Citations

93 Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the 4th most common cancer among men and women and roughly 2-4% of all CRCs occur in patients with a diagnosis of Lynch syndrome (LS), an autosomal dominant condition found to be the most common cause of hereditary CRC with estimated lifetime risk of developing CRC between 50-80%. LS results from mutations in one or more of 5 genes: MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and EPCAM, which lead to a deficiency in DNA mismatch repair ( dMMR ). Current guidelines suggest testing every CRC for microsatellite instability ( MSI ) or MMR gene expression using immunohistochemistry (IHC) to identify LS-related CRC. QuantCRC is a prognostic AI model that identifies important histological features of CRC and provides a recurrence prediction estimate useful for treatment decisions. It uses computational image analysis to extract quantitative features from digitized H&E stained pathology slides such as tumor grade, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and other morphometric parameters. 4 It has been verified and validated in Aiforia (AI for image analysis) Platform using whole slide images and against reviews by independent pathologists from 8 hospitals. Our study sought to use QuantCRC to identify histological differences between those with MSI (confirmed LS), sporadic MSI , and microsatellite stability (MSS ) CRC to better help clinicians identify which patients would benefit from additional testing. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with CRC whose pathology was analyzed at Mayo Clinic Arizona. Tumor characteristics were analyzed by QuantCRC and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis using Area Under the Curve (AUC) was used to see if QuantCRC could distinguish CRCs with MSI or LS. Results: Of the total 5132 patients with CRC, 1101 (21.5%) samples were MSI/dMMR with 468 (42.5%) of those having confirmed LS. The study had roughly equal parts men and there were more women with non-LS MSI (59%) than with LS or microsatellite stability. The QuantCRC model’s ROC analysis revealed an AUC of 0.83 for predicting MSI/dMMR among all patients with a sensitivity of 0.75 and a specificity of 0.79. AUC for predicting LS among all patients was 0.76 and of predicting LS among MSI/dMMR was 0.64. Conclusions: The QuantCRC model was useful in predicting MSI/dMMR status among all patients with CRC. It can be a helpful clinical tool when assessing which patients may benefit from additional genetic or IHC testing, especially in lower resource areas where molecular testing may be difficult to access or expensive relative to an H&E slide.

830 Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are standard therapy for MSI-H GI cancers. Lynch syndrome, caused by germline mutations in mismatch repair (MMR) genes, leads to MSI-H tumors and robust ICI responses, but its effect on irAEs remains poorly defined. Clarifying this risk may inform treatment selection and toxicity monitoring. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed MSI-H or MMR-deficient (dMMR) GI cancer patients (pts) treated with ICIs across Mayo Clinic (AZ, MN, FL) from January 2017 to June 2025. Eligible pts were identified using Mayo Data Explorer. Demographics, treatment, and irAEs (graded per CTCAE v5.0) were collected. Lynch status was determined by germline testing when available. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) for any grade and grade ≥3 irAEs, adjusting for age, cancer type, prior chemotherapy, and treatment regimen. Results: A total of 209 pts with dMMR/MSI-H GI cancer were included: 61 with Lynch syndrome and 148 without. Lynch pts were younger (median 58 vs 76 years, p < 0.001) and more likely to have received prior chemotherapy (62% vs 43%, p = 0.009). Colorectal cancer was the predominant cancer type (74%), but Lynch pts had proportionally more non-colorectal GI cancers (15% vs 2.7%, p = 0.007). Overall, 29% of pts experienced an irAE, with rates significantly higher in Lynch vs non-Lynch pts (43% vs 24%, p = 0.005). The most frequent irAEs were gastrointestinal, endocrine, and dermatologic, followed by hepatic and pulmonary events. Grade ≥3 irAEs occurred in 16% overall, with no significant difference between groups (p = 0.124). In adjusted models, Lynch syndrome was independently associated with a higher risk of any grade irAE (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.09 - 4.19, p = 0.026), while risk of severe irAEs was not increased (OR 1.55, 95% CI 0.64 - 3.59, p = 0.316). Lynch syndrome pts were more likely to have combination therapy (17% vs 6.8%, p = 0.029). However, there were no differences observed in any grade irAE between monotherapy and combination immunotherapy (OR 1.36, 95% CI 0.49 - 3.54, p = 0.535). Conclusions: Lynch syndrome is associated with a higher prevalence of any-grade irAEs among dMMR/MSI-H GI cancer pts treated with ICIs, though severe events were not increased. Incorporating Lynch status into immunotherapy planning may improve risk stratification and guide regimen selection.

Abstract Introduction: First-line therapy for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) represents a critical opportunity for clinical benefit via sustained complete response. Multitargeted combinations, including optimized chemotherapy with novel agents targeted to MCL, may best address the biologic heterogeneity of this disease. Building on prior experience using modified VR-CAP and R-cytarabine, we enhanced this regimen by adding acalabrutinib while reducing cytarabine, aiming for improved efficacy and safety without impeding stem cell collection. To evaluate this regimen, we conducted a phase 2 multicenter trial at four centers in the Academic and Community Cancer Research United (ACCRU) network. Methods: CARiBOU (ACCRU-LY-1804) employs alternating VR-CAP and R-cytarabine with continuous acalabrutinib, in six 21-day cycles, for previously untreated MCL. Eligible patients (pts) were at least 18 years old with adequate organ function, measurable disease, no CNS involvement; and were ASCT-eligible per investigator. VR-CAP (cycles 1, 3, and 5) employed bortezomib 1.3 mg/m² subcutaneously days 1,8, and 15; rituximab 375 mg/m² day 1; cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m² day 1; doxorubicin 50 mg/m2 day 1; and prednisone 100 mg PO days 1-5. Cycles 2,4, and 6 used outpatient rituximab with cytarabine at 3 g/m² x 2 daily doses in the first 5 pts, after which the dose was reduced to 2 gm/m2 x 2 daily doses due to thrombocytopenia. Acalabrutinib 100 mg p.o. twice daily was given continuously but held for grade 4 thrombocytopenia or clinically significant toxicity. Growth factors and prophylactic antimicrobials were required. Responses were assessed after six cycles using FDG PET/CT, bone marrow aspirate/biopsy (BM Bx), and endoscopy when indicated (Lugano 2014). The primary endpoint was complete metabolic response (CMR) rate at end of treatment (EOT). Secondary endpoints included safety, feasibility of stem cell collection, proportion proceeding to ASCT, and progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Peripheral blood measurable residual disease (MRD) was evaluated using the ClonoSEQ assay (Adaptive Biotechnologies). A Simon two-stage design was used, targeting a CMR rate ≥ 70% versus a null rate of 50%, with a total sample size of 39 evaluable pts. Results: 41 pts were accrued from October 2021 through May 2025, 37 of whom completed all 6 cycles and are evaluable for response; two are still on therapy, and two discontinued therapy early for toxicity. Median age was 63 years (range 41-73), 22% were female, and 85% were White. MIPI risk groups were low (44%), intermediate (39%), and high (17%), and Ki-67 was ≥ 30% in 54% of pts. Three pts (7%) had known TP53 mutations by sequencing. At EOT, the CMR rate was 85.3% among all pts (35/41; 95% CI 67.9%-92.9%), or 94.5% among evaluable pts (35/37). BM Bx was performed in 31 pts at EOT, 30 of which (96.8%) were negative for MCL. Undetectable peripheral blood MRD using a 10^6 threshold (uMRD6) was achieved at EOT in 78.1% (25/32) of tested pts, and 93.8% (30/32) achieved uMRD5. Nine of 41 pts underwent ASCT; no patient failed stem cell collection. Maintenance therapy was not protocol-defined but included rituximab in 91.9% of pts and a BTK inhibitor in 21.6% of pts. With a median follow-up of 16.7 months, PFS and OS rates at 18 months were 76.7% (95% CI: 60.7%-96.9%) and 95.5% (95% CI: 87.1%-100%). Toxicities were primarily hematologic. Grade 3+ toxicities included thrombocytopenia (66.6%), neutropenia (28.2%), and anemia (25.6%). Grade 3+ febrile neutropenia was observed in 10.2% of pts. Peripheral neuropathy was seen in 20.5% of pts and all grade 1-2. Bleeding events included purpura in 2 pts (5.2%) and epistaxis in 1 patient (2.6%). One case of atrial fibrillation was observed. Eighteen pts required temporary dose hold of acalabrutinib for toxicity (mainly thrombocytopenia), and 2 had acalabrutinib dose reductions. Serious adverse events occurred in 6 pts, and no treatment-related deaths occurred. Conclusions: CARiBOU is an efficient, highly effective outpatient regimen for 1st line MCL, employing intermediate dose cytarabine with continuous acalabrutinib. With supportive care and platelet monitoring, this approach safely yielded high rates of CMR and uMRD6, supporting multitargeted induction therapy for appropriate pts with untreated MCL.

Abstract Introduction: Lisocabtagene maraleucel (liso-cel) was approved in the United States for the treatment of CLL in 3/2024 for patients who have received two prior lines of therapy including a covalent BTK inhibitor and a BCL-2 inhibitor. Data regarding outcomes of liso-cel is limited to reports from the registrational TRANSCEND-CLL 004 clinical trial which had strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. This work investigates the real-world efficacy and safety of liso-cel for patients with CLL and its efficacy in specific sub-populations. Methods: This is a multi-institutional retrospective study (Collaborative Assessment of Real-World Evidence of Lisocabtagene Maraleucel in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory CLL/SLL [CARE CAR-T CLL]) of patients with CLL who received commercial liso-cel in the United States. Patients with Richter transformation were excluded. Response was defined by iwCLL criteria. Patients who did not undergo a marrow biopsy but met other criteria for a complete response (CR) were categorized as unconfirmed CR (CRu). CRS and ICANS were graded per ASTCT criteria. Results: A total of 30 patients were identified with a median age of 67 years (range 44 – 80). Twenty of thirty patients (67%) had either del17p and/or mutated TP53, and 8/30 (27%) had complex karyotype (≥ 3 abnormalities) at time of liso-cel infusion. Patients received a median of 6 prior lines of therapy (range 1 - 12), and 24 (80%) were previously treated with chemotherapy. All patients had previous exposure to a covalent BTK inhibitor and a BCL-2 inhibitor. Twenty-seven (90%) of patients had prior exposure to pirtobrutinib. Twenty-nine patients (96.7%) received bridging treatment that was stopped after leukapheresis with 1 patient in CR and 25 patients in PR at time of liso-cel. Eighteen patients (60%) were treated with pirtobrutinib as the last line of treatment prior to liso-cel. Median length of time on pirtobrutinib prior to liso-cel infusion was 4 months (interquartile range [IQR], 2 – 8 months). Twelve (66.7%) patients stopped pirtobrutinib between leukapheresis and lymphodepletion, and 6 continued after liso-cel. Best CR/CRu rate was 60.0% (CR, n = 17/30; CRu, n = 1/30), and best overall response rate (ORR) was 83.3% (25/30) with median time to best response of 30 days (IQR, 28 – 30 days). Of the 18 patients who received pirtobrutinib as their last line of therapy, 13 (72%) achieved a CR/CRu. Meanwhile, of the 12 patients who did not receive pirtobrutinib as their last line of therapy, only 5 (28%) achieved a CR. Measurable residual disease testing (MRD) by flow cytometry was done in 14/30 patients, and 9 patients (64%) had achieved undetectable MRD (uMRD). MRD by next generation sequencing (NGS) was done in 17 patients, and 7 (41%) patients had uMRD. Twenty-seven of 30 patients (90%) were alive at time of data collection. Median follow-up was 3.3 months (IQR, 1.2 – 8.9 months). Twenty-six patients (87%) experienced any grade cytokine release syndrome (CRS), and 3 patients experienced grade 3 CRS (10%). Twelve patients (40%) experienced any grade immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), and 4 patients (13%) experienced grade 3 ICANS. There were no grade 4 or 5 CRS or ICANS. One patient experienced grade 3 immune effector cell-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis-like syndrome (IEC-HS). At day 30, patients had a median absolute neutrophil count of 1.7K/μL (IQR, 0.8 – 3.6K/μL), hemoglobin of 11.7 g/dL (IQR, 8.6 – 13.1 g/dL), and platelet count of 72K/μL (IQR, 29 – 119K/μL). Conclusion: Real-world analysis of liso-cel for patients with relapsed/refractory CLL showed CR and ORR of 60.0% and 83.3%, respectively. Despite having a heavily pre-treated and chemotherapy-exposed population and with over half the patients having high-risk features, these response rates are higher than what was described in the TRANSCEND-CLL 004 clinical trial. These results are limited by the short follow-up period and the variability in response assessment typical of a retrospective study. As we increase our sample size, we will also be interested if the use of the non-covalent BTK inhibitor pirtobrutinib prior to liso-cel is associated with a higher CR rate, mimicking the findings of the sub-cohort analysis of TRANSCEND-CLL 004 where the concurrent use of ibrutinib led to higher CR rates. Further updates and patients from additional collaborators will be presented at the meeting.

Background: Cardiac disease is the leading cause of premature mortality in Friedreich Ataxia (FA). However, validated prognostic indicators or early imaging biomarkers that can reliably predict cardiac events are lacking. To address this gap, we created a multicenter FA cardiac registry to characterize disease progression and identify early echocardiographic (echo) predictors of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Methods: FA subjects from 6 North American centers with at least two echos performed ≥5 years apart were included. Demographics, FA-specific disease characteristics, and MACE (a composite of death, heart failure hospitalization, aborted sudden cardiac death, and/or life-threatening arrhythmia) were abstracted. Digital echo images were re-read at a centralized core lab. Paired T tests were utilized for comparison of the normally distributed first and second echo parameters, and logistic regression models were utilized to evaluate for predictors of MACE. Results: Of 115 subjects, 52 (45%) were female. Mean age at diagnosis was 10 ± 3 years, median GAA1 repeat length (a marker of genetic severity) was 700 (range 66–1200), and median age at first analyzed echo was 12 years (range 4-36). MACE occurred in 35 (30%) of the cohort. Serial echocardiograms demonstrated progressive worsening of multiple cardiac parameters over time, including markers of ventricular thickness and hypertrophy, chamber size, systolic function, and novel markers of atrial and ventricular strain (Table 1). On univariate analysis, several markers of hypertrophy and systolic function from the earliest analyzed echo predicted MACE. However, after adjusting for age of diagnosis, GAA1 repeat length, and collinearity among variables, only posterior wall thickness in diastole (PWTd) remained an independent predictor of MACE (odds ratio 1.8 per mm increase, 95% CI 1.1–3.3, p = 0.028). Conclusions: This multicenter FA registry identifies early posterior wall thickness as a significant and independent predictor of major adverse cardiac events in FA. Each millimeter increase in PWTd on early echo is associated with nearly double the odds of MACE. This commonly acquired parameter is often overlooked and may serve as a powerful early marker of cardiac risk. Further investigation of PWTd as a potential surrogate endpoint for therapeutic trials in FA is warranted.

Abstract Purpose: Polatuzumab vedotin (polatuzumab) was approved for up-front treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in combination with chemoimmunotherapy (Pola-R-CHP) based on the POLARIX trial. However, when stratified by cell of origin (COO), polatuzumab seems to have greater efficacy in activated B-cell than germinal center B-cell (GCB) subtype disease. Most studies of polatuzumab used RNA expression to assess COO, whereas in routine clinical practice, the immunohistochemistry-based Hans algorithm is used. Experimental Design: To assess the impact of COO by immunohistochemistry on polatuzumab efficacy, we conducted a multicenter real-world study of adults with large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) receiving polatuzumab from 2015 to 2024, split by receipt of polatuzumab in first-line versus relapsed/refractory settings. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR) to polatuzumab-based treatment in GCB versus non-GCB relapsed/refractory LBCL. Results: Of 740 patients, 305 received polatuzumab in the first-line setting and 435 in the relapsed/refractory setting. In the relapsed/refractory cohort, the ORR in non-GCB versus GCB LBCL was 59.7% versus 36.3% [OR, 2.6; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.77–3.84; P &lt; 0.0001], with a complete response rate of 35.7% versus 17.7% (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.66–4.02; P &lt; 0.0001). Progression-free survival was longer for patients with non-GCB versus GCB COO (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.5–0.83; P = 0.0006). In the first-line cohort, ORR, complete response rate, and progression-free survival were similar in non-GCB versus GCB LBCL, as hypothesized based on outcomes in the Pola-R-CHP arm of POLARIX, suggesting that the addition of polatuzumab overcomes the adverse risk of non-GCB COO in patients receiving R-CHOP. Conclusions: Based on these data, COO classification by the Hans algorithm is a strong predictor of polatuzumab efficacy in LBCL, informing real-world treatment decisions.

Introduction/Objectives: Social determinants of health (SDOH) have the potential to differentially impact child developmental outcomes. This study examined whether scores on the Environmental Screening Questionnaire (ESQ), a newly developed SDOH screening tool, were associated with scores on the Brigance and Ages & Stages Questionnaires-Social-Emotional (ASQ:SE-2) child development assessments. Methods: Brigance, ASQ:SE-2, and ESQ scores from children enrolled in a Head Start Program in Northeast Iowa were collected during the 2021 to 2022 and 2022 to 2023 school years. Associations between scores in each ESQ domain and Brigance and ASQ:SE-2 scores were assessed. Results: Education-Employment and Community concerns on the ESQ were associated with reduced Brigance scores ( r = −.21, P < .001; r = −.17, P = .001). Concerns related to Housing, Child and Family Health, and Community were associated with more concerning ASQ:SE-2 scores ( r = .14, P = .005; r = .18, P < .001; r = 0.27, P < .001). In multivariable models controlling for sex and ethnicity, Education-Employment concerns were significant predictors of lower Brigance scores, while Child and Family Health and Community concerns were significant predictors of ASQ:SE-2 scores. Conclusions: ESQ scores in certain SDOH domains correlate significantly with child developmental outcomes. The ESQ domains of Child and Family Health and Community appear to be particularly important for appropriate child socio-emotional development. Interventions should focus on addressing critical SDOH domains to promote child resilience and counteract the non-medical factors that can interfere with child developmental outcomes.

Abstract Background Physical activity is associated with lower colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, but its association with molecular subtypes defined by genetic and epigenetic alterations of the disease is unclear. Such information may enhance the understanding of the mechanisms related to the benefits of physical activity. Methods Pooled observational (cases: n = 5386; controls: n = 6798; studies n = 5) and genome-wide association data (cases: n = 8178; controls: n = 10 472; studies n = 5) were used. We used multivariable logistic regression models and Mendelian randomization to assess the association between physical activity and the risk of CRC subtypes defined by individual tumor markers (and marker combinations), namely microsatellite instability status, CpG island methylator phenotype status, and BRAF and KRAS mutations. We used case-only analysis to test for differences between molecular subtypes. We applied Bonferroni correction to account for multiple tests. Results In the pooled observational analysis, higher levels of physical activity were associated with lower CRC risk (Obs-per 1SD, odds ratio [OR] = 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.90 to 0.97), with an association that was stronger in males (Obs-per 1SD, OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.87 to 0.96) than in females (Obs-per 1SD, OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.91 to 1.03; Pinteraction = .04). Higher physical activity was associated with a lower risk of CRC across all molecular subtypes, especially in males. There was no difference in the associations by subtypes by pooled observational or Mendelian randomization analyses. The findings did not differ by study design, anatomical site, and early or late age onset of CRC. Conclusions Our findings suggest that physical activity is not differentially associated with the 4 major molecular subtypes involved in colorectal carcinogenesis, indicating that its benefits extend broadly across colorectal cancer pathogenesis.

ImportancePatients with kidney failure (KF) receiving long-term dialysis have increased incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF). Patients with KF and AF have increased risk of stroke, death, and bleeding compared with age-matched cohorts. In KF, the use of oral anticoagulants (OACs) increases hemorrhage risk, offsetting potential benefits and making left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) a potentially promising solution for risk reduction in AF.ObjectivesTo compare the outcomes and safety of OACs and LAAO for risk reduction of AF in patients with KF.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis retrospective cohort study assessed patients with KF enrolled in the US Renal Data System registry between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2018, who were diagnosed with AF after initiation of long-term dialysis. On average, patients met inclusion criteria for 22 months. Data analysis was completed in May 2024.ExposureMedicare claims were used to identify patients who received OACs and LAAO after AF diagnosis. A propensity-matched cohort was created based on the CHA2DS2-VASc score and year of treatment.Main Outcomes and MeasuresDeath, nonfatal bleeds, and nonfatal strokes.ResultsThe final cohort included 2344 patients with KF and a new AF diagnosis (median [IQR] age, 66.0 [57.0-73.0] years; 1341 [57.2%] male). Of these patients, 293 received LAAO and 2051 received OACs. A total of 2194 patients (93.6%) were receiving hemodialysis, with the remaining 150 (6.4%) receiving peritoneal dialysis. In the LAAO group, 79 deaths (27.0%) and 21 nonfatal strokes (7.2%) occurred, and 117 patients (39.9%) experienced 234 bleeding events. In the OAC group, 729 deaths (35.5%) and 163 strokes (8.0%) occurred, and 687 patients (33.5%) experienced 1114 bleeding events. After accounting for correlation between bleeds and death, the joint frailty model showed evidence of a treatment association of LAAO compared with OACs on recurrent bleeding events (hazard ratio [HR], 0.74; 95% CI, 0.56-0.98) and death (HR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.30-0.72). There was a reduced risk of nonfatal stroke in the LAAO group (HR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.32-0.94), but this finding was not significant after adjustment (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.76-1.81).Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cohort study, LAAO compared with OACs was associated with improved survival and reduced bleeding risk in patients with KF and AF. These findings suggest that these data should be considered in shared decision-making in consideration of LAAO for patients with KF and AF.