Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Positive Breast Cancer Receiving Neoadjuvant Docetaxel, Carboplatin, Trastuzumab, and Pertuzumab
- Author:
Joo Young HA
1
;
Jeong Eun KIM
;
Hee Jin LEE
;
Jae Ho JEONG
;
Jin-Hee AHN
;
Kyung Hae JUNG
;
Gyungyub GONG
;
Eun Young CHAE
;
Hak Hee KIM
;
Il Yong CHUNG
;
Beom Seok KO
;
Sung-Bae KIM
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of Breast Cancer 2021;24(4):359-366
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:The tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) expression in breast cancer is a positive prognostic marker for certain breast cancer subtypes. We evaluated the efficacy of dual antihuman epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) blockade in HER2-positive breast cancer and hypothesized that high TILs tumors are associated with better outcomes.
Methods:A total of 176 patients who were treated with neoadjuvant docetaxel, carboplatin, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab (TCHP) between December 2015 and December 2018 were reviewed. They were grouped based on a cut-off value of the stromal TILs grade (≤ 20% TILs, > 20% TILs).
Results:In total, 107 patients (60.8%) achieved pathological complete response (pCR).Hormone receptor (HR)-negativity (p = 0.001) and a high TILs grade (p = 0.022) were independent predictors of pCR. Among the HR-negative patients, high TILs tumors were significantly associated with pCR (p = 0.035).
Conclusion:HR status and the TILs grade are significantly correlated with pCR in dual anti-HER2 neoadjuvant therapy. The evaluation of the TILs at baseline may be beneficial for predicting pCR in HER2-positive breast cancer.
