Citations

Abstract The liver is organized into tightly regulated zones with distinct metabolic functions but zonation erodes with age. Cellular senescence contributes to aging and liver diseases, however, its impact on aging biology is ill-defined. As part of The Cellular Senescence Network Consortium, we used multiple spatial transcriptomics approaches (GeoMx, Visium, CosMx) with snRNA-seq to profile senescence signatures, zonation markers, and metabolic pathways in livers from wild-type (WT) mice of multiple ages. We observed a loss of canonical zone signatures in aged mouse livers characterized by “expansion” of midlobular (zone 2) marker gene expression, accompanied by diminished expression of zone 3 marker genes by middle-age (18 months), indicative of loss of cell identity. Multiple analytic approaches identified distinct age-, zone- and sex-specific senescence signatures, which were significantly associated with zonation markers changes. This was recapitulated in Ercc1 mutant models of accelerated senescence, supporting a causal role of senescent cells in liver aging. A “no-zone” hepatocyte-like cluster expanded with age and with the strongest Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP) profile. Gene expression profiles from senescent hepatocytes implicate decreased WNT signaling and increased BMP as contributing to age-related loss of zonation. Together, these data elucidate the role of senescent cells in driving aging biology in non-diseased liver through disruption of cell:cell signaling and the loss of metabolic and cell identity gene expression necessary for hepatocyte function.

Abstract Introduction Heterozygous germline pathogenic variants (PVs) in the 5' untranslated region of ANKRD26 cause inherited thrombocytopenia and predisposition to hematologic malignancy (HM). The estimated lifetime HM risk is ~10% based on families ascertained from an inherited thrombocytopenia cohort. However, the malignancy spectrum, molecular features, precursor states, and overall clinical outcomes remain poorly defined. Methods We established an international, multicenter cohort of individuals with ANKRD26-related thrombocytopenia diagnosed after undergoing genetic evaluation due to a personal and/or family history of thrombocytopenia and/or HM. Clinical, pathologic, and molecular data were collected for 27 individuals with germline ANKRD26 PVs from 21 unrelated families treated at 11 institutions across 5 countries. Statistical analyses were performed using R (v4.4.2). Results Patients were predominantly male (18/27) and white (25/27). Thrombocytopenia was typically identified in childhood (median age 10 years, range 0-48) with a genetic diagnosis made later (median age 53 years, range 2-80). The mean (+/- SD) pre-malignancy platelet count was 45 +/- 24 K/uL (range 5-87). ANKRD26 PVs observed in each family included: c.-126T>C (n=9), c.-128G>A (n=3), c.-134G>A (n=3), c.-116C>T (n=3), c.-118C>T (n=2), and c.-118C>A (n=1). Thirteen HMs were diagnosed in 11 of 27 (41%) patients, including myelodysplastic neoplasm/syndrome (MDS, n=5), acute myeloid leukemia (AML, n=3), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML, n=2), MDS/myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) overlap (n=2), and Langerhans cell histiocytosis (n=1). The median age at first HM diagnosis was 63 years (range 49-80). Recurrent somatic features in myeloid malignancies included complex karyotype (4/11, 36%) and TP53 mutations (5/10, 50%). Of the 3 patients with AML, 1 achieved a partial remission (PR) with venetoclax combined with cladribine, idarubicin, and cytarabine but relapsed, 1 achieved a PR with azacitidine but relapsed <100 days after haploidentical allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT), and 1 had primary refractory disease. Among 5 patients with MDS, 1 was refractory to decitabine, 1 underwent alloSCT but relapsed 2 years post-transplant, 1 remains in remission post-alloSCT with 1 year of follow-up, 1 is undergoing alloSCT evaluation, and 1 was lost to follow-up. Both patients with CML achieved durable major molecular remissions with imatinib. To better estimate HM risk, we assumed 100% penetrance of thrombocytopenia for ANKRD26 PV carriers and included family members with chronic thrombocytopenia who had not had germline genetic testing. In this expanded series (n=62), 16 individuals developed a HM (26%). Additional diagnoses included MDS with progression to AML (n=1), AML (n=1), CML (n=1), and leukemia of unknown type (n=2). Cumulative incidence of HM was 0% by age 40 years, 17% by age 60 years, and 60% by age 80 years. Somatic sequencing of peripheral blood was performed in 5 HM-unaffected ANKRD26 PV carriers. One individual was found to have clonal hematopoiesis driven by TET2 (c.1648C>T, p.Arg550*) with a variant allele frequency (VAF) of 9% at age 55. Bone marrow biopsy showed mild megakaryocytic atypia and 4% blasts without overt evidence of malignancy. To assess the prevalence of ANKRD26-related HM, we assessed the frequency of ANKRD26 PVs in 2 large MDS/AML cohorts. In the ARUP database (9662 AML, 6397 MDS), 2 individuals (0.01%) had an ANKRD26 PV with a VAF consistent with germline origin. In the MSK-IMPACT Heme Germline MDS/AML cohort (n = 284), no ANKRD26 P/LP variants were identified. Conclusions Germline ANKRD26 PVs underlie <1% of MDS/AML diagnoses but may represent a high-risk subtype characterized by complex karyotype, TP53 mutations, and high risk of relapse. Among our series, the incidence of HM was low early in life but increased substantially with age, reaching 60% by 80 years. This exceeds prior estimates, which were derived from individuals ascertained from thrombocytopenia-based registries. Together, our findings suggest that ANKRD26-associated HM may represent a high-risk clinical entity, and that age and family history should inform surveillance strategies. More studies are needed to define genetic and environmental modifiers of HM risk as well as precursor states to enable early detection and disease interception.

Abstract Objectives Evaluation of differences in the intestinal microbiome and resistome among high-risk patients (i.e. intensive care, oncology, transplant recipients) who are and are not colonized with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE). Methods One hundred and twelve rectal swabs were obtained from 85 patients with known CRE colonization status and cohorted. Long-read metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) was performed on rectal swabs. Microbiome and resistome analysis were performed by assessing α-diversity, β-diversity, relative abundance assessment and linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe), comparing patients colonized (CRE positive) and not colonized (CRE negative) with CRE. Longitudinal analysis of sequential swabs collected over multiple hospital encounters on a subset of patients was performed at the patient level. Results The microbiomes of cohorts were similar when comparing α- and β-diversity measures and relative abundance. LEfSe analysis identified Gram-negative pathobionts enriched among CRE-positive samples and Gram-positive taxa enriched among CRE-negative samples. α-Diversity of the resistome differed at class, gene and allele levels. Relative abundance and LEfSe analysis demonstrated enrichment of genes conferring β-lactam resistance among CRE-positive patients; LEfSe also demonstrated enrichment of antimicrobial resistance genes to multiple antimicrobial classes. At the patient level, fluctuations in the microbiome and resistome among longitudinally collected swabs were associated with antibiotic exposure. Conclusions Differences between the microbiomes of CRE-positive- and CRE-negative-colonized patients at the cohort level were relatively muted, whereas statistically significant differences were observed among their resistomes. In patients followed longitudinally, shifts in microbiome and resistome composition were dramatic in between encounters and antibiotic exposures.

10051 Background: CBL0137 is a novel agent that targets the FAcilitates Chromatin Transcription complex (FACT), a histone chaperone that regulates chromatin remodeling during transcription, replication, and DNA repair. CBL0137 has been shown to have anti-tumor activity in multiple preclinical models of pediatric cancer. We report the phase 1 trial of CBL0137 in children with relapsed or refractory solid tumors including central nervous system (CNS) tumors or lymphoma (NCT04870944). Methods: Patients (age 12 months to 21 years) with relapsed/refractory solid tumors, central nervous system tumors or lymphoma were eligible. In the dose escalation phase, a rolling-six design was used to evaluate CBL0137 administered intravenously (IV) once per week on Days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle. The starting dose was 400 mg/m 2 , with escalation to the adult phase 2 dose (RP2D) of 540 mg/m 2 . The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was determined based on cycle 1 dose limiting toxicity (DLT) using Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events (v5). Pharmacokinetics (PK) and cytokine analyses were performed during cycle 1. Seven additional patients ( < 18 years old) were accrued to a PK expansion cohort at the RP2D. Results: Sixteen patients were enrolled; 14 were evaluable for DLT assessment (12 at 400mg/m 2 [6 in dose escalation and 6 in PK expansion] and 2 at 540mg/m 2 ). The median (range) age was 10 (4-20) years. Diagnoses included high grade glioma (n = 6), osteosarcoma (n = 5), ependymoma (n = 2), neuroblastoma, hepatoblastoma and Burkitt’s lymphoma (1 each). One of 12 evaluable patients treated at 400 mg/m 2 experienced a DLT: Grade 3 photosensitivity. At 540 mg/m 2 , the two evaluable patients both had fever and dose limiting Grade 3 hypotension. Non-dose limiting Grade 3-4 toxicities included anemia, lymphopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, hypokalemia, anorexia, photosensitivity and fever. For both dose levels, a total of 12 patients were reported to have at least one episode of Grades 1-3 fever and/or Grade 1 cytokine release syndrome (CRS). PK parameters (mean±SD) for CBL0137 (400 mg/m 2 ) were T max = 0.7 ± 0.5 h, C max = 1310 ± 417 ng/mL, and AUC 0-24h = 15300 ± 6790 h·ng/mL. Given the unexpected toxicities of fever, hypotension, and CRS, cytokine samples were collected in patients enrolled in the PK expansion cohort; all had Grade 1 CRS and significantly elevated levels of both IL-10 (adj p = 0.001) and IL-1RA (adj p < 0.001) at 24 hours vs pre-infusion. Conclusions: The RP2D and MTD of CBL0137 in children and adolescents with solid or CNS tumors is 400mg/m 2 IV weekly on Days 1 and 8 of 21-day cycles. CBL0137 leads to immune activation, with cytokine elevation and the possibility of CRS, an unexpected toxicity not previously reported in adults. A Phase 2 cohort in patients with Diffuse Midline Glioma is ongoing and includes further assessment of immune activation. Clinical trial information: NCT04870944 .

TPS2695 Background: The SMARCB1/A4 gene products are core subunits of the SWItch/Sucrose Non Fermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex. Tumors with defects in SWI/SNF are histologically distinct aggressive cancers occurring in children and young adults. SMARCB1/A4 deficient tumors, particularly malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT), atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT), poorly differentiated chordoma (PDC), epithelioid sarcoma (ES), and renal medullary carcinoma (RMC), have immune cell infiltrates and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression. Responses to immune checkpoint inhibition (CI) have been observed in SMARCB1/A4 deficient tumors; however, responses are not durable. T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT) is a novel inhibitory receptor expressed on multiple immune cells. TIGIT inhibits T and NK cells by binding to its ligand poliovirus receptor (PVR) and Nectin2 on both tumor and antigen-presenting cells. Utilizing RNAseq data, SMARCB1/A4 deficient tumors demonstrate high expression of PVR and Nectin2. Tiragolumab is an antibody to the TIGIT receptor. The combination of tiragolumab and atezolizumab has shown promising activity in early phase studies, and phase 3 studies are ongoing in multiple adult indications. Thus, there is rationale that the addition of tiragolumab to CI may also enhance response rates in patients with SMARCB1/A4 deficient tumors. Methods: This is a phase 1/2 trial of tiragolumab monotherapy (300 mg if ≤ 15 kg; 420 mg if > 15 kg to ≤ 40 kg; 600 mg if > 40 kg or ≥ 18 years) and in combination with atezolizumab (15 mg/kg [max 1200 mg]) if < 18 yrs or 1200 mg if ≥ 18 years) administered IV on Day 1 of 21-day cycles in patients > 12 months of age with SMARCB1/A4 deficient tumors. Part A evaluating the safety of tiragolumab monotherapy in patients < 18 years based on cycle 1 dose limiting toxicities is complete. Part B estimates the antitumor activity of tiragolumab in combination with atezolizumab in 6 histology-specific cohorts (RMC, MRT, ATRT, PDC, ES, and other SMARCB1/A4 deficient tumors) and is now open to all eligible age groups. Each cohort is conducted using a 6+4 Simon’s two stage design. Enrollment for each cohort is as follows: Part A 6/6, Part B RMC 1/6, MRT 1/6, ATRT 4/6, PDC 2/6, ES 3/6, other 6/6. Radiographic imaging central response assessment for the first stage of the “other” cohort is ongoing. Cycle 1 toxicities of the combination therapy are monitored in Part B patients < 12 yrs using a Bayesian Optimal INterval (BOIN) design with a target toxicity of 17%. Secondary objectives are to characterize the pharmacokinetics/anti-drug antibody development and to estimate progression free survival, overall survival, and duration of response. Enrollment is open at all Pediatric Early Phase Clinical Trial Network sites. Data cutoff: Jan 10, 2025. Clinical trial information: NCT05286801 .

Abstract Background Instruments to assess patient-reported outcomes (PRO) should generate high-quality evidence. Reliable PRO evidence is essential to policymakers, in conjunction with outcomes such as survival and radiological response, to understand the net clinical benefit of antitumor treatments. This study aimed to establish the content validity of 215 identified PRO measures used in patients with brain tumors. Methods A survey (n = 148 items) was developed reflecting aspects of the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework. Patients with brain tumors, their proxies, and healthcare professionals (HCPs) were asked to rate each survey item on relevance. An item was considered a relevant issue if ≥25% of the patients or proxies or ≥50% of the HCPs considered that item to be an issue. Next, all items in the identified PRO measures were linked to ICF and relevant items in the survey, and the percentage of content coverage was calculated. Results In total, 114 patients, 71 proxies, and 65 HCPs from different countries completed the survey. Fifty-six of 148 (37.8%) items in the survey were considered relevant. The most important aspects mentioned by both patients and proxies were difficulty concentrating, difficulty remembering, multitasking, and handling stress. Depending on the definition, between 35% and 49% of PRO measures were considered to have sufficient content validity (≥80% coverage). Conclusion The content validity was insufficient in more than half of the identified PRO measures, particularly multidimensional measures. Future research should investigate whether different approaches to PRO assessment better meet the needs of all stakeholders.

Abstract Oligodendrogliomas are initially slow-growing brain tumors that are prone to malignant transformation despite surgery and cytotoxic therapy. Understanding of oligodendroglioma evolution and new treatments for patients have been encumbered by a paucity of patient-matched newly diagnosed and recurrent tumor samples for multiplatform analyses, and by a lack of preclinical models for interrogation of therapeutic vulnerabilities that drive oligodendroglioma growth. Here we integrate spatial and functional analyses of tumor samples and patient-derived organoid co-cultures to show that synaptic connectivity is a hallmark of oligodendroglioma evolution and recurrence. We find that patient-matched recurrent oligodendrogliomas are enriched in synaptic gene expression programs irrespective of previous therapy or histologic grade. Analyses of spatial, single-cell, and clinical data reveal epigenetic misactivation of synaptic genes that are concentrated in regions of cortical infiltration and can be used to predict eventual oligodendroglioma recurrence. To translate these findings to patients, we show that local field potentials from tumor-infiltrated cortex at the time of resection and neuronal hyperexcitability and synchrony in patient-derived organoid co-cultures are associated with oligodendroglioma proliferation and recurrence. In preclinical models, we find that neurophysiologic drugs block oligodendroglioma growth and pathologic electrophysiology. These results elucidate mechanisms underlying oligodendroglioma evolution from an indolent tumor to a fatal disease and shed light on new biomarkers and new treatments for patients.

Abstract Background Temozolomide (TMZ) treatment has demonstrated a variable impact on glioma prognosis. This study examines associations of survival with DNA repair gene germline polymorphisms among glioma patients who did and did not have TMZ treatment. Identifying genetic markers which sensitize tumor cells to TMZ could personalize therapy and improve outcomes. Methods We evaluated TMZ-related survival associations of pathogenic germline SNPs and genetically predicted transcript levels within 34 DNA repair genes among 1504 glioma patients from the University of California San Francisco Adult Glioma Study (UCSF AGS) and Mayo Clinic, whose diagnoses spanned pre- and post-TMZ eras within the major known glioma prognostic molecular subtypes. Results Among those who received TMZ, 5 SNPs were associated with overall survival, but not in those who did not receive TMZ. Only rs2308321-G, in MGMT, was associated with decreased survival (hazard ratio = 1.21, P = .019) for all glioma subtypes. Rs73191162-T (near UNG), rs13076508-C (near PARP3), rs7840433-A (near NEIL2), and rs3130618-A (near MSH5) were only associated with survival and TMZ treatment for certain subtypes, suggesting subtype-specific germline chemosensitization. Genetically predicted elevated expression of PNKP, compared to normal brain expression, was associated with markedly poor survival in TMZ-treated patients with isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-mutant and 1p/19q non-codeleted gliomas (P = .015), with a median difference of over 70 months in overall survival times. Similarly, NEIL2 and TDG expressions were associated with altered TMZ-related survival only among certain subtypes. Conclusions Functional germline alterations within DNA repair genes were associated with TMZ sensitivity, measured by overall survival among adults with glioma. These variants should be evaluated in prospective analyses and functional studies.

Abstract Current standard of care for IDH-wildtype glioblastoma (GBM) includes maximal safe resection, adjuvant radiation, and chemotherapy with the alkylating agent temozolomide. A subset of gliomas treated with temozolomide develop somatic hypermutation with a predominance of C&gt;T transitions due to the alkylation effects on DNA. However, the frequency of occurrence, clinical ramifications, and predictive biomarkers for developing temozolomide-induced hypermutation (TMZ-HM) in GBM are unknown. Here we performed comprehensive histopathologic, genomic, and epigenomic evaluation of paired initial and recurrent GBM from 106 patients. Seven patients (7%) developed hypermutation at time of first recurrence, while an additional five patients (5%) developed hypermutation at a subsequent recurrence. Patients who developed TMZ-HM had a significantly longer interval between initial surgery and first recurrence (27.8 vs. 9.9 months, p&lt;0.001). In contrast to IDH-mutant gliomas where TMZ-HM is associated with poor prognosis, those patients with IDH-wildtype GBM who developed TMZ-HM had significantly longer overall survival from both initial surgery (67.9 vs. 20.3 months, p&lt;0.001) and from time of recurrence after development of hypermutation (30.9 vs. 9.5 months, p=0.001). There was no difference in oncogenic alteration frequency in initial GBM that subsequently developed TMZ-HM. However, 4 specific CpG sites out of 12 total interrogated sites in the promoter region of MGMT (a DNA repair enzyme) and 5 specific CpG sites in the promoter region of KCNQ1DN (a negative regulator of c-Myc) were significantly more hypermethylated in those GBM that developed TMZ-HM. We then generated a weighted risk score across these CpG sites that can be used to prospectively identify GBM likely to develop TMZ-HM associated with favorable survival. In summary, patients with GBM that develop TMZ-HM follow a more favorable clinical course, and specific MGMT and KCNQ1DN promoter hypermethylation patterns could serve as a biomarker to identify these patients who may potentially benefit from extended alkylating chemotherapy treatment.

PURPOSE Improving care transitions for patients with cancer discharged from the hospital is considered an important component of quality care. Digital monitoring has the potential to better the delivery of transitional care through improved patient-provider communication and enhanced symptom management. However, remote patient monitoring (RPM) interventions have not been widely implemented for oncology patients after discharge, an innovative setting in which to apply this technology. METHODS We implemented a RPM intervention which identifies medical oncology patients at discharge, monitors their symptoms for 10 days, and intervenes as necessary to manage symptoms. We evaluated the feasibility (>50% patient engagement with symptom assessment), appropriateness (symptom alerts), and acceptability (net promoter score >0.7) of the intervention and the initial effect on acute care visits and return on investment. RESULTS During the study period, January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022, we evaluated 2,257 medical oncology discharges representing 1,857 unique patients. We found that 65.9% of patients discharged (N = 1,489) completed at least one symptom assessment postdischarge and of them, 45.5% (n = 678) generated a severe symptom alert that we helped to manage. Patients expressed high satisfaction with the intervention with a net promoter score of 84%. In preliminary analysis of patients with GI malignancies (n = 449), we found a nonsignificant decrease in 30-day readmissions for the intervention cohort (n = 269) by 5.8% as compared with the control (n = 180; from 33.3% to 27.5%; P = .22). CONCLUSION Digital transitional care management was feasible and demonstrated that patients transitioning from the hospital to home have a substantial symptom burden. The intervention was associated with high patient satisfaction but will require further refinement and evaluation to increase its impact on 30-day readmission.