Wun, Ted

Abstract Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among female adolescents and young adults (AYAs; 15-39 years). While advances in treatment have improved survival, cardiovascular disease (CVD) can result from systemic therapies, and CVD is a leading cause of death in AYA cancer survivors. AYAs with BC face nearly a four-fold increased risk of CVD compared to their peers without cancer. However, data on the effects of systemic treatment on CVD in this population remains limited. We estimated risk of CVD in AYAs diagnosed with invasive BC (2006-2020), who survived ≥2 years, and were diagnosed and treated in the Kaiser Permanente (KP) Northern and Southern California. Patients were categorized by receipt of anthracycline-, alkylating-, HER2-, platinum-, and taxane-based therapies within 2 years of diagnosis. We examined the cumulative incidence of CVD starting 2 years post-diagnosis and used Cox proportional hazards regression to determine factors associated with CVD. Among 3,071 AYAs, 35.1% were non-Hispanic (NH) White, 31.6% were Hispanic, 18.3% were NH Asian, and 8.2% were NH Black. Most received systemic therapy (90.6%), including anthracycline- and alkylator without HER2-targeted therapy (41.9%) and HER2-targeted therapy without anthracycline (20.9%). Fewer AYAs received a taxane and alkylator (13.0%) or anthracycline with alkylator and taxane along with a HER2-targeting agent (6.4%). Mean follow-up after cancer diagnosis was 7.2 years (range: 2.0-17.5). The 10-year cumulative incidence of CVD was highest among AYAs who received anthracycline/alkylator/taxane/HER2-targeting therapy (19.6%), intermediate for those with anthracycline/alkylator without HER2-targeting therapy (13.0%) and those who received HER2-targeted therapy without anthracycline (14.6%), and lowest for those who received taxane/alkylator (7.3%). In the multivariable model adjusted for demographic factors and radiation, compared to taxane/alkylator, anthracycline/alkylator/taxane/HER2-targeting therapy (hazard ratio (HR)=2.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.56-4.43); anthracycline/alkylator without HER2-targeting therapy (HR=1.75, CI 1.13-2.71); and HER2-targeting therapy without anthracycline (HR=2.13, CI 1.11-4.09) were associated with an increased risk of CVD. CVD risk was similar for taxane/alkylator and no systemic therapy. Other factors associated with higher risk of CVD included NH Black race/ethnicity (HR=1.90, CI 1.32-2.73 vs. NH White) and public health insurance (HR=1.67, CI 1.00-2.78 vs private). This study identifies AYA BC survivors at higher risk of CVD based on treatment regimens received, with highest risks found for those receiving anthracycline/alkylator/taxane/HER2 treatment combinations. In addition, AYAs of Black race/ethnicity and those with public health insurance experienced more CVD, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to mitigate these disparities. Citation Format: Theresa H. M. Keegan, Candice A. Sauder, Ann M. Brunson, Renata Abrahao, Anne C. Kirchhoff, Eric Haupt, Mallory Casperson, Ted Wun, Chun R. Chao, Andrew B. Smitherman, Hazel B. Nichols, Jessica Chubak, Erin E. Hahn, Lawrence H. Kushi, Kathryn J. Ruddy. Systemic therapy and cardiovascular disease in adolescent and young adult breast cancer survivors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 5219.

Importance Despite treatment advances, metastatic recurrence continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Empirical data on the incidence and survival after metastatic recurrence remain limited, as cancer registries historically do not collect data on recurrence. Objective To estimate the cumulative incidence (CMI) of metastatic recurrence among adolescents and young adults diagnosed with earlier-stage disease and compare survival to those with metastatic disease at diagnosis. Design, Setting, Participants This was a retrospective cohort study of adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 39 years who were diagnosed with nonmetastatic cancers from 2006 to 2018. Adolescents and young adults were identified from the California Cancer Registry linked with statewide hospitalization, emergency department, and ambulatory surgery encounters from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information. Data were analyzed from December 2023 to June 2025. Exposures Cancer types, including melanoma, sarcoma, and breast, cervical, colorectal, testicular, and thyroid cancers. Main Outcomes and Measures Metastatic recurrence was identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification, and Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification, metastatic disease codes at least 6 months after cancer diagnosis or from an underlying cancer cause of death. Follow-up was through December 31, 2020. Results Of a total of 48 406 adolescents and young adults (median [IQR] age at diagnosis, 33.0 [28.0-37.0] years; 67.4% female), 9.2% had metastatic disease at diagnosis, and 9.5% had metastatic recurrence. Among 43 935 adolescents and young adults who presented with nonmetastatic disease, the 5-year CMI of metastatic recurrences was highest among patients with sarcoma (24.5%; 95% CI, 22.6%-26.6%) and colorectal cancer (21.8%; 95% CI, 20.3%-23.4%) and intermediate for cervical (16.3%; 95% CI, 15.0%-17.6%) and breast (14.7%; 95% CI, 14.0%-15.4%) cancers. The CMI for metastatic recurrence increased with increasing stage at diagnosis, with 5-year CMIs higher than 30% for all stage III cancers (except thyroid). The 5-year CMI of metastatic recurrence also increased over time for cervical cancer (2006-2009: 12.7% [95% CI, 10.8%-14.8%]; 2015-2018: 20.4% [95% CI, 17.5%-23.6%]) and decreased for colorectal cancer (2006-2009: 24.4% [95% CI, 21.3%-27.6%]; 2015-2018: 19.2% [95% CI, 16.4%-22.2%]). Survival after metastatic recurrence was worse than metastatic disease at diagnosis for all cancer types, except for testicular and thyroid cancers. Conclusions and Relevance The findings from this cohort study highlight the overall burden of metastatic disease in adolescents and young adults, expanding the knowledge of metastatic recurrences that help improve care for adolescent and young adult survivors throughout the cancer survivorship spectrum.

PURPOSE Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a potentially debilitating adverse effect of cancer therapy that can lead to delay, reduction, or discontinuation of cancer treatment. Population-based data on peripheral neuropathy incidence among young cancer survivors are lacking. METHODS Using a linkage between Medicaid, the California Cancer Registry, and hospitalization and emergency department data, we identified 6,028 adolescents and young adults (15-39 years) with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), breast cancer, colorectal cancer, or testicular cancer and 418 children (<15 years) with HL or NHL during 2005-2017. We determined the cumulative incidence of peripheral neuropathy and its association with neurotoxic chemotherapy identified from Medicaid claims, using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models. RESULTS Of 6,446 patients, 1,007 were diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. Across each cancer type, incidence was higher among patients receiving neurotoxic drugs. For example, compared with non-neurotoxic agents, 5-year cumulative incidence was higher with oxaliplatin for colorectal cancer (24.0% v 6.2%) and paclitaxel for breast cancer (22.6% v 5.1%). In multivariable analysis, the agents most strongly associated with peripheral neuropathy were brentuximab (±other neurotoxic drugs) for HL (hazard ratio [HR], 9.53 [95% CI, 5.95 to 15.26]); brentuximab (±vinca alkaloids; HR, 7.00 [95% CI, 4.13 to 11.87]) for NHL, paclitaxel for breast cancer (HR, 4.03 [95% CI, 3.05 to 5.31]); oxaliplatin for colorectal cancer (HR, 3.46 [95% CI, 2.23 to 5.36]); and cisplatin and etoposide for testicular cancer (HR, 2.06 [95% CI, 1.37 to 3.11]). CONCLUSION The high incidence of peripheral neuropathy highlights the need for frequent monitoring, new supportive care approaches, and development of novel therapeutic agents to minimize toxicity while maintaining treatment efficacy.

PURPOSE: Graduate medical and research training has drastically changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, with widespread implementation of virtual learning, redeployment from core rotations to the care of patients with COVID-19, and significant emotional and physical stressors. The specific experience of hematology-oncology (HO) fellows during the COVID-19 pandemic is not known. METHODS: We conducted a mixed-methods study using a survey of Likert-style and open-ended questions to assess the training experience and well-being of HO fellows, including both clinical and postdoctoral trainee members of the American Society of Hematology and ASCO. RESULTS: A total of 2,306 surveys were distributed by e-mail; 548 (23.8%) fellows completed the survey. Nearly 40% of fellows felt that they had not received adequate mental health support during the pandemic, and 22% reported new symptoms of burnout. Pre-existing burnout before the pandemic, COVID-19–related clinical work, and working in a primary research or nonclinical setting were associated with increased burnout on multivariable logistic regression. Qualitative thematic analysis of open-ended responses revealed significant concerns about employment after training completion, perceived variable quality of virtual education and board preparation, loss of clinical opportunities to prepare for independent clinical practice, inadequate grant funding opportunities in part because of shifting research priorities, variable productivity, and mental health or stress during the pandemic. CONCLUSION: HO fellows have been profoundly affected by the pandemic, and our data illustrate multiple avenues for fellowship programs and national organizations to support both clinical and postdoctoral trainees.

Introduction: While the COVID-19 pandemic has affected many aspects of clinical care, research, and medical training, its impact on hematology-oncology trainees and professional development has not been described. The American Society of Hematology (ASH) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) sought to assess the impact of COVID-19 on fellows enrolled in hematology-oncology programs. Methods: In spring 2020, ASH and ASCO developed and administered a survey by e-mail to active hematology-oncology fellow members. Response formats used both a semi-Likert scale and open-ended text. Questions focused on fellow experiences and how changes in their programs have impacted their personal and professional lives across several domains. Multiple-choice responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and NVivo software was used for qualitative analysis of open-ended questions. Results: Respondent demographics are described in Table 1. Of 2,306 trainees, 620 (27%) responded to the survey. Most respondents continued patient care responsibilities during the pandemic (80%). Almost half of all trainees (47%) reported that they felt less productive than usual. Stress and/or anxiety about the current situation was the most cited factor affecting productivity in the overall cohort (Figure 1). One-third (33%) of respondents had volunteered or were assigned to clinical/non-clinical COVID-19-related efforts. Of the 90 visa holders in our cohort, 30% (N=27) reported experiencing issues with their visa/immigration status. Eight percent of respondents stated their career plans had changed due to COVID-19. Of those who said their plans had changed, 30 respondents were considering careers in academia pre-pandemic and 11 were considering private practice. However, only 14 respondents were considering academia post-pandemic while 19 were interested in private practice. Overall, most respondents had concerns about at least one of the following: salary reductions, availability of networking events, family well-being, mental health and obtaining a job (Figure 2). The prevalence of burnout increased from 22% (N=105) before the pandemic to 33% (N=161) during (p&lt;.001). Of the respondents who did not report burnout before COVID-19, 22% noted new-onset burnout during the pandemic. New-onset burnout prevalence varied based on the type of work respondents performed: no COVID-related work (17%), COVID-related non-clinical work (26%), and COVID-related clinical work (34%) (p&lt;0.01). The open-ended responses yielded several consistent themes. Clinical and educational constraints were enumerated: lost learning opportunities due to low patient volumes, unavailability of colleagues to discuss cases, and overall low perceived quality of virtual learning. Trainees also reported reduced motivation to complete work within a stipulated time frame due to lack of robust discussions in the virtual environment and technological challenges in navigating educational resources. Trainee research was also severely impacted as laboratories closed, experimental animal colonies were lost, and many research activities ceased. Respondents also expressed concern that cuts in research training initiatives and budgets would jeopardize faculty positions for graduating fellows and that funding for travel and conferences was suspended. Fellows' recommendations for ASH and ASCO included improved online education, virtual research training and networking opportunities, practical guidance on caring for immune-compromised patients during the pandemic, increased funding resources for trainees, mental health resources, and advocating on behalf of trainee visa holders. Conclusions: Hematology-oncology trainees reported their training experiences have been deeply impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. A majority of trainees are concerned about the negative impact on career opportunities, research funding, financial well-being, and mental health. Burnout increased during COVID-19, especially in trainees who were assigned to specific COVID-related efforts. Training programs and professional societies can support trainees by increasing trainee research funding, online networking and learning opportunities, mental health resources and, support for international trainees. Disclosures Velazquez Manana: Corbus Pharmaceuticals: Other: Immediate family member stock ownership; Portola Pharmaceuticals: Other: Immediate family member stock ownership; Midatech: Other: Immediate family member stock ownership. Wun:Glycomimetics, Inc.: Consultancy.

Abstract Background: Patients on systemic therapy for cancer are at varying risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) and its consequences. Thromboprophylaxis is recommended in hospitalized medical and surgical cancer patients, but most VTE occurs in ambulatory cancer patients where risk can be estimated with a validated score. However, the benefit of extended outpatient thromboprophylaxis is uncertain with heparins and has not been tested with direct oral anticoagulants. Methods: We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter study in adult ambulatory patients with various cancers initiating a new systemic regimen and at increased risk for VTE (defined as Khorana score ≥ 2). Enrolled subjects were screened for deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) and if none found randomized 1:1 to rivaroxaban 10 mg once daily or placebo up to day 180. Subjects were screened with lower extremity ultrasounds every 8 weeks on study. Primary efficacy endpoint was a composite of objectively confirmed symptomatic or asymptomatic lower-extremity proximal DVT, symptomatic upper- or lower-extremity distal DVT, symptomatic or incidental pulmonary embolism and VTE-related death. ISTH-defined major bleeding was the primary safety endpoint. All endpoints were adjudicated by blinded independent committees. Analyses for efficacy endpoints were conducted for intent-to-treat (ITT) population (all randomized patients) for the up-to-day 180 observation period (primary) and the on-treatment period (supportive). Safety analyses were conducted for on-treatment period only for patients who received at least one dose of study drug. Results: Of 1,080 patients who provided consent, 49 (4.53%) had DVT on baseline screening and another 190 screen-failed due to other reasons. Of 841 randomized patients, 274 (32.6%) had pancreatic cancer; 698 (83%) were white and 428 (50.9%) were male. The primary efficacy endpoint occurred in 25 of 420 patients (5.95%) and 37 of 421 patients (8.79%) (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.40 to 1.09; p=0.101) in the rivaroxaban and placebo groups respectively (number needed to treat, NNT=35) in the up-to-day 180 observation period (Figure 1A). Of all patients with VTE, 38.70% experienced events after discontinuing study drug. In a pre-specified analysis of all randomized patients during the on-treatment period, the primary endpoint occurred in 11 of 420 patients (2.62%) and 27 of 421 (6.41%) in rivaroxaban and placebo groups respectively (HR 0.40, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.80, p=0.007) (NNT=26) (Figure 1B). Major bleeding occurred in 8 of 405 (1.98%) in the rivaroxaban group and in 4 of 404 (0.99%) patients in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 1.96; 95% CI, 0.59 to 6.49; p=0.265) (number needed to harm, NNH=101). Clinically relevant non-major bleeding occurred in 2.72% and 1.98% of rivaroxaban and placebo groups, respectively (HR, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.54 to 3.32; p=0.53) (NNH=135). Adverse events were comparable between groups. For secondary efficacy endpoints, a pre-specified analysis of the composite of primary endpoint with addition of arterial and visceral thromboembolic events in the up-to-day 180 observation period showed significantly fewer events in rivaroxaban versus placebo group (6.90% versus 10.70% respectively; HR, 0.62; 95% CI: 0.39, 0.99; p=0.04). All-cause mortality occurred in 20.0% of patients in rivaroxaban group and 23.8% in placebo group (HR=0.83, 95% CI 0.62, 1.11; p=0.213). A pre-specified composite of the primary endpoint with all-cause mortality occurred in 23.1% of patients in rivaroxaban group and 29.5% in placebo group (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.57 to 0.97; p=0.03) (Figure 1C). Conclusions: Rivaroxaban significantly reduced VTE and VTE-related death during the on-treatment period but not during the full study period; over one-third of events occurred post discontinuation of study drug. The incidence of major bleeding was low. The Khorana risk score cut-off of ≥2 identified cancer patients at high risk of thrombotic events both at baseline (4.53%) and during study (8.79% with additional 1.66% arterial events in placebo group). These results should inform future recommendations regarding thromboprophylaxis in at-risk ambulatory cancer patients. (Funded by Janssen; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02555878) Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Khorana: Parexel: Other: Personal fees and non-financial support for travel; Sanofi: Consultancy, Other: Personal fees and non-financial support for travel; Pfizer: Consultancy, Other: Personal fees and non-financial support for travel; Janssen: Consultancy, Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; TriSalus: Other: Personal fees; Halozyme: Other: Personal fees and non-financial support for travel; Seattle Genetics: Other: Personal fees and non-financial support for travel; AngioDynamics: Other: Personal fees and non-financial support for travel; LEO Pharma: Other: Personal fees and non-financial support for travel; Medscape/WebMD: Other: Personal fees and non-financial support for travel; Pharmacyclics: Other: Personal fees; PharmaCyte: Other: Personal fees; Bayer: Consultancy, Other: Personal fees and non-financial support for travel. Soff:Janssen: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding. Kakkar:Bayer AG: Consultancy, Research Funding; Boehringer Ingelheim: Consultancy; Daiichi Sankyo Europe: Consultancy; Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Sanofi S.A.: Consultancy; Verseon: Consultancy. Vadhan-Raj:AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Other: received funding from Amag to support clinical trial; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding. Riess:Janssen Scientific Affairs: Other: Travel reimbursement; Bayer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Boehringer Ingelheim: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Daiichi Sankyo: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Wun:Eli Lilly, Inc.: Research Funding; Emmaus, Inc.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Glycomimetics, Inc.: Research Funding; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer, Inc.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Streiff:Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Bayer: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; CSL Behring: Other: outcome adjudication committee; Daiichi Sankyo: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Boehringer Ingelheim: Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; Portola: Consultancy, Research Funding. Garcia:Shingoi: Consultancy; Portola: Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Research Funding; Bristol Meyers Squibb: Consultancy; Boehringer Ingelheim: Consultancy; Retham Technologies LLC: Consultancy; Genzyme Corporation: Consultancy; Alexion: Consultancy. Liebman:Janssen (Johnson & Johnson): Other: steering committee of the CASSINI trial during the conduct of the study. Belani:Janssen: Consultancy. O'Reilly:3DMed, Agios, AlignMed, Amgen, Antengene, Aptus, ASLAN, Astellas, AstraZeneca, Bayer, BeiGene, Bioline, BMS, Boston Scientific, Bridgebio, CARsgen, Celgene, CASI, Cipla, CytomX, Daiichi, Debio, Delcath, Eisai, Exelixis, Genoscience, Gilead, Halozyme: Consultancy; Hengrui, Incyte, Inovio, Ipsen, Jazz, Janssen, Kyowa Kirin, LAM, Lilly, Loxo, Merck, Mina, NewLink Genetics, Novella, Onxeo, PCI Biotech, Pfizer, PharmaCyte, Pharmacyclics, Pieris, QED, RedHill, Sanofi, Servier, Silenseed, Sillajen, Sobi, Targovax: Consultancy; Janssen: Research Funding; Acta Biologica, Agios, Array, AstraZeneca, Bayer, BeiGene, BMS, CASI, Celgene, Exelixis, Genentech, Halozyme, Incyte, Lilly, MabVax, Novartis, OncoQuest, Polaris Puma, QED, and Roche: Research Funding; Tekmira, twoXAR, Vicus, Yakult, and Yiviva: Consultancy. Patel:Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Yimer:Seattle Genetics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Speakers Bureau; AstraZeneca: Speakers Bureau; Epizyme: Equity Ownership; Clovis Oncology: Equity Ownership; Puma Biotechnology: Equity Ownership. Wildgoose:Janssen Scientific Affairs: Employment; Johnson & Johnson: Equity Ownership. Burton:Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Employment; Johnson & Johnson: Equity Ownership. Vijapurkar:Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment; Johnson & Johnson: Equity Ownership. Kaul:Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment; Johnson & Johnson: Equity Ownership. Eikelboom:AstraZeneca, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb/Pfizer, Daiichi Sankyo, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, sanofi-aventis, and Eli Lilly: Honoraria, Research Funding; Heart and Stroke Foundation: Other: Personnel award. Bauer:Janssen: Consultancy. Kuderer:Celldex: Consultancy; Mylan: Consultancy, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses; Myriad Genetics: Consultancy; Halozyme: Consultancy; Coherus Biosciences: Consultancy, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses; Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC: Consultancy, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses; Pfizer: Consultancy; Bayer: Consultancy. Lyman:Halozyme; G1 Therapeutics; Coherus Biosciences: Consultancy; Generex Biotechnology: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Other: Research support.

AbstractVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is a frequent complication of cancer associated with morbidity, mortality, increased hospitalizations and higher health care costs. Cancer patients at increased risk for VTE can be identified using a validated risk assessment score, and the incidence of VTE can be reduced in high-risk settings using anticoagulation. Rivaroxaban is a potent, oral, direct, factor Xa inhibitor approved for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic events, including VTE. CASSINI is a double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, multicentre study comparing rivaroxaban with placebo in adult ambulatory patients with various cancers who are initiating systemic cancer therapy and are at high risk of VTE (Khorana score ≥ 2). Patients with primary brain tumours or those at risk for bleeding are excluded. Approximately 700 patients will be randomized 1:1 to rivaroxaban 10 mg daily or placebo for up to 6 months if there is no evidence of VTE from compression ultrasonography (CU) during screening or from routine care imaging within 30 days prior to randomization. Mandatory CU will also be performed at weeks 8 and 16 (±7 days), and at study end (±3 days). The primary efficacy hypothesis is that anticoagulation with rivaroxaban reduces the composite of objectively confirmed symptomatic or asymptomatic, lower-extremity, proximal deep-vein thrombosis (DVT); symptomatic, upper-extremity DVT; symptomatic or incidental pulmonary embolism; and VTE-related death compared with placebo. The primary safety objective is to assess major bleeding events (Clinical trial information: NCT02555878).