Citations

PURPOSE In a professional setting, the introduction of female speakers without their professional title may have an impact on the public’s perception of the female speaker. We examined how professional titles were used during speakers’ introductions at the ASCO Annual Meeting. METHODS We conducted a retrospective, observational study of video-archived speaker introductions at the 2017 and 2018 ASCO Annual Meetings. A “professional address” was defined as the professional title followed by the speaker’s full name or last name. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with the form of address. RESULTS Of 2,511 videos reviewed, 781 met inclusion criteria. Female speakers were addressed less often by their professional title compared with male speakers (62% v 81%; P < .001). Males were less likely to use a professional address when introducing female speakers compared with females when introducing male speakers (53% v 80%; P < .01). When women performed speaker introductions, no gender differences in professional address were observed (75% v 82%; P = .13). Female speakers were more likely to be introduced by first name only (17% v 3%; P < .001). Male introducers were more likely to address female speakers by first name only compared with female introducers (24% v 7%; P < .01). In a multivariable regression including gender, degree, academic rank, and geographic location of the speaker’s institution, male speakers were more likely to receive a professional address compared with female speakers (odds ratio, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.71 to 3.47; P < .01). CONCLUSION When introduced by men, female speakers were less likely to receive a professional address and more likely to be introduced by first name only compared with their male peers.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to demonstrate that a low helical pitch causes increased photon starvation artifacts at ultra‐low‐dose CT.MethodsA cylindrical water phantom with a diameter of 30 cm was scanned on two different generation CT scanners: a 64‐slice scanner (Sensation 64, Siemens Healthcare) and a 192‐slice scanner (Somatom Force, Siemens Healthcare) at multiple effective mAs levels (mAs/pitch = 200, 100, 50, 25, and 12). The corresponding CTDIvol values were 4.1, 2.0, 1.0, 0.5 mGy, on the 64‐slice scanner and 3.8, 1.9, 1.0, 0.5 mGy on the 192‐slice scanner, for the selected effective mAs values. For each dose setting, the scan was repeated at four helical pitches: 1.2, 0.9, 0.6, and the lowest achievable pitch on each scanner. The tube current was automatically adjusted by the scanner so that the effective mAs, and thus CTDIvol, were kept the same for different pitches. All CT data sets were reconstructed with a slice thickness of 3mm and a medium smooth kernel. Images acquired at the same dose level but different helical pitches were visually inspected to assess photon starvation artifacts and noise levels.ResultsAt the same radiation dose, image noise increased with the decreasing helical pitch. The increase was more severe on the old‐generation 64‐slice scanner. Photon starvation artifacts were evident at 200 effective mAs on the 64‐slice scanner at 80 kV. On the 192‐slice scanner there was no visible photon starvation artifacts at both 200 and 50 effective mAs (CTDIvol = 4.1 mGy and 1.0 mGy, respectively); nor was there a visible impact from the lower helical pitch. Only when the dose was lowered to be extremely low (~0.26 mGy, achievable at 70 kV), did photon starvation artifacts become evident.ConclusionsA low helical pitch may increase image noise and photon starvation artifacts compared to a higher pitch for the same dose level, particularly at ultra‐low dose CT.

Background: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is linked to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Evidence suggests an association between the gut microbiome and PSC. However, the putative relationship between exposure to antibiotics and onset of PSC has never been reported. We observed 3 cases in which patients without antecedent liver or bowel issues developed symptoms leading to diagnosis of IBD and subsequently PSC after being exposed to doxycycline. We aimed to identify, through the PSC Partners national patient registry, additional cases of PSC in which there is a temporal relationship between exposure to doxycycline and onset of PSC or PSC-IBD. Areas of Uncertainty: The etiopathogenesis of PSC remains an enigma. Data Sources: We collected data from patients with PSC and PSC-IBD in which there seemed to be a temporal relationship between exposure to doxycycline and PSC. Time from doxycycline exposure to: (1) onset of PSC or PSC-IBD symptoms and (2) diagnosis of PSC were documented for each patient. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed. Results: We identified 6 additional patients with PSC or PSC-IBD in whom there was a temporal relationship between exposure to doxycycline and onset of PSC or PSC-IBD. The median age of these 9 patients was 20 years, 6 were female, and 7 had ulcerative colitis. The median time from doxycycline exposure to onset of first symptoms was 3 months, and median time from doxycycline exposure to diagnosis of PSC was 15 months. Therapeutic Hypothesis: We describe 9 cases of PSC and PSC-IBD in which there seem to be a temporal relationship between exposure to doxycycline and onset of PSC.

Abstract STUDY QUESTION What is the safety and efficacy profile during long-term (12–24 months) uninterrupted treatment with the selective progesterone receptor modulator asoprisnil, 10 and 25 mg in women with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) associated with uterine fibroids? SUMMARY ANSWER Uninterrupted treatment with asoprisnil should be avoided due to endometrial safety concerns and unknown potential long-term consequences. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Asoprisnil was well tolerated in shorter-term studies and effectively suppressed HMB and reduced fibroid volume. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Women with uterine fibroids who had previously received placebo (n = 87) or asoprisnil 10 mg (n = 221) or 25 mg (n = 215) for 12 months in two double-blind studies entered this randomized uncontrolled extension study and received up to 12 additional months of treatment followed by 6 months of post-treatment follow-up. Women who previously received placebo were re-randomized to either asoprisnil 10 or 25 mg for the extension study. This report focuses on the 436 women who received asoprisnil in the double-blind studies and this extension study. Results for women who previously received placebo in the double-blind studies are not described. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Women ≥18 years of age who completed a 12-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, had estradiol levels indicating that they were not menopausal and had no endometrial hyperplasia or other significant endometrial pathology were eligible. The safety endpoints were focused on endometrial assessments. The composite primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of women who demonstrated a response to treatment by meeting all three of the following criteria at the final month for participants who prematurely discontinued or at month 12 for those who completed the study: a reduction from initial baseline to final visit of ≥50% in the menstrual pictogram score, hemoglobin concentration ≥11 g/dl or an increase of ≥1 g/dl from initial baseline at the final visit, and no surgical or invasive intervention for uterine fibroids. Other efficacy endpoints included rates for amenorrhea and suppression of bleeding, changes in fibroid and uterine volume and changes in hematologic parameters. No statistical tests were planned or performed for this uncontrolled study. MAIN RESULTS AND ROLE OF CHANCE Imaging studies revealed a progressive increase in endometrial thickness and cystic changes that frequently prompted invasive diagnostic procedures. Endometrial biopsy results were consistent with antiproliferative effects of asoprisnil. Two cases of endometrial cancer were diagnosed. At the final month of this extension study (total duration of uninterrupted treatment up to 24 months), the primary efficacy endpoint was achieved in 86 and 92% of women in the asoprisnil 10- and 25-mg groups, respectively. During each month of treatment, amenorrhea was observed in the majority of women (up to 77 and 94% at 10 and 25 mg, respectively). There was a progressive, dose-dependent decrease in the volume of the primary fibroid with asoprisnil 10 and 25 mg (−55.7 and −75.2% median decrease, respectively, from baseline [i.e. the beginning of the placebo-controlled study] to month 12 [cumulative months 12–24] of this extension study). These effects were associated with improvements in quality of life measures. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study was uncontrolled, which limits the interpretation of safety and efficacy findings. The study also had multiple protocol amendments with the addition of diagnostic procedures and, because no active comparator was included, the potential place of asoprisnil in comparison to therapies such as GnRH agonists and surgery cannot be determined. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Long-term, uninterrupted treatment with asoprisnil leads to prominent cystic endometrial changes that are consistent with the ‘late progesterone receptor modulator’ effects, which prompted invasive diagnostic procedures, although treatment efficacy is maintained. Although endometrial cancers were uncommon during both treatment and follow-up, these findings raise concerns regarding endometrial safety during uninterrupted long-term treatment with asoprisnil. This study shows that uninterrupted treatment with asoprisnil should be avoided due to safety concerns and unknown potential long-term consequences. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) AbbVie Inc. (prior sponsor, TAP Pharmaceutical Products Inc.) sponsored the study and contributed to the design and conduct of the study, data management, data analysis, interpretation of the data and the preparation and approval of the manuscript. Financial support for medical writing and editorial assistance was provided by AbbVie Inc. M. P. Diamond received research funding for the conduct of the study paid to the institution and is a consultant to AbbVie. He is a stockholder and board and director member of Advanced Reproductive Care. He has also received funding for study conduct paid to the institution for Bayer and ObsEva. E. A. Stewart participated as a site investigator in the phase 2 study of asoprisnil and served as a consultant to TAP Pharmaceuticals during the time of design and conduct of the studies while on the faculty of Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA. In the last 3 years, she has received support from National Institutes of Health grants HD063312, HS023418 and HD074711. She has served as a consultant for AbbVie Inc., Allergan, Bayer HealthCare AG and Myovant for consulting related to uterine leiomyoma and to Welltwigs for consulting related to infertility. She has received royalties from UpToDate and the Med Learning Group. A.R.W. Williams has acted as a consultant for TAP Pharmaceutical Products Inc. and Repros Therapeutics Inc. He has current consultancies with PregLem SA, Gedeon Richter, HRA Pharma and Bayer. B.R. Carr has served as consultant and received research funding from AbbVie Inc. and Synteract (Medicines360). E.R. Myers has served as consultant for AbbVie Inc., Allergan and Bayer. R.A. Feldman received compensation for serving as a principal investigator and participating in the conduct of the trial. W. Elger was a co-inventor of several patents related to asoprisnil. C. Mattia-Goldberg is a former employee of AbbVie Inc. and owns AbbVie stock or stock options. B.M. Schwefel and K. Chwalisz are employees of AbbVie Inc. and own AbbVie stock or stock options. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT00156195 at clinicaltrials.gov.

Abstract BACKGROUND: nal-IRI is a liposomal formulation of irinotecan (topoisomerase-1 inhibitor). Preclinical data show that nal-IRI accumulates in BMs and prolongs survival in animal models of BM. Findings from a phase 1 expansion study (NCT01770353), evaluating patients with mBC and active BM, are reported. METHODS: This phase 1 expansion study enrolled patients with mBC who received multiple prior lines of cytotoxic therapy in the metastatic setting, including one cohort with mBC and active BM, defined as radiographic evidence of new or progressive central nervous system (CNS) metastases after radiation therapy with ≥1 lesion of ≥1 cm in the longest dimension on gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Patients received nal-IRI 50 mg/m2 (free-base equivalent; FBE) every two weeks (q2w) as an intravenous infusion over 90 minutes, escalating to 70 mg/m2 FBE q2w, if tolerated. RECIST v1.1 and modified RECIST criteria were used to assses non-CNS and CNS disease, respectively. RESULTS: In total, 30 patients were enrolled (10 with active BM). Median age was 53 years (range 29–70 years) and median number of prior cytotoxic anti-cancer regimens was 3 (range 0–6); 29 patients received ≥1 dose of nal-IRI 50 mg/m2 FBE. Overall, nal-IRI monotherapy appeared to be well tolerated, and achieved ≥30% objective response rates for both CNS and non-CNS disease. Among the 10 patients with active BM, 6 achieved CNS disease control (3 partial responses [PRs] and 3 stable disease [SD]), including one patient with durable CNS SD and non-CNS PR for 2 years. Among 7 patients with serial evaluation of CNS metastases posttreatment, 6 patients achieved a reduction in target CNS lesions compared with baseline. CONCLUSION: Treatment with nal-IRI resulted in CNS disease control among 6 of 10 heavily pretreated patients with mBC and active BM. Further exploration of nal-IRI in patients with mBC and active BM is warranted.

Objective: To investigate the association of a 6-month Zumba intervention with cognition and quality of life among older cognitively unimpaired apolipoprotein ∊4 (APOE4) carrier and noncarrier women. Methods: Fifty-three women were randomly assigned to either twice-weekly Zumba group classes or maintenance of habitual exercise (control group) for 6 months. At baseline, 3, and 6 months, all participants underwent neuropsychological, physical activity, and quality-of-life assessments. Results: Overall, neuropsychological test scores and level of physical activity did not differ between intervention and control groups at any time. However, compared to the control group, quality of life was higher at 3 months, and visuospatial working memory and response inhibition improved more in the intervention group by 6 months. Apolipoprotein ∊4 status did not affect the results. Discussion: Zumba may strengthen performance on visuospatial working memory among cognitively unimpaired older women but this needs to be tested in a larger clinical trial.

Abstract Background nal-IRI is a liposomal formulation of irinotecan (topoisomerase-1 inhibitor), using intraliposomal stabilisation technology to enable high drug load and in-vivo stability. The expansion of Phase I NCT01770353 evaluated nal-IRI in patients (pts) with mBC. Methods This Phase I expansion study enrolled mBC pts (Cohort 1: ER+ and/or PR+ HER2 BC (C-1); Cohort 2: Triple Negative BC (TNBC, C-2); Cohort 3: BC with active Brain Metastasis (C-3)). Key inclusion criteria: ECOG ≤1; adequate organ function; received &gt;1 to ≤5 prior lines of cytotoxic therapy in metastatic setting, except TNBC pts who could have progressed within 12 months of adjuvant therapy. Pts received nal-IRI 50 mg/m2 (Free-base equivalent, FBE) q2w iv infusion, escalating to 70 mg/m2 FBE q2w, if tolerated. Results 30 pts (10 per cohort) were enrolled: 29 received &gt;1 dose nal-IRI 50 mg/m2 FBE (median age 53 yrs, range 29-70 yrs). Median number of cytotoxic therapies prior to study entry was 3. The most frequent treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were gastrointestinal disorders (all cohorts, 100%), primarily diarrhea (C-1, 100% / C-2, 100% / C-3, 70%), nausea (C-1, 80% / C-2, 56% / C-3, 30%), and vomiting (C-1, 60% / C-2, 33% / C-3, 30%). The incidence of neutropenia was low (C-1, 10% / C-2, 0% / C-3, 10%), all grade 1 / 2. Most common grade 3 TEAEs were diarrhea (28%), nausea (17%), fatigue (14%), hypokalemia (10%) and asthenia (10%), with none reported as grade 4. No grade 5 TEAEs were reported. Partial response (per RECIST) was observed in 10 pts for an objective response rate (ORR) of 35% (C-1, 40% / C-2, 33%) / C-3, 30%). Stable disease was observed in 5 pts (17%). Duration of Response (median, months) was C-1, 7.5 (6.4-13.0) / C-2, 5.6 (3.7-7.4) / C-3, 4.1 (0.0-22.2, extracranial: RECIST) / C-3, 1.8 (0.0-1.9, intracranial: mRECIST). Table 1.Study Demographics, Adverse Events, and Best Overall ResponseDemographicsCohort 1ER+ and/or PR+ Breast Cancern=10Cohort 2Triple Negative Breast Cancern=10Cohort 3Breast Cancer with Active Brain Metastasisn=10Total PopulationN=30Gender, Female, n (%)10 (100%)10 (100%)10 (100%)30 (100%)Age, Years Median (range)56 (49-68)52.5 (37-70)45.5 (29-63)53 (29-70)Race, n (%)WhiteBlack/AfricanOther8 (80%)02 (20%)8 (80%)1 (10%)1 (10%)7 (70%)1 (10%)2 (20%)23(77%)2 (7%)5(16%)Months Since Metastatic diagnosis, Months Median (Range)63.7 (16-87)20.7 (0-34)32.4 (8-55)24.0 (0-87)Number of Prior Cytotoxic Anti-cancer Regimens Median (Range)3.0 (1-6)3.0 (0-5)32.4 (1-6)3.0 (0-6)Safety PopulationCohort 1ER+ and/or PR+ Breast Cancern=10Cohort 2Triple Negative Breast Cancern=9Cohort 3Breast Cancer with Active Brain Metastasisn=10Total PopulationN=29ExposureTreatment Duration, Weeks Median (range)6.1 (0-78)12.3 (0-49)13.9 (1-105)12.3 (0-105)Adverse EventsAny TEAE10 (100%)9 (100%)10 (100%)29 (100%)Grade 38 (80%)6 (67%)10 (100%)20 (69%)Grade 41 (10%)06 (60%)3 (10%)TEAE Related to nal-IRI10 (100%)8 (89%)10 (100%)28 (97%)Grade &gt; 36 (60%)3 (33%)3 (30%)12 (41%)TEAE Related to nal-IRILeading to Dose Adjustment*7 (70%)3 (33%)4 (40%)14 (48%)SAEs6 (60%)4 (44%)7 (70%)17 (59%)SAE Related to nal-IRI4 (40%)1 (11%)1 (10%)6 (21%)Duration of Objective ResponseRECIST 1.1RECIST 1.1RECIST 1.1mRECISTMonths Median (Range)7.5 (6.4-13.0)5.6 (3.7-7.4)4.1 (0.0-22.2)1.84 (0.0-1.9)Best Overall ResponseRECISTRECISTRECISTmRECISTComplete Response (CR)0000Partial Response (PR)4 (40%)3 (33%)3 (30%)3 (30%)Stable Disease (SD)03 (33%)2 (20%)3 (30%)Progressive Disease (PD)5 (50%)2 (22%)3 (30%)2 (20%)Not Evaluable (NE)1 (10%)1 (11%)2 (20%)2 (20%)Objective Response RateCR+PR(95% CI)4 (40%)12.2 -73.83 (33%)7.5-70.73 (30%)6.7-65.33 (30%)(6.7-65.3)*n=1 patient in Cohort 1 discontinued treatment due to TEAE related to treatment with nal-IRI CI, Confidence Interval; nal-IRI, Irinotecan Liposome Injection; SAE, Serious Adverse Event; TEAE, Treatment Emergent Adverse EventSystemic tumor response was evaluated according to RECIST version 1.1CNS tumor response was evaluated according to mRECIST (Anders C. et al., Breast Cancer Res Treat, 2014: 146(3):557-66) Conclusion nal-IRI monotherapy 50g/m2 FBE Q2W appears well tolerated, and achieved &gt;30% ORR for systemic and CNS disease among heavily pre-treated mBC pts regardless of receptor status. Citation Format: Jasgit Sachdev, Pamela Munster, Donald Northfelt, Hyo S. Han, Cynthia MA, Fiona Maxwell, Tiffany Wang, Bruce Belanger, Bin Zhang, Yan Moore, Carey Anders. Phase I expansion study of irinotecan liposome injection (nal-IRI) in patients with metastatic breast cancer (mBC) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr CT048.

Abstract Background & Aims Crohn’s disease (CD) is a lifelong illness with substantial morbidity, although new therapies and treatment paradigms have been developed. We provide guidance for treatment of ambulatory patients with mild to severe active luminal CD. Methods We performed a systematic review to identify published studies of the management of CD. The quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were rated according to the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Statements were developed through an iterative online platform and then finalized and voted on by a group of specialists. Results The consensus includes 41 statements focused on 6 main drug classes: antibiotics, 5-aminosalicylate, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, biologic therapies, and other therapies. The group suggested against the use of antibiotics or 5-aminosalicylate as induction or maintenance therapies. Corticosteroid therapies (including budesonide) can be used as induction, but not maintenance therapies. Among immunosuppressants, thiopurines should not be used for induction, but can be used for maintenance therapy for selected low-risk patients. Parenteral methotrexate was proposed for induction and maintenance therapy in patients with corticosteroid-dependent CD. Biologic agents, including tumor necrosis factor antagonists, vedolizumab, and ustekinumab, were recommended for patients failed by conventional induction therapies and as maintenance therapy. The consensus group was unable to clearly define the role of concomitant immunosuppressant therapies in initiation of treatment with a biologic agent. Conclusions Optimal management of CD requires careful patient assessment, acknowledgement of patient preferences, evidence-based use of existing therapies, and thorough assessment to define treatment success.