Citations

8001 Background: The ALCHEMIST clinical trial platform, launched by the National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN) in 2014, screened patients with resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for molecular markers and tailored post-operative adjuvant therapy trials. A081105 evaluated whether adjuvant erlotinib improved overall survival (OS) following complete resection in patients with early stage EGFR mutated lung adenocarcinoma. Methods: A081105 was a randomized phase III trial enrolling patients with completely resected stage IB (≥4 cm), II, or IIIA non-squamous NSCLC (per the 7 th TNM staging classification) harboring EGFR exon 19 deletion or L858R mutations. Patients were randomized 1:1 to erlotinib 150 mg daily for up to 2 years or placebo/observation, stratified by stage, prior chemotherapy, EGFR mutation subtype, and ECOG performance status. The primary endpoint was OS in the per-protocol (PP) population with centrally confirmed EGFR mutations, designed to detect a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.67 in favor of erlotinib with a power of 86% and one sided type I error rate of 5%. Secondary endpoints included OS and disease free survival (DFS) in a modified intent-to-treat (mITT) population with local or centrally confirmed EGFR mutations, and safety. A prespecified backstop analysis was conducted after a minimum of 5 years of follow-up on all patients. Results: Trial enrollment was discontinued when 390 of the intended 450 patients had been enrolled due to the proven benefit of adjuvant osimertinib. Among 390 enrolled patients, the arms were balanced for age (median: 67.0 years), sex (70% female), race (70% white), stage (II: 51%, IIIA: 37%), prior chemotherapy (82%), ECOG PS 0 (60%), and exon 19 deletion (57%). Adjuvant erlotinib did not significantly improve OS compared with placebo/observation in the overall PP population (364 patients, 108 events, HR 0.89; 95% CI, 0.59–1.34; 1-sided P = 0.29) or within exon 19 deletion (HR: 0.94) or L858R mutation (HR: 0.82) subgroups. Five-year OS rates were 78.6% versus 77.9%, respectively. Results were consistent in the mITT analysis (379 patients, 113 events, HR 0.86; 95% CI, 0.58–1.28). Erlotinib improved DFS (mITT: 181 events, median: 68 vs 50 months, HR 0.74; 95% CI, 0.55–1.01). Across both arms, 11% of patients started non-protocol treatment (Osimertinib: 9%) prior to disease progression, and 9% withdrew consent for all follow-up prior to recurrence. In the erlotinib arm, 3 deaths on study were reported; grade 3 or higher adverse events were reported on 39% of patients. Median duration of treatment on Erlotinib arm was 16 months; only 37% of patients completed the planned treatment. Conclusions: In resected EGFR -mutant NSCLC, adjuvant erlotinib did not improve overall survival but improved DFS. Additional studies are exploring efficacy in selected subsets of patients using genomics and proteomic analyses. Clinical trial information: NCT02193282 .

1107 Background: Bria-IMT is an allogeneic whole cell immunotherapy expressing tumor associated antigens and GM-CSF to stimulate adaptive and innate immunity. The phase 3 Bria-ABC trial (NCT06072612) evaluates Bria-IMT + retifanlimab vs physician’s choice in MBC w/ no meaningful therapeutic options. Characterization of on-trial pt experience, including quality of life (QOL) and tolerability, remains clinically relevant yet underreported. We evaluated QoL and toxicity to assess feasibility of home self administration. Methods: EORTC QLQ-C30 at baseline (BL) and subsequent visits. Raw item responses were aggregated into domain scores. Changes quantified as absolute point differences; domain scores defined as medians of constituent items. Lower functional/symptom and higher global scores indicate better outcomes. Wilcoxon matched pairs test assessed change from BL. Missing QoL data handled by observed cases approach. QoL evaluated at BL, V3, V6, and V9. TWiST and TOX summarized descriptively. TOX defined as cumulative time w/ grade ≥3 TEAEs w/o progression; TWiST as time w/o grade ≥3 toxicity or progression. TOX and TWiST constitute component health states for planned QTWiST analysis pending mature OS. Results: At submission, 251 pts screened, 173 randomized, 147 treated. 75% Caucasian, 20% other, 5% not reported; median 6 prior lines (2-15); ECOG 2 -6%; intracranial mets 9%; 42% HR+, 37% TNBC, 12% HER2+. Median 5 QoL assessments/pt completed. 127 pts completed ≥2 assessments. Paired data available at V3 52%, V6 17%, V9 6%. Global health medians BL 5.0, V3 5.0, V6 5.0, V9 4.5. Score maintenance/improvement: @V3 63% (p=0.7), V6 62%, V9 71%. Functional domains: role (BL 1.5, V3 2.0, V6 2.0, V9 2.0; maintenance 62.7% [p=0.02], 52.4%, 71.4%). Physical (BL 1.0, V3 2.0, V6 2.0, V9 2.0; maintenance 68.7% (p=0.002), 47.6% (p=0.03), 71.4%), cognitive (BL 1.5, V3 1.5, V6 1.5, V9 1.5; maintenance 63.6%, 61.9%, 85.7%). Emotional (BL 1.5, V3 1.5, V6 1.5, V9 1.5; maintenance 75.8% (p=0.9), 81.0%, 85.7%). Social (BL 1.5, V3 1.5, V6 2.0, V9 2.5; maintenance 58.5%, 75.0%, 57.1%). Symptoms: nausea/vomiting (1.0 throughout; maintenance V3 73%, V6 86%, V9 86%), fatigue median 2.0 all timepoints; maintenance 61%, 67%, 71%), pain (BL/V3 1.5, V6/V9 2.0; maintenance V3 57% [p=0.03], V6 62% [p=0.9], V9 86%). TWiST and TOX restricted mean 3.12 mo and 0.63 mo, respectively; 83.2% and 16.8% of observed follow-up. Pts w global health maintenance demonstrated longer median TWiST v deterioration (4.3 v 2.7 mo). ECOG stable in 78% (n=99). Conclusions: Heavily pretreated MBC pts in Bria-ABC demonstrated stable global health and key functional domains. Findings support sustained QoL in advanced disease. TWiST demonstrates meaningful benefit w/o significant toxicity. Ongoing follow up will further characterize durability of pt-reported outcomes and clinical correlation. Results support decentralized care and potential home self administration. Clinical trial information: NCT06072612 .

SUMMARY Intraductal oncocytic papillary neoplasms (IOPNs) are rare tumors that develop from biliary and pancreatic ductal epithelium and progress to lethal cancers. Human IOPNs and IOPN-associated carcinomas are known to harbor the DNAJB1-PRKACA gene fusion, however the role of the oncogenic fusion in carcinogenesis is poorly understood. We developed a Cre-inducible mouse model of human DNAJB1-PRKACA expression and substantiated that the DNAJB1-PRKACA fusion gene is a bona fide driver of IOPN-associated biliary and pancreatic carcinoma. By analyzing the unique histopathologic and transcriptional changes that occur at each stage of tumor development, we found that these murine tumors closely mimic human DNAJB1-PRKACA driven tumors. Furthermore, we identified that many of the salient features of invasive carcinoma are established at the pre-invasive stage, including evidence of tumor cell metabolic dysregulation, immunosuppressive tumor stroma and expression of genes strongly associated with invasive DNAJB1-PRKACA driven cancer in humans. Finally, we found that Slc16a14 , a characteristic DNAJB1-PRKACA regulated super-enhancer associated gene, serves as a robust biomarker of malignant transformation from IOPN to invasive carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE Frailty is a known predictor of adverse outcomes in pituitary surgery, yet its impact regarding craniopharyngioma remains unclear. The authors assessed preoperative frailty, measured by the 11-factor modified frailty index (mFI-11), and its association with perioperative morbidity among adult patients undergoing craniopharyngioma surgery. METHODS Using the Registry for Adenomas of the Pituitary and Related Disorders (RAPID) database, the authors performed a retrospective cohort study of the records of patients ≥ 18 years of age who underwent craniopharyngioma surgery between June 2007 and November 2024. Patients were stratified into the following categories according to their numeric mFI-11 score: fit (scores 0 and 1), managing well (scores 2 and 3), and mildly frail (scores 4–6). Primary outcomes included hospital length of stay (LOS) and discharge disposition. Secondary outcomes included 90-day readmission, surgical outcomes, and complications. Multivariable analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of hospital LOS and non-home discharge, adjusting for age, surgeon experience, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, complications, and surgical approach. RESULTS Among 278 patients (221 fit, 43 managing well, 14 mildly frail), higher-frailty patients were older (mean age 47.8 ± 16.1 years in fit vs 60.1 ± 12.5 years in managing well vs 67.6 ± 8 years in mildly frail, p < 0.001) and more likely to present urgently (24.2% vs 36.4% vs 78.6%, p = 0.001). Gross-total resection was achieved less frequently in frail patients (44.8% vs 24.3% vs 23.1%, p = 0.030). Overall complication rates were similar; however, increasing frailty was associated with higher rates of postoperative mortality (0% vs 2.8% [1/36] vs 7.7% [1/13], p = 0.018), pneumonia (0.5% [1/195] vs 2.8% [1/36] vs 15.4% [2/13], p = 0.006), and reintubation (2.6% [5/195] vs 2.8% [1/36] vs 30.8% [4/13], p = 0.002). Higher frailty was associated with a stepwise rise in median [IQR] LOS (5 [3–8] days vs 7 [4–12] days vs 13 [6.5–21.8] days, p < 0.001) and remained an independent predictor of extended LOS on multivariable analysis (β = 1.729 per point, p = 0.006). Rates of non-home discharge showed a similar pattern (9.2% vs 30.0% vs 64.3%, p < 0.001), with frailty independently predicting non-home discharge (OR 2.352, 95% CI 1.527–3.822). Unplanned 90-day readmission rates were significantly higher in the mildly frail cohorts (22.5% vs 45.7% vs 53.8%, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS The mFI-11 scores independently predicted perioperative morbidity following craniopharyngioma resection. Incorporating frailty screening into preoperative screening may improve risk stratification, family and patient counseling, and discharge planning.

OBJECTIVE Intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCTs) are typically treated with maximal safe resection, during which neurosurgeons often monitor for neurological injury using muscle motor evoked potential (mMEP) and direct wave (D-wave) neuromonitoring. The predictive value of changes in D-waves for identifying motor outcomes is underexplored. This study evaluated the utility of D-waves for predicting postoperative motor deficits. METHODS Patients who underwent resection of a primary IMSCT with mMEP neuromonitoring from 2003 to 2023 at a tertiary care hospital were identified. Patients who underwent D-wave monitoring in addition to mMEP monitoring were compared to those who underwent mMEP monitoring alone using the Mann-Whitney U-test, chi-square test, and Fisher’s exact test. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of D-wave and mMEP monitoring for identifying new neurological deficits immediately postoperatively and at 1 month, 6 months, and last follow-up were calculated. RESULTS After matching, 125 patients were included (median age 42.0 years; 57.6% male; median follow-up 34.0 months), of whom 88 had both mMEP and D-wave data. The most common pathologies were ependymoma (64.0%) and astrocytoma (17.6%). Patients who did and did not undergo D-wave neuromonitoring had similar preoperative neurological function, primary pathology, tumor grade, and tumor location. D-wave use was associated with increased gross-total resection (88.6% vs 64.9%, p = 0.002) and reduced mortality (5.7% vs 24.3%, p = 0.007), length of stay (5.0 vs 6.0 days, p = 0.033), and 30-day readmission (2.3% vs 13.5%, p = 0.013) and reoperation (1.1% vs 10.8%, p = 0.012). At the 6-month follow-up, D-wave monitoring alone was superior to mMEP and combination monitoring for detecting new motor deficits. D-wave monitoring had peak sensitivity (77.8%) and NPV (96.5%) at 6 months and peak specificity (95.8%) and PPV (76.9%) in the immediate postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS D-wave monitoring was associated with reduced mortality and was more accurate than mMEP monitoring alone or combination monitoring for detecting new postoperative neurological deficits. Further prospective studies are needed to validate these results.

Introduction Lynch syndrome (LS) is a hereditary cancer syndrome that increases risk for colorectal and other cancers. We hypothesize that vaccines against tumor-associated antigens CEA, MUC1, and brachyury, simultaneously delivered in an adenovirus serotype-5 vector (Tri-Ad5) combined with the immune-enhancing IL-15 receptor superagonist nogapendekin-alfa-inbakicept (NAI) will reduce the incidence of colorectal neoplasms in LS carriers. Methods In this ongoing phase IIB double-blind placebo-controlled trial, two open-label safety phases (SPs) assessed safety of Tri-Ad5 alone (SP1, n=10) and with added NAI (SP2, n=10). A randomized controlled trial (RCT) follows the SPs. After baseline colonoscopy, vaccine dosing occurs at weeks 0, 4 and 8; Tri-Ad5 alone in SP1 and Tri-Ad5 plus NAI in SP2, with identical boosters at Week 52. The RCT phase participants (n=138) were randomized to receive Tri-Ad5 plus NAI or placebo. All participants complete colonoscopy at Weeks 52 and 104 for assessment of the primary endpoint: cumulative colorectal neoplasm incidence. Secondary endpoints include safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity. Results All 20 SP participants (median age 57.5 (range 42–75), 70% female, 15% minority) received all prime and booster series. SP1 participants reported 139 adverse events (AEs) and SP2 participants reported 178. AEs were predominantly grade 1; no treatment-related serious adverse events (SAEs) occurred. The most common treatment-related AEs were reactogenic events including grade 3 rash (without skin necrosis or breakdown) at NAI injection site (100% of SP2 participants). The RCT phase (n=138) recently completed accrual. Discussion In LS carriers without active cancer, the combination of Tri-Ad5 + NAI was well-tolerated; the RCT phase is ongoing. Clinical Trial Registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/ , identifier NCT05419011.

ABSTRACT Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is associated with significant symptoms and impaired health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and survival. Specialty palliative care (SPC), an intervention delivered by a multidisciplinary team, is focused on improving HRQOL. We performed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of SPC among adults with PAH and impaired HRQOL to determine the impact of SPC on HRQOL as assessed by PAH‐SYMPACT. PAH‐SYMPACT is a validated PAH disease‐specific patient‐reported outcome measure that assesses HRQOL across four domains: cardiopulmonary symptoms, cardiovascular symptoms, physical impact, and cognitive/emotional impact. Sixty‐two patients were included (36 usual care, 26 SPC plus usual care), but only 58% of patients randomized to SPC completed their SPC visits. In the intention‐to‐treat analysis, SPC was associated with similar changes in total, symptom, and physical impact domain scores and increased cognitive/emotional impact scores, indicative of worse HRQOL. In the per‐protocol analysis, SPC was not associated with significant changes in total or individual domain scores. According to a survey of patients who completed SPC visits, most were satisfied with their visit and were likely to recommend SPC for other patients with PAH. In conclusion, limited SPC visits in this single‐center RCT were not associated with significant improvements in HRQOL among patients with PAH and impaired HRQOL, but the majority of patients who participated in a SPC intervention were satisfied and would recommend SPC to other PAH patients. Future studies of SPC in PAH are needed to determine the appropriate patient selection and timing for SPC. www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03905421).

Abstract INTRODUCTION Research into cognitive dispersion – a cognitive process score measuring the intra‐individual variability (IIV) across a single testing session – suggests utility in neurodegenerative populations. Given widespread deficits observed in sporadic early‐onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD), however, it is unclear if examining cognitive dispersion shows benefit in this condition. METHODS A total of 309 participants (188 amyloid‐positive EOAD, 43 amyloid‐negative early‐onset dementia [EOnonAD], 78 cognitively normal [CN]) completed neuropsychological testing twice over 12 months. Dispersion‐related differences among groups were assessed, as was cognitive dispersion's capacity to predict domain‐specific cognitive trajectories, and its convergence with imaging biomarkers. RESULTS EOAD participants displayed higher cognitive dispersion than EOnonAD participants, and associations with EOAD‐specific biomarkers. Additionally, cognitive dispersion was associated with 12‐month reliable change across several cognitive domains. DISCUSSION These preliminary results examine cognitive dispersion in sporadic EOAD. When used with baseline cognitive performance, cognitive dispersion measures may enrich future clinical trials in EOAD by enhancing treatment monitoring over time.

Abstract Rationale Longer duration and severity of acute brain dysfunction (ABD), including delirium and coma, have been associated with worse clinical outcomes in critically ill adults. Examining ABD trajectories over time may offer deeper insights into understanding its heterogeneity. This study aimed to characterize ABD trajectories and examine its relationship with clinical characteristics and 30-day mortality. Methods We analyzed data from the multicenter BRAIN-ICU and MIND-ICU prospective cohort study, which included adults with acute respiratory failure and/or shock. Delirium presence and severity were determined twice daily for 7 days using the CAM-ICU-7. A score of 0 indicates no delirium, 1-2 indicates subsyndromal delirium, 3-5 indicates mild-to-moderate delirium, and 6-7 indicates severe delirium. Patients with a RASS of -4 or -5, indicating coma, were assigned a CAM-ICU-7 score of 7. We applied group-based trajectory modeling of CAM-ICU-7 to identify ABD severity trajectory patterns and compared demographics, clinical characteristics, and 30-day mortality among trajectory groups. Results The 1035 patients analyzed had a median age of 62 [IQR, 53-72] years, 61% were male, and 91% were White. Overall, patients had a median Charlson Comorbidity Index of 2 (1-4) and SOFA score at enrollment of 6 (4-9). 731 patients (70.6%) had delirium at some point during the study. Five ABD severity trajectories were identified as the optimal model fit based on global fit indices and clinical interpretability: T1 was associated with mild and persistent ABD, while T2-T5 were characterized by severe ABD early during critical illness with different resolution patterns (Figure). Trajectory membership varied by patient clinical characteristics. T1 had lighter levels of sedation (median RASS score: -2) in the 24 hours surrounding ICU admission than T2-T5 (median RASS scores: -3, -3, -4, and -3, respectively) (p&lt;.001). At enrollment, T1 and T2 had lower modified SOFA scores (median scores: 6) compared to T5 (median score: 7) (p&lt;.001). Trajectory membership independently predicted 30-day mortality, with T5 having the highest 30-day mortality and T2, which had the fastest resolution of ABD, the lowest (p&lt;.001). Conclusions We identified five trajectories of ABD severity over the first week of a patient’s ICU stay. These trajectories were differentially associated with mortality and clinical characteristics, suggesting trajectory-based approaches may enable more nuanced risk stratification and support the tailoring of interventions and clinical trial designs to specific ABD trajectory patterns. Future work should validate these trajectories in independent cohorts, explore whether they modify treatment effects, and determine if they represent distinct mechanistic pathways. This abstract is funded by: NIH/NIA