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Aims Schistosomiasis remains endemic in various parts of the world, and insights into pathogen immunobiology are mainly based on experimental models, while studies on human tissues are limited. Methods We explored the role of immune checkpoint pathway by evaluating the immunohistochemical expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in a retrospective cohort of patients with bilharzial cystitis. Inflammation severity by conventional histology and staining intensity by immunohistochemistry were assigned three-tier scores (0/1+/2+), and a cut-off for staining percentage was set at 5%. Results 38 biopsies from 31 patients were considered adequate for evaluation, and positive staining was detected in 80.6% of patients (34 biopsies). High expressors (22.6%) showed strong positive membranous staining (score 2+) with high staining density (more than 5% of inflammatory cells). Low expressors (58.1%) showed mild/moderate staining (score 1+) predominantly in less than 5% of the cells (91.6%) or expressed restricted cytoplasmic staining (6/31). All high expressors showed severe inflammation (score 2+) (p<0.001), and viable ova were only observed in these cases. Calcified ova were associated with mild/moderate inflammation or absent/minimal inflammation, correlating with low expressors or non-expressors (19.4%), respectively. Conclusion Schistosomal granuloma exhibits upregulated PD-L1 expression proportional to inflammation severity and pathogen viability, highlighting a critical immune checkpoint engagement in disease pathology.

ABSTRACTIntroductionProton beam therapy (PT) offers a targeted approach to treating pediatric tumors by minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. However, the specific toxicity profile associated with it remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the incidence and risk factors of acute and late treatment‐related toxicities following PT in pediatric patients with pelvic tumors.MethodsUsing data from the Pediatric Proton Consortium Registry (PPCR), we analyzed 126 pediatric patients who underwent PT for pelvic tumors. We assessed the incidence of gastrointestinal (GI), genitourinary (GU), and musculoskeletal (MSK) toxicities at baseline, during treatment, and across follow‐up intervals.ResultsAcute toxicities were observed in 61.9% of patients posttreatment, with new GI, GU, and MSK toxicities occurring in 54.3%, 9.7%, and 7.0% of baseline toxicity‐free patients, respectively. Follow‐up indicated that 20.6%, 22.2%, and 13.5% of patients developed late GI, GU, and MSK toxicities, respectively. Use of passive scattering proton therapy and radiation to the abdomen were significant predictors of GI toxicity development, while higher radiation dose was associated with MSK toxicity development.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate the safety profile of PT among pediatric patients while identifying specific risk factors, such as passive scattering proton therapy and abdominal irradiation, that contribute to increased GI toxicity. While proton therapy appears to be a well‐tolerated treatment option, the observed toxicity rates highlight the need for continued monitoring and long‐term follow‐up.

175 Background: 177 Lu-PSMA-617, a PSMA-directed radionuclide therapy, is an emerging treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). This retrospective study evaluates clinical outcomes of 177 Lu-PSMA-617 in low volume (LV) and high volume (HV) mCRPC, classified using the CHAARTED criteria. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the Mayo Clinic Prostate Cancer Registry, including mCRPC patients treated with 177 Lu-PSMA-617 at Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN, from August 2017 to August 2024. Patients were categorized based on CHAARTED criteria, which define high-volume disease by the presence of visceral metastases and/or four or more bone metastases, with at least one outside the vertebral column and pelvis. PSA-response rate (PSA-RR), overall survival (OS), PSA-progression-free survival (PSA-PFS), and radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves with log-rank tests, as well as uni- and multivariate Cox regression. Results: Of the 264 patients treated with 177 Lu-PSMA-617, 83 were classified as LV (median follow-up: 17.1 months) and 177 as HV (median follow-up: 13.7 months). LV patients had lower serum PSA levels (P < 0.0001), higher hemoglobin levels (P < 0.0001), and a longer time from diagnosis to treatment initiation (10.3 years vs. 7.2 years, P = 0.04). In the HV group, 92% had bone metastases, 60% had lymph node involvement, 54% had both, and 35% had visceral metastases. In the LV group, 64% had bone metastases, 84% had lymph node involvement, 25% had both, and none had visceral metastases. Median OS was 14.4 months for HV patients and 17.6 months for LV patients (P < 0.0001). Median PSA-PFS was 11.4 months for HV patients and 13 months for LV patients. Median rPFS was 9.1 months for HV patients and 10.6 months for LV patients. PSA-RR significantly differed between groups (P < 0.0001). In the HV group, 20% achieved CR (PSA < 0.2 ng/mL), 29% had PR (PSA decreased by ≥50%), 16% experienced SD, and 35% had PD (PSA increased ≥25% from nadir). In contrast, the LV group had 51% achieving CR, 10% achieving PR, 18% with SD, and 11% with PD. Conclusions: Lower disease volume in mCRPC is strongly associated with improved outcomes following 177 Lu-PSMA-617 therapy. These findings suggest that tumor burden is a key predictor of response to PSMA radioligand therapy.

Prostate cancer lung metastasis represents a clinical conundrum due to its implications for advanced disease progression and the complexities it introduces in treatment planning. As the disease progresses to distant sites such as the lung, the clinical management becomes increasingly intricate, requiring tailored therapeutic strategies to address the unique characteristics of metastatic lesions. This review seeks to synthesize the current state of knowledge surrounding prostate cancer metastasis to the lung, shedding light on the diverse array of clinical presentations encountered, ranging from subtle radiological findings to overt symptomatic manifestations. By examining the diagnostic modalities utilized in identifying this metastasis, including advanced imaging techniques and histopathological analyses, this review aims to provide insights into the diagnostic landscape and the challenges associated with accurately characterizing lung metastatic lesions in prostate cancer patients. Moreover, this review delves into the nuances of therapeutic interventions employed in managing prostate cancer lung metastasis, encompassing systemic treatments such as hormonal therapies and chemotherapy, as well as metastasis-directed therapies including surgery and radiotherapy.