Impact of SGLT2i on Cardiovascular Outcomes Following Acute Myocardial Infarction With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: Propensity-matched Registry Study
Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have demonstrated benefits in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), but their impact following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is less well understood. Using the TriNetX Research Network (TriNetX) multi-center registry (2014–2022), we identified patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)—defined as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >50% and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II–IV—not previously treated with sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) who experienced an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Patients who initiated SGLT2i within 1-year post-AMI were compared with those who did not. Propensity score matching was used to balance cohorts ( n = 20,423 each; mean age 68.3 ± 11.0 years; 54.5% female) for demographics, comorbidities, and treatment variables. The primary outcome was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including all-cause mortality, recurrent AMI, acute heart failure, and stroke. Secondary outcomes included cardiac arrest and major bleeding. SGLT2i use was associated with lower rates of MACE (3.7% vs 6.1%; P = .0005), all-cause mortality (0.9% vs 5.6%; P < .0001), and other adverse events at both 30 days and 1 year. In this large, propensity-matched cohort, SGLT2i use post-AMI in HFpEF patients was associated with favorable cardiovascular outcomes. Further studies are needed to confirm these associations.
Cobalt toxicity from third-body wear following revision of fractured ceramic-on-ceramic hip bearings with a metal articulation
AimsCeramic-on-ceramic (CoC) articulations in total hip arthroplasty (THA) have the advantage of low wear but the unique risk of fracture. After revision for CoC-bearing fracture, third-body ceramic particles can lead to massive wear of cobalt-chrome (CoCr) bearings, causing extremely elevated blood cobalt. We present a multicentre series of five cases where patients sustained fractures of ceramic liners, were revised using a CoCr articulation, and rapidly developed severe cobalt toxicity.MethodsWe identified five cases of cobalt toxicity after fractured CoC THA treated with revision to CoCr on polyethylene bearings. Mean follow-up was three years (5 to 72 months) after re-revision to remove the CoCr bearing.ResultsSymptoms of cobalt toxicity occurred at a mean ten months (6 to 12) after revision for ceramic fracture. All patients developed vision and hearing loss, balance difficulties, and peripheral neuropathy. Several had cardiomyopathy, endocrine abnormalities, and local skin discolouration. Only two reported hip pain. Repeat revision for recognized cobalt toxicity occurred at a mean 22 months after revision for ceramic fracture. Mean serum cobalt level at re-revision was 991 ng/ml (normal value < 1 ng/ml; 734 to 1,302). All CoCr femoral heads exhibited massive wear, and deep tissues showed prominent metal staining. Treatment consisted of debridement and revision to a ceramic femoral head with highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) liner. Serum cobalt improved to a mean 25 μg/l (1 to 76) at final follow-up. All patients reported partial improvement in vision and hearing, however their peripheral neuropathy and balance difficulties did not recover.ConclusionSystemic cobalt toxicity is a devastating complication of ceramic-bearing fracture in THA treated with CoCr bearings, which may not present with hip symptoms. The diagnosis of this syndrome of systemic cobalt toxicity was significantly delayed following systemic symptoms in this series. Debridement and re-revision to a ceramic-on-HXLPE bearing leads to improvement, but not full resolution, of cobalt toxicity complications.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(6 Supple B):92–100.
Use of 177Lut-PSMA in metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer in the post-chemotherapy setting: Early vs late treatment.
e17168 Background: Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer and the second leading cancer related death in men in the USA. Radical prostatectomy represents the mainstay treatment for patients with localized prostate cancer. Management of metastatic disease requires multidisciplinary practice and innovative approach for individualized favorable outcomes. Treatment sequencing in patients with advanced prostate cancer has been reported to impact patient’s response to subsequent treatment as well as overall survival outcomes. Here in, we thought to investigate the impact of prior chemotherapy treatment on PSA response rates to 177Lut PSMA. Methods: We conduct a single center retrospective study including 164 patients diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer and treated with 177Lut PSMA for metastatic hormone resistant prostate cancer. 92 patients received 177Lut PSMA as a salvage treatment late after chemotherapy (group A), and we compared them with 70 patients received 177Lut PSMA early in an adjuvant fashion within 3 months after chemotherapy (group B). Favorable PSA response was defined by 50% or more reduction in PSA value after complete treatment with 177Lut PSMA. Results: Approximately 43 % of patients in (group B) received their 177Lut PSMA within six months. The average number of chemo cycles received by patients of (group B) is between 3 to 6 cycles. Median patients’ age (IQR) 63 years (57.75 - 68), median (IQR) number of cycles of 177Lut PSMA 5 (5 - 6). Statistical analyses were performed to determine any differences in post lut PSA response in both groups of patients. Approximately 49 % of patients in (group A) had favorable PSA response versus 44 % of patients in (group B) (p-value 0.3853). Conclusions: The use of 177Lut-PSMA in the post-chemotherapy setting demonstrated similar outcomes whether administered early or late. These findings suggest that the timing of treatment may not significantly impact its effectiveness, but further research is needed to confirm these results and explore potential optimizations for patient care.
Concomitant treatment with 2nd generation hormone therapy and 177Lut PSMA versus 177Lut PSMA alone: Does it improve PSA response rates?
e17081 Background: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. In early localized disease, surgery represents the mainstay treatment. However, management of metastatic and advanced stages requires multidisciplinary approach. The prognosis in metastatic prostate cancer has improved recently due to advanced pharmaceutical and interventional methods of treatment with modern diagnostic methods. In our study, we aim to investigate the impact of concomitant treatment with 2nd generation hormonal therapy and 177Lut PSMA on PSA response in patients with metastatic CRPC Methods: In a retrospective observation study including 91male patients with metastatic CRPC treated with 177Lut PSMA, we divided our cohort into 2 groups depending on whether they had 2nd generation hormonal therapy alongside their treatment with 177Lut PSMA. 43 patients received 177Lut PSMA (group A). While the other 48 patients (group B) had 2 nd generation hormone therapy with 177Lut PSMA. Primary endpoint was PSA response after they complete their therapy. Favorable PSA response was defined by PSA reduction more than 50% from baseline PSA before treatment Results: Statistical analysis identified 91 male patients, median (IQR) age of 61.5 years (56,67.75). Median (IQR) Gleason score 8 (7 - 9). Pre-177Lut PSMA PSA had a median of 2 (0.255 - 99), post-177Lut PSMA had a median of 0.15 (0.1 - 2.7). Median (IQR) 177Lut PSMA 6 (5 - 6). There was no significant change in PSA response in patients who received 177Lut PSMA alone versus 177Lut PSMA with concomitant 2 nd generation hormonal therapy. Of that, 54.17% of group B had favorable PSA response compared to 48.84% of group A (P value 0.6115). In multivariable analysis, concomitant treatment with 2nd generation hormone therapy and 177Lut PSMA has no impact on PSA response rates. Conclusions: This data suggests that concomitant treatment with 2nd generation therapy and 177Lut PSMA did not demonstrate superior PSA response than treatment with 177Lut PSMA alone. This data contributes to the current literature and serve in patients counseling. Further studies are warranted.
Functional role of GLI2 in cancer-associated fibroblasts for modulation of the fibrotic tumor microenvironment within pancreatic cancer.
4155 Background: The tumor microenvironment (TME) that surrounds pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a multi-faceted and dynamic ecosystem in which stromal fibroblasts communicate with cancer cells to mediate tumor growth, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance. It is well recognized that both cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and its non-cellular, fibrotic components within the TME can foster a protumorigenic environment for PDAC. However, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of the precise mechanisms in which this dense, fibrotic matrix can help drive malignant behaviors. Here, we reveal a novel mechanism in which the zinc-finger transcription factor GLI2 regulates type 1 collagen expression within CAFs and how the soluble variant of this collagen promotes irinotecan chemoresistance. Methods: We leveraged transcriptomic data from The Cancer Genome Atlas, International Cancer Genome Consortium, and Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium to evaluate GLI2 expression and stromal content of human PDAC tumors through bulk RNA-sequencing deconvolution. Using single-nucleus RNA sequencing of human PDAC tumors, we validated the association of GLI2 expression and stromal matrix constituents in CAFs. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays in human CAFs confirmed GLI2 binding at the COL1A1 promoter. Through RNAi-based inactivation of GLI2, we determined how loss of GLI2 impacts regulation of type 1 collagen. Additionally, we conducted MTT assays to assess tumor viability in response to irinotecan treatment. Results: Transcriptomic analysis revealed that GLI2 is highly enriched in CAFs and strongly correlated with stromal fibrosis compared to other non-tumor cell constituents within the TME. We have shown that GLI2 directly binds to the promoter of COL1A1, a key component of type 1 collagen, in CAFs and regulates its transcription in a manner dependent on TGFβ1 signaling. Interestingly, PDAC tumors exposed to type 1 collagen show increased expression of pro-tumorigenic pathways involved in inflammation, EGR signaling, cytokine-receptor interactions, and irinotecan resistance. We further validate that human PDAC cells pre-treated with collagen can confer chemoresistance to irinotecan with viability assays. Conclusions: Taken together, our study demonstrates a novel mechanism in which GLI2 regulates the secretion of collagen within CAFs, which in turn can enable PDAC to acquire resistance to standard-of-care treatments. These findings highlight not only the oncogenic functions for CAFs and their fibrotic secretome, but also open new avenues in which therapeutic targeting of the TME may provide clinical benefit for PDAC patients.
Dysregulated Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle Metabolism Is Associated With Right Ventricular Maladaptation in Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Background Right ventricular (RV) maladaptation to elevated pulmonary afterload is the primary determinant of outcomes in pulmonary artery (PA) hypertension; however, the pathobiological mechanisms underlying RV decompensation remain poorly understood. Methods We performed global untargeted metabolomics on plasma from 55 patients who underwent gold‐standard RV‐PA coupling measurements using multibeat pressure volume loop assessment in a single‐center cohort and from 1027 patients with coupling surrogate measurements in a larger multicenter cohort, the PVDOMICS (Pulmonary Vascular Disease Phenomics) study. Age and sex‐adjusted linear regression was performed to identify associations between metabolites and coupling metrics. Additionally, we performed a metabolic flux analysis using gene expression data from RV tissue in an independent cohort of 32 patients. Partial least squares–discriminant analysis was used to identify metabolites and reactions characteristic of the decompensated RV. Results RV‐PA coupling was negatively associated with tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediate levels. Specifically, plasma α‐ketoglutarate and fumarate were significantly associated with all coupling metrics in both cohorts. Metabolic flux analysis indicated that decompensated RVs exhibited aberrant TCA cycle activity, including reduced acetyl coenzyme A entry and increased lactate elimination, suggesting a shift from the TCA cycle toward glycolysis at the RV tissue level. Conclusions We identify an association between circulating TCA cycle intermediate levels and RV‐PA uncoupling in 2 independent cohorts, and dysregulated TCA cycle metabolism in decompensated PA hypertension RVs, suggesting that aberrant TCA cycle metabolism could represent a hallmark of RV maladaptation in PA hypertension. Further study of this pathway is warranted to develop novel biomarkers of RV function or RV‐targeted therapies.
Abstract B034: The immune checkpoint molecule B7-H3 is a driver of tumor immune exclusion by mediating TGF-β activation
Abstract Addressing the limited responsiveness to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in human cancers remains a critical challenge. Efforts over the past two decades have primarily focused on enhancing CD8 T cell function and preventing their exhaustion. However, less attention has been given to understanding the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), which impedes CD8 T cell infiltration and fosters ICB resistance. The TME in ICB-resistant tumors is characterized by Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGF-β) cytokine signaling, leading to a fibrotic extracellular matrix (ECM) and the accumulation of immunosuppressive fibroblasts and myeloid cells. These features hinder CD8 T cell penetration, thereby promoting immune escape. The immune checkpoint molecule B7-H3, overexpressed in ICB-resistant cancers, has been linked to impaired CD8 T cell infiltration and poor prognosis. However, the molecular mechanisms governing B7-H3 function remain poorly understood. We investigated the relationship between B7-H3 gene expression and ICB response using transcriptomic data from two randomized phase 3 trials (IMvigor010 and IMvigor210). Bulk RNAseq data, tissue staining, and spectral flow cytometry were used to characterize the TME composition of B7-H3 high and low tumors. Multi-omic profiling of tumor cell lines with manipulated B7-H3 expression was performed to identify downstream targets of B7-H3. Syngeneic mouse tumor models were used to assess the impact of B7-H3 on tumor growth and antitumor immunity. High B7-H3 expression was associated with shorter overall survival in both IMvigor010 (HR=0.48, 95% CI: 0.33-0.70, p<0.0001) and IMvigor210 trials (HR=0.68, 95% CI: 0.51-0.92, p=0.01). In ICB-refractory cancers, B7-H3 expression correlated with high levels of fibroblasts, collagen deposits, and M2 macrophages. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed a positive association between B7-H3 and TGF-β signaling. Genetic deletion of B7-H3 in tumor cells reduced the surface expression of MMP14, a metalloprotease that activates TGF-β. Pan-cancer analysis identified MMP14 as the gene most correlated with B7-H3 (Pearson r=0.69, p<0.0001). TGF-β activation was reduced by 70% in B7-H3 knockout cells compared to wild-type. Loss of B7-H3 led to MMP14 accumulation in lysosomes, resulting in its degradation. We generated a B7-H3 inhibitor, 5D10, which promotes MMP14 degradation and inhibits TGF-β activation. In humanized B7-H3 mouse models, 5D10 significantly reduced TGF-β activation, enhancing CD8 T cell infiltration and impairing tumor growth. Our research identifies B7-H3 as a driver of immune exclusion and ICB resistance. We describe a novel, receptor-independent mechanism where B7-H3 promotes TGF-β activation via stabilization of MMP14. Targeting B7-H3 represents a strategy to modulate the TME, transforming immune-excluded tumors into immune-inflamed states that may respond better to ICB. Citation Format: Fabrice Lucien, Roxane Lavoie, Jack Korleski, Yohan Kim, Bharath Wootla, Liguo Wang, Ava Farrell, Kelly Harper, Martine Charbonneau, Claire Dubois, Igor Frank, Sounak Gupta, John Cheville, Jacob Orme, Stephen Boorjian, Parash Shah, Eugene Kwon, Sean Park, Haidong Dong. The immune checkpoint molecule B7-H3 is a driver of tumor immune exclusion by mediating TGF-β activation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR IO Conference: Discovery and Innovation in Cancer Immunology: Revolutionizing Treatment through Immunotherapy; 2025 Feb 23-26; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2025;13(2 Suppl):Abstract nr B034.
Utility of post-treatment SPECT/CT for identifying disease progression in patients with mCRPC treated with
177
Lu-PSMA-617.
114 Background: Oncologists have traditionally relied upon serial assessments of PSA and periodic imaging (i.e., every 2 to 3 cycles) to monitor treatment response. Early identification of disease progression allows for faster transitions to alternative therapies that might be more effective. In this study, we evaluated the utility of post-treatment SPECT/CT for earlier detection of treatment failure in patients receiving Lutetium-177–PSMA-617 (LuPSMA). Methods: We queried an IRB-approved registry including all patients starting LuPSMA at Mayo Clinic, MN, in the interval of March 2022 to March 2023. Those receiving fewer than 2 cycles of treatment and missing SPECT/CT data were excluded. We reviewed clinical notes to document the date and reason(s) for treatment discontinuation. The assembled cohort consists of patients stopping LuPSMA for progressive disease ([PD], categorized as biochemical, radiographic, or both). Results of the prior SPECT/CT imaging reports were reviewed. At our institution SPECT/CT images are typically acquired on the day after each infusion. Metrics collected from the radiology reports included: new foci of PSMA localization since the prior PSMA PET or SPECT/CT, suspicion for new non-PSMA avid disease, and a visual determination of PSMA-avid tumor volume. Results: A total of 256 patients received an initial cycle of LuPSMA. SPECT/CT imaging data for at least 2 consecutive treatment cycles was available for 68 patients who developed PD after a median (IQR) of 3 (2-4) cycles. There were 55 patients (81%) with both biochemical and radiographic evidence of PD, 7 (10%) with biochemical only progression, and 6 (9%) with radiographic only progression. The most used imaging modality for response assessment was PSMA PET/CT (n=46, 67%), followed by conventional imaging (n=9, 13%), and choline PET/CT (n=5, 7%). The median time between most recent post-therapy SPECT/CT and determination of PD was 39 days. The prior SPECT/CT had detected new foci of PSMA avid disease in 12 (18%) cases and new non-PSMA avid disease in 5 (7%) cases. Two patients had both new PSMA-avid and non-PSMA avid lesions. The most common sites of new PSMA-avid disease on SPECT/CT were bone (n=10) and liver (n=2). A total of 20 (29%) patients had visually increased tumor volume on SPECT/CT, 9 (45%) of which had no new lesions. In total, 24 of 68 patients (35%) had early detection of treatment futility detected by SPECT/CT. At a median (IQR) follow-up time of 8 (6.4-12) mo, the median OS [95% CI] was similar for patients with PD detected on SPECT/CT (7.8 [6.6 – 9] mo) compared to those without clear evidence of PD on SPECT/CT(8.4 [6.4-10.3] mo, p=0.885). Conclusions: Post-treatment SPECT/CT imaging may complement traditional forms of response assessment and provide an earlier warning of treatment failure through identification of new PSMA-avid lesions, non-PSMA avid disease, and increased tumor volume.
Outcomes for
177
Lu-PSMA-617 with and without concurrent use of ARPIs in patients with mCRPC.
112 Background: We now have more than a decade of experience using Androgen Receptor Pathway Inhibitors (ARPIs) across various disease states of prostate cancer, and the safety of their combination with Lutetium-177–PSMA-617 has been demonstrated in VISION and other large randomized clinical trials. However, real-world data on treatment patterns and outcomes involving combination therapies with 177 Lu-PSMA-617 remain limited. Methods: For this analysis, we utilized the Mayo Clinic Rochester radiopharmaceutical database, a prospectively maintained retrospective database containing all patients who received 177 Lu-PSMA-617 at our institution. We focused on patients who started treatment from March 2022 to March 2023. Patients receiving an ARPI (abiraterone acetate, enzalutamide, apalutamide, or darolutamide) during the course of 177 Lu-PSMA-617 treatment were identified, inclusive of patients who continued using an ARPI prescribed as a prior line of treatment and those who started (i.e., switched) to a new ARPI. Baseline clinicopathologic and imaging characteristics were abstracted and compared using the Mann-Whitney U and Chi-square tests. Best PSA response during treatment was reported as a percent decline from baseline. Survival was calculated from the date of the first cycle of 177 Lu-PSMA-617. PSA50 response and overall survival (OS) outcomes for the two groups (concurrent use of ARPI vs. 177 Lu-PSMA-617 alone) were compared using the Chi-square test and Kaplan-Meier method, respectively. A multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed, including established prognostic factors. Results: An ARPI was prescribed to 106 of the 256 patients (41.4%) starting 177 Lu-PSMA-617 in the interval of March 2022 to March 2023. With regards to baseline characteristics, those receiving an ARPI concurrently with 177 Lu-PSMA-617 had a lower PSA (3.4 vs 29.7 ng/mL, p < 0.001) and a lower frequency of bone (77.4% vs. 87.4%, p = 0.035) and visceral metastases (18.9 vs 34%, p = 0.008) at start of treatment. Median follow-up for the overall cohort (IQR) was 19.1 months (8.7 – 23.6). Patients receiving an ARPI plus 177 Lu-PSMA-617, as compared to 177 Lu-PSMA-617 alone, were more likely to complete all 6 planned doses of treatment (63.2% vs. 48.7%, p < 0.001), though the PSA50 response rate was similar (49.1% vs 47.3%, p = 0.786). Median OS [95% CI] for the overall cohort was 21.3 [16.7 – 25.9] months and significantly longer for those receiving ARPI with 177 Lu-PSMA-617 (NR [NE – NE]) as compared to 177 Lu-PSMA-617 alone (15.3 mo [11.6 – 19.1], p < 0.001). However, on multivariate analysis including known prognostic variables, use of ARPI was not independently associated with improved survival (HR = 1.03 [CI: 0.68 to 1.55], p = 0.891). Conclusions: Patients receiving an ARPI with 177 Lu-PSMA-617 were more likely to complete all 6 cycles of treatment, but no clear differences in survival were observed on multivariate analysis.
Safety evaluation of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) during lutetium-177-PSMA-617 (177Lu-PSMA-617) treatment for patients with metastatic prostate cancer.
129 Background: Few studies have explored the use of focal therapies to address select sites of resistant disease in men receiving 177-Lu-PSMA-617 for metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Our institutional practice is to offer SBRT for patients with up to 5 sites of oligoprogression or non-responding lesions while undergoing 177Lu-PSMA-617 (every 6 weeks for 6 cycles total). This is determined by PSMA or choline PET imaging during the course of 177Lu-PSMA-617. Herein, we evaluated the safety of adding target SBRT during treatment with 177Lu-PSMA-617. Methods: This retrospective single institution analysis was conducted via systematic chart review to evaluate for adverse events during or after treatment. Grading of treatment-related adverse events was conducted using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Version 5.0 (CTCAE v5). Results: Thirty-one patients receiving 177Lu-PSMA-617 with 51 sites of oligoprogressive or non-responding metastatic disease were treated with SBRT. The median number of sites treated was 1 (range 1-4). Most patients received SBRT immediately after cycle 6 (32%) or after cycle 3 or 4 (42%). Bone was the most commonly treated site of disease (90%) with the majority (54%) of bone sites being spine or sacrum, followed by lymph nodes (10%). Ultimately, 84% of patients completed all 6 cycles of 177Lu-PSMA-617 (range 4-6). The median follow-up time was 19.1 months (IQR 15.5-22.4) after 177Lu-PSMA-617 therapy start. A total of 2 patients experienced a pathologic fracture within the SBRT treatment field that could possibly be related to radiotherapy. One patient experienced a grade 2 neuropathy which may have been related to radiation therapy. Other potential adverse events are listed (Table). Conclusions: Our data demonstrates a low rate of significant toxicity with the use SBRT during treatment with 177Lu-PSMA-617. Further study is indicated to determine the oncologic efficacy and potential late side effects of this treatment strategy. Adverse events. Event All Grades Grade > 3 Any Adverse Event 104 2 Anemia 29 (94%) 0 Low Platelets 11 (35.5%) 1 (3.2%) Any Pathologic Fracture 7 (22.5%) 1 (3.2%) Possible SBRT-related Pathologic Fracture 2 (6.5%) 1 (3.2%) Bone Pain Flare 3 (9.6%) 0 Neuropathy 1 (3.2%) 0