunosuppressive TME. Collectively, RT sensitized BC tumors by increasing the gene signature of TIS, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and mammary stemness. RT facilitated an immunosuppressive environment and increased RCB, suggesting that the therapeutic potential of RT is highly individualized for each patient based on their unique tumor biology, genetic makeup, and TME.
Abstract PS5-11-10: Implementing an Our Practice Advisory (OPA) to provide clinical decision support for adjuvant CDK4/6 inhibitors in early-stage hormone receptor positive breast cancer: The Mayo Clinic Experience
Clinical Cancer Research | February 17, 2026 | Volume: 32 | Issue: 4_Supplement | Pages: PS5-11-10-PS5-11-10
Abstract Introduction: An Our Practice Advisory (OPA), formerly known as Best Practice Advisory (BPA), is an electronic health record (EHR) tool. OPAs identify key parameters to alert providers of potential interventions that could enhance quality of care. Such functionality is increasingly relevant given the rapid pace of new drug approvals. Within the Mayo Clinic system, we previously identified that amongst Mayo Clinic patients (pts) meeting the MonarchE criteria, 28% of pts did not undergo a documented discussion with their provider regarding the role of adjuvant abemaciclib (Premji, SABCS 2024). Further, a Flatiron study identified that only 40% of eligible pts received abemaciclib (Sandoval, Miami Breast 2025). To address this practice gap, in 2024 we began to implement EHR clinical decision support by creating an OPA trigger for pts eligible for an adjuvant CDK 4/6 inhibitor (CDK 4/6i). Here we report on ‘action taken’ versus not for the OPA and the most common reasons for re-prompts. Methods: The Mayo Breast Disease Group designed an OPA including pts who are within 14 months of a clinical or pathologic diagnosis of high-risk early-stage breast cancer. We leveraged structured data captured in the Epic staging forms (Epic Systems) to identify pts with clinical or pathologic T-stage, N-stage, grade, ± Ki-67/ multigene signature to identify ER+/HER2- pts eligible for adjuvant ribociclib or abemaciclib based on FDA approvals. The OPA was triggered by a patient encounter in oncology when endocrine therapy (but not CDK4/6i) was on the active medication list resulting in a hard stop. The OPA gathered limited details about whether adjuvant CDK4/6 inhibitors were discussed and whether the provider followed a link that resulted in prescribing one—considered an indicator of action taken. In this IRB-exempt quality improvement project, we describe the responses captured in the OPA trigger utilizing Epic tools. Results: The OPA went live on 1/10/2025. Over a 5-month period post OPA initiation, we identified 517 OPA alerts among 332 unique pts. Their median age was 62.5 years, and the majority were female (97%). The median time to resolve the OPA was 17.5 seconds (range 2-567 seconds). 12.6% (65/517) of the time there was ‘action taken’ by selecting the hyperlink to potentially start a treatment plan. Providers selected the following OPA pre-set responses: ‘re-prompt in one month’ 248 (48%), ‘patient not a candidate for therapy’ 48 (9%), ‘patient declines’ 69 (13%), ‘outside oncologist will prescribe’ 36 (7%), ‘not discussed’ 44 (9%), and unknown 72 (14%). The most common free text comments among the 517 OPA alerts (summarized) included: ‘revisit in future’ 108 (21%), ‘too early’ 65 (13%), ‘patient declines’ 66 (13%), ‘outside oncologist will start’ 31 (6%), ‘not a candidate’ 26 (5%), and ‘co-morbidities’ 18 (3%). Erroneous OPA prompting occurred in 14 (3%) who previously failed a CDK4/6i due to toxicity and in 18 (3%) for pts currently on a CDK4/6i. 30 (6%) OPA comments noted that they discussed or started therapy that day. Conclusion: The OPA offered clinical decision support and ensured that clinicians considered prescribing CDK 4/6i in all pts identified as eligible, and captured deferrals. Refinements are needed to ensure appropriate timing of OPA and minimize erroneous firing. The OPA remains active and captures the reason for deferral of adjuvant CDK 4/6i prescription. This data pairs real world decision making to better understand clinically meaningful application of improved invasive disease-free survival (iDFS). Citation Format: S. Premji, P. Advani, S. Chumsri, L. Mina, J. Taraba, J. Carroll, J. Hoppenworth, E. Cathcart-Rake, T. Haddad, B. Rudder, G. Choong, D. Idossa, C. O’Sullivan, S. Yadav, K. Ruddy, P. Peethambaram, T. Hobday, M. Goetz, R. Rao, B. Ernst, F. Batalini, R. Leon-Ferre, A. Tevaarwerk, K. Giridhar. Implementing an Our Practice Advisory (OPA) to provide clinical decision support for adjuvant CDK4/6 inhibitors in early-stage hormone receptor positive breast cancer: The Mayo Clinic Experience [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 PS5-11-10.
Abstract PS1-13-23: Survival Results of Phase II Bria-IMT Allogenic Whole Cell-Based Cancer Vaccine
Clinical Cancer Research | February 17, 2026 | Volume: 32 | Issue: 4_Supplement | Pages: PS1-13-23-PS1-13-23
Abstract Background Management of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) continues to present obstacles, as many pts develop resistance to or cannot tolerate standard of care treatments. Bria-IMT combines two modalities to both overcome immune exhaustion and minimize the toxic safety profiles commonly observed in contemporary late stage therapies: an allogeneic whole-cell vaccine (SV-BR-1-GM) and checkpoint inhibition (CPI). The SV-BR-1-GM cell line originates from breast cancer cells and are engineered to secrete GM-CSF and irradiated before administration. These cells upregulate surface presentation of tumor associated antigens on both HLA class I and II, enhancing tumor recognition by T cells. Coadministration w/ an anti-PD-1 CPI, the vaccine response is reinforced, counteracting the immuno-suppressive tumor microenvironment. Methods This phase I/II study evaluated the Bria-IMT regimen: low-dose cyclophosphamide (Day –2) followed by SV-BR-1-GM and CPI (pembrolizumab or retifanlimab), then low-dose local peg- interferon α. Cycles q3w. In the phase II study, pts were randomized 1:1 to start CPI immediately at cycle 1 (C1) or delayed start at cycle 2 (C2). There were 2 formulations of SV-BR-1-GM w/ IFNγ stimulation (IFNγ) or unstimulated (PH3). Cancer-associated macrophage-like cells (CAMLs), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and PD-L1 expression scores on these cells were monitored as biomarkers. Candida skin test assessed anergy status before cycle 1, and a delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin test to SV-BR-1-GM was assessed at each cycle w/ a small SV-BR-1-GM dose before the full dose. Results Results of the randomized phase II study cohort are reported (n = 32). Retifanlimab was co-administered w/ SV-BR-1-GM at C1 or C2. Median age 61 (41-80) years; median number of prior regimens was 6 (2-13). 20(63%) pts were ER+/PR+/HER2-; 3(9%) HER2+, and 9 (28%) triple-negative (TNBC). The Bria-IMT regimen was well tolerated, w/ no drop-outs attributable to Bria-IMT. The majority of adverse events (93.8%) grade 1-2, w/ (40.6%) grades 3 and 4. Common AEs included injection site reactions (53%), nausea (43.8%), and fatigue (34%). The median progression free survival (PFS) was 3.5 (range: 1.8-24.5) and overall survival (OS) 9.5 (2.4-31.6) months. One patient remains on therapy, approaching 25 months of PFS. PFS and OS among pts who received immediate vs. delayed start of CPI (PFS 3.7 vs. 3.3 mo, HR: 0.59; 95% CI 0.3-1.2, p=0.16 | OS 13.3 vs. 7.4 months, HR: 0.78; 95% CI 0.34-1.8, p = 0.56). Pts who received the SV-BR-1-GM Ph3 formulation (n=21) had an increase in both PFS (4.1 vs 2.6 months, p = 0.005) and OS (16.6 vs. 9.1 months, HR: 0.6; 95% CI 0.2 - 1.4, p = 0.24); best objective response rate was 12% and the clinical benefit rate was 53%. In ER+/PR+/HER2-, overall OS was 11.7 (3.5-31.6) mo, 17.3 mo (3.5-27.9) in Ph3; HER2+ 7.2 (4.7-24.5) mo, all received Ph3; TNBC 9.9 (2.4-23.0) mo, 16.6 mo (2.4-23.0) in Ph3. In pts w/ available data, pts w/ post-dose CTC count < 5 significantly improved OS compared w/ a CTC count > 5 (16.6 vs. 5.5 months, p = 0.0003). Pts w/ positive DTH response had significantly improved PFS (3.6 vs. 2.4 months, p = 0.01) and OS (11.9 vs. 4.7 months, p < 0.0001). Conclusions In heavily pretreated MBC pts, the Bria-IMT regimen demonstrated promising results and a favorable safety profile across all subtypes of breast cancer. A clinically meaningful, though not statistically significant, difference in OS was observed between pts receiving CPI at C1 versus C2. Superior outcomes were observed in pts receiving SV-BR-1-GM w/o IFNγ incubation, guiding selection of Ph3 formulation for ongoing and subsequent clinical trials. Pts w/ post-dose CTC count < 5, and positive DTH response had significantly improved outcomes. On basis of these results, a randomized phase III trial comparing the Bria-IMT regimen to physician's choice is ongoing (NCT06072612). Trial information: NCT03328026. Citation Format: C. Nangia, S. Chumsri, K. Rowland, L. Negret, J. Knecth, B. Bayer, T. Aghajanian, W. Williams, G. Del Priore, C. Calfa. Survival Results of Phase II Bria-IMT Allogenic Whole Cell-Based Cancer Vaccine [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 PS1-13-23.
Long-term cellular and humoral responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations in patients with solid malignancies undergoing chemotherapy
Frontiers in Immunology | January 29, 2026 | Volume: 16 | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available
Background While SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are highly effective in healthy individuals, the magnitude and durability of humoral and cellular responses in patients with solid malignancies receiving chemotherapy remain understudied. Previous reports suggest that patients with cancer may not mount adequate immune response after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Additionally, most studies focused on humoral responses, while data regarding cellular immune responses are scarce. In this study, we evaluated humoral and cellular responses in patients with solid tumors receiving chemotherapy compared to healthy individuals up to one year after vaccinations. Methods Patients aged ≥18 who were willing to receive the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine were enrolled. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoassays were used to detect antibodies against nucleocapsid and spike proteins. Human IFN-γ Fluorospot assay was used to determine antigen−specific T-cell responses. Data were compared between groups using Mann−Whitney test for continuous variables and Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. Results A total of 67 subjects (47 patients with cancer and 20 healthy individuals) were included. 1–3 months following the second vaccine doses, 96% of patients with cancer and 100% of healthy individuals demonstrated a positive humoral response. While the positivity rate was not significantly different, patients with cancer had significantly lower spike IgG antibodies than healthy individuals. However, this difference diminished at 6 months when patients with cancer had increased antibodies compared to decreased antibodies in the healthy cohort and no difference was noticed at 12-month. Patients with cancer developed a similar antigen-specific T-cell response as healthy individuals at 1–3 months, 6 months and 12 months. There were no significant differences when comparing patients aged ≤ 55 years vs. >55 years, stages I-III vs. IV, single vs. multiple chemotherapy, and BNT162b2 vs. mRNA-1273 vaccines. There was a significant moderate correlation between neutralization and antibody levels at 12 months. However, despite patients with cancer having a significantly higher COVID risk score, there were no significant differences in COVID-19 infection and hospitalization between patients with cancer and healthy individuals. Conclusion Despite initial impaired antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations, patients with solid malignancies receiving chemotherapy effectively generated long-term cellular and humoral responses by 6 and 12 months, leading to similar infection and hospitalization rates compared to healthy individuals.
The Gut Microbiome as a Biomarker and Therapeutic Target of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Review for Oncologists
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed cancer therapy, yet their benefits remain limited to a subset of patients, underscoring the need for more reliable biomarkers and novel therapeutic strategies. The gut microbiome has emerged as a critical modulator of systemic immunity and a promising determinant of ICI response. Evidence links specific microbial features, taxa, and bioactive metabolites to enhanced antitumor immunity, whereas disruptions, such as antibiotic exposure, are associated with poorer outcomes. Advances in sequencing and multi-omics technologies have provided more profound insights into microbiome-immune crosstalk, though methodological heterogeneity continues to challenge reproducibility. Translational studies demonstrate that microbiome-based intervention, including fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), biotics supplementation, and engineered microbial strains, can enhance ICI efficacy or mitigate immune-related toxicities. Despite encouraging early clinical signals, broader implementation requires methodological rigor, standardized protocols, and innovative trial designs that account for host and environmental factors. For clinicians, the most immediate strategies involve prudent antibiotic stewardship and patient enrollment in microbiome-focused clinical trials. Overall, the gut microbiome is a promising biomarker and a therapeutic target, representing a new frontier for personalizing immunotherapy and improving patient outcomes in oncology.
Impact of HLA matching on clinical outcomes in a phase 2 trial of Bria-IMT plus anti PD1 in advanced breast cancer.
Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2025 | Volume: 43 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: No page available
e13124 Background: Bria-IMT, an allogeneic whole-cell cancer vaccine (SV-BR-1-GM), was administered w/ an anti PD1 checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) to evaluate its safety and efficacy in advanced/metastatic breast cancer (MBC). SV-BR-1-GM breast cancer cells were engineered to directly stimulate anti-tumor immunity through expression of tumor associated antigens and secretion of GM-CSF to enhance endogenous dendritic cell activation. Addition of a CPI potentiates SV-BR-1-GM action by overcoming the immune suppressive tumor microenvironment and may have a differential impact vs monotherapy SV-BR-1-GM. Methods: In this exploratory analysis of the Phase 1 + randomized Phase 2, HLA matching status was assessed to explore potential correlations w/ clinical outcomes. Pts were stratified by overall HLA match by Class I or II (0 vs ≥1 matches), formulation and MBC subtype to assess objective response rate (ORR), clinical benefit rate (CBR), progression free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Partial HLA matching (≥1 Class I and ≥1 Class II allele) was also analyzed. Results: In the total pt population, the ORR was 10%, CBR 56%, PFS 3.2 months and OS 9.9 months. In those pts treated w/ the phase 3 formulation, ORR was 15%, CBR 63%, PFS 3.6 months and OS 13.4 months. Using available HLA data (n = 52), 25% had 0, 34.6% 1, 32.6% 2, and 8% ≥3 matches. While OS and PFS were greater (Undefined vs 8.5 mos ; p = .02) in pts without an HLA match compared w/ those w/ ≥1 match (see Table), ORR and CBR were similar. This was also the case for pts who had 0 HLA Class I matches vs those w/ ≥1 Class I match (15.6 vs 7.2 mos; p = .002). ORR, CBR, PFS and OS were generally similar for pts who had 0 Class II HLA matches vs those w/ ≥1 match. Pts who matched at least at 1 Class I and 1 Class II allele had a higher ORR and CBR than those who matched at a single Class I or a single Class II allele although PFS and OS were similar between the groups. Similar observations were seen for pts treated w/ the phase 3 formulation. Conclusions: Matching at Class I seemed to decrease PFS & OS, but did not have a similar effect on ORR and CBR. Both matched and non matched pts demonstrated favorable OS and response rates. These findings support further investigation into specific mechanisms and the clinical significance of HLA matching in immunotherapy response. A randomized phase 3 trial is ongoing comparing Bria-IMT vs treatment of physician's choice (NCT06072612). Clinical trial information: NCT03328026 . n (Evaluable) % of Cohort Best ORR Best CBR PFS OS Full Cohort 52 (41) 10% 56% 3.2 9.9 No Match (Overall) 13 (10) 25% 20% 60% 4.2 Undefined Any Match (Overall) 39 (31) 75% 6% 55% 3 8.5 MHC Class I No Match / Any Match 27 (20) / 25 (21) 52% / 48% 10% /10% 55% /57% 3.5 / 2.7 15.6 / 7.23 MHC Class II Any Match 27 (19) 52% 11% 63% 3.2 11.4 MHC Class I&II Match 13 (9) 25% 22% 77% 2.8 8.6 Phase 3 Formulation (N=35) 35 (27) 15% 63% 3.57 13.43 No Match (Phase 3 Formulation) 11 (9) 31% 22% 67% 5.6 Undefined MHC Class I&II Match (Phase 3 Formulation) 11 (7) 31% 29% 71% 2.7 7.23
Update on phase III pivotal trial of Bria-IMT + CPI vs physician’s choice in advanced metastatic breast cancer (BRIA-ABC).
Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2025 | Volume: 43 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: No page available
TPS1138 Background: The SV-BR-1-GM breast cancer cell line activates anti-tumor immunity by expressing tumor associated antigens and secreting GM-CSF which enhances dendritic cell activation and promotes adaptive (T-cell mediated) and innate (dendritic and NK cell) immune responses. The cells are also engineered to optimize immune recognition through pt specific HLA antigen matching. SV-BR-1-GM acts through direct antigen presentation and CD4+ T-cell activation and, when combined w/ checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs), has demonstrated clinical benefit in 54 heavily pretreated metastatic breast cancer (MBC) pts. In pts w/ disease progression following CPI therapy, similar or improved progression free survival (PFS) compared to their prior treatment regimen. Disease control following antibody drug conjugates was observed in 40%of pts. Clinical benefit was seen in 5 out of 8 pts w/ untreated intracranial metastases. CD8+ Immuno-PET imaging suggests systemic activation, w/ increased CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes at both primary and metastatic tumor sites, as well as lymphoid organs. Optimized sequencing of CPI w/ SV-BR-1-GM and its latest phase 3 formulation have shown enhanced clinical outcomes, including improved overall survival (OS) (median 13.4 mos), PFS (3.6 mos), and clinical benefit rate (CBR; 61%).These findings have informed refinements to the ongoing pivotal, registration enabling Phase 3 trial, designed to optimize pt selection and treatment sequencing strategies. Methods: This ongoing multicenter, randomized, open label Phase 3 trial evaluates Bria-IMT + CPI vs. Treatment of Physician’s Choice (TPC) in MBC pts lacking approved curative therapies. Pts are randomized 1:1:1 to Bria-IMT + CPI, TPC, or Bria-IMT monotherapy (discontinued after 150 enrollments to prioritize combination arms). The Bria-IMT regimen consists of: Day -2: Cyclophosphamide 300 mg/m², Day 0: 20M irradiated SV-BR-1-GM cells, Day 2/3: 0.1 mcg pegylated α interferon at each inoculation site. CPI infusion is administered Day -3 to 3. Cycles q3w. TPC regimens follow site specific SOC. Imaging q6w (first 2 cycles), then q8w. Eligibility includes all MBC subtypes, including CNS mets, and permits prior CPI therapy ( >21 days pre-treatment). There will be 100 sites across the U.S., Canada, and ex-North America w/ an enrollment target of 404. The trial is currently active at 59 sites with 217 sub investigators. To date, 67 pts screened: 46 randomized (median age 56 yrs [34–83], median 6 [2–13] prior lines of therapy. The primary endpoint is OS, with an interim analysis at 144 events targeting a hazard ratio of 0.6. Secondary endpoints: PFS, overall response rate, CBR, CNS event free survival, and TWiST. Safety analyses ongoing; pt reported outcomes assess subjective treatment impact. Clinical trial information: NCT03328026 .
Comprehensive molecular and immune characterization of adrenergic stress-signaling receptor
ADRB2
in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC).
Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2025 | Volume: 43 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 1107-1107
1107 Background: Chronic stress-mediated β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) signaling promotes tumor growth via immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment (TME) in preclinical models. Blockade of β2-AR has shown higher survival benefit in patients with TNBC in observational studies compared to other breast cancer (BC) subtypes. However, the molecular and immunological features associated with ADRB2 (gene for β2-AR) gene expression in TNBC are unknown, prompting this investigation. Methods: 3,038 TNBC samples were analyzed via NGS (592-gene panel, NextSeq; WES/WTS, NovaSeq; Caris Life Sciences, Phoenix, AZ). Immune cell fractions were calculated by deconvolution of WTS: Quantiseq. TNBC ADRB2 -high(H) and ADRB2 -low(L) RNA expression were classified as above or below the 50 th percentile, respectively. Real-world overall survival (OS) was obtained from insurance claims and calculated from tissue collection to last contact using Kaplan-Meier estimates. Statistical significance was assessed using chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests with multiple comparison adjustments (q < 0.05). Results: ADRB2 gene expression was lowest in TNBC (median (TPM: 1.6) compared to N = 453 HR-HER2+ (1.9), N = 629 HR+HER2+ (2.0) and N = 4,918 HR+HER2- (2.2) BC (all q < 0.05). African American or Black patients (N = 670) had lower expression of ADRB2 compared to European American or White (N = 1,412) TNBC patients (1.3 vs 1.7, q < 0.05). ADRB2 -H TNBC had higher mutation frequency of PIK3CA (21% vs 15.4%), CDH1 (7% vs 3.5%), NF1 (8% vs 4%), AKT1 (3.5% vs 2.1%), but lower frequency of TP53 (81.6% vs 87.5%), NOTCH1 (2.5% vs 4.5%) and NOTCH3 (4.4% vs 11.7%) compared to ADRB2 -L, all q < 0.05. ADRB2 -H had greater PD-L1 (22C3) positivity (39.1% vs 30.2%, q < 0.05), higher % of B cells (4.5 vs 3.4), M1 Mφ (3.4 vs 2.8), M2 Mφ (3.9 vs 2.2), Tregs (2.2 vs 1.3), NK cells (3.1 vs 2.6), DC (3.1 vs 2.9), CD8 + T cells (0.9 vs 0.2), all q < 0.05. ADRB2 -H TNBC had higher T-cell inflamed score (95 vs -80), IFN γ score (-0.23 vs -0.37), MAPK activation score (-0.46 vs -1.7), all q < 0.05; and higher expression of immune checkpoint genes ( CD274, PDCD1, PDCD1LG2, CTLA4, LAG3, HAVCR2, FOXP3, IDO1, TNFSF14, TIGIT, BTLA, CEACAM1, CD47, CD274 ; fold change: 1.6-3.7, all q < 0.05). ADRB2 -H tumors had higher expression of genes related to inflammatory response, IFNγ response, IL6-JAK-STAT3 signaling (normalized enrichment score (NES): 1.9 – 2.1), while ADRB2 -L had enrichment of MYC targets V1, MYC targets V2, E2F targets and G2M checkpoint (NES: 2.5 – 4.2), all FDR < 0.01. ADRB2 -H TNBC had better OS (mOS: 23.6 vs 18.6 months; HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.73-0.89, p < 0.0001) compared to ADRB2 -L. Conclusions: High ADRB2 expression in TNBC is associated with better survival and an immune enriched TME, elevated immune checkpoints and other targetable vulnerabilities. Future studies are needed to investigate ADRB2 as a potential stress biomarker and therapeutic target.
Chemokines as predictive biomarkers for immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) efficacy in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC).
Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2025 | Volume: 43 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 1106-1106
1106 Background: TNBC, although an aggressive breast cancer (BC) subtype, is highly immunogenic and the only BC subtype where the ICI pembrolizumab is approved. However, predictive biomarkers for pembrolizumab benefit are limited. The chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10 attract CD8 + T cells into the tumor microenvironment (TME) and are associated with chemotherapy benefit, but little is known about their role in prediciting pembrolizumab benefit in TNBC. We investigated the association of CXCL9 , CXCL10 and their cognate receptor CXCR3 with TME and ICI efficacy. Methods: 3,038 TNBC samples were analyzed via NGS (592-gene panel, NextSeq; WES/WTS, NovaSeq; Caris Life Sciences, Phoenix, AZ). Tumor mutational burden (TMB) totaled somatic mutations per tumor (high > 10 mt/MB). Immune cell fractions were estimated using WTS deconvolution (Quantiseq). CXCL9 / CXCL10 / CXCR3 -high (H) and -low (L) tumors were classified by RNA expression above or below the 50th percentile. Real-world overall survival (OS) was derived from insurance claims and calculated from start of pembrolizumab to last contact using Kaplan-Meier. Statistical significance was assessed using chi-square and Mann-Whitney U with multiple comparison adjustments (q < .05). Results: TNBC expressed higher levels of CXCL9 and CXCL10 (median (TPM): 5.3 and 14.7) compared to N = 1,082 HER2+ (4.8 and 10.3, p < 0.05) and N = 4,918 HR+HER2- (2.7 and 7, q < .05) BC. CXCR3 expression was higher in TNBC compared to HR+HER2- (1.9 vs 1.7, q < .05), but no difference when compared to HER2+ (1.9 vs 2, q = 0.97) BC. CXCL9 / CXCL10 / CXCR3 -H TNBC had higher median OS post pembrolizumab [ CXCL9 -H vs -L: 26.5 vs 15.7 months (mo), HR: 0.65 (95% CI 0.5-0.84); CXCL10 -H vs -L: 26.0 vs 20.6 mo, HR 0.74 (0.57-0.95); CXCR3 -H vs -L: 32.6 vs 18.3 mo, HR 0.68 (0.52-0.88), all p < 0.05 ]. CXCL9 -H, CXCL10 -H and CXCR3 -H had higher PD-L1 positivity (22C3), TMB high, higher T cell inflamed score, TP53 mutations, elevated B and CD8 + T cells infiltration, but not neutrophils, and higher expression of immune checkpoint genes (Table). Conclusions: High CXCL9 / CXCL10 / CXCR3 expression is associated with longer survival in patients with TNBC post pembrolizumab, and characterized by an immune-enriched TME. Further investigation is needed to evaluate this chemokine axis in TNBC and its potential as a therapeutic target to enhance ICI efficacy. TME characteristics by CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCR3 expression. CXCL9 CXCL10 CXCR3 High Low q-value High Low q-value High Low q-value PD-L1 % 54 14 <.05 54 14.7 <.05 49 19 <.05 TMB high % 14.3 8 <.05 12.6 9.7 <.05 12.4 9.8 <.05 B cell (median %) 4.4 3.5 <.05 4.3 3.6 <.05 5 3.4 <.05 CD8+T cell (median %) 1.2 0 <.05 1 0 <.05 1.3 0 <.05 Neutrophil (median %) 4.2 4.5 <.05 4.2 4.4 <.05 4.2 4.3 0.2 T cell inflamed score 100 -84 <.05 98 -84 <.05 108 -100 <.05 CTLA4 (median TPM) 3.2 0.7 <.05 3 0.8 <.05 3.4 0.7 <.05 LAG3 (median TPM) 6.6 2.1 <.05 6.9 2 <.05 6.8 2 <.05 TP53 mutation % 88 81 <.05 90.5 78.6 <.05 86 83 0.08