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3029 citation(s) found for "Susan, M".

The Distinct Role of Family History and Polygenic Risk Scores of Psychiatric Disorders on Lithium Response in Bipolar Disorder
Ercis, Mete , Coombes, Brandon J., Beaupre, Lindsay Melhuish , Solares‐Bravo, Melissa, Moore, Katherine M. , Betcher, Hannah K. , Romo‐Nava, Francisco , Ozerdem, Aysegul, Bond, David J., Prieto, Miguel L. , McElroy, Susan L., Frye, Mark A. , Bond, David J. , Melhuish Beaupre, Lindsay M , Romo-Nava, F , Cuellar-Barboza, Alfredo , Prieto, Miguel L , Frye, Mark , Biernacka, Joanna , Singh, Balwinder , Bond, David J , Ercis, Mete , Coombes, Brandon J. , Solares‐Bravo, Melissa , Veldić, Marin , Ozerdem, Aysegul, Cuéllar‐Barboza, Alfredo B. , McElroy, Susan L. , Biernacka, Joanna M. , Singh, Balwinder

Bipolar Disorders | June 10, 2026 | Volume: 28 | Issue: 4 | Pages: No page available

10.1111/bdi.70126 | PMID 42265849 Get It

ABSTRACT Background This study aimed to explore the effect of family history (FH) and polygenic risk scores (PRS) for multiple psychiatric disorders on lithium response in bipolar disorder (BD). Method The sample included patients from the Mayo Clinic BD Biobank. FH in first‐degree relatives was obtained via the patient questionnaire. Linear regression models tested the association of FH and PRS for BD, major depressive disorder (MDD), schizophrenia (SCZ), alcohol use disorder (AUD), anxiety disorder (ANX), and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with lithium response measured by the Alda A score adjusted for the Alda B sum score. Post hoc models additionally adjusted for clinical covariates (age at onset, rapid cycling, and BD subtype). Results 716 patients had Alda scores for lithium response (61.9% females, mean age = 43.4 years). FH‐BD ( β = −0.57, p = 0.015), AUD ( β = −0.44, p = 0.045), and ANX ( β = −0.61, p = 0.050) were associated with worse lithium response. After adjusting for clinical covariates, associations for FH‐BD and FH‐ANX were no longer significant. PRS‐BD was associated with better response ( β = 0.22, p = 0.041), while PRS‐MDD ( β = −0.28, p = 0.01) and PRS‐ADHD ( β = −0.24, p = 0.028) were associated with worse response, with effects largely unchanged after adjusting for clinical covariates. In the combined model considering all FHs simultaneously, only FH‐BD remained significantly associated with worse lithium response ( β = −0.71, p = 0.039). In the combined model for PRS, only PRS‐BD ( β = 0.31, p = 0.008; better response) and PRS‐MDD ( β = −0.29, p = 0.020; worse response) showed significant associations. Conclusions In this exploratory study, FH‐BD, AUD, and ANX were associated with poor response, though only FH‐AUD remained significant after adjusting for clinical factors. PRS‐BD predicted better response, while PRS‐MDD was associated with worse response. These findings suggest independent and potentially complementary roles of FH and PRS. Integrating both familial and genetic risk measures may improve personalized treatment strategies and outcomes for BD patients.
Therapeutic Outcomes in VEXAS Syndrome: A Multicenter Comparative Cohort of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Hypomethylating Agents
Fathima, Saubia, Wong, Margaret Mei‐Kay, Gonzalez-Lugo, Jesus, Geyer, Susan M. , Alsugair, Ali, Langer, Kimberly J., Lasho, Terra L. , Finke, Christy, Choi, Jun, Abdul‐Hay, Maher, Ho, Gary , Litzow, M. R., Matin, Aasiya , Hefazi, M., Shah, Mithun V., Al-Kali, Aref, Begna, Kebede H. , Gangat, Naseema , Saliba, A., Kewan, Tariq, Bartoo, Gabriel, Kutzke, Jade, McCullough, Kristen, Sullivan, Megan, Reichard, Kaaren K., Olteanu, Horatiu , Kusne, Yael , Palmer, Jeanne, Punwani, Nathan , Riwes, Mary, Krakow, Elizabeth F., Langston, Amelia , Kourelis, Taxiarchis, Foran, James M. , Patnaik, Mrinal M., Beck, David B. , Mangaonkar, Abhishek A. , Krakow, Elizabeth F. , Riwes, Mary , Alsugair, Ali , Lasho, Terra L , Ho, Gary , Durani, Urshila , Hogan, William J , Gangat, Naseema , Saliba, Antoine N , Go, Ronald S , Warrington, Kenneth J , Olteanu, Horatiu , Murthy, Hemant S , Badar, Talha , Kusne, Yael N , Chhabra, Saurabh , Langston, Amelia , Foran, James M , Koster, Matthew J , Beck, David B , Alkhateeb, Hassan B , Fathima, Saubia , Gonzalez‐Lugo, Jesus D. , Geyer, Susan , Sirenko, Maria , Finke, Christy M. , Abdul‐Hay, Maher , Litzow, Mark R. , Durani, Urshila , Hefazi, Mehrdad , Hogan, William J. , Shah, Mithun V., Al‐Kali, Aref , Saliba, Antoine N. , Go, Ronald S. , Bartoo, Gabriel , Kutzke, Jade L. , McCullough, Kristen , Warrington, Kenneth J. , Sullivan, Megan M. , Reichard, Kaaren K. , Murthy, Hemant S. , Badar, Talha , Palmer, Jeanne , Chhabra, Saurabh , McGuirk, Joseph P. , Kourelis, Taxiarchis , Dingli, David , Koster, Matthew J. , Patnaik, Mrinal M. , Alkhateeb, Hassan B. , Mangaonkar, Abhishek A.

American Journal of Hematology | June 9, 2026 | Volume: 101 | Issue: 9 | Pages: 2166-2176

10.1002/ajh.70401 | PMID 42260942 Get It

ABSTRACT Hypomethylating agents (HMA) and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) have both demonstrated remissions in VEXAS; however, comparative data is lacking. We conducted a multicenter, retrospective analysis of 66 patients diagnosed with VEXAS syndrome treated with HMA ( n = 35) or alloHSCT ( n = 31). Baseline characteristics such as genetics, co‐morbidities, and performance status were balanced between the groups, except older age in the HMA group. Median follow‐up from therapy initiation was 18 months (95% CI: 11–26), and 14 (21%) deaths were reported (alloHSCT n = 3; HMA n = 11). Among all evaluable patients within the alloHSCT cohort, all patients achieved molecular remission, and a substantial proportion of patients discontinued glucocorticoids (58%). In contrast, HMA therapy was associated with lower but meaningful rates of molecular remission (22%) and glucocorticoid discontinuation (6%). In a real‐world setting, HMA therapy was associated with a high discontinuation rate related to toxicity or lack of response. On multivariable analysis adjusted for age and Charlson Comorbidity Index, alloHSCT was associated with improved overall survival (HR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.05–0.81; p = 0.024). This association remained consistent across multiple ancillary sensitivity analyses, including restriction to transplant‐eligible patients, patients aged ≤ 75 years, 1:1 matching, and propensity score‐based weighted analyses. Although limited by retrospective design, these findings suggest that alloHSCT remains an attractive and potentially curative strategy in selected patients with VEXAS. Prospective validation of these findings is warranted.
BRAF-altered glioma in adults and children: A Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) and European Society for Neuro-Oncology (EANO) consensus review on clinical management and future directions
Schreck, Karisa C, Fuente, Macarena I de la, Fat, Mary Jane Lim, Maas, S L, Levy, Jean M Mulcahy, Lombardi, G , Perrault, Sébastien, Petritsch, Claudia , Aldape, Kenneth, Chang, Susan M, Holdhoff, Matthias, Kazda, Tomas, Rhun, Emilie Le, Minniti, Giuseppe, Mueller, Sabine, Preusser, M, Smits, Marion, Weller, Michael, Wen, Patrick Y, Bent, Martin van den, Geurts, Marjolein, Lombardi, Giuseppe , Maas, Sybren L. N. , Schreck, Karisa C. , Levy, Jean M. Mulcahy , Chang, Susan M. , Duerinck, Johnny , Holdhoff, Matthias , Kazda, Tomáš , Rhun, Émilie Le , Minniti, Giuseppe , Mishra, Mark V. , Mueller, Sabine , Padovan, Marta , Preusser, Matthias , Smits, Marion , Weller, Michael , Bent, Martin J. van den , Geurts, Marjolein

Neuro-Oncology | June 5, 2026 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available

10.1093/neuonc/noag135 | PMID 42261252 Get It

Abstract Oncogenic BRAF alterations occur in a subset of diffuse gliomas across WHO grades and are increasingly identified through modern molecular diagnostics. In addition to standard glioma therapies, targeted treatments are available for patients with BRAF-altered glioma supported by variable evidence spanning randomized trials, single-arm studies, and real-world evidence. This joint consensus review from the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) and the European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) synthesizes current knowledge on the diagnosis and management of BRAF-altered gliomas across age groups, tumor grades, and lines of therapy. Particular emphasis is placed on expert consensus in clinical scenarios where high-quality trial evidence remains limited. The review addresses rationale testing for BRAF alterations, selection, and monitoring of targeted therapies, management of treatment-related toxicities, approaches to resistance, and priorities for future research. It aims to provide practical, evidence-based guidance for clinicians while highlighting gaps to inform prospective studies.
Spinal cord imaging for multiple sclerosis: Advances, priorities, and opportunities
Laule, Cornelia , Cohen-Adad, Julien, Witt, Atlee , Luca, Gabriele C. De, Granziera, Cristina , Keegan, B. Mark , Kerbrat, Anne , Klawiter, Eric C, Kolind, Shannon , O’Grady, Kristin P. , Oh, Jiwon, Sivakolundu, Dinesh K. , Smith, Seth A, Vavasour, Irene M, Mainero, Caterina , Alonso-Ortiz, Eva, Krieger, Stephen , Li, David , Shinohara, Russell T, Henry, Roland G, Cooperative, North American Imaging in Multiple Sclerosis (NAIMS), Witt, Atlee A , De Luca, Gabriele C , Bagnato, Francesca R. , Gauthier, Susan A , Bakshi, Rohit , Beck, Erin S , Krieger, Stephen , Keegan, B Mark , Kollind, Shannon H , Granziera, Cristina , O'Grady, Kristin P , Cohen-Adad, Julien , DeLuca, Gabriele C. , Kerbrat, Anne , Klawiter, Eric C. , Oh, Jiwon , Schilling, Kurt G. , Smith, Seth A. , Tozlu, Ceren , Vavasour, Irene M. , Alonso‐Ortiz, Eva , Brier, Matthew R. , Hemond, Christopher C , Li, David K.B. , Shinohara, Russell Taki , Henry, Roland G.

Multiple Sclerosis Journal | June 1, 2026 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available

10.1177/13524585261444600 | PMID 42224274 Get It

The spinal cord plays a central role in the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of multiple sclerosis (MS), yet remains under-studied compared with the brain. This review summarizes key insights from the 2025 North American Imaging in MS Spinal Cord Imaging Workshop, highlighting recent advances, ongoing challenges, and future opportunities in MS spinal cord imaging. We review pathological studies and outline the clinical relevance of spinal cord lesions and atrophy for diagnosis, prognosis, and disease monitoring, highlighting emerging biomarkers of progression independent of relapse activity. Correlations between magnetic resonance imaging, histopathology, and clinical outcomes support the validation and translational potential of advanced spinal cord imaging techniques. Finally, we discuss spinal cord–specific processing pipelines and reproducibility challenges. Collectively, these insights underscore the need to integrate advanced and quantitative spinal cord imaging into clinical trials, research studies, and—when feasible—clinical care, to fully capture the extent of MS pathology, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Variability in Clinical Performance of the FDA-Cleared Lumipulse P-Tau217/β-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio
Algeciras-Schimnich, Alicia, Reyes, Ramiro Eduardo Rea , Ashrafzadeh-Kian, Susan, Wilson, Rachel, MD, Miller, Johnson, D H, Botha, Hugo, Day, Gregory S., Graff-Radford, Jonathan, Ramanan, Vijay K., Jack, Clifford R., Johnson, Sterling C., Zetterberg, Henrik, Petersen, Ronald C., Bornhorst, Joshua A. , Algeciras‐Schimnich, Alicia , Bornhorst, Joshua , Figdore, Daniel J. , Ashrafzadeh‐Kian, Susan , Burkett, Brian J. , Botha, Hugo , McCarter, Stuart J. , Day, Gregory S. , Graff‐Radford, Jonathan , Ramanan, Vijay K. , Jack, Clifford R. , Johnson, Sterling C. , Zetterberg, Henrik , Petersen, Ronald C.

JAMA Neurology | June 1, 2026 | Volume: 83 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 823

10.1001/jamaneurol.2026.1565 | PMID 42223932 Get It

This cross-sectional study evaluates the performance of the US Food and Drug Administration–cleared phosphorylated tau 217 (p-tau217) to β-amyloid 42 ratio cut points used to detect amyloid pathology associated with Alzheimer disease.
Alliance A072301: A phase III trial of radiotherapy followed by adjuvant temozolomide in combination with vorasidenib vs placebo in IDH -mutated newly diagnosed grade 3 astrocytoma (VORTEX).
Chukwueke, Ugonma , Rahman, Rifaquat, Geyer, Susan Michelle, Loughan, Ashlee, Ellingson, B., Dueck, Amylou C., Yee, Claire, Lu‐Emerson, Christine , Kumthekar, P., Galanis, E., Wen, Patrick Y., Rahman, Rifaquat , Geyer, Susan Michelle, Vaubel, Rachael A. , Loughan, Ashlee R. , Kaufmann, Timothy J. , Ellingson, Benjamin M. , Kizilbash, Sani H. , Dueck, A. C. , Miller, Julie J. , Trifiletti, Daniel M. , Wefel, Jeffrey S.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: No page available

10.1200/jco.2026.44.16_suppl.tps2103 Get It

TPS2103 Background: Treatment for newly diagnosed IDH-mutant astrocytoma, WHO grade 3, is based on the results of the CATNON study, demonstrating benefit of radiotherapy followed by 12 months of adjuvant temozolomide. While temozolomide and radiotherapy significantly improved survival, the prognosis for these patients remains limited and more effective therapies are required. This trial will evaluate the benefit of the addition of the IDH1 and IDH-2 inhibitor vorasidenib to adjuvant temozolomide versus placebo following standard radiotherapy to evaluate possible improvement in outcomes. Methods: Alliance A072301 (NCT07215910) is a multicenter, double-blinded phase 3 randomized study to determine if the addition of vorasidenib to adjuvant temozolomide significantly improves progression-free survival (PFS), based on blinded central review in patients with newly diagnosed, IDH-mutant astrocytoma, WHO grade 3. Key inclusion criteria include age ≥ 12 years old, histological confirmation of astrocytoma (absence of 1p/19q codeletion), WHO grade 3, presence of any IDH mutation, plan for radiation and chemotherapy and surgery within 6 months. The presence of CDKN2A/B homozygous deletion, spinal or leptomeningeal disease, as well as prior chemotherapy, cranial irradiation or IDH inhibitor therapy, is exclusionary. 408 patients will be randomized 1:1 to receive vorasidenib 40 mg or placebo daily with 12 cycles of temozolomide following radiotherapy and then continued as monotherapy until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Stratification factors include age (< 40 years old vs ≥ 40 years old) and residual disease (< 2 cm vs ≥ 2 cm). Tumor assessments with MRI will be every three months for the first two years, every four months for the next two years and then every six months thereafter as per blinded independent central review using the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) 2.0 criteria. Key secondary endpoints include PFS by local review, time to next treatment, safety and tolerability, quality of life measures. Exploratory measures will include seizure frequency. The trial will have 85% power to detect a hazard ratio of 0.625 with one-sided type I error rate of 0.025. Enrollment for the trial commenced February 2026. Support: U10CA180821, U10CA180882, U24CA196171. https://acknowledgments.alliancefound.org.
A single-arm, phase II study of sequential therapy with curative intent in de novo HER2+ metastatic breast cancer: The SAPPHO study.
Ruddy, Kathryn Jean, Heiling, Hillary, Rozenblit, Mariya, Dees, Elizabeth Claire , Frey, Anna , Ossing, Sarah, Koegel, Susan, LaScala, Jamie, Brown, Thelma, Tolaney, S M, Carey, L, Krop, Ian E., Tayob, Nabihah, Winer, Eric P., Rimawi, Mothaffar, Parsons, Heather A. , Lin, Nancy U., Morganti, Stefania , Ruddy, Kathryn J. , Heiling, Hillary , Rozenblit, Mariya , Stoeckle, James Hart , Pradhan, Deepti , Carey, Lisa A. , Krop, Ian E. , Tayob, Nabihah , Winer, Eric P. , Rimawi, Mothaffar, Lin, Nancy U.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: No page available

10.1200/jco.2026.44.16_suppl.tps1147 Get It

TPS1147 Background: Due to dramatic improvements in neoadjuvant and adjuvant HER2-directed therapy (tx), most patients (pts) with early HER2+ breast cancer are cured. As a result, over half of pts newly diagnosed with HER2+ metastatic breast cancer (MBC) now present with de novo stage IV disease. Anti-HER2 tx has also significantly extended survival for pts with HER2+ MBC, with a subgroup of exceptional responders alive many years (yrs) after diagnosis. However, the paradigm for HER2+ MBC remains non-curative, and pts receive tx indefinitely with significant toxicities and costs. The SAPPHO study is investigating whether an intensification approach of sequential, non-cross resistant anti-HER2 tx followed by tx discontinuation is associated with long-term disease control in pts with HER2+ MBC. Methods: SAPPHO is an open-label, phase II, single-arm trial testing a sequential regimen of non-cross resistant, HER2-targeted tx with curative intent in pts with de novo HER2+ MBC. Eligible pts must have biopsy-proven, de novo MBC with high HER2 expression (3+ by immunohistochemistry). Pts with brain metastases are eligible upon receipt of local tx. Treatment consists of an induction regimen (trastuzumab-pertuzumab-taxane [THP] x 4 cycles, followed by trastuzumab deruxtecan [TDXd] x 6 cycles, followed by trastuzumab emtansine [TDM1]-tucatinib x 4 cycles), followed by a maintenance regimen (HP-tucatinib for 1 yr). Given results from DESTINY-Breast09, the sequence of TDXd-P x 6 cycles followed by THP x 4 followed by TDM1-tucatinib x 4 can be chosen as alternative induction tx per investigator and patient choice. Pts who remain progression-free after completing maintenance will stop all anti-HER2 tx. Endocrine tx will be continued for pts with hormone receptor+/HER2+ tumors. Tumor specimens from breast and a metastatic site are collected at baseline and the end of induction. Serial plasma samples for ctDNA analysis are collected at baseline, during treatment, and during follow-up. The primary endpoint is the probability of being progression-free and off anti-HER2 tx 4 yrs from the start of induction. With a sample size of 72 pts, the study is designed to have 91% power to reject the null hypothesis that the probability of being off anti-HER2 tx and progression-free is less than 24%, with an alternative hypothesis of 40%. Key secondary endpoints are overall survival, overall response rate by modified RECIST 1.1 after induction, and safety. Correlative endpoints include the relationship between ctDNA dynamics and outcomes. Patient-reported outcomes will be analyzed, including quality of life, illness intrusiveness, financial toxicity, anxiety, distress about cancer progression, perception of benefit and risk of progression. SAPPHO began enrollment in Q3 2024, and the study is open at 4 US sites within the Translational Breast Cancer Research Consortium (NCT05721248). Clinical trial information: NCT05721248 .
Patient correlates of patient-provider communication and financial toxicity in Black and White patients with cancer.
Hamel, Lauren M. , Dougherty, David W. , Heath, Elisabeth I. , Mabunda, Lorna, Austin, Teneisha , Assad, Hadeel , Mamdani, Hirva, Bacall, Helda, Bouyer, Adrienne, Cackowski, Frank C. , Gogoi, Radhika, Goldman, Erica, Beal, Eliza W., Jarbo, Nouran, Angers, Keri, Eggly, Susan, Eggly, Susan , Kim, Seongho , Mabunda, Lorna, Mamdani, Hirva Mansurali , Hallak, Mohammed Najeeb Al , Gogoi, Radhika P. , Winer, Ira Seth , Beal, Eliza Wright

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: No page available

10.1200/jco.2026.44.16_suppl.e13730 Get It

e13730 Background: Financial toxicity, the burden of treatment cost, affects up to half of people with cancer and can affect survival. Financial toxicity is a health equity issue, disproportionately affecting Black patients. This cross-sectional study used baseline data from the Discussions of Cost (DISCO) Trial, an RCT to improve patient-provider treatment cost discussions and, in turn, mitigate financial toxicity, to examine whether Black and White patients differed in patient-provider communication perceptions and financial toxicity correlates. Methods: Data were collected from 2021-2025 at an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. Participants were Black or White patients diagnosed with solid tumor cancers. At baseline, patients completed demographic measures; communication measures of self-efficacy in patient-provider interactions (e.g., “I am confident I know what questions to ask a provider”); self-efficacy in managing cancer treatment costs (e.g., “I am confident I can understand treatment costs”); and whether they have a provider- or patient-centered approach (e.g., “the provider should decide what gets talked about”); and financial measures including economic burden (e.g., “it’s difficult to live on my income”); treatment cost distress (e.g., “worries about paying for my cancer treatment keep me up at night”); and anticipated material hardship (e.g., “I worry about the financial problems I will have in the future as a result of my treatment”). Comparisons were conducted by patient race. Results: A total of 202 patients participated (116 Black patients, 86 White patients). White patients were more likely to have advanced degrees, a higher annual income, and less likely to have Medicaid compared to Black patients. Black patients reported higher self-efficacy for managing treatment costs ( p = .002) and a higher provider-focused orientation to the patient-provider relationship ( p = .001), than White patients. Black patients reported greater levels of financial burden ( p < .001), cost distress ( p = .005), and anticipated material hardship ( p = .003). There was no difference in self-efficacy for interacting with providers. Conclusions: These results suggest that a communication intervention for patients may help mitigate the experience of financial toxicity, especially for Black patients. Clinical trial information: NCT04766190 . Patient characteristics. Black Patients White Patients p -value Race 116 86 Education < High School High School/GED Some College 2 or 4-year College Degree Graduate/Professional College Trade/Technical/Vocational School 10352626712 0141631187 < .001 Annual Household Income 0 - $19,999 $20,000 - 39,999 $40,000 - 59,999 $60,000 - 79,999 $80,000 - 99,999 $100,000 - 149,999 $150,000 + 53201611431 51215991716 <.001 Insurance Type* Medicaid Medicare Medicare supplement Private None 604911330 113726393 <.001>.99<.001.20.15 *Patients could select more than one
DISCO app: Feasibility and acceptability of an intervention to reduce the financial burden of cancer in a diverse patient population.
Hamel, Lauren M. , Dougherty, David W. , Heath, Elisabeth I. , Mabunda, Lorna, Austin, Teneisha , Assad, Hadeel , Mamdani, Hirva, Bacall, Helda, Bouyer, Adrienne, Cackowski, Frank C. , Gogoi, Radhika, Goldman, Erica, Beal, Eliza W., Jarbo, Nouran, Angers, Keri, Eggly, Susan, Eggly, Susan , Kim, Seongho , Mabunda, Lorna, Mamdani, Hirva Mansurali , Hallak, Mohammed Najeeb Al , Gogoi, Radhika P. , Winer, Ira Seth , Beal, Eliza Wright

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: No page available

10.1200/jco.2026.44.16_suppl.e13729 Get It

e13729 Background: Financial toxicity, the burden of treatment cost, affects up to half of people with cancer and can affect survival. Financial toxicity is a health equity issue, disproportionately affecting Black patients. Patient education about cost and patient-provider cost discussions are recommended to mitigate financial toxicity but occur infrequently. The Discussions of Cost (DISCO) App, designed to mitigate financial toxicity through a tailorable education and communication intervention, was assessed for efficacy in an RCT with Black and White patients. Here we describe the DISCO App's feasibility and acceptability. Methods: Data were collected from 2021 to 2025 at an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. Participants were Black or White patients diagnosed with solid tumor cancers. While waiting to see their provider, patients randomized to the intervention arm used the DISCO App on a tablet. The DISCO App includes a video about treatment costs, ways to manage costs, and the importance of discussing costs with providers. Once patients enter their socio-demographic information (e.g., employment) and financial concerns, they receive a tailored list of cost questions to ask their provider. Patients responded to measures immediately after using the DISCO App. Feasibility was assessed by patient reports of how much time they needed to use the DISCO App and if they were able to use the DISCO App before the provider entered the exam room. Acceptability was measured by items assessing patient perceptions of the DISCO App (1 = strongly disagree; 5 = strongly agree). Descriptive statistics summarized results and mean comparisons were used to assess perceptions by patient self-identified race. Results: Of the 202 patients recruited, 124 were randomized to the intervention arm (67 Black patients; 57 White patients). All patients completed using the DISCO App prior to their provider entering the exam room and 80% of patients needed 15 minutes or less to use the DISCO App, with no difference by patient race. Black patients ( M = 4.4) reported finding the DISCO App more helpful than White patients ( M = 3.9; p = .02) and it brought up cost issues they had not considered (Black patients = 3.5; White patients = 3.0; p = .05). Patients reported the questions were easy to understand ( M = 4.4), helped them feel it was okay to talk with their provider about cost ( M = 4.0), that it prompted cost questions ( M = 3.3), that they learned what costs to consider (55%), and learned ways to manage cost (62%) with no differences by patient race. Conclusions: The DISCO App was feasible and acceptable to Black and White patients with cancer, with Black patients reporting more favorable perceptions than White patients. Next steps include assessing effectiveness in improving outcomes including prompting patient-provider treatment cost discussions and related financial toxicity outcomes (e.g., treatment adherence). Clinical trial information: NCT04766190 .
Prognostic significance of pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in triple-negative breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Tareen, Haseeb, Dad, Allah , Arham, Muhammad , Tahir, Haris Bin , Kumar, Priya, Iftikhar, Ahmad , Nasim, Summiya, Ahmed, Hafsa, Noor, Mah , Daim, Safi Ur Rehman , Jehangir, Hanzala, Malik, Mohammad Hamza Bin Abdul , Tareen, Haseeb Khan , Ashraf, Muhammad Fawad , Chauhan, Anchit, Lyons, Susan Elizabeth

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: No page available

10.1200/jco.2026.44.16_suppl.e13121 Get It

e13121 Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks reliable prognostic biomarkers beyond standard clinical staging, limiting individualized risk stratification and treatment planning. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), a readily available marker of systemic inflammation, has been proposed as a prognostic indicator in TNBC; however, existing evidence remains inconsistent. We performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic value of pretreatment NLR in the contemporary treatment era. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched from database inception through January 1, 2026, for randomized and observational studies reporting associations between pretreatment NLR and survival outcomes in TNBC. Two reviewers independently screened studies and extracted data with discrepancies resolved by consensus. Outcomes included overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and progression-free survival (PFS). Hazard ratios (HRs) were pooled using random-effects models. Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I tool. Prespecified subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed based on NLR cut-off values, follow-up duration, geographic region, and risk of bias. Results: Twenty-three retrospective studies comprising 4,731 patients with TNBC were included. On multivariate analysis, elevated pretreatment NLR was independently associated with poorer OS (HR 2.21, 95% CI: 1.56–3.13) and DFS (HR 1.97, 95% CI: 1.65–2.37. Similar associations were observed on univariate analysis (OS: HR 1.70, 95% CI: 1.07–2.72; DFS: HR 1.84, 95% CI: 1.14–2.98). No statistically significant or consistent association was observed between NLR and PFS. Associations between high NLR and adverse OS and DFS remained robust across prespecified subgroup and sensitivity analyses, representing the largest contemporary synthesis of multivariable-adjusted outcomes in TNBC. Key pooled outcome associations are summarized in Table 1. Conclusions: Elevated pretreatment NLR is independently associated with worse OS and DFS in patients with TNBC, supporting its potential role as a low-cost tool for clinical risk stratification and treatment planning. Given its availability from routine blood tests, NLR may assist in identifying high-risk patients who could benefit from intensified surveillance or therapeutic strategies. Prospective validation in the modern chemo-immunotherapy era is warranted. Summary of pooled associations between pretreatment NLR and survival outcomes in TNBC. Outcome Studies (n) Interpretation Overall survival 14 Worse survival Disease-free survival 15 Worse survival Progression-free survival 3 Inconclusive