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400 citation(s) found for "D'Souza, A".

Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Fixation of Scaphoid Nonunion in Adolescents Shows High Union Rates, Improved Function, and Low Morbidity
Kaempf, Ricardo, Fischer, Paula , Souza, William Brasil, Trivino, V Valenzuela, Trivino, Victor , Oliveira, Ricardo Kaempf de , Delgado, Pedro J. , Kakar, Sanjeev

Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation | April 20, 2026 | Volume: 8 | Issue: 1 | Pages: No page available

10.1002/ars2.70008 | PMID 42383105 Get It

Purpose To evaluate the clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes of arthroscopic treatment of scaphoid nonunion in adolescents, using cancellous bone grafting combined with headless compression screw fixation. Methods This retrospective study included adolescent patients treated between 2015 and 2022 with arthroscopically assisted bone grafting and headless compression screw fixation for scaphoid nonunion. Inclusion criteria were nonunion ≥6 months after injury and minimum 12‐month follow‐up; exclusion criteria included degenerative wrist changes. Collected variables included demographic data, injury‐to‐surgery interval, radiographic parameters (including scapholunate angle), time to union, pain scores (visual analog scale), functional outcomes (QuickDASH), and range of motion. Statistical analysis showed significant improvements in visual analog scale and QuickDASH scores ( P < .05). Results Fifteen patients (14 males; mean age 16 years, range 13‐19) met inclusion criteria. The mean follow‐up was 29.2 months. All patients achieved bone union, with an average healing time of 5.7 weeks. Pain (visual analog scale) improved from 2.6 to 0.8, and QuickDASH scores improved from 26.5 to 7.9. The scapholunate angle improved from 60.6° to 46.6°, with stable range of motion postoperatively. No major complications or reoperations occurred. Minimal clinically important difference analysis confirmed meaningful clinical improvement in 93% of patients for pain and 87% for QuickDASH. Conclusions Arthroscopic treatment of scaphoid nonunion in adolescents shows high union rates, improved function, and low morbidity. Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic retrospective case series.
Fertility preservation trends, perspectives, and reflections in gender diverse adults across the life course
DSouza, Karen N. , Vasilev, Dzhuliyan V, Lee, Yeonsoo, Whitney, Madeline , Aase, Danielle A. , Reckhow, Jensen , Nguyen, Eliza, Pacheco-Spann, Laura M. , Winter, Salym J, Chang, Alice Y. , Davidge‐Pitts, Caroline , Eleazer, Jacob, Khan, Zaraq , Lee, Yeonsoo Sara , Vasilev, Dzhuliyan V. , Aase, Danielle , Reckhow, Jensen D , Pacheco-Spann, Laura M , Davidge-Pitts, Caroline , Gonzalez, Cesar , Cope, Adela G. , Khan, Zaraq , Sara Lee, Yeonsoo , D'Souza, Karen N , Orellana, Minerva , Enders, Felicity , Winter, Salym, González, César A. , Eleazer, Jacob , Ainsworth, Alessandra J.

Human Reproduction | April 9, 2026 | Volume: 41 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 1140-1155

10.1093/humrep/deag070 | PMID 42035457 Get It

Abstract STUDY QUESTION What is the fertility preservation (FP) utilization rate among transgender and gender diverse (TGD) patients at the Transgender and Intersex Specialty Care Clinic (TISCC) within the Mayo Clinic? SUMMARY ANSWER The rate of utilization of FP services by TGD patients at Mayo Clinic’s TISCC was determined to be 6.62%. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY TGD patients encounter several barriers when pursuing FP, which may contribute to a lower utilization rate of these services. These barriers include financial constraints and lack of insurance coverage, as well as societal and healthcare provider attitudes; TGD individuals face discrimination or lack of understanding, making it uncomfortable or difficult to discuss FP options. Additionally, there continues to be a lack of inclusive policies and support within healthcare systems that can further impede access to FP services for TGD individuals. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The study was executed in two phases. In the first phase, a retrospective cohort study was completed with TGD patients who provided electronic health record (EHR) research authorization from Mayo Clinic’s TISCC in Rochester, MN between 1 January 2015 and 30 July 2021. Search terms related to FP were used to determine the FP utilization rate among this patient population. In the second phase of the study, two sets of patients, (i) patients who were included in the cohort study in Phase 1, and (ii) members of JASMYN, a community organization specializing in care and wellness coordination for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) teens and young adults in North Florida. Individuals were invited to participate in a qualitative interview exploring their cumulative healthcare experiences accessing gender-affirming care. Interviews were conducted from January 2023 to June 2023. Interviews examined participants’ perceptions of FP options, motivations for pursuing FP, and barriers to accessing both gender and fertility care. When applicable, participants also discussed their experiences pursuing FP and reflected on their satisfaction with their fertility and family planning decisions. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS In phase 1, a total of N = 1189 patients sought care from Mayo Clinic’s TISCC in Rochester, MN. Out of these patients, N = 589 patients provided research authorization and were included in the retrospective cohort study. The study team assessed whether FP terms were mentioned in each patient’s EHR, and whether patients scheduled and attended appointments with either the Department of Reproductive Endocrinology or the Department of Urology. FP search terms included sperm cryopreservation, sperm extraction, sperm aspiration, testicular tissue cryopreservation, oocyte cryopreservation, embryo cryopreservation, and ovarian tissue cryopreservation. In phase 2, N = 36 participants were interviewed, with N = 25 participants recruited from Mayo Clinic’s TISCC in Rochester, MN, and N = 11 participants recruited from JASMYN in Jacksonville, FL. Participants recruited from the Mayo Clinic participated in a video-call-based interview and those enrolled from JASMYN were interviewed in person. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The study team observed a 6.62% utilization rate of FP services among N = 589 patients (median age: 28 years; age range: 8–78 years) included in the retrospective cohort study. N = 39 patients completed FP, with N = 14 receiving these services at other institutions before seeking care with the TISCC at Mayo Clinic. N = 25 patients pursued FP services within the Mayo Clinic. Patients with testes were more likely to complete FP via sperm cryopreservation when compared to the utilization of egg cryopreservation among patients with ovaries. Participants who completed an interview in Phase 2 (median age 27 years; age range: 22–80 years) reflected on their decision on whether to preserve their fertility and what factors influenced these decisions, and how their satisfaction with this decision has changed over their lifespan. The major themes reported here include the desire for biological children, planning gender care around fertility desires, conversations about FP options, physical and psychosocial barriers to pursuing FP, reflections on personal FP decisions, and reflections on having to make decisions about FP at a young age. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION All participants who completed an interview have done so voluntarily; as such, there is a possibility of selection and recall bias. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Findings suggest that there is a need for more structured conversations around FP when TGD patients seek medical and surgical gender-affirming care. Accessibility, including financial barriers and limited insurance coverage, continues to limit the utilization of FP services among TGD patients. Increased affordability through insurance coverage may additionally improve FP utilization. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This project was funded by the Mayo Clinic Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Mayo Clinic Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCaTS), grant number UL1TR002377. This project was also supported by Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Grant Number TL1TR002380 from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH. Felicity Enders reports grants from the National Institutes of Health and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality paid to her institution; speakers’ fees for lectures or presentations from Mount Sinai, University of Washington, University of Minnesota, University of Rochester, Cincinnati University, the National Institutes of Health, Duke University, Wake Forest University, the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute, Johns Hopkins University; travel support from the Association for Clinical and Translational Science and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; and an unpaid leadership role on the Board of Directors of the Association for Clinical and Translational Science. All other authors declare no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
Comparison of neuropsychological side effects between contemporary radiofrequency ablative neurosurgery for psychiatric disorders and conventional neurosurgical procedures: systematic review and meta-analysis
Vilela-Filho, Osvaldo , Bannach, Matheus A., Lino-Filho, Adriano M. , Nuttin, Bart , Hariz, Marwan , Schulder, Michael , Greenberg, Benjamin David, Cosgrove, Rees, Oliveira-Souza, Ricardo de, Horn, Andreas, Sheth, Sameer A, Kubu, Cynthia S. , Salem, Sherif, Zaccariotti, Alice Jardim, Tavares, Naraiana O, Damasceno, Benito Pereira, Lozano, Andres M, Visser-Vandewalle, Veerle, Kühn, JP, Slavin, K. V., Lopes, A. Dwight, Vattimo, Edoardo FQ, Coyne, Terry, Akram, Harith, Toda, Hiroki , Halpern, Casey H. , Coenen, Volker A., Gorgulho, Alessandra, Andrade, Pablo, Wu, Hemmings , Sun, Bomin, Belmonte-De-Abreu, Paulo, Cosyns, Paul, McLaughlin, Nicole , Giordano, Prof. J., Berk, Michael, Chabardes, Stephan, Abbadi, Najia E, Salles, Antonio Afonso Ferreira De, Enslin, Nico, Sousa, Marcelo Basso de, Oliveira, José Oswaldo, Labruna, Rodrigo, Reis, Antonio Marcos dos , Jiménez-Ponce, Fiacro , Ferragut, Maria Alice, Régis, Jean, Lipsman, Nir , Rezai, Ali R. , Schuurman, Rick, Martínez-Álvarez, Roberto, Broggi, Giovanni, Huys, Daniel, Bervoets, Chris , Oliveira, P. A., Ragazzo, Paulo C., Lazaro-Munoz, Gabriel, Polosan, Mircea , Naesström, Matilda, Ribeiro, Telma MC, Lee, Kendall H, Hodaie, Mojgan , Sitnikov, Andrey, Yilmaz, Atilla, Almahariq, F., Rios, Adriana L Lopez, Gonçalves-Ferreira, António, Lozano, Andrés M. , Huys, Daniel , Enslin, Nico , Nuttin, Bart , Hariz, Marwan , Sheth, Sameer A , Damasceno, Benito Pereira , Kuhn, Jens , Slavin, Konstantin V. , Doshi, Paresh , Toda, Hiroki , Andrade, Pablo , Zrinzo, Ludvic , Chabardes, Stephan , Chang, Jin Woo , Polosan, Mircea , Hodaie, Mojgan , Almahariq, Fadi , Nico Enslin, Johannes M , Hamani, Clement , Greenberg, Benjamin D. , Oliveira‐Souza, Ricardo de , Sheth, Sameer A. , Zaccariotti, Alice Jardim , Tavares, Naraiana de Oliveira , Mayberg, Helen S. , Visser-Vandewalle, Veerle E. R. M. , Falkai, Peter , Lopes, Antonio C, Vattimo, Edoardo Filippo de Queiroz , Akram, Harith , Blomstedt, Patric C. , Quevedo, João , Belmonte-de-Abreu, Paulo Silva , Alkhani, Ahmed M. , Berk, Michael , Yatham, Lakshmi N. , Abbadi, Najia El , Salles, Antonio A. F. De, Chang, Jin Woo , Régis, Jean , Torres, Cristina V. , Taira, Takaomi , Barcia, Juan Antonio , Schuurman, Rick , Dougherty, Darin Dean , Giacobbe, Peter , Lázaro‐Muñoz, Gabriel , Naesström, Matilda , Johansson, Viktoria , Schlaepfer, Thomas Eduard , Neimat, Joseph S. , Sitnikov, A., Yilmaz, Atilla, Almahariq, Fadi, Ríos, Adriana Lucia López , Gonçalves-Ferreira, António JC.

Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry | April 7, 2026 | Volume: 97 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 532-541

10.1136/jnnp-2025-337800 | PMID 41946555 Get It

Background Psychiatric disorders are increasingly contributing to global disability. Despite advances in conservative management, the prevalence of treatment-resistant cases remains high. Meanwhile, neurosurgery for psychiatric disorders (NPD) remains underused, largely due to strict regulations and historical concerns, particularly those related to neuropsychological side effects (NPSE). Objective To address this issue, we conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis to compare NPSE associated with radiofrequency ablative NPD to those observed in neuro-oncological, neurovascular and epilepsy surgeries. Methods PubMed, Embase and LILACS databases were searched in April 2024 for articles published in English/Spanish from 1990 to 2022, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Results A total of 48 articles with 2678 participants were included. The frequency of transient and permanent NPSE in the NPD group ranged from 0.94% to 11.50% and 0.94% to 2.03%, respectively, comparable to the other surgical groups (epilepsy: 0.31–11.70%; vascular: 0.52–22.90%; oncology: 0.94–17.60% for transient NPSE; epilepsy: 0.31–12%; vascular: 0.40–1.96% and oncology: 0.84–1.48% for permanent NPSE). Regarding permanent NPSE, arguably the most critical consideration, the NPD group showed better outcomes in memory, language and social cognition than the epilepsy group, but worse outcomes in executive and perceptual-motor functions. Compared with the vascular group, the NPD group had better executive function but worse complex attention. Finally, the NPD group had fewer permanent deficits than the oncology group in executive function, complex attention and perceptual-motor domains, although language performance was lower. Conclusions Contemporary NPD apparently carries a similar risk of NPSE as other conventional neurosurgical procedures, challenging misconceptions and this unjustified barrier to its broader use.
The landscape of dementia research, diagnosis, treatment, and care in Latin America
Suemoto, Claudia K., Custodio, Nilton, Avila‐Funes, José A., Baez, Sandra, Bagnati, Pablo , Barnes, Lisa Laverne, D., Brucki Sonia M., Calandri, Ismael L., Cornejo‐Olivas, Mario, Derio, Carolina Delgado, García, Adolfo M., Grinberg, Lea T., Ibanez, Agustin M., Isasi, Rosario, Josephy‐Hernandez, Sylvia , Porras, Maria Lazo, Llibre‐Guerra, Jorge J., Llibre‐Rodriguez, Juan J., Meza, B. Marcela Mar, Migeot, Joaquin, Miranda, J. Jaime, Miranda‐Castillo, Claudia, Mummery, Catherine J., Parodi, José F., Castro, Natalia Pozo, Contreras, Rosa María Salinas, Slachevsky, Andrea, Souza‐Talarico, Juliana Nery, Takada, Leonel T., Tsoy, Elena, Pilalumbo, Martha Unaucho, Zimmer, Eduardo R., Fontana, Igor C. , Snyder, Heather M. , Carrillo, Marı́a C., Carrillo, María C. , Takada, Leonel Tadao , Custodio, Nilton , Ibáñez, Agustín , Suemoto, Cláudia Kimie , Delgado, Carolina , Mahinrad, Simin , Ibañez, Agustín , Suemoto, Claudia Kimie , Aguilar, Diego, Ávila‐Funes, José Alberto , Báez, Sandra , Barnes, Lisa L. , Brucki, Sônia Maria Dozzi , Caramelli, Paulo , Cornejo-Olivas, Mario , Ferreira, Sérgio T. , García, A.R. , Grinberg, Lea T. , Llibre‐Guerra, Jorge J. , Rodríguez, Juan J. Llibre , Lourenco, Mychael V. , Migeot, Joaquín , Miranda, J. Jaime , Miranda‐Castillo, Claudia , Mummery, Catherine J. , Parodi, Jose Francisco , Salinas‐Contreras, Rosa Maria, Santamaría‐García, Hernando A , Slachevsky, Andrea , Souza‐Talarico, Juliana Nery , Surace, Ezequiel , Tsoy, Elena , Unaucho‐Pilalumbo, Martha , Zimmer, Eduardo Rigon , Mahinrad, Simin

Alzheimer's & Dementia | March 27, 2026 | Volume: 22 | Issue: 3 | Pages: No page available

10.1002/alz.71309 | PMID 41894159 Get It

Abstract Latin America is undergoing rapid population aging alongside a rising burden of dementia. While the region holds substantial potential for dementia risk reduction, challenges remain, such as delayed diagnoses, limited access to specialized care and biomarker testing, persistent stigma, and deep‐rooted structural inequities. To address these gaps and foster regionally informed solutions, the Alzheimer's Association convened the 2025 Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) Satellite Symposium in Lima, Peru, on May 14–15, in collaboration with the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) and the Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health. The meeting aimed to bring core elements of the global AAIC meeting to regional Latin American settings, recognizing that national and cultural contexts demand tailored approaches to dementia prevention, risk reduction, treatment and care all aimed at promoting brain health in the region. This manuscript synthesizes the symposium's key discussions, scientific advances, and opportunities for collaboration across the region.
Carboplatin, Cabazitaxel, and Abiraterone in High-Volume Metastatic Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer: The CASCARA Phase II Study
Antonarakis, Emmanuel S., Cao, Qing , Catharine, Victoria , Carneiro, Benedito A. , Souza, André , VanderWeele, David James , Singh, Parminder, Bryce, Alan H. , Kelly, W. Kevin., Jha, Gautam , Lewis, Brian , Barata, P., Sartor, A. Oliver, Proudfoot, James A. , Davicioni, Elai, Dhawan, Mallika, Morgans, Alicia K., Ryan, Charles J. , Antonarakis, Emmanuel S. , Singh, Parminder , Antonarakis, Emmanuel S. , Antonarakis, Emmanuel S , De Souza, Andre L , VanderWeele, David J , Singh, Parminder , Kelly, W Kevin , Jha, Gautam G , Barata, Pedro , Sartor, A Oliver , Stadler, Walter M , Proudfoot, James A , Davicioni, Elai , Dhawan, Mallika , Morgans, Alicia K , Ryan, Charles J , Bryce, Alan H , Antonarakis, Emmanuel S , Barata, Pedro C. , Sartor, Oliver , Stadler, Walter M. , Davicioni, Elai , Dhawan, Mallika , Morgans, Alicia K.

Clinical Cancer Research | March 25, 2026 | Volume: 32 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 2403-2412

10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-25-4823 | PMID 41880596 Get It

Abstract Purpose: This multicenter, single-arm, phase II trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of cabazitaxel and carboplatin followed by abiraterone, plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), in patients with high-volume metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC). Patients and Methods: Eligible patients had high-volume mCSPC and ≤3 months of prior ADT. Patients received six 21-day cycles of cabazitaxel (20 mg/m2) and carboplatin (AUC 4) with continuous ADT, followed by maintenance abiraterone (1,000 mg daily) and prednisone (5 mg daily). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients free of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or radiographic progression at 12 months. Secondary endpoints included complete PSA response (≤0.2 ng/mL), objective response, progression-free survival (PFS), and safety. Overall survival (OS) was also reported. Results: Sixty-one participants were enrolled at eight sites. The median age was 64 years, median baseline PSA was 6.6 ng/mL (0.07–745.7 ng/mL), 73.3% had Gleason grade group 5, 69.5% had 10 or more metastases, and 19.6% had a homologous recombination repair (HRR) mutation. PSA PFS at 12 months was 84.6% [95% confidence interval (CI), 72.5%–91.7%], and OS at 12 months was 94.8% (84.7%–98.3%). Complete PSA response was 66.7%, and complete objective response was 30.7%. Contrary to our hypothesis, relative to HRR wild-type patients, HRR-mutated patients (19.6%) had numerically fewer complete PSA responses (33.3% vs. 70.3%) and inferior PFS (HR, 2.43; 95% CI, 0.93–6.39). Common side effects of this quadruplet regimen included fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea. Conclusions: Cabazitaxel and carboplatin followed by abiraterone, together with ADT, were feasible, safe, and efficacious in patients with high-volume mCSPC and warrant further study in larger randomized trials.
From Insight to Action: A National Patient‐Centered Strategic Framework for Improving Reproductive Health Outcomes in Individuals With Congenital Heart Disease
Messmer, Mindi , Gupta, Tripti , D'Souza, Rohan , Russo, Melissa L. , Jackson, Jamie L. , Singh, Kashvi , Salciccioli, Katherine B. , Bravo‐Jaimes, Katia, Abusbeitan, Ayesha, Cortes, Jennifer, Hile, Danielle, Phillippi, Ruth, Leezer, Scott, John, Anitha S. , Bravo‐Jaimes, Katia , D’Souza, Rohan , Russo, Melissa , Bravo-Jaimes, Katia , Kasparian, Nadine A , Abusbeitan, Ayesha , Hile, Danielle , John, Anitha , Jackson, Jamie , Cortes, Jennifer

Journal of the American Heart Association | March 13, 2026 | Volume: 15 | Issue: 6 | Pages: No page available

10.1161/jaha.125.046867 | PMID 41823229 Get It

Background An increasing number of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) are pursuing pregnancy with the potential for cardiovascular complications. This study aimed to establish patient‐centered national research and care priorities to improve pregnancy‐related outcomes for individuals with CHD. Methods This mixed‐methods study used a modified Stakeholder Engagement in Question Development methodology to systematically identify patient‐centered priorities. Key activities included consortium engagement (phase 1), patient and provider questionnaires (phase 2), and an in‐person facilitated meeting to explore survey results and follow‐up virtual focus groups (phase 3). Reflexive thematic analysis was used to synthesize short‐ and long‐term research priorities (phase 4). Results Three overarching goals emerged: (1) improving access to specialized CHD, cardio‐obstetrics, and mental health care; (2) improving quality and consistency in clinical care; and (3) increasing patient and community engagement. These goals were then expanded into 5 central themes: (1) communication within the health care setting; (2) community engagement; (3) ancillary clinical support; (4) integration of patient‐reported outcomes; and (5) implementation, education, and knowledge mobilization. Short‐term (1–5‐year) goals included expanded telemedicine use, best practice recommendations for multidisciplinary care coordination, and targeted educational resources. Long‐term (5–10‐year) goals included expansion of adult CHD and cardio‐obstetrics programs, integration of mental health services, and advocacy to improve insurance coverage. Conclusions The consortium provided a national, community‐driven prioritization that highlights actionable pathways to improve pregnancy outcomes for people with CHD. Sustained engagement with patients and community partners is essential to achieving durable improvements across cardio‐obstetric care, education, research, and mental health.
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in a Patient With Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer Treated With PD ‐ L1 Inhibition and Taxane Chemotherapy
Ke, Jason , Chong, Albert C. , Hsu, Robert Y., Martynova, Anastasia, Wald‐Dickler, Noah , D'souza, Anishka, Piatek, Caroline , In, G., Hsu, Robert , In, Gino Kim

Clinical Case Reports | March 13, 2026 | Volume: 14 | Issue: 3 | Pages: No page available

10.1002/ccr3.72247 | PMID 42016626 Get It

ABSTRACT Thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a hematologic emergency that may occur with PD‐L1 immunotherapy. New or worsening anemia and thrombocytopenia in patients started on PD‐L1 inhibitors should raise suspicion for TTP and prompt workup for thrombotic microangiopathy.
Predicting Early Mortality in Newly Diagnosed AL Amyloidosis: Development and Validation of the PACE Score for Daratumumab‐Treated Patients
Mellgard, George , Bazarbachi, Abdul-Hamid, Zanwar, Saurabh , Hegenbart, Ute , Bodanapu, Geethika , Bhutani, Divaya , Chen, G., D'Souza, A, Dispenzieri, Angela, Gertz, Morie, Kumar, Shaji, Lentzsch, Suzanne , Milani, Paolo, Muchtar, E., Palladini, Giovanni, Trajanova, Despina, Patwari, Anannya , Sanchorawala, Vaishali, Mohty, Mohamad, Wang, Shikun , Kastritis, Efstathios, Theodorakakou, Foteini, Cowan, Andrew J, Gertz, Morie A. , D’Souza, Anita , D'Souza, Anita , Gertz, Morie A , Palladini, Giovanni , Sanchorawala, Vaishali , Kastritis, Efstathios , Theodorakakou, Foteini , Chakraborty, Rajshekhar , Hegenbart, Ute , Bhutani, Divaya , Bazarbachi, Abdul Hamid , Dispenzieri, Angela , Milani, Paolo , Muchtar, Eli , Mohty, Mohamad , Kastritis, Efstathios , Theodorakakou, Foteini , Schönland, Stefan , Chakraborty, Rajshekhar

American Journal of Hematology | March 8, 2026 | Volume: 101 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 768-783

10.1002/ajh.70257 | PMID 41793153 Get It

ABSTRACT Systemic AL amyloidosis is a clonal plasma cell dyscrasia, where toxic free light chains (FLCs) lead to vital organ damage, with risk of early mortality despite effective therapies. Notably, there is a paucity of data on the incidence and predictors of early mortality in the daratumumab (Dara) era. We conducted a multi‐center retrospective cohort study to develop and validate a risk‐prediction model for early mortality (all‐cause death within 6 months) in patients treated with Dara‐based frontline regimens. We used univariate analysis to identify covariates for a logistic regression model predictive of 6‐month mortality and generated a clinical risk score. Among 339 patients across eight centers, 36 (10.6%) experienced early mortality. Multivariate analysis identified four independent predictors: NT‐proBN P > 5300 pg/mL (odds ratio [OR] 3.83, p = 0.006), A ge > 75 years (OR 2.96, p = 0.073), absence of t(11;14) on C ytogenetics (OR 3.0, p = 0.022), and E COG performance status (OR 1.72 per unit increase, p = 0.044). The resulting PACE score stratified patients into three risk groups with a 6‐month mortality of 1.2% (low‐risk), 11.7% (intermediate‐risk), and 50.0% (high‐risk). The PACE score demonstrated superior discrimination (C‐index 0.78) for early mortality compared to Mayo 2004 (0.69) and Mayo 2012 (0.55) staging systems. External validation confirmed robust discrimination (C‐index 0.73) with corresponding 6‐month mortality rates of 4.2%, 15.25%, and 37.04% across respective risk groups. The PACE score provides a clinically applicable tool for early mortality risk stratification in AL amyloidosis patients receiving Dara‐based therapy, and will enable improved patient counseling, clinical trial design, and identification of ultra‐high‐risk patients requiring intensive monitoring and novel therapies.
Evaluation of a mental health screening tool to determine the need for psychological interview for patients offered neuromodulation implant therapies for pain
Xiao, Maggie Z. X. , Curtis, Kathryn , Muere, Abigail, Pushparaj, Hemkumar, Bains, Victoria, Hoydonckx, Yasmine , Kumar, Pranab, Baig, Ehtesham, Alomari, Abeer , D’Souza, Ryan, D’Souza, Ryan S. , D'Souza, Ryan S , Bhatia, Anuj , Pushparaj, Hemkumar , Kumar, Pranab, Bhatia, Anuj

Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine | March 4, 2026 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: rapm-2025-107507

10.1136/rapm-2025-107507 | PMID 41781150 Get It

Introduction Psychological comorbidities can negatively impact outcomes of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for chronic pain. While psychological assessment is commonly required before SCS implantation, evidence supporting its impact on outcomes is limited, and such assessments may be unnecessary for many patients and contribute to delays in care. Our center implemented a screening tool incorporating validated questionnaires and a mental health checklist to triage the need for formal psychological evaluation. This prospective, observational cohort study compared outcomes of SCS trials and implants between patients who bypassed (fast track: FT) versus those who underwent a formal assessment by a psychologist (AP). Methods Data were collected from patients undergoing SCS trials between July 2017 and December 2021. The screening tool used thresholds on validated questionnaires assessing anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, and opioid misuse risk, along with a checklist capturing significant anxiety or depression, self-harm, substance abuse, or mental-health-related hospitalization. Patients screening positive underwent an AP; others proceeded directly to trial (FT). 1 year post implantation outcomes were collected, with successful implantation defined as ≥30% pain reduction from baseline. Results Of 171 patients (114 AP, 57 FT), trial-to-implant rates were similar (72% AP vs 70% FT, p=0.811). The proportion of responders at 1 year post implant was also comparable (53% AP vs 60% FT, p=0.927). Multivariate logistic regression identified that higher baseline pain intensity (adjusted OR (aOR) 0.70, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.92, p=0.011) and use of tricyclic antidepressants (aOR 0.15, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.56, p=0.005) were associated with implant failure, whereas pain duration >10 years was associated with implant success (aOR 3.09, 95% CI 1.06 to 9.02, p=0.039). Conclusions This screening tool effectively identifies patients who can bypass routine psychological assessment without compromising 1 year SCS outcomes. Implementation can streamline patient flow, reduce wait times, and reserve psychological resources for those who need formal evaluation.
Metastasis-directed therapy with or without pembrolizumab for oligometastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma: Pooled analysis of two prospective single-arm phase II trials.
To, Van , D'souza, Criselle, Kiany, Simin , Thio, Niko , Liu, Suyu, Sun, Xiaowen, Castle, Becky, Macdonald, Sean, Choi, Haesun , Ludmir, Ethan B., Jonasch, Eric, Tannir, Nizar M., Msaouel, Pavlos, Haymaker, Cara, Tang, Chad, Siva, Shankar, Sherry, Alexander D. , D’Souza, Criselle , Sun, Xiaowen , Macdonald, Sean , Pryor, David I. , Azad, Arun , Ludmir, Ethan B. , Jonasch, Eric W. , Msaouel, Pavlos , Neeson, Paul Joseph , Tang, Chad , Siva, Shankar

Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 2, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 7_suppl | Pages: 498-498

10.1200/jco.2026.44.7_suppl.498 Get It

498 Background: Radiotherapy-based metastasis-directed therapy (MDT) has emerged as a viable treatment paradigm for oligometastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). However, the optimal integration of MDT with frontline immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) is unclear, especially in light of the M1 NED subgroup analysis of KEYNOTE-564 suggestive of a larger benefit from adjuvant pembrolizumab. Here, we sought to compare the effects of MDT with or without pembrolizumab on clinical and translational outcomes among patients with oligometastatic ccRCC enrolled on two prospective phase II trials. Methods: We undertook an exploratory cohort study of two prospective, single-arm, investigator-initiated phase II trials. The RAPPORT trial (NCT02855203) assigned 30 patients to radiotherapy-based MDT followed by pembrolizumab 200 mg Q3W for eight cycles (MDT+ICI cohort). The MD Anderson trial (NCT03575611) assigned 121 patients to serial MDT (which was almost exclusively radiotherapy-based) without systemic therapy (MDT cohort). For both trials, eligibility criteria consisted of 1 to 5 ccRCC metastatic lesions amenable to MDT. For the present analysis, the primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), prospectively defined by RECIST v1.1 and analyzed using Cox regression. Peripheral blood flow cytometry obtained at baseline, end of MDT in both cohorts (after 1 cycle of ICI in the MDT+ICI cohort), and after completion of all treatment in both cohorts (3 months in the MDT alone cohort and 12 months in the MDT+ICI cohort) was compared using adjusted linear mixed effect models. Results: A total of 150 patients were included for analysis (MDT+ICI: 30; MDT: 120). Median follow-up time was 34 months (MDT+ICI: 28; MDT: 36). At enrollment, the MDT+ICI cohort had a larger number of metastases (median 3 vs 1). Adjusted for prognostic factors, median PFS was 28 months after MDT+ICI and 17 months after MDT (HR, 0.57; 95% CI: 0.31 to 0.998; P = 0.049). Induction of activated systemic CD8 + T cells (ICOS + ) was observed in both cohorts following MDT; however, this increase was greater in the MDT+ICI cohort. Moreover, there was evidence of decreased systemic CD8 + T cell immunosuppression (CD73 + ) following treatment cessation in the MDT+ICI group. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the largest prospective analysis of MDT for ccRCC in the ICI era. The addition of maintenance ICI to MDT may improve clinical outcomes in patients with oligometastatic ccRCC. Greater immunomodulatory signals were observed with MDT+ICI, providing a mechanistic link to the clinical benefits. The ASTROs trial (NCT06004336) randomizing patients with oligometastatic ccRCC to MDT with or without pembrolizumab has been initiated to test the hypotheses generated by the present study. Clinical trial information: NCT02855203 and NCT03575611 .