Combined CDK4/6 inhibitor (CDK4/6i) and endocrine therapy significantly improves outcome for patients with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) metastatic breast cancer, but drug resistance and thus disease progression inevitably occur. Herein, we aimed to identify genomic alterations associated with combined CDK4/6i and endocrine therapy resistance, and follow the levels of specific mutations in longitudinal circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) for early detection of progression. From a cohort of 86 patients with ER+ metastatic breast cancer we performed whole exome sequencing or targeted sequencing of paired tumor (N = 8) or blood samples (N = 5) obtained before initiation of combined CDK4/6i and endocrine therapy and at disease progression. Mutations in oncogenic genes at progression were rare, while amplifications of growth-regulating genes were more frequent. The most frequently acquired alterations observed were PIK3CA and TP53 mutations and PDK1 amplification. Longitudinal ctDNA dynamics of mutant PIK3CA or private mutations revealed increased mutation levels at progression in 8 of 10 patients (80%). Impressively, rising levels of PIK3CA-mutated ctDNA were detected 4-17 months before imaging. Our data add to the growing evidence supporting longitudinal ctDNA analysis for real-time monitoring of CDK4/6i response and early detection of progression in advanced breast cancer. Further, our analysis suggests that amplification of growth-related genes may contribute to combined CDK4/6i and endocrine therapy resistance.
© 2024 The Author(s). International Journal of Cancer published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of UICC.