Citations

Abstract Background GERD is a common cause of chronic cough. Although barrier therapy with laparoscopic fundoplication is highly effective for typical GERD symptoms, the response rates are variable for chronic cough. We hypothesized that transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) or TIF with hiatal hernia repair (cTIF) may be a suitable alternative for medically refractory cough associated with GERD. Aim We prospectively s studied the effectiveness and safety of TIF/cTIF in patients with chronic cough and proven GERD. Methods Patients with GERD and extra-esophageal symptoms from 10 academic and community medical centers (TIF Registry), elevated GERD-HRQL score +/- Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) >13 and pathologic reflux by esophageal pH-metry, or erosive esophagitis/Barrett’s esophagus were evaluated before and after a minimum 6 months post TIF/cTIF performed by gastroenterologists and surgeons. Patients with history of prior foregut/bariatric surgery, chronic obstructive or interstitial lung disease, or prior lung transplant were excluded. The primary outcome was improvement in RSI score at last follow-up compared to baseline. Secondary outcomes were: 1) normalization of RSI (<13), 2) improvement in cough sub-scores of RSI (decrease ≥ 2 points or to 0 on a 5-point scale), 3) GERD symptom improvement (>50% decrease in GERD-HRQL, or < 2 in all sub-scores) 4) discontinuation of proton pump inhibitor (PPI), and 5) overall patient satisfaction. We further analyzed response in patients with cough-predominant phenotype (chief complaint of cough and RSI troublesome cough subscore ≥2). Results 198 patients with cough and GERD successfully underwent TIF/cTIF (Table 1) without serious adverse events. Greater than 6-month follow-up was available for 177 patients at a median of 12 months [IQR 6,12]. Median RSI score decreased from 18 [IQR 13, 27] to 5 [IQR 2, 11] (p < 0.0001), median change 11 [IQR5,11]. 83% of patients with elevated baseline RSI normalized their scores. 75% of patients had improvement of cough when lying down (median: 1 point [IQR 0,3]), and 72% of patients had improvement of troublesome cough (median: 1 point [IQR 1,3]). 83% of patients successfully discontinued or decreased PPI to occasional use. Patient satisfaction improved from a baseline of 5.6% to 68.8% (p <0.0001). Compared to patients without cough-predominant symptoms, cough-predominant patients (n=108) experienced an additional 4.2-point decrease in in RSI score (p = 0.01) and 1.5-point decrease in troublesome cough sub-scores (p<0.0001). Patients with regurgitation phenotype were more likely to have a favorable cough response at 6 months (p<0.0001). In appropriately selected patients, cTIF and TIF were comparable for cough, GERD-HRQL, RSI, and PPI responses. Conclusion TIF/cTIF are effective and safe alternative barrier therapies for patients with pH-positive cough-predominant GERD.

3020 Background: Radioligand therapy (RLT) use has been increasing with the approval of 177Lu-Dotatate for metastatic neuroendocrine tumors (NET) & 177Lu-PSMA-617 for metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Therapy-related myeloid neoplasms [tMN, including myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) & acute myeloid leukemia, (AML)] have been reported after 177Lutetium (177Lu) for NET with rates of 2-20% & median time from first 177Lu to tMN of 2.8yrs [4-12]. Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) is a risk factor for tMN, with the spectrum of CH depending on selection pressures. To describe the prevalence of therapy selected CH & tMN, we performed a retrospective analysis of patients (pts) who had a bone marrow biopsy (BMB) post-177Lu. Methods: After IRB approval, we queried the electronic health record for pts with BMB post-177Lu. Pt demographics, treatment history, labs & BMB results were collected. Results: Fifty-seven pts met criteria, 41 (72%) with NET & 16 (28%) with mCRPC. . Median age at BMB was 68yrs (range, 28-85). Of the 57pts, prior treatments included: radiation (RT) in 21 (37%), temozolomide in 14 (25%), taxane in 15 (26%), & platinum agents in 10 (18%). The median number of 177Lu cycles was 4 (range, 1-11).Cytogenetics were available in 84% (n = 48) & were normal in 60% (n = 29). Of those with abnormal cytogenetics (n = 18, 38%), the most common abnormalities involved chromosome (chr) 7 (n = 12, 26%), chr 5 (n = 7, 15%), chr 20 (n = 5, 11%) and complex karyotypes in 7 (15%), with 3 (17%) of these patients having no mutations. Diagnoses were assessable in 49 (86%) pts: 15 (31%) with undefined cytopeniasand 16 (33%) with tMDS. Metastatic carcinoma was identified in 17 Fifty-one percent (n = 29), at a median of 0.5yrs (range, 0.04-2.6) after hematologic diagnosis. Conclusions: The enrichment of CH involving the DDR pathway in recipients of 177Lu underscores the impact of RLT on bone marrow progenitors.

PURPOSE To assess efficacy and toxicity of cisplatin (C) and gemcitabine (G) with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in patients with locally advanced vulvar cancer not amenable to surgery. METHODS Patients enrolled in a single-arm phase II study. Pretreatment inguinal-femoral nodal assessment was performed. Sixty-four Gy IMRT was prescribed to the vulva, with 50-64 Gy delivered to the groins/low pelvis. Radiation therapy (RT) plans were quality-reviewed pretreatment. C 40 mg/m2 and G 50 mg/m2 were administered once per week throughout IMRT. Complete pathologic response (CPR) was the primary end point. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and adverse events were assessed with Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v 4.0. RESULTS Fifty-seven patients enrolled, of which 52 were evaluable. The median age was 58 years (range, 25-58), and 94% were White. Forty (77%) had stage II or III disease, and all had squamous histology. A median of six chemotherapy cycles (range, 1-8) were received. Eighty-five percent of RT plans were quality-reviewed with 100% compliance to protocol. Seven patients came off trial because of toxicity or patient withdrawal. Of 52 patients available for pathologic assessment, 38 (73% [90% CI, 61 to 83]) achieved CPR. No pelvic exenterations were performed. With a median follow-up of 51 months, the 12-month PFS was 74% (90% CI, 62.2 to 82.7) and the 24-month OS was 70% (90% CI, 57 to 79). The most common grade 3 or 4 adverse events were hematologic toxicity and radiation dermatitis. There was one grade 5 event unlikely related to treatment. CONCLUSION Weekly C and G concurrent with IMRT sufficiently improved CPR in women with locally advanced vulvar squamous cell carcinoma not amenable to surgical resection.

The immune system substantially influences age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progression, affected by genetic and environmental factors. In a Mayo Clinic Study of Aging cohort, we examined how risk factors like APOE genotype, age, and sex affect inflammatory molecules and AD biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Among cognitively unimpaired individuals over 65 ( N = 298), we measured 365 CSF inflammatory molecules, finding age, sex, and diabetes status predominantly influencing their levels. We observed age-related correlations with AD biomarkers such as total tau, phosphorylated tau-181, neurofilament light chain (NfL), and YKL40. APOE4 was associated with lower Aβ42 and higher SNAP25 in CSF. We explored baseline variables predicting cognitive decline risk, finding age, CSF Aβ42, NfL, and REG4 to be independently correlated. Subjects with older age, lower Aβ42, higher NfL, and higher REG4 at baseline had increased cognitive impairment risk during follow-up. This suggests that assessing CSF inflammatory molecules and AD biomarkers could predict cognitive impairment risk in the elderly.

Abstract Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have significantly improved outcomes for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, clinical management is challenging. The PD-L1 biomarker does not optimally guide the choice between ICI monotherapy and combination ICI-chemotherapy, and there are currently no biomarkers to predict immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Here, we describe a versatile platform based on plasma proteomics and machine learning for generating predictive tools to support treatment decisions. Methods: Pre-treatment plasma samples were collected from 616 NSCLC patients receiving ICI-based therapy (NCT04056247). Clinical benefit (CB) data and irAEs were recorded. Proteomic profiling of plasma samples was performed using the SomaScan® assay, covering ~7000 proteins per sample. Proteins associated with Clinical Benefit (progression-free survival at 12 months) were classified as resistance-associated proteins (RAPs). Proteins associated with grade ≥3 irAEs occurring within the first 100 days of treatment were classified as toxicity-associated proteins (TAPs). RAPs and TAPs were integrated into two separate machine learning-based models, yielding CB and irAE probabilities, respectively. The CB model used a CB probability threshold to assign patients a PROphet-positive or PROphet-negative result. Bioinformatic analysis was performed on RAPs and TAPs. Results: CB and irAE models displayed strong predictive performance with a high correlation between predicted probability and observed CB or irAE rate (CB model: R2=0.98; p-value<0.0001; irAE model: R2= 0.92; p-value <0.0001). In the CB model, patients classified as PROphet-positive achieved significantly longer overall survival (OS) than PROphet-negative patients, with a median OS of 25.9 vs. 10.8 months (hazard ratio, HR = 0.51; p-value<0.001). Furthermore, patients with PD-L1 ≥50% tumors and a PROphet-negative result had significantly longer OS with ICI-chemotherapy in comparison to ICI monotherapy (HR=0.23, p-value = 0.0003), suggesting that combination therapy is preferable for such patients despite high PD-L1 levels. Bioinformatic analysis showed that RAPs related to immune regulation, angiogenesis, chemo-resistance, and other potential resistance mechanisms displayed higher expression levels in patients who did not benefit from treatment. Neutrophil- and inflammation-related proteins were significantly enriched in patients who experienced irAEs. Conclusions: We describe two machine-learning based predictive tools that may be used separately or in combination to inform treatment decisions based on the patient’s likelihood to benefit from ICI therapy and to develop serious irAEs. Our findings also provide biological insights related to treatment resistance and immune-related toxicity. Citation Format: Michal Harel, Petros Christopoulos, Igor Puzanov, Jair Bar, Iris Kamer, Niels Reinmuth, Ina Koch, Mor Moskovitz, Adva Levy-Barda, Alona Zer, Michal Lotem, David Farrugia, Rivka Katzenelson, Gillian Price, Abed Agbarya, Helen Cheley, Adam Hassani, Mahmoud Abu-Amna, Tom Geldart, Anirban Chatterjee, Andreas Polychronis, Maya Gottfried, Yanyan Lou, Tatiana Harkovsky, Alison Brewster, Ido Wolf, Ella Tepper, Ben Yellin, Itamar Sela, Coren Lahav, Yehonatan Elon, Raya Leibowitz, Adam P. Dicker, Young Kwang Chae, Ryan J. Sullivan, David Carbone, David Gandara, Jarushka Naidoo. Plasma proteomics-based models for predicting therapeutic benefit and immune-related adverse events in non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with immunotherapy [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 1208.

PURPOSE Current guidelines for the management of metastatic non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without driver mutations recommend checkpoint immunotherapy with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, either alone or in combination with chemotherapy. This approach fails to account for individual patient variability and host immune factors and often results in less-than-ideal outcomes. To address the limitations of the current guidelines, we developed and subsequently blindly validated a machine learning algorithm using pretreatment plasma proteomic profiles for personalized treatment decisions. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a multicenter observational trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04056247 ) of patients undergoing PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor–based therapy (n = 540) and an additional patient cohort receiving chemotherapy (n = 85) who consented to pretreatment plasma and clinical data collection. Plasma proteome profiling was performed using SomaScan Assay v4.1. RESULTS Our test demonstrates a strong association between model output and clinical benefit (CB) from PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor–based treatments, evidenced by high concordance between predicted and observed CB ( R 2 = 0.98, P < .001). The test categorizes patients as either PROphet-positive or PROphet-negative and further stratifies patient outcomes beyond PD-L1 expression levels. The test successfully differentiates between PROphet-negative patients exhibiting high tumor PD-L1 levels (≥50%) who have enhanced overall survival when treated with a combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy compared with immunotherapy alone (hazard ratio [HR], 0.23 [95% CI, 0.1 to 0.51], P = .0003). By contrast, PROphet-positive patients show comparable outcomes when treated with immunotherapy alone or in combination with chemotherapy (HR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.42 to 1.44], P = .424). CONCLUSION Plasma proteome–based testing of individual patients, in combination with standard PD-L1 testing, distinguishes patient subsets with distinct differences in outcomes from PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor–based therapies. These data suggest that this approach can improve the precision of first-line treatment for metastatic NSCLC.

Background Inconsistent nomenclature and anatomical descriptions of regional anesthetic techniques hinder scientific communication and engender confusion; this in turn has implications for research, education and clinical implementation of regional anesthesia. Having produced standardized nomenclature for abdominal wall, paraspinal and chest wall regional anesthetic techniques, we aimed to similarly do so for upper and lower limb peripheral nerve blocks. Methods We performed a three-round Delphi international consensus study to generate standardized names and anatomical descriptions of upper and lower limb regional anesthetic techniques. A long list of names and anatomical description of blocks of upper and lower extremities was produced by the members of the steering committee. Subsequently, two rounds of anonymized voting and commenting were followed by a third virtual round table to secure consensus for items that remained outstanding after the first and second rounds. As with previous methodology, strong consensus was defined as ≥75% agreement and weak consensus as 50%–74% agreement. Results A total of 94, 91 and 65 collaborators participated in the first, second and third rounds, respectively. We achieved strong consensus for 38 names and 33 anatomical descriptions, and weak consensus for five anatomical descriptions. We agreed on a template for naming peripheral nerve blocks based on the name of the nerve and the anatomical location of the blockade and identified several areas for future research. Conclusions We achieved consensus on nomenclature and anatomical descriptions of regional anesthetic techniques for upper and lower limb nerve blocks, and recommend using this framework in clinical and academic practice. This should improve research, teaching and learning of regional anesthesia to eventually improve patient care.

370 Background: Mounting evidence suggests tailored preparation targeting geriatric vulnerabilities can improve functional outcomes after major surgery in older adults. Although many surgeons express interest in surgical optimization of older patients, few practices have the time or expertise to deliver geriatric prehabilitation before surgery. This study investigated the effectiveness of OPTI-Surg, a frailty prehabilitation toolkit, for improving surgical outcomes. In this abstract, we report adherence to the OPTI-Surg toolkit in the intervention arm. Methods: Thoracic (T), gastrointestinal (GI), and urologic (GU) oncological surgery practices affiliated with NCI’s Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) were randomized 1:1:1, stratified by practice type, to usual care (control), OPTI-Surg toolkit, or OPTI-Surg with an implementation coach. The toolkit was implemented at the practice level and consisted of the 12-item Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS) and guided recommendations for interventions including referrals directed at identified vulnerabilities. Eligible patients were ≥70 years old and undergoing curative intent surgery for T, Gl, or GU cancers. Results: From July 2019 to October 2021, 155 patients were enrolled in the OPTI-Surg intervention arm. The EFS was administered to 153 (98.7%) of the enrolled patients, 143 of whom went on to have surgery. Overall, 134 (93.7%) surgical patients had at least one deficit identified on the EFS assessment and 55 (41.0%) of these patients received a recommended referral intended to optimize surgical outcomes. Among the 55 patients who received referrals, 44 (80.0%) followed through on the referral. Individual deficit rates were highest for medication use, general health status, and functional performance, and referrals were most frequently made for deficits in continence and functional independence (Table). Conclusions: In the OPTI-Surg geriatric surgical optimization trial, implementation of the frailty screening with the EFS assessment was successful. Rates of recommended referrals for patients with identified deficits, however, were low. When referred, most patients followed through for targeted prehabilitation. Clinical trial information: NCT03857620 .[Table: see text]

314 Background: In a recent trial, we observed no statistically significant increase in engagement after a web-based decision aid (DA) was delivered to breast cancer patients prior to a surgical consult. However, a minority of the intervention group (44%) reviewed the DA. The objective is to assess the effect of the DA on engagement for the cohort of patients who reviewed it. Methods: A stepped wedge trial was conducted with 10 NCI Community Oncology Research Program clinics that care for a high proportion of socioeconomically disadvantaged patients (6/2019-12/2021). Clinics were randomized to time of transition from usual care (UC) to delivery of a DA. Patients with stage 0-3 breast cancer eligible for surgery provided consent prior to a surgical consult. Engagement was measured from audio-recorded surgical consults (Active Patient Behaviors, Street protocol). For this analysis, we identified a cohort of treatment compliant (TC) patients who reviewed the DA. Intervention effects comparing TC and UC groups were tested with linear mixed-effects models, accounting for time, enrollment post-COVID, and patient age, race, education, and socioeconomic disadvantage (assessed with Area Deprivation Index and dichotomized). Exploratory models were generated using Active Patient Behavior subcomponents (asking questions, assertive responses, expressions of concern) as the outcome. Results: The cohort includes 407 patients (UC 264; TC 143). TC patients were more likely to be white (TC 73%, UC 64%, p=0.03), have a college degree (TC 65%, UC 55%, p=0.05), and not be disadvantaged (TC 89%, UC 72%, p=0.001). TC was associated with increased engagement (8.2 [0.08, 16.2], p=0.048, Table). A college degree was associated with higher, while black race and socioeconomic disadvantage lower, engagement. On exploratory analyses, TC had a stronger association with higher levels of assertive responses (2.9 [-0.3, 6.1], p=0.07) compared with asking questions (5.2 [-1.4, 11.9], p=0.12) or expressions of concern (0.08 [-0.60, 0.76], p=0.82). Conclusions: We observed increased engagement in breast cancer patients who reviewed a DA prior to a surgical consult. However, we also observed differences based on race, education, and socioeconomic disadvantage. Further research will identify adjunct interventions to combine with the DA to improve cancer care delivery for diverse populations. Support: UG1 CA189823; AHRQ R01HS025194; https://acknowledgments.alliancefound.org. Clinical trial information: NCT03766009 .[Table: see text]