Exploring the dynamics of ctDNA following neoadjuvant therapy with CDK4/6 inhibitors combined with endocrine treatment, and its potential to guide de-escalation of adjuvant chemotherapy
Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality globally, with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-negative (HER2-) subtypes accounting for approximately 70% of cases. While adjuvant chemotherapy is standard for high-risk early-stage HR+/HER2- breast cancer, it carries significant toxicity, and many patients may not derive clinical benefit. Emerging evidence suggests that circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)-a minimally invasive biomarker reflecting residual disease-may guide personalized treatment de-escalation. Preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate that ctDNA dynamics correlate with tumor burden and prognosis. In HR+ breast cancer, ctDNA clearance after neoadjuvant therapy is associated with improved survival, while persistent ctDNA post-treatment predicts recurrence. CDK4/6 inhibitors, such as Dalpiciclib, have revolutionized advanced HR+/HER2- breast cancer management by enhancing endocrine therapy efficacy. However, their role in early-stage disease, particularly in a ctDNA-guided de-escalation strategy, remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by evaluating whether ctDNA-driven decision-making can safely reduce chemotherapy use while maintaining clinical outcomes. Study Objectives Primary Objectives: Assess ctDNA clearance rate (defined as conversion from detectable to undetectable ctDNA) after 4 cycles of neoadjuvant CDK4/6i + endocrine therapy. Secondary Objectives Evaluate 3-year event-free survival (EFS), where events include local/distant recurrence, secondary malignancies, or death. Compare safety profiles of CDK4/6i + endocrine therapy versus chemotherapy. Evaluate tumor response metrics: Pathological complete response (pCR) and residual cancer burden (RCB 0-1). Complete cell cycle arrest (CCCA; Ki67 ≤2.7%). Assess objective response rate (ORR) by RECIST 1.1. Exploratory Objectives Correlate ctDNA clearance with long-term outcomes (e.g., EFS, overall survival). Study Design All patients received 4 cycles of neoadjuvant CDK4/6i + endocrine therapy. Post-Surgery Treatment: ctDNA-negative post-neoadjuvant: Continue CDK4/6i + endocrine therapy ctDNA-positive post-neoadjuvant: Optional adjuvant chemotherapy followed by CDK4/6i + endocrine therapy.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
CDK4/6 inhibitor with endocrine therapy for neoadjuvent therapy
Peking University People's Hospital
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China
RECRUITINGctDNA Clearance Rate after Neoadjuvant Therapy
Proportion of patients achieving conversion from detectable to undetectable ctDNA in plasma after 4 cycles of neoadjuvant CDK4/6i+endocronetherapy. ctDNA analysis uses tumor-informed personalized panels (tracking 16 clonal variants via whole-exome sequencing), with clearance defined as ≥2 consecutive negative results at 1% variant allele frequency threshold.
Time frame: From baseline to 4 weeks post-neoadjuvant therapy (pre-surgery)
3-Year Event-Free Survival (EFS)
Time from randomization to first occurrence of locoregional/distant recurrence, contralateral breast cancer, secondary malignancy, or death from any cause. Assessed via imaging (CT/MRI), pathology, and clinical exams every 3 months for 3 years. Events are adjudicated by blinded independent review committee.
Time frame: From neoadjuvant therapy to 36 months post-surgery
Residual Cancer Burden (RCB) 0-1 Rate
Proportion of patients achieving RCB 0 (pathological complete response) or RCB-1 (minimal residual disease) in surgical specimens. RCB is calculated using standardized criteria (tumor bed area, cellularity, nodal involvement) by blinded central pathology review.
Time frame: At surgery (approximately 16 weeks since neoadjuvant therapy)
Objective Response Rate (ORR) by RECIST 1.1
Proportion of patients with complete/partial response per RECIST 1.1 criteria during neoadjuvant phase, measured by MRI/CT. Target lesion size reduction ≥30% (partial) or disappearance (complete) required, confirmed by two consecutive assessments ≥4 weeks apart.
Time frame: Baseline to pre-surgery (week 16)
Complete Cell Cycle Arrest (CCCA) Rate (Ki67 ≤2.7%)
Percentage of patients with Ki67 ≤2.7% in post-neoadjuvant tumor biopsies, assessed via immunohistochemistry (IHC) with 3,3'-diaminobenzidine staining. Central laboratory quantification uses Aperio image analysis system (Leica Biosystems).
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Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
158
Time frame: Post-neoadjuvant therapy (pre-surgery, week 16)
Incidence of Grade ≥3 Treatment-Related Adverse Events (TRAEs)
Proportion of patients experiencing grade ≥3 adverse events (per NCI CTCAE v5.0) related to Dalpiciclib + AI or chemotherapy, including hematologic (neutropenia, anemia), hepatic (ALT/AST elevation), and cardiac (LVEF decline ≥10%) toxicities. Events are monitored every cycle during neoadjuvant therapy and quarterly during adjuvant phase.
Time frame: From first dose to 30 days after last treatment