Citations

Abstract The selectivity of the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) can prevent therapeutics from reaching the brain, and this may contribute to the high failure rate of new drugs for tumors like glioblastoma (GBM) and brain metastasis. The capacity to detect BBB penetrance in real-time in a noninvasive manner would arguably aid the rate of therapeutic development. Extracellular vesicles, which are membrane bound particles secreted by all cell types in the body, have potential as a neuro pharmacodynamic reporter given that their protein and RNA cargo reflect the originating cell population. We hypothesized that the exposure of GBM cells to therapy results in altered EV cargo, and that the detection of this shift can be leveraged as a liquid biopsy from patients during early clinical trials to determine BBB penetrance and tumor engagement. To identify cargo shifts indicative of treatment, we exposed four short-term patient derived glioma cell lines to arsenic trioxide (an idiopathic toxin), MLN4924 (a neddylation inhibitor), and the alkylating agent temozolomide, then harvested EVs for unbiased mass spectrometry and RNA sequencing. Interestingly, we identified conserved upregulated and downregulated protein and RNA species across cell lines and across drug treatments, despite the diverse mechanisms of action. Candidate proteins were further validated by mesoscale immunoassays and exoview evaluation of tetraspanin-captured EVs. RNA species were validated by qRT-PCR. Overall, we demonstrate that GBM-derived EV cargo changes in response to therapy, supporting the development of EVs as a reporter of drug delivery in GBM. Ongoing and future work is focused on identifying enrichment handles in order to selectively evaluate GBM-derived EV cargo from patient biofluids. Thus far, B7H3, PTPRZ1, EGFRvII and IL13Ra2 have been screened as putative handles. Success in this pursuit could substantially enhance findings and accelerate drug testing in early-stage clinical trials in brain tumor patients by reporting drug accessibility to the tumor and engagement with drug targets. Citation Format: Valerie DeLuca, Nanyun Tang, Nathaniel Hansen, Anjali Raju, Charles Shaffer, Yue Hao, Terry C. Burns, Jann N. Sarkaria, Ian Parney, Patrick Pirrotte, Kendall Van Keuren-Jensen, Michael E. Berens. Glioblastoma-derived extracellular vesicle cargo as a reporter of drug delivery and effect [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2130.

Abstract Background Variations in climate have been associated with a greater risk of surgical site infections, urinary tract infections, and changes in the skin microbiome; however, limited data exist on the impact of climate on inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) infections. Aim We sought to evaluate the impact of climate on the risk of IPP infections in a large international, multicenter cohort. Methods We performed a multi-institutional, retrospective study of patients undergoing IPP surgery. We then evaluated whether the month or season, during which surgery was performed, affected device infections. Implant infections were defined as infections requiring device explantation. A univariate logistic regression analysis was undertaken. Outcomes Our primary outcome was implant infection. Results A total of 5289 patients with a mean age of 62.2 ± 10.8 years received IPP placement. There was a fairly even distribution of implants performed in each season. A total of 103 (1.9%) infections were recorded. There were 32 (31.1%) IPP infections in patients who underwent surgery in the summer, followed by 28 (27.2%) in the winter, 26 (25.2%) in the spring, and 17 (16.5%) in the fall. No statistically significant differences were recorded in terms of season (P = .19) and month (P = .29). The mean daily temperature (P = .43), dew point (P = .43), and humidity (P = .92) at the time of IPP placement was not associated with infection. Clinical Implications These findings provide reassurance to prosthetic urologists that infection reduction strategies do not need to be tailored to local climate. Strengths and Limitations Climate data were not directly recorded for each hospital, but rather based on the monthly averages in the city where the surgery was performed. Conclusion The climate at time of IPP placement and time of year of surgery is not associated with IPP infection risk.

PURPOSE Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) improves outcomes for patients with AML harboring an internal tandem duplication mutation of FLT3 ( FLT3-ITD) AML. These patients are routinely treated with a FLT3 inhibitor after HCT, but there is limited evidence to support this. Accordingly, we conducted a randomized trial of post-HCT maintenance with the FLT3 inhibitor gilteritinib (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02997202 ) to determine if all such patients benefit or if detection of measurable residual disease (MRD) could identify those who might benefit. METHODS Adults with FLT3-ITD AML in first remission underwent HCT and were randomly assigned to placebo or 120 mg once daily gilteritinib for 24 months after HCT. The primary end point was relapse-free survival (RFS). Secondary end points included overall survival (OS) and the effect of MRD pre- and post-HCT on RFS and OS. RESULTS Three hundred fifty-six participants were randomly assigned post-HCT to receive gilteritinib or placebo. Although RFS was higher in the gilteritinib arm, the difference was not statistically significant (hazard ratio [HR], 0.679 [95% CI, 0.459 to 1.005]; two-sided P = .0518). However, 50.5% of participants had MRD detectable pre- or post-HCT, and, in a prespecified subgroup analysis, gilteritinib was beneficial in this population (HR, 0.515 [95% CI, 0.316 to 0.838]; P = .0065). Those without detectable MRD showed no benefit (HR, 1.213 [95% CI, 0.616 to 2.387]; P = .575). CONCLUSION Although the overall improvement in RFS was not statistically significant, RFS was higher for participants with detectable FLT3-ITD MRD pre- or post-HCT who received gilteritinib treatment. To our knowledge, these data are among the first to support the effectiveness of MRD-based post-HCT therapy.

Abstract Brain tumor diagnostics have significantly evolved with the use of positron emission tomography (PET) and advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. In addition to anatomical MRI, these modalities may provide valuable information for several clinical applications such as differential diagnosis, delineation of tumor extent, prognostication, differentiation between tumor relapse and treatment-related changes, and the evaluation of response to anticancer therapy. In particular, joint recommendations of the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) Group, the European Association of Neuro-oncology, and major European and American Nuclear Medicine societies highlighted that the additional clinical value of radiolabeled amino acids compared to anatomical MRI alone is outstanding and that its widespread clinical use should be supported. For advanced MRI and its steadily increasing use in clinical practice, the Standardization Subcommittee of the Jumpstarting Brain Tumor Drug Development Coalition provided more recently an updated acquisition protocol for the widely used dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion MRI. Besides amino acid PET and perfusion MRI, other PET tracers and advanced MRI techniques (e.g. MR spectroscopy) are of considerable clinical interest and are increasingly integrated into everyday clinical practice. Nevertheless, these modalities have shortcomings which should be considered in clinical routine. This comprehensive review provides an overview of potential challenges, limitations, and pitfalls associated with PET imaging and advanced MRI techniques in patients with gliomas or brain metastases. Despite these issues, PET imaging and advanced MRI techniques continue to play an indispensable role in brain tumor management. Acknowledging and mitigating these challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration, standardized protocols, and continuous innovation will further enhance the utility of these modalities in guiding optimal patient care.

Abstract Introduction Intracavernosal injection (ICI) therapy for erectile dysfunction (ED) carries a risk of corporal fibrosis, potentially making placement of an inflatable penile prosthesis more difficult. Prostate cancer treatment may also induce corporal fibrosis. Objective To assess whether a history of ICI or prostate cancer treatment is associated with complications following IPP placement. Methods A retrospective cohort study of primary IPP cases from 2016–2021 across 16 institutions. Patients were stratified by history of ICI and between-group differences in risk factors were assessed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess for predictors of intraoperative complications, postoperative non-infectious complications and postoperative infection. Results A total of 2540 patients met inclusion criteria of which 781 (30.8%) had a history of ICI. Patients with a history of ICI tended to be older (mean 63 vs 64 years, p=0.002) and were more likely to have history of radical prostatectomy (21.0% vs. 32.1%, p<0.001) and/or radiation (5.51% vs 10.9%, p<0.001). On multivariable regression, a history of ICI, prostatectomy, and radiation were all significant predictors of intraoperative complications (OR 2.11, p=0.03; OR 2.27, p=0.03; OR 2.40, p=0.04, respectively). A history of ICI and patient age were predictors of non-infectious postoperative complications (OR 1.44, p=0.02, OR 1.02, p=0.004 respectively)). None of the variables were significant predictors of infection. Conclusions In men undergoing IPP placement, a history of ICI is associated with an increased risk of both intraoperative and postoperative, non-infectious complications. Prostate cancer treatment with radiation or surgery is independently associated with increased risk of intraoperative complications. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: D.O. has served as a consultant for Coloplast, Intuitive Surgical, and Fidelis. P.P. has served as a consultant for Coloplast, Boston Scientific, and Urofill. M.S. has served as a consultant for Boston Scientific and Coloplast. J.S. has served as a consultant for Boston Scientific and Coloplast. F.A.Y. has served as a consultant for Coloplast, Cynosure, Antares Pharma, Clarus Pharmaceuticals, and Acerus Pharma. M.S.G. has served as a consultant for Coloplast. The other authors disclose no conflicts.

Abstract Objective Results of ethanol ablation (EA) for controlling neck nodal metastases (NNM) in adult patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (APTC) beyond 6 months have rarely been reported. We now describe outcome results in controlling 71 NNM in 40 node-positive stage I APTC patients followed for 66 to 269 months. Methods All 40 patients were managed with bilateral thyroidectomy and radioiodine therapy and followed with neck ultrasound (US) for >48 months after EA. Cumulative radioiodine doses ranged from 30 to 550 mCi; pre-EA 27 patients (67%) had 36 additional neck surgeries. Cytologic diagnosis of PTC in 71 NNM selected for EA was confirmed by US-guided biopsy. EA technique and follow-up protocol were as previously described. Results The 40 patients had 1 to 4 NNM; 67/71 NNM (94%) received 2 to 4 ethanol injections (total median volume 0.8 cc). All ablated 71 NNM shrank (mean volume reduction of 93%); nodal hypervascularity was eliminated. Thirty-eight NNM (54%) with initial volumes of 12-1404 mm3 (median 164) disappeared on neck sonography. Thirty-three hypovascular foci from ablated NNM (pre-EA volume range 31-636 mm3; median 147) were still identifiable with volume reductions of 45% to 97% observed (median 81%). There were no complications and no postprocedure hoarseness. Final results were considered to be ideal or near ideal in 55% and satisfactory in 45%. There was no evidence of tumor regrowth after EA. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that for patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer stage I APTC, who do not wish further surgery or radioiodine, and are uncomfortable with active surveillance, EA can achieve durable control of recurrent NNM.

Summary Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the mainstays of multimodal pain management. While effective for acute pain control, recent pre‐clinical evidence has raised concerns regarding an association between NSAIDs and chronic pain and potential opioid use. Our objective was to explore the association between peri‐operative use of prescription NSAIDs and the need for continued opioid prescriptions lasting 90–180 days in previously opioid‐naïve patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. A database of health claims in the USA was used to identify all opioid‐naïve adult patients who underwent primary knee arthroplasty between January 2010 and October 2021. We evaluated the magnitude of association between peri‐operative prescription NSAID claims and claims for opioids at 90 days postoperatively using multivariable logistic regression models. Secondary outcomes included: the magnitude of association between peri‐operative NSAID prescription and claims for opioids at 180 days postoperatively; and identifying other potential factors associated with opioid claims at 90 days postoperatively. After risk adjustment using multivariable logistic regression models in the 789,736‐patient cohort, the adjusted odds ratio (95%CI) for a continuous claim of opioids at 90 and 180 days postoperatively among patients with a peri‐operative NSAID prescription within 30 days was 1.32 (1.30–1.35), p < 0.001; and 1.12 (1.10–1.15), p < 0.001, respectively. This estimate of effect remained robust at 90 days after accounting for known potential confounders, including pre‐existing knee pain and acute postoperative pain severity. Similar analysis of other pain medications (e.g. paracetamol) did not detect such an association. This population‐based cohort study suggests that peri‐operative prescription NSAID use may be associated with continued opioid prescription claims at 90 and 180 days after knee arthroplasty, even after adjusting for other observed covariates for continuous opioid claims. These novel findings can inform clinical decision‐making for post‐surgical pain management, risk–benefit discussions with patients and future research.

AbstractBackgroundPatients with sinonasal malignancy (SNM) present with significant sinonasal quality of life (QOL) impairment. Global sinonasal QOL as measured by the 22‐item Sinonasal Outcomes Test (SNOT‐22) has been shown to improve with treatment. This study aims to characterize SNOT‐22 subdomain outcomes in SNM.MethodsPatients diagnosed with SNM were prospectively enrolled in a multi‐center patient registry. SNOT‐22 scores were collected at the time of diagnosis and through the post‐treatment period for up to 5 years. Multivariable regression analysis was used to identify drivers of variation in SNOT‐22 subdomains.ResultsNote that 234 patients were reviewed, with a mean follow‐up of 22 months (3 months–64 months). Rhinologic, psychological, and sleep subdomains significantly improved versus baseline (all p < 0.05). Subanalysis of 40 patients with follow‐up at all timepoints showed statistically significant improvement in rhinologic, extra‐nasal, psychological, and sleep subdomains, with minimal clinically important difference met between 2 and 5 years in sleep and psychological subdomains. Adjuvant chemoradiation was associated with worse outcomes in rhinologic (adjusted odds ratio (5.22 [1.69–8.66])), extra‐nasal (2.21 [0.22–4.17]) and ear/facial (5.53 [2.10–8.91]) subdomains. Pterygopalatine fossa involvement was associated with worse outcomes in rhinologic (3.22 [0.54–5.93]) and ear/facial (2.97 [0.32–5.65]) subdomains. Positive margins (5.74 [2.17–9.29]) and surgical approach—combined versus endoscopic (3.41 [0.78–6.05])—were associated with worse psychological outcomes. Adjuvant radiation (2.28 [0.18–4.40]) was associated with worse sleep outcomes.ConclusionsSinonasal QOL improvements associated with treatment of SNM are driven by rhinologic, extra‐nasal, psychological, and sleep subdomains.

OBJECTIVE Recent studies have suggested that biologically effective dose (BED) is an important correlate of pain relief and sensory dysfunction after Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN). The goal of this study was to determine if BED is superior to prescription dose in predicting outcomes in TN patients undergoing GKRS as a first procedure. METHODS This was a retrospective study of 871 patients with type 1 TN from 13 GKRS centers. Patient demographics, pain characteristics, treatment parameters, and outcomes were reviewed. BED was compared with prescription dose and other dosimetric factors for their predictive value. RESULTS The median age of the patients was 68 years, and 60% were female. Nearly 70% of patients experienced pain in the V2 and/or V3 dermatomes, predominantly on the right side (60%). Most patients had modified BNI Pain Intensity Scale grade IV or V pain (89.2%) and were taking 1 or 2 pain medications (74.1%). The median prescription dose was 80 Gy (range 62.5–95 Gy). The proximal trigeminal nerve was targeted in 77.9% of cases, and the median follow-up was 21 months (range 6–156 months). Initial pain relief (modified BNI Pain Intensity Scale grades I–IIIa) was noted in 81.8% of evaluable patients at a median of 30 days. Of 709 patients who achieved initial pain relief, 42.3% experienced at least one pain recurrence after GKRS at a median of 44 months, with 49.0% of these patients undergoing a second procedure. New-onset facial numbness occurred in 25.3% of patients after a median of 8 months. Age ≥ 63 years was associated with a higher probability of both initial pain relief and maintaining pain relief. A distal target location was associated with a higher probability of initial and long-term pain relief, but also a higher incidence of sensory dysfunction. BED ≥ 2100 Gy2.47 was predictive of pain relief at 30 days and 1 year for the distal target, whereas physical dose ≥ 85 Gy was significant for the proximal target, but the restricted range of BED values in this subgroup could be a confounding factor. A maximum brainstem point dose ≥ 29.5 Gy was associated with a higher probability of bothersome facial numbness. CONCLUSIONS BED and physical dose were both predictive of pain relief and could be used as treatment planning goals for distal and proximal targets, respectively, while considering maximum brainstem point dose < 29.5 Gy as a potential constraint for bothersome numbness.