Citations

ImportanceIncreased white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume is a common magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) finding in both autosomal dominant Alzheimer disease (ADAD) and late-onset Alzheimer disease (LOAD), but it remains unclear whether increased WMH along the AD continuum is reflective of AD-intrinsic processes or secondary to elevated systemic vascular risk factors.ObjectiveTo estimate the associations of neurodegeneration and parenchymal and vessel amyloidosis with WMH accumulation and investigate whether systemic vascular risk is associated with WMH beyond these AD-intrinsic processes.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cohort study used data from 3 longitudinal cohort studies conducted in tertiary and community-based medical centers—the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network (DIAN; February 2010 to March 2020), the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI; July 2007 to September 2021), and the Harvard Aging Brain Study (HABS; September 2010 to December 2019).Main Outcome and MeasuresThe main outcomes were the independent associations of neurodegeneration (decreases in gray matter volume), parenchymal amyloidosis (assessed by amyloid positron emission tomography), and vessel amyloidosis (evidenced by cerebral microbleeds [CMBs]) with cross-sectional and longitudinal WMH.ResultsData from 3960 MRI sessions among 1141 participants were included: 252 pathogenic variant carriers from DIAN (mean [SD] age, 38.4 [11.2] years; 137 [54%] female), 571 older adults from ADNI (mean [SD] age, 72.8 [7.3] years; 274 [48%] female), and 318 older adults from HABS (mean [SD] age, 72.4 [7.6] years; 194 [61%] female). Longitudinal increases in WMH volume were greater in individuals with CMBs compared with those without (DIAN: t = 3.2 [P = .001]; ADNI: t = 2.7 [P = .008]), associated with longitudinal decreases in gray matter volume (DIAN: t = −3.1 [P = .002]; ADNI: t = −5.6 [P < .001]; HABS: t = −2.2 [P = .03]), greater in older individuals (DIAN: t = 6.8 [P < .001]; ADNI: t = 9.1 [P < .001]; HABS: t = 5.4 [P < .001]), and not associated with systemic vascular risk (DIAN: t = 0.7 [P = .40]; ADNI: t = 0.6 [P = .50]; HABS: t = 1.8 [P = .06]) in individuals with ADAD and LOAD after accounting for age, gray matter volume, CMB presence, and amyloid burden. In older adults without CMBs at baseline, greater WMH volume was associated with CMB development during longitudinal follow-up (Cox proportional hazards regression model hazard ratio, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.72-4.03; P < .001).Conclusions and RelevanceThe findings suggest that increased WMH volume in AD is associated with neurodegeneration and parenchymal and vessel amyloidosis but not with elevated systemic vascular risk. Additionally, increased WMH volume may represent an early sign of vessel amyloidosis preceding the emergence of CMBs.

Abstract Background Duplicate measurements can be used to characterize assay imprecision, identify outliers, and estimate error rates. The benefits of duplicate analysis, however, need to be balanced against the increased financial cost. The objective of this study was to evaluate the need for continued replicate measurement in a laboratory developed assay measuring anti-drug antibodies to infliximab (ATI). To this end, duplicate patient sample measurements from the ATI assay over a two-year period were analyzed to calculate outlier and error frequencies. Methods ATI were measured by electrochemiluminescence (ECL) on the MesoScale Discovery (MSD) platform, with a standard curve from 20–1250 U/mL using commercially available monoclonal ATIs. All patient samples tested for ATI over a 27-month period of time (n = 9582) were subject to inclusion in this study. Only patient samples with ATI levels within the analytical measuring range (AMR) of the assay, however, were selected for further analysis. Samples were divided equally into 7 bins across the measuring range based on mean replicate concentration. Within-run imprecision was determined for each bin using the standard deviation (combined from all replicates using sum of squares) and mean concentration derived from all replicates. Outliers were defined as replicate measurements with a percent difference greater than ±3 SD of the calculated assay imprecision. Errors were defined as samples which had replicate values on opposite sides of the clinical cutoff of positive ATI (≥50 U/mL) and a percent difference greater than 3SD of the assay imprecision. Results Of the 9582 total patient samples analyzed, 2467 had ATI values within the AMR and 1655 had levels over the clinical cut-off of 50 U/mL (17.3% positivity rate). Within-run imprecision determined from the mean and combined SD of the duplicate measurements ranged from 15.7% at the lowest concentration bin (20–27.5 U/mL) to 10.0% at the highest concentration bin (358–1243 U/mL). The mean percentage of outliers in each bin ranged from 0.8%–3.4% resulting in an overall outlier frequency of 2.1% when considering all samples within the AMR. There were 66 samples within the AMR which demonstrated qualitative discrepancies between the replicates. However, only 21 (31.8%) of these samples, had a percent agreement greater than 3SD of the assay imprecision resulting in an overall error rate of 0.2% when considering all 9582 samples. Conclusion In this study, the analysis of replicate patient samples enabled the establishment of a precision profile and estimation of error rates for a laboratory developed test measuring ATI. The calculated error rate of 0.2%, however, is well within the reported range of most clinical assays indicating that the continued practice of duplicate measurement may not be necessary. Additionally, updating the laboratory protocol to eliminate replicate testing would have positive impact in laboratory workflow, cost, and turn-around-time for results.

Abstract Context Pituitary apoplexy (PA) has been traditionally considered a neurosurgical emergency, yet retrospective single-institution studies suggest similar outcomes among patients managed medically. Objective We established a multicenter, international prospective registry to compare presentation and outcomes in PA patients treated with surgery or medical management alone. Methods A centralized database captured demographics, comorbidities, clinical presentation, visual findings, hormonal status, and imaging features at admission. Treatment was determined independently by each site. Key outcomes included visual, oculomotor, and hormonal recovery, complications, and hospital length of stay. Outcomes were also compared based on time from symptom onset to surgery, and from admission or transfer to the treating center. Statistical testing compared treatment groups based on 2-sided hypotheses and P less than .05. Results A total of 100 consecutive PA patients from 12 hospitals were enrolled, and 97 (67 surgical and 30 medical) were evaluable. Demographics, clinical features, presenting symptoms, hormonal deficits, and imaging findings were similar between groups. Severe temporal visual field deficit was more common in surgical patients. At 3 and 6 months, hormonal, visual, and oculomotor outcomes were similar. Stratifying based on severity of visual fields demonstrated no difference in any outcome at 3 months. Timing of surgery did not affect outcomes. Conclusion We found that medical and surgical management of PA yield similar 3-month outcomes. Although patients undergoing surgery had more severe visual field deficits, we could not clearly demonstrate that surgery led to better outcomes. Even without surgery, apoplectic tumor volumes regress substantially within 2 to 3 months, indicating that surgery is not always needed to reduce mass effect.

AbstractOpportunities for genetic counselors to work in the laboratory have grown exponentially, yet the professional development needed to serve in these roles had not been previously explored. This study aimed to identify competencies required for entry‐level genetic counselors working in the laboratory, explore the perceived level of preparation of these competencies as noted by experts in the laboratories, and assess the perceived value of additional credentialing for genetic counselors practicing in these settings. Twenty genetic counselors working in the laboratory setting and five MD or PhD laboratory managers, identified through purposeful and snowball sampling and with at least 5 years of experience working in a laboratory, were interviewed using a semi‐structured protocol. Transcripts were analyzed thematically using deductive and inductive coding. Key findings included the distinction of laboratory and industry roles as involving nondirect patient care and differing from genetic counseling roles in the clinical setting. Genetic counselors working in the laboratory feel well prepared to transition into this setting and provide a unique patient‐focused perspective to laboratory roles, including variant interpretation, marketing, and product development. Practice‐based competencies (PBCs) were translatable to those used in the laboratory, yet variant interpretation, limitations of genomics‐based tests, and the business of health care were noted as important to these roles but not fully addressed in the PBCs. Additional skills were often developed through on‐the‐job training and interdisciplinary collaboration, but more exposure to diverse roles in genetic counseling programs' didactic and field training was recommended. The majority felt that requiring an additional post‐master's credential to work in the laboratory setting may restrict movement into these roles. Several questioned their identity as genetic counselors as they were no longer providing direct patient care and/or had been dissuaded by others from pursuing a laboratory position. Research focused on professional identity among genetic counselors working in nondirect patient care roles is warranted.

Abstract Over one million biopsies are performed annually in the U.S. to evaluate suspicious breast lesions. Most biopsies lead to a diagnosis of benign breast disease (BBD) and these women have a 1.5- to fourfold increase in subsequent breast cancer (BC) risk compared with the general population. A polygenic risk score (PRS) including 313 common variants was developed to predict BC risk in the general population and has improved performance when added to existing BC prediction models. However, the value of PRS in risk prediction models among women with BBD has not been evaluated. To evaluate the role of the established PRS, BBD, and BC risk, we pooled data from 15,194 white women (6,706 BC cases and 8,488 controls) participating in five Breast Cancer Association Consortium case-control studies. BC risk associations were evaluated by self-reported BBD history and combinations of PRS expressed in tertiles using odds ratios (OR), considering the lowest category of PRS among women without BBD as the referent. Associations were also assessed in an independent case-cohort study (831 BC cases and 1,845 controls) using hazard ratios (HR). Among the case-control studies, the PRS was strongly associated with BC risk (OR=2.50 per standard deviation increase), and associations were similar in women with (OR=2.60) and without a history of BBD (OR=2.44, p-interaction=0.23). Women with BBD have a higher risk of BC than those without BBD within each level of PRS. Compared to women without BBD and in the lowest PRS category, those with BBD and PRS in the highest tertile had 5-fold increased odds of BC (OR = 5.38; 95% CI 4.73-6.13). Associations were similar in an independent case-cohort study. These findings indicate that BBD history and PRS are independent contributors to BC risk, and consideration of both simultaneously could improve breast cancer risk prediction. Future studies are needed to integrate PRS with other risk measures to refine absolute BC risk prediction among BBD patients. Associations of BC risk with combinations of PRS (tertiles) and history of BBD in five case-control studies and a case-cohort study from the Breast Cancer Association Consortium. Case-control studies Case-cohort study PRS score range History of BBD n BC cases n controls OR (95% CI)1 n BC cases n controls HR (95% CI)2 Tertile 1 (≤ -0.57) No 1009 2692 1.00 (Ref) 117 584 1.00 (Ref) Yes 508 902 1.54 (1.35-1.76) 69 163 2.05 (1.45-2.89) Tertile 2 (-0.58, -0.03) No 1469 2001 1.97 (1.78-2.17) 181 475 1.93 (1.48-2.51) Yes 760 798 2.65 (2.34-3.01) 108 170 2.99 (2.18-4.09) Tertile 3 (≥ -0.02) No 1910 1551 3.32 (3.01-3.67) 214 336 3.28 (2.52-4.26) Yes 1050 544 5.38 (4.73-6.13) 142 117 4.83 4.25-8.02) 1.Logistic regression analysis, adjusted for study site/genomic platform and age at enrollment. OR, odds ratio; CI, confidence interval.2.Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, accounting for the case-cohort study design and adjusted for age at enrollment. HR, hazard ratio; CI, confidence interval. Citation Format: Stacey J. Winham, Mark Sherman, Robert Vierkant, Bryan McCauley, Christopher Scott, Mia Gaudet, Melissa Troester, Sandhya Pruthi, Derek Radisky, Amy Degnim, Kristan Aronson, Rachel Murphy, Pascal Guenel, Therese Truong, Jenny Chang-Claude, Heiko Becher, Montserrat Garcia-Closas, Stephen Chanock, Thomas Ahearn, Xiaohong Yang, Doug Easton, Manjeet Bolla, Celine Vachon, Breast Cancer Association Consortium. Association of polygenic risk scores with breast cancer risk among women with benign breast disease. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 5241.

TPS11587 Background: Recurrent or metastatic dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLS) remains a difficult disease to treat. Available agents such as doxorubicin, eribulin, trabectedin, ifosfamide, dacarbazine, or gemcitabine-based regimens are associated with low response rates and only modest improvements in progression free or overall survival. The oncogene CDK4 is ubiquitously amplified in this disease and represents a rational therapeutic target. In single-arm phase 2 studies, treatment with selective CDK4 inhibitors resulted in clinical benefit (12-week progression-free survival (PFS) of 57% with palbociclib and 74% with abemaciclib). We hypothesize that treatment with abemaciclib will improve PFS compared to placebo in patients with recurrent or metastatic DDLS. Methods: This is a phase 3 randomized double-blind study of abemaciclib versus placebo. Eligible patients have recurrent or metastatic dedifferentiated liposarcoma (purely well-differentiated liposarcoma excluded), progression of disease by RECIST 1.1 in the 6 months prior to study entry, any number of prior systemic therapies, and adequate organ function and performance status. Patients are stratified by number of prior lines of therapy (0 vs 1 or more) and randomized 1:1 between abemaciclib 200 mg PO twice a day and matching placebo. Patients are followed with scans every 6 weeks (every 12w after 36w) and those with progression of disease on placebo may cross over to open label abemaciclib. The primary endpoint is PFS. Target enrollment is 108 evaluable patients which provides 80% power with two-sided 10% significance level to detect a hazard ratio of 0.6. Secondary endpoints include response rate, PFS and response rate after crossover, and overall survival. Archival tissue will be collected to explore potential biomarkers. As of Feb 1, 2023, 43 patients have been accrued at 9 participating centers. Clinical trial information: NCT04967521 .

11531 Background: Conventional chondrosarcoma (cCS) is the 2nd most common primary bone tumor and is resistant to chemotherapy and radiation. IDH1/2 mutations (m) occur in 50% of cCS. Both IDHm and wild-type (wt) cCS harbor epigenetic dysregulation. In preclinical models of IDHm and wt cCS, combination treatment with HDAC and DNMT inhibitors (i) suppressed growth in vitro and in vivo by reversing the hypermethylated state and inducing tumor suppressors, interferon response genes and apoptosis (Sheikh T, Schwartz G. Mol Cancer Ther 2021;20). Methods: NCI 10330 is a single-arm, multicenter, phase 2 study evaluating the HDACi belinostat (B) with the DNMTi SGI-110 (S) or ASTX727 (A). A replaced S due to drug availability (pts were replaced). Pts had advanced cCS, ECOG PS ≤ 2 and could be treatment naïve. Progression was required for grade 1 cCS. Pts received B 1000mg/m2 IV + S 45mg/m2 SC both days 1-5 or B (same dosing) + A (cedazuridine 100mg/decitabine 35mg) PO both days 1-5, in 28-day cycles. 1° endpoint was objective response. A Simon 2-stage design was used. If ≥ 2/13 responses occurred in stage 1, the study would proceed to full accrual. Design had 85% power with α = 0.05 to test ORR 8% vs 28%. 2° endpoints included safety, PFS and OS. A safety lead-in was performed. Paired biopsies were collected. Results: Stage 1 is complete. 19 pts were treated: 6 on B+S and 13 on B+A. Median age was 50 and 67 years, respectively. All pts had prior surgery. 17% (B+S) and 38% (B+A) had prior radiation. 33% (B+S) and 55% (B+A) were IDHm. 67% (B+S) and 75% (B+A) were histologic grade ≥ 2. There were no objective responses. Best response (at 8 weeks) was stable disease (SD) in 4/6 pts (67%) on B+S and 6/10 pts (60%) on B+A. mPFS was 4.2 mos (95% CI 1.97-NR) for B+S and 3.8 mos (95% CI 2.17-NR) for B+A. mOS has not been reached. For B+A, mPFS for IDHm vs wt pts was 4.7 and 3.1 mos, respectively (p=0.21). One pt with IDHm grade 2 cCS who progressed on FT-2102 (IDH1i) remains on B+A > 1 year. There were no DLTs during either safety lead-in. Grade 3/4 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 17% (B+S) and 69% (B+A). For B+A, the most common grade 3/4 TRAE was neutropenia (54%) and the most common all-grade TRAEs were nausea (69%), leukopenia (61%), neutropenia (54%), anemia (46%) and fatigue (46%). Paired tumor biopsies are being evaluated with whole exome sequencing, RNAseq, methylation array and multiplex IHC with results forthcoming. Conclusions: Combination HDACi + DNMTi was well-tolerated in advanced cCS. There were no objective responses; however, a subset of pts experienced prolonged SD with a trend towards improved mPFS in IDHm pts. Correlative work is ongoing with a focus on differential effects on IDHm tumors and whether modulation of the immune microenvironment might support combinations with immunotherapy. Support: UM1CA186689. Clinical trial information: NCT04340843 .

11505 Background: Potentiation of chemotherapy, without increased toxicity, to improve outcome is an area of interest. Preclinical and clinical evidence shows simultaneous utilization of antiangiogenic agents and chemotherapy have a synergistic effect. We hypothesized that the dual targeting of VEGF and c-MET pathways with cabozantinib (CAB) would result in clinical benefit for patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS) when combined with temozolomide (TMZ), an alkylating agent. Utilization of CAB/TMZ is anticipated to produce a synergistic antitumor effect worthwhile to explore in STS. Methods: A multicenter phase II study of CAB/TMZ in patients with unresectable/metastatic leiomyosarcoma (LMS) and other STS was conducted by the Midwest Sarcoma Trials Partnership. Age ≥ 18, adequate performance status, organ function, measurable disease (RECIST 1.1), and 0-5 prior chemotherapy regimens were required. CAB 40 mg PO daily plus TMZ 150-200 mg/m2 PO 1-5 days were given in 28-day cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients enrolled in 2 cohorts: 1. Uterine and non-uterine LMS 2. Other STS. The first 14 subjects to be enrolled in the study in either cohort served as a safety lead in. The primary endpoint was progression-free rate (PFR) at 12 weeks for cohort 1. Secondary endpoints include overall response rate (ORR), clinical benefit rate, median progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival, and safety and tolerability. The exploratory endpoint was to estimate the correlation of PFR and OS to expression levels of VEGF, amongst others. A Simon 2-stage design was used. Results: A total of 42 patients were enrolled in Cohort 1, and 30 in Cohort 2, across 5 sites. For Cohort 1, median age was 59 years (range 35-86), 85.7% were non-Hispanic, 73.8% were female, 61.9% had ECOG of 0. The PFR at 12 weeks was 45.9% (for 37 evaluable patient) with a median PFS of 6.4 months (95% CI 4.6-6.7). Five PR were observed for an ORR of 13.5%. For Cohort 2, median age was 63 (20-86), 83.3% were non-Hispanic, 36.7% were female, 53.3% had ECOG of 0. The PFR at 12 weeks was 50% (for 28 evaluable patients) with a median PFS of 3.2 months (95% CI 1.4-4.6). One PR was observed. Reported grade 3-4 adverse events attributed to one or both intervention drugs affecting ≥10% of patients (n = 70) included hypertension (10%), decreased neutrophils (18.7%), decreased platelets (31%). Conclusions: The combination therapy of CAB/TMZ in patients with unresectable or metastatic LMS exceeded its primary endpoint with a PFR at 12 weeks > 39%. The PFS of 6.4 months in Cohort 1 exceeds rates achieved with second line tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and alkylators in LMS patients. Treatment was feasible and did not reveal any previously unreported toxicities. The combination with CAB with TMZ demonstrated meaningful clinical benefit and is worth further exploration in LMS. Clinical trial information: NCT04200443 .

The treatment of sarcoma necessitates a collaborative approach, given its rarity and complex management. At a single institution, multidisciplinary teams of specialists determine and execute treatment plans involving surgical, radiation, and medical management. Treatment guidelines for systemic therapies in advanced or nonresectable soft tissue sarcoma have advanced in recent years as new immunotherapies and targeted therapies become available. Collaboration between institutions is necessary to facilitate accrual to clinical trials. Here, we describe the success of the Midwest Sarcoma Trials Partnership (MWSTP) in creating a network encompassing large academic centers and local community sites. We propose a new model utilizing online platforms to expand the reach of clinical expertise for the treatment of advanced soft tissue sarcoma.

AbstractBackgroundCommunity-onset bacterial coinfection in adults hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is reportedly uncommon, though empiric antibiotic use has been high. However, data regarding empiric antibiotic use and bacterial coinfection in children with critical illness from COVID-19 are scarce.MethodsWe evaluated children and adolescents aged <19 years admitted to a pediatric intensive care or high-acuity unit for COVID-19 between March and December 2020. Based on qualifying microbiology results from the first 3 days of admission, we adjudicated whether patients had community-onset bacterial coinfection. We compared demographic and clinical characteristics of those who did and did not (1) receive antibiotics and (2) have bacterial coinfection early in admission. Using Poisson regression models, we assessed factors associated with these outcomes.ResultsOf the 532 patients, 63.3% received empiric antibiotics, but only 7.1% had bacterial coinfection, and only 3.0% had respiratory bacterial coinfection. In multivariable analyses, empiric antibiotics were more likely to be prescribed for immunocompromised patients (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 1.34 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.01–1.79]), those requiring any respiratory support except mechanical ventilation (aRR, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.05–1.90]), or those requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (aRR, 1.83 [95% CI, 1.36–2.47]) (compared with no respiratory support). The presence of a pulmonary comorbidity other than asthma (aRR, 2.31 [95% CI, 1.15–4.62]) was associated with bacterial coinfection.ConclusionsCommunity-onset bacterial coinfection in children with critical COVID-19 is infrequent, but empiric antibiotics are commonly prescribed. These findings inform antimicrobial use and support rapid de-escalation when evaluation shows coinfection is unlikely.