Citations

Abstract Introduction: CLL pts who qualify for participation in clinical trials are often thought of as a highly selected population. Therefore whether safety and efficacy data from these trials can be generalized to all CLL pts treated in the community setting is unknown. Prospective, observational studies can provide significant insight into pt and disease characteristics as well as practice patterns in different clinical settings. Here we report on baseline demographics and clinical characteristics for 1495 pts who participated in the Connect CLL observational study and were followed prospectively. Methods: Connect®CLL is a non study-specific intervention treatment registry which collects data on the management and outcomes of CLL pts in clinical, academic and community practices in the US. Clinical information was prospectively collected for pts treated in community (n=1312), academic (n=155), or government (n=28) centers in the US between March 2010 – Jan 2014. Pts eligible for treatment or on treatment not more than 2 months were eligible for enrollment. Here we report on the baseline demographics and clinical characteristics of a large CLL cohort stratified by AG, LOT and type of treatment center. Results: In total,1,495 pts were accrued with a median age at enrollment of 69 (range 22–99). Pts were Caucasian (92.2%), African American (6.9%), and male (63.7%). Median duration from diagnosis until initial therapy was 3.7 years (range 0-32). Age of enrolled pts was as follows; 527 pts age <65 years (AG1; 35%); 511 age 65–75 (AG2; 34%); and 457 age ≥75 (AG3; 31%) at the time of enrollment. Eight hundred and ninety-four pts (60%) were treated with front-line therapy (LOT1); 259 pts (17%) treated with second-line therapy (LOT2); and 342 pts (23%) treated beyond second-line therapy (LOT≥3). Patient age: Pt age was associated with significant variation in several clinical variables: Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score ≥3 (AG 1-3 35/46/52%; p<0.0001), ECOG PS = 0 (AG1-3 60, 48, 33%, p<0.0001) and mean creatinine clearance (CrCl) decreased (AG 1-3 101/74/53 mL/min; p<0.0001). Line of therapy: Differences in baseline characteristics were observed between pts enrolled at LOT1 (previously untreated) and LOT2/≥3 (relapsed). Median age of pts accrued at LOT1 was 68 vs. 70 years for pts enrolled at LOT2/≥3 (p=0.007). ECOG PS = 0 was more frequent at LOT1 (50%) vs. LOT2/≥3 (42%) (p=0.0057). CCI ≥3 at LOT1 was 41% vs 48% at LOT2/≥3 (p=0.0072). When adjusted for differences in age, logistic regression also demonstrated significant differences in performance status (PS=0; p=0.02) and CCI (p=0.03) stratified by LOT. Treating institution: Baseline characteristics also differed by type of treating institution. Median age was 63 vs 70 at academic vs non-academic (p<0.0001). Pts treated at academic sites also had lower CCI (CCI≤2; 72.9% vs 54.2%, academic vs non-academic) and higher median CrCl (86.4 vs 71.4) (p=0.0017). In this registry, only 16% of patients under age 75 had CCI <= 2, CrCl >= 70 mL/min, ECOG 0-1; 18% of patients on LOT1 and 12% of pts on LOT=2 would satisfy these criteria. They represent 36% of eligible pts from academic treating institutions and 13% from community/government centers. Only 20% of patients on LOT1 would satisfy enrollment criteria for CLL8 (FCR vs. FC; Hallek; Lancet 2010) CLL 10 (BR vs FCR; NCT00769522). which did not have enrollment restrictions for age. Conclusions:Baseline characteristics of pts with CLL vary by age, LOT, and type of treatment center. In this large prospective observational study, our data confirms that older pts typically have a worse ECOG PS, more medical comorbidities, more advanced disease when initiating therapy and a lower probability of being treated at an academic medical center. Based on inclusion criteria used for entry in either CLL10 or CLL8, fewer than 20% of pts satisfy age, renal clearance, and fitness profile to be considered suitable for aggressive chemoimmunotherapy in the front line setting. This observation supports the notion that current clinical trial data might not always be applicable to the general CLL population seen in the community and argues for designing clinical trials that are more generalizable to the broader pt population. Disclosures Sharman: Gilead: Research Funding; Calistoga: Honoraria; Phamacyclics: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; TG therapeutics: Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding. Mato:Millennium: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Speakers Bureau; Genentech: Speakers Bureau. Kay:Celgene: Research Funding. Kipps:Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Lamanna:Genentech-Abbvie: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Gilead: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Infinity: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Weiss:Celgene: Consultancy; Phamacyclics: Consultancy; Gilead: Consultancy. Nabhan:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding. Flinn:Celgene: Research Funding. Grinblatt:Celgene: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Kozloff:Celgene: Consultancy. Farber:Alexion: Equity Ownership, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Gilead: Speakers Bureau; Janssen/Pharmacyclics: Speakers Bureau; Seattle Genetics: Speakers Bureau; Genentech: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Sullivan:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Street:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Swern:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Flowers:TG Therapeutics: Research Funding; Phamacyclics: Research Funding; Acerta: Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding; Infinity: Research Funding; Lymphoma Research Foundation: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Research Funding; Spectrum: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Genentech: Unpaid consultancy Other; Millennium: Research Funding, Unpaid consultancy, Unpaid consultancy Other; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; Prescription Solutions: Consultancy; Celgene: Unpaid consultancy Other.

Date Presented 04/05/19 There is a clear need for improved clinical identification of all acutely ill hospitalized patients at risk for aspiration. In 2016, a 1,100-bed quaternary-care facility found an upward trend in mortality rates with diagnoses of aspiration from years 2013 to 2015. An aspiration risk screening process was implemented to increase timely involvement of a dysphagia therapist. Current mortality data indicates that this change increases patient safety by timely involvement of dysphagia therapists. Primary Author and Speaker: Gina Pifer Additional Authors and Speakers: Janelle Hatlevig Contributing Authors: Tina Wangen, Kirsten Vitale

Abstract OBJECTIVE To evaluate the feasibility of ultrasound-guided, temporary, percutaneous T-fastener gastropexy (TG) and gastrostomy catheter (GC) placement for providing sustained gastric decompression in dogs with acute gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) and to compare findings with those of trocarization. ANIMALS 16 dogs with GDV. PROCEDURES Dogs were randomly assigned to undergo gastric decompression by means of percutaneous trocarization (trocar group; n = 8) or temporary TG and GC placement (TTG+GC group; 8) with ultrasound guidance. The gastric volvulus was then surgically corrected, and the decompression sites were examined. Outcomes were compared between groups. RESULTS The proportion of dogs with successful decompression did not differ significantly between the TTG+GC (6/8) and trocar (7/8) groups; median procedure duration was 3.3 and 3.7 minutes, respectively. After the failed attempts in the TTG+GC group, the procedure was modified to include ultrasound guidance during T-fastener placement. The decrease in intragastric pressure by 5 minutes after trocar or GC insertion was similar between groups. For dogs in the TTG+GC group, no significant difference in intragastric pressure was identified between 5 and 60 minutes after GC insertion. Complications included inadvertent splenic or jejunal placement in 2 dogs (TTG+GC group) and malpositioned and ineffective trocar placement in 1 dog (trocar group). All dogs survived for at least 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Ultrasound-guided, temporary, percutaneous TG and GC placement was safe and effective at providing sustained gastric decompression in dogs with GDV, suggesting that this technique would be ideal for dogs in which surgical delays are anticipated or unavoidable.

Abstract In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the molecular features of the clonotypic B-cell receptor immunoglobulins (BcR IG) are set from the birth of the clone and in contrast to genetic aberrations, remain stable overtime, rendering the BcR IG a reference biomarker that is usually not significantly affected by clonal evolution. Approximately 30% of CLL cases carry quasi-identical BcR IGs and can be assigned to distinct stereotyped subsets. While preliminary evidence alludes to BcR IG stereotypy being relevant from a clinical viewpoint, this aspect has never been explored systematically or in a cohort of adequate size to enable meaningful conclusions. In order to assess the clinical implications of BcR IG stereotypy, we evaluated clinicobiological data from 8593 CLL patients, particularly focusing on 14 major stereotyped subsets of cases with unmutated (U-CLL) or mutated IGHV genes (M-CLL). The largest subset was #2 (n=254, 3%), within which 156 and 98 cases were M-CLL and U-CLL, respectively, followed by U-CLL subsets #1 (n=173, 2%) and #7 (n=123, 1.4%). Amongst M-CLL, the largest subsets were #4 (n=94, 1.1%) and #148 (n=92, 1%). Stereotyped subsets, even of the same mutational category i.e. U-CLL or M-CLL, exhibited significant clinicobiological differences regarding: age at diagnosis (median age ranging from 53-68 years, p<0.001); gender distribution (male/female ratios ranging from 0.85-4.4, p<0.001); the frequency of advanced stage disease (Binet C) at diagnosis (ranging from 9-21%, p<0.001); CD38 positivity (median percentage of positive cells ranging from 2-73%, p<0.05). Moving to cytogenetic findings, we detected subset-biased spectra of FISH-detected aberrations which can be summarized as follows: (i) isolated del(13q) varied from 10% in subset #8 (U-CLL), to 29% in subsets #59 (U-CLL) and #16 (M-CLL), and >75% in M-CLL subsets #77 and #148 (p<0.001); (ii) trisomy 12 was absent in subsets #31 (U-CLL) and #77 (M-CLL), in 20% of subset #201 (M-CLL) and, 60% in subset #8 (U-CLL) (p<0.001); (iii) del(11q) ranged from 69% in subset #31 (U-CLL) to 12% in subset #8 (U-CLL) and 0% in M-CLL subsets #16 and #201 (p<0.001); (iv) del(17p): absent from all M-CLL subsets except #148 (7.5%); absent from U-CLL subsets #5 and #59, and present in 19% and 17% of stereotyped subset #8 and #6 cases, respectively (p<0.05). We considered subset #2 separately since it included both M-CLL and U-CLL and identified a distinctive clinicobiological profile characterized by a constellation of features, including high incidence of Binet stage C disease (21%), CD38 positivity (41%) and certain cytogenetic abnormalities i.e. del(13q) (56%) and del(11q) (23%) and, in contrast, low frequency of del(17p) (4.5%). Notably, no differences were found between U-CLL versus M-CLL subset #2 cases regarding the incidence of these parameters. Survival analysis for time-to-first-treatment (TTFT) revealed that each stereotyped subset exhibited a distinct clinical course, different from that of other subsets even with similar IGHV gene mutational status and/or expressing the same IGHV gene. Interestingly, subsets #1 and #2 demonstrated a similar TTFT to that of del(17p) positive cases, while within subset #2 the clinical outcome was independent of IGHV mutational status. By integrating BcR IG stereotypy into the Döhner cytogenetic prognostication model, we found that subsets #1, #2 and #4, collectively accounting for ~7% of our series, and representing both U-CLL and M-CLL, constituted distinct clinical entities, with the latter exhibiting a particularly indolent disease even when compared to isolated del(13q) cases or cases with no cytogenetic aberrations. Finally, in multivariate analysis for TTFT, assignment to subset #2 emerged as a new independent unfavorable factor (p=0.002); furthermore, when restricting the analysis to Binet A cases, subset #2 exhibited the second highest hazard ratio after U-CLL. In conclusion, the molecular classification of CLL based on BcR IG stereotypy refines prognostication beyond IG mutational status and improves the Döhner hierarchical model. Hence, we suggest that a compartmentalized approach focusing on and comparing different subsets sheds light on CLL clinical behavior and biology and that BcR IG stereotypy represents a companion molecular diagnostic for personalized medicine in CLL. Disclosures Montillo: Janssen: Honoraria.

Abstract Researchers are exploring the use of gene-editing technologies to prevent and/or treat genetic conditions in humans. Stakeholder views, including those of patient and family populations, are important in the ongoing bioethical discussion. We conducted 27 semi-structured interviews with parents of people with trisomy 21 (T21; N = 10), trisomy 18 (T18; N = 8), and trisomy 13 (T13; N = 9)—conditions not previously studied in regard to attitudes toward hypothetical gene editing. While many discussions focus on the morality of gene editing, parents in our study focused on quality of life and concerns about changing their children's identity. All participants prioritized ameliorating life-threatening health issues when those were present; many also emphasized increasing their children's communication and cognitive ability. These results suggest that patient populations with the lived experience of genetic conditions have unique concerns that may differ from broader discourse.

Background The rapid development and complexity of new x‐ray computed tomography (CT) technologies and the need for evidence‐based optimization of image quality with respect to radiation and contrast media dose call for an updated approach towards CT performance evaluation. Aims This report offers updated testing guidelines for testing CT systems with an enhanced focus on the operational performance including iterative reconstructions and automatic exposure control (AEC) techniques. Materials and Methods The report was developed based on a comprehensive review of best methods and practices in the scientific literature. The detailed methods include the assessment of 1) CT noise (magnitude, texture, nonuniformity, inhomogeneity), 2) resolution (task transfer function under varying conditions and its scalar reflections), 3) task‐based performance (detectability, estimability), and 4) AEC performance (spatial, noise, and mA concordance of attenuation and exposure modulation). The methods include varying reconstruction and tube current modulation conditions, standardized testing protocols, and standardized quantities and metrology to facilitate tracking, benchmarking, and quantitative comparisons. Results The methods, implemented in cited publications, are robust to provide a representative reflection of CT system performance as used operationally in a clinical facility. The methods include recommendations for phantoms and phantom image analysis. Discussion In line with the current professional trajectory of the field toward quantitation and operational engagement, the stated methods offer quantitation that is more predictive of clinical performance than specification‐based approaches. They can pave the way to approach performance testing of new CT systems not only in terms of acceptance testing (i.e., verifying a device meets predefined specifications), but also system commissioning (i.e., determining how the system can be used most effectively in clinical practice). Conclusion We offer a set of common testing procedures that can be utilized towards the optimal clinical utilization of CT imaging devices, benchmarking across varying systems and times, and a basis to develop future performance‐based criteria for CT imaging.

Abstract Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most common gynecological cancer, and ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women in the United States. Previous studies have identified several circulating proteins biomarkers for EOC risk, such as CA125 antigen and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). However, previous studies on protein biomarkers for EOC were limited with small sample sizes, and only a few proteins investigated. In this study, we integrated genomics and proteomics data to search for novel circulating protein biomarkers for EOC risk. We constructed study instruments using genetic variants for protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) for over 1,400 circulating proteins. Beta coefficients and standard errors of the selected pQTL variants in relation to EOC risk were obtained from 25,509 EOC cases and 40,941 controls from the Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium (OCAC). An inverse-variance weighted method was used to evaluate the association of these genetically predicted protein levels and risk of overall and serous EOC. We identified 35 protein biomarkers, for which their genetically predicted levels were significantly associated with the risk of either overall or serous EOC (false discovery rate &lt;0.05). There are 25 proteins showing significant associations with both overall and serous EOC; most of the associations were stronger for serous EOC than overall EOC. The association for 31 proteins could be attributed, in part, to variants at ABO 9q34.2, a known ovarian cancer susceptibility locus. Five ABO locus-related proteins are in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, including insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor, hepatocyte growth factor receptor, interleukin-3 receptor subunit alpha, insulin receptor, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2. Four of these proteins are also in the Rap1 and Ras signaling pathway. These five proteins are all inversely associated with the risk of overall EOC, with odds ratios ranging from 0.64 to 0.93 per unit increase in genetic risk scores (p values: 7.55×10-7 to 5.66×10-2). Four EOC associated proteins which were not influenced by variants in 9q34.2 are microfibrillar-associated protein 2, protein delta homolog 1, semenogelin-2, and netrin-G1, all of which showed significant associations with overall EOC, but not the serous subtype. Our study identifies potential novel biomarkers for ovarian cancer and suggests that genetic variants at locus 9q34.2 may play a role in the relation between levels of these proteins and risk of ovarian cancer. Citation Format: Guochong Jia, Xiang Shu, Xiao-Ou Shu, Jirong Long, Qiuyin Cai, Kirsten B. Moysich, Ellen L. Goode, Thomas A. Sellers, Wei Zheng. Genetically predicted concentration of circulating proteins and epithelial ovarian cancer risk [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 598.

Abstract Aims Pathogenic gain-of-function variants in CACAN1C cause type-8 long QT syndrome (LQT8). We sought to describe the electrocardiographic features in LQT8 and utilize molecular modelling to gain mechanistic insights into its genetic culprits. Methods and results Rare variants in CACNA1C were identified from genetic testing laboratories. Treating physicians provided clinical information. Variant pathogenicity was independently assessed according to recent guidelines. Pathogenic (P) and likely pathogenic (LP) variants were mapped onto a 3D modelled structure of the Cav1.2 protein. Nine P/LP variants, identified in 23 patients from 19 families with non-syndromic LQTS were identified. Six variants, found in 79% of families, clustered to a 4-residue section in the cytosolic II–III loop region which forms a region capable of binding STAC SH3 domains. Therefore, variants may affect binding of SH3-domain containing proteins. Arrhythmic events occurred in similar proportions of patients with II–III loop variants and with other P/LP variants (53% vs. 48%, P = 0.41) despite shorter QTc intervals (477 ± 31 ms vs. 515 ± 37 ms, P = 0.03). A history of sudden death was reported only in families with II–III loop variants (60% vs. 0%, P = 0.03). The predominant T-wave morphology was a late peaking T wave with a steep descending limb. Exercise testing demonstrated QTc prolongation on standing and at 4 min recovery after exercise. Conclusion The majority of P/LP variants in patients with CACNA1C-mediated LQT8 cluster in an SH3-binding domain of the cytosolic II–III loop. This represents a ‘mutation hotspot’ in LQT8. A late-peaking T wave with a steep descending limb and QT prolongation on exercise are commonly seen.