Citations

Abstract The diagnosis of predementia stages indicates an increased risk of progression to dementia. The Amyloid, Tau, and Neurodegeneration AT(N) classification considers measurements of altered proteins and the presence of neurodegeneration to classify the risk groups regarding the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The cognitive and anatomical characteristics of the patients in the predementia stage according to the AT(N) classification are not fully understood. To investigate whether there are differences in the clinical and anatomical profiles among older adults in the predementia stage according to the ATN classification, and to investigate the associations involving cognition and cortical thickness and subcortical volume in the AT(N) groups. In total, 72 older adults with subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment were allocated to groups according to the AT(N) classification (AD continuum: n = 37; suspected non-AD pathophysiology: n = 8; normal biomarkers: n = 27). The participants were investigated through cognitive tests, magnetic resonance imaging scans, and cerebrospinal fluid analyses. We used multivariate and univariate analyses with post-hoc testing to verify differences among groups. In addition, linear regressions were performed to verify the interactions involving cognition and gray matter metrics. The suspected non-AD pathophysiology group showed worse performance in attention/executive function than the AD continuum and normal biomarkers groups (p = 0.04). However, the ATN classification groups did not differ in terms of cortical thickness (p > 0.05). In addition, in the AD continuum group, memory was associated with left fusiform gyrus thickness (p = 0.000 uncorrected; r = 0.238). Cognition, but not gray matter metrics, differs among AT(N) classification groups. Memory is associated with cortical thickness in patients with positive amyloid Beta (AD continuum).

Background: Tumor mutational burden (TMB) is an FDA-approved biomarker for immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. However, its predictive value varies among tumor types and molecular contexts. We investigated whether a very high TMB identifies a biologically distinct subset and whether a higher cutoff provides additional clinical insights beyond the conventional high TMB threshold. Methods: We analyzed 133 patients with advanced solid tumors and TMB ≥ 10 mutations/Mb (mut/Mb) who underwent tumor genomic profiling using a 523-gene DNA/RNA next-generation sequencing panel. Tumors were stratified into prespecified TMB categories: 10–20 mut/Mb (TMB-H) and >20 mut/Mb (TMB-VH). The clinical characteristics, ICI outcomes (in the treated subset), and pathway-level genomic features were compared between groups. Results: TMB-VH was observed in 42/133 (31.6%) patients and spanned more than 20 tumor types. MSI was markedly more prevalent in TMB-VH than in TMB-H tumors (38.1% vs. 2.2%; Fisher’s exact p = 8.9 × 10−8). Pathway-level comparisons did not identify statistically significant differences after false discovery rate correction (all q > 0.05), and the observed patterns were descriptive in nature. In the ICI-treated subset with complete follow-up, objective response did not differ according to the TMB group. Overall survival (OS) was also similar between groups, whether measured from metastatic diagnosis (log-rank p = 0.937) or from ICI initiation (log-rank p = 0.814), although OS was numerically longer in the TMB-VH group in both analyses without reaching statistical significance. Conclusions: In this cohort study, TMB-VH was strongly associated with MSI but not independently associated with improved ICI outcomes. Larger multicenter cohorts are needed to validate pathway-oriented patterns and clarify the clinical utility of extreme TMB thresholds across various histologies. Integrating the functional context (e.g., MSI status, gene-level context, and pathway-level features) with TMB magnitude may enable more robust, tumor-aware biomarker models for immunotherapy selection.

Abstract Cfr methylates C 8 of adenosine 2503 (A2503) in 23 S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and will also methylate C 2 of A2503 after methylating C 8 . C 8 methylation confers resistance to more than five classes of clinically used antibiotics, highlighting it as a worrisome mechanism of antibiotic resistance. Here, we report the structure of Cfr, determined by cryogenic electron microscopy (Cryo-EM). Despite its small size (∼36 kDa), we exploit a transient protein–RNA crosslink that forms during catalysis, which requires Cys105 to resolve. Using a Cfr Cys105Ala variant and an 87-nucleotide strand of rRNA, we isolate the crosslinked species and determine its structure to 3.0 Å resolution. Notably, the 87-mer rRNA adopts an L-shaped conformation characteristic of tRNAs, rather than the conformation it assumes in the ribosome. One Sentence Summary Cryo-EM structure of Cfr, a radical S-adenosylmethionine methylase that confers antibiotic resistance

696 Background: EVP is the preferred 1st-line therapy for patients (pts) with aUC. Upfront EV dose reductions may be utilized to enhance tolerance and minimize treatment-related toxicities when intolerance is anticipated. Prior studies of EV monotherapy suggest that starting dose 1.25 mg/kg resulted in exposure that maximized chance of response. We hypothesize that upfront EV dose reductions would not compromise EVP efficacy. Methods: Pts with aUC treated with EVP in the multi-site UNITE database were analyzed. Upfront dose reduction was defined as starting dose < 1.25 mg/kg. Correlation between clinical features and EV dose reduction were assessed using Fisher’s Exact test. Endpoints include progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) from EVP initiation, assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox models. Multivariable Cox analysis (MVA) included age (< 75 vs ≥ 75), ECOG performance status (PS) (0-1 vs 2-3), hemoglobin level (< 10 vs ≥ 10), and liver metastases (present vs absent), chosen in accordance with Bellmunt criteria. Correlation with investigator-assessed observed response rate (ORR) was determined using logistic regressions. All tests were 2-sided with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: A total of 456 pts across 17 sites were included (median age 72; 77% Caucasian; 75% male; 26% upper tract primary; 66% pure UC; 77% ECOG PS 0-1; 17% with liver metastasis; 89% 1 st line EVP). Upfront dose reduction occurred in 96 pts (21%); 76 pts (79%) started at 1.0 mg/kg and 20 pts (21%) at 0.75 mg/kg. Upfront dose reduction was significantly associated with age ≥ 75 (p = 0.002), ECOG PS 2/3 (p = 0.04), and hemoglobin < 10 (p = 0.01) but not with liver metastasis (p = 0.9). Lower starting EV dose correlated with shorter median PFS (5 vs 6 months) and OS (9 vs 10 months), and lower ORR (28% vs. 60%) when compared to full dose (Table). In MVA adjusting for prognostic factors for PFS and OS, these associations were no longer statistically significant. Conclusions: In this real-world analysis, upfront EV dose reductions were most frequently used in pts with factors associated with frailty and poor prognosis, e.g. older age and ECOG PS 2/3, and were associated with lower ORR. When adjusted for these factors, upfront EV dose reductions were not associated with shorter PFS/OS though a trend towards inferior outcomes persisted. These differences in outcomes may reflect baseline risk factors rather than dose intensity; however, prospective investigation is required to validate our hypothesis-generating results. Association of upfront EV dose reduction with outcomes. Outcome (Upfront dose reduction vs no upfront dose reduction) Univariable analysis Multivariable analysis PFS: HR (95% CI), p 1.50 (1.11 – 2.02), 0.008 1.33 (0.95-1.86), 0.09 OS: HR (95% CI), p 1.56 (1.11-2.20), 0.01 1.41 (0.96-2.06), 0.08 ORR: OR (95% CI), p 0.35 (0.21-0.60), 0.0001 0.38 (0.21-0.67), 0.0009

Dominant-inactivating mutations in the colony stimulating factor-1 receptor ( CSF1R ) cause CSF-1R–related leukoencephalopathy (CRL), an adult-onset neurodegenerative disease that is modeled in the Csf1r +/– mouse. CRL is caused by microglial dysfunction. However, the primary microglial deficit is unknown. To address this question, we employed single-nucleus RNA sequencing of brains from young Csf1r +/– mice without pathological or behavioral alterations. Reduction of CSF-1R signaling caused metal ion accumulation in brain macrophages, with concomitant activation of cell death and stress response pathways in oligodendrocytes and neuronal subpopulations. Reduction of metallothionein 1 ( Mt1 ) and 3 ( Mt3 ) gene expression was a common feature in glial and neuronal cells of Csf1r +/– mice. Overexpression of Mt1 restored metal ion homeostasis, normalized ROS production in microglia, and prevented the development of behavioral deficits, while Mt3 deletion had disease-enhancing effects. These findings demonstrate CSF-1R regulation of metal ion homeostasis via metallothioneins in the brain.

Abstract Background Immunotherapy has yet to make significant gains in glioblastoma (GBM) treatment, due in part to GBM-mediated immune suppression. Increasing evidence points to critical roles for tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) and immunosuppressive myeloid cells as key factors in this process. Methods Immunophenotyping of the tumor-immune microenvironment was performed using ultrasonic aspirate collected during GBM resection by high-dimensional flow cytometry. EVs collected from patient-derived GBM cell lines were used to condition myeloid cells collected from healthy donors to generate immunosuppressive myeloid cells. siRNA was used to knockdown TIGIT and/or NLRP3 expression prior to EV conditioning. T cell co-culture studies were performed with donor-matched T cells. Results Immune phenotyping of the tumor microenvironment and EV-conditioned myeloid cells revealed similar immunomodulatory protein expression across myeloid cell populations, with particularly elevated TIGIT expression. Knockdown of TIGIT reduced the immunosuppressive polarization of myeloid cells, resulting in improved T cell function. This finding proceeded in an NLRP3-dependent manner, with substantial co-expression of TIGIT and NLRP3 expression prior to knockdown, and concomitant knockdown of NLRP3 abrogating the effect of TIGIT knockdown. TIGIT expression correlated with increased IL-13 expression, and IL-13 blockade unmasked a pro-inflammatory myeloid cell phenotype. Conclusion TIGIT expression in myeloid cells in the GBM microenvironment is a functional marker of immunosuppressive activity, with TIGIT knockdown reducing IL-13 expression and unmasking the pro-inflammatory activity of NLRP3. This study bolsters our understanding of the immunosuppressive complexities of the GBM microenvironment and supports attenuation of immunosuppressive myeloid cell activity as a strategy to restore immune function in GBM.

Abstract Background: In MBC, CTC enumeration is highly prognostic for both progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Multiparametric technologies enable for expanded phenotypic profiling of CTCs, including ER and HER2 assessment. Limited information is available on the concordance of CTC ER and HER2 levels compared to synchronously obtained tissue. We assessed the prognostic performance of CTC enumeration and phenotypic profiling of ER and HER2 on CTCs. Methods: The prospective, multi-institutional Aurora study enrolled pts with MBC of any subtype either at diagnosis of metastatic disease or at time of progression on any line of systemic therapy. Pts underwent a metastatic site biopsy, consented to archival primary tissue collection and donated blood samples serially every 3-4 months until progression. CTCs, from blood collected at study entry, were identified as nucleated, EpCAM+/ cytokeratin+/ CD45- cells using an automated imaging system (RareCyte, Seattle). ER and HER2 expression levels were measured by mean fluorescence intensity (MFI), with thresholds above 80 (ER) and 160 (HER2) considered positive. Comparisons were made to total RNAseq from paired metastatic tissue biopsies. PFS and OS were calculated from the time of study entry to last follow up or death. Results: Baseline CTC enumeration was performed in 154 pts. The most common clinical subtype was HR+/HER2- (59.7%), followed by HER2-positive (16.8%) and TNBC (15.5%). The median lines of prior therapy were 1 (range 0-10). At least 1 CTC was identified in 68/154 pts (44%), 30 (19%) had ≥ 5 CTCs, and 15 (9.7%) had CTC clusters. The median CTC value was 0 (0-877). The presence of CTCs (≥1 or ≥5) and CTC clusters was adversely associated with PFS and OS (Table 1 Table 1. CTC survival analyses Number Median PFS PFS HR (95% CI) Median OS OS HR (95% CI) Presence of CTC 0 CTC 86 7.37 (0.03 - 43.1) reference 20.72 (0.03 - 50.6) reference ≥ 1 CTC 68 4.7 (0.43 - 19.5) 1.65 (1.16-2.36) 12.04. (0.43-44.1) 2.13 (1.44-3.16) Presence of ≥ 5 CTC &lt;5 CTC 124 7.7 (0.03 - 43.1) reference 19.31 (0.03 - 50.6) reference ≥ 5 CTC 30 2.88 (0.43 - 18.7) 1.77 (1.15 - 2.71) 5.74 (0.43 - 29.3) 3.59 (2.26-5.70) Presence of clusters 0 clusters 139 7.37 (0.03 - 43.1) reference 18.06 (0.03 - 50.6) reference ≥ 1 cluster 15 1.91 (0.43 - 18.7) 2.06 (1.16 - 3.68) 3.42 (0.43 - 18.7) 5.44 (2.94-10.09) ). Across all subtypes, the median CTC ER-MFI across was 36.2 (range 4.2-10,016.6) and the median HER2-MFI was 139.6 (range 4.2-2480.5). We observed high intra-patient heterogeneity of ER-MFI (CV: 0.65 [0.34-1.25]) and HER2-MFI (CV: 0.79 [0.42-1.54]). Clinical metastatic subtype from metastasis at study entry was available in 54/68 pts with CTCs. Pts with clinical ER+ MBC had a higher median ER-MFI compared to clinical TNBC (111.9 vs 68.6, p = 0.02). However, 11 pts (26.8%) with clinical ER+ MBC had all CTCs with an ER-MFI &lt;80. Lower ER expression was observed in CTCs collected after prior exposure to a SERD (median ER-MFI: post-SERD [n=8] 27 vs post-aromatase inhibitor [n=4] 252, p&lt;2.22e-16). No correlations were observed between the median CTC ER-MFI or HER2-MFI and paired tissue ESR1 or ERBB2 RNA expression (n=66). Conclusions: CTCs are strongly predictive of PFS and OS. CTC ER- and HER2-MFI were highly heterogeneous without clear correlation with bulk tissue RNA expression. The clinical impact of discordant clinical receptor status and CTC receptor status warrants further exploration. Citation Format: K. V. Giridhar, W. C. Nenad, H. Ye, G. L. Wheeler, T. Hinoue, A. R. Michmerhuizen, B. M. Felsheim, U. R. Chandran, B. J. Kelly, E. R. Mardis, P. W. Laird, J. M. Balko, A. C. Garrido-Castro, S. Coppens, J. Bowen, R. Nanda, N. U. Lin, C. K. Anders, C. Isaacs, J. J. Tao, J. D. Anampa, N. Jahan, L. Huppert, A. DeMichele, B. H. Park, S. Vinayak, A. L. Delson, M. M. Magbanua, M. Balic, H. A. Parsons, A. V. Lee, L. A. Carey, L. Norton, A. C. Wolff, N. E. Davidson, I. Krop, T. A. King, C. M. Perou, K. A. Hoadley, Aurora US Metastases Network. Characterizing circulating tumor cell (CTC) enumeration and phenotypic profiling in blood with synchronously obtained tissue in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in TBCRC /AURORA US [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2025; 2025 Dec 9-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2026;32(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS2-07-17.

Abstract Introduction: Breast cancer most commonly metastasizes to the bones, with bone pain and other skeletal related events (SREs) having a limiting effect on quality of life. Bisphosphonates are widely used in breast cancer patients to reduce SREs and bone loss, particularly in those with bone metastases or receiving endocrine therapy. We aim to study the real world comparative data between two widely used bisphosphonates in clinical practice, zoledronic acid and pamidronate, along with evaluation of their toxicity profiles. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the US Collaborative Network TriNetX, covering January 2000 to December 2023, and encompassing data from 105 global healthcare organizations. Female patients aged 18 and above with breast cancer metastatic to the bone were identified and then stratified into two groups based on treatment with zoledronic acid or pamidronate. The two groups were then propensity-matched based on age, sex, race, and comorbidities. We followed these patients for 5 years to assess outcomes, including mortality, osteoporotic fracture, hypercalcemia, pathological fracture, fall, and osteonecrosis. Results: We identified 7887 patients in the zoledronic acid cohort and 635 patients in the pamidronate cohort. After propensity matching, each cohort consisted of 625 patients with similar baseline characteristics. The average age was 66.4 years in zoledronic acid cohort and 69.1 in the pamidronate cohort. In the zoledronic acid cohort, the ethnicity distribution was 74.68 % White, 11.55% African American, and 6.36% Hispanic. In contrast, the pamidronate group had an ethnicity distribution of 63.04% White, 20.64% African American, and 8.16% Hispanic. Our analysis found that within 5 years, patients with breast cancer metastatic to the bone who received zoledronic acid had a significantly lower risk of mortality (Hazard Ratio [HR] 0.593, 95% CI: 0.509-0.691, p-value &lt;0.001), osteoporotic fracture (Risk difference: -5.28%, 95% CI: -7.65 to -2.90), p-value &lt; 0.001), hypercalcemia [HR: 0.262, 95% CI: 0.212 - 0.323, p-value = 0.001), pathological fracture (Risk difference: -6.88%, 95% CI: -10.69 to -3.07), p-value &lt; 0.001). However, the zoledronic acid group had higher risk of falls [Risk difference: 3.52%, 95% CI: 0.518 to 6.522), p-value = 0.021). There was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of osteonecrosis between the two cohorts. Conclusion: Our study revealed that patients with breast cancer with metastatic disease to the bone who received zoledronic acid had significantly lower rates of mortality, osteoporotic fracture, hypercalcemia, and pathological fracture compared to those receiving pamidronate. Additional longitudinal cohort studies are imperative to explore the outcomes between these agents and inform clinical practice guidelines. Citation Format: Y. Arya, A. Syal, C. Jones, H. Mahadevia, N. Batra, A. Uriepero-Palma. Real-world outcomes comparing zoledronic acid and pamidronate in patients with metastatic breast cancer with bone metastases: A propensity score matched analysis from a global federated health research network [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2025; 2025 Dec 9-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2026;32(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS2-06-02.

Introduction Craniofacial hyperplasia is a disorder where the face and head do not fully develop. This leads to difficulties in airway management in those undergoing general anesthesia (GA), requiring consideration in anesthetic planning with GA and intubation versus approaches with regional/spinal anesthesia. Case Presentation A 54-year-old male (45 kg, 172.7 cm) presented for a penile implant insertion for severe erectile dysfunction following radical prostatectomy. He was classified as ASA physical status class III. Management and Outcomes Pertinent medical history included craniofacial hypoplasia from childhood surgical interventions and radiation for sinus cancer (rhabdomyosarcoma), moderate mitral regurgitation, mild tricuspid regurgitation, pulmonary hypertension, recurrent esophageal strictures, and anemia. Spinal anesthesia was selected over GA. Airway complications were avoided, and cardiopulmonary stability was preserved while maintaining adequate analgesic coverage. Conclusion Craniofacial hypoplasia patients require individualized anesthesia planning that anticipates complications. Spinal anesthesia can be used in these patients to avoid airway and hemodynamic complications.

Abstract Objective To assess the role of small‐molecule calcitonin gene–related peptide receptor antagonists (gepants) in the acute treatment of migraine, particularly in relation to triptan treatments. Background Triptans have established efficacy and are widely prescribed for the acute treatment of migraine. However, triptans may not be recommended for some individuals due to cardiovascular contraindications and precautions, as well as other comorbidities, and many may discontinue triptans because of inadequate or inconsistent symptom relief or poor tolerability. Several gepants are also indicated for the treatment of migraine (both acute and preventive), and their demonstrated efficacy and safety may address some challenges associated with triptans. Methods This narrative review addresses considerations for the acute treatment of migraine through summarizing literature and data from preclinical studies and clinical trials of triptans and gepants. Results We consider triptans and gepants, where available, first‐line treatment options for the acute treatment of migraine. Triptans may be prescribed in the absence of contraindications, significant risk of cardiovascular disease, or risk for or history of medication‐overuse headache. In those who have contraindications or precautions for triptans, those who do not have an adequate response to triptans, and those unable to tolerate them, gepants are often an appropriate option. The efficacy and safety of gepants for the acute treatment of migraine has been established through clinical trials and open‐label extension studies and based on real‐world evidence. Gepants have demonstrated efficacy and tolerability in triptan insufficient responders, perhaps because of their distinct mechanisms of action. Additionally, the safety of gepants, including relative cardiovascular safety, is supported in pivotal controlled trials and open‐label extension trials. In experimental settings and through their use as preventive treatment for migraine, gepants appear unlikely to produce medication‐overuse headache. In addition, one gepant (ubrogepant) has demonstrated efficacy in preventing headache onset when given during the prodrome, a finding that has not been demonstrated for triptans. A single‐arm, open‐label study of naratriptan given during the prodrome suggested fewer subsequent headaches, but interpretation is limited because there was no contemporaneous control group. Limited head‐to‐head clinical trials comparing gepants and triptans have not demonstrated significant differences. Prescribers of both triptans and gepants should be mindful of potential drug–drug interactions. Conclusions Key advantages of gepants include their favorable tolerability, efficacy for the acute treatment of both the prodromal/premonitory phase (ubrogepant) and the headache phase of migraine (ubrogepant, rimegepant, zavegepant), lack of cardiovascular contraindications, and lack of association with medication‐overuse headache. Disadvantages include limitations due to cost and access and CYP3A4 drug interactions for most gepants. Together, the advantages may help to optimize patient care and lead to better persistence and effectiveness in a real‐world setting. Head‐to‐head studies are needed to clarify the comparative effectiveness of triptans and gepants.