Citations

Abstract Background: [212Pb]VMT-a-NET is an alpha therapy agent targeting somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2)-expressing tumors. Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) generally express SSTR2 on their cell surface. Here, we report the results of a prospective, open-label, Phase I/IIa clinical trial evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy of [212Pb]VMT-a-NET [NCT05636618]. Methods: The study design follows a Bayesian dose-finding algorithm. Main inclusion criteria include histologically proven well-differentiated unresectable or metastatic NETs, radiological evidence of progression on at least one prior line of systemic therapy, demonstration of lesional SSTR2 expression on an FDA-approved SSTR PET. Main exclusion criteria include: prior treatment with systemic PRRT-based therapies. In the dose finding phase, participants can receive up to four cycles of [212Pb]VMT-a-NET at the assigned dose level. Participants are followed for dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) observation up to 42 days after the first cycle. Efficacy is evaluated by investigators according to RECIST criteria v1.1. Here we report safety and preliminary efficacy data of participants enrolled in cohorts 1 and 2 at 92.5 MBq [2.5 mCi] and 185 MBq [5 mCi], respectively. Results: As of 30-Apr-2025 (data cut-off – DCO), a total of 42 participants were enrolled into the study. Nine of them were followed for DLT observation; thirty-three (33) additional participants were subsequently enrolled into cohort 2 to further evaluate safety and efficacy at the selected dose. For data analysis purposes, participants were divided into two different groups: a safety group and an efficacy group. The safety group included all participants enrolled by the DCO (n=42), while the efficacy group included only nine participants enrolled in cohort 1 (n=2) and cohort 2 (n=7) for DLT observation. Median follow up time for participants included in the safety group was 14 weeks (range:0,77); median follow up time for participants included in the efficacy group was 56 weeks (range: 6,77). In the safety group (n=42) we did not observe any DLTs, any grade 4 or 5 adverse events (AEs), any treatment-related discontinuations, any serious renal complications or myelosuppression, or any dysphagia. In the efficacy group (n=9) seven out of nine participants were with no progression as of the DCO, and four out of the seven participants enrolled in cohort 2 achieved a partial response (PR). Three PRs were confirmed, while one was pending confirmation at the time of DCO. Cohort 3, at a dose level of 222 MBq [6 mCi], has recently been opened for enrollment. Safety data for all treated participants and efficacy results for a mature subset will be presented at the congress. Conclusions: [212Pb]VMT-a-NET showed a favorable safety profile and promising clinical benefit for patients with advanced SSTR2-expressing NETs treated at the dose level of 185 MBq (5 mCi). The study is ongoing with cohort 3 currently open for enrollment. Citation Format: Vikas Prasad, Richard Wahl, Lilja Solnes, Savitha Balaraman, Gregory Sibley, Lowell Anthony, Brandon Mancini, Jason Starr, Vineeth Sukrithan, Chih-Yi Liao, Samuel Mehr, Lucia Baratto, Wenjing Yang, Alaa Hanna, Stephen Keefe, Markus Puhlmann, Thorvadur Halfdanarson. [212Pb]VMT-a-NET for somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2)-expressing tumors: safety and preliminary efficacy results in patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2025 Oct 22-26; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2025;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr C095 .

Importance Many patients are diagnosed with benign breast lesions; however, evidence- and consensus-based guidelines for the management of benign breast disease (BBD) are limited. Observations The American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS) and the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) developed guidelines for the management of benign fibroepithelial lesions (FELs) using a modified Delphi consensus methodology and public comment. There was strong consensus that core biopsy–proven concordant fibroadenomas without atypia only require excision if they were symptomatic, patient preferred, attained a certain size, or demonstrated substantive growth over time on clinical examination. There was strong consensus that when removing a fibroadenoma, complete excision without transection of the mass is recommended and surgeons should consider aesthetics, sensation, and other factors when selecting incision placement. Patients with core biopsy–proven concordant fibroadenomas do not require imaging follow-up and may return to age-appropriate screening. Many benign phyllodes tumors (BPTs) present as an FEL on core biopsy, and these lesions along with any lesions with suspicion of or concern for phyllodes tumors (PTs) require surgical excisional biopsy with complete excision of the mass. Re-excision of a BPT is not required for patients with a positive margin for BPT, but a margin re-excision may be considered if the mass was transected or there is concern of residual disease after excisional biopsy. Patients with BPT who have undergone excision do not require follow-up imaging and may return to age-appropriate screening. Conclusions and Relevance Evidence-informed, consensus and expert opinion-based guidelines for the management of benign FELs of the breast were developed. These guidelines provide clarification on the controversial management of benign FELs of the breast. Any practicing clinicians who treat patients with benign FELs should integrate these guidelines into treatment of their patients.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented disruption of social networks and negatively impacted social determinants of health (SDoH, e.g., economic stability, mental health, health care access) among African Americans. The FAITH! (Fostering African-American Improvement in Total Health!) Program, an academic-community partnership with African American churches, pivoted to pandemic-related impacts on health behaviors of African Americans. This exploratory, cross-sectional study examined associations between multilevel factors influencing difficulty maintaining a healthy lifestyle during the early pandemic phase, including mental/emotional health and COVID-19 hardships (e.g., job/food/housing insecurity, paying utilities). An online survey was distributed via FAITH!-affiliated churches and social media. Logistic regression (odds ratios [ORs], adjusted for age/gender) and associated 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) examined associations between difficulty maintaining a healthy lifestyle and multilevel factors. Greater than half of respondents reported difficulty maintaining a healthy lifestyle (N = 169, 54% [91/169]). Adjusted odds of having difficulty maintaining a healthy lifestyle were greater for those reporting mental/emotional health issues (high-stress OR 4.0; 95% CI [1.9,8.9], p < .001); occasional symptoms of depression (OR 3.7; 95% CI [01.9,7.7]; p < .001); anger (OR 2.5; 95% CI [1.2,5.4]; p = .044), and anxiety (OR 2.8; 95% CI [1.4,6.0]; p = .008)). COVID-19 hardships of job insecurity (OR 1.4.; 95% CI [0.7, 2,8]; p = .015), difficulty paying rent (OR 4.4; 95% CI [2.1,9.9]; p < .001) or difficulty paying for food/utilities (OR 5.4; 95% CI [2.6,11.7]; p < .001) were associated with difficulty maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Our study revealed the negative impact of mental/emotional health and COVID-19 hardships on maintaining a healthy lifestyle among African Americans. This could inform SDoH-focused lifestyle interventions during future public health crises.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It is not clear whether changes in lesion volume might represent a clinically relevant and statistically advantageous outcome parameter in early phase trials aimed at preventing bleeding in cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM). METHODS: We examined prospective changes in CCM lesion volume in the double-blinded AT CASH EPOC trial (clinicaltrials.gov NCT02603328). We correlated these with symptomatic hemorrhage (SH) events, contemporaneously assessed changes in lesional iron content by quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) on MRI, and objective (modified Rankin Scale (mRS)) and subjective (Euro-QoL Visual Analog Scale [EQ-VAS]) functional status. We also simulated sample sizes needed to detect potential effects on lesion volume. RESULTS: There was excellent correlation between independently assessed maximum lesion diameter and CCM lesion volume (R 2 = 0.68, P < .0001). The mean (SD) percentage change in lesion volume per year was +6 (65) and +18 (94) in atorvastatin and placebo patients, respectively ( P = .43). All cases with SH had increases in lesion volume and increases in mean lesional iron content by QSM, and most had declines in functional status on mRS and EQ-VAS, but there were no overall meaningful correlations of changes in lesion volume with concomitant changes in mean lesional QSM, mRS, or EQ-VAS (all R/R 2 < 0.5 and Bonferroni corrected P > .05), including in brainstem lesions analyzed separately. Sample size simulations indicate larger case numbers needed to demonstrate an effect on change in lesion volume than those needed to detect an effect on QSM change with α = 0.05 and β = 0.8, and even larger samples to detect effects on the number of cases with increased or decreased lesion volume. CONCLUSION: Changes in lesion volume occur frequently in CCM lesions after recent SH, but do not correlate with biomarkers of lesional bleeding, nor reflect functional changes, and are not statistically advantageous compared with QSM measures in detecting potential drug effects.

In the phase III placebo-controlled DeFi trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03785964 ) primary analysis, nirogacestat showed significant improvement versus placebo in progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and patient-reported outcomes (PRO) in adult patients with progressing desmoid tumors (DT; median [range] exposure: 20.6 [0.3-33.6] months). Here, long-term nirogacestat efficacy and safety were evaluated in patients randomly assigned to nirogacestat and followed through the final data cutoff date of December 19, 2024. End points included PFS and ORR per RECIST v1.1, PRO, and safety. The median (range) duration of exposure was 33.6 (0.3-61.8) months. Median PFS was not reached. The ORR with up to 4 years of nirogacestat treatment was 45.7% (32 of 70), with three additional partial and three additional complete responses since the primary analysis. Further target tumor size reduction occurred in most patients. Benefits in PROs were sustained while on treatment. Frequently reported treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) decreased in incidence and severity over time. Since the primary analysis, four patients discontinued nirogacestat because of TEAEs between years 2 and 4. In conclusion, long-term continuous nirogacestat treatment was associated with further tumor size reductions, durable objective responses, sustained PRO benefits, and a manageable safety profile consistent with the primary analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic exenteration is the treatment of choice for selected patients with locally advanced primary and recurrent rectal cancer. Involvement of major pelvic neurovascular structures and bone was historically considered a contraindication due to unacceptably high rates of morbidity and low R0 resection rates. OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of these “high-complexity” exenterative resections to those of “conventional” pelvic exenteration. DESIGN: International multicenter retrospective cohort study. SETTINGS: Sixteen specialized exenteration centers. PATIENTS: Those who underwent total pelvic exenteration for locally advanced primary and recurrent rectal cancer between 2018 and 2023 at participating centers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Perioperative resource utilization, morbidity, mortality, and R0 resection rates were reported. RESULTS: Seven hundred sixty-three patients underwent total pelvic exenteration, of whom 478 (63%) and 285 (37%) required conventional and high-complexity procedures, respectively. High-complexity pelvic exenteration was associated with longer operating time (600 vs 480 minutes, p < 0.001 for locally advanced primary rectal cancer, 623 vs 480 minutes, p < 0.001 for locally recurrent rectal cancer), intensive care stay (2 vs 1 day, p < 0.001 and 3 vs 1 day, p < 0.001), hospital stay (19 vs 15 days, p = 0.008 and 23 vs 15 days, p < 0.001), and higher blood loss (2000 vs 1236 mL, p < 0.001 and 3000 vs 1600 mL, p < 0.001). Morbidity and mortality outcomes and R0 resection rates were similar between the groups. LIMITATIONS: Generalizability of findings outside of expert units. CONCLUSIONS: High-complexity pelvic exenteration for the treatment of rectal cancer is associated with similar morbidity, mortality, and R0 resection rates, but it has a significantly higher operative time, blood loss, and hospital resource utilization compared to conventional pelvic exenteration. In high-volume, specialized centers, these techniques are considered the standard of care for appropriately selected patients with tumors that involve major pelvic bone or neurovascular structures. See Video Abstract . EXENTERACIÓN PÉLVICA TOTAL CONVENCIONAL FRENTE A EXENTERACIÓN PÉLVICA TOTAL DE ALTA COMPLEJIDAD PARA EL CÁNCER RECTAL LOCALMENTE AVANZADO Y LOCALMENTE RECURRENTE: UN ESTUDIO MULTICÉNTRICO INTERNACIONAL ANTECEDENTES: La exenteración pélvica es el tratamiento de elección para determinados pacientes con cáncer rectal primario y recurrente localmente avanzado. La afectación de las principales estructuras neurovasculares y óseas pélvicas se consideraba históricamente una contraindicación debido a las tasas inaceptablemente altas de morbilidad y a las bajas tasas de resección R0. OBJETIVO: Comparar los resultados de estas resecciones exenteración «de alta complejidad» con los de la exenteración pélvica «convencional». DISEÑO: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo multicéntrico internacional. ENTORNOS: Dieciséis centros especializados en exenteración. PACIENTES: Aquellos que se sometieron a una exenteración pélvica total por cáncer rectal primario y recurrente localmente avanzado entre 2018 y 2023 en los centros participantes. PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADOS: Se informaron la utilización de recursos perioperatorios, la morbilidad, la mortalidad y las tasas de resección R0. RESULTADOS: 763 pacientes se sometieron a una exenteración pélvica total, de los cuales 478 (63 %) y 285 pacientes (37 %) requirieron procedimientos convencionales y de alta complejidad, respectivamente. La exenteración pélvica de alta complejidad se asoció con un tiempo quirúrgico más prolongado (600 frente a 480 minutos, p < 0,001 para el cáncer rectal primario localmente avanzado, 623 frente a 480 minutos, p < 0,001 para el cáncer rectal localmente recurrente), estancia en cuidados intensivos (2 frente a 1 día, p < 0,001 y 3 frente a 1 día, p < 0,001), estancia hospitalaria (19 frente a 15 días, p = 0,008 y 23 frente a 15 días, p < 0,001) y mayor pérdida de sangre (2000 frente a 1236 ml, p < 0,001 y 3000 frente a 1600 ml, p < 0,001). Los resultados de morbilidad y mortalidad, así como las tasas de resección R0, fueron similares entre los grupos. LIMITACIONES: Generalización de los resultados fuera de las unidades especializadas CONCLUSIONES: La exenteración pélvica de alta complejidad para el tratamiento del cáncer de recto se asocia con tasas similares de morbilidad, mortalidad y resección R0, pero con un tiempo quirúrgico, una pérdida de sangre y una utilización de recursos hospitalarios significativamente mayores en comparación con la exenteración pélvica convencional. En centros especializados con un gran volumen de casos, estas técnicas se consideran el tratamiento estándar para pacientes adecuadamente seleccionados con tumores que afectan a los huesos pélvicos principales o a las estructuras neurovasculares. ( AI-generated translation )

Systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (SSc-PAH) is a life-threatening vascular complication of SSc, marked by high morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis remains a major challenge due to nonspecific symptoms and the limitations of conventional tools such as echocardiography (ECHO), pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and serum biomarkers. This review evaluates the emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), in improving the diagnostic landscape of SSc-PAH. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, Embase and Google Scholar to identify studies involving AI applications in SSc, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and their intersection. Evidence indicates that AI models can assist interpretation across modalities, including heart sounds, ECGs, chest X-rays (CXRs), ECHOs, CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA), and omics-based biomarkers. While several models show encouraging diagnostic performance, their accuracy varies by dataset and modality, and most require external validation against right heart catheterization (RHC)-confirmed cohorts. Integrating multimodal data through AI frameworks may enhance early recognition and individualized risk stratification; however, these tools remain exploratory. Future work should emphasize harmonized hemodynamic definitions, transparent validation protocols, and SSc-specific datasets to ensure clinical applicability and reproducibility.

Introduction: Excess sodium intake is strongly linked with hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD); people with narcolepsy (PwN) have increased CV risk. Hypothesis: Switching from high-sodium oxybate (SXB; Xyrem ® ; 6–9 g for ≥6 wks) to low-sodium oxybate (LXB; Xywav ® ; same regimen) reduces mean 24-hr ambulatory systolic blood pressure (ASBP) after ≈6 wks in PwN, regardless of antihypertensive (anti-HTN) use and site type. Methods: XYLO, an open-label, single-arm study (NCT05869773), assessed PwN aged 18−70 y with office SBPs of 130−155 mmHg. The primary and key secondary endpoints were changes from baseline (BL) to end-of treatment (EOT) in mean 24-hr ASBP and seated resting (“office”) SBP (OSBP), respectively; exploratory endpoints were diastolic BP (DBP) changes. Changes are baseline adjusted. Prespecified subgroup analyses explored BL anti-HTN use and participation site (ie, site-based [at study site] vs decentralized [at-home]). Results: In 43 PwN (mean age, 45 y; female, 65%; anti-HTN, 33%), mean±SD BL OSBP and DBP were 138.0±5.7 and 85.2±6.6 mmHg, respectively. Mean±SD total SXB vs LXB dosages were 8.0±1.1 vs 8.1±1.1 g/night, reflecting 1457±206 vs 118±16 mg sodium (difference: ≈1339 mg); median 24-hr urinary sodium was 4232 mg/d at BL and 2703 mg/d at EOT (median change: 1288 mg/d). Mean change in 24-hr ASBP (least squares mean [95% CI]) was −4.1 (−6.9, −1.4; 1-sided P =0.0019) mmHg (Fig 1) ; mean change in OSBP was −9.2 (−11.9, −6.5; 1-sided P <0.0001). Mean changes in 24-hr ambulatory and office DBP were −2.3 (−4.1, −0.5; 2-sided P =0.0118; nominal) and −3.8 (−6.0, −1.6; 2-sided P =0.0014; nominal) mmHg, respectively. In subgroups, mean change in 24-hr ASBP was −4.6 (−9.6, 0.3) mmHg with BL anti-HTN use and −3.9 (−7.3, −0.5) mmHg without BL anti-HTN use; changes in OSBP were −11.8 (−16.5, −7.1) and −7.9 (−11.1, −4.6) mmHg. Mean change in 24-hr ASBP was −3.6 (−8.0, 0.9) mmHg for site-based and −4.5 (−8.1, −1.0) mmHg for decentralized participation. Corresponding changes in OSBP were −9.0 (−13.3, −4.6; site-based) and −9.3 (−12.8, −5.8; decentralized) mmHg with a downward trend over 6 wks ( Fig 2 ). Treatment-emergent adverse events (all mild/moderate) occurred in 40% of PwN (N=67). Conclusions: Switching from SXB to LXB reduced daily medication-related sodium intake in PwN and was associated with clinically meaningful BP reductions overall and across subgroups, consistent with evidence on dietary and medication-related sodium effects.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are an important class of cancer treatment. Endocrine immune-related adverse events (E-irAEs) account for a significant proportion of irAEs in ICI-treated patients. Diagnosing E-irAEs accurately and timely can be challenging in the absence of clear categorization and standardization across oncology, endocrinology and other specialties. While existing guidelines provide some broad directions to diagnosis and management, they lack clarity on irAE-specific symptom evaluation and work-up, as well as assessment of severity. These limitations can then impact triage, time-sensitive management and care escalation to specialists such as oncoendocrinologists. The objective of this study was to develop consensus-based statements on disease definitions for E-irAEs. A core working group of endocrinologists with expertise in the oncoendocrinology field drafted a survey with statements outlining the general approach to E-irAEs, disease definition and management approach of six specific diagnoses: ir-thyroiditis thyrotoxic phase, ir-thyroiditis hypothyroidism, ir-Graves’ disease, ir-hypophysitis, ir-adrenalitis and ir-type 1 diabetes mellitus. Severity grading tables were drafted for three disease categories—“thyroid”, “pituitary and adrenal”, and “diabetes mellitus”. A two-round modified Delphi process, using the RAND/University of California Los Angeles (RAND/UCLA) Appropriateness Method, was employed. In this process, a 25-member voting panel consisting of endocrinologists, oncologists and other specialists and healthcare providers with experience in management of ICI-treated patients and irAEs was recruited. The panel rated anonymously on usability, accuracy, appropriateness or agreement of 41 items on a 9-point scale in Survey 1, after which a meeting was convened. Statements were modified based on voting results from Survey 1 and Meeting 1, and the process was repeated in Survey 2 and Meeting 2. At the end of this process, consensus was achieved for all statements. Our study findings address the gap in standardized nomenclature, clinical, laboratory and radiological evaluations, and management principles of E-irAEs. With consensus achieved from a panel of experts from a variety of disciplines, we anticipate that the statements can form the basis for standardization of the diagnostic process and improvement of patient care.