Beta-interferon, retinoids and tamoxifen in metastatic breast cancer: Long-term follow-up of a phase II study

Abstract

Abstract. Based on a series of in vitro data, including the additive and/or synergistic antiproliferative effect of interferon and tamoxifen on breast cancer cell lines, and on clinical reports, we designed a pilot phase II study to test the activity and toxicity of simultaneous administration of ß-interferon (ß-IFN), retinoids (R) and tamoxifen (TAM) as a salvage therapy in a group of patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Herein we describe the outcome of this cohort of patients after a median follow-up of 150 months. Sixty-five stage IV breast cancer patients, 13 pre-treated with hormones, 38 with chemotherapy and 15 with both, received, as a salvage therapy, TAM, ß-IFN and R. Among 65 evaluable patients, 36 achieved a clinical response (55.5%) (95% c.i. 42-67.7%). Toxicity was moderate and mainly hepatic. Median progression-free and overall survival, which did not show any statistically significant difference in patients with different estrogen and progesterone receptor content, were 43 months and 47.9 months, respectively. In conclusion, the study shows that long-term treatment with TAM, ß-IFN and R in MBC is feasible, has moderate toxicity and seems to give a long-term benefit, irrespective of the receptorial status.

Stress management, leukocyte transcriptional changes and breast cancer recurrence in a randomized trial: An exploratory analysis

“…Within the CTRA alterations, down-regulation of pro-inflammatory genes is notable because chronic inflammation is implicated in breast cancer progression and recurrence (Cole, 2009; Pierce et al, 2009). Further, enhanced expression of type I interferon-related genes - also encompassed in the CTRA composite - is associated with reduced breast cancer progression (Andersen et al, 2010; Recchia et al, 2009; Seth et al, 2003). It is plausible that other psychosocial interventions known to have positive effects on breast cancer disease recurrence may operate via similar mechanisms, though this requires empirical testing.…”

Retinoids and rexinoids in cancer prevention: from laboratory to clinic

“…Isotretinoin, alitretinoin and retinyl palmitate were also tested as therapies in late-stage post-menopausal breast cancer patients (Table 2). No potentiation in the effect of tamoxifen or a difference in survival was detected [75], although a clinical response was seen in 55% of the patients treated with retinyl palmitate [76]. Clinical benefit with bexarotene was documented in 20% of patients with hormone-refractory metastatic breast cancers, with lower toxicity than seen with retinoids [77].…”

Interplay between estrogen and retinoid signaling in breast cancer – Current and future perspectives

“…The combination of TAM with 13-cis-retinoic acid did not enhance the effects of the retinoid on patients with advanced breast cancer [26]. In a pilot phase II study, the combination of interferon, retinyl palmitate and TAM was studied as a salvage therapy in stage IV breast carcinoma patients [73]. Among 65 evaluable patients, 36 achieved a clinical response; toxicity was moderate and mainly hepatic [73].…”