Citations

Purpose: Part II of this consensus aimed to provide recommendations for the prevention of meniscus injuries, nonoperative treatment of acute tears and degenerative lesions, return to sports and patient-reported outcome measures. Methods: This consensus followed the European Society of Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology and Arthroscopy (ESSKA) formal consensus methodology. For this combined ESSKA—American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM)—American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy (AASPT) initiative, 67 experts from 14 countries, including orthopedic surgeons and physiotherapists, were involved. The 26 Steering Group members established guiding questions, screened the existing evidence, and proposed statements, and provided Grades of recommendations. The 41 Rating Group members assessed the statements according to a Likert scale (1–9). Final documents were assessed by an international peer review group for geographical adaptability. Results: Low to moderate scientific level of evidence was available, so that grades of recommendations were low (3 Grade A ratings, 4 Grade B, 3 Grade C and 13 Grade D), underlining the relevance of this consensus. One strong and 17 relative agreements with overall median of 8 (8–9) and a mean of 7.92 ± 0.37 were achieved for 23 statements on 18 questions. Prevention of meniscus injuries is possible with general knee injury reduction programs and through avoidance of certain activities. Non-operative treatment including physical therapy is the first line approach for degenerative meniscus lesions and may be an option for some acute tears. Return to sports after meniscus tear surgery should be both criterion-based and timebased. Patient reported outcomes in combination with performance-based measures are recommended to evaluate the rehabilitation process. Conclusion: This international EU–US consensus established recommendations for prevention strategies, describes rehabilitation of nonoperated patients and of patients after partial meniscectomy, meniscus repair and meniscus reconstruction, and establishes return to sport criteria. These updated and structured recommendations may be applied by surgeons and physiotherapists. Level of Evidence: Level I, consensus.

AbstractPurposePart two of this consensus aimed to provide recommendations for the prevention of meniscus injuries, non‐operative treatment of acute tears and degenerative lesions, return to sports and patient‐reported outcome measures.MethodsThis consensus followed the European Society of Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology and Arthroscopy (ESSKA) formal consensus methodology. For this combined ESSKA—American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM)—American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy (AASPT) initiative, 67 experts from 14 countries, including orthopedic surgeons and physiotherapists, were involved. The 26 Steering Group members established guiding questions, screened the existing evidence, and proposed statements, and provided Grades of recommendations. The 41 Rating Group members assessed the statements according to a Likert scale (1–9). Final documents were assessed by an international peer review group for geographical adaptability.ResultsLow to moderate scientific level of evidence was available, so that grades of recommendations were low (three Grade A ratings, four Grade B, three Grade C and 13 Grade D), underlining the relevance of this consensus. One strong and 17 relative agreements with overall median of 8 (8–9) and a mean of 7.92 ± 0.37 were achieved for 23 statements on 18 questions. Prevention of meniscus injuries is possible with general knee injury reduction programmes and through avoidance of certain activities. Non‐operative treatment including physical therapy is the first line approach for degenerative meniscus lesions and may be an option for some acute tears. Return to sports after meniscus tear surgery should be both criterion‐based and time‐based. Patient reported outcomes in combination with performance‐based measures are recommended to evaluate the rehabilitation process.ConclusionThis international EU–US consensus established recommendations for prevention strategies, describes rehabilitation of non‐operated patients and of patients after partial meniscectomy, meniscus repair and meniscus reconstruction, and establishes return to sport criteria. These updated and structured recommendations may be applied by surgeons and physiotherapists.Level of EvidenceLevel I, consensus.

Purpose The aim of part-one of this EU-US consensus was to combine literature research and expertise to provide recommendations for the usage of rehabilitation (including physical therapy) of patients undergoing surgical treatment for degenerative meniscus lesions or acute meniscus tears (including meniscectomy, repair, or reconstruction). Prevention programs, non-operative treatment of acute tears and degenerative lesions, return to sports and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) will be presented in a part-II article. Methods This consensus followed ESSKA “formal consensus” methodology. For this combined ESSKA (European Society for Sports Traumatology and Arthroscopy), AOSSM (American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine), ASSPT (American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy) initiative, 67 experts (26 in the steering group and 41 in the rating group) from 14 countries (USA and 13 European countries) including orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine doctors and physiotherapists were involved. Steering group members established guiding questions, searched the literature, proposed statements. Rating group members assessed the statements according to a Likert scale and provided grades of recommendations reaching final agreement about rehabilitation of the knee after meniscus surgery. Final documents were then assessed by a peer review group to adress the geographical adaptability. Results The overall level of evidence of the literature was low. Of the 19 questions (leading to 29 statements), one received a grade A of recommendation, two a grade B, nine a grade C and 17 a Grade D. Nevertheless, the mean median rating of all questions was 8.2/9 (9 being the highest rating on a scale of 1-9) and the global mean rating was 8.4+/-0.2, indicating a high agreement. Rehabilitation depends on the type of lesion, the treatment performed and is the same after medial or lateral meniscus surgery. Rehabilitation after meniscectomy should follow a criterion-based rehabilitation protocol, based on milestones rather than a time-based protocol. After meniscus repair and reconstruction, rehabilitation should be progressed according to both time and criterion-based milestones. Conclusion Rehabilitation after meniscus surgery is a debated topic that may influence surgical outcomes if not optimally performed. This international formal consensus established clear, updated, and structured recommendations for both surgeons and physiotherapists treating patients after meniscus surgery. Level of Evidence I, Consensus.

Abstract Purpose The aim of part one of this EU‐US consensus was to combine literature research and expertise to provide recommendations for the usage of rehabilitation (including physical therapy) of patients undergoing surgical treatment for degenerative meniscus lesions or acute meniscus tears (including meniscectomy, repair, or reconstruction). Prevention programmes, non‐operative treatment of acute tears and degenerative lesions, return to sports and patient‐reported outcome measures will be presented in a part II article. Methods This consensus followed the European Society for Sports Traumatology and Arthroscopy (ESSKA)'s ‘formal consensus’ methodology. For this combined ESSKA, American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine and American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy initiative, 67 experts (26 in the steering group and 41 in the rating group) from 14 countries (US and 13 European countries), including orthopaedic surgeons, sports medicine doctors and physiotherapists were involved. Steering group members established guiding questions, searched the literature and proposed statements. Rating group members assessed the statements according to a Likert scale and provided grades of recommendations, reaching a final agreement about rehabilitation of the knee after meniscus surgery. Final documents were then assessed by a peer review group to address the geographical adaptability. Results The overall level of evidence in the literature was low. Of the 19 questions (leading to 29 statements), 1 received a Grade A of recommendation, 2 a Grade B, 9 a Grade C and 17 a Grade D. Nevertheless, the mean median rating of all questions was 8.2/9 (9 being the highest rating on a scale of 1–9). The global mean rating was 8.4 ± 0.2, indicating a high agreement. Rehabilitation depends on the type of lesion, the treatment performed and is the same after medial or lateral meniscus surgery. Rehabilitation after meniscectomy should follow a criterion‐based rehabilitation protocol, based on milestones rather than a time‐based protocol. After meniscus repair and reconstruction, rehabilitation should be progressed according to both time and criterion‐based milestones. Conclusion Rehabilitation after meniscus surgery is a debated topic that may influence surgical outcomes if not optimally performed. This international formal consensus established clear, updated and structured recommendations for both surgeons and physiotherapists treating patients after meniscus surgery. Level of Evidence Level I, consensus.

EndMT has been reported to contribute to the pathogenesis of PAH. In this study, we aimed to determine the role of Ca 2+ signaling in the development of EndMT in human lung vascular endothelial cells. Our data suggest that TGF-β 1 requires store-operated Ca 2+ entry through STIM1/Orai channels to induce SNAI-mediated EndMT. For the first time, we demonstrated that TGF-β 1 -induced EndMT is a Ca 2+ -dependent event, whereas inhibition of STIM1/Orai interaction attenuated EndMT in response to TGF-β 1 .

Over the past decade, stress echocardiography has evolved from a test for assessing epicardial artery stenosis to a comprehensive functional test, targeting multiple cardiovascular parameters. The new approach includes several structured steps: (a) evaluating regional wall motion abnormalities to detect epicardial artery stenosis or vasospasm; (b) assessing pulmonary congestion and diastolic function via B-lines with lung ultrasound; (c) gauging preload and contractile reserve with volumetric echocardiography; (d) measuring coronary microvascular reserve using Doppler-based coronary flow velocity in the middistal left anterior descending artery; and (e) determining cardiac sympathetic reserve by tracking heart rate reserve on an ECG. This evolution was supported extensively by the Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging (SIECVI), which played a key role in five areas: (1) developing the initial, curiosity-driven project; (2) disseminating protocols and results at national and international conferences, supporting logistic infrastructure and publication expenses; (3) establishing a digital platform (customized Redcap) for data entry and storage; (4) facilitating patient recruitment across 19 Italian centers; and (5) offering formal endorsement through six presidencies, adding credibility and reach beyond any single institution. The protocol quickly advanced from concept to high-impact publications, earning inclusion in 2024 specialty guidelines. Initially Italian-led, the study now includes 50 centers across 20 countries (e.g. USA and China). Beyond the 50 peer-reviewed papers published in 2016–2024, this study offers a novel, sustainable approach to cardiac stress testing, providing more information at lower costs, with zero radiation and minimal environmental impact. SIECVI’s endorsement was instrumental in amplifying the study’s rigor and outreach.

Abstract Background: Savo is an oral, potent and highly selective MET-TKI. In the Phase 2 SAVANNAH study (NCT03778229), savo + osi had a high rate of durable responses in pts with EGFRm advanced NSCLC and high MET OverExp and/or Amp levels. Early clearance of plasma EGFRm may predict outcomes. We report an exploratory analysis of plasma EGFRm clearance and its association with MET tissue biomarker status, ORR and PFS. Methods: Pts with EGFRm advanced NSCLC and MET OverExp and/or Amp with PD on 1L+ osi received savo 300 mg QD, 300 mg BID or 600 mg QD + osi 80 mg QD. MET OverExp/Amp was centrally confirmed (by IHC [Roche], 3+ intensity in ≥50% of tumor cells [MET IHC3+/≥50%]; by FISH [Abbott Molecular], MET gene copy number ≥5 or MET:CEP7 ratio ≥2 [FISH5+], or at higher thresholds of MET IHC3+/≥90% or FISH10+). Baseline (BL) and Wk 3 plasma EGFRm (Ex19del/L858R) were analyzed by ddPCR (Biodesix) as an estimate of tumor burden. MET Amp was not monitored in ctDNA due to low detection sensitivity. Clearance was defined as undetected EGFRm ctDNA at Wk 3, when detected at BL. PFS was investigator-assessed (RECIST 1.1). DCO: Aug 23, 2024. Results: Of 344 pts with evaluable BL ctDNA, 259 (75%) had detected EGFRm ctDNA. Of these, 225 had evaluable ctDNA at Wk 3 (82 [36%] had EGFRm clearance at Wk 3). Confirmed ORR was higher in pts with EGFRm Wk 3 clearance (56/82; 68%) vs non-clearance (38/143; 27%). PFS was longer in pts with vs without EGFRm clearance at Wk 3 (Table). Across all pts evaluable for ctDNA at Wk 3, clearance rates were higher in pts with vs without high MET (69/162 [43%] vs 13/63 [21%]; odds ratio [95% CI] 0.35 [0.16, 0.72]). Similar results were seen in the savo 300 mg QD + osi subgroup. Conclusions: In SAVANNAH, among pts with detected EGFRm ctDNA at BL, clearance at Wk 3 was associated with improved ORR and PFS. Plasma EGFRm clearance at Wk 3 is enriched in pts with MET IHC3+/≥90% or FISH10+ status, consistent with improved efficacy in this biomarker subgroup. Citation Format: Jonathan W. Riess, Filippo de Marinis, Benjamin Levy, Tae Min Kim, Laura Bonanno, Quincy Chu, Marcello Tiseo, Adrian Sacher, Silvia Novello, Christina Baik, Lyudmila Bazhenova, Jacques Cadranel, Giulio Metro, Cheng-Ta Yang, Tsung-Ying Yang, Gee-Chen Chang, Konstantinos Leventakos, Lorenzo Livi, James Chih-Hsin Yang, Lecia V. Sequist, John Argue, Wanning Xu, Aleksandra Markovets, Ryan Hartmaier, Myung-Ju Ahn. SAVANNAH: Clearance of plasma EGFRm in patients with EGFRm MET-overexpressed (OverExp) and/or -amplified (Amp) NSCLC post-osimertinib (osi) treated with savolitinib (savo) + osi [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_2):Abstract nr LB416.

The global burden of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) continues to rise, driven by increasing metabolic risk factors such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, and type II diabetes. Patients with advanced HCC have limited therapeutic options and a dismal prognosis. While recent advancements in combination therapies—including immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 and anti-CTLA-4 agents and anti-angiogenics—have improved survival for some, up to 80% of patients fail to respond, underscoring an unmet need for new strategies. Emerging data indicate a strong association between increased tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and better responses in ICB-treated HCC, suggesting TIL enhancement as a promising approach. However, HCC’s inherent low immunogenicity and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) limit the efficacy of current TIL-promoting strategies. Here, we demonstrate that low-dose intratumoral immunotherapy using the trivalent MMR vaccine—composed of live attenuated measles, mumps, and rubella viruses—modulates TME immune infiltration, increases cytotoxic T cell frequency, and delays tumor growth in multiple murine HCC models. Importantly, intratumoral or systemic MMR administration in combination with dual ICB (anti-mPD-1/anti-mCTLA-4) significantly prolongs survival, promoting tumor-specific and memory immune responses in both subcutaneous and orthotopic HCC models. These findings reveal a unique mechanism of vaccine-induced anti-tumor activity, highlighting MMR as a viable, globally accessible option for enhancing immune responses in advanced HCC therapy. Citation Format: Mulu Z. Tesfay,Aleksandra Cios,Khandoker U. Randal S. Shelton,Bahaa Mustafa,Camila C. Simoes,Steven Post,Thomas Kelly,Moaven Moaven,Lewis R. Roberts,Mitesh J. Borad,Martin J. Cannon,Alexei Basnakian,Nagalo Bolni. Live attenuated MMR vaccines modulate tumor immune cell infiltration and synergize with standard of care to prolong survival in preclinical HCC models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 945.