Citations

Abstract Current assessments of brain permeability rely predominantly on drug delivery to contrast-enhancing tumor regions. However, substantial portions of central nervous system (CNS) tumors reside within non-enhancing brain (NEB), where drug concentrations frequently remain subtherapeutic. This collaborative Adult Brain Tumor Consortium and Food and Drug Administration workshop aimed to identify criteria for defining NEB permeability to accomplish 2 critical objectives: (1) allocate clinical trial resources toward agents achieving therapeutic NEB concentrations and (2) minimize systemic toxicity when CNS benefit is improbable. The workshop systematically evaluated permeability assessment modalities, including drug physicochemical properties, in vitro blood-brain barrier models, and penetration into cerebrospinal fluid and normal rodent brain. Methodological approaches to determine requisite NEB drug concentrations and approaches to measuring NEB pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics were examined. This culminated in developing the Non-Enhancing Brain Permeability Index (NEBPI), which assigns therapeutic agents to 3 categories: sufficiently permeable, insufficiently permeable, or impermeable. The NEBPI provides a standardized framework to assist investigators and regulatory agencies to evaluate NEB penetration before human efficacy studies are initiated for agents that require direct tumor contact. Assessing NEB drug penetration is critical to improving outcomes in CNS tumors and reducing the incidence of brain metastases in systemic malignancies.

Abstract Introduction Left atrial-to-coronary sinus (LA-to-CS) shunting through the APTURE transcatheter shunt system aims to unload the LA while preserving the interatrial septum. This article aims to examine the 3-year health status, functional capacity, and clinical outcomes of the ALT-FLOW Early Feasibility Study (EFS). Methods Device safety, patency, and echocardiographic parameters, but also symptoms, health status, and exercise capacity were assessed in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) > 40% (n & 95). Meta-Analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure (MAGGIC) score predicted 3-year all-cause mortality was compared with observed mortality assessed by Kaplan–Meier analysis using adjudicated events. Predicted and observed HF hospitalization (HFH)-free survival rates were also compared. Results At 3 years, the safety profile remained stable with no new safety signals, and all implanted shunts remained patent. 76.3% of patients improved by at least one NYHA class, and mean KCCQ Overall Summary Scores increased by 25 points from baseline (P < .0001). The 6-min walk distance improved by an average of 39 m (P & .002). These benefits were consistent regardless of baseline pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Right heart echocardiographic parameters after 3 years were stable, though a reduction in TAPSE was observed, primarily in the high PVR subgroup. The observed 3-year survival was significantly higher than the MAGGIC-predicted survival (84.4% vs 70.2, respectively; P & .009), as well as the HFH-free survival (68.0% vs 24.0%, respectively; P < 0001). Conclusion In patients with HF and LVEF >40%, the APTURE LA-to-CS shunting confirmed an acceptable safety profile with stable right heart parameters and sustained improvements in symptoms, quality of life, and functional capacity at 3 years. Observed survival and HFH were superior to MAGGIC predictions.

Abstract Background: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) requiring colectomy carries substantial mortality risk, with optimal timing of surgery remaining poorly defined. We examined temporal trends in colectomy among inpatients with CDI, identified predictors of surgical intervention and postoperative mortality, and evaluated the association between surgical timing and patient outcomes. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the National Inpatient Sample database from 2018 to 2022. We compared patients undergoing colectomy with those managed medically. To minimize confounding by hospital-onset cases, the analysis of surgical timing and mortality was restricted to patients undergoing colectomy within 8 days of admission. Predictors were identified using survey-weighted logistic regression and LASSO regression models. Results: Among 240,564 CDI hospitalizations (representing 1,207,995 weighted nationally), 717 patients underwent colectomy (3,585 weighted). CDI prevalence declined from 0.99% (2018) to 0.76% (2022), while colectomy rates increased from 0.28% to 0.34%. Peritonitis (OR 5.42; 95% CI, 4.46–6.59), coagulopathy (OR 4.96; 95% CI, 3.76–6.55), and sepsis/septic shock (OR 3.89; 95% CI, 3.39–4.47) were the strongest predictors of colectomy. Among patients undergoing colectomy within 8 days (2,830 weighted), in-hospital mortality was 26.5% overall, increasing from 21.0% (2018) to 30.7% (2022). Sepsis/septic shock (OR 8.20; 95% CI 2.92–23.07) and coagulopathy (OR 7.27; 95% CI 3.31–15.97) predicted mortality. Each additional day from admission to colectomy was associated with a 16% (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.04–1.28) increased mortality risk. Conclusions: In this nationally representative cohort, surgical timing was an independent and modifiable determinant of survival in patients with CDI requiring colectomy. Our findings underscore the importance of early surgical consultation for CDI patients with peritonitis, sepsis, and coagulopathy.

Abstract Background Imaging-based glioma monitoring is confounded by treatment-related changes. D-2-hydroxyglutarate (D-2-HG), produced by the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation, is detectable in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which can be sampled from cranial or lumbar compartments. We evaluated CSF D-2-HG as a serially accessible biomarker for IDH-mutant gliomas, including the optimal compartment for longitudinal sampling. Methods Lumbar and cranial CSF samples were collected from patients with IDH-mutant gliomas or IDH-wild-type central nervous system pathologies via surgical field collection, lumbar punctures, and CSF access devices. CSF D-2-HG was quantified via our CLIA-certified gas chromatography mass spectrometry assay. Results D-2-HG was significantly higher in cranial than lumbar CSF from IDH-mutant glioma patients. Consistent with low D-2-HG abundance in lumbar CSF, lumbar samples could not discriminate IDH-mutant gliomas from IDH-wild-type lesions. In contrast, cranial CSF D-2-HG was significantly higher in IDH-mutant gliomas than wild-type lesions, providing an adequate baseline for initial evaluations of monitoring capabilities. Across 75 samples from 7 consecutive patients with grade 4 IDH-mutant astrocytomas, serial cranial CSF D-2-HG decreased with cytoreduction, remained unchanged with stable disease, and increased with disease progression, but not pseudoprogression. Conclusions Serial cranial CSF D-2-HG shows promise as a monitoring biomarker for IDH-mutant gliomas.

Abstract Background Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare, heterogeneous neoplasms associated with prolonged survival and substantial symptom burden. However, patient-reported outcomes across NET subtypes remain poorly characterized, particularly in real-world settings. This study describes baseline health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and care experiences among patients with gastroenteropancreatic and lung NETs, examining differences by tumor site and time since diagnosis. Methods The Neuroendocrine Tumors–Patient Reported Outcomes study is a prospective, multi-institutional US cohort of adults (aged 18 years and older) with incident small intestinal, pancreatic, gastroenteropancreatic, or lung NETs diagnosed from January 2018 through September 2024, identified via a validated electronic medical record–based computable phenotype. Baseline surveys assessed HRQoL, symptoms, care experiences, and clinical characteristics using validated instruments. Descriptive statistics and standardized mean differences compared responses by NET site and time since diagnosis. Results Among 2367 participants (mean age = 57.8 years; 57.3% female), 1974 had gastroenteropancreatic NETs (659 small intestinal NET, 555 pancreatic NET) and 393 had lung NETs. Fatigue (mean = 33.0), insomnia (mean = 32.5), and diarrhea (mean = 25.7) were the most burdensome symptoms. Lung NET patients reported worse dyspnea (standardized mean difference = 0.58, P < .001) and lower physical, role, and global QoL scores than those with gastroenteropancreatic NETs, while pancreatic NET patients reported better functioning. Diarrhea worsened over time, especially in small intestinal NETs. Most rated care highly (75.3%) but cited concerns about treatment side effects (80.4%), costs (60.7%), and travel burden (58.8%). Conclusions This large US cohort reveals persistent symptom burden and HRQoL variation by tumor site and disease duration, underscoring the need for longitudinal HRQoL assessment in NET care.

58 Background: Skeletal-related events (SREs) are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). These complications are managed using bone-modifying agents (BMAs), radiation therapy, and surgery, and lead to diminished quality of life irrespective of their castration status. We sought to evaluate the mortality trends for patients with PC and SREs in patients of >65 years from 1999 to 2023 using the CDC WONDER (Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research) database. Methods: The database was searched from January 1, 1999, to December 31, 2023. Mortality trends were assessed by identifying prostate cancer international classification of diseases-10th revision code (ICD-10 code C61) as the underlying cause of death in individuals aged >65 years, and (SREs) as contributing causes using the following ICD-10 codes: S02, S12, S22, S32, S42, S52, S62, S82, S92, T02, T08, T10, T12, T14.2, Y93.2, E55, M80, M81, M84.4. Joinpoint 5.0 software was used to analyze mortality trends. Results: From 1999 to 2023, a total of 3,231 deaths were reported. Trend analysis revealed a decline in overall mortality from 1999 to 2014, with an annual percentage change (APC) of -1.60 (CI: -2.6, -0.5; p = 0.005), followed by a significant increase in mortality from 2015 to 2023, with an APC of 5.30 (p = 0.0001). When stratified by age, individuals aged 65-69 showed an insignificant decline in mortality over the entire study period. For those aged 70-74, mortality significantly decreased from 1999 to 2014 (APC: -3.02, CI: -5.0, -0.9; p = 0.008), but experienced an exponential increase from 2014 to 2023 (APC: 14.07, CI: 8.7, 19.6; p = 0.00005). In the 75-79 age group, mortality significantly decreased from 1999 to 2011 (APC: -5.6, CI: -9.5, -1.6; p = 0.0091), followed by a robust increase from 2011 to 2023 (APC: 7.06, CI: 2.7, 11.5; p = 0.002). For individuals aged >80 years, the trend showed an insignificant decline in mortality from 1999 to 2023 (APC: -0.260, CI: -0.8, 0.3; p = 0.380). Conclusions: Our study revealed significant trends in prostate cancer mortality attributable to SREs, contributing to a sharp increase from 2015 to 2023. Age-stratified analysis revealed that substantial mortality is reported in patients aged 70-79, with the most pronounced rise occurring after 2014. These findings emphasize the growing burden of SREs in older prostate cancer patients, underscoring the need for targeted interventions along with a focus on patient-reported outcomes to improve survival and quality of life.

5 Background: Penile cancer (PC) is often diagnosed late, which leads to advanced disease. Studies have reported that less than 18% of individuals with metastatic PC receive any kind of palliative therapy. Place of Death (PoD) is a crucial determinant of patient and caregiver preferences and the cost of caregiving at the end of life (EOL). We aimed to evaluate the trends in PoD for patients with PC in the U.S. from 2003 to 2023 based on the CDC WONDER (Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research) database. Methods: We analyzed data from January 01, 2003, to December 31, 2023. The data for deaths due to PC were pooled using the International Classification of Diseases-10th Revision code as C60 for malignant neoplasm of the penis. The inclusion criteria included patients aged > 25 years. PoD is defined as deaths at home and hospice (H&H) versus medical facilities. Average annual percentage change (AAPC) was calculated using the Joinpoint Regression Program, version 5.0.2. Results: The analysis demonstrated a total of n = 6,074 deaths from PC. A total of 52.1% of deaths, n = 3,167, were reported at H&H. The trend analysis demonstrates an exponential rise in H&H utilization from 34.4% in 2003 to 57.5% in 2023, AAPC [5.4284, CI (4.7-6.10, p < 0.000001]. A significant increase in the utilization of H&H is notable in both African Americans (AA), AAPC [2.8514, CI (1.0-4.7), p = 0.004], and the White population, AAPC [5.3497, CI (4.6-6.0); p < 0.000001]. However, a racial disparity is also noted, with 45.4% in AA, while the White population is at 52.5% deaths in H&H-based care. PC mortality in medical facilities has a 29.7% decline from 2003 to 2023. On age stratification, there was a significant increase in utilizing H&H as PoD for the 45-64 years cohort AAPC [4.29, CI (3.2, 5.2), p < 0.000001], similarly, with the older age group 65+ cohorts AAPC [6.26, CI (5.4, 7.0), p < 0.000001]. In contrast, the younger cohort deduced no significant trend AAPC [2.92, CI (-1.5, 7.6), p = 0.14]. Conclusions: This is the first study to our knowledge providing valuable insights into the evolving PoD preferences among PC patients in the U.S.The age-related trends underscore the importance of tailoring end-of-life care strategies to specific age cohorts. The findings emphasize the importance of policies promoting and supporting H&H care for PC patients. Targeted efforts are warranted to address notable disparities in PoD preferences among racial and age groups.

PURPOSE BRCA carriers face high risks of developing both breast and ovarian/fallopian tube cancers (hereafter referred to as ovarian ). Among BRCA carriers with ovarian cancer, it is not clear whether the risk of breast cancer is sufficiently high that risk-reducing mastectomy should be offered. This study aimed to assess the risk of breast cancer BRCA carriers after a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. METHODS We included women with a pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant in BRCA1 or BRCA2 , a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, and no other cancer history and no risk-reducing bilateral mastectomy. Women were followed for incident breast cancer from the date of ovarian cancer diagnosis or the date of baseline questionnaire, whichever came last. The 5-, 10-, and 15-year cumulative risks of breast cancer were compared for women with ovarian cancer and an age-matched set of control women without ovarian cancer. RESULTS A total of 960 participants with ovarian cancer were identified (814 BRCA1 and 146 BRCA2 carriers). After a mean follow-up of 4.9 years, 41 women (4.3%) developed breast cancer, at a mean age at diagnosis of 57.5 years (range, 39-74). Actuarial cumulative breast cancer risks after ovarian cancer were 4.4%, 8.9%, and 11.5% at 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. Only three breast cancer–related deaths occurred. Among 741 age-matched BRCA carriers without ovarian cancer, actuarial cumulative risks of breast cancer were 20.9%, 38.6%, and 47.2% at 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. The hazard ratio for breast cancer, after an ovarian cancer diagnosis, compared with no ovarian cancer, was 0.18 ([95% CI, 0.12 to 0.27]; P < .0001). CONCLUSION After ovarian cancer, BRCA carriers have a relatively low risk of breast cancer. Risk-reducing mastectomy should not be recommended routinely, but might be considered for long-term survivors. Magnetic resonance imaging surveillance and/or mammography is a realistic alternative.