Vierkant, Robert A.

Objective: This study establishes objective benchmarks for robotic ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) proficiency, evaluating individual surgeon learning curves using risk-adjusted cumulative sum (RA-CUSUM) analysis. Summary Background Data: IPAA is a standard surgical treatment for conditions like refractory ulcerative colitis; robotic assistance offers potential advantages. However, the robotic IPAA learning curve is not clearly defined. Conventional analyses often overlook significant inter-surgeon variability and patient-specific factors, hindering surgical training optimization. Methods: A multi-site retrospective analysis of 123 consecutive robotic IPAA procedures performed by 11 surgeons between June 2015 and December 2023 was conducted. Patient-related variables were used for risk adjustment, and RA-CUSUM charts were generated to assess 30-day complications, operative time, and length of hospital stay at both aggregate and individual surgeon levels. Results: Aggregate RA-CUSUM data indicated general improvement trends for operative time and length of stay, alongside higher-than-expected complication rates in the early phase. Disaggregated analyses at the individual surgeon level revealed significant heterogeneity in performance trajectories and learning patterns across all three outcomes, directly challenging the concept of a standardized, uniform learning curve. Although postoperative complication and length of stay outcomes did not significantly differ between surgeons, operative time varied significantly. Conclusions: The acquisition of skill in robotic IPAA is a highly individualized process, suggesting the traditional uniform learning curve model is insufficient for contemporary surgical education. These findings strongly advocate for a shift towards personalized training paradigms that incorporate deliberate practice, targeted feedback, and simulation to optimize learning and patient outcomes.

Abstract Background Small studies suggest that constipation is a common symptom associated with a worse prognosis in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Objectives The aim was to compare the association between constipation, motor, and other non‐motor symptoms (NMS) in PD patients at baseline and in future. Methods Using the Fox Insight database, we compared baseline characteristics, risk of progressive motor symptoms, and incidence of NMS between PD patients with versus without constipation. Results Of 20,352 participants, 16,611 (82%) reported infrequent bowel movements and/or excessive straining, 15,594 (77%) had incomplete evacuation, and 14,165 (70%) reported both symptoms. Patients with constipation were generally older, white, women, had PD >5 years, and had higher NMS and comorbidity scores ( P < 0.001). Constipation was significantly associated with worse motor symptoms and most NMS , especially fecal incontinence (odds ratio [ OR] = 1.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49–1.82), dysphagia ( OR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.12–1.29), talking/moving during sleep ( OR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.30–1.48), and urinary urgency ( OR = 1.23; 95% CI = 1.16–1.32). Constipation was associated with a small, but statistically significant increased risk of some progressive motor symptoms. At a mean median follow‐up of 2.8 years, constipation was associated with an increased risk of incident gastrointestinal, autonomic, neuropsychiatric, sleep‐related, sensory NMS , such as dysphagia (hazard ratio [ HR] = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.35–1.51), fecal incontinence ( HR = 1.87; 95% CI = 1.74–2.01), falls ( HR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.35–1.52), hallucinations ( HR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.52–1.79), cognitive impairment ( HR = 1.38; 95% CI = 1.30–1.47), and talking/moving during sleep ( HR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.55–1.75). Conclusions Constipation is a common symptom associated with severity of motor and other NMS and portends a worse prognosis in persons with PD.

11114 Background: Advances in early detection and treatment of breast cancer (BC) have significantly improved survival outcomes. In this growing survivor population, addressing modifiable lifestyle factors such as alcohol intake (AI), a known risk factor for BC and BC recurrence, is critical to improving prognosis and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study examines AI patterns and their associations with mental and physical HRQoL in early BC survivorship. Methods: Adult patients newly diagnosed (≤1 year) with stage I–III BC at Mayo Clinic Rochester were invited to enroll in the Mayo Clinic Breast Disease Registry. Of the 3252 patients who consented, 1997 completed surveys approximately one-year post-diagnosis, capturing weekly AI, demographic factors, and PROMIS-10 scores. PROMIS-10 (a 10-item measure of health, well-being, and distress) physical and mental health T-scores (mean = 50, SD = 10) are standardized to the U.S. population. Weekly AI was categorized as minimal/none (<1 drink), mild (1–4 drinks), moderate (5–14 drinks), or high (≥15 drinks). Univariate analyses were performed with Monte Carlo-based Fisher exact tests. Multivariate multinomial logistic regression models using a glogit link function assessed AI as the outcome and PROMIS-10 scores as independent variables, adjusting for financial status, smoking, chemotherapy, and moderate exercise because those were associated with AI at year 1 in prior analyses. Results: Univariate analyses revealed statistically significant associations between AI and PROMIS-10 scores (Table 1). Adjusted multivariate analyses identified that patients with better physical health were more likely to drink 1–4 or 5–14 drinks/week and less likely to abstain (<1 drink/week) than those with poorer physical health (p=0.027). There was no statistically significant association between AI and mental health QoL after adjustment for covariates. Conclusions: Better physical HRQoL during early survivorship was associated with higher AI, suggesting that patients who are feeling physically unwell may be less likely to drink alcohol. Additional public health messaging about the relationship between AI and breast cancer risk and recurrence may be needed, especially for those who are feeling well enough to consume alcohol. Univariate analyses of year 1 PROMIS-10 scores with year 1 alcohol consumption using Monte Carlo-based Fisher exact test. Alcoholic drinks per week at year 1 < 1(N=1204) 1-4(N=600) 5-14(N=175) 15+(N=18) Total(N=1997) P-value PROMIS global mental health T score, Year 1, n (%) 0.008 < 50 466 (63.8%) 200 (27.4%) 54 (7.4%) 10 (1.4%) 730 (37.1%) 50+ 718 (57.9%) 394 (31.8%) 120 (9.7%) 7 (0.6%) 1239 (62.9%) Missing 20 6 1 1 28 PROMIS global physical health T score, Year 1, n (%) <0.001 < 50 440 (66.5%) 165 (24.9%) 50 (7.6%) 7 (1.1%) 662 (33.6%) 50+ 740 (56.7%) 432 (33.1%) 124 (9.5%) 10 (0.8%) 1306 (66.4%) Missing 24 3 1 1 29

12083 Background: Fatigue and sleep disturbance are prevalent during and after cancer treatment; sleep-related symptoms affect 30-50% of patients with cancer, and sleep-wake disruptions persist beyond the immediate post-surgical period in breast cancer (BC) survivors. Identifying demographic- and treatment-related factors associated with sleep-related symptoms during survivorship is critical to inform interventions for those at highest risk of sleep disturbance. Methods: Patients who were seen at least once at Mayo Clinic Rochester following an initial diagnosis of BC at age 18 or older and provided informed consent were prospectively enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Breast Disease Registry. Surveys mailed to this cohort included two 11-point numeric rating scale questions regarding difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep in the past week, with values for each ranging from 0 (no problem) to 10 (as severe as you can imagine). Participants who provided sleep-related information on the Year 1 survey (answered approximately one year after cancer diagnosis) were included. Participants were excluded if they had clinical or pathologic metastatic disease and/or recurrence prior to the Year 1 survey. Associations of sleep-related symptoms with demographic and clinical characteristics were assessed using multivariate linear regression models, fitting the sleep difficulty rating scale as the outcome and clinical and demographic factors as exposures. Results: In total, 3,354 participants met inclusion criteria. The average age at BC diagnosis was 59, and most participants were female (99.3%), White (95.4%), non-Hispanic (96.2%), married (78.1%), had at least some college education (80.4%), did not report financial insecurity (76.2%), did not consume alcohol (60.6%) or smoke tobacco (93.2%), and reported at least some weekly exercise (76,6%). Sixty-two percent of participants had clinical stage 0 or I disease; 50.3% underwent lumpectomy (not mastectomy), 59.2% received radiotherapy, 34.1% received chemotherapy, and 67.2% received endocrine therapy. Overall, sleep-related symptoms were relatively low (mean rating for falling asleep = 2.1, mean rating for staying asleep = 3.1). In multivariate analyses, more difficulty falling asleep was associated with higher clinical stage (p < 0.001), more cigarettes smoked per day (p = 0.012), less moderate and/or strenuous exercise (p = 0.001), and more financial hardship (p < 0.001). More difficulty staying asleep was associated with higher clinical stage (0.003), older age (p < 0.001), more education (p = 0.011), and more financial hardship (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In our cohort of BC survivors, factors associated with both increased difficulty with falling and staying asleep at one year after diagnosis are higher clinical stage and more financial hardship. Future research should explore the course of these symptoms over time and across varied treatment trajectories.

12038 Background: CIPN, primarily associated with sensory neuropathy rather than motor or autonomic dysfunction, is a potentially long-term complication of cancer treatment including taxanes and platinums (T/Ps), and can negatively impact quality of life for breast cancer (BC) survivors. This project aims to quantify the severity of neuropathic symptoms at one and three years after diagnosis in BC survivors, comparing recipients of T/P to non-recipients. Methods: In the Mayo Clinic Breast Registry (MCBDR), a longitudinal cohort, surveys and medical record data from patients with stage 1-3 BC were used to understand the burden of neuropathic symptoms at 1- and 3-years post-diagnosis (denoted as Y1 and Y3). Y1 and Y3 raw scores from The Quality of Life Questionnaire-Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy 20 (CIPN20) composite (CIPN20-C) and sensory subscale (CIPN-S) were converted to a 0-100 point scale, with lower scores corresponding to worse symptoms. Patients with BC recurrence prior to Y3 or incomplete surveys were excluded. We used two sample t-tests and multivariable linear regression modeling to compare recipients of T/P to non-recipients of T/P (with threshold for statistical significance p <0.05). Results: 786 patients were included, 112 of whom (14.2%) received T/P. T/P recipients were younger (p<0.001), more likely to have Stage II/III disease (p<0.001), and less likely to have received endocrine therapy (p<0.001). Univariate analyses revealed worse CIPN20-C score at Y1 (p=0.02) and worse CIPN20-S scores (p=0.004) at Y1 and Y3 in T/P recipients compared to non-recipients (Table). However, differences between the groups were no longer statistically significant after adjustment for age, stage and endocrine therapy. Conclusions: In this cohort, neuropathic symptom severity at Y1 and Y3 after a breast cancer diagnosis did not differ between recipients of taxane and/or platinum agents and nonrecipients after adjustment for age, stage, and endocrine therapy. These data may reassure patients and clinicians who are concerned about CIPN and considering use of these chemotherapies in this setting. Patient demographics and CIPN20 results. Clinical characteristic T/P recipients Non-recipients of T/P Age at diagnosis, mean (SD) 55.3 (11.6)* 59.8 (11.9) White race, N (%) 108 (96.4%) 660 (97.9%) Clinical stage II/III, N (%) 76 (68.5%)* 250 (37.5%) Endocrine therapy, N (%) 73 (65.2%)* 636 (94.4%) Diabetes mellitus, N (%) 9 (8.9%) 52 (8.6%) Y1 CIPN20-C score, mean (SD) 89.6 (10.9)* 92.0 (9.7) Y3 CIPN-C score, mean (SD) 89.4 (11.4) 91.1 (9.7) Y1 CIPN20- S score, mean (SD) 87.3 (15.1)* 91.3 (13.0) Y3 CIPN20-S score, mean (SD) 88.2 (14.1)* 91.1 (11.7) *Statistically significant (p <0.05) on univariate analysis.

Abstract Introduction: Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH) is a benign breast lesion characterized by stromal myofibroblast accumulation. While most women with PASH do not develop breast cancer, a subset eventually does, often in the same breast where PASH was originally diagnosed, even after surgical removal of the lesion. This pattern suggests the presence of a field effect, where alterations in the PASH microenvironment extend beyond the lesion itself, potentially influencing neighboring breast tissue. This study aims to identify specific fibroblasts within PASH-containing tissues that may create a microenvironment conducive to cancer initiation. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded breast tissue samples from women diagnosed with PASH, comparing those who later developed breast cancer (cases) to those who remained cancer-free (controls). Using transcriptional profiling with NanoString IO360/BC360 panels, multiplex immunofluorescence (MxIF), and spatial transcriptomics via NanoString CosMX SMI, we investigated molecular and histopathological differences. We focused on the expression of fibroblast activation markers (ITGB1, PDGFRβ) and their spatial relationships with proliferating epithelial cells, as well as changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and stiffness. Results: Transcriptional profiling revealed significant upregulation of proliferation-associated genes in epithelial cells from cases. MxIF showed higher Ki-67 levels in epithelial cells from cases, with proliferating cells forming clustered regions. Activated fibroblasts expressing ITGB1 and PDGFRβ were markedly increased in cases and were located closer to proliferating epithelial cells. Spatial transcriptomics uncovered gene expression changes in fibroblasts indicative of an activated phenotype, and in epithelial cells, consistent with responses to increased tissue stiffness and mechanotransduction signaling. Polarized light imaging with picrosirius red staining revealed enhanced collagen cross-linking and thick fibril formation in cases, indicating greater ECM stiffness. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a subset of activated fibroblasts in benign breast tissue creates a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment through ECM remodeling and increased tissue stiffness, promoting epithelial proliferation and potentially driving cancer development. The spatial proximity of these fibroblasts to proliferating epithelial cells underscores their possible role in early carcinogenesis. This study introduces the novel concept of cancer-predisposing fibroblasts in benign breast tissue, providing new insights into microenvironmental changes that precede cancer and offering potential targets for early detection and intervention. Citation Format: Nicole Cruz-Reyes, Pria Westerman, Matilde Rossi, Camila Pacheco Erak, Melody Stallings Mann, Bryan McCauley, Robert Vierkant, Stacey Winham, Mark Sherman, Amy Degnim, Derek Radisky. Activated fibroblasts in benign breast tissue are associated with subsequent breast cancer development [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 2083.

Abstract Introduction: Fibroadenoma is the most common type of benign breast lesion and is not traditionally considered an indicator of increased breast cancer risk. This study aimed to identify biomarkers within fibroadenoma associated with subsequent breast cancer development using patient samples from the Mayo Clinic Benign Breast Disease (BBD) cohort. Methods: We analyzed formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) breast biopsy samples from patients diagnosed with non-proliferative fibroadenoma who either developed breast cancer later (n=10) or remained cancer-free (n=5). NanoString RNA profiling identified differentially expressed genes in fibroblasts associated with subsequent cancer development. Immunohistochemistry was first done to compare overall expression of PI16 in this cohort. Opal multiplex immunofluorescence staining (mIF) was then performed to evaluate the expression of PI16 in fibroblasts (Vim+PanCK-) and assess immune cell infiltration (CD45+) in different tissue compartments. Fibroblasts were identified by vimentin positivity (Vim+), and epithelial cells were marked by pan-cytokeratin positivity (PanCK+). Results: Compared to patients who remained cancer-free, those who developed breast cancer showed significantly increased expression of PI16 in fibroblasts (PI16+Vim+PanCK-, 3.25-fold increase, p=0.0011). Additionally, the number of immune cells (CD45+) was significantly decreased (0.52-fold, p=0.03) in the fibroadenoma lesions of patients who later developed cancer. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that elevated expression of PI16 in fibroblasts within fibroadenoma may serve as potential biomarkers for predicting breast cancer risk for women with fibroadenoma. PI16 encodes Peptidase Inhibitor 16, which is implicated in modulating fibroblast activity and extracellular matrix remodeling—processes that can contribute to a tumor-supportive microenvironment. Elevated levels of this protein in fibroblasts suggest an altered microenvironment that may foster tumor initiation and progression. The decreased immune cell infiltration further implies an immunosuppressive microenvironment that may facilitate cancer progression. As these markers can be detected in FFPE samples, our results could lead to the development of a readily applicable clinical test to identify fibroadenoma patients at increased risk for breast cancer, enabling earlier intervention and surveillance. Citation Format: Pria Westerman, Nicole Cruz-Reyes, Camila Pacheco Erak, Robert Vierkant, Bryan McCauley, Stacey Winham, Mark Sherman, Amy Degnim, Derek Radisky. Elevated PI16 expression in fibroadenoma fibroblasts is associated with subsequent breast cancer development. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 2077.

Abstract Background: Breast cancer (BC) remains a leading health concern worldwide and is often undetected until it metastasizes, limiting treatment options and worsening prognosis. Early detection of molecular and immune markers in benign breast disease (BBD) could identify women at elevated risk of developing invasive, node-positive BC, enabling targeted surveillance and prevention efforts. Building on this premise, we investigated the immune and molecular landscape of BBD biopsies preceding BC development to enhance risk stratification and inform preventive strategies. Methods: Utilizing the Mayo Clinic BBD cohort, we conducted a case-control study comparing women who developed node-positive BC following their BBD biopsy (cases; n=8) to those who remained cancer-free (controls; n=11), matched on patient age and biopsy date. Differential gene expression was assessed using the NanoString nCounter system to identify differentially expressed genes between cases and controls. We developed a multiplex immunofluorescence (MxIF) approach using the Opal system by Akoya Biosciences for comprehensive marker detection in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples. Digitized images were segmented for cell phenotyping, and spatial relationships of immune cells were analyzed and compared between cases and controls. Results: Our findings revealed significantly increased expression levels of immunosuppressive genes in the case group, including CD48, CD84, IL-32, and LAIR1. Immunohistochemical analyses showed that controls exhibited higher frequencies of CD68+ (macrophages), CD11c+ (M1 macrophages), and CD206+ (M2 macrophages) cells compared to cases. Notably, controls had a significant increase in CD68+CD11c+ cells, indicative of a pro-inflammatory, antitumorigenic M1 macrophage polarization. Furthermore, our MxIF analyses provided novel insights into spatial biomarker localization, enhancing prognostic accuracy. Conclusions: The decreased numbers of immune cells and increased expression of immunosuppressive genes in BBD biopsies may be associated with an elevated risk of developing axillary node-positive BC. These findings emphasize the importance of dissecting molecular and immune interactions in BBD for risk assessment. Our results have the potential to improve individualized risk stratification, leading to more targeted surveillance and informed screening. This research not only contributes to our understanding of BC pathogenesis but also opens avenues for developing novel preventive strategies, potentially reducing BC incidence and mortality through early intervention. Citation Format: Matilde Rossi, Nicole Cruz-Reyes, Trista Navarro, Melody L. Stallings-Mann, Bryan M. McCauley, Robert A. Vierkant, Stacey J. Winham, Mark E. Sherman, Amy C. Degnim, Derek C. Radisky. Immune and molecular markers in benign breast disease predict risk of node-positive breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 1912.

Background: Breast cancer survivors face a risk of significant psychological distress, which can persist for years after their initial diagnosis. Although numerous guidelines and tools exist to help screen for and measure distress in patients with cancer, additional longitudinal studies are needed to better characterize the trajectory of distress over time. Patients and Methods: We conducted a longitudinal study to evaluate distress and health-related quality of life in patients with breast cancer. Annual assessments included global mental and physical health scores using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global-10 (PROMIS-10), posttraumatic stress symptoms using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and depressive symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2). Eligible participants had stage 0–III breast cancer, with baseline surveys administered within 1 year of diagnosis. Annual follow-up surveys were conducted through year 4 after the baseline survey. Only patients who completed the baseline survey and at least one follow-up survey were included in this analysis. Individuals with stage IV or recurrent breast cancer were excluded. Results: A total of 2,140 individuals were included. Over time, global mental health scores declined slightly, with differences in T-scores from baseline ranging from 0.4 to 0.9. In contrast, global physical health scores improved, with differences in T-scores ranging from 0.3 to 0.6. Mean scores remained in the normative range. Depressive symptoms remained stable throughout the study period, while posttraumatic stress symptoms showed improvement over time. Conclusions: This study provides important longitudinal data on distress subtypes in breast cancer survivors with nonmetastatic disease. Although global mental health declined slightly, depression symptoms remained stable, and posttraumatic stress symptoms improved. Investigation of distress subtypes over time merits further study to advance detection of significant distress across the cancer continuum.