Citations

Abstract The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a critical role in cancer progression, with its biophysical properties influencing cancer behavior. ECM stiffness can induce long-lasting adaptations in cancer cells, promoting sustained invasion through a process known as “mechanical memory” (MM). Glioblastoma (GBM) exhibits spatial heterogeneity in stiffness, with stiffer ECM found at the tumor periphery where invasive cells reside and promote recurrence. We hypothesize that increased stiffness at the tumor periphery primes GBM cells for sustained invasion through MM. METHODS Cell lines were established from image-guided human GBM samples from tumor margin and core (n=10 patients, 20 cell lines). Cells from random locations were conditioned in physiologically relevant extracellular matrices for two weeks. Human organotypic assay (n=3), Migration Assays, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Immunocytochemistry, Western Blot, and RNA-sequencing (n=6) were performed. RESULTS GBM cells at higher stiff surfaces displayed increased migration (p<0.01). Magnetic Resonance Elastography (n=9) confirmed GBM heterogeneity, with softer cores (0.2-0.5kPa) transitioning to stiffer margins (>2kPa). Organotypic scaffolds mimicking the tumor margin promoted enhanced migration of GFP-labeled GBM cells. Margin cells and cells conditioned on stiffer matrices demonstrated higher migratory potential compared to their core and soft-conditioned counterparts (p<0.05). These trends persist over time and across multiple passages. ECM stiffness exposure causes nanomechanical, cytoskeletal, and transcriptional adaptations. AFM shows that cells from the margin (n=6) are softer (p<0.01) and more deformable (p<0.01). RNAseq identified upregulation of MM-specific genes in GBM margin cells. The mechanosensitive transcription factor YAP1 emerged as a key driver of MM. Notably, YAP1 is targetable by the FDA-approved drug Verteporfin. YAP1 expression was elevated in margin and stiff-conditioned cells (p<0.05). Stiff-conditioned cells and margin cells displayed increased sensitivity to Verteporfin treatment (p<0.05), with treatment significantly reducing margin migration compared to the core (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Stiffer GBM margins promote the formation of aggressive phenotypes through MM. Targeting YAP1 with Verteporfin, a readily available drug, presents a promising strategy to halt GBM invasion and improve patient outcomes.

PURPOSE The nodal burden of patients with residual isolated tumor cells (ITCs) in the sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) (ypN0i+) is unknown, and axillary management is not standardized. We investigated rates of additional positive lymph nodes (LNs) at axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and oncologic outcomes in patients with ypN0i+ treated with and without ALND. METHODS The Oncoplastic Breast Consortium-05/ICARO cohort study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06464341 ) retrospectively analyzed data from patients with stage I to III breast cancer with ITCs in SLNs after NAC from 62 centers in 18 countries. The primary end point was the 3-year rate of any axillary recurrence. The rate of any invasive recurrence was the secondary end point. RESULTS In total, 583 patients were included, of whom 182 (31%) had completion ALND and 401 (69%) did not. The median age was 48 years. Most patients (74%) were clinically node-positive at diagnosis and 41% had hormone receptor–positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative tumors. The mean number of SLNs with ITCs was 1.2. Patients treated with ALND were more likely to present with cN2/3 disease (17% v 7%, P < .001), have ITCs detected on frozen section (62% v 8%, P < .001), have lymphovascular invasion (38% v 24%, P < .001), and receive adjuvant chest wall (89% v 78%, P = .024) and nodal radiation (82% v 75%, P = .038). Additional positive nodes were found at ALND in 30% of patients, but only 5% had macrometastases. The 3-year rates of any axillary and any invasive recurrence were 2% (95% CI, 0.95 to 3.6) and 11% (95% CI, 8 to 14), respectively, with no statistical difference by type of axillary surgery. CONCLUSION The nodal burden in patients with ypN0(i+) was low, and axillary recurrence after ALND omission was rare in patients selected for this approach. These results do not support routine ALND in all patients with ypN0(i+).

Abstract The Midwest Aging Consortium (MAC) has emerged as a critical collaborative initiative aimed at advancing our understanding of aging and developing strategies to combat the rising prevalence of age-related diseases. Founded in 2019, MAC brings together researchers from various disciplines and institutions across the Midwestern United States to foster interdisciplinary geroscience research. This report summarizes the highlights of the Fourth Annual Symposium of MAC, which was held at Iowa State University in May 2023. The symposium featured presentations on a wide array of topics, including studies on slow-aging animals, cellular senescence and senotherapeutics, the role of the immune system in aging, metabolic changes in aging, neuronal health in aging, and biomarkers for measuring the aging process. Speakers shared findings from studies involving a variety of animals, ranging from commonly used species such as mice, rats, worms, yeast, and fruit flies, to less-common ones like naked mole-rats, painted turtles, and rotifers. MAC continues to emphasize the importance of supporting emerging researchers and fostering a collaborative environment, positioning itself as a leader in aging research. This symposium not only showcased the current state of aging biology research but also highlighted the consortium’s role in training the next generation of scientists dedicated to improving the healthspan and well-being of the aging population.

AbstractBackgroundThere is growing interest in global health (GH) among medical trainees in the United States. However, providing GH training opportunities at the fellowship level presents several challenges. Understanding of barriers and facilitators to implementing GH training is essential for addressing these challenges.MethodsWe developed a comprehensive survey of 65 Likert‐scale multiple‐choice and open‐ended questions to assess perspectives of pediatric hematology/oncology fellowships leaders on GH training. The survey was electronically distributed to program leaders at all ACGME‐accredited pediatric hematology/oncology fellowships programs, and data were summarized using descriptive analysis.ResultsOf 73 eligible programs, we had a 45.2% response rate with 27 complete and 6 partial responses. Respondents represented programs across the United States, including 19 (57.6%) affiliated with NCI‐Designated Cancer Centers. Fourteen programs (43.8%) currently offer GH training opportunities, whereas 18 programs expressed interest in future opportunities (15, 83.3%) or plan to offer them soon (3, 16.7%). Major barriers identified include competing training priorities (23, 82.1%), lack of faculty mentors in the division (23, 82.1%), and lack of dedicated institutional funding (20, 71.4%). Key facilitators include the interest and initiative of current fellows (27, 96.4%), dedicated institutional funding (26, 92.8%), and having established international partnerships (26, 92.8%).ConclusionsThe study reveals strong interest in GH training in pediatric hematology/oncology fellowships. Despite challenges such as competing priorities and a lack of mentors, significant facilitators include current fellows’ initiatives, dedicated funding, and established international partnerships. These insights can help shape future initiatives to incorporate GH into pediatric oncology/hematology fellowship training.

Abstract Disclosure: S.W. Ing: Advisory Board Member; Self; Ultragenyx, Amolyt. Grant Recipient; Self; Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma, Takeda, Amolyt, Radius Health, Inc, Ultragenyx. P. Harmatz: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. S. Mora: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. E.A. Imel: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. P.J. Tebben: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. M.L. Warren: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma, Ascendis, Amolyt. Speaker; Self; Ascendis. N. Ma: Research Investigator; Self; Calcilytix Therapeutics, Ultragenyx, Inozyme. Other; Self; Up To Date. A.A. Khan: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma, Ascendis. A. Palermo: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. B. Decallonne: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. S. Lemoine: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma, Kyowa Kirin. G. Mantovani: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. A. Linglart: Consulting Fee; Self; Alexion, Novo Nordisk, Merck, Pfizer, Inc.. Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma, Kyowa Kirin. H. Wasserman: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. A.P. Barbosa: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. C. Cardot-bauters: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. M. Roberts: Employee; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. A. Mathew: Employee; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. S. Adler: Employee; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. M.C. Zillikens: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. R.J. Clifton-Bligh: Consulting Fee; Self; Ipsen, Kyowa Kirin, Amgen Inc, Eisai. Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. L. Rejnmark: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma, Ascendis, Amolyt, Takeda, Kyowa Kirin. Autosomal dominant hypocalcemia type 1 (ADH1), caused by gain-of-function calcium-sensing receptor gene (CASR) variants, is characterized by low parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations, hypocalcemia, hypercalciuria, hyperphosphatemia and hypomagnesemia. While a rare disease, ADH1 is one of the more frequently identified causes of genetic hypoparathyroidism. Conventional therapy includes calcium (Ca) and/or active vitamin D, but this regimen incompletely corrects the hypocalcemia and is associated with persistent hypercalciuria, which may result in renal complications including nephrocalcinosis (NC), nephrolithiasis (NL), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The CLARIFY disease monitoring study [NCT05227287] is a global, multicenter, longitudinal study to understand disease burden, management, and progression in children and adults with ADH1 over a 5-year period. Here we report data on the characteristics of adult participants at study entry. As of November 2023, 45 adults (≥18 years) with ADH1 were enrolled, with a mean±SD age of 42.1±16.5 years (range 18-80). The mean±SD age of a hypocalcemia diagnosis was 19.1±19.1 years, while the mean±SD age for a diagnosis of ADH1 was 28.2±20.6 years. As reported on medical history, in decreasing order of prevalence, 36% (16) had NC, 22% (10) had intracranial calcifications, 11% (5) had history of seizures, 11% (5) had CKD, 9% (4) had cataracts, 7% (3) had NL, and 4% (2) had undergone renal transplant. Treatment data were available for 43 participants and included the following: 74% (32) Ca and active vitamin D, 9% (4) Ca alone, 9% (4) active vitamin D alone, 37% (16) magnesium, 33% (14) thiazide diuretics, 26% (11) potassium, 7% (3) phosphate binder, 7% (3) PTH, and 5% (2) no treatment. Mean±SD fasting values collected prior to conventional therapy dose are presented. PTH concentrations (10.1±8.2 pg/mL [nl 15-65]) and albumin-corrected calcium ([cCa]=7.5±1.0 mg/dL [nl 8.5-10.5]) were low. Despite the low mean cCa, the mean 24-hr urine calcium was elevated (268±183 mg/d, [nl &lt;250 women, &lt;300 men]). Blood phosphate was 4.8±0.8 mg/dL [nl 2.5-4.8] while blood magnesium was 1.8±0.2 mg/dL [nl 1.8-2.4]. 25-OH vitamin D was 35.0±13.5 ng/mL [nl 30-80]. Renal function as assessed by CKD-EPIcr_R showed eGFR of 86±23 mL/min/1.73m² (range 36-123). This study represents the largest cohort of adults with ADH1 described to date. These data highlight variability in therapeutic approaches in a real-world setting with some participants receiving up to 6 different medications/supplements. Despite being followed in expert centers, and treated with available therapies, patients on average have low cCa with relatively high 24-hr urine calcium excretion. The CLARIFY study provides an opportunity to better understand the progression and burden of disease in participants with ADH1. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Abstract Disclosure: P.L. castellanos: None. A.M. Chindris: None. S. Rao: None. J. Janus: None. R. Paz-Fumagalli: None. V.J. Bernet: None. Introduction: Limited information exists regarding the relationship between outcomes and decision-making based on results from Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (USG-FNA) of cervical nodes/nodules suspicious for thyroid cancer metastases. Management options for positive findings include surgery, percutaneous ethanol ablation, radioactive iodine therapy, external beam radiation systemic therapy, or observation. This retrospective review is aimed at describing the management and associated outcomes of a cohort of thyroid cancer patients who underwent USG FNA for cervically metastases. Methods: Following our Clinic IRB review and approval, we performed a chart review and identified 163 patients with thyroid cancer patients who had undergone USG FNA of apparent cervical metastases at the Florida campus between 2012 and 2018. Cytology results and corresponding tumor marker washout from each sampled focus were recorded. The records review included recording anatomical and biochemical outcomes related to management decisions based on USG FNA results. Appropriate statistical plots were used to help visualize the data pattern. ResultsThe median age was 59 years 69.9% were female and 91.3% were Caucasian. Initial presentation typically consisted of the appearance of a neck nodule and thyroidectomy was the first line of therapy in 155 of 163 cases. Imaging post-thyroidectomy demonstrated evidence of cervical lymphadenopathy in 75.5% of cases with localization in the lateral neck in 65.2% and central in 19.2% respectively. Regarding USG-FNA outcomes, 46.2% yielded malignancy while 26% were benign. The most prevalent cytology was papillary thyroid cancer detected in 87.1%.Thyroglobulin washout was performed on all patients with a history of papillary variant thyroid carcinoma, with positive results reported in 8.3%. Ethanol ablation was the most used treatment for lymph node recurrence followed by neck surgery in 56.2%. During the follow-up, 14% of the patients who were TGAB+ remained so.Outcome trends were as follows: The combined anatomical and biochemical negative was 82.3%, while the combined anatomical and biochemical positive was 2.5%. The combined anatomical negative and biochemical positive was 7.6%, alongside the combined anatomical positive and biochemical negative was 7.6%. Conclusion: Of 163 thyroid cancer cases with cervical lymphadenopathy, 46% had cytology-proven presence of malignancy. These patients underwent either observation, PEA, or surgery.At follow up the majority of the patients were without anatomical and biochemical evidence of disease while about 7-8% were positive by one of the parameters and much fewer were positive for disease by both parameters. Presentation: 6/3/2024

A 59‐year‐old female developed symptoms of graft‐versus‐host disease 3½ weeks after liver transplantation for primary biliary cirrhosis. Symptoms of graft‐versus‐host disease included fever, erythroderma with bullae formation, and mucosal surface ulceration. Donor lymphocytes were present in the peripheral blood. Despite treatment with equine antilymphoblast globulin, steroids and, eventually, cyclosporine withdrawal, she developed neutropenia and succumbed to sepsis. At autopsy, she had marked lymphocyte depletion involving the bone marrow and both native and donor origin lymph nodes. As expected, the liver was normal. The clinical and pathological features were remarkably similar to those of the few other reported cases of graft‐versus‐host disease after liver transplantation and transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease; therapy is usually ineffective, and progression of disease leads to pancytopenia and death from sepsis.

Abstract Outcomes are poor in triple-class–exposed (TCE) relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (R/RMM). In the phase 3 KarMMa-3 trial, patients with TCE R/RMM and 2 to 4 prior regimens were randomized 2:1 to idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel) or standard regimens (SRs). An interim analysis (IA) demonstrated significantly longer median progression-free survival (PFS; primary end point; 13.3 vs 4.4 months; P &lt; .0001) and higher overall response rate (ORR) with ide-cel vs SRs. At final PFS analysis (median follow-up, 30.9 months), ide-cel further improved median PFS vs SRs (13.8 vs 4.4 months; hazard ratio [HR], 0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38-0.63). PFS benefit with ide-cel vs SRs was observed regardless of number of prior lines of therapy, with greatest benefit after 2 prior lines (16.2 vs 4.8 months, respectively). ORR benefit was maintained with ide-cel vs SRs (71% vs 42%; complete response, 44% vs 5%). Patient-centric design allowed crossover from SRs (56%) to ide-cel upon progressive disease, confounding overall survival (OS) interpretation. At IA of OS, median was 41.4 (95% CI, 30.9 to not reached [NR]) vs 37.9 (95% CI, 23.4 to NR) months with ide-cel and SRs, respectively (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.73-1.40); median OS in both arms was longer than historical data (9-22 months). Two prespecified analyses adjusting for crossover showed OS favoring ide-cel. This trial highlighted the importance of individualized bridging therapy to ensure adequate disease control during ide-cel manufacturing. Ide-cel improved patient-reported outcomes vs SRs. No new safety signals were reported. These results demonstrate the continued favorable benefit-risk profile of ide-cel in early-line and TCE R/RMM. This trial was registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov as #NCT03651128.