Feasibility assessment of a chemoresponse assay to predict pathologic response in neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer patients.
BACKGROUND
For chemosensitivity and resistance assays to be clinically useful in predicting patient outcome, they should require small amounts of tissue and be highly reproducible and reliable.


METHODS
Expanded tumor cells from transcutaneous biopsies of breast lesions (n=62) were tested for chemoresponse using the cell-based ChemoFx assay. Pathologic complete response (pCR) was determined on a subset of patients (n=34). Assay score and pCR were determined independently in a blinded manner. Logistic regression models were used to select predictors for response.


RESULTS
Tumor cells were successfully isolated from 83.9% of patients. Chemoresponse profiles were robust and reproducible with coefficient of variance of <3%. In a limited initial patient outcome correlation, assay score of docetaxel/capecitabine significantly predicted pCR; the cross-validated model was 75% accurate.


CONCLUSIONS
It is feasible to assess the chemoresponsiveness of small breast lesions using the ChemoFx assay to assist in choosing neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer patients.
Mi
Zhibao
Z
Precision Therapeutics, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA 15203, USA. zmi@ptilabs.com
Holmes
Frankie A
FA
Hellerstedt
Beth
B
Pippen
John
J
Collea
Rufus
R
Backner
Amanda
A
Bush
Jason E
JE
Gallion
Holly H
HH
Wells
Alan
A
O'Shaughnessy
Joyce A
JA
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001706:Biopsy; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D004354:Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011379:Prognosis