Recent research led by Charleston Area Medical Center, in collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, highlights the significant impact of genetic mutations and combination therapies on breast cancer outcomes. The findings suggest that genetic profiling and combination treatment strategies can help tailor therapies, improving patient survival, treatment response and disease progression rates.

The research team, led by Amy R. Deipolyi, MD, PhD, FSIR, and Frank Annie, PhD, investigated how specific genetic mutations and the use of immunotherapy influence outcomes in breast cancer patients with liver metastases treated with Yttrium-90 (Y-90) radioembolization.

Dr. Deipolyi, a specialist in interventional oncology, focuses on minimally invasive, image-guided cancer therapies. Y-90 radioembolization delivers targeted radiation to liver tumors while sparing healthy tissue and is often combined with surgery, chemotherapy or immunotherapy to enhance treatment efficacy. This approach is particularly valuable for patients with inoperable tumors, helping to control cancer growth and improve quality of life.

“Breast cancer that has spread to the liver is difficult to treat, and many patients are not candidates for surgery,” Deipolyi said. “Y-90 radioembolization has been shown to be a safe and effective option for controlling liver tumors, but little was known about which patients would benefit the most. Additionally, chemoembolization — a procedure that delivers chemotherapy drugs directly into liver tumors while blocking its blood supply to enhance treatment effects — has been another commonly used approach, but its effectiveness compared to Y-90 in different patient populations is unclear.”

Their goal was to identify genetic markers and treatment combinations that lead to the best outcomes. Understanding these factors may lead to better personalized treatment plans and improved survival rates.

Genetic Mutations and Response to Y-90 Radioembolization

A retrospective study of 110 female patients analyzed genomic profiling data from Memorial Sloan Kettering’s IMPACT (Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets) test. The study found that patients with specific genetic mutations—ERBB2, KDM5C and CBFB—had the longest survival rates and best tumor responses to Y-90 radioembolization. These findings may help physicians better identify which patients are most likely to benefit from this treatment. This abstract was recognized as a featured presentation at the conference.

Combination Therapies for Breast Cancer Liver Metastases

Another retrospective study of 418 patients compared outcomes in those treated with either Y-90 radioembolization or chemoembolization, in combination with chemotherapy or immunotherapy. The study found that Y-90 radioembolization combined with immunotherapy resulted in the longest survival after treatment. These findings highlight the potential of combination strategies to further improve outcomes in breast cancer patients and pave the way for future research.

These findings suggest that:

  • Genetic profiling can help determine who will benefit most from Y-90 radioembolization.
  • Patients with certain genetic mutations may have better outcomes and longer survival.
  • Combining Y-90 with immunotherapy may be more effective than using either Y-90 radioembolization or chemoembolization alone.

This research brings us closer to truly personalized cancer care, allowing treatments to be tailored to each patient’s genetic profile and improving the chances of a successful outcome.

“At CAMC, we are committed to offering cutting-edge treatments that give patients the best possible outcomes. Our collaboration with leading cancer centers like Memorial Sloan Kettering ensures that our patients benefit from the latest research and advancements in cancer care,“ Dr. Deipolyi said. “These findings will help refine patient selection for Y-90 radioembolization to maximize effectiveness; develop new treatment protocols incorporating immunotherapy for better survival rates; and expand access to genomic testing, ensuring more patients receive targeted, effective therapies.”

Cancer treatment is evolving — genetic testing and new combination therapies are helping us provide more precise, effective treatments. Y-90 radioembolization is a promising option for patients with breast cancer that has spread to the liver, especially when used strategically based on genetic factors. If you or a loved one has breast cancer with liver metastases, ask your doctor about genetic testing and interventional oncology options — personalized treatment may improve your chances of a better outcome.

Dr. Deipolyi and Dr. Annie presented their findings at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society of Interventional Radiology, held March 29 – April 2 in Nashville. The genetic mutation study was honored as a featured abstract at the meeting.