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Ghorab, Ahmad

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3429-2737

Mayo Clinic

Baylor College of Medicine

Citations 6

The addition of abemaciclib to endocrine therapy versus endocrine therapy alone in HR+/HER2− advanced breast cancer: A meta-analysis.
Shembesh, Rana H. , Alesawy, Alzahraa Faris, Abraheem, Ahmed, ElBeblawy, Rafik , Beshr, Mohammed S. , Ali, Mohamed E. , Abraheem, Ahmed, Elhadi, Muhammed , Abdelhakeem, Ahmed , Ghorab, Ahmad

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2025 | Volume: 43 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: No page available

10.1200/jco.2025.43.16_suppl.e13167 Get It

e13167 Background: Abemaciclib represents a significant therapeutic advancement in the treatment of advanced metastatic breast cancer. As a selective protein-dependant kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor, it acts as a growth blocker. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of abemaciclib in combination with endocrine therapy for patients with metastatic breast cancer. Methods: We conducted an electronic search on December 27, 2024 using PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane database. Our inclusion criteria involved only randomized clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of abemaciclib in combination to endocrine therapy in advanced breast cancer. Our primary outcomes were progression-free survival, overall response rate, overall survival, and grade 3 or 4 adverse effects. The hazard, odds, and risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used to determine the effect size. A random-effects model was applied. Results: Out of the 1,648 articles screened, only seven papers from five clinical trials met our inclusion criteria, comprising a total of 2,362 patients. Progression-free survival was significantly improved with abemaciclib in combination with endocrine therapy compared to endocrine therapy alone (hazard ratio: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.51–0.65; p < 0.001). Moreover, abemaciclib improved overall survival (hazard ratio: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.66–0.91; p = 0.002). Additionally, the overall response rate was higher with abemaciclib plus endocrine therapy compared to endocrine therapy alone (odds ratio: 2.75; 95% CI: 1.98–3.80; p < 0.001). However, grade three or higher adverse events were significantly more common in the abemaciclib group (risk ratio: 2.62; 95% CI: 2.30–2.99; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Abemaciclib combined with endocrine therapy is an effective treatment option for patients with HR-positive, HER2- negative advanced breast cancer. This combination significantly improves progression-free survival, overall survival, and response rate, making it a valuable therapeutic option in breast cancer. However, higher adverse events were observed in the abemaciclib group.
Heyde’s syndrome: a challenging case of severe aortic stenosis and gastrointestinal bleeding
Abdelhakeem, Ahmed , Elshafie, Shorouk, Ghorab, Ahmad , Abdelhakeem, Ahmed , Ghorab, Ahmad , Abouzid, Mohamed

BMJ Case Reports | April 17, 2024 | Volume: 17 | Issue: 4 | Pages: e258316

10.1136/bcr-2023-258316 Get It

We present the case of an elderly man with a history of diastolic congestive heart failure, severe aortic stenosis and atrial fibrillation, who presented with fatigue, weakness, coffee ground emesis and black tarry stool. Haemoglobin was 68 g/L. Lactate dehydrogenase was elevated at 1038. Evaluation by cardiology and gastroenterology specialists revealed reflux oesophagitis and a mild hiatal hernia on oesophagogastroduodenoscopy, normal colonoscopy and small bowel series without obstruction. Capsule endoscopy identified angiodysplasia in the small intestine. The patient was diagnosed with Heyde’s syndrome based on the triad of severe aortic stenosis, gastrointestinal bleeding from angiodysplasia and acquired von Willebrand syndrome. The patient underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement, resulting in the resolution of symptoms. Heyde’s syndrome represents a challenging clinical entity requiring a multidisciplinary approach for accurate diagnosis and management. Early recognition, prompt intervention and interdisciplinary collaboration are crucial in optimising patient outcomes.
Clinicopathologic Features and Survival Outcomes of Extranodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma of Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT Lymphoma) of the Urothelial Organs (Urologic MALT Lymphoma): The Mayo Clinic Experience (2013-2022)
Ghorab, Ahmad , Baidoun, Firas, Ghorab, Ahmad , Baidoun, Firas , Mosalem, Osama , Seegobin, Karan , Moustafa, Muhamad Alhaj , Tun, Han W.

Blood | December 1, 2023 | Volume: 142 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 3050-3050

10.1182/blood-2023-191035 Get It

Introduction: Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) is a low-grade B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma that originates in lymphoid tissue of epithelial lined structures. The commonest site for this lymphoma is the stomach (gastric MALT lymphoma). MALT lymphoma in other mucosal sites, including other gastrointestinal sites, lungs, salivary glands, and lacrimal glands, has been well-described. However, MALT lymphoma in urothelial organs (kidneys, ureters, and urinary bladder) has not been well-characterized. This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological features and therapeutic outcomes in urologic MALT lymphoma (U-MALT). Methods: We identified patients with U-MALT who were treated at the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center between March 2013 and May 2022 through electronic medical chart review. Clinical, pathologic, radiologic, therapeutic, and survival data were extracted. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine the survival outcomes. Results: The characteristic features of six patients (N=6) with U-MALT are summarized in Table-1. 4/6 (67%) are Caucasian, and 3/6 (50%) are males. The median age at diagnosis was 73.5 years. Urologic sites are the urinary bladder (3/6), kidneys (3/6), and ureter (1/6, this patient had both kidney and ureter involvement). 4/6 patients had primary U-MALT. Concurrent non-urologic involvement was identified in 3/6 patients and included bone marrow, lungs, stomach, and axillary lymph nodes. Bone marrow involvement was observed in 2/6 patients.Next-generation sequencing was performed on one patient's peripheral blood, revealing an ATM mutation. Regarding the initial clinical presentation, kidney-involved U-MALT patients presented with renal failure, and those with urinary bladder/ureteric involvement, U-MALT was diagnosed incidentally upon cystoscopic evaluation and biopsy. Various management strategies were used, including observation, surgical resection, and rituximab treatment. Notably, all patients achieved complete remission (CR) except one with partial response to rituximab, who subsequently achieved CR with the Bendamustine/Rituximab regimen. Median follow-up is 6 years (range, 1-10). All six patients are alive without relapse at the time of analysis, with the flat overall survival curve at 100%, indicating excellent long-term survival. Conclusions: Our study indicates that urologic MALT lymphomas are extremely rare and predominantly affect elderly people. The most common urologic sites are the kidneys and urinary bladder. Urologic manifestations are dependent on the urologic site involved. They can be primary to the urologic structures or part of the disseminated systemic marginal zone lymphoma. They can be treated like other low-grade lymphomas with observation, surgical resection, and systemic therapy. They appear to be quite responsive to CD-20 targeted therapy with Rituximab. Prognosis appears to be excellent with long overall survival. Further research with multi-institutional studies is needed to study this rare lymphoma entity and identify optimal therapy.
Experience with Gray Zone Lymphoma (GZL) at Mayo Clinic: A Review of Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes
Ghorab, Ahmad , Ghorab, Ahmad , Mosalem, Osama , Baidoun, Firas , Tun, Han W. , Moustafa, Muhamad Alhaj

Blood | December 1, 2023 | Volume: 142 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 6317-6317

10.1182/blood-2023-191074 Get It

Introduction: Gray zone lymphoma (GZL) is a rare lymphoid neoplasm exhibiting features intermediate between diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma. Due to its rarity and relatively recent recognition by the World Health Organization in 2008, the natural history, clinical behavior, and best treatment strategies are still evolving. We present a retrospective review of GZL patients diagnosed and managed at the Mayo Clinic. This study aims to explore the clinical characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcomes of this poorly understood disease. Methods: After reviewing the electronic medical records of patients presented to the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center between March 2012 and July 2022 at the Mayo Clinic, we identified the patients who were diagnosed with GZL. Clinicopathological characteristics, disease features, treatment modalities, and outcomes were analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier method was utilized to assess survival outcomes. Results: Six patients (n=6) with GZL, all Caucasian and predominantly male 4/6 (67%), were identified. The median age at diagnosis was 37 years (range 24-57). Disease characteristics included high rates of mediastinal involvement 5/6 (83%) and bulky disease 4/6 (67%), with various stages of Ann Arbor classification represented. First-line treatment regimen varied between R-CHOP, ABVD, and DA R-EPOCH. The R-CHOP regimen was received in 3/6 patients (50%); the first patient achieved Complete Remission (CR), then managed with R-ICE, followed by consolidative autologous stem cell transplantation (auto-SCT) when relapsed. The second patient had Partial Response (PR) to R-CHOP and required consolidative radiotherapy to achieve CR, and the third R-CHOP patient achieved CR however, after multiple disease progressions that were managed with multiple regimens including R-ICE, R-CODOX-M/IVAC regimen, Nivolomab/Ipilumuab, consolidative radiotherapy, and Brentuximab vedotin. The ABVD regimen was received by 2/6 patients (33%). The first patient had CR, and the second patient had disease progression, which required treatment with R-ICE, followed by consolidative radiotherapy and auto-SCT. One patient (17%) received the DA R-EPOCH regimen and achieved CR, consolidated with auto-SCT. The median follow-up for our cohort is nine years (range, 5-13). All six GZL patients are alive and in CR (since 2019 or before) at the time of the study analysis, with an excellent flat overall survival curve. For this reason and due to the small patient sample, we could not calculate the progression-free survival data. Conclusions: Our Mayo Clinic review provides unique insights into managing Gray Zone Lymphoma (GZL), a rare disease. We reported 100% survival and remission in six GZL patients using diverse treatment strategies, contrasting with varied outcomes from other institutions. This underscores the potential of individualized treatments for GZL and the need for further, broader studies to validate our findings and refine optimal treatment approaches for this rare disease entity.
Venetoclax Plus Hypomethylating Agent (HMA) Based Induction for Treatment-Naive Older/Unfit Patients with FLT3-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Ghorab, Ahmad , Litzow, Mark R. , Gangat, Naseema , Al‐Kali, Aref , Tefferi, Ayalew , Begna, Kebede H. , Patnaik, Mrinal M. , Foran, James M. , Ghorab, Ahmad , Shah, Meera , Murthy, Hemant S. , Alkhateeb, Hassan B. , Badar, Talha

Blood | November 28, 2022 | Volume: 140 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 9019-9020

10.1182/blood-2022-168303 Get It

Improved Clinical Outcome of Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) Progressing after Hypomethylating Agent: In the Era of Novel Therapies
Al‐Kali, Aref , Elliot, Michelle, Palmer, Jeanne , Kharfan‐Dabaja, Mohamed A. , Litzow, Mark R. , Foran, James M. , Ghorab, Ahmad , Ghorab, Ahmad , Shah, Meera , Murthy, Hemant S. , Badar, Talha

Blood | November 23, 2021 | Volume: 138 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 3688-3688

10.1182/blood-2021-150626 Get It

Abstract Introduction: Historically, clinical outcome of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), progressing on hypomethylating agents (HMA; azacitidine or decitabine) has been dismal with median overall survival (OS) of less than 6 months (Jabbour et al. Cancer 2010). With recent approval of venetoclax based combinations for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and CPX-351 for AML with MDS related changes (primary or secondary), clinical outcome has improved in sub-set of high-risk patients compared to historical cohorts. Hence, we analyzed clinical outcome of MDS patients progressing on HMA, in the current era of novel therapies. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical outcome of 43 MDS patients who progressed on HMA-based therapy and treated at the Mayo Clinic between February 2015 and February 2021. We describe clinical characteristics of these patients, therapies received after progressing on HMA-based therapy, duration of response attained after 1st line therapy post HMA-based therapy and OS from time of HMA failure till death or last follow up. We also performed Cox regression multivariate analysis for OS after progression on HMA-based therapy. Results: Baseline characteristics are summarized in Table 1.The median age of the patients were 69 years (range [R], 48-93). R-IPSS score in this cohort of patients was very low (2[5%]), low (5[12%]), intermediate (5 [12%]), high (11[26%]) and very high (20 [46.5%]). Forty-nine percent of patients had complex cytogenetics. Most commonly occurring mutations (≥ 5%) were TP53 (42%), splicing mutation (SRSF2/SF3B1/ or U2AF1) (16%), ASXL1 (12%), RUNX1 (7%), DNMT3A (5%) and IDH1/ or IDH2 (5%). The HMA-based therapy patients received were azacitidine (40%), decitabine (30%) and HMA plus venetoclax (30%). The median time to progression from time of initiation of HMA-based therapy was 5 months (R= 1-30). Sixty-three percent (n= 27) of patients progressed to AML after HMA-based therapy. The most common 1 st line therapies post HMA was venetoclax-based (12 [28%]), CPX-351 (12 [28%]), and allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) (4 [9%]). Fifteen (45.5%) patients achieved CR/CRi, 17 (51.5%) patients progressed and 1 (3%) patient had stable disease. The percentage of patients received venetoclax with HMA, 1 st and 2 nd line therapy post HMA were 26%, 28% and 10%, respectively. Overall, 11 (25%) patients received SCT in this cohort of patients. The median duration of response after 1 st line therapy post HMA was not reached (NR; 66% progression free at 1 year) (Figure 1A). The median OS after HMA failure was 12.7 months (95% CI: 3.1-22.2) (Figure 1B). In the univariate analysis for OS after HMA failure, SCT at any time point (p = 0.01) and achieving CR/CRi after 1 st line therapy post HMA (p= &lt;0.001) showed favorable significance for OS. Whereas, R-IPSS high/very high (p= 0.35), treatment with CPX-351 on AML progression (p=0.33), venetoclax-based therapy (p= 0.59) did not show statistical significance. Subsequently, in multivariate analysis, only achievement of CR/CRi after 1 st line therapy post HMA retained significance for favorable OS (HR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.04-0.86, p= 0.03). Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report analyzing outcome of MDS patients progressing on HMA in the recent era. Acknowledging the limitations of retrospective analysis, our report suggests improved outcome of these high-risk patients compared to historical data. Utilizing venetoclax plus HMA combination earlier in patients with high-risk MDS as being evaluated in VERONA trial and consolidation therapy with SCT in eligible patients have potential to improve long term outcome of this group of high-risk patients. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Al-Kali: Astex: Other: Research support to institution; Novartis: Research Funding. Palmer: PharmaEssentia: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Protagonist: Consultancy, Research Funding; CTI BioPharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sierra Oncology: Consultancy, Research Funding. Murthy: CRISPR Therapeutics: Research Funding. Litzow: Pluristem: Research Funding; Actinium: Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Omeros: Other: Advisory Board; Jazz: Other: Advisory Board; Amgen: Research Funding; Astellas: Research Funding; Biosight: Other: Data monitoring committee. Foran: pfizer: Honoraria; takeda: Research Funding; trillium: Research Funding; boehringer ingelheim: Research Funding; syros: Honoraria; sanofi aventis: Honoraria; revolution medicine: Honoraria; servier: Honoraria; bms: Honoraria; certara: Honoraria; abbvie: Research Funding; OncLive: Honoraria; gamida: Honoraria; taiho: Honoraria; novartis: Honoraria; aptose: Research Funding; actinium: Research Funding; kura: Research Funding; h3bioscience: Research Funding; aprea: Research Funding; sellas: Research Funding; stemline: Research Funding. Badar: Pfizer Hematology-Oncology: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.