Citations

Background: Lung cancer is classified into small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC – including adenocarcinoma, squamous cell, and large cell carcinoma). The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE)—defined as acute myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome/ischemic heart disease requiring revascularization, stroke, and cardiovascular death—have not been well defined in lung cancer patients following treatment. Coronary artery calcifications (CAC) and aortic calcifications (CA) are known cardiovascular risk markers in non-cancer populations. Purpose: To determine whether the presence of CAC or CA, as identified on baseline PET-CT (Positron Emission Tomography–Computed Tomography) or chest CT imaging, is predictive of MACE and all-cause mortality (ACM) in patients with lung cancer. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with SCLC or NSCLC who received chemotherapy, between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2024. The baseline PET-CT or chest CT scans were reviewed for the presence of CAC and/or CA. Patients were excluded if they lacked baseline imaging or had experienced a MACE before treatment. Univariate and multivariate adjusted Cox regression models were employed to assess associations between CAC/CA and MACE or ACM. The Kaplan-Meier survival analyses was performed to evaluate event-free survival. Results: A total of 385 patients were included (mean age: 74 years, IQR: 67–79), predominantly female (158 [55%]) and white (279 [96.2%]). NSCLC was found in 255 (88%) and SCLC in 35 (12%). CAC was identified in 172 (60%) and CA in 87 (30%). Among patients with NSCLC, the presence of CAC was significantly associated with MACE (HR: 2.84 [95% CI: 1.6–4.8], p=0.0001) (Fig. a), particularly in those with adenocarcinoma (Fig. b). In SCLC, (HR: 1.56 [95% CI: 0.1–14.0], p=ns). On multivariable analysis, CAC remained the strongest predictor of MACE after adjusting for age, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and smoking status (HR: 2.6 [95% CI: 1.5–4.4], p=0.0008) (Fig. d). No significant association was found between CA and MACE in either group (p>0.05). ACM was similar for SCLC, squamous cell, and NSCLC (Fig. c). Conclusion: In patients with NSCLC especially lung adenocarcinoma, the presence of CAC in the baseline PET/CT was an independent predictor of MACE. This finding supports the value of CAC as a non-invasive cardiovascular risk marker.

Background: Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, ischemic heart disease requiring revascularization, stroke, and heart failure, have been documented as significant contributors to mortality in cancer survivors. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) can predict MACE in non-cancer populations, while calcium in the aorta (CA) has not been evaluated as a prognostic marker. Every patient diagnosed with cancer undergoes a standard-of-care Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET-CT) or a chest CT before the initiation of chemotherapy. Hypothesis: To determine whether the CAC or CA of patients with Hodgkin's or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, derived from standard-of-care PET-CT/chest CT, can predict the incidence of MACE. Methods: Patients treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy, diagnosed and followed from January 1, 2013, through June 30, 2023, were included. Patients who did not undergo a PET-CT or CT, and/or developed MACE before treatment initiation were excluded. Univariate and multivariate adjusted Cox regression models were employed to assess whether the presence of CAC, CA, or CAC-CA was associated with the development of MACE. Calcium was retrospectively quantified using TeraRecon software (Durham NC) and categorized as: 0, 1-99, and >100. Outcome analyses was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: 326 patients were included, mean age of 55 years (range: 52-60), predominantly male 201 (61%) and white 314 (96%), CAC was found in 89 patients and CA in 140. In the univariate regression model, a statistically significant association was found with values >100 for CA, CAC and CAC-CA with the risk of MACE. (Fig 1a/b/c). CAC equal to 0 demonstrated a significant protective effect against MACE. (Fig 1a). In the multivariable analysis, these associations persisted even after adjusting for comorbidities. (Table 1). Conclusion: CAC, CA and CAC/CA >100 in the standard-of-care CT/PET CT are predictors of MACE in lymphoma patients undergoing anthracycline treatment, a CAC equal to 0 has protective effect, these relationships remained statistically significant after adjusting for comorbidities.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is an idiopathic form of pregnancy-induced heart failure associated with preeclampsia. Circulating factors in late pregnancy are thought to contribute to both diseases, suggesting a common underlying pathophysiological process. However, what drives this process remains unclear. Using serum proteomics, we identified the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), a marker of cellular senescence associated with biological aging, as the most highly up-regulated pathway in young women with PPCM or preeclampsia. Placentas from women with preeclampsia displayed multiple markers of amplified senescence and tissue aging, as well as overall increased gene expression of 28 circulating proteins that contributed to SASP pathway enrichment in serum samples from patients with preeclampsia or PPCM. The most highly expressed placental SASP factor, activin A, was associated with cardiac dysfunction or heart failure severity in women with preeclampsia or PPCM. In a murine model of PPCM induced by cardiomyocyte-specific deletion of the gene encoding peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ coactivator-1α, inhibiting activin A signaling in the early postpartum period with a monoclonal antibody to the activin type II receptor improved heart function. In addition, attenuating placental senescence with the senolytic compound fisetin in late pregnancy improved cardiac function in these animals. These findings link senescence biology to cardiac dysfunction in pregnancy and help to elucidate the pathogenesis underlying cardiovascular diseases of pregnancy.

Background: Despite the well-established potent benefit of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke, access to MT has not been studied globally. We conducted a worldwide survey of countries on 6 continents to define MT access (MTA), the disparities in MTA, and its determinants on a global scale. Methods: Our survey was conducted in 75 countries through the Mission Thrombectomy 2020+ global network between November 22, 2020, and February 28, 2021. The primary end points were the current annual MTA, MT operator availability, and MT center availability. MTA was defined as the estimated proportion of patients with LVO receiving MT in a given region annually. The availability metrics were defined as ([current MT operators×50/current annual number of estimated thrombectomy-eligible LVOs]×100 = MT operator availability) and ([current MT centers×150/current annual number of estimated thrombectomy-eligible LVOs]×100= MT center availability). The metrics used optimal MT volume per operator as 50 and an optimal MT volume per center as 150. Multivariable-adjusted generalized linear models were used to evaluate factors associated with MTA. Results: We received 887 responses from 67 countries. The median global MTA was 2.79% (interquartile range, 0.70–11.74). MTA was <1.0% for 18 (27%) countries and 0 for 7 (10%) countries. There was a 460-fold disparity between the highest and lowest nonzero MTA regions and low-income countries had 88% lower MTA compared with high-income countries. The global MT operator availability was 16.5% of optimal and the MT center availability was 20.8% of optimal. On multivariable regression, country income level (low or lower–middle versus high: odds ratio, 0.08 [95% CI, 0.04–0.12]), MT operator availability (odds ratio, 3.35 [95% CI, 2.07–5.42]), MT center availability (odds ratio, 2.86 [95% CI, 1.84–4.48]), and presence of prehospital acute stroke bypass protocol (odds ratio, 4.00 [95% CI, 1.70–9.42]) were significantly associated with increased odds of MTA. Conclusions: Access to MT on a global level is extremely low, with enormous disparities between countries by income level. The significant determinants of MT access are the country’s per capita gross national income, prehospital LVO triage policy, and MT operator and center availability.

Background The PINNACLE FLX (Protection Against Embolism for Non‐valvular AF [Atrial Fibrillation] Patients: Investigational Device Evaluation of the Watchman FLX LAA [Left Atrial Appendage] Closure Technology) trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of a next‐generation left atrial appendage closure device (WATCHMAN FLX; Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA). At 1 year, the study met the primary end points of safety and anatomical efficacy/appendage closure. This final report of the PINNACLE FLX trial includes the prespecified secondary end point of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism at 2 years, also making it the first report of 2‐year outcomes with this next‐generation left atrial appendage closure device. Methods and Results Patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation with CHA 2 DS 2 ‐VASc score ≥2 (men) or ≥3 (women), with an appropriate rationale for left atrial appendage closure, were enrolled to receive the left atrial appendage closure device at 29 US centers. Adverse events were assessed by an independent clinical events committee, and imaging was assessed by independent core laboratories. Among 395 implanted patients (36% women; mean age, 74 years; CHA 2 DS 2 ‐VASc, 4.2±1.5), the secondary efficacy end point of 2‐year ischemic stroke or systemic embolism was met, with an absolute rate of 3.4% (annualized rate, 1.7%) and an upper 1‐sided 95% confidence bound of 5.3%, which was superior to the 8.7% performance goal. Two‐year rates of adverse events were as follows: 9.3% all‐cause mortality, 5.5% cardiovascular death, 3.4% all stroke, and 10.1% major bleeding (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium 3 or 5). There were no additional systemic embolisms, device embolizations, pericardial effusions, or symptomatic device‐related thrombi after 1 year. Conclusions The secondary end point of 2‐year stroke or systemic embolism was met at 3.4%. In these final results of the PINNACLE FLX trial, the next‐generation WATCHMAN FLX device demonstrated favorable safety and efficacy outcomes.

Importance In patients with severe aortic valve stenosis at intermediate surgical risk, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with a self-expanding supra-annular valve was noninferior to surgery for all-cause mortality or disabling stroke at 2 years. Comparisons of longer-term clinical and hemodynamic outcomes in these patients are limited. Objective To report prespecified secondary 5-year outcomes from the Symptomatic Aortic Stenosis in Intermediate Risk Subjects Who Need Aortic Valve Replacement (SURTAVI) randomized clinical trial. Design, Setting, and Participants SURTAVI is a prospective randomized, unblinded clinical trial. Randomization was stratified by investigational site and need for revascularization determined by the local heart teams. Patients with severe aortic valve stenosis deemed to be at intermediate risk of 30-day surgical mortality were enrolled at 87 centers from June 19, 2012, to June 30, 2016, in Europe and North America. Analysis took place between August and October 2021. Intervention Patients were randomized to TAVR with a self-expanding, supra-annular transcatheter or a surgical bioprosthesis. Main Outcomes and Measures The prespecified secondary end points of death or disabling stroke and other adverse events and hemodynamic findings at 5 years. An independent clinical event committee adjudicated all serious adverse events and an independent echocardiographic core laboratory evaluated all echocardiograms at 5 years. Results A total of 1660 individuals underwent an attempted TAVR (n = 864) or surgical (n = 796) procedure. The mean (SD) age was 79.8 (6.2) years, 724 (43.6%) were female, and the mean (SD) Society of Thoracic Surgery Predicted Risk of Mortality score was 4.5% (1.6%). At 5 years, the rates of death or disabling stroke were similar (TAVR, 31.3% vs surgery, 30.8%; hazard ratio, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.85-1.22]; P = .85). Transprosthetic gradients remained lower (mean [SD], 8.6 [5.5] mm Hg vs 11.2 [6.0] mm Hg; P &amp;lt; .001) and aortic valve areas were higher (mean [SD], 2.2 [0.7] cm 2 vs 1.8 [0.6] cm 2 ; P &amp;lt; .001) with TAVR vs surgery. More patients had moderate/severe paravalvular leak with TAVR than surgery (11 [3.0%] vs 2 [0.7%]; risk difference, 2.37% [95% CI, 0.17%- 4.85%]; P = .05). New pacemaker implantation rates were higher for TAVR than surgery at 5 years (289 [39.1%] vs 94 [15.1%]; hazard ratio, 3.30 [95% CI, 2.61-4.17]; log-rank P &amp;lt; .001), as were valve reintervention rates (27 [3.5%] vs 11 [1.9%]; hazard ratio, 2.21 [95% CI, 1.10-4.45]; log-rank P = .02), although between 2 and 5 years only 6 patients who underwent TAVR and 7 who underwent surgery required a reintervention. Conclusions and Relevance Among intermediate-risk patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis, major clinical outcomes at 5 years were similar for TAVR and surgery. TAVR was associated with superior hemodynamic valve performance but also with more paravalvular leak and valve reinterventions.

Background TAILOR‐PCI (Tailored Antiplatelet Initiation to Lessen Outcomes due to decreased Clopidogrel Response After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) studied genotype‐guided selection of antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention versus conventional therapy with clopidogrel. The presence of CYP2C19 loss‐of‐function alleles in patients treated with clopidogrel may be associated with increased risk for ischemic events. We report a prespecified sex‐specific analysis of genotyping and associated cardiovascular outcomes from this study. Methods and Results Associations between sex and major adverse cardiac events (MACE: cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, stent thrombosis, and severe recurrent ischemia) and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) bleeding at 12 months were analyzed using Cox proportional‐hazards models. Among 5276 randomized patients, loss‐of‐function carriers were observed in ≈36% of both sexes, and >80% of carriers were heterozygotes. At 12 months, after adjustment for baseline differences, risks of MACE (HR , 1.28 [0.97 to 1.68]; P =0.088) and BARC bleeding (hazard ratio [HR], 1.36 [0.91 to 2.05]; P =0.14) were comparable among women and men. There were no significant interactions between sex and treatment strategy for MACE interaction P value ( P int =0.59) or BARC bleeding ( P int =0.47) nor for sex and genotype (MACE P int =0.15, and BARC bleeding P int =0.60). Conclusions CYP2C19 loss‐of‐function alleles were present in ≈1 in 3 women and men. Women had similar adjusted risks of MACE and bleeding as men following percutaneous coronary intervention. Genotype‐guided therapy did not significantly reduce the risk of MACE or bleeding relative to conventional therapy for both sexes. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT01742117.

TPS11592 Background: Single agent or combination chemotherapy regimens, typically including doxorubicin or gemcitabine, represent standard of care options for first- and second-line therapy in patients (pts) with metastatic LMS. However, response rates (ORR) and progression-free (PFS)/overall survival (OS) remain poor. Lurbinectedin (PharmaMar S.A. and Jazz Pharmaceuticals) uniquely binds DNA, inducing DNA double strand breaks leading to apoptosis and delaying progression through phase S/G2 of the cell cycle. Lurbinectedin is a novel structural analog of trabectedin with improved toxicity profile, potency, and pharmacokinetics. In a prior pilot study, we showed that the combination of lurbinectedin and doxorubicin (L+D) was safe, with early signs of clinical activity, particularly in LMS. Thus, we designed this investigator-initiated/investigator-sponsored phase 1b lead-in to optimize doses of L+D, to be followed by a randomized (1:1) phase 2 study of L+D versus doxorubicin monotherapy in anthracycline-naïve LMS. Methods: Pts age > 18 years with locally advanced or metastatic, unresectable LMS (non-GIST soft-tissue sarcoma histologies allowed in Phase 1b), without prior anthracycline or lurbinectedin/trabectedin, ECOG PS < 3, measurable disease by RECIST 1.1, and normal organ function, are eligible. Phase 1b dosing will include a fixed dose of lurbinectedin and two dose levels of doxorubicin. The Phase 1b lead-in follows a standard 3+3 design where dose escalation will occur if 0/3 or 1/6 patients experience a dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). Tumor assessments are conducted every two cycles. Once the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) is confirmed, Phase 2 will be initiated. Fifty pts will be randomized 1:1 including doxorubicin +/- lurbinectedin. Randomization will be stratified by uterine v. non-uterine origin of LMS. Pts progressing on single agent doxorubicin will be allowed to cross over to lurbinectedin monotherapy. The Phase 2 primary endpoint is PFS. Secondary endpoints include disease control rate, ORR, OS, PFS2 (for doxorubicin monotherapy patients who cross to lurbinectedin monotherapy). Archival tumor, germline DNA, and ctDNA will be collected for correlative studies exploring genomic markers of sensitivity/resistance. We will provide respective point estimate along with 90% confidence interval for each of the arms. Log-rank test will be performed to test the difference in survival (both PFS and OS) between groups. Regression analyses of survival data will be based on the Cox proportional hazards model. The first pt in dose-level 1 of the Phase 1b lead-in was enrolled in February 2022. Clinical trial information: NCT05099666.

Abstract Decades of research into the molecular mechanisms of cancer and the development of novel therapeutics have yielded a number of remarkable successes. However, our ability to broadly assign effective, rationally targeted therapies in a personalized manner remains elusive for many patients, and drug resistance persists as a major problem. This is in part due to the well-documented heterogeneity of cancer, including the diversity of tumor cell lineages and cell states, the spectrum of somatic mutations, the complexity of microenvironments, and immune-suppressive features and immune repertoires, which collectively require numerous different therapeutic approaches. Here, we describe a framework to understand the types and biological causes of resistance, providing translational opportunities to tackle drug resistance by rational therapeutic strategies.