Molecular classification of hormone receptor-positive /HER2-positive breast cancer reveals potential neoadjuvant therapeutic strategies

Abstract

Significant heterogeneity exists in hormone receptor (HR)-positive/HER2-positive (HR⁺/HER2⁺) breast cancer, contributing to suboptimal pathological complete response rates with conventional neoadjuvant treatment regimens. Overcoming this challenge requires precise molecular classification, which is pivotal for the development of targeted therapies. We conducted molecular typing on a cohort of 211 patients with HR⁺/HER2⁺ breast cancer and performed a comprehensive analysis of the efficacy of various neoadjuvant treatment regimens. Our findings revealed four distinct molecular subtypes, each exhibiting unique characteristics and therapeutic implications. The HER2-enriched subtype, marked by activation of the HER2 signaling and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) pathway, may benefit from intensified anti-HER2-targeted therapy. Estrogen receptor (ER)-activated subtype demonstrated potential sensitivity to combined therapeutic strategies targeting both ER and HER2 pathways. Characterized by high immune cell infiltration, the immunomodulatory subtype showed sensitivity to HER2-targeted antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) and promise for immune checkpoint therapy. The highly heterogeneous subtype requires a multifaceted therapeutic approach. Organoid susceptibility assays suggested phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitors may be a potential treatment option. These findings underscore the importance of molecular subtyping in HR⁺/HER2⁺ breast cancer, offering a framework for developing precise and personalized treatment strategies. By addressing the heterogeneity of the disease, these approaches have the potential to optimize therapeutic outcomes and improve patient care.