[BRCA Pathological Sequence Variants and Systemic and Local Tumor Immune Response in Breast Cancer] – Research

Background:

BRCA pathogenic sequence variants(PSVs)are believed to enhance local immune responses through the generation of tumor neoantigens, leading to increased tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes(TILs).

Methods:

In this study, we evaluated the relationship between BRCA-PSVs and both systemic and local tumor immune responses in 93 breast cancer patients who underwent BRCA genetic testing.

Results:

Among them, 16 patients(17.2%)were found to harbor BRCA- PSVs. Although no significant correlations were observed between BRCA-PSVs and absolute lymphocyte count(ALC), TILs, or CD8+ T-cell infiltration, a significant association was noted with the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)(p=0.006). Prognostic analysis showed that patients with low-TILs or high-CD8+ T-cell infiltration had significantly better overall survival( p=0.026 and p=0.020, respectively).

Conclusions:

These results suggest that local immune markers, particularly CD8+ T-cells, may serve as important prognostic factors in breast cancers harboring BRCA-PSVs. Further immunophenotypic and spatial profiling is warranted.