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462 citation(s) found for "Wu, Joanne".

Multiomic profiling of LRRC15 in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC).
Deshmukh, Sachin Kumar , Wu, Sharon , Xiu, Joanne , Lopes, Gilberto , Valdes, Frances, King, Traci, Hurley, Judith , Salazar, Ana Silvia, Sucre, Santiago , Advani, Pooja , Coelho, Priscila Barreto, Morgenstern‐Kaplan, Dan , George, Sophia , Trapani, Dario , Jayachandran, Priya , Lustberg, Maryam B. , Sledge, George W.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2025 | Volume: 43 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 1098-1098

10.1200/jco.2025.43.16_suppl.1098 Get It

1098 Background: Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 15 ( LRRC15) has emerged as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for various cancers due to its high expression in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and role in tumor progression. High LRRC15 expression is associated with poor prognosis in TNBC. This study aims to define the multiomic profile of LRRC15 in TNBC. Methods: 3,038 TNBC samples were analyzed via Next-Generation Sequencing (592, NextSeq; Whole Exome Sequencing, NovaSeq) and Whole Transcriptome Sequencing (NovaSeq; Caris Life Sciences, AZ). Immune cell fractions were estimated using WTS deconvolution (Quantiseq). Stromal cell abundance in the tumor microenvironment (TME) was estimated from RNA expression profiles using MCP Counter. LRRC15 -high (H) and -low (L) tumors were classified by RNA expression above or below the 25th percentile. Real-world overall survival (OS) and treatment-related survival were derived from insurance claims and calculated from tissue collection or treatment initiation to last contact using Kaplan-Meier. Statistical significance was assessed using chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests with multiple comparison adjustments (q < .05). Results: LRRC15 -H TNBC tumors had higher frequency of PIK3CA (25.9% vs 16.8), PIK3R1 (6.2% vs 1.6%), PTEN (11.3% vs 5.8%), but lower frequency of RB1 (7.8% vs 12.1%) and KMT2D (2% vs 4.4%) compared to LRRC15 -L, all q < 0.05. LRRC15 -H had higher PD-L1 positivity (32.3% vs 24.5%, q < 0.05). Analysis of immune cells showed LRRC15 -H TNBC had higher infiltration of B cells (4.2% vs 3.5%), M1 macrophages (4.3% vs 2%), M2 macrophages (4% vs 2.5%), Tregs (1.9% vs 1.1%), neutrophils (4.9% vs 3.9%), CD8 + T cells (0.4% vs 0.1%), but lower dendritic cells (2.5% vs 3%), all q < 0.05. LRRC15 -H tumors had greater abundance of CAFs (575.6 vs 93.78, 6.14 fold change (FC)) and endothelial cells (7.3 vs 3.7, 1.97 FC), all q < 0.05. LRRC15 -H had higher T-cell inflamed score (71.5 vs -77) and IFNg score (-0.14 vs -1.72), all q < 0.05. LRRC15 -H tumors had higher expression of immune checkpoint genes ( CD274, PDCD1, PDCD1LG2, CTLA4, LAG3, HAVCR2, FOXP3, IDO1, TNFSF14, TIGIT, BTLA, CEACAM1, CD47, CD80, CD86, CD160, CD274 ; FC 1.2-2.5, q < 0.05). LRRC15 -H was associated with better OS (mOS: 24.7 vs 13.6 months; HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.53-0.7, p < 0.001). Post-pembrolizumab survival was longer for LRRC15 -H patients (mOS: 27.2 vs 19.4 months; HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.42-0.89, p = 0.01). Conclusions: LRRC15 -H TNBC exhibited better outcomes with pembrolizumab, likely due to higher immune cell fractions and increased CAFs. These findings highlight TNBC heterogeneity and position LRRC15 as a potential biomarker for tumor stratification, a possible adverse prognostic biomarker and a positive predictive biomarker. Ongoing phase I trials targeting LRRC15 show promise. Combining LRRC15 -targeted therapies with immunotherapy may improve TNBC outcomes, warranting further validation in breast cancer models.
Evaluation of tumor immune microenvironment in Hispanic and African American breast cancer.
Deshmukh, Sachin Kumar , Rallos, Elexa , Al-Zubeidy, Batul , Martynova, Anastasia, Spicer, Darcy, Wu, Sharon , Xiu, Joanne , Gandhi, Shipra , Chumsri, Saranya , Leone, José Pablo , Mahtani, Reshma , Leon, Ana Sandoval, Torres, Evanthia T. Roussos , Sandoval-Leon, Ana Cristina , Hsu, Robert C. , Stewart, Daphne B. , Jayachandran, Priya , Sledge, George W. , Lustberg, Maryam B.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2025 | Volume: 43 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 1051-1051

10.1200/jco.2025.43.16_suppl.1051 Get It

1051 Background: Hispanics or Latinos (HL) and African Americans or Black (AA) have a higher prevalence of advanced-stage breast cancer (BC) at diagnosis compared to Non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). To understand the role of immune system, we evaluated the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) by race/ethnicity among HL, AA, and NHW BC patients. Methods: 15544BC samples were tested by NGS (592, NextSeq; WES, NovaSeq) and WTS (NovaSeq; Caris Life Sciences, Phoenix, AZ). Race/ethnicity data is self-reported. Immune cell were estimated using WTS deconvolution (Quantiseq). Gene expression profiles were analyzed for T-cell inflammation score (TIS) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) score. Real-world overall survival (OS) was obtained from insurance claims and calculated from date of tumor biopsy to last contact using Kaplan-Meier estimates. Statistical significance was determined by chi-square and Mann-Whitney U test with p -values adjusted for multiple comparisons (q < .05). Results: 7170 NHW (35.3%, N = 2528) biopsied (bx) from primary breast cancer (pBC), 64.7% (N = 4642) metastatic bx (mBC), 1,508 AA (pBC 39.3% N = 592, mBC 60.7% N = 916), and 1,754 HL (pBC 44.1% N = 774, mBC 55.9% N = 980) cases were included. By subtype, there were 1,956 (60.4% NHW, 20.7% NHB, 18.9% HL) TNBC, 3425 HR+/HER2- (72.6% NHW, 11.9% NHB, 15.6% HL), and 694 HER2+ (64.6% NHW, 15.7% NHB, 19.7% HL). Across all cases, AA (20.5%) and HL (20.4%) had greater incidence (%) of PD-L1+ cases versus (vs) NHW (17.4%), all q < .05. TMB-High (³10 mut/Mb) was similar in NHW (11.5%), AA (10.8%), and HL (10.9%). AA tumors had lower median % cell infiltration of M2-like macrophages (M2 Mφ), B cells, and neutrophils vs NHW (Table). HL had a lower fraction of M2 Mφ and higher CD8+ T cells (Table). AA had lower TIS (-8 vs 1, p = .02) while HL had lower IFN-gamma (-0.38 vs. -0.35, q < .05) vs NHW. By subtype, AA had lower neutrophils (4% vs 4.3%) and increased DC fractions (3.1% vs 2.8%) in TNBC vs NHW, all q < .05; no significant changes seen in HL vs NHW. AA had worse mOS than NHW overall (31.8 vs 36.8 months (mo)), HR 1.1, 95% CI 1 – 1.2, p = < .01), in pBC (40.3 vs 49.9 mo, HR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1 – 1.5, p = < .01), but not mBC (27.4 vs 29.1 mo, HR 1, p = 0.2). HL had similar mOS vs NHW overall (37.4 vs 36.8 mo, HR 0.9, p = 0.9) and in mBC (29.1 vs 31 mo, HR 0.96, p = 0.4), but worse mOS in pBC (44.7 vs 50.0 mo, HR 1.1, 95% CI 1 – 1.3, p = .01). Conclusions: Our study shows worse mOS in AA and HL pBC cases vs NHW, possibly from a less inflamed TIME in AA and HL and lower fraction of neutrophils and M2 Mφ despite higher % of PD-L1+. Targeting Mφ and CD8+ T cells and converting cold to hot TIME may lessen race/ethnic disparities, especially in early-stage BC. Immune cell fraction of NHW, AA and HL BC. NHW (median %) AA (median %) HL (median %) q-valueNHW vs AA q-value NHW vs HL B cell 5.2 4.8 5.0 <.05 0.7 DC 2.6 2.7 2.6 0.08 0.4 M1 Mφ 2.5 2.4 2.4 0.4 0.9 M2 Mφ 4.6 3.7 4.2 <.05 <.05 Neutrophils 3.7 3.5 3.4 <.05 <.05 NK cell 2.9 2.9 2.9 0.7 0.6 CD8+ T cell 0.1 0.15 0.26 0.8 <.05 Treg 1.5 1.5 1.6 0.6 <.05
MHC class I expression and outcomes in breast cancer in the real-world clinico-genomic data and the FinXX trial.
Liu, Yi , Deshmukh, Sachin Kumar , Ma, Yaohua , Wu, Sharon , Xiu, Joanne , Norton, Nadine , Ruddy, Kathryn J. , Perez, Edith A. , Gandhi, Shipra, Coelho, Priscila Barreto, Thompson, E. Aubrey , Chumsri, Saranya , Norton, Nadine , Carter, Jodi M. , Gandhi, Shipra , Lustberg, Maryam B. , Goetz, Matthew P. , Joensuu, Heikki , Sledge, George W.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2025 | Volume: 43 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 570-570

10.1200/jco.2025.43.16_suppl.570 Get It

570 Background: Major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) plays a critical role in immune surveillance by binding peptides derived from intracellular proteins and presenting them on the cell surface for recognition by CD8+ T cells. Loss or downregulation of MHC I expression has been identified as a key mechanism of immune evasion in cancers. Here, we evaluated MHC I expression and outcomes in all subtypes of breast cancer (BC). Methods: 9,038 BC samples were analyzed via NGS (592-gene panel, NextSeq; WES/WTS, NovaSeq; Caris Life Sciences, Phoenix, AZ), including triple-negative BC (TNBC) 3,038, HER2-positive (HER2+) 1,082, and hormone receptor-positive (HR+HER2-) 4,918. Immune cell fractions were estimated using WTS deconvolution (Quantiseq). MHC I ( HLA-A / HLA-B / HLA-C )-high (H) and -low (L) were classified by RNA expression above or below the 25th percentile. Real-world overall survival (OS) was derived from insurance claims and calculated from tissue collection to last contact using Kaplan-Meier. NanoString IO360 was performed in 114 samples from the FinXX trial (NCT00114816). Statistical significance was assessed using chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, ANOVA, and Cox regression with multiple comparison adjustments (q<.05). Results: TNBC had higher expression of HLA-A and HLA-B (median TPM: 169 and 191) compared to HER2+ (146.6 and 170, q<0.05) and HR+HER2- (141.7 and 157.5, q<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in HLA-C expression across 3 BC subtypes. In TNBC, MHC I-H tumors had higher frequencies of PD-L1 positivity (66.2% vs. 13.1%) as well as higher infiltration of B cells (4.5% vs. 3.2%), M1 macrophages (5% vs. 1.5%), M2 macrophages (4% vs. 2.1%), Tregs (2.8% vs. 0.8%), CD8 + T cells (1.8% vs. 0%), dendritic cells (3.2% vs. 2.8%), higher T-cell inflamed score (137 vs. -144), and IFN g score (0.02 vs. -0.49) compared to MHC I-L TNBC (all q<.05). MHC I-H TNBC was associated with significant improvement in median OS (30.1 vs. 15.2 months, HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.46-0.65, p<0.0001). However, this survival difference was not observed in patients with MHC I-H vs. MHC I-L in HER2+ (HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.74-1.47, p = 0.81) and HR+HER2- (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.75-1.02, p= 0.09) BC subtypes. We further validated the MHC I expression in the FinXX trial. Similarly, patients with MHC I-H had significant improvement in recurrence-free survival (HR 0.27, 95%CI 0.11-0.66, p = 0.002) and OS (HR 0.23, 95% CI 0.09-0.57, p = 0.0005) compared to MHC I-L. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that higher MHC I expression is associated with higher immune infiltration and improved outcomes in TNBC but not in HER2+ or HR+HER2- BC subtypes. These results suggest that MHC I expression plays a critical role in the tumor microenvironment of TNBC. Future studies are needed to evaluate the prognostic value and potential therapeutic target of MHC I in TNBC. Support: Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Bankhead Coley, W81XWH-18-1-0564. Clinical trial information: NCT00114816 .
The differential effect of stromal genes on gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (GN) and GN/cisplatin (GCN) outcomes in advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma (aPDAC).
Mahadevia, Himil , Wu, Sharon , Starr, Jason S. , O’Donnell, Conor, Ahn, Daniel H. , Xiu, Joanne , Shawa, Hani El, Kulkarni, Ninad , McWilliams, Robert R. , Majeed, Umair , Jones, Jeremy C , Mosalem, Osama , Sledge, George W. , Philip, Philip A. , Goel, Sanjay , Spetzler, David B. , Singh, Harshabad , Borad, Mitesh J. , Bekaii‐Saab, Tanios , Babiker, Hani M.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2025 | Volume: 43 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 4166-4166

10.1200/jco.2025.43.16_suppl.4166 Get It

4166 Background: GN is a front-line therapy for aPDAC. A Phase I/II study demonstrated that GCN has a higher overall response rate and median overall survival (mOS). Our previous study found no difference in outcomes among patients with DNA damage repair gene mutations; however, stromal gene expression correlated with mOS in patients receiving GCN. Here, we further evaluate differences in the outcomes with GCN and GN by site of biopsy. Methods: PDAC samples (n = 4,463) were analyzed by NGS (NextSeq/NovaSeq) or RNA (NovaSeq) (Caris Life Sciences, Phx, AZ). Expression of stromal and related genes ( ACTA2, ADIRF, HAS2, IL-6, MMP-2, MMP-9, SPARC, STAT3, TBGB1, TGFB2, TGFBR3, IDO1, HLA-DRB4, VEGFB) from different biopsy sites [high expression (H) >50% of RNA transcripts per million] was correlated with outcomes to GCN or GN. mOS was obtained from insurance claims and calculated from first treatment to last contact. The hazard ratio (HR) was calculated by the Cox proportional hazards model, and p-values were calculated using the log-rank test. Results: 4325 patients [primary biopsy (PT), n = 1,878; non-liver metastatic biopsy (N-LM), n = 818; Liver biopsy (LM), n = 1,629] received GN while 138 patients (PT, n = 45; N-LM, n = 28; LM, n = 65) received GCN. GCN was associated with longer mOS than GN [∆: 5.2 months (m), HR: 0.76, 95% CI 0.63-0.92, p = 0.01]. GCN was associated with longer mOS compared to GN in LM (∆: 5.6 m, HR: 0.66, 95% CI 0.50-0.87, p = 0.003), but it was not significant in PT (∆: 4.6 m, p = 0.13) and N-LM (∆: 4.4 m, p = 0.35). Median MMP2 (38.5 vs. 163.1 vs. 162.2), VEGFB (14.4 vs. 16.9 vs. 16.2) and TGFBR3 (11.4 vs. 15 vs. 16.4) expression were lower in LM compared to PT and N-LM while TGFB1 (41.6 vs. 34.5 vs. 39.8) and IL6 (1.61 vs. 1.19 vs. 1.41) expression were highest in LM (p < 0.05). In LM, IL6 -H (∆: -11 m, p = 0.037) and TGFB1 -H (∆: -5.9 m, p = 0.10) were associated with worse post-GCN survival compared to GN (p = 0.82 and p = 0.57). Whereas, in N-LM, TGFBR3 -H trended towards longer post-GCN survival (∆: 12 m, p = 0.18), while ADIRF -H trended towards shorter post-GCN survival (∆: -12 m, p = 0.056) compared to GN (p = 0.42 and p = 0.10). While in PT, MMP2 -H (∆: 11.3m, HR: 0.46, p = 0.16), TGFB1 -H (∆: 11.3 m, HR: 0.33, p = 0.09), HLA-DRB4 -H (∆: 12.9 m, HR: 0.44, p = 0.11) and VEGFB -H (∆: 10.7, HR: 0.34, p = 0.09) trended towards longer post-GCN survival compared to GN ( MMP2 -H, ∆: 3.4 m, p = 0.03, TGFB1 -H, p = 0.661, HLA-DRB4 -H, p = 0.67, VEGFB-H , ∆: 1.3 m, p = 0.03). Conclusions: GCN is associated with improved mOS compared to GN, especially in LM.Stromal gene expression in the liver differs from that in N-LM and the pancreas. While high stromal gene expression trends towards worse post-GCN survival in LM, it is associated with improved survival in N-LM and PT. Further validation is needed to understand the impact of stromal gene expression in different tumor sites on survival outcomes and signature development.
Treatment rechallenge after trastuzumab-deruxtecan–related interstitial lung disease: A multi-institution cohort study.
Natsuhara, Kelsey , Blum, Kelly, LeVee, Alexis , Dempsey, Naomi , Premji, Sarah , Reddy, Natasha, Hoppenworth, Jenna, Chien, Jo, Melisko, Michelle , Idossa, Damé , Mahtani, Reshma , Vobugari, Nikitha , Moe, Christina, Reddy, Natasha, Vella, Maya , Huppert, Laura Ann , Blaes, Anne , Buckle, Geoffrey Colin , Mortimer, Joanne , Giridhar, Karthik V. , Rugo, Hope S.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2025 | Volume: 43 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 1015-1015

10.1200/jco.2025.43.16_suppl.1015 Get It

1015 Background: T-DXd is an antibody-drug conjugate approved for advanced HER2+/low/ultra-low breast cancer and multiple other solid tumors. T-DXd carries a rare but serious risk of ILD (incidence 12-15%), requiring frequent imaging and symptom evaluation. For > grade (G) 2 ILD, guidelines recommend permanent drug discontinuation. For asymptomatic G1 ILD, drug is held with the option for rechallenge (RC) if imaging findings resolve. Limited data exist on outcomes of RC after ILD in diverse real-world patients (pts). Methods: In this multi-center retrospective study, we analyzed pts with T-DXd related ILD treated from 2017-2024. Pts with ILD were identified via chart/ICD code review. Adjudication of T-DXd related ILD was based on treating providers’ assessment and graded via CTCAE v5. We collected pt demographics, T-DXd and steroid dosing, imaging results, and outcomes after RC. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon rank sum and Fisher’s exact tests. Results: Four centers treated 712 pts with T-DXd, with a 9.1% rate of any grade ILD (n=65). One other center reported only RC data in 18 pts with ILD. In total, 47 pts were RC; 38 after G1 ILD (81%), 9 after G2. Median (med) time to initial ILD was 145 days (d) after 1st dose (interquartile range [IQR] 78-205). Demographics for pts RC are shown in the table. Among 50 pts with G1 ILD, including pts not RC, 28/50 (56%) received steroids for a med of 36d (IQR 27-79). Radiographic improvement was seen at a med of 24d (IQR 19-63) for pts treated with steroids vs 82d (IQR 48-94) without (p<0.01); and a med of 35d (IQR 22-82) for pts RC vs 81d (IQR 68-105) for pts not RC (p=0.01). Among pts with G1 ILD, 38/50 (76%) were RC at a med of 42d (IQR 36-57) from last dose; 23/38 (61%) were dose reduced. After RC, pts remained on T-DXd for a med of 215d (IQR 60-334); 10/38 (26%) developed recurrent ILD (7-G1, 2-G2, 1-G3) at a med of 211d (IQR 47-273) from RC. No statistically significant differences were seen between ILD onset, time to RC, or demographics for pts with recurrent ILD vs not. Of the 9 pts RC after G2 ILD, T-DXd was continued for a med of 129d (IQR 49-171); 2/9 (22%) developed recurrent ILD (1-G2, 1-G3). No G5 toxicity was seen with RC. Conclusions: In this multi-center study, high RC rates were seen after G1 ILD with long duration of clinical benefit. Pts treated with steroids had faster radiographic ILD improvement, highlighting the importance of early steroid use. Among pts RC after G1 ILD, recurrent ILD rates were low, with the majority G1 and no G5 events. Notably, 9 pts with G2 ILD were RC, with a similar rate of recurrent ILD; this must be interpreted cautiously. Our large cohort data further supports the safety of T-DXd RC in diverse real-world settings. RC Pt Characteristics (n=47) n (%) or Median (IQR) Cancer typeBreastGIGyn 43 (91)3 (6)1 (2) Age (yrs) 57 (52-68) Prior # therapy lines in the advanced/metastatic setting 3 (1-5) Renal impairment (CrCl < 60 mL/min) 8 (17)
A Novel Heterozygous Likely Pathogenic JAG1 Germline Variant in an Adult With Unilateral Persistent Fetal Vasculature
Olarewaju, Bukola A., Tejon, Judy B, Shen, Joanne F , Turkmani, Ali , Shen, Wei , Osundiji, Mayowa A. , Ellingson, Marissa Susan, Shen, Wei , Osundiji, Mayowa Azeez , Abbas, Mohammed Tiseer , Ellingson, Marissa S.

American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A | May 27, 2025 | Volume: 197 | Issue: 9 | Pages: No page available

10.1002/ajmg.a.64098 | PMID 40259702 Get It

Global multi‐specialty clinician perspectives on the implementation of Alzheimer's disease blood biomarkers
Rodda, Joanne , Kuchenbecker, Lindsey A. , Chabrashvili, Tinatin, Budelier, Melissa M. , Duran‐Aniotz, Claudia , Udeh‐Momoh, Chinedu , Akman‐Anderson, Leyla, Pereira, Ana C. , Keshavan, Ashvini , Keshavan, Ashvini , Borelli, Wyllians Vendramini , DeMarco, Mari L. , Castilhos, Raphael Machado , Cawston, Erin E. , Mielke, Michelle M. , Algeciras‐Schimnich, Alicia

Alzheimer's & Dementia | May 22, 2025 | Volume: 21 | Issue: 5 | Pages: No page available

10.1002/alz.70201 | PMID 40401661 Get It

Abstract INTRODUCTION Clinicians’ views on the clinical readiness of Alzheimer's disease (AD) blood biomarkers (BBMs) are not well understood. METHODS The Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment Biofluid‐Based Biomarkers Professional Interest Area conducted a survey to elicit clinician opinions on AD BBM implementation, including contexts of use, assay selection, reporting, and result interpretation. RESULTS Clinician respondents ( n = 212) practiced in Europe (56%), North America (24%), the Caribbean and Central/South America (11%), and other continents (9%). Most respondents were medical doctors (80%) practicing in secondary or tertiary care (88%). For 56%, cerebrospinal fluid AD biomarkers or amyloid positron emission tomography were accessible, but 48% agreed and 52% disagreed with the implementation of AD BBMs in any clinical context. Respondents emphasized the need for data from diverse populations and educational resources to support test interpretation. DISCUSSION Surveyed clinicians generally agreed with published appropriate use recommendations but were divided on AD BBM readiness for clinical use. Highlights A survey of clinicians was conducted regarding clinical readiness of Alzheimer's disease (AD) blood biomarkers (BBMs). Views were split on AD BBM clinical readiness: 48% agreed, 52% disagreed. Most responders supported AD BBM use for treatment decisions. Most responders opposed AD BBM testing in asymptomatic individuals. Test performance data and educational materials to aid interpretation were of high importance.
A Brief Guide to Interpreting Transbronchial Cryobiopsies for Diffuse Parenchymal Lung Disease
Wright, Joanne L., Manchen, Peter , Butt, Yasmeen M. , Larsen, Brandon T. , Sakata, Kenneth K. , Tazelaar, Henry D. , Sakata, Kenneth, Vaszar, Laszlo, Churg, Andrew , Wright, Joanne L., Politis, Michelle Garlin , Smith, Maxwell L. , Vaszar, Laszlo T. , Tazelaar, Henry D.

American Journal of Surgical Pathology | May 21, 2025 | Volume: 49 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 1068-1077

10.1097/pas.0000000000002424 | PMID 40396574 Get It

Transbronchial cryobiopsies (CB) are increasingly replacing surgical biopsies (video-assisted thoracoscopic/VATS biopsies) for diagnosing diffuse parenchymal lung disease (interstitial lung disease, ILD), but there is very little guidance for pathologists on CB interpretation. Here we propose a fairly simple approach. First, if the diagnosis can be made on a traditional forceps biopsy, it can be made on a cryobiopsy. Many diseases with specific features will fall into this category (eg, sarcoidosis or Langerhans cell histiocytosis). More problematic are patterns such as usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) or nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), in which low-power architecture is the key to diagnosis. In this circumstance, an adequate sample is crucial to look for features such as fibroblast foci, because a combination of fibroblast foci plus any patchy old fibrosis, fibrotic architectural remodeling, or honeycombing, allows a diagnosis of a UIP pattern. However, in most instances, CB will not separate the UIP patterns seen in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, or connective tissue disease-interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD), although giant cells/granulomas (uncommon findings) in this setting favor fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Fibroblast foci can be difficult to differentiate from organizing pneumonia (OP), but granulation tissue plugs clearly in airspaces favor OP. Absent fibroblast foci, patchy old fibrosis, architectural distortion, and honeycombing by themselves do not allow a specific diagnosis. NSIP in CB microscopically looks like NSIP in VATS biopsies, and the presence of an NSIP or an NSIP+OP pattern is typical of CTD-ILD. All the above diagnoses require correlation with clinical and radiologic findings.
Associations Between Recalled Memories of the ICU Stay, Delirium, and Mental Health Outcomes in Critical Illness Survivors at 1-month Follow-up in a Critical Illness Recovery Center
Phan, Emily, Eaton, Tammy L. , Boehm, Leanne M. , Butcher, Brad W. , Danesh, Valerie , McPeake, Joanne , Lindroth, Heidi , Girard, T.D., Potter, Kelly

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine | May 11, 2025 | Volume: 211 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: A3144-A3144

10.1164/ajrccm.2025.211.abstracts.a3144 Get It

Abstract Rationale: Critical illness survivors often experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to traumatic experiences, sedation, and delirium. Early interventions of psychological support may help mitigate mental health deficits post-ICU. Memory of the ICU stay may play a key role in addressing trauma and facilitating therapeutic engagement. Therefore, we sought to determine the relationship between ICU memory recollection, in-ICU delirium, and mental health outcomes at 1-month follow-up in a critical illness recovery center. Methods: We analyzed data collected at 1-month follow-up in a critical illness recovery center seeing adults who had ICU stays of &gt;4 days with sepsis, respiratory failure, and/or delirium. Patients were asked, “Do you remember your experience in the ICU, and if so, can you describe your most impactful memories?” and we qualitatively coded responses for A) presence/absence of memories and B) type of memories described. We analyzed unadjusted associations between demographic, clinical, and mental health measures (anxiety, depression, and PTSD) and memory recollection using chi-square and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Results: Among 196 patients seen at 1-month follow-up, 96 (49%) reported memories of their ICU stay. Of these, 44 (46%) described support they received in the ICU (e.g., feeling “safe and watched” by ICU staff, spouse at bedside), 36 (38%) recalled delusions and/or hallucinations (e.g., being kidnapped), 35 (37%) remembered specific treatments (e.g., cardioversion), and 33 (34%) described symptoms (e.g., pain, constipation). Baseline characteristics and critical illness features are shown in the Table. Patients who reported no memories of their ICU stay were more frequently admitted with neurological diagnoses, whereas those who reported memories were more often admitted with trauma or burns (p&lt;0.001). Those without memories had more delirium days than those reporting memories (p=0.02). Although PTSD and anxiety symptoms at 1-month follow-up were not associated with memories, patients who remembered their ICU stay had fewer depression symptoms (p=0.04). Conclusions: One month after their critical illness, half of survivors recalled their ICU experience, with memories ranging from supportive interactions to distressing experiences. In unadjusted analyses, memory recollection was associated with fewer depressive symptoms during follow-up, but a larger study is needed to determine whether this association persists after adjusting for potential confounders. Memories of the ICU may provide a therapeutic foundation for interventions targeting depression after critical illness, such as exposure therapy or ICU diaries, which may improve mental health outcomes in critical illness survivors.
The Impact of Reconnecting With Survivors After Critical Illness on Clinical Practice and Job Satisfaction in Nursing: A Mixed-Methods Survey
Eaton, Tammy L. , Boehm, Leanne M. , Lagina, Madeline , Valley, Thomas S. , Danesh, Valerie , McPeake, Joanne , Potter, Kelly , Lindroth, Heidi , Taylor, Stephanie Parks

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine | May 11, 2025 | Volume: 211 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: A3143-A3143

10.1164/ajrccm.2025.211.abstracts.a3143 Get It

Abstract Rationale: ICU nurses can experience high levels of burnout and job dissatisfaction due to stressors associated with high-stakes patient care, uncertain outcomes, and constant exposure to death. Witnessing patient recovery and/or disability status in the weeks or months after hospital discharge through reconnection with survivors of critical illness and their families may offer emotional and professional benefits to ICU nurses. However, the impact of connecting with patients’ post-ICU outcomes on nursing clinical practice and job satisfaction has not been well explored. This study aimed to investigate pragmatic perspectives from ICU nurses related to their insights on long-term patient outcomes after critical illness with a goal of identifying key mechanisms that may be associated with impacts on clinical practice and job satisfaction. Methods: A web-based investigator-designed survey was distributed to ICU nurses with endorsement from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses for completion via their website and annual conference. Survey items included quantitative and open-ended prompts to examine the impact of reconnecting with ICU survivors on clinical practice and job satisfaction. Thematic analysis was performed on free-text responses. Results: Fifty-four ICU nurses (76% female) participated in the survey (June 2023-May 2024), with a median age of 41 years and a median of 7 years of critical care experience. Among them, 89% reported that reconnecting with survivors positively impacted their job satisfaction, and 78% felt that reconnecting influenced their clinical practice. Thematic analysis revealed three themes: Empathy and Human Connection – Nurses felt validated and fulfilled knowing their care positively impacted patients’ lives, reinforcing the meaning of their work. These interactions fostered greater empathy, reminding nurses of the real-life impact of their care.Validation of Effort and Accomplishment – Nurses reported a stronger sense of accomplishment seeing the positive outcomes of their work. Reconnecting with survivors reaffirmed the importance of their roles, strengthening nurses’ sense of purpose and commitment.Positive Emotional Impact and Job Satisfaction – Interactions with survivors provided emotional uplift, enhancing job satisfaction and reminding nurses of the rewarding aspects of their roles. Gratitude and progress from survivors motivated nurses, helping them manage the emotional challenges of ICU work. Conclusion: Reconnecting with ICU survivors and their families may have positive impacts on job satisfaction and clinical practice by providing emotional rewards, reinforcing nurses’ professional purpose, and validating their contributions to patient recovery. Embedding structured, low-cost re-engagement activities with critical illness survivors could offer valuable benefits to the ICU nurse workforce.