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Current Oncology
Special Issues
Advances in Personalized Therapy for Breast Cancer
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Advances in Personalized Therapy for Breast Cancer

A special issue of Current Oncology (ISSN 1718-7729). This special issue belongs to the section "Breast Cancer".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 5274

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Erin Powell

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Discipline of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3V6, Canada
Interests: breast; GI; sarcoma

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

For many years, systemic therapy for both early and advanced breast cancer was largely determined by categorizing the disease into four subtypes: luminal A, luminal B, Her2-positive or triple negative. More recent research has enriched our understanding of the biology of breast cancer, and we now understand that, rather than clearly defined subtypes, it may be better described as a continuum. We have access to therapies directed at “Her-2 low” and “Her-2 ultra-low” breast cancer, as well as therapies directed at a host of other targets, including PIK3, CDK4/6 and germline BRCA mutations. Newer treatments are also under investigation, including immuno-oncolytic virus drugs, histone deacetylase inhibitors and combinatorial therapy such as holokiol and rapamycin. As patients and oncologists navigate the ever-changing landscape of therapeutic options, we require efficient and robust strategies to identify and test for the presence or absence of drug targets and resistance mechanisms. While significant advances in systemic therapeutic options have been achieved over the past decade, our ability to identify ‘the right drug for the right patient at the right time’ is lagging. In this Special Issue, we will review the newest targeted therapies and the challenges in accessing them for individual patients in the age of personalized medicine.

We welcome areas that may include (but are not limited to) the following: articles, reviews, case reports, communications, etc.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Erin Powell
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Current Oncology is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • breast cancer
  • personalized
  • targeted therapy
  • target
  • subtype

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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8 pages, 728 KiB  
Communication
Real-World Experience with CDK4/6 Inhibitors in the First-Line Palliative Setting for HR+/HER2− Advanced Breast Cancer
by Ram Patel, John Mathews, Caroline Hamm, Swati Kulkarni, Rasna Gupta, Tarquin Opperman, John Dean Chiong and Abdullah Nasser
Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(1), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32010052 - 20 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1828
Abstract
Introduction: CDK4/6 inhibitors in combination with aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are the standard first-line treatment for hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-negative (HER2−) metastatic breast cancer. Landmark trials have demonstrated a comparable progression-free survival (PFS) across CDK4/6 inhibitors, but the overall survival (OS) outcomes have varied. [...] Read more.
Introduction: CDK4/6 inhibitors in combination with aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are the standard first-line treatment for hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-negative (HER2−) metastatic breast cancer. Landmark trials have demonstrated a comparable progression-free survival (PFS) across CDK4/6 inhibitors, but the overall survival (OS) outcomes have varied. This study aimed to evaluate the real-world PFS and OS for palbociclib and ribociclib when combined with AIs in patients with HR+/HER2− advanced breast cancer. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of adult patients with HR+/HER2− metastatic breast cancer treated at a single academic center between 1 January 2015 and 1 December 2022. The baseline demographics, clinical characteristics, and treatment details were extracted. A Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to estimate the PFS and OS, and differences between the treatment groups were assessed using the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to adjust for confounding factors. Results: Seventy-five patients were included in the final analysis. The cohort was predominantly female (98.7%) and postmenopausal (77.3%), with 52.0% having de novo stage IV disease. Palbociclib was prescribed to 74.7% of the patients, and ribociclib to 25.3%. The patients receiving ribociclib were significantly younger (57.6 vs. 67.5 years, p = 0.013) and more likely to be premenopausal (42.1% vs. 5.4%, p < 0.001). The real-world median PFS and OS for palbociclib were 20.3 months (95% CI: 14.8–46) and 37.2 months (95% CI: 20.3–not reached [NR]), respectively. For ribociclib, the median PFS and OS were not reached. The Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for age and menopausal status found no significant differences between ribociclib and palbociclib for the PFS (HR = 0.92, p = 0.86) or OS (HR = 0.95, p = 0.92). Conclusion: In this real-world analysis, palbociclib demonstrated a median PFS consistent with the results from landmark trials, although the observed OS was shorter. The ribociclib-treated patients had a numerically longer PFS and OS compared with those treated with palbociclib, but the differences were not statistically significant. The discontinuation rates were similar between the two groups. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Personalized Therapy for Breast Cancer)
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Review

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17 pages, 279 KiB  
Review
Perioperative Drug Management of Systemic Therapies in Breast Cancer: A Literature Review and Treatment Recommendations
by Mariem Galuia, Julia Fedorova, Wassim McHayleh, Eleftherios Mamounas, Sarfraz Ahmad and Sabrina Pavri
Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(3), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32030154 - 9 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2271
Abstract
Breast cancer accounts for about 30% of all new female cancers each year, and its incidence is increasing 0.6% per year. An enhanced understanding of the molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis has led to the development of constantly evolving strategies for local and systemic [...] Read more.
Breast cancer accounts for about 30% of all new female cancers each year, and its incidence is increasing 0.6% per year. An enhanced understanding of the molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis has led to the development of constantly evolving strategies for local and systemic therapies. Perioperative chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and endocrine therapy play pivotal roles in the overall treatment plan. Guidelines on the appropriate use of these drugs in patients undergoing extirpative breast surgery and/or breast reconstruction are lacking. Clear indications for the management of systemic therapies relative to the timing of surgery is crucial to ensure consistent treatment outcomes and to minimize complications. Our purpose is to propose evidence-based recommendations to optimize the perioperative management of systemic therapies in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery and breast reconstructive surgery. In this review, we outline the basic tenets of breast cancer therapies, provide an overview on wound-healing principles, delineate relevant pharmacodynamic concepts, summarize literature and pharmacologic data from various preclinical studies and clinical trials, and propose treatment recommendations. Synopsis: This review proposes evidence-based recommendations regarding systemic therapies management for outcome optimization in the perioperative period in breast cancer patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Personalized Therapy for Breast Cancer)

Other

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14 pages, 5066 KiB  
Case Report
Neuroendocrine Breast Cancer-Associated Ectopic Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Syndrome Requiring Bilateral Adrenalectomy
by Kala Hickey, Hannah Yaremko, Christine Orr and David Pace
Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(4), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32040205 - 31 Mar 2025
Viewed by 586
Abstract
Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome (EAS) occurs when a tumor develops neuroendocrine differentiation with the secretion of ACTH resulting in hypercortisolism and possibly Cushing’s syndrome (CS). Only 5–10% of CS cases are attributed to EAS; of these, breast tumors comprise less than 1%. Two [...] Read more.
Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome (EAS) occurs when a tumor develops neuroendocrine differentiation with the secretion of ACTH resulting in hypercortisolism and possibly Cushing’s syndrome (CS). Only 5–10% of CS cases are attributed to EAS; of these, breast tumors comprise less than 1%. Two known variants of breast neuroendocrine tumors include neuroendocrine-differentiated carcinoma and ductal carcinoma with neuroendocrine features. Currently, guidelines for treatment are limited and EAS is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A 39-year-old female presented with a rapidly enlarging breast mass. Biopsy demonstrated invasive poorly differentiated breast carcinoma with high-grade neuroendocrine features and necrosis. Staging at diagnosis confirmed metastatic disease of the liver and bone. First-line chemotherapy (Cisplatin/Etoposide/Durvalumab) was initiated with evidence of disease progression after four cycles. Given a poor response to therapy, a simple mastectomy was performed for local control and complete pathologic analysis, demonstrating high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma with large-cell features. Second-line therapy (Adriamycin/Cyclophosphamide) was initiated for three cycles after which the patient required admission for severe and refractory hypokalemia. Workup confirmed elevated ACTH consistent with paraneoplastic EAS and further evidence of disease progression. Third-line therapy (Nab-Paclitaxel) was initiated, and genetic testing was completed, confirming the PIK3 mutation, for which access to Alpelisib therapy was requested. Given symptoms of progressive severe CS with significant liver disease limiting medical therapies, the patient underwent urgent bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy after which she was able to be discharged home while awaiting additional systemic therapy. EAS resulting in CS secondary to breast neuroendocrine carcinoma is a rare and challenging diagnosis. Further research is needed to inform treatment guidelines to improve outcomes. While patient survival is dependent upon the underlying disease process, laparoscopic bilateral adrenalectomy is an accepted, definitive treatment option. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Personalized Therapy for Breast Cancer)
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