Citations

Abstract Introduction Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is an effective treatment for basilar artery occlusion (BAO) stroke in select patients. While there is a growing body of literature suggesting that advanced imaging modalities such as computed tomography perfusion (CTP) and magnetic resonance (MR) may not be necessary for selecting anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke patients for EVT, whether advanced imaging may be superior to conventional imaging (non-contrast CT and CT angiography) in identifying good treatment candidates among BAO patients is less clear. Patients and methods This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study of BAO EVT patients treated from 2013 to 2022 in the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry. Patients selected for EVT by advanced imaging (CTP or MR) were matched with those selected by conventional imaging using propensity score matching (PSM) accounting for possible confounders. Primary outcome was functional independence at 90 days. Other outcomes include bedridden state or death at 90-days and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Results 268 patients were included. 150 patients were selected for BAO EVT by conventional imaging, 86 by CTP, and 32 by MR. Patients selected by advanced imaging were significantly older than those selected by conventional imaging (median age 71 vs 64 years, p = 0.001); patient characteristics were otherwise similar between cohorts. After PSM, 90-day outcomes were similar between the two cohorts (p = 0.56), with similar rates of functional independence (39.4% vs 35.1%, p = 0.65), bedridden state or death (40.4% vs 44.7%, p = 0.66), and sICH (3.3% vs 5.7%, p = 0.49) for conventional and advanced imaging groups, respectively. Results were similar across treatment time windows (all p > 0.05). Conclusions Selecting patients for basilar EVT using conventional versus advanced imaging did not result in different clinical outcomes, regardless of treatment time windows. Conventional imaging appears sufficient as a first-line tool for selecting basilar EVT patients in routine clinical practice.

Abstract Background Recent trials have furthered uncertainty regarding the endovascular benefit for medium vessel occlusions (MeVO). Stent retrievers (SR) were employed in the first attempt in most interventional arm participants. We sought to compare outcomes in acute MCA M2 occlusions between frontline aspiration and SR, and to delineate procedural and anatomical covariates associated with differential treatment effect. Methods Retrospective analysis of a multicenter stroke thrombectomy cohort identified cases of MT for M2 occlusions. Unmatched and propensity score-matched (PSM) cohorts were generated comparing frontline aspiration to standalone and combined SR. The primary outcome was functional independence (mRS 0–2) at 90 days. Recanalization, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), mortality, and the effect of M2 laterality, division occlusion and procedure time were assessed. Results About 1734 patients with M2 occlusions underwent either frontline aspiration (n = 711) or SR/combined (n = 958) thrombectomy between 2013 and 2024. PSM analysis favored aspiration for functional independence (49.9% vs 44.0%, OR 1.27 (1.03–1.57)), complete recanalization (61.2% vs 48.7%, OR 1.66 (1.34–2.05)), complete first pass effect (35.0% vs 27.6%, OR 1.42 (1.13–1.78)), and sICH (3.5% vs 6.2%, OR 0.55 (0.33–0.91)), with no difference in mortality. Frontline aspiration had significantly shorter procedural times (median 28 [IQR 15–49.5] vs 51 [IQR 35–78] minutes; p < 0.001). For every minute increase in procedure time, the probability of functional independence decreased significantly (p < 0.001) less with frontline aspiration (0.35%) compared to SR/combined (1.61%). Conclusion Frontline aspiration for M2 occlusions resulted in better clinical and angiographic outcomes compared to SRs. Future trials for MeVO with a focus on contact aspiration thrombectomy may succeed where recent trials have failed.

Abstract Background Intracranial mesenchymal tumors, FET::CREB fusion-positive (ICMT), show fusions involving FET RNA-binding protein family genes (EWSR1 or FUS) and CREB family of transcription factors (ATF1, CREB1, or CREM). The methylation signature(s), gene expression characteristics, and clinical behavior of this important tumor type require further characterization. Methods We study the methylation profiles of 81 ICMT cases (61 newly profiled cases and 20 cases from publicly available sources). Clinicopathologic and genomic data were recorded for each case when available. Results ICMT showed a relatively distinct methylation signature compared to related tumors. Among the 65 cases where fusion types were documented, the identified fusions included EWSR1::ATF1 (25 cases), EWSR1::CREB1 (12 cases), EWSR1::CREM (21 cases), FUS::CREM (3 cases), and SMARCA2::CREM (4 cases). We confirmed the prior description of 2 distinct subgroups of ICMT (subclasses A and B). The majority of the cases belonged to subclass A (n = 69; 85%), which showed a higher median age compared to subclass B patients (26 years vs. 15 years). Subclass B cases (n = 12; 15%) showed shorter progression-free survival (P < 0.01). Gene expression analysis of ICMT showed key overexpressed markers in ICMT, with significant CREM overexpression regardless of fusion type, when compared to either meningioma alone or a larger group of CNS tumors. Conclusions This work provides further characterization of ICMT as an important CNS mesenchymal neoplasm that is prone to tumor recurrence, showing 2 prognostically relevant methylation subclasses and warranting diagnostic distinction from other epigenetically and histologically related tumors. ICMTs show substantial overexpression of the CREM gene, independent of fusion type.

Abstract Patent foramen ovale (PFO) has a prevalence of approximately 25%. Its association with pyogenic brain abscess (PBA) is unclear. We reviewed adults with PBA and known PFO status from 1 January 2009 through 31 December 2021 at Mayo Clinic. High PFO prevalence (40.5%) was seen. PBA patients with PFO had distinct abscess characteristics but unchanged 1-year, all-cause mortality.

Sharing research code in an open access version-controlled repository offers significant benefits for both science as a whole and for individual researchers. In this article, we focus on this practice, which is fully aligned with the NIH’s Gold Standard Science (GSS) program as well as FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) and TRUST (transparency, responsibility, user focus, sustainability, technology) principles. Gold Standard Science supports open science by emphasizing transparency, reproducibility, and the use of best practices that enable others to verify and extend research. Pairing a research article’s cited data snapshot with a versioned, environment-specific code release, deposited in a companion code repository, ensures that, upon submission to a medical journal, readers and reviewers can directly verify results. An executable and updatable companion code repository complements, rather than replaces, established research data repositories. When code underlying medical research results is made openly available, then other scientists can inspect, run, and validate analyses. These activities enhance reproducibility, which is a core aim of GSS. Shared code also facilitates collaborative innovation by allowing researchers to extend the utility of the code to new datasets and applications. For researchers, code sharing can increase visibility, credibility, and citation impact. Demonstrating transparency through shared executable and updatable code builds trust with journal readers, peer reviewers, funders, and peers. Shared code in an open access repository signals adherence to high standards of scientific integrity and attracts opportunities for collaboration. A researcher who shares code receives recognition as a leader in reproducible, trustworthy research consistent with NIH’s GSS principles.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) represents a biologically and clinically heterogeneous group of biliary tract malignancies. Growing evidence underscores that the 3 major anatomic subtypes—intrahepatic (iCCA), perihilar (pCCA), and distal (dCCA)—are distinct tumor entities rather than a single disease. Each subtype differs in embryologic origin, carcinogenesis mechanisms, molecular landscape, and immunogenic profile, all of which contribute to variability in diagnosis, treatment responsiveness, and prognosis. The importance of understanding these distinctions is reinforced by the rising global incidence of CCA, which highlights the need for precision medicine approaches based on these subtypes. Recent advances have deepened our insight into subtype-specific risk factors, including chronic biliary diseases and metabolic conditions, while artificial intelligence–driven tools are improving diagnostic accuracy and risk stratification. Surgical innovations now allow for more tailored resections and perioperative care, and therapeutic strategies are increasingly guided by molecular and immune profiling. Emerging strategies for early diagnosis and chemoprevention in high-risk populations further emphasize the significance of recognizing the unique biology of each subtype. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the distinct anatomic subsets of CCA, integrating their molecular and biological foundations with clinical management to inform practice and guide future research.

Abstract Aims Left bundle branch block (LBBB) is associated with mechanical dyssynchrony, heterogeneous perfusion, and adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling. However, not all patients with LBBB develop cardiomyopathy, and dyssynchrony can occur without conduction defects. The role of microvascular dysfunction remains uncertain. We aimed to assess how mechanical dyssynchrony and perfusion heterogeneity relate to LV remodeling and function in patients with and without LBBB. Methods and results We retrospectively analyzed 233 patients with isolated LBBB and 932 matched controls who underwent PET myocardial perfusion imaging, assessing mechanical dyssynchrony (phase entropy), myocardial blood flow (MBF), coronary vascular resistance (CVR), myocardial flow reserve (MFR), septal-to-lateral MBF ratio (SLR) for perfusion heterogeneity, LV volumes, and ejection fraction (EF). Compared to controls, patients with LBBB had greater dyssynchrony (56% vs. 40%), larger LV volumes, and lower EF (54% vs. 67%) (all p <0.001), and had higher stress CVR (37 vs. 34 mmHg/mL·min⁻¹·g⁻¹), lower stress MBF (2.4 vs. 2.6 mL/min/g), reduced MFR (2.4 vs. 2.6), and lower SLR (0.95 vs. 1.00) (all p <0.05). Among patients with dyssynchrony, SLR<1.0 identified those with more adverse remodeling. In multivariable regression, phase entropy and SLR independently predicted LV volumes and EF, with adverse effects of SLR reduction amplified in LBBB (interaction p <0.01). In the Cox proportional hazards analysis, phase entropy (HR:1.02, p =0.01), MFR (HR:0.62, p <0.001), and LVEF (HR:0.97, p <0.001) were independently associated with mortality and heart failure hospitalization, whereas LBBB was not. Conclusions Mechanical dyssynchrony and perfusion heterogeneity independently predict adverse LV remodeling, irrespective of LBBB. Integrated imaging enhances cardiomyopathy stratification.

761 Background: Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β (GSK-3β) is a known therapeutic target in cancer including pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The combination of elraglusib (9-ING-41), a novel GSK-3 inhibitor, and gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (GnP) is being evaluated as first-line therapy for patients with metastatic PDAC (mPDAC). We previously reported topline results indicating that the 1801 Part 3B phase 2 trial (NCT03678883) met its primary endpoint, showing a clinically meaningful survival benefit in patients treated with elraglusib/GnP compared to GnP alone. Here, we examined whether gene mutations correlated with clinical outcomes in mPDAC patients enrolled in this randomized phase 2 trial. Methods: For mutational analysis, archival tumor and/or plasma samples were obtained from 53 (GnP group) and 117 (elraglusib/GnP group) patients with previously untreated mPDAC. Cell-free DNA and/or tumor-extracted DNA were analyzed using the next generation sequencing. The comparison of the response rates was performed with the use of Chi-square tests. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were compared by log-rank (Mantel-Cox) tests. Results: Mutational analysis identified frequently mutated genes (detectable in ≥25% of patients): KRAS (141/170, 83%), TP53 (121/170, 71%), and CDKN2A (56/170, 33%). Mutations in KRAS, TP53, or CDKN2A genes did not correlate with objective response rate. Based on 81% of the recorded death events in the elraglusib/GnP group and 91% in the GnP group (topline data April, 2025), KRAS and TP53 gene mutations were associated with worse overall survival (OS) in patients treated with elraglusib/GnP (p<0.05) but not in GnP-treated patients. The rate of triple (KRAS+TP53+CDKN2A) mutations was significantly higher in the patients with OS<2 months as compared to the patients with OS>2 months in the elraglusib/GnP group (p<0.05) but not in the GnP group. Conclusions: Our preliminary results identified KRAS and TP53 gene mutations as potential predictive biomarkers of clinical outcome in elraglusib/GnP-treated mPDAC patients. Updated OS data and mutational analysis will be included in the final presentation. Clinical trial information: NCT03678883 .

653 Background: Elraglusib (9-ING-41), a novel small molecule inhibitor of GSK-3ß, has a multimodal mechanism of action that enhances chemotherapy cytotoxicity and regulates anti-tumor immune cell response. Elraglusib was evaluated in a randomized, open-label, phase 2 study (NCT03678883) comparing elraglusib/GnP vs GnP in previously untreated mPDAC. Methods: Pts were randomized 2:1 to GnP plus elraglusib 9.3 mg/kg IV once weekly or GnP. Primary endpoint was mOS, with 1-yr OS rate estimates summarizing clinical benefit throughout the study. Secondary endpoints were ORR, mPFS, and TEAEs/TRAEs. Pre-dose cytokines, mutational analysis, and immunophenotyping were correlated with outcomes. An oral presentation at ASCO 2025 discussed preliminary data. Results: As of 27 April 2025, the primary analysis set included 155 pts in the elraglusib/GnP arm and 78 pts in the GnP arm, with 52.8% males and 57.5% ECOG PS 1. The 1-yr OS rate was 44.1% with elraglusib/GnP vs 22.3% with GnP; the mOS was 10.1 mo with elraglusib/GnP vs 7.2 mo with GnP (HR, 0.62; p=0.01) with approximately 79% events recorded (25.8% of pts on elraglusib/GnP and 10.3% on GnP were censored with the majority at >12 mo OS). Improved OS with elraglusib/GnP was consistent across all randomized pts and subgroups regardless of liver metastases, ECOG status, or baseline CA 19-9 levels. Most common TRAE with elraglusib/GnP was grade 1-2 transient visual impairment (66.5% pts vs 0 with GnP). Most common grade ≥3 TEAEs with elraglusib/GnP (vs GnP) were neutropenia 52.3% (vs 30.8%) and anemia 25.2% (vs 29.5%). No differences in sepsis/febrile neutropenia rates were between arms. RAS , TP53 and CDKN2A co-mutations were associated with worse OS in the elraglusib/GnP arm only (p<0.05). Elevation in pre-dose cytokines including CXCL2 correlated with improved OS in the elraglusib/GnP arm. Additionally, increased CD8+ T cells, granzyme B, and NK cells and reduced MDSCs were observed in elraglusib-treated tumors. Conclusions: A significant benefit for 1-yr OS and mOS and a favorable trend for ORR were observed with the addition of elraglusib to GnP. The mOS was lower in the GnP arm vs historical studies, likely due to early deaths in the first 2 months, but aligns with mOS estimates in the real-world analysis with broad heterogeneous population. Our study included 19.7% pts with albumin <3.0 g/dL and >25% with CA 19.9 levels > 8,000 U/mL. Immune correlates support elraglusib’s immune-modulatory role. Final efficacy data cut-off in Dec 2025 and correlative studies will be presented. Clinical trial information: NCT03678883 . Outcome Elraglusib/GnPN=155 GnPN=78 Primary endpoint: mOS (mo)HR=0.62; log-rank p=0.01 10.1 7.2 Events, n (%) 115 (74.2) 70 (89.7) Primary endpoint: 1-yr OS (%) 44.1 22.3 18-month OS (%) 20.5 4.4 24-month OS (%) 13.2 0 mPFS (mo)HR=0.9; p=NS 5.6 5.1 Events, n (%) 136 (87.7) 75 (96.2) ORR, n (%) 44 (28.4) 17 (21.8)

292 Background: Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) has high expression in cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment of many solid tumor malignancies. [ 18 F]FAPI-74 is a fluorine-18 labeled FAP-targeting PET imaging tracer with promising characteristics for detection of malignant disease in a variety of cancers. In this multicenter prospective Phase 2 trial, we hypothesized that [ 18 F]FAPI-74 PET would have a high positive predictive value (PPV) for detecting FAP-expressing tumor tissue in a variety of gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies. Methods: This Phase 2 multicenter trial was conducted in the United States at MGH, MSKCC, BAMF, Northwell, UCLA and Mayo (NCT05641896). Eligible GI cancers in the study included hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, gastric, esophageal, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer. Each subject underwent one [ 18 F]FAPI-74 PET scan, and a tissue sample was obtained by biopsy and/or surgical resection. The imaging reads were performed centrally by experienced PET readers. The primary objective was to evaluate the PPV of [ 18 F]FAPI-74 PET in detecting FAP-expressing cells from patient collected tissues using centrally evaluated immunohistochemistry (IHC) with positivity defined by the sponsor as an H score higher than 50. The secondary objective was to evaluate the safety profile of [ 18 F]FAPI-74 and its PPV in detecting the presence of GI malignancies using histopathology as the standard of truth. Results: The trial was activated in May 2023, with the last patient imaged in Jan 2025. Of 103 subjects with GI malignancies, the primary site was gastroesophageal in 46 (45%), pancreatic in 22 (21%), colorectal in 17 (17%), hepatobiliary in 10 (10%) and of other GI origin in 8 (8%) cancers. 60 participants were male and 43 female. In total, 60 patients had viable and representative tissue data for efficacy analysis of primary and secondary endpoints. No serious adverse events were reported because of the investigational product. The PPV of [ 18 F]FAPI-74 PET to detect FAP-expressing cells using IHC was 100% (52/52). The sensitivity and specificity for the detection of FAP were 90% (52/58) and 100% (2/2) respectively. The PPVs of [ 18 F]FAPI-74 PET to detect cancer using histopathology as truth standard was 94% (49/52). The sensitivity for the detection of disease was 91% (49/54). Conclusions: The Phase 2 study in GI cancers demonstrates that [ 18 F]FAPI-74 PET detects FAP expression and presence of disease in cancers of the GI tract. PPV of 100% for primary objective and 94% for secondary objective were determined. These results support initiation of a Phase 3 study of [ 18 F]FAPI-74 PET in patients with GI cancers. In addition, [ 18 F]FAPI-74 PET’s reliability in visualizing FAP expression cells in the tumor microenvironment supports a further role in selection of patients for FAP-directed therapies. Clinical trial information: NCT05641896 .