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Showing 10 of 107875 citations.

Abstract PD8-01: Weight Trajectories in the Breast Cancer Weight Loss (BWEL) Trial (Alliance)
Cao, C., Ballman, K. V., McCall, L. M., Alfano, C., Bernstein, V., Crane, Tracy E. , Delahanty, L., Frank, L., Hahn, O., Hershman, D. L., Hopkins, J. O., Irwin, M., Mayer, E. L., Minasian, L., Nebeling, Linda , Neuhouser, M., Paskett, E. D., Spears, P. A., Stearns, V., Thomson, C. A., Wadden, Thomas A., Weiss, A. C., White, J., Hudis, C., Winer, E. P., Partridge, A. H., Carey, L. A., Ligibel, J. A., Alfano, Catherine M. , Bernstein, V., Delahanty, L.M., Goodwin, Pamela J. , Hahn, O. M., Hershman, Dawn L. , Paskett, Electra D. , Stearns, Vered , Hudis, Clifford A. , Partridge, Ann H. , Carey, L.

Mayo Clinic

Clinical Cancer Research | February 17, 2026 | Volume: 32 | Issue: 4_Supplement | Pages: PD8-01-PD8-01

10.1158/1557-3265.sabcs25-pd8-01 Get It

Abstract Background: Obesity is a poor prognostic factor in early breast cancer (BC). The BWEL trial (Alliance A011401; NCT02750826) is a phase 3 randomized trial testing the impact of a weight loss intervention (WLI) on invasive disease-free survival in women with stage II-III BC and a body mass index (BMI) ≥27 kg/m2. Here we report trajectories of weight change in BWEL WLI participants (pts). Methods: Eligible pts were within 16 months of diagnosis of stage II-III HER2-negative BC, had completed chemotherapy (chemo) and radiation (if given), and were randomized 1:1 to a telephone-based WLI, focused on caloric restriction and exercise, plus health education (HE) or to an HE-alone control group. WLI pts were assigned a trained coach at the BWEL call center and received 42 phone calls over the 2-year (yr) WLI period. Weight and height at baseline, 6 and 24 months were collected by study staff. All WLI pts were provided with a Fitbit wireless scale. Fitbit weight records (FWRs) were automatically imported to the BWEL portal for pts with wireless access and self-reported in the portal for pts without wireless access. FWRs were averaged (avg) by week (wk) from the WLI start date up to 104 wks. Baseline pt factors were self-reported; treatment history was abstracted from the medical record. Linear mixed-effect models were used to evaluate trajectories of weight change over the 104-wk WLI. Principal component analysis and multinomial models were used to examine distinct clusters of weight trajectories. Results: 3180 pts were enrolled from 637 sites between 8/2016 and 2/2021. FWRs were available from 1508 of 1591 WLI pts, with a total of 366,294 FWRs collected during the 2-yr WLI period. In pts with FWRs, mean baseline BMI was 34.4 ± 5.6 kg/m2, mean age was 53.2 ± 10.3 yrs, 10.8% self-identified as Non-Hispanic (NH) Black and 6.1% as Hispanic, 81.1% received chemo and 56.9% were postmenopausal. No statistically significant differences in baseline factors were observed between pts with and without FWRs. Intraclass correlation coefficient of baseline weights collected by study staff and by Fitbit scales was 0.99. In the WLI cohort, avg weekly weight (kg) decreased from 91.4 (95% CI: 90.6-92.3) at baseline to 85.6 (95% CI: 84.8-86.5) by wk 40, corresponding to a peak loss of 6.1% (95% CI: 5.7-6.4) of baseline weight. Weight remained stable until wk 52 and then gradually increased to 87.0 kg (95% CI: 86.2-87.9) at wk 104, corresponding to a 4.4% (95% CI: 4.0-4.8) loss at wk 104 vs. baseline. Principal component analysis identified 3 distinct weight trajectories: 67.6% of pts experienced peak weight loss of 6.6% (95% CI: 6.3-6.9) of baseline weight, 10.0% experienced peak loss of 17.5% (95% CI: 16.8-18.2) of baseline weight, and 22.4% did not achieve weight loss, gaining on avg 2.2% (95% CI: 1.7-2.6) of baseline weight. Pts with college (relative risk ratio [RRR]=1.41, 95% CI: 1.03-1.92) and post-graduate education (RRR= 1.58, 95% CI: 1.13-2.20) and those who were premenopausal (RRR=1.70, 95% CI: 1.28-2.26) were more likely to be in the cluster that did not lose weight. Pts who were NH White (RRR=3.60, 95% CI: 1.95-6.68), postmenopausal (RRR=1.94, 95% CI: 1.28-2.95), had no alcohol use (RRR=1.49, 95% CI: 1.03-2.16), had not received chemo (RRR=1.76, 95% CI: 1.15-2.72), and had <3 chronic conditions (RRR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.23-3.66) were more likely to be in the cluster with the highest weight loss. Conclusion: Longitudinal weight data from BWEL demonstrate peak weight loss of 6.1% in the WLI cohort at 40 wks, with distinct trajectories indicating differential responses to the WLI. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using digital health tools to track outcomes in the setting of a large-scale weight loss intervention study and informs future precision behavioral interventions in oncology. Support: U10CA180821, U10CA180882, UG1CA189823; U10CA180863. https://acknowledgments.alliancefound.org. Citation Format: C. Cao, K. Ballman, L. McCall, C. Alfano, V. Bernstein, T. Crane, L. Delahanty, L. Frank, P. Goodwin, O. Hahn, D. Hershman, J. Hopkins, M. Irwin, E. Mayer, L. Minasian, L. Nebeling, M. Neuhouser, E. Paskett, P. Spears, V. Stearns, C. Thomson, T. Wadden, A. Weiss, J. White, C. Hudis, E. Winer, A. Partridge, L. Carey, J. Ligibel. Weight Trajectories in the Breast Cancer Weight Loss (BWEL) Trial (Alliance) [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 PD8-01.
Abstract PD6-09: Quantifying the Contribution of Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide (AC) to Pathologic Response Following Neoadjuvant Taxane Therapy: Analysis of the I-SPY2 TRIAL
Yee, Don, Yau, C., Norwood, P., Wolf, D. M., Pohlmann, P. R., Onishi, N., Veer, L. J. van 't, Borowsky, A. D., Symmans, W. F., Perlmutter, Jane , Boughey, J. C., Price, E., Li, W., Investigators, I-SPY, Hylton, N., Esserman, L. J., Yee, D., Norwood, Peter, Symmans, W. Fraser , Boughey, J. C., Investigators, I-SPY, Hylton, N. M., Esserman, L. J.

Mayo Clinic

Clinical Cancer Research | February 17, 2026 | Volume: 32 | Issue: 4_Supplement | Pages: PD6-09-PD6-09

10.1158/1557-3265.sabcs25-pd6-09 Get It

Abstract Introduction: AC plus a taxane is standard neoadjuvant therapy for high-risk early breast cancer, but AC may be unnecessary for pathologic complete response (pCR) in many patients. I-SPY2 is a phase 2 trial evaluating the use of 12 weeks of paclitaxel +/- an investigational drug followed by AC. Serial measurements of Functional Tumor Volume (FTV) by MRI, inter-regimen biopsies and pathology from surgery were used to determine the contribution of AC to reduction in FTV or pCR. Methods: 1187 patients enrolled between 2010-2022 had serial measurements of FTV. 150 patients received an inter-regimen biopsy. The primary endpoint of I-SPY2 is pCR. To determine how much AC contributed to the reduction in FTV, we calculated the total FTV decrease between pre-treatment and pre-surgery, and then computed the percentage (%) of the total FTV decrease seen after 12 weeks of paclitaxel regimen. We attributed pCRs observed among patients for whom taxane contributed <90% FTV reduction to AC and estimated the % patients achieving pCR from AC. For the subset with inter-regimen biopsy, we estimated the percentage achieving pCR from those patients with invasive cancer present at inter-regimen biopsy. Results: We found that by week 12 (end of taxane), 64% (763/1187) of patients had achieved ≥90% of their total FTV reduction. In 424/1187 (36%) patients had with taxane <90% response, and subsequent AC contributed to more than 10% of the total decrease in FTV. 90 pCRs (21%) were observed among these 424 patients or, overall, approximately 8% of patients achieved pCR from AC after taxane. Of note, 54/1187 (4.5%) patients had no response to a taxane regimen and had decreased in FTV due to AC alone. Of the 54/1187 responding to AC only, there were 11 pCRs. These results varied by response predictive subtypes as shown. When the subpopulation with post-paclitaxel biopsy was examined, 63/150 (42%) patients had invasive cancer at this timepoint. 47 patients received AC and 4/47 (8.5%) achieved a pCR after AC. 13/47 (28%) achieved RCB 0/1. Conclusions: Serial measurements of FTV identifies patients who had a favorable response to a taxane regimen. For those with a suboptimal response, AC provided some contribution to further decrease in tumor volume. However, only a small fraction achieved a complete response. Immune positive and HER2+ (non-luminal) had the biggest benefit, with only 3-6% of other subtypes achieved pCR. Thus, AC can be reserved for those patients with suboptimal response to the initial taxane therapy. I-SPY2.2 utilizes these data to avoid AC by allowing patients to proceed to surgery after serial MRI and biopsy predict a pCR at an early timepoint. While AC remains the standard of care in many neoadjuvant regimens, the low response rates seen in I-SPY2 suggests that more active regimens need to be developed for patients with disease resistant to a taxane based therapy. Citation Format: D. Yee, C. Yau, P. Norwood, D. M. Wolf, P. R. Pohlmann, N. Onishi, L. van 't Veer, A. Borowsky, W. F. Symmans, J. Perlmutter, J. C. Boughey, E. Price, W. Li, I-SPY Investigators, N. Hylton, L. J. Esserman. Quantifying the Contribution of Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide (AC) to Pathologic Response Following Neoadjuvant Taxane Therapy: Analysis of the I-SPY2 TRIAL [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 PD6-09.
Abstract PD4-11: Contralateral Breast Cancer Risk in Women with PALB2-Associated Breast Cancer
Metcalfe, Kelly , Stachowski, A , Couch, F. J., Marabelli, Monica , Wong, S. M., Domchek, S. M., Kim, R., Cajal, T. Ramon y, Fruscio, R, Yadav, S., Hoey, C., Karamali, S., Sun, P., Lubinski, J., Narod, S., Pal, T., Eisen, Andrea , Kim, Raymond H. , Metcalfe, Kelly A , Eisen, Andrea , Kim, Raymond H , Couch, F.J., Aeilts, Amber M. , Eisen, Andrew , Hoey, Christianne, Lubiński, Jan

Mayo Clinic

Clinical Cancer Research | February 17, 2026 | Volume: 32 | Issue: 4_Supplement | Pages: PD4-11-PD4-11

10.1158/1557-3265.sabcs25-pd4-11 Get It

Abstract Introduction: Women with a germline pathogenic variant (PV) in PALB2 face a lifetime risk of breast cancer, generally exceeding 40%. We have initiated an international clinical follow up study of women with stage 0 to stage 4 breast cancer and a PALB2 PV to evaluate clinical characteristics and to determine optimal treatments. The objective of the current study was to estimate and to identify factors predictive of contralateral breast cancer (CBC) risk. Methods: Clinical data, including diagnostic, treatment, and follow-up data, were collected by medical record review for eligible women with breast cancer and a germline PV in PALB2. PV carriers were followed every two years to collect information about recurrences, new cancers, and vital status. Data was summarized using descriptive statistics. The risk of CBC was estimated by following women from the date of breast cancer diagnosis until the date of: 1) contralateral breast cancer, 2) contralateral mastectomy, 3) death from any cause, or 4) last follow-up. The cumulative incidence of CBC was calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify factors associated with contralateral breast cancer risk. Covariates included age at diagnosis, ER status, grade, nodal status, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, tamoxifen, and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (time-dependent). Results: Among 888 PALB2 carriers, the mean age at diagnosis of breast cancer was 49.3 years (range 22 to 83 years). Overall, 36 women (4.1%) were diagnosed with synchronous bilateral breast cancer. 73.6% of the breast cancers were ER-positive, and 29% were lymph node-positive. Patients were followed for a mean of 5.6 years (range 0.3 to 22 years) from date of diagnosis. During the follow-up period, 53 patients were diagnosed with a metachronous CBC. The 15-year risk of metachronous CBC was 26.4% overall; 19.5% for those diagnosed younger than 50 years, and 34.8% for those diagnosed at 50 years or older. In a multivariate analysis, ER status was not significantly associated with CBC risk (RR 1.15, 95%CI 0.45-2.93, p=0.77). Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of CBC (RR 0.17, 95%CI 0.04-0.70, p=0.02). In the follow-up period, 47 women were diagnosed with another incident cancer, including seven with pancreatic cancer and three with ovarian cancer Conclusion: The high 15-year risk of contralateral breast cancer suggests that bilateral mastectomy should be considered for primary surgical intervention. Moreover, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) significantly reduces the risk of CBC and should be considered post-treatment. Citation Format: K. Metcalfe, A. Stachowski, F. Couch, M. Marabelli, S. Wong, S. Domchek, A. Aeilts, A. Eisen, R. Kim, T. Ramon y Cajal, R. Fruscio, S. Yadav, C. Hoey, S. Karamali, P. Sun, J. Lubinski, S. Narod, T. Pal. Contralateral Breast Cancer Risk in Women with PALB2-Associated 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 PD4-11.
Abstract PD4-08: Real-world biomarker testing patterns in US patients with HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer
Yadav, S., Li, Q., Tan, Ziyu, Mishkin, K. E., Hayes, J. F., Xu, Xiaoqing , Couch, F. J., Mishkin, Kathryn , Couch, F.J.

Mayo Clinic

Clinical Cancer Research | February 17, 2026 | Volume: 32 | Issue: 4_Supplement | Pages: PD4-08-PD4-08

10.1158/1557-3265.sabcs25-pd4-08 Get It

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 PD4-07: Association between age at diagnosis and survival among young BRCA carriers with breast cancer: results from an international multicenter hospital-based cohort study
Meacci, Arianna , Gil, M. Fragío, Klocker, E., Coussy, Florence , Kim, H., Molho, R. Bernstein, Meglio, A. Di, Pogoda, K., Bajpai, J. , Wildiers, Hans, Balmana, J., Moore, H. C., Phillips, K., Partridge, A. H., Rousset-Jablonski, C., PeccatorI, F. A., Toss, Angela, Renaud, T., Anghelone, Chiara Annunziata Pasqualina, Cruz, A. Benitez, Lee, J. E., Fruscio, R, Cui, W., Wong, S. M., Lee, M., Rozenblit, M., Villarreal-Garza, C., Matikas, A., Dieci, M. V., Marchis, Laura De , Plichta, J. K., Ruddy, K. J., Guven, D. Can, Puglisi, F., Kemp, Zoë, Meireles, P. A., Delucchi, Virginia , Lambertini, M., Blondeaux, Eva , Gil, Mónica Fragío , Molho, R. Bernstein, Hilbers, Florentine , Meglio, Antonio Di , Kwong, Ava , Pogoda, K. , Agostinetto, Elisa , Moore, Halle C F , Partridge, Ann H. , Rousset‐Jablonski, Christine , Peccatori, Fedro A , Toss, Angela , Renaud, Tiphaine , Paluch–Shimon, Shani , Rozenblit, M., Vernieri, Claudio , Villarreal‐Garza, Cynthia , Matikas, Alexios , Plichta, J. K., Ruddy, Kathryn J. , Puglisi, Fabio , Kemp, Z.E., Meireles, P., Mastro, Lucia Del , Lambertini, Matteo

Mayo Clinic

Clinical Cancer Research | February 17, 2026 | Volume: 32 | Issue: 4_Supplement | Pages: PD4-07-PD4-07

10.1158/1557-3265.sabcs25-pd4-07 Get It

Abstract Background Young age is a known risk factor for breast cancer recurrence and mortality, particularly in hormone receptor-positive disease. However, no specific evidence exists on whether age at diagnosis influences clinical behavior and outcomes among carriers of germline BRCA pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants (PVs). Methods The BRCA BCY Collaboration (NCT03673306) is an international, multicenter, hospital-based, retrospective cohort study including women with germline BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 PVs and diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer at the age of 40 years or younger between January 2000 and December 2020. The present analysis aimed to evaluate clinical features and outcomes of breast cancer in young BRCA carriers according to age at diagnosis, by comparing patients aged ≤30 years with those aged 31-35 and 36-40 years at breast cancer diagnosis. The primary endpoint was disease-free survival (DFS). Overall survival (OS) was a secondary endpoint. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs), adjusting for risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM) and risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) (time-dependent), and stratifying by country, year of diagnosis, tumor size, nodal involvement, tumor grade and hormone receptor status. Results From 109 centers in 5 continents, 5350 young BRCA carriers were included, of whom 1106 (20.7%) were ≤30 years of age, 1945 (36.4%) were 31-35 years and 2299 (43.0%) were 36-40 years at the time of breast cancer diagnosis. Compared to patients aged 31-35 and 36-40 years, those aged ≤30 years were more likely to harbor BRCA1 PVs (71.3%, 62.4%, 61.1%, respectively), to present with high-grade (G3 in 71.3%, 66.6%, 65.0%, respectively), triple-negative breast cancer (56.3%, 48.1%, 46.6%, respectively), and less frequently smaller tumor size (T1: 31.7%, 36.6% and 39.5%, respectively). Consequently, chemotherapy was administered more frequently among patients aged ≤30 years (94.4%, 92.6%, 89.7%, respectively). At a median follow-up of 8.2 years (IQR, 4.7-12.8), 8-year DFS rate was 65.0% among patients aged ≤30 years, 64.7% in the 31-35 years group, and 65.8% in the 36-40 years group. No significant association between age at diagnosis and DFS outcome was observed (31-35 vs. ≤30 years: aHR 1.03, 95% CI 0.89-1.19; 36-40 vs. ≤30 years aHR 1.00, 95% CI 0.87-1.16). Similarly, no significant association between age at diagnosis and OS was observed (31-35 vs. ≤30 years: aHR 1.10, 95% CI 0.86-1.41; 36-40 vs. ≤30 years: aHR 1.11, 95% CI 0.87-1.43). Subgroup analyses by specific BRCA gene, tumor subtype, tumor size, nodal status, and chemotherapy use revealed no statistically significant interaction with age at diagnosis in terms of DFS or OS (all p for interaction > 0.05). Specifically, no significant differences between age groups were observed among patients with luminal-like tumors for both DFS and OS. Conclusions In this unique international cohort of BRCA carriers diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age (≤40 years), we found no significant differences in DFS nor OS across different age groups. Notably, very young age (≤30 years) at diagnosis was not associated with worse outcomes compared to 31-35 years or 36-40 years. Age per se should not be considered a negative prognostic factor in BRCA carriers when appropriate treatment is provided. Citation Format: E. Blondeaux, A. Meacci, M. Fragío Gil, E. Klocker, F. Coussy, H. Kim, R. Bernstein Molho, F. Hilbers, A. Di Meglio, A. Kwong, K. Pogoda, J. Bajpai, H. Wildiers, E. Agostinetto, J. Balmana, H. C. Moore, K. Phillips, A. H. Partridge, C. Rousset-Jablonski, F. A. Peccatori, A. Toss, T. Renaud, C. Anghelone, A. Benitez Cruz, S. Paluch-Shimon, J. Lee, R. Fruscio, W. Cui, S. M. Wong, M. Lee, M. Rozenblit, C. Vernieri, C. Villarreal-Garza, A. Matikas, M. Dieci, L. De Marchis, J. K. Plichta, K. J. Ruddy, D. Can Guven, F. Puglisi, Z. Kemp, P. A. Meireles, L. Del Mastro, V. Delucchi, M. Lambertini. Association between age at diagnosis and survival among young BRCA carriers with breast cancer: results from an international multicenter hospital-based cohort study [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 PD4-07.
Abstract PD4-05: Partially functional (hypomorphic) missense variants in BRCA2 are reduced penetrance pathogenic variants
Huang, H., Hu, C., Na, J , Kucera, Matthew, Simmons, Timothy , Mundt, E., Young, C. C., Lyra, P. C., Tan, Y. Y., Nathanson, K. L., Pal, T., Karam, R., Pesaran, T., Yadav, S., Domchek, S. M., Monteiro, A. N., Hughes, E., Chen, W., Richardson, M. E., Couch, F. J., Huang, H., Mundt, Erin, Heidari, Z., Lyra, Paulo C. , Nathanson, Katherine L. , Karam, Rachid , Pesaran, Tina , Hughes, E., Boddicker, Nicholas , Couch, F.J.

Mayo Clinic

Clinical Cancer Research | February 17, 2026 | Volume: 32 | Issue: 4_Supplement | Pages: PD4-05-PD4-05

10.1158/1557-3265.sabcs25-pd4-05 Get It

Abstract Background: BRCA2 variants with partially aberrant RNA splicing have been associated with a relatively lower breast cancer risk (reduced penetrance) relative to canonical pathogenic variants. However, the existence of partial loss of function (hypomorphic) missense variants, conferring reduced penetrance, is less certain. Identification and assessment of the clinical relevance of such reduced penetrance pathogenic variants (RPPVs) is needed to provide accurate risk estimates. Methods: Comprehensive functional characterization of hypomorphic missense variants (n=70) in the BRCA2 DNA-binding domain, initially identified through homology-directed DNA repair (HDR) assays, was conducted through multiple independent functional assays, including HDR, CRISPR/Cas9-based endogenous targeting, RAD51 foci formation assay, and Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor response assay. Risk estimates were obtained using two large datasets from patients referred for hereditary cancer testing. A ClinGen/ACMG/AMP model was used for clinical classification. Results: The variants consistently demonstrated hypomorphic HDR activity and endogenous survival in HAP1 targeted cells, decreased RAD51 foci formation, and increased sensitivity to PARP inhibitors. These variants were associated with a moderate increase in breast cancer risk, as shown in two independent studies: one using multivariable logistic analysis adjusted for age, ancestry and family history (OR=2.41, 95%CI=1.51-3.85) and another comparing frequencies of variants in breast cancer cases to public reference controls adjusted for ancestry (OR=2.09, 95% CI=1.16-4.08). The mean age of breast cancer diagnosis for carriers of hypomorphic variants was 57 years, which was significantly older than the mean age of diagnosis of 51 years for carriers of protein truncating variants. Functional data were combined with other evidence sources in a ClinGen/ACMG/AMP model to classify 14 variants as “likely pathogenic”. Conclusions: We identified partially functional, hypomorphic missense variants associated with reduced penetrance for breast cancer. Cancer risk management guidelines for this new category of variants should be revisited given that the associated breast cancer risks warrant high risk screening but do not meet the threshold at which risk reducing mastectomy is offered. This study supports a shift in paradigm to considering variant-based risks on a continuum, with implications for risk-appropriate cancer risk management. Citation Format: H. Huang, C. Hu, J. Na, M. Kucera, T. Simmons, E. Mundt, C. C. Young, Z. Heidari, P. C. Lyra, Y. Y. Tan, K. L. Nathanson, T. Pal, R. Karam, T. Pesaran, S. Yadav, S. M. Domchek, A. N. Monteiro, E. Hughes, N. Boddicker, W. Chen, M. E. Richardson, F. J. Couch. Partially functional (hypomorphic) missense variants in BRCA2 are reduced penetrance pathogenic variants [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 PD4-05.
Abstract PD4-04: Impact of Polygenic Risk Scores on Breast Cancer Risk Assessment and Clinical Decision Making in Carriers of Germline Pathogenic Variants in ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, and PALB2: Results from the Prospective Multisite GENRE-2 Clinical Trial
Yadav, Sumeet Kumar, Klassen, Christine L. , Fraker, Jessica , Sahni, Sabrina, Khan, S. A., Khatri, Lakshmi, Vachon, C., Schaid, Daniel J., Sinnwell, J. P., Carlson, E., Hasadsri, Linda , Couch, F. J., Pruthi, Sandhya, Stan, Daniela , Vachon, Celine M. , Sinnwell, Jason P. , Couch, F.J.

Mayo Clinic

Clinical Cancer Research | February 17, 2026 | Volume: 32 | Issue: 4_Supplement | Pages: PD4-04-PD4-04

10.1158/1557-3265.sabcs25-pd4-04 Get It

Abstract Background: Incorporation of Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS) can refine traditional breast cancer (BC) risk assessment models to provide precise estimates of BC risk. However, the impact of such an integrated model on BC risk estimates and clinical decision-making related to BC screening and preventive strategies in germline pathogenic variant (PV) carriers is not fully understood. Methods: The GENRE-2 is a prospective single-arm multisite clinical trial (NCT04474834) incorporating 313-PRS into standard BC risk assessment models to determine the impact of PRS on risk estimates and clinical decisions on prevention and screening. All women received pre- and post-PRS BC risk estimates and completed surveys on their screening and cancer prevention decisions before and after integrating PRS estimates. Herein, we report on the impact of integrating PRS into CanRisk-based BC risk estimates among women enrolled in GENRE-2 due to PVs in ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, or PALB2. Women were categorized into average risk (<20%), moderate risk (20-40%), or high risk (>40%) for BC based on clinically relevant lifetime risk thresholds for supplemental MRI screening and risk-reducing bilateral mastectomies. Changes in categories of lifetime BC risk estimates were then evaluated before and after integration of PRS. Impact of PRS on patient decisions to undertake screening or preventive action (medication or prophylactic mastectomy) was evaluated based on pre- and post-PRS surveys. Results: Between 2020 and 2025, 933 women were enrolled, 633 received PRS results and completed a survey to date. Of those who received PRS results, 214 (33.8%) were PV carriers (ATM: 24, BRCA1: 54, BRCA2: 73, CHEK2: 54 and PALB2: 9). Among PV carriers, the CanRisk-based median 10-year and lifetime pre-PRS risk estimates were 6.0% and 23.9% for ATM, 22.5% and 77.5% for BRCA1, 17.9% and 77.6% for BRCA2, 7.1% and 26.6% for CHEK2, and 16.6% and 42.4% for PALB2, respectively. A total of 7 (29.2%) ATM PV carriers had a shift in lifetime BC risk categories after integration of PRS, with 1 (4.2%) shifting from average to moderate-risk, 3 (12.5%) shifting from moderate to average-risk category, and 3 (12.5%) shifting from moderate to high-risk category. Among CHEK2 PV carriers, 9 (16.7%) had a shift in lifetime risk categories, with 4 (7.4%) shifting from moderate to average-risk, 2 (3.7%) shifting from moderate to high-risk, and 3 (5.6%) shifting from high to moderate-risk. None of the BRCA1 and 4.1% of BRCA2 PV carriers had a shift in lifetime risk categories after PRS integration. Only 1 (11.1%) PALB2 PV carrier had a change in lifetime risk category after integration of PRS, although this was limited by a small sample. A significantly higher proportion of PV carriers with a high lifetime risk intended to take preventative action compared to the PV carriers with average lifetime risk (41.4% vs. 20.0%, p=0.007). Conclusions: Integration of PRS into BC lifetime risk estimates led to a clinically meaningful change in risk categories in 29.2% of ATM PV carriers and 16.7% of CHEK2 PV carriers, but in <5% of BRCA1 or BRCA2 PV carriers. These findings suggest that PRS may be helpful for BC risk stratification in moderate-risk genes such as ATM and CHEK2 but may have limited clinical utility in high-risk genes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2. Citation Format: S. Yadav, C. Klassen, D. Stan, J. Fraker, S. Sahni, S. A. Khan, L. Khatri, C. Vachon, D. Schaid, J. P. Sinnwell, E. Carlson, L. Hasadsri, F. J. Couch, S. Pruthi. Impact of Polygenic Risk Scores on Breast Cancer Risk Assessment and Clinical Decision Making in Carriers of Germline Pathogenic Variants in ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, and PALB2: Results from the Prospective Multisite GENRE-2 Clinical Trial [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 PD4-04.
Abstract PD4-02: An AI algorithm for breast cancer detection improves future BC risk prediction among women with benign breast disease
Vachon, C. M., Winham, S., Jensen, M., Hursh, D., Norman, A., Fischer, Jessica, Schrup, S., Seymour, L., Gehling, Denice, Nyante, S., Troester, M. A., Karssemeijer, Nico , Vierkant, R., Radisky, D., Scott, C., Maimone, S. I., Degnim, Amy C., Sherman, M. E., Jensen, Michael A. , Pacheco-Spann, Laura M. , Norman, Aaron D. , Seymour, Lisa R. , Nyante, Sarah J. , Vierkant, Robert A. , Radisky, Derek C. , Maimone, Santo , Degnim, Amy C. , Sherman, Mark E.

Mayo Clinic

Clinical Cancer Research | February 17, 2026 | Volume: 32 | Issue: 4_Supplement | Pages: PD4-02-PD4-02

10.1158/1557-3265.sabcs25-pd4-02 Get It

Abstract Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms based on deep learning approaches show promise in improving breast cancer (BC) detection on mammography and may also improve prediction of future BC risk compared with clinical risk prediction models. Historical clinical risk prediction models underperform among women with BBD; however, AI models for BC detection on mammography have not been tested among women at elevated BC risk due to benign breast disease (BBD). We evaluated if an AI cancer detection algorithm can aid BC risk prediction among women with BBD. Methods: We examined women without a prior BC who had an initial BBD biopsy at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, between 2002 and 2013. Incident BC occurring after BBD was identified using the Mayo Tumor Registry and supplemented by follow-up questionnaires. Only women with a full field digital mammogram at least 2 years prior to BC diagnosis were eligible. A breast pathologist evaluated BBD according to increasing severity, as non-proliferative (NP), proliferative disease without atypia (PDWA) or atypical hyperplasia (AH). AI malignancy scores derived from the Transpara detection algorithm (1-10) and volumetric percent density (VPD) from Volpara (per one standard deviation, SD) were assessed from mammograms close to BBD diagnosis. Cox proportional hazards regression models were applied to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs), adjusted for age and BMI. C-statistics were estimated to assess the contribution of each factor to BC risk prediction. Likelihood ratio tests (LRTs) and bootstrapping methods were used to compare model performance with the addition of AI malignancy score. Results: The BBD cohort with mammography consisted of 3,125 women followed for a median 12.9 years, with 250 incident BC. Of these, 221 BC occurred at least two years after the mammogram and were used in analyses. As expected, increased BC risk was associated with BBD severity [for AH HR=3.18 (95%CI: 2.04, 4.95) and for PDWA HR=1.59 (95%CI: 1.17, 2.14) compared to NP] and with higher VPD [HR=1.24 per SD (95% CI: 1.05, 1.45)] (Table ). The AI-malignancy score alone was also associated with BC risk [HR=1.16 per 1 unit score (95%CI: 1.09,1.23)] and showed similar discriminatory accuracy [C-statistic=0.626 (95%CI: 0.586, 0.665)] as the model with BBD severity and VPD combined [C-statistic=0.627, (95%CI: 0.585, 0.669)] (Table ). In models with BBD severity and VPD, the AI-malignancy score was an independent risk factor for BC [HR=1.14 (95%CI: 1.07, 1.21); PLRT<0.001] but only achieved a marginally significant improvement in discriminatory accuracy [C-statistic=0.651 (0.609, 0.693), ΔC-statistic=0.024 (95% CI: 0.000, 0.047)]. Conclusion: In this preliminary study, an AI BC detection algorithm achieved similar performance in predicting future BC risk compared to established risk factors. Citation Format: C. M. Vachon, S. Winham, M. Jensen, D. Hursh, L. Pacheco-Spann, A. Norman, J. Fischer, S. Schrup, L. Seymour, D. Gehling, S. Nyante, M. Troester, N. Karssemeijer, R. Vierkant, D. Radisky, C. Scott, S. I. Maimone, A. Degnim, M. Sherman. An AI algorithm for breast cancer detection improves future BC risk prediction among women with benign breast disease [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 PD4-02.
Abstract PD3-09: Molecular characterization of resistance to antibody drug conjugates in metastatic breast cancer: a prospective analysis from the AURORA US Network
Garrido-Castro, A. C., Nenad, W. C., Balko, J. M., Hinoue, T., Wheeler, G. L., Kelly, B. J., Felsheim, B. M., Michmerhuizen, A. R., Chandran, UR, Lee, A. V., Carey, L. A., King, T. A., Mardis, ER, Laird, P. W., Giridhar, K. V., Hoadley, K. A., Perou, C. M., Garrido-Castro, Ana C. , Nenad, William , Hinoue, T., Singha, Manali , Felsheim, Brooke , Michmerhuizen, Anna R. , Hoadley, Katherine A. , Perou, Charles M.

Mayo Clinic

Clinical Cancer Research | February 17, 2026 | Volume: 32 | Issue: 4_Supplement | Pages: PD3-09-PD3-09

10.1158/1557-3265.sabcs25-pd3-09 Get It

Abstract Introduction: With emerging antibody drug conjugates (ADC) as treatment of metastatic breast cancer (mBC), it is key to understand the mechanisms that drive resistance to inform optimal ADC selection and sequencing. The AURORA (AUR) US Network was established to characterize paired primary and metastatic (met) samples via multiplatform profiling, with a prospective phase of met tissue collection that included pre and post-ADC samples. Methods: Fresh frozen or FFPE met and archival primary tumors were analyzed across 3 platforms: DNA low pass whole genome and exome sequencing (WES), DNA methylation arrays (Methyl) and RNA sequencing (RNA seq). The molecular cohort included pts with data from ≥1 platform. Pairwise gene expression comparisons were performed in R using t-tests, and pathway analysis with GSEA. Results: A total of 168 pts comprised the molecular cohort: WES, 168; Methyl, 163; RNA seq, 168. Median age at mBC diagnosis was 56 (28-88). 21 pts (12.5%) had known germline BRCA1/2 mutations; 37 (22.0%) presented with de novo mBC. Subtype at mBC (if not available, at primary) diagnosis was: 108 (64.3%) HR+/HER2-, 22 (13.1%) HER2+, 33 (19.6%) TNBC and 5 (3.0%) unknown. Among 139 pts with known subtype in the first AUR met collected, 95 (68.3%) were HR+/HER2-, 17 (12.2%) HER2+ and 27 (19.4%) TNBC. 72 pts received ≥1 ADC with 1 (0-4) median line of chemotherapy for mBC prior to ADC1. As ADC1, 42 pts received HER2 ADC (35 trastuzumab deruxtecan, T-DXd; 7 trastuzumab emtansine), 29 TROP2 ADC (28 sacituzumab govitecan, SG; 1 datopotamab deruxtecan) and 1 NECTIN4 ADC. 22 pts received ≥2 ADC (16 immediate sequence; 6 intervening therapy); 11 T-DXd and 11 SG as ADC2. Median duration of ADC1 was 141 days (6-522); 81 (7-425) for ADC2. Progressive disease was the most common reason for ADC discontinuation, denoting resistance in post-ADC samples. 99 samples were collected pre-ADC1 and 24 post-ADC1, of which 5 were pre-ADC2. ERBB2 expression did not differ between samples after HER2 (n=9) vs non-HER2 ADC (n=8) (p=0.55), nor did TACSTD2 after TROP2 (n=8) vs non-TROP2 ADC (n=9) (p=0.16). In pts with HER2+ subtype at mBC diagnosis or AUR collection who received HER2 ADC, ERBB2 expression significantly decreased in post (n=4) vs pre-treatment (n=7) samples (p=0.043). ERBB2 downregulation was observed in 5 pts with paired pre vs post-HER2 ADC samples. In pts who received TROP2 ADC, TACSTD2 expression did not differ in post (n=10) vs pre-treatment (n=47) samples (p=0.63). GSEA of post-ADC samples revealed significant pathway differences by payload, including actin cytoskeleton in post-microtubule inhibitor (MTi) vs non-MTi ADC samples (p=0.001) and ATM-dependent DNA damage response after topoisomerase I inhibitor (TOP1i) vs non-TOP1i ADCs (p=0.043). Lysosomal vesicle biogenesis (p=0.014) and calcium release (p=0.05) pathways significantly differed between ADC naïve vs treated metastases. ERBB2 hypermethylation was not detected in the cohort. TACST2 promoter methylation was observed in 10 samples (β value >0.3) without association with TROP2 ADC exposure. ERBB2 or TACSTD2 mutations were not identified in the ADC-treated cohort. A novel loss-of-function (LOF) mutation in MED12 was detected in one pt immediately post-T-DXd. MED12 LOF has been reported to promote PARP inhibitor and platinum resistance in BRCA-deficient tumors and may represent a novel resistance mechanism to TOP1i. Conclusions: Multiplatform molecular characterization of mBC treated with ADC revealed potential mechanisms of resistance related to downregulation of target expression, payload (e.g., microtubule formation, DNA damage repair) and lysosomal processing. Additional analyses integrating these multimodal data are ongoing. Strategies to overcome resistance, e.g. modifying ADC target, are being evaluated in clinical trials. Citation Format: A. C. Garrido-Castro, W. C. Nenad, J. M. Balko, T. Hinoue, G. L. Wheeler, B. J. Kelly, M. Singha, B. M. Felsheim, A. R. Michmerhuizen, U. Chandran, A. V. Lee, L. A. Carey, T. A. King, E. Mardis, P. W. Laird, K. V. Giridhar, K. A. Hoadley, C. M. Perou. Molecular characterization of resistance to antibody drug conjugates in metastatic breast cancer: a prospective analysis from the AURORA US Network [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 PD3-09.
Abstract PD2-06: Molecular causes of subtype switching in primary and metastatic breast tumor pairs from the AURORA US Project
Michmerhuizen, A. R., Felsheim, B. M., Wheeler, G. L., Kelly, B. J., Hinoue, T., Nenad, W. C., Garrido-Castro, A. C., Balko, J. M., Giridhar, K., Chandran, UR, Lee, A. V., Carey, L. A., King, T. A., Hoadley, K. A., Laird, P. W., Mardis, E. R., Perou, C. M., Network, AURORA US Metastasis, Michmerhuizen, Anna R. , Felsheim, Brooke , Singha, Manali , Hinoue, T., Nenad, William , Garrido-Castro, Ana C. , Giridhar, K. V., King, T. A., Hoadley, Katherine A. , Perou, Charles M. , Network, AURORA US

Mayo Clinic

Clinical Cancer Research | February 17, 2026 | Volume: 32 | Issue: 4_Supplement | Pages: PD2-06-PD2-06

10.1158/1557-3265.sabcs25-pd2-06 Get It

Abstract Background: Patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) often have short survival, and clinical disease management is challenging due to tumor heterogeneity, treatment resistance, and unique contributions of organ-specific metastatic microenvironments. Methods: The retrospective and prospective phases of the AURORA US Metastasis Project have profiled samples from 220 MBC patients using RNA-seq, DNA-seq, and DNA methylation arrays. RNA-seq has been performed on 392 specimens from 143 primary tumors and 249 metastases. In total, there are 162 primary-metastasis pairs from 134 patients (13 patients have 2+ metastases profiled). The 249 metastatic samples include 116 liver, 29 lymph node, 17 lung, 14 bone, 10 brain, and 8 skin metastases. Each specimen was assayed to determine its clinical and molecular subtypes. Here we investigate the molecular causes of clinical and PAM50 subtype switching in primary tumor-metastasis pairs using multi-platform data. Results: Of the patients with paired data in the AURORA dataset, 38/134 (28%) had clinical subtype (HR+/HER2+, HR-/HER2+, HR+/HER2-, TNBC) switches between the primary tumor and paired metastasis. The most common clinical subtype switch was loss of hormone receptor expression (16/38 patients) in the metastatic tumor. Many of these observations have been confirmed by concomitant RNA and/or DNA changes. In addition, 59/134 (44%) patients had PAM50 molecular subtype switches. 26/59 (44%) patients had a Luminal A primary tumor which switched either into Luminal B (16/26) or HER2-Enriched (7/26) subtypes, suggesting recurrent progression mechanisms during metastasis. For example, patient ARRP had a Luminal A primary tumor and a HER2-Enriched bone metastasis. Using DNA clonality data, we identified a clonal mutation in the DNA binding domain of FOXA1 (H247L) as well as mutations in CDH1 (frameshift) and NLRC3 (Q650H) that originated in the primary tumor. A distinct, dominant clone arose in the metastasis, harboring oncogenic activating mutations in PIK3CA (H1047R) and ERBB2 (L869R). There was also an increase in RNA expression of ERBB2 and FGFR4 but no change in ERBB2 copy number. This is in alignment with previous publications demonstrating a shift to the HER2-Enriched subtype, often without gain of HER2 amplification. Interestingly, there were 21 patients that had both clinical and PAM50 subtype switches. Patient ANFC had a HR+/HER2- primary tumor (Luminal A) and a TNBC liver metastasis (HER2-Enriched). Notably, the metastasis lost clinical expression of ER and PR (by IHC), and this was also observed through a decrease in ESR1 and PGR mRNA expression. Using DNA clonality data, we identified 5 new clones in the metastasis that were not present in the primary tumor. Finally, we observed that basal-like primary tumors with a PAM50 subtype switch in the paired metastasis had a significantly lower correlation to the basal-like centroid compared to primary tumors with a basal-like paired metastasis (p=0.0053). This suggests that either these tumors had significant intra-tumoral heterogeneity in the primary tumor and the metastasis originated from a non-basal-like portion of the tumor, or the switches from a basal-like primary tumor are a byproduct of the PAM50 bioinformatics algorithm (i.e. the tumor is very close to 2 subtype centroids). Ongoing analyses will precisely determine which subtype switches can be attributed to genetic or epigenetic causes, organ site biases, and/or bioinformatic methodologies. Conclusions: Using multi-platform molecular analyses, we identified cases of clinical and molecular subtype switching in primary-metastasis pairs. These findings begin to elucidate the underlying molecular drivers of tumor progression and subtype switching in patients with MBC, which may have implications for clinical treatment. Citation Format: A. R. Michmerhuizen, B. M. Felsheim, G. L. Wheeler, B. J. Kelly, M. Singha, T. Hinoue, W. C. Nenad, A. C. Garrido-Castro, J. M. Balko, K. Giridhar, U. Chandran, A. V. Lee, L. A. Carey, T. A. King, K. A. Hoadley, P. W. Laird, E. R. Mardis, C. M. Perou, AURORA US Metastasis Network. Molecular causes of subtype switching in primary and metastatic breast tumor pairs from the AURORA US Project [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 PD2-06.