Dr. Elias Obeid on Androgen Receptor Expression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

OncLiveTV

7 Mar 201601:51

Summary

TLDRThis study reveals significant findings in triple-negative breast cancer treatment. It reports estrogen receptor expression at 17%, aligning with previous studies that suggest a 15-20% range. The research, the largest dataset to date, also highlights overexpression of EGFR and HER2 in antigen receptor-negative cancers, suggesting potential targeted therapies like EGFR inhibitors or PI3 kinase inhibitors. In androgen receptor-positive cancers, low expression of TS and TOP2A with overexpression of other genes indicates the potential use of 5-FU, capecitabine, or taxanes. These insights pave the way for more personalized and effective treatment strategies.

Takeaways

🔬 The study found that estrogen receptor expression is present in about 17% of cases, which is consistent with previous studies that reported 15-20%.
📊 This is the largest dataset analyzed for this condition, making it a significant contribution to the field.
🚫 In triple negative breast cancers, also known as quadruple negative, there is an overexpression of EGFR and HER2, along with a loss of P-cadherin.
🎯 The presence of these markers suggests the potential for targeted therapy, specifically EGFR-targeted treatments like cyclins or PI3 kinase inhibitors.
🧬 In androgen receptor positive triple negative breast cancer, there is a low expression of TS and TOP2A, with an overexpression of other genes.
💊 This finding points to the use of alternative treatments such as 5-FU or capecitabine, which are fluoropyrimidines, for this group of patients.
🩺 The identification of different gene expressions in various subtypes of triple negative breast cancer allows for personalized treatment strategies.
🛑 Targeted therapies can now be considered for estrogen receptor positive breast cancers, in addition to standard chemotherapy.
🧬 The study emphasizes the importance of genetic profiling in guiding treatment options for breast cancer patients.
📈 The data from this study could lead to more effective treatment plans and potentially better outcomes for patients with breast cancer.
🔑 Understanding the genetic landscape of breast cancer is crucial for developing new and more precise therapeutic approaches.

Q & A

What percentage of estrogen receptor expression was found in the current study?
-Estrogen receptor expression was found in about seventeen percent of the cases in the current study.
What is the significance of the current study in comparison to previous studies?
-The current study is the largest dataset so far regarding estrogen receptor expression, making it a significant contribution to the field.
What are antigen receptor negative triple negative breast cancers also known as?
-Antigen receptor negative triple negative breast cancers are also referred to as quadruple negative breast cancers.
What overexpression was found in quadruple negative breast cancers in comparison to estrogen receptor positive breast cancers?
-In quadruple negative breast cancers, there was an overexpression of EGFR and HER2 along with a loss of PTEN compared to estrogen receptor positive breast cancers.
What targeted therapy could be considered for quadruple negative breast cancers based on the study findings?
-Targeted therapy like EGFR targeted treatments, which may include the use of cyclins or PI3 kinase inhibitors, could be considered for quadruple negative breast cancers.
What is the expression status of TS and TOP2A in androgen receptor positive triple negative breast cancer according to the study?
-In androgen receptor positive triple negative breast cancer, there is a low expression of TS and TOP2A.
Which other genes were found to be overexpressed in androgen receptor positive triple negative breast cancer?
-The study found that other unspecified genes were overexpressed in androgen receptor positive triple negative breast cancer.
What types of treatments could be used for androgen receptor positive triple negative breast cancer based on the study?
-Treatments such as 5-FU, capecitabine, or taxanes could be used for androgen receptor positive triple negative breast cancer.
How does the study suggest approaching treatment for estrogen receptor positive breast cancer?
-The study suggests targeting estrogen receptor positive breast cancer patients with targeted agents as well as combination therapy with other chemotherapeutic agents.
What does the term 'targeted therapy' refer to in the context of this study?
-In the context of this study, 'targeted therapy' refers to treatments that specifically aim at molecular pathways or proteins that are overexpressed or mutated in cancer cells, such as EGFR or PI3 kinase.
What is the implication of the findings for future research and treatment strategies for breast cancer?
-The findings imply that future research and treatment strategies for breast cancer could focus on identifying specific molecular markers and using targeted therapies or combination therapies to treat different subtypes of breast cancer more effectively.

Outlines

00:00

🧬 Genetic Expression in Triple Negative Breast Cancers

This paragraph discusses the findings from a significant dataset on the genetic expression in triple negative breast cancers. It highlights that estrogen receptor expression is present in about 17% of cases, which is consistent with previous studies that reported a range of 15% to 20%. The study also introduces the concept of 'quadruple negative' breast cancers, where overexpression of EGFR and loss of PTEN are observed. This discovery suggests potential targeted therapies, such as EGFR inhibitors or PI3 kinase inhibitors, for this group of patients. Additionally, the paragraph touches on the treatment options for androgen receptor positive triple negative breast cancer, where low expression of TS and TOP2A and overexpression of other genes indicate the potential use of treatments like 5-FU, capecitabine, or taxanes.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Engine Receptor Expression

Engine receptor expression refers to the presence and levels of certain proteins, such as estrogen receptors, on the surface of cells. In the context of the video, it is mentioned that this expression is found in about seventeen percent of cases in the current study, which is a significant finding as it helps in understanding the prevalence of certain types of breast cancer. This is crucial for determining appropriate treatment strategies.

💡Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Triple negative breast cancer is a subtype of breast cancer characterized by the absence of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and HER2 protein. The script mentions 'antigen receptor negative triple negative breast cancers' and also refers to them as 'quadruple negative,' indicating the absence of four markers, which could include EGFR overexpression. Understanding these characteristics is vital for exploring targeted therapies.

💡EGFR

EGFR, or epidermal growth factor receptor, is a protein that plays a role in cell growth and division. The script discusses the overexpression of EGFR in triple negative breast cancers, suggesting it as a potential target for treatment. EGFR targeted therapies, such as cyclins or PI3 kinase inhibitors, could be considered for patients with this subtype of cancer.

💡PI3 Kinase

PI3 kinase is an enzyme involved in several cellular processes, including cell growth and survival. In the video, it is mentioned as a potential target for treatment in EGFR-overexpressing triple negative breast cancers. Inhibiting PI3 kinase could be a strategy to combat cancer growth in these patients.

💡TS and TOP2A

TS stands for thymidylate synthase, and TOP2A is topoisomerase II alpha, both of which are enzymes involved in DNA replication. The script indicates that there is low expression of TS and TOP2A in androgen receptor positive triple negative breast cancer, which could influence the choice of chemotherapy drugs for treatment.

💡Androgen Receptor Positive

Androgen receptor positive refers to the presence of androgen receptors on cancer cells. The video discusses this as a characteristic of a specific group of triple negative breast cancers, where the low expression of TS and TOP2A and overexpression of other genes are found, suggesting different treatment approaches compared to other subtypes.

💡5-FU

5-FU, or 5-fluorouracil, is a chemotherapy drug that inhibits the synthesis of DNA and RNA, thus preventing cancer cell growth. The script suggests that 5-FU could be used in the treatment of androgen receptor positive triple negative breast cancers due to the specific genetic profile of these cancers.

💡Capecitabine

Capecitabine is an oral chemotherapy drug that is converted to 5-FU in the body. It is mentioned in the script as a potential treatment for androgen receptor positive triple negative breast cancers, indicating that it could be an effective option for patients with this subtype.

💡Flouropyrimidines

Flouropyrimidines are a class of chemotherapy drugs that include 5-FU and capecitabine. The script refers to these drugs as potential treatments for androgen receptor positive triple negative breast cancers, highlighting their role in targeted chemotherapy approaches.

💡Taxanes

Taxanes are a class of chemotherapy drugs that stabilize microtubules and prevent cell division. The video mentions taxanes as another potential treatment option for androgen receptor positive triple negative breast cancers, suggesting that they could be part of a combination therapy approach.

💡Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that aims to target specific genetic or molecular changes in cancer cells. The script discusses the potential for targeted therapy in treating specific subtypes of triple negative breast cancer, such as those with EGFR overexpression or androgen receptor positivity, by using drugs that specifically target these molecular markers.

Highlights

Engine receptor expression is present in about seventeen percent in the current study.

Previous studies reported engine receptor expression between fifteen to twenty percent.

This study is the largest dataset known for engine receptor expression.

Antigen receptor negative triple negative breast cancers, also known as quadruple negative breast cancers.

Overexpression of EGFR and loss of PECAN in antigen receptor negative triple negative breast cancers.

Potential targeted therapy for EGFR overexpression in these cancers.

Use of cyclins or PI3 kinase for EGFR targeted treatments.

Androgen receptor positive triple negative breast cancer has low expression of TS and TOP3.

Overexpression of other genes in androgen receptor positive triple negative breast cancer.

Other treatments such as 5-FU or Capecitabine for androgen receptor positive triple negative breast cancer.

Taxanes can be used for this group of patients.

Targeting patients with targeted agents and combination therapy.

Combination therapy with other chemotherapeutic agents.

Opening the door for new targeted therapies in breast cancer treatment.

Significant findings in the largest dataset for breast cancer studies.

Implications for personalized medicine in breast cancer treatment.