Body Composition and Breast Cancer: How CT Scans Relate to Immune and Signaling Pathways
Author Information
Author(s): Cheng Ting-Yuan David, Fu Dongtao Ann, Falzarano Sara M., Zhang Runzhi, Datta Susmita, Zhang Weizhou, Omilian Angela R., Aduse-Poku Livingstone, Bian Jiang, Irianto Jerome, Asirvatham Jaya Ruth, Campbell-Thompson Martha, Sims-Mourtada Jennifer
Primary Institution: University of Florida
Hypothesis
This study aims to examine the extent to which computed tomography-assessed body composition phenotypes are associated with immune and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways in breast tumors.
Conclusion
Body composition can be associated with signaling pathways in distinct components of breast tumors, which may help inform tumor biology and therapy efficacies.
Supporting Evidence
- Low muscle type was associated with higher expression of INPP4B.
- High adiposity was associated with increased CD8 and CD45RO expression in stroma.
- Low muscle was associated with lower pan-AKT expression in tumor.
- High adiposity with low muscle was associated with lower expression of phospho-PRAS40.
Takeaway
Doctors looked at how body fat and muscle in breast cancer patients affect their tumors and immune systems. They found that different body types can change how tumors behave.
Methodology
Patients were classified into four body composition types based on CT scans, and protein levels in tumors were measured using a multiplex, spatially-resolved method.
Potential Biases
The timing of CT scans may have introduced reverse causality, affecting the associations observed.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and potential biases due to the timing of CT scans relative to surgery.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 56.8 years; 82.7% were White and 17.3% were Black.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0003
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 0.79–6.19
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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