Citations

AbstractAbstract Background Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This project aimed to assess and map out the current neuro-oncology capacity in SSA, brain tumor registries, and biobanks. Methods This cross-sectional study utilized an online survey to gather data from healthcare professionals involved in CNS tumor care across SSA through the Society for Neuro-Oncology SSA (SNOSSA). The survey captured information on the availability of neuro-oncology practitioners, neuropathology, molecular diagnostics, cancer registries, and biobanking. Results A total of 145 respondents representing 70 healthcare institutions across 22 countries participated. Of the 70 institutions, specialties included neurosurgery (89%, 62/70), anatomic pathology (74%, 52/70), and medical oncology (71%, 50/70). For radiologic evaluation, 64% (45/70) of responding institutions reported having both CT and MRI. Access to molecular testing through immunohistochemistry or next-generation sequencing was available in 46% (32/70) of responding institutions. Multidisciplinary tumor boards were available for CNS cases in 86% (60/70) of responding institutions. Brain tumor-specific registries were available in 29% (20/70) of responding institutions, and 10% (7/70) maintained brain tumor biorepositories. Conclusion This study demonstrates that SSA has substantial potential in neuro-oncology care practice capacity and facilities. The most significant gaps were in neuropathology and molecular testing, which makes widespread implementation of the WHO 2021 diagnosis challenging. Understanding the prevalence of CNS tumor subtypes in SSA is difficult due to the low number of brain tumor registries and biobanks.

Bridging locoregional therapy (LRT) is widely used in liver transplant (LT) candidates with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to minimize waitlist dropout and evaluate tumor biology. While transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has historically been the predominant approach, the role of transarterial radioembolization (TARE) is expanding. Comparative effectiveness data for these 2 modalities as bridging strategies remain limited. This study assessed the trends, factors influencing therapy selection, and outcomes of transarterial bridging LRT. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult LT candidates with HCC listed in the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) between 2016 and 2024 who received TACE or TARE as their sole bridging LRT. Inverse probability weighting (IPW) was applied to balance baseline covariates. Multivariable Fine–Gray competing risk regression and stratified Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models were used to assess waitlist dropout, complete pathological necrosis (CPN), recurrence, and overall survival. Among 8367 patients, 5472 (65%) received TACE, and 2895 (35%) received TARE. TARE use increased significantly from 22.5% to 51.7% over the study period. TARE was more likely to be used among patients with MASLD, older age, and high tumor burden, and less likely in those with lower socioeconomic status. TARE recipients had a significantly lower risk of waitlist dropout (sHR 0.83, p <0.001) and a higher likelihood of achieving CPN (aOR 2.24, p <0.001). The overall survival did not differ significantly between groups (aHR 0.94, p =0.19). The use of TARE as bridging therapy in HCC LT candidates has surged and is influenced by socioeconomic factors, comorbidities, and tumor burden. TARE effectiveness has been demonstrated by its advantages in waitlist retention and tumor necrosis. Further studies are warranted to evaluate its impact on post-LT recurrence and to validate the cost-effectiveness among transarterial therapies.

Objective: To examine prospective associations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) test positivity, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019) symptom severity, and COVID-2019 hospitalization with incident clinical diabetes among aging women. Methods: A cohort study was conducted using data from 34,405 eligible Women’s Health Initiative participants who completed ≥1 COVID-2019 surveys (Survey 1: June–December 2020; Survey 2: June 2021–February 2022) and were followed up for an average of 1.86 (±0.49) years, yielding 399 incident diabetes cases. Results: SARS-CoV-2 test positivity was associated with diabetes risk in the age-adjusted Cox regression model (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10, 2.82), but not when fully adjusted (HR = 1.43, 95% CI: 0.88, 2.31). Diabetes risk was higher among those with 1–2 COVID-19 symptoms (HR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.77) and those with 3± COVID-2019 symptoms (HR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.22) compared with those without COVID-2019 symptoms in fully-adjusted models, irrespective of self-reported SARS-CoV-2 testing. COVID-2019 hospitalization was associated with 2–3 times the risk of clinical diabetes in age-adjusted (HR = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.52, 5.72) and fully-adjusted (HR = 1.90, 95% CI: 0.97, 3.72) models. Conclusions: Age-adjusted self-reported SARS-CoV-2 test positivity was associated with a higher incidence of diabetes. Reporting of COVID-2019 symptoms and being hospitalized for COVID-2019 were each associated with higher incidence of diabetes in aging women, after controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and health characteristics.

Objectives Evaluate the value of ultrasound specialist assessment of ovarian masses over 50 mm with sonograms interpreted as possible hemorrhagic ovarian cysts (HOC). Methods Retrospective review of consecutive endovaginal pelvic US reports of premenopausal women at one organization identified adnexal masses over 50 mm maximum diameter designated as possibly being HOC (large HOC). Four ultrasound specialists reviewed studies, scoring two assessments as true or false: 1) US features are most consistent with either an ovarian hemorrhagic cyst (HOC) or endometrioma; 2) If assessment 1 was true, the mass meets O‐RADS criteria of classic HOC except for size. Results A total of 457 of 51,305 women (0.9%) had reports indicating possible large HOC. For 366 patients with established outcomes, 225 (61.5%) had a large HOC (87.1% ≤ 70 mm). Assessment 1 was true for 318 patients; outcomes showed 224 (70.4%) HOC, 89 (28.0%) endometriomas, 4 (1.3%) TOAs, and 1 (0.3%) cystadenoma. Assessment 1 was false for 48 patients; outcomes showed 1 (2.1%) HOC, 1 (2.1%) endometrioma, 6 (12.5%) other non‐neoplastic cysts, 33 (68.8%) benign neoplasms, 5 (10.4%) borderline tumors, and 2 (4.2%) high‐grade malignancies. The decrease in neoplasms and malignancies with true assessment 1 was significant ( p < .001). Assessment 2 was true for 190 patients (180 [94.7%] HOC, 9 [4.7%] endometrioma, 1 [0.5%] cystadenoma), false for 128 patients (44 [34.4%] HOC, 80 [62.5%] endometrioma, and 4 [3.1%] TOA) ( p < .001), and not applicable for 48 patients. Conclusions Ultrasound specialist review of adnexal masses designated as a possible large HOC adds value since over 10% are neoplasms (nearly 2% malignant). Ultrasound specialist assessment can expedite additional imaging or intervention when necessary and obviate follow‐up when HOC features are typical.

Abstract Introduction: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive disease with limited treatment options and poor survival. This study explores how a medically supervised ketogenic diet (MSKD) impacts the gut microbiome and treatment response in patients with newly diagnosed metastatic PDAC receiving gemcitabine, nab-paclitaxel, and cisplatin chemotherapy. Methods: As part of a randomized Phase II trial, 32 evaluable patients (median age 65.9 years; 53% male), 16 were randomized to either MSKD or standard diet (SD) combined with chemotherapy. Stool samples were collected from 4 patients in the MSKD group (13 samples) and 8 patients in the SD group (23 samples). Deep shotgun metagenomic sequencing was conducted using NovaSeq (Illumina). Taxonomical and functional microbiome characterization was performed using MetaPhlAn 4.0 and HUMAnN 3.6 (The Huttenhower Lab, Harvard). Comprehensive bioinformatics analyses, using QIIME2, were performed to analyze microbiome composition and function over time. Results: Patients in the MSKD group showed better treatment responses overall. Microbiome profiles between the two groups remained distinct throughout therapy. Though not statistically significant due to sample size, MSKD patients showed lower alpha diversity (Shannon diversity; p-value=0.1339), likely reflecting reduced intake of fermentable fiber. Differential abundance analysis using the ANCOM-BC method revealed a significant enrichment of beneficial taxa in the MSKD group compared to the SD group (p&lt;0.05, log-fold change [lfc]≥2), including Akkermansia muciniphila (linked to improved response to immune checkpoint inhibitors; p=0.017931, q=1), Intestinimonas butyriciproducens (a short-chain fatty acid [SCFA] and butyrate producer; p=3.09E-05, q=0.017), and Streptococcus thermophilus (a supporter of gut mucosal health; p=1.15E-05, q=0.006). During the course of the study, only MSKD patients showed sustained increases in Roseburia hominis (SFCA/butyrate producer; p=3.94E-05, q=0.021) and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (with anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties; p=7.28E-19, q=3.98E-16), along with a marked reduction in potentially pro-inflammatory Actinomyces spp.(p≤4.47E-05, q≤0.024). Functional profiling showed increased abundance of cancer-relevant microbial pathways in MSKD patients, including phosphatidate metabolism (PWY-7039; involved in lipid signaling and immune regulation; p=4.36E-04, q=0.20) and allantoin degradation (PWY-5705; linked to redox balance; p=9.16E-06, q=0.004). Conversely, L-ascorbate biosynthesis V (PWY-6415) was reduced (p=3.80E-04, q=0.17), likely due to decreased D-galacturonate substrate availability from fiber restriction. Conclusion: These findings suggest that an MSKD may beneficially modulate the gut microbiome in ways that support and enhance therapeutic response in patients with PDAC. Further validation in a larger cohort is warranted to confirm these results and improve analytical resolution. Citation Format: Keehoon Lee, Derek Cridebring, Gayle S. Jameson, Denis J. Roe, Erkut Borazanci, Diana L. Hanna, Caroline G.P. Roberts, Meredith S. Pelster, Richard C. Frank, Angela T. Alistar, Alan M. Miller, J. Erin Wiedmeier-Nutor, Sandra D. Algaze, Alison R. Zoller, Sarah J. Hallberg, Betsy C. Wertheim, Joshua D. Rabinowitz, Stephen Gately, Jennifer Keppler, Sunil Sharma, Drew W. Rasco, Daniel D. Von Hoff. Ketogenic Diet Modulates Gut Microbiome Composition and Enhances Treatment Response in Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: A Phase II Study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Advances in Pancreatic Cancer Research—Emerging Science Driving Transformative Solutions; Boston, MA; 2025 Sep 28-Oct 1; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(18_Suppl_3):Abstract nr B094.

Abstract BACKGROUND Tau‐derived cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers correlate with amyloid‐beta (Aβ) plaques or tau tangles in Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study assessed the effects of long‐term anti‐Aβ antibodies on amyloid plaques, tau tangles, and CSF tau species to determine the relationships between them. METHODS A post‐hoc analysis of the DIAN‐TU‐001 trial (NCT01760005) examined 142 participants at risk for dominantly inherited AD randomized to solanezumab ( n = 50), gantenerumab ( n = 52), or placebo ( n = 40). High‐resolution mass spectrometry quantified CSF tau species over four years. RESULTS Phosphorylated tau (p‐tau) species (153, 181, 217, 231) increased early in preclinical AD but were reduced with gantenerumab‐mediated Aβ plaque reduction. Nearly a decade later, MTBR‐tau243 and p‐tau205 increased, showing no association with Aβ reduction, aligning with tau tangle pathology progression. DISCUSSION Initially changing soluble p‐tau species track Aβ plaque reduction, while ptau205 and MTBR‐243 reflect tau tangle pathology, informing different pathways of therapeutic strategies. Highlights p‐tau217 and p‐tau231 correlate with Aβ‐PET and respond to Aβ‐plaque lowering therapies. Aβ immunotherapy trials support a direct link between p‐tau changes and Aβ plaques Gantenerumab reduces Aβ plaques but does not affect tau NFT‐related biomarkers. Blood‐based p‐tau217 assays may provide a non‐invasive tool to monitor Aβ therapies. MTBR‐tau243 strongly correlates with tau PET and tracks NFT pathology progression. Further studies are needed to validate tau biomarkers for tracking NFT‐targeting therapies.

ABSTRACT Background Chronic gastroduodenal symptoms arise from heterogeneous gastric motor dysfunctions. This study applied multimodal physiological testing using gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) with intragastric meal distribution (IMD) and Gastric Alimetry body surface gastric mapping (BSGM) to define motility and symptom associations. Methods Patients with chronic gastroduodenal symptoms underwent simultaneous supine GES and BSGM with a 30 m baseline, 99mTC‐labeled egg meal, and 4 h postprandial recording. IMD (ratio of counts in the proximal half of the stomach to the total gastric counts) was calculated immediately after the meal (IMD0), with < 0.568 defining abnormal IMD. BSGM phenotyping followed a consensus approach, based on normative spectral reference intervals. Results Among 67 patients (84% female, median age 40 years, median BMI 24 kg/m 2 ), median IMD0 was 0.76 (IQR: 0.69–0.86) with 5 (7.5%) meeting abnormal IMD criteria. Delayed gastric emptying ( n = 18) was associated with higher IMD0 (median 0.9 vs. 0.7, p = 0.004). On BSGM, 15 patients had abnormal spectrograms (5 [7.5%] high frequency and 10 [14.9%] low rhythm stability and/or amplitude); and in these patients, higher IMD0 (proximal retention) strongly correlated to delayed BSGM meal responses ( R = −0.71, p = 0.003). Lower IMD, indicating antral distribution, correlated with higher gastric frequencies ( R = −0.27, p = 0.03). BSGM abnormalities paired with abnormal IMD were associated with worse dyspeptic symptoms. Conclusion Proximal retention of food as assessed by IMD correlated with delayed emptying, and in the presence of neuromuscular spectral abnormalities (abnormal frequencies or rhythms), delayed motility responses on BSGM. Patients with multiple motor abnormalities experience worse dyspeptic symptoms.