Citations

AbstractDiffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a disorder principally characterized by calcification and ossification of spinal ligaments and entheses. Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare autosomal dominant disabling disorder characterized by progressive ossification of skeletal muscle, fascia, tendons, and ligaments. These conditions manifest phenotypic overlap in the ossification of tendons and ligaments. We describe herein a patient with DISH, exhibiting heterotopic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament where clinical whole exome sequencing identified a variant within ACVR1, a gene implicated in FOP. This variant, p.K400E, is a novel variant, not identified previously, and occurs in a highly conserved region across orthologs. We used sequence‐based predicative algorithms, molecular modeling, and molecular dynamics simulations, to test the potential for p.K400E to alter the structure and dynamics of ACVR1. We applied the same modeling and simulation methods to established FOP variants, to identify the detailed effects that they have on the ACVR1 protein, as well as to act as positive controls against which the effects of p.K400E could be evaluated. Our in silico molecular analyses support p.K400E as altering the behavior of ACVR1. In addition, functional testing to measure the effect of this variant on BMP‐pSMAD 1/5/8 target genes was carried out which revealed this variant to cause increased ID1 and Msx2 expression compared with the wild‐type receptor. This analysis supports the potential for the variant of uncertain significance to contribute to the patient's phenotype.

AbstractObjectiveThis case report presents an application of percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation to the right superficial peroneal nerve to treat a patient with chronic intractable L5–S1 radiculopathy pain that conventional treatment failed to ameliorate.MethodsThe patient underwent an uneventful implantation of a percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulator. The implanted lead (15 cm in length and 1.2 mm in diameter) containing the receiver coil and 3 stimulation electrodes (Bioness Stimrouter®, Valencia, CA, U.S.A.) was implanted parallel with the trajectory of the right superficial peroneal nerve.ResultsTwo weeks after implantation of the percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulator, the patient experienced excellent pain relief and reported a significant increase in mobility. At the 3‐month follow‐up consultation, the patient reported maintenance of the reduction of pain in his right lower extremity as well as improved performance in his daily activities.ConclusionPercutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation offers an alternative treatment option for intractable pain associated with chronic radiculopathy, especially for patients in whom conventional treatment options have been exhausted. Further clinical series involving larger numbers of patients are warranted in order to assess the definitive role of percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation for the treatment of chronic intractable radiculopathy pain.

Background:Patients with myelofibrosis (MF) who fail or are intolerant to JAK inhibitors (JAKi) have limited treatment options. Tagraxofusp is a targeted therapy directed to CD123 that was approved by the US FDA for the treatment of patients with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN). CD123 is expressed on a variety of malignancies including BPDCN, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and certain myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), including MF. Moreover, CD123+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), the cell of origin of BPDCN, have been detected in the microenvironment of certain myeloid neoplasms, including MF, where they may play a tumor‐promoting role.1,2,3 Notably, pDCs share a common precursor cell with monocytes, and monocytosis has been reported as a poor prognostic factor, associated with rapid disease progression and shortened survival, suggesting an accelerated disease phase in MF.4 As such, tagraxofusp may offer a novel and rational therapeutic approach in patients with relapsed/refractory MF, including patients with monocytosis.Aims:Primary objectives include assessment of safety, determining the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) and schedule, and evaluating efficacy in patients with MF who were relapsed, refractory, or unable to tolerate JAKi.Methods:This multicenter, open‐label Phase 1/2 trial is enrolling patients with MF. In the Stage 1 (dose escalation), tagraxofusp was administered as a daily IV infusion at 7, 9, and 12 mcg/kg on days 1–3 every 21 days (cycle 1–4), 28 days (cycles 5–7), and 42 days (cycles 8+). In Stage 2 (expansion), patients are receiving the RP2D (12 mcg/kg).Results:23 patients with MF received tagraxofusp, including 12 patients who received ≥ 3 prior lines of therapy. Median age 69 years (range 55–81), 61% were female, and 30% had baseline monocytosis (≥ 1x109/L). Baseline risk assessment based on the DIPSS Plus risk group assessment showed 1 patient (4%) with intermediate‐1, 12 patients (52%) with intermediate‐2, and 10 patients (44%) with high‐risk. At study entry, the median platelet count was 59 K/uL with 71% of patients had baseline platelets <100 K/uL, of which 8 patients had platelets <50 K/uL. 87% of patients had baseline splenomegaly (spleen palpable ≥ 5 cm below the left costal margin [LCM]). Most common treatment‐related adverse events (TRAEs, incidence ≥ 15%) include headache, hypoalbuminemia, alanine aminotransferase increased and thrombocytopenia. The most common ≥ grade 3 TRAE was thrombocytopenia (8%). Capillary leak syndrome was reported in 1 patient (grade 3). Among the 14 evaluable patients with baseline splenomegaly, 57% had spleen size reductions: 43% (6/14) had reductions of > 25%, of which 3 patients had reductions of ≥ 45%. In 5 patients with baseline splenomegaly and monocytosis, 80% (4/5) had reductions of > 25%, of which 2 had reductions of ≥ 45%. Six patients, including 3 patients with monocytosis and 5 patients with platelets <100 K/uL, had treatment duration of 6 months or more.Summary/Conclusion:Tagraxofusp demonstrated single agent activity, with a predictable and manageable safety profile, in patients with relapsed/refractory MF, including in patients with monocytosis, a poor prognostic factor, both constituting potential areas of unmet medical need. Enrollment continues, and updated trial data will be presented. Registrational trial designs are being evaluated. Trial information: NCT02268253.

Background:PRM‐151, a recombinant human pentraxin‐2 molecule, prevents and reverses fibrosis in animal models of myelofibrosis (MF) in part by targeting differentiation of fibrocytes from monocytes. In the first stage of a two‐stage trial, treatment of patients (pts) with primary (PMF), post‐essential thrombocythemia/polycythemia vera (post‐ET/PV) MF with PRM‐151 ± ruxolitinib (Rux) was associated with decreases in bone marrow fibrosis (BMF), improvements in hemoglobin (Hgb) and platelets (PLT), reductions in transfusions and symptoms, and modest reductions in splenomegaly.Aims:Here, we report efficacy and safety data from a stage 2 randomized, double‐blind evaluation of single agent PRM‐151.Methods:Pts with DIPPS Int‐1, Int‐2, and high risk PMF or post‐ET/PV MF who were ineligible for, intolerant of, or had an inadequate response to Rux were randomized between 0.3, 3, and 10 mg/kg of PRM‐151 as a sole agent. PRM‐151 was to be administered by IV infusion at one of the three assigned doses on Days 1, 3, and 5 of Cycle 1 and on Day 1 of each subsequent 28‐day cycle for at least 9 cycles. Randomization was stratified according to baseline (BL) Hgb <100 g/L receiving transfusions and/or PLT <50 x 109/L. Bone marrow biopsies and imaging for spleen volume were obtained at BL, C4D1, C7D1, and C9D29. BMF score was evaluated centrally by three independent, blinded hematopathologists. The primary objective of the study was to determine the effect size of three different doses of PRM‐151 on reduction in BMF by ≥ 1 grade at any time during the study.Results:Of the 98 randomized patients, 97 were treated with 0.3 mg/kg (n = 33), 3 mg/kg (n = 32), or 10 mg/kg (n = 32). BL characteristics are provided in Table 1. Forty‐six pts discontinued treatment prior to Cycle 9. Decrease in BMF grade at any time was observed in 10 of 33 pts (30%) at 0.3 mg/kg, 9 of 31 pts (28%) at 3 mg/kg, and 8 of 32 pts (25%) at 10 mg/kg. Decrease in BM collagen grade was observed in 31–37% of pts. In pts who were RBC transfusion dependent or with Hgb <100 g/L and transfusion independent at BL, 16–29% of pts had ≥50% reduction in RBC transfusions or Hgb increases ≥10 g/L for ≥12 consecutive weeks. In pts who were PLT transfusion dependent or with PLT<25 or PLT25‐<50 x 109/L and transfusion independent at BL, 31–40% of pts had ≥50% reduction in PLT transfusions, PLT ≥25 x 109/L or PLT ≥50 x 109/L or doubling of PLT count, without transfusions for ≥12 consecutive weeks. Improvement from BL in MPN‐SAF TSS of ≥25% for ≥12 consecutive weeks was observed in 10–26% of pts. Reduction in spleen volume was observed with a maximum reduction of 34% in one pt. Response rates for BM collagen, Hgb, PLT, MPN‐SAF, and spleen were generally similar across the three dose levels. The most common treatment emergent adverse events (AEs) were fatigue, cough, thrombocytopenia, and abnormal weight loss. A majority of the AEs were Grade 2 or lower in severity and consistent with disease progression. Grade 3 and 4 related AEs were reported in 12% and 6% of pts, respectively.Summary/Conclusion:The study enrolled a large proportion of MF pts with advanced disease (Int‐2 or high risk, BMF grade 3, anemic/transfusion dependent, and PLT <50 x 109/L). Decrease in BMF and collagen grade were observed across all dose levels. Increases in Hgb and PLT count or reduction in transfusion requirements were also reported across all dose levels. Improvements in MPN‐SAF TSS and spleen volume were observed in a proportion of pts. PRM‐151 treatment for up to 9 cycles was well tolerated. These data warrant confirmation in a larger controlled study.image

Background:Patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) have historically poor outcomes, with ∼6–7 month median overall survival (OS) in the relapsed/refractory (r/r) setting. Splenomegaly is a major cause of morbidity, is a poor prognostic factor and has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in CMML. Tagraxofusp (SL‐401) is a targeted therapy directed to CD123, a target expressed on CMML blasts, monocytes and neoplastic microenvironmental plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) that are part of the CMML malignant clone, as well as on a variety of additional malignancies. Tagraxofusp was approved by the US FDA for the treatment of blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) and is being investigated in other CD123‐expressing malignancies.Aims:Primary objectives include assessment of safety, determining the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) and schedule, and evaluating efficacy in patients with CMML.Methods:This multicenter, open‐label, Phase 1/2 clinical trial is enrolling patients with CMML. In Stage 1 (dose escalation), tagraxofusp was administered as a daily IV infusion at 7, 9, and 12 mcg/kg on days 1–3 every 21 days (cycle 1–4), every 28 days (cycles 5–7), and every 42 days (cycles 8 and beyond). In Stage 2 (expansion), patients receive the RP2D (12 mcg/kg).Results:20 patients with CMML (CMML‐1 [n = 12]; CMML‐2 [n = 8]) were treated with tagraxofusp, including 18 in the relapsed/refractory setting, with hypomethylating agents (HMAs) being the most commonly administered prior therapy. Median age was 69 years (range 43–80) and 80% were male. 10 patients (50%) had baseline splenomegaly (defined as spleen palpable below the left costal margin [BCM]), of which 6 had baseline splenomegaly ≥ 5 cm BCM. Most common treatment‐related adverse events (TRAEs, incidence ≥ 20%) were hypoalbuminaemia, thrombocytopenia, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. Most common ≥ grade 3 TRAEs were thrombocytopenia (35%) and nausea (5%). Capillary leak syndrome was reported in 3 patients (grade 1–2). 100% (10/10) of patients with baseline splenomegaly had a spleen response by physical exam: 80% (8/10) had spleen size reduction of ≥ 50% and 67% (4/6) with baseline spleen size ≥ 5 cm had spleen size reduction of ≥ 50%. Three patients treated with tagraxofusp achieved bone marrow complete responses (BMCRs), including 1 patient who was bridged to stem cell transplant in remission on tagraxofusp.Summary/Conclusion:Tagraxofusp demonstrated single agent activity in patients with CMML and splenomegaly, an area of potential unmet medical need. Given the expression of CD123 in CMML, tagraxofusp represents a rational therapeutic approach in this disease. Updated data will be presented, and a registrational trial is planned. Trial information: NCT02268253.

Background The objective of this study was to evaluate local control for patients with intermediate‐risk rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) treated on Children's Oncology Group (COG) protocol ARST0531. Methods This study analyzed 424 patients with intermediate‐risk RMS. Patients were randomized to chemotherapy with either vincristine, dactinomycin, and cyclophosphamide (VAC) or VAC alternating with vincristine and irinotecan. With the goal of improving local control, radiation therapy (RT) was delivered early at week 4 and was concurrent with irinotecan in the experimental arm. Individualized local control plans for children 24 months old or younger were allowed. Local failure on ARST0531 was compared with local failure on the preceding COG intermediate‐risk study, D9803. Results For patients with group I/II alveolar RMS (n = 55), the 5‐year cumulative incidence of local failure was 13.4%; for group III alveolar RMS (n = 141), it was 20.2%; and for group III embryonal RMS (n = 228), it was 27.9% ( P = .03). Among patients with group III disease, local failure did not differ by histology, site, nodal status, RT modality, or treatment arm. Local failure was worse for a tumor size >5 cm (32.3% vs 16.7%; P = .001). Among patients with group III embryonal RMS, local failure was higher on ARST0531 than D9803 (27.9% vs 19.4%; P = .03). After the exclusion of patients 24 months old or younger or patients who did not receive radiation, local failure remained significantly increased on ARST0531 ( P = .02). After adjustments for clinical prognostic factors, event‐free survival and overall survival were worse on ARST0531 ( P = .004 and P = .05, respectively). Conclusions Despite interventions designed to enhance local control, local control was inferior on ARST0531 in comparison with D9803. The reason for this is unclear, but it could be the reduced cyclophosphamide dose on ARST0531.

Objective Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are hormones with cardioprotective effects. NP levels vary by race; however, the pathophysiological consequences of lower NP levels are not well understood. We aimed to quantify the association between NPs and endothelial function as measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and the contribution of NP levels to racial differences in endothelial function. Methods In this cross-sectional study of 2938 Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis participants (34% Caucasian, 20% African-American, 20% Asian-American and 26% Hispanic) without cardiovascular disease at baseline, multivariable linear regression models were used to examine the association between serum N-terminal pro-B-type NP (NT-proBNP) and natural log-transformed FMD. We also tested whether NT-proBNP mediated the relationship between race and FMD using the product of coefficients method. Results Among African-American and Chinese-American individuals, lower NT-proBNP levels were associated with lower FMD, β=0.06 (95% CI: 0.03 to 0.09; p<0.001) and β=0.06 (95% CI: 0.02 to 0.09; p=0.002), respectively. Non-significant associations between NT-proBNP and FMD were found in Hispanic and Caucasian individuals. In multivariable models, endothelial function differed by race, with African-American individuals having the lowest FMD compared with Caucasians, p<0.001. Racial differences in FMD among African-Americans and Chinese-Americans were mediated in part by NT-proBNP levels (African-Americans, mediation effect: −0.03(95% CI: −0.05 to −0.01); Chinese-Americans, mediation effect: −0.03(95% CI: −0.05 to −0.01)). Conclusions Lower NP levels are associated with worse endothelial function among African-Americans and Chinese-Americans. A relative NP deficiency in some racial/ethnic groups may contribute to differences in vascular function.

e18321 Background: Despite the availability of targeted therapy for ROS1 NSCLC since 2016, there is limited information on real-world ROS1 testing practices to identify patients potentially eligible for targeted treatment among community practices. The objective of this study was to characterize ROS1 testing rates and identify potential barriers to ROS1 testing. Methods: The Flatiron Health EHR-derived database was used to identify patients diagnosed with advanced NSCLC between 7/1/2016 - 7/30/2018 and received systemic treatment in a community practice setting. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the population, biomarker testing rates and timing of testing. Logistic and multinomial regressions including patient demographics and clinical characteristics were used to identify factors associated with the following outcomes: ROS1 testing, testing for biomarkers other than ROS1 (PDL1, ALK, EGFR) , longer times from advanced diagnosis (adv. dx) to ROS1 test results and initiation of therapy prior to ROS1 testing. Results: Of 9,275 eligible patients, ROS1 testing rates in squamous (SQ) and non-squamous histologies increased over the study period (30% to 52%, 62% to 75% respectively). Older age, males, poorer performance status, SQ histology, history of smoking and recurrent disease (RD) patients were significantly less likely to be tested. Among patients not tested for ROS1, 62% were tested for other biomarkers including > 50% of non-squamous patients tested for PDL1, EGFR or ALK and 51% of squamous patients tested for PDL1. The median time from adv. dx to test result was 24 days, with patient characteristics (i.e. Hispanic ethnicity, history of smoking) as well as test type predicting longer times to test results ( > 41 days vs. < 24 days after adv. dx). Patients who had a delay in test results were more likely to receive other therapy prior to availability of their ROS1 test results (25+ days vs. < 24 days OR [95% CI]: 9.18 [7.87, 10.70]). Conclusions: In real-world practice, patient characteristics were associated with ROS1 testing and testing delays which may result in some patient subgroups being less likely to be identified for potential targeted therapy.