An Exploratory Study on the Interrelation of Breast Cancer Molecular Phenotypes with Breast Cancer-Associated Adipose Tissues (BCAATs), Neoadjuvant, and Adjuvant Therapies: A Focus on Prognosis and Survival.

BACKGROUND/AIM: We previously described four distinct breast cancer (BC)-associated adipose tissue (BCAAT) subtypes that have a significant impact on survival. In this exploratory study, we aimed to determine whether these BCAAT subtypes exhibit significant correlations with neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies and BC molecular subtypes.

METHODS

Four BCAAT subtypes previously identified as fibroblast-rich (FRich_BCAAT), myofibroblast-rich (MyoFRich_BCAAT), vascular-rich (VRich_BCAAT), and mixed vascular- and inflammation-rich (VIRich_BCAAT) were analyzed according to their distribution in BC molecular subtypes, as well as in relation to neoadjuvant therapy and survival.

RESULTS

Triple-negative BC and Luminal B (LB) BC are related to VRich and VIRich BCAAT subtypes and were affected by Epirubicin/Cyclophosphamide (EC)+ paclitaxel (PTX) therapy, which significantly enhanced overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). For the Luminal A (LA) BC subtype, EC + docetaxel (DTX) had significant impact on survival independent of BCAAT subtype.

CONCLUSIONS

BCAAT subtypes strongly influenced neoadjuvant therapy response and survival depending on BC molecular subtype.