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Abstract Background: Pulmonary function tests, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁) and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), are integral to pre-transplant evaluation of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) candidates because they estimate the risk of early post-HCT death and respiratory failure. Interpretation has historically relied on race-specific Global Lung Function Initiative equations from 2012 (GLI-2012). In 2021 the Initiative released race-neutral equations (GLI-Global). The influence of adopting GLI-Global on risk stratification, outcome prediction, and transplant eligibility is unknown. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 8808 adults who underwent first allogeneic HCT at four United States centers between 1999 and 2021. FEV₁ values were converted to z-scores with both GLI-2012 and GLI-Global, whereas DLCO z-scores were calculated with GLI-2017 which is a race neutral equation. Pulmonary impairment was graded with the Lung Function Score (LFS); each component [FEV₁ and DLCO] receives 1 to 6 points based on percent predicted (> 80 % = 1, 70-79 % = 2, 60-69 % = 3, 50-59 % = 4, 40-49 % = 5, < 40 % = 6) and the sum of 2 to 12 maps to grades I (2), II (3-5), III (6-9), and IV (10-12). Primary endpoints were non-relapse mortality (NRM) at 120 days and 2 years, intensive care unit admission, and invasive mechanical ventilation. Prediction was assessed with Cox proportional hazards models and Harrell c-statistics. Results: Switching to GLI-Global reclassified 4.2 % of patients (368 of 8808) across LFS strata. Reclassification was racially asymmetric: 12.2 % of Black patients moved to higher-risk grades whereas 3.9 % of White patients moved to lower-risk grades. C-statistics for FEV₁ z-scores were nearly identical with GLI-Global versus GLI-2012: 2-year NRM 0.544 vs 0.542, 120-day NRM 0.566 vs 0.568, intensive care admission 0.545 vs 0.538, and mechanical ventilation 0.605 vs 0.605; confidence intervals overlapped for every comparison. Continuous z-score models consistently outperformed categorical cut-offs for each outcome: 2-year NRM 0.544 vs 0.518, 120-day NRM 0.566 vs 0.523, intensive care admission 0.545 vs 0.515, and mechanical ventilation 0.605 vs 0.529; confidence intervals did not overlap for every comparison. The composite LFS outperformed models that used FEV₁ or DLCO alone. Extrapolating cohort reclassification rates to 38,606 adults aged 40 to 84 who received allogeneic HCTs reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research between 2009 and 2018 predicts that 1521 patients, including 509 Black adults, would shift LFS grades and could face altered transplant eligibility. Conclusions: Race-neutral GLI-Global equations modestly change pulmonary risk categorization, disproportionately raising scores for Black HCT candidates, yet maintain predictive accuracy for early mortality, respiratory failure, and intensive care use. Continuous dual-variable models and the composite LFS provide superior prediction. Although race-neutral interpretation aligns with current society guidelines, its tendency to classify Black individuals as higher risk highlights the need for refined continuous models that limit unnecessary reclassification and increased disparities in transplant eligibility.

Abstract Introduction: While newly diagnosed patients (pts) with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who are ineligible for intensive chemotherapy have prolonged survival outcomes with venetoclax plus azacitidine (VEN+AZA) over AZA alone (2-year overall survival rate: 37.5% vs 16.9%), more can be done to further enhance outcomes (Pratz et al., 2024). CD123 is overexpressed on AML blasts and leukemia stem cells in AML. Pivekimab sunirine (PVEK) is a first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate comprised of a high-affinity anti-CD123 antibody, a cleavable linker, and an indolinobenzodiazepine pseudodimer payload. Previously, in pts with CD123-positive AML, PVEK combined with VEN+AZA demonstrated robust response rates with a manageable safety profile (Daver et al., 2023). Here we report a subgroup analysis from a preliminary cohort of frontline (1L)-treated pts with AML. Methods: Data are from the dose expansion phase of an ongoing, open-label, multicenter, fully enrolled, Phase 1b/2 study of PVEK+VEN+AZA in adults with 1L unfit AML deemed CD123-positive by investigator. Unfit pts were aged ≥75 years (yr), or aged <75 yr with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) score 2–3, or ≥1 defined comorbidity. Pts received PVEK (0.045 mg/kg, intravenous [IV]) on Day (D) 7 plus VEN (400 mg equivalent, oral) daily in a 28-D cycle (cohort 1 received ≥14 D of VEN; cohort 2 received 28 D of VEN) plus AZA (up to 75 mg/m2, subcutaneous or IV) on D1–7. Bone marrow assessments were performed by D12–14 (cohort 1) or D18–21 (cohort 2) to determine VEN duration in cycle 1 and at the end of every subsequent cycle to assess responses and myelosuppression. The primary endpoint was antileukemia activity (complete remission [CR] rate) and measurable residual disease (MRD) assessments. Responses were determined using the modified European LeukemiaNet 2017 criteria (plus CR + partial hematologic recovery [CRh]). MRD-negativity was defined centrally as <0.1% using multiparameter flow cytometry. Safety was assessed as a secondary endpoint. Results: Among 1L unfit pts with CD123-positive AML (n=49), the median (range) age was 77 (58–85) yr, with most pts aged ≥75 yr (n=36 [74%]). Forty-two (86%) pts reported an ECOG PS ≤1, 14% (n=7) had secondary AML, and 20% (n=10) and 51% (n=25) had intermediate or adverse cytogenetic risk, respectively; 65% (n=32) and 35% (n=17) were reported as TP53wt or TP53mut, respectively. Eight (16%) pts bridged to stem cell transplant. The median (range) number of treatment cycles and duration of treatment were 4 (1–20) and 5.5 (0.7–22.7) months (mo), respectively, for PVEK; 4 (1–20) and 5.1 (0.9–22.9) mo for VEN; and 4 (1–21) and 5.7 (0.9–23.4) mo for AZA. For cohort 1 (n=10), the median (range) duration of VEN was 4.5 (2.1–22.9) mo, and for cohort 2 (n=39), the median (range) duration of VEN was 5.7 (0.9–15.2) mo. With a median (range) follow-up of 10 (1.2–26.7) mo, 63.3% (95% CI: 48.3%–76.6%) of pts achieved CR, 79.6% (95% CI: 65.7%–89.8%) achieved CR/CR with incomplete hematologic recovery (CRi), and 73.5% (95% CI: 58.9%–85.1%) achieved CR/CRh; morphologic leukemia free state was achieved in 4% (n=2) of pts. Of pts who achieved CR or CR/CRi with a MRD-evaluable sample, 92% (23/25) and 90% (27/30) achieved flow cytometry MRD-negativity (<0.1%) respectively. The most common (≥50% of pts) any grade treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) were neutropenia/neutrophil count decreased and thrombocytopenia/platelet count decreased (both 69%); constipation (61%); and peripheral edema (51%). Three pts (6%) experienced AEs leading to discontinuation (myocardial infarction/soft tissue infection/thrombocytopenia) and 2 pts had AEs leading to death (respiratory failure/pancytopenia). Conclusions: Unfit pts with newly diagnosed CD123-postive AML demonstrated high CR rates with PVEK+VEN+AZA. These robust response rates were observed across the select mutational profiles tested. Follow up with duration of response and survival estimates among all pts, by molecular subgroups and MRD negativity status, are being evaluated. Triplet therapy in unfit 1L pts with CD-123–positive AML was well-tolerated, and no new safety signals were observed. These data highlight the need to further evaluate this regimen in a randomized trial.

Abstract Introduction Approximately 40% of patients with DLBCL will experience relapse after initial treatment with standard-of-care chemo-immunotherapy. Effective treatment options are limited for patients who experience first-line treatment failure, particularly for those with R/R disease following CAR T-cell therapy or those not able to receive CAR T-cell therapy (Sehn et al, N Engl J Med. 2021). GOLCA is a potential, first-in-class, oral CELMoD agent designed for the treatment of lymphoma, with preferential distribution to lymphoid organs and enhanced activity in lymphoma cell lines. GOLCA drives the closed, active conformation of cereblon to induce rapid and deep degradation of Ikaros and Aiolos, leading to direct cell killing (agnostic of cell of origin) and immunomodulatory activity. In the two-part, multicenter, first-in-human Phase 1/2 study (CC-99282-NHL-001; NCT03930953), GOLCA was well tolerated and effective in patients with R/R DLBCL (Bachy et al, ICML 2025, #148). Here, we provide longer follow-up in patients with R/R DLBCL from Part B of the study. Methods Patients with R/R DLBCL and disease progression after ≥ 2 lines of therapy or transplant-ineligible patients after ≥ 1 line of therapy were included in the study. Patients received GOLCA monotherapy orally, once daily at different dosing schedules in Part A. In Part B, GOLCA was dosed at 0.2 or 0.4 mg (14 days on/14 days off) ± R. Total GOLCA treatment duration was up to 2 years or until progressive disease (PD)/unacceptable toxicity. Primary objectives included safety and recommended Phase 2 dose determination. Results As of April 3, 2025, a total of 77 patients with R/R DLBCL were enrolled in Part B Cohort C (GOLCA 0.2 mg + R, n = 39; GOLCA 0.4 mg + R, n = 38). Median age was 66 years (range, 20–86). Patients were heavily pre-treated; median number of prior treatments was 4 (range, 1–11), 55% of pts had prior CAR T-cell therapy, 38% had prior bispecific antibody treatment, and 44% were refractory to last treatment. Ten patients (13%) were ongoing, 4 completed 2 y of treatment, and 63 (82%) had discontinued treatment, mostly due to PD (n = 48 [62%]). The most common any-grade (G) treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) in the 0.2- and 0.4-mg cohorts, respectively, were neutropenia (54% and 84%), an on-target side effect of GOLCA, and anemia (44% and 45%). G3/4 neutropenia was reported in 49% of patients with 0.2 mg and 79% with 0.4 mg, and febrile neutropenia (FN) in 5% and 16%, respectively. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was used in 81% and 88% of patients with neutropenia and 50% and 100% of patients with FN in the 0.2-mg and 0.4-mg cohorts. Dose interruptions (mainly due to infections/neutropenia) occurred in 49% and 53% of patients and discontinuations due to AEs occurred in 10% and 3% with 0.2 and 0.4 mg. One G5 pneumonia was considered related to study treatment (0.2 mg). The median follow-up was 11.8 months (range, 3.1–35.1) with 0.2 mg and 16.2 months (range, 3.8–31.4) with 0.4 mg. The overall response rate (ORR) in efficacy evaluable patients was 34% (complete response rate [CRR], 20%) with 0.2 mg (n = 35) and 58% with 0.4 mg (n = 36), including a CRR of 44% with this dose. In patients with prior T-cell–redirecting treatment, the ORR was 33% (CRR, 22%) with 0.2 mg (n = 18) and 56% (CRR, 38%) with 0.4 mg (n = 16). Seven of 35 (0.2 mg) and 14 of 36 (0.4 mg) patients experienced durable response > 12 months. The median time to response with both 0.2 and 0.4 mg was 1.8 months. In patients with durable responses (remained in response [CR or partial response] for more than two consecutive efficacy assessments) to GOLCA, circulating tumor DNA reduction from baseline continues to deepen over time. Response was similar across clones/tumor variants. Conclusions With additional follow-up, GOLCA + R continued to demonstrate a predictable and manageable safety profile, with no new safety signals observed at longer follow-up. Durable responses were shown in heavily pretreated patients with R/R DLBCL, including those with prior T-cell–redirecting therapy. GOLCA + R induced a decrease in circulating tumor DNA across tumor variants. These data support the ongoing development of GOLCA + R in patients with R/R non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

PURPOSE Although most patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) can expect an indolent course, progressive lymphoma remains the primary cause of death during the first decade after diagnosis. Progression of disease within 24 months (POD24) of starting first-line (1L) immunochemotherapy defines a high-risk population with poor survival, but better risk stratification at diagnosis is needed. METHODS The FLIPI24 model was developed and internally validated to predict 24-month event rates using individual data from 4,485 patients treated with 1L immunochemotherapy from 10 observational cohorts of FL. Overall and cause-specific survival was further evaluated in FLIPI24 risk groups. External validation in the 1L immunochemotherapy setting was performed using the prospective observational Lymphoma Epidemiology of Outcomes (LEO) cohort (N = 565) and three randomized phase III trials (N = 3,192); extension to all patients with FL (any 1L therapy) was performed in the LEO cohort (N = 1,445) and its Molecular Epidemiology Resource subcohort (N = 1,074). RESULTS The FLIPI24 model uses age and four blood-based variables (hemoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase, beta-2 microglobulin, and WBC count). FLIPI24 showed consistent performance across validation and extension data sets, which was superior to existing prognostic tools. Across the four external immunochemotherapy validation data sets, patients with high-risk FLIPI24 (23%-32% of patients) had significantly higher 24-month event rates (22%-35%) and inferior 5-year overall survival (77%-83%) compared with patients with low-risk FLIPI24 (29%-31% of patients, 24-month event rates: 10%-12%; 5-year OS: 96%-97%). Results were consistent when evaluating lymphoma-related death and when extended to all patients with FL. CONCLUSION The FLIPI24 model robustly stratifies, at diagnosis, patients with FL at increased risk of lymphoma-related death versus patients with very low lymphoma-related mortality during the first decade after diagnosis. FLIPI24 can be used to enrich future clinical trial designs in newly diagnosed FL.

Abstract Social Determinants of Health (SDoH), such as education level, housing status, lived environment, and socioeconomic status, can create obstacles to accessing healthcare services, particularly for minoritized people and individuals with chronic health conditions. While previous research shows that addressing SDoH can lead to positive health outcomes, no studies have investigated the role of SDoH in genetic counseling. This mixed‐methods study aimed to clarify if genetic counselors (GCs) are aware of SDoH, and if knowing a patient's specific SDoH would prompt GCs to change their approach to that patient's care. An online survey was sent to GCs, consisting of scenario‐based questions to explore whether knowledge of a patient's SDoH information prompts changes in approaches to care. Nearly 45% of respondents reported only somewhat to no familiarity with SDoH. However, respondents with moderate to extreme familiarity with SDoH were 1.58 times more likely to modify patient care to address SDoH than those with little to no familiarity ( p = 0.003). However, nearly half of the respondents reported that their electronic medical record (EMR) system does not display SDoH information. Qualitative analysis demonstrated that GCs would use SDoH information to make specific changes in counseling content, identify resources, provide referrals to services such as local resources or social work, and offer alternative service delivery methods. These preliminary findings suggest that GCs can leverage SDoH data to help patients overcome obstacles stemming from SDoH and highlight areas for improvement within healthcare systems and education. Healthcare institutions should consider effective workflows to accurately capture and display SDoH within the EMR and increase efforts surrounding SDoH education. An earlier introduction to SDoH through GC training programs could promote higher familiarity with SDoH. Together, increased SDoH awareness and easier access to information about patient‐specific barriers may lead to an increase in GC‐initiated interventions to address disparities stemming from SDoH.

Context.— Optical genome mapping (OGM) represents a promising cytogenomic technology that detects structural variants, including fusions, rearrangements, copy number variants, and loss of heterozygosity, in a single assay. Unlike karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridization, or chromosomal microarray, OGM leverages long-molecule imaging to map the whole genome with high resolution. This positions OGM as a novel tool for constitutional and somatic/cancer genomics. However, its current and planned utilization in clinical and research settings remains unknown, necessitating further investigation. Objective.— To investigate the current utilization of OGM in clinical and research laboratories, assess its applications, and evaluate future utilization strategies. Design.— In 2024, a supplemental questionnaire was incorporated into 6 College of American Pathologists proficiency testing programs to evaluate OGM’s utilization. Results.— Of 921 returned questionnaires, 712 were analyzed after duplicates were removed. Sixty-seven (9.4%) currently offered OGM testing: 5.2% (37) for research only, 1.8% (13) for only clinical use, and 2.4% (17) for both. Future adoption plans showed 7.6% (53 of 700 laboratories) and 7.9% (55 of 700 laboratories) aiming to implement OGM clinically within 12 and 24 months, respectively. The most common applications included hematologic malignancies and constitutional/germline postnatal disorders, followed by prenatal testing. International laboratories demonstrated statistically higher utilization rates than domestic laboratories ( P = .001). Conclusions.— This first survey on OGM clinical utilization reveals its status as a niche technology, with 67 laboratories currently using it. Its primary clinical applications are in constitutional/germline analysis and hematologic malignancies. Although international laboratories led in 2024, 108 laboratories (domestic and international) plan clinical adoption within 24 months, signaling OGM’s potential for broader integration.

Importance Assisted ventilation during delayed cord clamping (DCC) may improve the physiologic transition of extremely preterm infants immediately after birth. Objective To determine whether assisted ventilation during 120 seconds of DCC was associated with reduced higher-level resuscitative interventions (intubation, chest compressions, or epinephrine administration) compared with DCC for 30 to 60 seconds followed by resuscitation. Design, Setting, and Participants This was a secondary analysis of the VentFirst randomized clinical trial that was conducted from September 2, 2016, through February 21, 2023, at 12 centers in the US and Canada. Infants born at 23 weeks 0 days’ to 28 weeks 6 days’ gestational age (GA) were included. Intervention Infants randomized to the intervention received either positive-pressure ventilation or continuous positive airway pressure from 30 to 120 seconds after birth, followed by umbilical cord clamping. Those randomized to control received 30 to 60 seconds of DCC followed by assisted ventilation. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcome was the odds of higher-level resuscitative interventions in the delivery room (DR). Intention-to-treat analyses within 2 a priori cohorts (infants breathing well and not breathing well 30 seconds after birth) used the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel method to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) of intervention vs control. Results All 570 infants enrolled in the trial were included. Infants had a median (IQR) GA of 26.6 (25.2-27.9) weeks and 273 (47.9%) were female. A total of 271 infants (47.5%) were assessed as not breathing well 30 seconds after birth (150 intervention and 121 control), and 299 (52.5%) were assessed as breathing well 30 seconds after birth (128 intervention and 171 control). In the not-breathing-well cohort, 146 infants (53.9%) were intubated in the DR, 4 received chest compressions (2 intervention and 2 control), and 1 received epinephrine (control). Intubation was less frequent in the intervention group (71 infants [47.3%] vs 75 infants [62.0%]; OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.30-0.89). When adjusted by GA strata at randomization, infants in the 26 to 28 weeks’ GA stratum who were in the intervention group were less likely to be intubated in the DR (18 of 79 infants [22.8%] vs 29 of 60 infants [48.3%]; OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.15-0.65). However, there was no difference in intubation rates for infants in the 23 to 25 weeks’ GA stratum (53 of 71 infants [74.7%] vs 46 of 61 infants [75.4%]; OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.44-2.12). Among infants breathing well at 30 seconds, 74 (24.7%) were intubated in the DR, and none received compressions or epinephrine. Intubation rates were similar between intervention and control in the breathing-well cohort. Conclusions and Relevance While the VentFirst trial did not find a difference in death or intraventricular hemorrhage, this secondary analysis found that assisted ventilation during DCC was associated with less intubation in the DR, primarily among infants born at 26 to 28 weeks’ gestation who were not breathing well 30 seconds after birth. Additional studies are needed before implementing assisted ventilation during DCC in clinical practice. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02742454

Background Converging evidence hints at neurodevelopmental effects in people at risk of genetic frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Objective We investigated total intracranial volume (TIV), a neuroimaging marker of neurodevelopment, and years of education differences between adult mutation carriers and familial non-mutation carriers, as measures of the structural and functional neurodevelopmental effects of FTD-causing genetic mutations. Methods This cross-sectional cohort study, facilitated through the FTD Prevention Initiative (FPI), included 902 adult pathogenic mutation carriers of GRN , MAPT , or C9orf72 , and 532 familial non-carriers. ANCOVAs were computed to compare TIV and education between groups per gene. Pearson's correlations were used to examine associations between TIV and education. Results Mutation carriers (mean ± SD age = 50.0 ± 13.2 years, sex = 55% female, n ( GRN ) = 298, n( MAPT ) = 187, n ( C9orf72 ) = 417) were compared to familial non-carriers (age = 48.0 ± 12.9 years, sex = 58% female, n ( GRN ) = 201, n( MAPT ) = 114), n ( C9orf72 ) = 217). Consistent with prior findings in young adults, GRN carriers showed larger TIV, on average by 20531 mm 3 , compared to familial non-carriers (95% CI [85.4, 40977], p = 0.049, η 2 p = 0.008). Larger TIV correlated with higher years of education in GRN carriers (95% CI [0.01, 0.24], r (295) = 0.12, p = 0.03) and GRN non-carriers (95% CI [0.08, 0.34], r(198) = 0.21, p = 0.002). MAPT carriers demonstrated smaller TIV than non-carriers, on average by 29896 mm 3 (95% CI [–58248, −1545], p = 0.039, η 2 p = 0.02). Models with C9orf72 and education as outcome variables did not reveal significant differences. Conclusions In support of the neurodevelopmental hypothesis of FTD, GRN and MAPT mutations are linked to structural neurodevelopmental changes in TIV. Further research is needed to identify mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental influences of FTD mutations and ascertain their suitability as intervention targets.

Importance Total pancreatectomy (TP) is indicated for advanced pancreatic cancer or multifocal tumors. Furthermore, TP may be performed to avoid the risk of pancreatic fistula in selected patients to improve the perioperative risk profile. Objective To define reference values for TP based on a low-risk cohort treated at expert centers. Design, Setting, and Participants This multicenter study analyzed outcomes from patients undergoing primary TP for malignant or benign lesions from 25 international expert centers from January 2017 to November 2023. Low-risk patients undergoing TP (LR-TP) were without vascular resections or significant comorbidities. Exposures TP. Main Outcomes and Measures Twenty reference values were derived from the 75th or the 25th percentile of the median values of all centers. Outcomes of LR-TP were compared with a cohort of TP with vascular resection, TP due to high-risk pancreatic anastomosis, and the benchmark values for low-risk pancreatoduodenectomy. Results Of 994 patients, 333 (33.5%; median [IQR] age, 66 [58-72] years; 171 male [51.4%]) qualified as the LR-TP cohort. Reference values included blood loss (≤1000 mL), major complications (≤37%), 3-month postoperative mortality (<6%), and retrieved lymph nodes (≥29). Compared with TP with vascular resections, reference cutoffs were not met for major complications (51% vs LR-TP ≤37%) and 90-day mortality (11% vs LR-TP ≤6%). For TP due to high-risk anastomosis, failure to rescue rate (38% vs ≤6%) and 90-day mortality (11% vs LR-TP ≤6%) were not met. Compared with pancreatoduodenectomy, reference values for postoperative mortality were 3 times higher for LR-TP (≤2% vs ≤6%) and less for resected lymph nodes (≥16 vs ≥29). Conclusions and Relevance This case-control study provided global reference values for TP, indicating significantly higher postoperative morbidity and mortality compared with pancreatoduodenectomy. Perioperative morbidity of TP was especially increased in patients with vascular resections. These reference values can serve for quality control of pancreatic surgery.