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15417 citation(s) found for "Yu, Michael".

Abstract 4560: CTPS1 as a metabolic vulnerability and novel therapeutic target in breast and ovarian cancer
Wang, Xiyin, Emch, Michael, Voll, Lauren, Epp, Rebecca, Rodman, Esther , Odell, Noa , Smith, Hannah , Pearson, Nicole A, Hou, X, Goetz, M. P., Weroha, S. John, Beer, Phillip, Hawse, John R., Emch, Michael J. , Kaufmann, Scott H. , Weroha, S. John

Cancer Research | April 3, 2026 | Volume: 86 | Issue: 7_Supplement | Pages: 4560-4560

10.1158/1538-7445.am2026-4560 Get It

Abstract Breast and ovarian cancers are major causes of cancer mortality in women with frequent relapse after curative intent treatment, underscoring the need for novel therapeutics. To this end, we identified CTPS1 as an essential gene in multiple breast and ovarian cancer models, including those resistant to chemotherapy and PARP inhibitors. CTPS1 and CTPS2 are responsible for de novo synthesis of cytidine triphosphate (CTP) which is required for DNA/RNA polymerization, phospholipid synthesis and protein glycosylation. We found CTPS1 to be the predominant isoform expressed in cancer cells, with significantly higher levels in advanced and resistant disease models compared to normal tissue, benign lesions and treatment naïve cancers. Using CTPS1 siRNAs and CTPS1-dTAG (degradation tag) cell lines, we discovered that depletion of CTPS1 induces S-phase cell cycle arrest followed by apoptosis. Leveraging a first-in-class, highly selective, and orally bioavailable CTPS1 inhibitor (STP938) developed by Step Pharma, we identified nanomolar IC50 values across a panel of cell lines, both in 2D and 3D culture systems, and potent anti-neoplastic activity ex vivo and in vivo using patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. STP938 also synergized with standard-of-care chemotherapy agents and PARP inhibitors, including in therapy-resistant models. Given the essentiality of CTP for biosynthetic processes, we performed bulk and single cell RNA-seq, total and phospho-proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomic strategies to examine changes induced by acute and chronic STP938 exposure. This revealed that cancer cells are able to overcome pharmacologic CTPS1 inhibition by rewiring of pyrimidine and purine synthesis pathways, upregulation of the pentose phosphate pathway, and extensive remodeling of lipid synthesis pathways including shifts in PC/PE content, increased lysophospholipid production, and altered mitochondrial lipid composition (decreased cardiolipin and increased PG). To identify genetic drivers of STP938 resistance and synthetic lethal vulnerabilities, we performed a genome-wide CRISPR knockout screen together with a PRISM drug sensitivity screen. Genes regulating dNTP biosynthesis, S-phase progression, and RNA processing were identified as primary escape mechanisms, while DHODH inhibitors, purine and nucleoside analogs, and mitosis modifiers were implicated as synthetic lethal opportunities. Notably, we discovered that 25% of ovarian tumors lack CTPS2 protein expression, suggesting near complete reliance on CTPS1 for survival. Thus, a Phase 1a/b clinical trial of STP938 (NCT06297525) has been initiated, including an expansion cohort for patients with CTPS2-null ovarian tumors. These laboratory discoveries and ongoing clinical efforts aim to enable broader uptake of this novel therapeutic approach to improve long-term outcomes in patients with CTPS1-dependent disease. Citation Format: Xiyin Wang, Michael Emch, Lauren Voll, Rebecca Epp, Esther Rodman, Noa Odell, Hannah Smith, Nicole Pearson, Xiaonan Hou, Matthew Goetz, Scott Kaufmann, S. John Weroha, Phillip Beer, John Hawse. CTPS1 as a metabolic vulnerability and novel therapeutic target in breast and ovarian cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 4560.
Abstract 2293: The LncRNA XIST mediates resistance to estrogen receptor beta targeted therapies in triple negative breast cancer
Emch, Michael, Aspros, Kirsten, Hawse, John R., Emch, Michael J. , Aspros, Kirsten G. M. , Goetz, Matthew P.

Cancer Research | April 3, 2026 | Volume: 86 | Issue: 7_Supplement | Pages: 2293-2293

10.1158/1538-7445.am2026-2293 Get It

Abstract Breast cancer accounts for nearly a quarter of all cancers in women with an estimated 2.3 million new diagnoses and over 670,000 deaths annually. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype characterized by lack of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression in the absence of HER2 amplification. TNBC accounts for ∼15% of all incident breast cancers and is associated with poor patient outcomes. Problematically, TN tumors exhibit vast inter-patient molecular heterogeneity making the identification of novel therapeutic vulnerabilities difficult and the development of alternative treatment strategies problematic. We and others have demonstrated that estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) is expressed in about 20% of TN tumors and potently suppresses proliferation, invasion, and migration in TNBC cells in vitro and in vivo. We thus hypothesized that endocrine therapies that selectively activate ERβ would be an effective treatment approach for this subset of patients. We also anticipated that some tumors would display de novo or acquired resistance to ERβ targeted therapies despite ERβ protein expression. We therefore sought to define mechanisms of resistance to ERβ targeted therapy and to identify synthetic lethal vulnerabilities. We generated the first models of ERβ resistant TNBC through chronic exposure to estradiol or an ERβ specific agonist (LY500307) and through a CRISPR genome wide knockout screen. We identified the LncRNA XIST as one of the most upregulated transcripts in multiple models of ERβ resistant disease, and knockdown of XIST expression was shown to resensitize resistant cell to estradiol and LY500307 treatment. XIST was not found to be directly regulated by ERβ in TNBC further suggesting that its overexpression is a bona fide mechanism of resistance to ERβ mediated suppression of proliferation. The phenomena of chronic ligand exposure leading to activation of XIST expression in ERβ+ cells is not shared with ERα suggesting that the mechanism by which XIST expression is elevated during the development of resistance is distinct between the two sister receptors. We further characterized XIST expression in patient samples of TNBC and found that XIST expression varies, but largely exhibits a bimodal distribution with most tumors displaying either low or high transcript levels. In conclusion, we have identified the X-inactivating transcript as a driver of resistance to ERβ targeted therapies in TNBC. Future studies aimed at uncovering the consequences of XIST over-expression on global gene expression, functionality of ERβ, and aggressiveness of TNBC are ongoing. Citation Format: Michael Emch, Kirsten Aspros, Matthew P. Goetz, John Hawse. The LncRNA XIST mediates resistance to estrogen receptor beta targeted therapies in triple negative breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 2293.
Abstract 1525: Optimized CART cell therapy to remodel the tumor microenvironment and eliminate GI malignancies
Ruiz, Omar L Gutierrez, Sakemura, R. Leo, Skeele, Dominic, Saleh, Ateka, Can, Ismail, Sirpilla, Olivia , Yun, Kun , Stewart, Carli M. , Hefazi, M., Yamaguchi, Yoh, Fonkoua, Lionel Aurelien Kankeu, K, Long, Huynh, Truc, Goldberg, Sophia Y., DeFranco, Grace , Foote, Sara G., Ogbodo, Ekene Johnkennedy Newton, Xia, Hong , Redig, Michael, Matthew, Matthew L., Turley, Tamiel Nichole, Klinge, Skyeler, Copland, John Alton, Kenderian, Saad J., Gutierrez-Ruiz, Omar L. , Ruiz, Omar Gutierrez, Feigin, Jennifer M. , Kimball, Brooke , Sakemura, Reona , Siegler, Elizabeth L. , Roman, Claudia Manriquez , Can, İsmail , Stewart, Carli , Hefazi, Mehrdad , Yamaguchi, Yoh, Fonkoua, Lionel Aurelien Kankeu , Huynh, Truc , Goldberg, Sophia , Ogbodo, Ekene J. , Turley, Tamiel N. , Copland, John A.

Cancer Research | April 3, 2026 | Volume: 86 | Issue: 7_Supplement | Pages: 1525-1525

10.1158/1538-7445.am2026-1525 Get It

Abstract Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are rising in people < 50 and remain major causes of cancer mortality despite therapeutic advances. Chimeric antigen receptor T (CART) cell therapy has transformed treatment of hematological cancers. However, its efficacy in GI cancers has been hindered by antigen heterogeneity and immunosuppressive cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME.) Here we aimed to 1) study CART-CAF interactions and 2) engineer CART cells capable of eliminating CAFs to overcome their inhibitory role and enhance their antitumor activity in GI cancers. We first analyzed primary CAFs from 20 GI cancer patients. CAFs showed high fibroblast activation protein (FAP) expression and significantly suppressed T cells proliferation (26-77%, p≤0.0001). We next generated CART cells capable of safely eliminating both GI cancer cells and CAFs. To target cancer cells, we developed a novel nanobody (VHH)-based CAR against Claudin18.2, a GI cancer specific target. To avoid off-tumor toxicity in healthy FAP+ tissues, we incorporated an inducible FAP-CAR using the synNotch platform, enabling conditional targeting upon engagement with Claudin18.2+ cells, restricting FAP targeting within the TME. VHH Claudin18.2 CART cells showed superior specificity and efficacy vs scFv-based CART cells (hu8E85 or zolbetuximab). In Claudin18.2+ SNU-C2B xenografts, tumors were 92mm3 (VHH) vs 48mm3 (huE85) vs 211mm3 (zolbetuximab) on day 23 post-CART, median survival undefined vs 17 days vs 23 days respectively; p=0005. In Claudin18.2+ LS411N xenografts, tumors were 315mm3 vs 106mm3 vs 382 mm3 respectively at 23 days post-CART, median survival undefined vs 19 days vs undefined respectively; p=0004. VHH Claudin18.2 CART cells showed no off-tumor effects, while hu8E85 CART induced significant toxicity. We next established a co-engraftment model. NSG mice received 1x106 SNU-C2B and 6x106 CAFs from a GI cancer patient. At 500 mm3 tumors, mice received 5x106 VHH Claudin18.2 or inducible Claudin18.2/FAP CART. Dual-targeting CART cells showed greater antitumor response (728mm3 vs 320mm3, p=0.0011 at day 20 post-CART), expansion (61 vs 2,350 CART/µl of blood, p=0.0037), and tumor infiltration (8.71 x 105 vs 1.03 x 106 CART/g of tumor, p<0.0001). This was also observed in gastric, colon, and pancreatic PDX models, with no observable off-tumor cytotoxic effects with inducible dual-targeting Claudin18.2/FAP CART. Our findings demonstrate that our novel VHH-based Claudin18.2 CART cells are highly specific and effective against GI malignancies, and that inducible Claudin18.2/FAP dual-targeting CART cells safely remodel the TME into an immune-permissive state. This approach represents a mechanistically innovative and translationally relevant strategy to overcome CAF-mediated immunosuppression, enhance CART cell efficacy, and improve clinical outcomes in refractory solid tumors. Citation Format: Omar L. Gutierrez Ruiz, Jennifer Feigin, Brooke Kimball, R. Leo Sakemura, Elizabeth L. Siegler, Dominic A. Skeele, Ateka Saleh, Claudia Manriquez Roman, Ismail Can, Olivia Sirpilla, Kun Yun, Carli M. Stewart, Mehrdad Hefazi, Yoh Yamaguchi, Lionel Aurelien Kankeu Fonkoua, Long K. Mai, Truc Huynh, Sophia Y. Goldberg, Grace E. DeFranco, Sara Foote, Ekene Johnkennedy Newton Ogbodo, Hong Xia, Michael Redig, Matthew L. Matthew, Tamiel Nichole Turley, Skyeler Klinge, John Alton Copland, Saad J. Kenderian. Optimized CART cell therapy to remodel the tumor microenvironment and eliminate GI malignancies [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 1525.
Abstract 5253: Molecular correlates of progression-free survival in recurrent gliomas treated with pembrolizumab
Kateb, Hussam Al, Campian, Jian L., Ensign, Shannon P. Fortin, Galanis, E., Hammack, J. E., Ida, Cristaine M., Klebig, Mitch L., Kaufmann, Timothy J., Moon, Autumn C., Mrugala, Maciej , Neth, Bryan J. , aPorter, Alyx B., Ruff, Michael W. , Sherman, Wendy J., Uhm, Joon H. , Kizilbash, Sani H., Ensign, Shannon P. Fortin , Neth, Byran J. , Ensign, Shannon P. Fortin , Shafqat, Shameel , Maqbool, Muhammad Asad , Al‐Kateb, Hussam , Burns, Terry C. , Campian, Jian , Hammack, Julie E., Ida, Cris, Klebig, Mitchell, Kaufmann, Timothy J. , Sener, Uğur , Sherman, Wendy, Vaubel, Rachael A. , Kizilbash, Sani H.

Cancer Research | April 3, 2026 | Volume: 86 | Issue: 7_Supplement | Pages: 5253-5253

10.1158/1538-7445.am2026-5253 Get It

Abstract Background: Pembrolizumab has been increasingly used off label for recurrent gliomas, yet biomarkers predicting response are poorly defined. Gliomas exhibit substantial molecular heterogeneity across Glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype (GBM), Astrocytoma, IDH-Mutant (A-IDHm), and Oligodendroglioma, 1p/19q co-deleted (OLIGO), which may influence immunotherapy efficacy. This study aimed to identify molecular predictors of progression-free survival (PFS) in recurrent glioma patients treated with pembrolizumab. Methods: Adults ≥18 years with recurrent glioma receiving ≥2 cycles of pembrolizumab between 2014 - 2024 were retrospectively identified across Mayo Clinic. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) reports were reviewed and archival tumor tissue resected prior to pembrolizumab initiation was analyzed when available. Comprehensive molecular profiling was performed using the Mayo Clinic Solid Tumor Panel which employs the Illumina Tru-Sight Oncology 500 High-Throughput NGS assay. Progression was assessed using RANO 2.0 criteria. Genomic alterations (clinically relevant sequences and/or copy-number variants) were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method, with differences in PFS compared using the log-rank test. Results: Thirty-three patients were included [median (range) age: 44.0 (21-76) years; 63.6% male]. The interval between tumor tissue sampling and pembrolizumab initiation was 9.9 (0.9-176.1) months, and median treatment duration was 2.8 (1.4-10.4) months. Median PFS for the overall cohort was 2.4 (0.8-15.2) months, and median overall survival from pembrolizumab initiation was 6.9 (0.9-48.2) months. Patients with OLIGO (n=8) had a longer PFS [4.6 (1.9-15.2) months] than either A-IDHm [n=11; PFS 2.1 (1.1-4.4) months] or GBM [n=14; PFS 2.3 (0.8-9.2) months]. Within OLIGO, CDKN2A/B heterozygous deletion (n=3) predicted a shorter PFS (3.9 vs 10.9 months; p=0.0462), while in A-IDHm, FANC mutation (n=2) was associated with a longer PFS (4.17 vs 1.61 months; p=0.0224). No significant associations with PFS were observed for other altered genes or pathways evaluated, including but not limited to Tumor Mutational Burden, EGFR, RB1, TP53, FUBP1, NF 1 or 2, PTEN, PDGFRA, PIK3CA, PIK3R1, CDK4, KRAS, MLH1, MLH2, MSH6 genomic alterations or CDKN2A/B homozygous deletion (all p>0.05). Conclusions: Pembrolizumab shows limited overall efficacy in recurrent gliomas, however, exploratory analyses identified several subtype-specific genomic alterations that may correlate with PFS. These hypothesis-generating findings highlight the potential influence of underlying tumor biology on immunotherapy response and warrant further validation in larger, prospective cohorts. Citation Format: Shameel Shafqat, Muhammad Asad Maqbool, Hussam Al Kateb, Terry C. Burns, Jian L. Campian, Shannon P. Fortin Ensign, Evanthia Galanis, Julie E. Hammack, Cristaine M. Ida, Mitch L. Klebig, Timothy J. Kaufmann, Autumn C. Moon, Maciej M. Mrugala, Bryan J. Neth, Alyx B. aPorter, Michael W. Ruff, Ugur T. Sener, Wendy J. Sherman, Joon H. Uhm, Rachael A. Vaubel, Sani H. Kizilbash. Molecular correlates of progression-free survival in recurrent gliomas treated with pembrolizumab [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 5253.
Development of a standard definition of ‘no-option’ and ‘poor-option’ for revascularization in chronic limb-threatening ischemia
Fabiani, Mario Alejandro , Berg, Jos C van den, Torre, Oscar A De la, Verastegui, Alfredo , Dua, Anahita, Alexandrescu, Vlad Adrian, Baadh, Amanjit S. , Bahaa, Nasr, Carvajal, Juan Guillermo Barrera, Beasley, Robert , Bisdas, Theodosios, Blessing, Erwin , Bonvini, Stefano, Brodmann, Marianne, Cabral, Gonçalo, Cancellieri, Roberto, Casini, Andrea , Chandra, Venita , Chisci, Emiliano, Chohan, Omar, Choke, Edward, Chong, Patrick, Clerici, Giacomo , Coscas, Raphaël, Costantino, Del Giudice, D'Oria, Mario, Davies, Robert, Donato, Gianmarco de , Vries, Jean-Paul de , Río-Solá, M.L. del, Deloose, Koen , Dhand, Sabeen , Díaz-Sandoval, Larry J, Falcone, Gianmarco , Fanelli, Fabrizio , Cardona, Lucas Ferrer, Garg, Karan, Giuffrida, Stefania, Gouëffic, Yann, Goverde, Peter , Henao, Esteban, Vegas, Diego Jorge Herrera, Hinchliffe, Robert, Hoballah, Jamal J. , Howard, Dominic, Huasen, Bella , Iida, Osamu, Katsanos, Konstantinos, Kolh, Philippe, Korosoglou, Grigorios, Lecis, Alexandre, Leopoldo, Marine, Lessne, Mark L. , Lichtenberg, Michael, Lobato, Marta , Loreni, Giorgio, Madassery, Kumar, Manzi, Marco, Maene, Lieven, Maresch, Martin, Trabal, Jorge Martinez, Mathews, S Jay, Michael, Siah, J, Bosiers Michel, Migliara, Bruno , Mills, Joseph, Miserlis, Dimitrios , Montero-Baker, Miguel, Alvarez, Luis Morelli, Morgan, Robert Anthony, Mouawad, Nicolas, Moxey, Paul, Antonio, Jose, Nakama, Tatsuya , Neville, Richard, Noronen, Katariina , Palena, Mariano, Parikh, Sahil, Parlani, Gianbattista, Pasqui, Edoardo , Patel, Rafiuddin, Patel, Ashish, Perkov, Dražen , Portou, Mark James, Langhoff, Ralf , Reijnen, Michel Marinus Petrus Johannes, Roy, Trisha , Ruffino, Maria Antonella , Gúzman, Tania Sáez, Sakr, Ahmed, Santini-Domínguez, Rafael , Schmidt, Andrej, Schneider, Peter, Sheorain, Virendersingh K, Siracuse, Jeffrey, Sirvent, Marc , Sommerset, Jill , Spiliopoulos, Stavros, Spinelli, Alessio , Stavroulakis, Konstantinos, Taneva, Gergana T, Teso, Desarom , Thomas, Shannon, Torsello, Giovanni, Tummala, Venkat, Tummala, Srinivas, Twine, Christopher, Uberoi, Raman, Heuvel, Daniel Van den, Varcoe, Ramon Lee, Serrano, José Francisco Vargas, Céniga, Melina Vega de, Venermo, Maarit, Vijaynagar, Badri, Stempel, Conrad von , Voûte, Michiel Thomas, Watts, Mine, Zaefferer, Patricio, Zayed, Hany , Zeebregts, Clark J, Zola, N'Dandu, Mills, Joseph L. , Torre, O. , Verastegui, Alfredo , de la Torre, Oscar , Fabiani, Mario Alejandro , Berg, Jos C. van den , Dua, Anahita , Nasr, Bahaa , Biasi, Lukla , Bisdas, Theodosios , Brodmann, Marianne , Cabral, Gonçalo , Caradu, Caroline , Casini, Andrea , Chisci, Emiliano , Choke, E, Chong, Patrick L.E., Cioppa, Angelo , Coscas, Raphaël , Giudice, Costantino Del , D'Oria, Mario , Peruyera, Pablo Del Canto , Διαμαντόπουλος, Αθανάσιος , Díaz‐Sandoval, Larry J. , Dick, Florian , Fazzini, Stefano , Ferrer, Lucas M. , Fujihara, Masahiko , Garg, Karan , Garriboli, Luca , Genovese, Elizabeth A. , Gifford, Edward D. , Gouëffic, Yann , Gupta, Prem Chand , Vegas, Diego Herrera , Hinchliffe, Robert J. , Holden, Andrew Hugh , Isernia, Giacomo , Kolh, Philippe H. , Korosoglou, Grigorios , Krokidis, Miltiadis E. , Lichtenberg, Michael, Loureiro, Luís , Mathews, S. Jay , Bosiers, Michel Joseph , Morosetti, Daniele , Mouawad, Nicolas J. , Moxey, Paul, Neville, Richard, Palena, Luis Mariano , Parikh, Sahil, Parlani, Gianbattista, Patel, Rafiuddin, Patrone, Lorenzo , Portou, Mark J. , Pratesi, Giovanni , Rammos, Christos , Reijnen, Michel M.P.J. , Sakr, Ahmed , Schneider, Peter A. , Secemsky, Eric A. , Sheorain, Virendersingh K, Simonte, Gioele , Spiliοpoulos, Stavros , Stavroulakis, Konstantinos , Steiner, Sabine , Taneva, Gergana T. , Torsello, Giovanni , Troisi, Nicola , Twine, Christopher P. , Uberoi, Raman , Ucci, Alessandro , Heuvel, Daniel van den, Varcoe, Ramon Lee , Venermo, Maarit A. , Voûte, Michiel T., Ysa, August , Zeebregts, Clark J. , Zeller, Thomas , N'Dandu, Zola M.

British Journal of Surgery | April 3, 2026 | Volume: 113 | Issue: 4 | Pages: No page available

10.1093/bjs/znag040 | PMID 41941595 Get It

Abstract Introduction Revascularization to prevent limb loss is not feasible or represents a very high risk in a significant proportion of patients with chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI). No standard definition currently exists to define this population of patients. The aim of this study was to develop a consensus-based, multidomain definition to improve clinical assessment and reporting of studies in people with ‘no option’ (NO) or ‘poor option’ (PO) CLTI. Methods A modified Delphi process was conducted with 164 specialists from 30 countries. Two iterative survey rounds were used to reach consensus, defined as ≥70% agreement with a score of ≥7 on a nine-point scale. Results Some 164 international vascular specialists participated in the study, averaging 19 years of experience. A multidomain framework including arterial disease anatomy, biology, risk, function, and context (ABRFC) achieved 83% consensus. A ‘desert foot’ was defined as the absence of distal arterial revascularization targets on advanced non-invasive imaging, invasive digital subtraction angiography, and at least one failed endovascular revascularization attempt (81.6% agreement). Inadequate autogenous bypass conduit was defined as the lack of usable autologous vein across all four limbs (85% agreement). Patients were classified as NO for revascularization if they present with ‘desert foot’, prohibitive medical risk, a non-functional limb, or in those patients who refused arterial revascularization. PO revascularization patients combined factors such as severe infection, lack of autologous vein, or treatment non-compliance (72.1% agreement). Conclusion This consensus study established a structured, expert-validated definition of no option or poor option for revascularisation of patients with CLTI. The multidomain ABRFC framework provides a foundation for standardized clinical assessment, trial design, and future guideline development.
Abstract 4661: Expression of the ferroptosis suppressor FSP1 but not GPX4 shows significant adverse prognostic effect in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with wild-type TP53
Lyu, Beibei, Xu-Monette, Zijun Yidan, Zhao, Xiaoxian X., Chen, Ming, Visco, Carlo, Dybkaer, Karen, Wang, Chang , Au, Qingyan , Nunns, Harry , Pan, Zenggang, Montes-Moreno, Santiago, Bernal-Mizrachi, Leon, Zu, Youli , Zhang, Shanxiang , Chen, Weina , Li, Yong, Zu, Youli , Xu‐Monette, Zijun Y. , Hsi, Eric D. , Visco, Carlo , Tzankov, Alexandar , Dybkær, Karen , Wang, Mu‐En , Pan, Zenggang , Parsons, Benjamin M. , Montes‐Moreno, Santiago , Zhan, Fenghuang , Møller, Michael , Bernal‐Mizrachi, Leon , Bhagat, Govind , Young, Ken H.

Cancer Research | April 3, 2026 | Volume: 86 | Issue: 7_Supplement | Pages: 4661-4661

10.1158/1538-7445.am2026-4661 Get It

Abstract Introduction: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of malignant lymphoma. Previous studies have shown that DLBCL cells are susceptible to GPX4 (Glutathione peroxidase 4)-regulated ferroptosis, an iron-dependent type of programmed cell death characterized by increased reactive oxygen species and excessive lipid peroxidation. In addition to GPX4, FSP1 (Ferroptosis suppressor protein 1, previously known as AIFM2) is a glutathione-independent repressor of ferroptosis that has shown prognostic significance in solid tumors. In this study, we aimed to reveal the significance of GPX4 and FSP1 in DLBCL. Patients and Methods: We performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) for GPX4 and FSP1 in a large cohorts of patients with de novo DLBCL, and evaluated their cytoplasmic and nuclear expression. Prognostic analysis was performed for FSP1 and GPX4 expression in patients treated with rituximab (R)-CHOP or CHOP chemotherapy, respective of TP53 mutation status, as p53 regulates ferroptosis and TP53 mutation is associated with poorer prognosis in DLBCL. Results: FSP1 expression with a ≥10% cutoff was positive in 42.3% of DLBCL cases. Patients with TP53 mutations had a non-significant trend of higher mean FSP1 expression than those with wild-type (Wt) TP53 (P=0.11). Prognostic analysis revealed that cytoplasmic FSP1+ expression was associated with significantly poorer overall survival and progression-free survival in Wt-TP53 DLBCLs treated with R-CHOP (P=0.016 and P=0.003, respectively), and only showed non-significant unfavorable trends in TP53 mutated DLBCLs and patients treated with CHOP. In contrast, GPX4 expression did not show a significant unfavorable prognostic effect in DLBCL, and in fact, was associated with a non-significant trend of better survival. Previously we have quantified immune cell abundance and PD-1/PD-L1 expression in the tumor microenvironment of the study cohort using multiplex fluorescent IHC. Correlative analysis found that FSP1+ patients had significantly higher mean and median abundance of CD68+ cells (both M1 and M2 macrophages) and CD11c+ cells than FSP1- patients. Further analysis in Wt-TP53 and mutated TP53 subcohorts found that only in the TP53 mutated DLBCL subcohort, FSP1 expression was associated with significantly higher mean and median CD163-CD68+ (M1) and overall CD68+ macrophages, whereas in the Wt-TP53 DLBCL subcohort, FSP1 expression was associated with significantly higher median (but not mean) CD163+CD68+ (M2) macrophages and CD11c+ cells. Summary: Cytoplasmic FSP1 expression but not GPX4 had significantly adverse prognostic effect in patients with Wt-TP53 DLBCL treated with standard immunochemotherapy. Our results also suggest that in addition to ferroptosis regulation, macrophage abundance was relevant for the prognostic effects of FSP1 expression. Citation Format: Beibei Lyu, Zijun Xu-Monette, Xiaoxian X. Zhao, Eric D. Hsi, Ming Chen, Carlo Visco, Alexandar Tzankov, Karen Dybkaer, Mu-En Wang, Chang Wang, Qingyan Au, Harry Nunns, Zenggang Pan, Benjamin Parsons, Santiago Montes-Moreno, Fenghuang Zhan, Michael B. Møller, Leon Bernal-Mizrachi, Youli Zu, Shanxiang Zhang, Weina Chen, Govind Bhagat, Yong Li, KEN H. YOUNG. Expression of the ferroptosis suppressor FSP1 but not GPX4 shows significant adverse prognostic effect in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with wild-type TP53 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 4661.
Abstract 6289: Targeted sequencing of common cancer susceptibility genes reveals germline variants in African prostate cancer patients.
Onyia, Abimbola F. , Okwuchi, Freeman, Divine, Sylvester, Olasehinde, Olutola Esther, Yahaya, Ayinde, Salako, A A, Zakari, Aminu, Bassey, Iya, Petershie, Bernard, GANDAHO, Isidore, Brun, Luc, Sanni, Tore, Coulibaly, Sidi, Coulibaly, Noel, Fakayode, Michael, Issoufou, Coulibaly, Gbonon, Valérie Mbengue, Benjamin, Kouamé, Evrard, Yao, Coleman, Peter, Ajumbo, Victor, Wattanga, Lilac, Nyambega, Benson Ochieng, Odedina, Folakemi T., Campos, Opeyemi Christianah De , Titiloye, Nicholas Akinwale , Gandaho, Isidore, Noel, Coulibaly, Fakayode, Michael Karington , Kouame, Benjamin , Cassell, Ayun , Nyambega, Benson , Rotimi, Solomon O.

Cancer Research | April 3, 2026 | Volume: 86 | Issue: 7_Supplement | Pages: 6289-6289

10.1158/1538-7445.am2026-6289 Get It

Abstract Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally and disproportionately affects men of African ancestry. African men often present at younger ages and with more aggressive disease, and approximately half of the PCa risk has been attributed to genetic factors. Africa is the most genetically diverse region of the world, and even within the continent, populations show important differences in allele frequencies and patterns of pathogenic variation. Despite this diversity, African men remain underrepresented in genomic studies, creating significant gaps in knowledge that limit precision medicine efforts. Methods: A total of 182 prostate cancer patients were recruited from teaching hospitals in Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria. 50 cancer susceptibility genes using the Aviseq ONCO50 panel and the Illumina MiSeq platform. Variant calling was performed using an in-house Snakemake workflow, followed by additional bioinformatic steps to distinguish true PMS2 variants from PMS2CL-related artifacts. Pathogenicity assessment relied on annotations from ClinVar and LOVD databases. Results: Pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants were detected in 31.3% of the study group identified in 26 genes. The five most frequently altered genes were RAD50, PTCH1, MSH6, MUTYH, and NF1. Nigerian patients accounted for 52.6 percent of all pathogenic variants, with recurrent alterations observed in MSH6, MUTYH, NF1, and PTCH1. In contrast, pathogenic BRCA1 and BRCA2 variants were observed primarily in patients from Kenya, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire. Several frameshift, nonsense, and splice-site variants identified in this study have not been previously reported in African populations.[SR1] Conclusion: This study provides one of the most detailed assessments of inherited cancer susceptibility gene variants in African PCa patients. The findings reveal substantial regional variation in the spectrum of pathogenic variants and highlight population-specific genomic signatures that may contribute to the unequal burden of PCa in men of African ancestry. These data emphasize the importance of expanding genomic research efforts within Africa to strengthen precision oncology and reduce global PCa disparities. Citation Format: Abimbola F. Onyia, Freeman Okwuchi, Opeyemi C. De Campos, Sylvester Divine, Olutola Olasehinde, Ayinde Yahaya, Ayo Salako, Aminu Zakari, Iya Bassey, Nicholas Titiloye, Bernard Petershie, Isidore GANDAHO, Luc Brun, Tore Sanni, Safiatou Coulibaly, Noel Coulibaly, Michael Fakayode, Coulibaly Issoufou, Valérie Gbonon, Kouame Benjamin, Yao Evrard, Peter Coleman, Ayun Cassell, Victor Ajumbo, Lilac Wattanga, Benson Ochieng Nyambega, Folakemi T. Odedina, Solomon Rotimi. Targeted sequencing of common cancer susceptibility genes reveals germline variants in African prostate cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 6289.
Abstract 2611: Prospective evaluation of 68Ga-PSMA PET imaging in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing first line immunotherapy.
Tran, Nguyen H., Hirdler, Jacob, Antony, Ajith , Torbenson, Michael S., Thompson, Scott M. , Halfdanarson, Thor R., Jin, Zhaohui, Fonkoua, Lionel Aurelien Kankeu, Washburn, Leslie, Revzin, Alexander , Dong, Haidong, Jatoi, Aminah , Borad, M., Bekaii-Saab, T., Gores, Gregory J., Roberts, Lewis R. , Johnson, Geoffrey B., Goenka, Ajit H. , Roberts, Lewis R , Tran, Nguyen H. , Hirdler, Jacob B. , Teske, Jacob J. , Venkatesh, Sudhakar K. , Mahipal, Amit , Torbenson, Michael , Halfdanarson, Thor R, Jin, Zhaohui , Fonkoua, Lionel Aurelien Kankeu , McWilliams, Robert R. , Babiker, Hani M. , Borad, Mitesh J. , Gores, Gregory J. , Johnson, Geoffrey B

Cancer Research | April 3, 2026 | Volume: 86 | Issue: 7_Supplement | Pages: 2611-2611

10.1158/1538-7445.am2026-2611 Get It

Abstract Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is highly expressed in tumor-associated neovasculature in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), highlighting its promise as a theranostic target. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the utility of novel biomarkers derived from PSMA positron emission tomography computed tomography (PET/CT) to assess treatment response in advanced HCC patients (pts) receiving first line immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Methods: This study (NCT05176223) enrolled unresectable, advanced HCC pts eligible for first-line ICI (atezolizumab/bevacizumab [A/B] or durvalumab/tremelimumab [D/T]) with measurable disease according to RECIST criteria. Primary endpoints: progression-free survival (PFS) per RECIST 1.1 and mRECIST; overall survival (OS); and best overall response. The survival distribution was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Observed agreement is defined as the proportion of pts whose responses, as classified by PET/CT or CT, were concordant. Weighted kappa and Cohen’s kappa were used to quantify the strength of agreement between PET/CT and CT. Pts completed up to five 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT scans and blood collections. Results: Twenty-six pts were enrolled (25 evaluable) between Oct 2022 and Nov 2024. Median follow up was 22.1 months (m) (Q1, Q3: 14.5-23.7). Median age 68 yrs, 72% male, 88% White, 68% Child-Pugh [CP] A, 32% CP B, 32% Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer [BCLC] stage B, 68% BCLC stage C, 36% with microvascular invasion; 56% received A/B and 40% received D/T treatment. PSMA was positive in 96% of pts at baseline with median SUVmax 14.3 (range 5.1-40.5) and median background liver SUVmax 3.9 (range 2.1-6.8). Median (95%CI) PFS was 5.6 m (4.6-12.5) by both RECIST and mRECIST. Median (95%CI) OS was 18.6 m (7.2-not estimable), with 56% deceased. The observed agreement between PET/CT adapted PERCIST criteria compared to RECIST and mRECIST in determining the best response was 46% and 50% and weighted kappa of 0.63 (95% CI: 0.37-0.90) and 0.66 (0.41-0.92), respectively. Observed agreement between PERCIST compared to RECIST and mRECIST for responders’ assessment was 67% and 71% with Cohen’s kappa of 0.36 (0.03-0.68) and 0.43 (0.11-0.76), respectively. Conclusion: In this cohort, PSMA PET/CT avidity was observed in all but one pt with advanced HCC, each demonstrating moderate to high SUVmax values. Median OS and PFS were consistent with outcomes reported in clinical trials. Response assessment using 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT according to PERCIST criteria showed good concordance with both RECIST and mRECIST standards. Analysis of immune biomarkers is ongoing. Citation Format: Nguyen H. Tran, Jacob Hirdler, Ajith Antony, Jacob Teske, Sudhakar K. Venkatesh, Amit Mahipal, Michael S. Torbenson, Scott M. Thompson, Thor R. Halfdanarson, Zhaohui Jin, Lionel Aurelien Kankeu Fonkoua, Leslie A. Washburn, Alexander Revzin, Haidong Dong, Robert R. Mcwilliams, Aminah Jatoi, Hani M. Babiker, Mitesh J. Borad, Tanios Bekaii-Saab, Gregory J. Gores, Lewis R. Roberts, Geoffrey B. Johnson, Ajit H. Goenka. Prospective evaluation of 68Ga-PSMA PET imaging in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing first line immunotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 2611.
Abstract 880: Examining contextual distress and utility of a digital survivorship care toolkit.
Willis, Floyd B. , McCall, John R. , Song, Gaole , Adu-Fokuo, Douglas, Galdamez, Erika, Bedell, Fornati, Moore, Cassandra N., Cobran, Ewan K. , Yost, Kathleen J. , Bonner, Timethia , Dagne, Getachew , Merriweather, Arnold, Oladapo, Rotimi, Dronca, Roxana , Odedina, Folakemi T., Ashing, Kimlin , Williams, Christopher Michael , Ngufor, Che , Kaninjing, Ernest

Cancer Research | April 3, 2026 | Volume: 86 | Issue: 7_Supplement | Pages: 880-880

10.1158/1538-7445.am2026-880 Get It

Abstract Introduction: Attending to survivorship including distress in the contexts of social drivers (SDH) is critical but lacking. In response, this novel research on Black CaP survivors (CaPS) aims to measure SDH distresses and assess utility of a digital intervention to inform survivorship studies, practice and outcomes. Method: Informed by the Science of Survivorship, and our pilot study with multisectoral stakeholders, we assessed SDH and acceptability/utility of a digital Survivorship Care (SC) Toolkit. SCToolkit is a digitized whole-person care with guidance from multisectoral stakeholders e.g., clinicians and survivors. SCToolkit includes: ASCO informed treatment summary template for diagnostics, treatments, side effects, care team, genetics, and comorbidities, and patient active guide on survivorship concerns, provider communication, health advisories, survivorship care booklet, SDH FINDHELP resource, and survivorship videos. SCToolkit was delivered via survivors’ personal REDCap file, and can be uploaded to their EMR patient portal for easy-to-use survivorship roadmap accessible on smartphones, laptops, and computers. Motivational Interviewing was provided via Zoom to facilitate digital efficacy and SCToolkit use. Descriptive analyses were conducted using SAS. Citation Format: Kimlin Ashing, Floyd Willis, Christopher Williams, John McCall, Gaole Song, Douglas Adu-Fokuo, Erika Galdamez, Fornati Bedell, Cassandra N. Moore, EWAN COBRAN, Che Ngufor, Kathleen J. Yost, Timethia J. Bonner, Getachew Dagne, Arnold Merriweather, Ernest T. Kaninjing, Rotimi Oladapo, Roxana S. Dronca, Folakemi T. Odedina. Examining contextual distress and utility of a digital survivorship care toolkit [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 880.
Phase III trial of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 combined with ADT+ARPI in patients with PSMA-positive metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (PSMAddition)
Tagawa, S, Sartor, O, Piulats, J M, Saad, F, Fizazi, K, Reid, A H, Beltran, H, Kramer, G, Eiber, M, Gupta, S, Gauna, D E Castellano, Hauke, R, Kim, H, Pang, S-T., Bouillaud, Emmanuel, Zhang, A., Sakharova, O, Morris, M J, Piulats, Josep M. , Saad, Fred , Fizazi, Karim , Reid, A H, Mahammedi, Hakim , Gupta, Shilpa , Gauna, D.E. Castellano, Hauke, Ralph J. , Kwak, Cheol Hun , Zhang, Alison Yan , Sakharova, Olga V., Morris, Michael J.

Nuklearmedizin - NuclearMedicine | April 2, 2026 | Volume: 65 | Issue: 02 | Pages: 107-107

10.1055/s-0046-1818191 Get It