Citations

Abstract Background: Clinical benefit with PARP inhibitors (PARPi) has been demonstrated in patients (pts) with HER2-negative (HER2−) metastatic breast cancer (mBC) and germline or tumor mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 (g/tBRCAm). Understanding real-world PARPi use and its impact on clinical outcomes may improve the treatment of pts with BRCAm HER2− mBC. Methods: This retrospective study captured data from US pts aged ≥18 years diagnosed with HER2− mBC from January 12, 2018, to March 31, 2024, in the deidentified electronic health record-derived Flatiron Health Research Database. PARPi use and outcomes were described by tumor subtype (hormone receptor-positive [HR+]/HER2− mBC or triple-negative mBC [mTNBC]), g/tBRCA status, disease stage at diagnosis (de novo or recurrent), line of therapy (LoT), and prior treatments. Real-world overall survival (rwOS) by PARPi use was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Of 848 pts with gBRCAm mBC, 352 (42%) received PARPi (Table), with consistent PARPi initiation rates of 42%-48% from 2018-2022. PARPi was initiated in 223/566 (39%) pts with gBRCAm HR+/HER2− mBC, 125/275 (45%) pts with gBRCAm mTNBC, and 4/7 (57%) pts with unknown tumor subtype. Among 304 pts with gBRCAm who had received ≥3 LoT by the end of follow-up, 93/225 (41%) pts with HR+/HER2− mBC and 18/78 (23%) pts with mTNBC received PARPi in the third LoT or later (3L+); 50/103 (49%) pts with de novo mBC and 54/184 (29%) pts with recurrent mBC received PARPi in 3L+. PARPi was also initiated in 13/231 (6%) pts with gBRCA variants of uncertain significance (VUS) and 176/662 (27%) pts with tBRCAm and non-gBRCAm/unknown gBRCAm status. Among 539/1573 (34%) pts with g/tBRCAm who received PARPi, 167 had not received prior chemotherapy in any setting; 40 of these pts (39 with HR+/HER2− mBC and 1 with mTNBC) received PARPi in 3L+. With a median follow-up of 17.0 months from initiation of 1L therapy, median rwOS was numerically longer among pts with gBRCAm who received PARPi versus pts who did not (HR+/HER2− mBC: 39.3 months [95% CI: 35.5-46.8], n=208 vs 24.2 months [95% CI: 21.4-33.0], n=259; mTNBC: 27.6 months [95% CI: 18.0-41.7], n=119 vs 16.9 months [95% CI: 14.5-31.9], n=81). Among pts with tBRCAm who were negative for gBRCAm, median rwOS was numerically longer in pts who received PARPi versus pts who did not. Conclusions: Pts with HR+/HER2− mBC had slightly lower rates of PARPi use, and received PARPi later, than pts with mTNBC. Although improved efficacy with PARPi use in earlier LoT has been demonstrated, many pts first received PARPi in 3L+, suggesting unmet potential to ensure timely testing and optimize treatment. Although immortal time bias and other factors should be considered, rwOS was numerically longer in pts with BRCAm HR+/HER2− mBC and with BRCAm mTNBC who initiated PARPi versus pts who did not. Further research into PARPi use and survival trends in pts with BRCAm and/or other actionable biomarkers in mBC is needed. Citation Format: S. Yadav, Q. Li, Z. Tan, K. E. Mishkin, J. F. Hayes, X. Xu, F. J. Couch. Real-world PARP inhibitor use and clinical outcomes in US patients with HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer [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 PS2-02-08.

Abstract Background: International guidelines recommend that all patients (pts) with metastatic breast cancer (mBC) are offered testing for germline BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations (gBRCAm) and other biomarkers to aid treatment decisions. This retrospective study describes real-world testing patterns for germline/tumor (g/t)BRCAm and other biomarkers among US pts with HER2-negative [HER2−] mBC. Methods: Data were captured from US pts aged ≥18 years with HER2− mBC from January 12, 2018, to March 31, 2024, in the deidentified, electronic health record-derived Flatiron Health Research Database. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and testing patterns for g/tBRCAm and other actionable biomarkers were examined. Testing rates, test timing, and biomarker status were described across subgroups defined by demographics (including age, race, and ethnicity), tumor subtype (hormone receptor-positive [HR+]/HER2− mBC or triple-negative mBC [mTNBC]), and disease stage at mBC diagnosis (recurrent/de novo). Results: The BRCA testing rate among pts with mBC increased from 2018 (48%) to 2023 (62%); the overall testing rate was 19,820/34,379 (58%): 5880 pts (17%) received a gBRCA test only, 7285 (21%) received a tBRCA test only, and 6655 (19%) received both gBRCA and tBRCA tests. BRCA testing rates were numerically lower in pts with HR+/HER2− mBC (56%) versus mTNBC (68%), and in pts aged >65 years (HR+/HER2− mBC, 48%; mTNBC, 62%) versus ≤65 years (HR+/HER2− mBC, 64%; mTNBC, 74%; Table). The proportion of pts who received a test before initiation of first-line (1L) therapy was lower among pts with HR+/HER2− mBC than with mTNBC (recurrent, 60% vs 81%; de novo, 37% vs 57%). Among tested pts, 1067/15,168 (7%) with HR+/HER2− mBC and 494/4539 (11%) with mTNBC had a positive result for g/tBRCAm; 365/1067 (34%) pts with g/tBRCAm HR+/HER2− mBC and 138/494 (28%) pts with g/tBRCAm mTNBC were aged >65 years. Among 528 pts with gBRCAm HR+/HER2− mBC, co-mutations in PIK3CA, ESR1, PTEN, and AKT1 were identified in 48 (9%), 38 (7%), 20 (4%), and 3 (<1%) pts, respectively. Among pts diagnosed with gBRCAm HR+/HER2− mBC in 2020-2023 (median follow-up: 15 months), 175/371 (47%) did not receive a test for PIK3CA mutations at any time, and 48/97 (49%) pts diagnosed in 2023 (median follow-up: 6 months) did not receive a test for ESR1 mutations. In 2021-2023, 72/256 (28%) pts with g/tBRCAm mTNBC had tumors with programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) combined positive score ≥10; 88 (34%) pts did not receive a PD-L1 test. Conclusions: Although BRCA testing rates increased from 2018 to 2023, 38% of US pts diagnosed with HER2− mBC in 2023 did not receive any BRCA test. BRCA testing rates were low among pts with HR+/HER2− mBC and/or aged >65 years, suggesting that many g/tBRCAm remained undetected. Wider and timelier testing for germline and tumor biomarkers is warranted to identify pts who are eligible for targeted therapies. Citation Format: S. Yadav, Q. Li, Z. Tan, K. E. Mishkin, J. F. Hayes, X. Xu, F. J. Couch. Real-world biomarker testing patterns in US patients with HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer [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 PD4-08.

Abstract Background: TheTAILORx trial established that adjuvant endocrine therapy (ET) is non-inferiorto chemotherapy plus ET (CET) in T1-2N0 HR+/HER2-negative early breast cancer(EBC) with an Oncotype DX (ODX) 21-gene recurrence score (RS) of 11-25, RS 0-10is associated with low distant recurrence (DR) rates with ET alone, and RS26-100 is associated with higher DR rates despite CET. Although ODX isprognostic for 10-year DR, it has limited value for late DR >5 years. Inorder to develop improved DR risk prognostication, we developed multimodal AImodels integrating clinical, molecular, and histopathology features to provideprognostic information for early (<5years), late (>5 years), and overall DR at 15 years using primary tumorsamples and clinical data from volunteers who participated in TAILORx. Methods: DigitizedH&E slides were generated and nucleic acids extracted and sequenced from∼5000 primary tumor samples using Caris MI Tumor Seek-Hybrid, of which 2,808(56%) were used for model training and 5-fold nested cross validation (60/20/20split). Models included single-modality (clinical [C], image [I], molecular [M:ODX genes]), dual-modality (CM, IC), and multimodal (ICM). An expandedmolecular model (M+) model was also derived from expanded molecular inputsderived from whole transcriptome sequencing (WTS) data, including 5 commercialgene signatures (ODX, MammaPrint, Prosigna, EndoPredict, BCI) and 57 high-variancegenes; only EndoPredict, BCI, and ODX gene signatures were retained for model M+.Model-CM+ combined clinical plus expanded molecular features, while ICM/ICM+integrated image, clinical, and (expanded) molecular inputs. Risk scores were dichotomized into high vs. low risk groups usingthresholds chosen to yield risk group proportions closely matching thosedefined by the ODX RS cutoff of 25 for distinguishing high vs. low genomicrisk. Theprimary endpoint was distant recurrence (DR). Prognostic performance wasassessed using truncated concordance index (C-index, 90th percentile of eventtimes), hazard ratios (HRs), and log-rank tests. DNA-level whole exomesequencing (WES) features were also tested but did not provide additionalprognostic information and thus excluded from final models. Results: Theactual ODX continuous RS achieved a C-index of 0.625 for overall DR and 0.743early DR, but no prognostic value for late DR (0.52). Similar results for theC-index were observed for ODX+C for overall DR (0.619), early DR (0.724), andlate DR (0.514). Of all modelsevaluated, model-ICM+ gave the best overall prognostic accuracy for overall DR (C-index0.713; hazard ratio [HR] 3.56 for comparison of high vs. low risk, p<0.001)and late DR (C-index 0.655; HR 2.36, p<0.001), and ranked second for earlyDR (C-index 0.772; HR 6.59, p<0.001) behind the CM+ model (C-index 0.782). Amongsingle-modality models, Model-M+ improved early DR prognostication comparedwith a molecular model including only ODX genes(C-index 0.767 vs 0.744 for M),whereas Model-I was strongest for late DR prognostication (C-index 0.635). Conclusions: Molecularfeatures primarily drove prognostic accuracy for early DR within 5 years,whereas histopathology features strengthened the prognostic accuracy for lateDR after 5 years. Multimodal models captured these complementary signals, withICM+ giving the best overall accuracy for individualized prognostic assessment.Additional validation of the optimized ICM+ model and other models is beingperformed in an intendent validation sample of 2000 TAILORx volunteers, withresults to be presented at the meeting.Supported by the Breast CancerResearch Foundation and the U.S. NIH/NCI U10CA180820 and 5U24CA196172, and theU.S. Postal Service Breast Cancer Stamp Fund. Citation Format: J. A. Sparano, V. Wang, R. J. Gray, D. F. Makower, K. S. Albain, D. F. Hayes, C. E. Geyer, E. C. Dees, M. P. Goetz, J. A. Olson, S. S. Badve, T. J. Saphner, T. J. Whelan, M. Radovich, V. G. Kaklamani, G. W. Sledge. Multimodal artificial intelligence (AI) models integrating image, clinical, and molecular data for predicting early and late breast cancer recurrence in TAILORx [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 GS1-08.

Background/Objective: It remains unknown whether patients with the more common forms of hypermobility carry an elevated risk for the development of intracranial/cervical artery abnormalities. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of unruptured intracranial aneurysms, spontaneous cervical artery dissections, and fibromuscular dysplasia in patients with hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) who presented to an academic headache clinic. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. We used an electronic medical record to look for all patients seen at the Mayo Clinic Florida Headache Center and EDS Clinic between 2019 and 2025 with a diagnosis of hEDS or HSD and neuroimaging of both the intracranial and cervical arteries. Results: There were 103 patients who met the inclusion criteria. There was no statistically significant difference between hEDS and HSD patients in developing cerebral/cervical arterial anomalies. Of the sample, 95% of the hypermobile patients with abnormal neuroimaging also had migraine. A total of eleven (10.7%) patients (hEDS + HSD) were diagnosed with unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Trends included age less than 50 years, small aneurysms in the anterior circulation, and having migraine with aura. Five (4.8%) patients were diagnosed with spontaneous cervical artery dissection with trends for HSD, over the age of 50 years, vertebral artery involvement and a history of migraine without aura. Six (5.8%) patients were diagnosed with fibromuscular dysplasia with trends for HSD, over the age of 50 years, carotid artery involvement and a history of migraine with aura. Conclusions: This is the first study to identify that patients with the more common type of EDS, HSD and hEDS, and a possible concomitant history of migraine have a heightened risk for the development of unruptured intracranial aneurysms, spontaneous cervical artery dissections, and fibromuscular dysplasia. Our findings suggest the need for targeted screening with intracranial and extracranial arterial imaging for this unique patient population.

Purpose. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) has emerged as an important cause of acute coronary syndrome predominantly affecting women. Although the knowledge of SCAD has expanded over the past 2 decades, limited evidence exists to guide post-event management and prevention of future adverse events. This review aims to synthesize the current understanding of SCAD and outline considerations for exercise prescription and cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in this unique population. Review Methods. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, incorporating original research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and current clinical guidelines related to SCAD and CR. Summary. Current literature demonstrates that CR is safe in this population and is associated with improvement in measures of physical and mental health. Expert consensus supports reintroduction of exercise and an individualized multidisciplinary CR framework.This review highlights current evidence and expert recommendations for the multidisciplinary outpatient management of patients with SCAD.

Background: Running often elicits stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in parous athletes. While cadence retraining improves running biomechanics, its impact on incontinence is unclear. This feasibility study assessed the implementation and preliminary effects of a 6-week cadence retraining program in parous female runners with SUI. Methods: A total of 8 participants with self-reported SUI and a preferred running cadence ≤ 170 steps/minute underwent treadmill testing before and after the intervention. The program involved a 6-week cadence retraining program using a Garmin Forerunner 55 watch. Feasibility was assessed across 6 domains. Running outcome measures included cadence and vertical oscillation. SUI outcome measures included the Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis and Urinary Distress Inventory-6 scores. Paired t-tests were conducted (α = .05). Results: Following the 6-week program, feasibility outcomes supported the viability of study procedures and high adherence. Statistically significant increases in cadence ( P = .016) and decreases in vertical oscillation ( P = .019) and concomitant decreases in Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis ( P = .013) and Urinary Distress Inventory-6 ( P = .042) scores were observed. Discussion: This study demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of a 6-week cadence retraining program for parous runners with SUI. Given the growing movement to foster athleticism after pregnancy, these findings will appeal to physical therapists searching for acceptable treatment options for SUI in parous runners. Preliminary running mechanics and SUI symptoms warrant a larger randomized controlled trial. A power analysis estimated a sample size of 66 participants for a future full-scale efficacy study.

Importance Breast cancer treatment is associated with cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). However, the association of endocrine therapy (ET) vs chemotherapy plus endocrine therapy (CET) with CRCI is poorly understood. Objective To compare patient-reported CRCI between women with breast cancer treated with ET vs CET and to consider whether menopausal status may be associated. Design, Settings, and Participants This was a prespecified secondary analysis of RxPONDER (SWOG S1007), a multinational phase 3 randomized clinical trial of more than 5000 women with hormone receptor−positive ERBB2 -negative (formerly HER2 -negative) breast cancer with 1 to 3 involved lymph nodes and Oncotype DX (21-gene recurrence score) of 25 or less. Participants were enrolled from February 2011 to September 2017, with results first reported in December 2020. Participants were randomly assigned to CET or ET, with ongoing follow-up. This secondary analysis assessed cognitive function using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Perceived Cognitive Function Concerns (PCF) questionnaire at baseline, 6, 12, and 36 months. Data were analyzed from July 2022 to August 2025. Intervention Random assignment to CET or ET. Main Outcomes and Measures Mean PCF standardized (T) scores by menopausal status over time using generalized estimating equations analysis for continuous outcomes. Results Of the 568 patients who completed the baseline questionnaire and were included in the analysis, 139 (24%) were premenopausal (median [range] age, 47.8 [28.0-56.3] years) and 429 (76%) were postmenopausal (median [range] age, 62.3 [37.3-87.6] years). Among the 274 (48%) who received CET and the 294 (52%) who received ET alone, CET was determined to have a greater negative association with patient-reported CRCI in both the pre- and postmenopausal participants during the 36-month follow-up. In the ET alone group, PCF scores for premenopausal participants decreased from baseline to 6 and 12 months (53.53, 51.51, and 51.72, respectively) but recovered to baseline (54.36) at 36 months. For postmenopausal participants, mean PCF scores were essentially stable (51.72, 51.13, 51.11, and 51.70, respectively); however, in the CET group, PCF scores for both pre- and postmenopausal participants decreased from baseline to 6 and 12 months (premenopausal, 52.84, 49.27, 48.04; postmenopausal, 50.65, 48.39, 47.13, respectively) and did not return to baseline at 36 months (premenopausal, 49.25; postmenopausal, 48.44). The difference in longitudinal mean PCF scores over time between CET and ET groups was −3.02 (95% CI, −5.33 to −0.72; P = .01) for premenopausal and −2.37 (95% CI, −3.92 to −0.82; P = .003) for postmenopausal participants. Conclusions and Relevance This secondary analysis of the RxPONDER found that CET had a greater negative association with patient-reported CRCI compared to ET alone in both pre- and postmenopausal participants over a 36-month follow-up period. Interventions to prevent or treat CRCI are needed to improve the long-term quality of life of these patients treated with chemotherapy. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01272037

Background: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an important cause of acute coronary syndrome in women. Although the role of sex-hormones in the pathogenesis of SCAD is unclear, menopausal hormone therapy (HT) after SCAD is generally dissuaded. This limits management options for women with menopausal symptoms, the burden of which among SCAD patients is unknown. Aims: To quantify the burden of menopausal symptoms among women with a history of SCAD. Methods: We surveyed 1617 participants in the Mayo Clinic SCAD "Virtual" Multi-Center Registry on the topic of menopausal symptoms. Among women who had completed key portions of the survey (N = 846), 666 were identified as being either peri or post-menopausal based on patient report. Results: Menopausal symptom prevalence was high in women with SCAD (Figure). Many women (45%) experienced weight changes in the prior 6 months, and most (75%) never used HT for their menopausal symptoms. Forty-five (6%) women experienced menopause at age 45 or younger, and five (1%) experienced menopause at 40 or younger. At the time of the survey, intravaginal estrogen (11.4%) was the most common HT used, while all other individual HT therapies were used by fewer than 5%. Conclusions: Peri- and postmenopausal women with SCAD experience a high burden of menopausal symptoms, and very few use HT outside of intravaginal estrogen. These findings highlight the need for further exploration of treatment strategies for women with menopausal symptoms following SCAD including assessment of benefits versus harms in the subset of women with premature menopause.