Heckman, Michael G.

Abstract Abstract 4608 Background: FCR has been a preferred 1st line therapy approach in CLL for the past decade. However it is associated with substantial toxicity and not recommended in NCCN guidelines for patients over age 70. We studied the impact of age, co-morbidities, and tempo of disease on 1st line therapy prescribing preferences of American hematology-oncology physicians (AHOP) for patients with CLL. Methods: During Feb-March 2012, prescribing preferences of 325 individual AHOP were assessed using a proprietary, live, case-based market research tool (Challenging Cases™). A core case scenario was constructed with variations based on altered age, co-morbidities, and tempo of disease progression prior to initial therapy. Preference data were acquired using blinded audience response technology. Responses for each scenario were obtained prior to any display of participant selections. All sources of research support were blinded. Core scenario: 67y male; CD 38+, ZAP 70+, del 13q and del 11q CLL, adenopathy, lymphocytosis, splenomegaly, anemia (Hgb 9.5 gm) but no thrombocytopenia. Co-morbidities: medication-controlled hypertension, moderate restrictive airways disease, and type 2 diabetes managed with metformin. Modified scenario: same clinical presentation except the patient is 72 years of age. Slower tempo of disease scenario: age 68y, time frame of observation without treatment 3 years from diagnosis, now with disease progression, anemia 10.9 gms, FISH only del 13q. Results: A progressive decrease in preference for FCR and commensurate rise in preference for BR as first line therapy occurs as age increases and co-morbidities are present (p<0.001). See table 1 Conclusion: As age crosses the 70 year threshold and as co-morbidities complicate therapy, there is a statistically significant increase in preference among AHOPs for prescribing bendamustine-rituximab as initial management for patients with RAI stage III CLL. Disclosures: Green: Xcenda: Employment; Teva: Consultancy, ownes publically traded shares in Teva Pharmaceuticals through 3rd party investment advisors, ownes publically traded shares in Teva Pharmaceuticals through 3rd party investment advisors Other. Williams:Xcenda: Honoraria. Willey:Xcenda: Employment. Scharf:Xcenda: Employment. Neely:xcenda: Employment. Foran:Xcenda: Honoraria.

Abstract Abstract 3816 Background: The hypomethylating agent (HMA) azacitidine (AZA) significantly improves survival compared to conventional care regimens for patients (pts) with “higher risk” MDS (including both Int-2 & High-Risk according to IPSS) (Lancet Oncol 10:223, 2009 – first presented Dec 2007); a more recent trial of the HMA decitabine (DEC) vs. best supportive care in pts with similar IPSS failed to show a significant survival advantage (JCO 29:1987, 2011 – first presented Dec 2008). Since 2006 the immunomodulatory drug lenalidomide (LEN) has been FDA-approved for treatment of anemia in lower-risk MDS pts & deletion of chromosome 5q (Del5q). However, no phase III survival data have been presented with LEN in patients with higher risk MDS, nor is it an expert consensus 1st-line treatment recommendation in higher risk setting (NCCN Guidelines 2011). We sought to evaluate the change in 1st-line treatment preference with these 3 approved agents for higher risk MDS among AHOP's from 2006–2010 in relation to pertinent survival data as it became available. Methods: Between 2006–10 we studied time dependent prescribing preferences of n=1960 AHOP's in a prospective annual research series. Approx. 330–450 individual AHOP's participated in any given year. AHOP demographic data was available from 2007–10 (n=1510); they were predominantly male (77%), working in Community setting (79% vs. 21% Academic), & in small group practice (≤5 providers −59%, including 18% “solo practice”). All regions were represented (NE 23%; SE 22%; Central 19%; SW 13%; West 23%). Most (57%) were >10yrs out from training, and only 18% were <5yrs out from training. A total sample was studied using an extensively tested, live, case-based, market research vehicle to anonymously acquire data. AHOP's were presented with a scenario of an older pt with higher risk MDS (High-Risk 2006–09; Int-2 in 2010) & specific cytogenetic abnormalities, then indicated their preferred treatment from up to 10 relevant available/emerging 1st-line therapeutic options. In each, the scenario was of a pt age 63 yrs (2006–08) or 68–70 yrs (2009–10); with symptomatic anemia & pancytopenia; no response to darbepoietin; with RAEB-2 - excess Bone Marrow blasts 11% (2006–09) to 16% (2010); complex (2006–09) or normal cytogenetics (2010); and both without and then with Del5q in same scenario (2008–10). The distribution of treatment choices was compared over time & according to Del5q status using a chi-square test. Results are shown in Table below. In NON-Del5q scenario, a clear & significant shift toward greater AZA preference by almost 2-fold (from 40% to 78%) was apparent after 2007 (P<0.0001). For same scenario With Del5q (2008–2010), treatment preferences changed significantly over time (P<0.0001), with lower 1st-line AZA and greater DEC & LEN preference (the latter >40% after 2008). In addition, a marked and significant increase in 1st-line LEN preference was observed when AHOP's were presented with the same higher-risk scenario each yr but With-Del5q vs. NON-Del5q (p<0.0001). For “Non Del 5q” vs. “With Del 5q” scenarios, p-values result from a chi-square test, testing for any difference in the distribution of treatment choices over time. *(p<0.0001) - LEN With-Del5q vs. NON-Del5q in higher-risk scenario each year, 2008–2010. Conclusions: Significant changes in 1st-line treatment preferences of AHOPs for pts with higher-risk MDS are apparent in the findings from 2008–10, the time frame following the availability of randomized phase III data demonstrating a survival advantage for AZA therapy. When the presence of a Del5q abnormality is added to the same higher-risk scenario, treatment preferences change dramatically with a significantly increased preference for LEN (despite no available ph III survival data supporting this approach) and for DEC (despite a “negative” ph III trial). These findings suggest important educational gaps concerning the available phase III survival data supporting first line prescribing preferences for patients with higher risk MDS. Efforts to address this gap via evidence-based approaches are warranted. Disclosures: Foran: Celgene: Honoraria; Xcenda: Honoraria. Williams:Xcenda: Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Independent DSMB member, Research Funding. Willey:Xcenda: Employment; Celgene: Business relationship; Eisai: Business relationship. Green:Xcenda: Employment; Celgene: Business relationship; independent DSMB; Eisai: Business relationship.

Abstract Background: Large case-control studies have identified common epidemiologic exposures associated with risk of AML development, including obesity [BMI ≥30 kg/m2] associated with 2-fold increase risk. However it is not known whether individual risk factors are associated with unique AML genetic lesions. We have recently identified a significant association of some common exposures including obesity with unique disease cytogenetic subgroups in a cohort of n=295 consecutive AML patients diagnosed and treated at Mayo Clinic [Cancer Epidemiol 39:1084, 2015]. Aberrant DNA methylation is a hallmark of cancer and has been reported in AML, and we therefore performed an analysis of global DNA methylation in patients in this cohort to determine whether specific epidemiologic exposures are associated with a unique pattern of DNA methylation. Methods: Patients in the initial cohort were previously reported. An available baseline AML bone marrow cytogenetic pellet from diagnosis was identified for n=148 patients (50.2%). Following IRB approval and using previously reported techniques [Leukemia 24:1283, 2010], leukemia DNA was isolated from the remnant diagnostic cytogenetic samples and processed on the HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array (Illumina). Individual CpG dinucleotides were assigned a Beta value (i.e. methylation value) ranging from 0 (unmethylated) to 1 (methylated). We excluded those with minor methylation changes (<0.2 between any two samples), resulting in 383,524 CpG's. For the purposes of this first analysis we have focused only on CpG's with an inter-quartile range (IQR, i.e. difference between 75th and 25th percentiles) of greater than 0.25, comprising a total of 39,657 CpG's. An unsupervised cluster analysis of differential methylation was generated ("Heatmap", Figure). Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed adjusting for age as a continuous variable to determine the association of individual exposures with unique methylation clusters (primary endpoint), and we also evaluated the association of clinical characteristics and clinical outcomes after therapy (secondary endpoint). The median age of patients was 69 yrs (range 19-89), male 65%, and Caucasian 89%. The median BMI was 27.2 (range 16.9-59.9), and n=47 patients (32%) had BMI ≥30. Standard cytogenetic risk groups were applied [favorable (n=8), normal (n=61), intermediate abnormal (n=32) and poor (n=47)]. Results: We identified 4 distinct methylation clusters (Figure: Cluster #1, Black horizontal bar; Cluster #2, Green; Cluster #3, Blue; and Cluster #4, Red). Multivariate analysis of select variables is shown in Table. Patients in cluster #1 were significantly more likely to have a BMI ≥30 [Odds Ratio (OR) 2.49, p=0.017] and more likely to have favorable risk cytogenetics although this was not statistically significant [OR 6.71, p=0.088], while those in cluster #2 were significantly more likely to be have a history of regular NSAID use [OR 3.26, p=0.03] and less likely to have normal [OR 0.40, p=0.044] and possibly intermediate abnormal cytogenetics [OR 0.34, p=0.051]. Those in cluster #3 were significantly younger [median age 48 yrs, p<0.001] and were also more likely to have prior history MDS although this was not statistically significant [OR 3.7, p=0.082]. Cluster #4 was not correlated with any distinct exposure apart from possible decreased alcohol use [OR 0.3, p=0.079]. History of past or current tobacco use, regular acetaminophen use, documented myelotoxin exposure, family history, and secondary AML did not correlate with a unique methylation cluster. There was no independent association of methylation cluster with overall survival (p=0.46), although among patients receiving intensive therapy cluster #2 was associated with lower complete remission rate [OR 0.28 (95% CI 0.09-0.86), p=0.026]. Conclusion: This first analysis of AML molecular epidemiology and clinical outcome suggests that specific disease risk factors (esp. obesity and age) are associated with unique leukemia DNA methylation clusters. In addition, aberrant methylation is associated with some clinical features and with outcome after therapy, suggesting that epidemiologic risk factors may have a prognostic impact. This provides novel insight into leukemogenesis, and will guide prospective studies of AML epidemiology and outcome. Figure. Figure. Disclosures Foran: medscape: Honoraria; pfizer: Honoraria; Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding; novartis: Honoraria; karyopharm: Honoraria; boehringer ingelheim: Research Funding; agios: Research Funding; Cellerant: Research Funding.

Background and Objective: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to evaluate the macular thickness in eyes with advanced glaucoma compared with eyes following a retinal artery occlusion. Patients and Methods: Ten patients with a retinal artery occlusion and 10 patients with severe glaucoma were evaluated with OCT using the macular thickness map protocol. Results: The median thinnest macular sector was 183 microns (range: 152 to 223 microns) in patients with glaucoma versus 143 microns (range: 98 to 177 microns) in patients with arterial occlusion ( P = .001). Median macular volume was 5.9 mm 3 (range: 5.1 to 6.7 mm 3 ) in patients with glaucoma versus 5.1 mm 3 (range: 3.6 to 6.1 mm 3 ) in patients with arterial occlusion ( P = .015). Conclusions OCT demonstrates that patients with a retinal artery occlusion have significantly reduced macular thickness compared with those with severe glaucoma. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2007;38:392–398.]

Abstract A number of efforts are underway to better understand the role of genetic variation in successful aging and longevity. However, to date, only two genes have been consistently associated with longevity in humans: APOE and FOXO3, with the APOE ɛ2 allele also protective against dementia. Recently, using an exome-wide SNP array approach, a missense variant CLEC3B c.316G&gt;A (rs13963 p.S106G) was reported to associate with longevity in two independent cohorts of Japanese and Chinese participants. Interestingly, CLEC3B p.S106G is more frequent in Caucasian populations. Herein, we examined the frequency of CLEC3B p.S106G in a Caucasian series of 1,483 neurologically healthy individuals with a specific subset &gt;80 years of age. Although our findings do not support an association between CLEC3B p.S106G and aging without neurological disease (p = .89), we confirmed the association between the APOE ε2 allele and better survival without neurological disease (p = .001). Further assessment of healthy aged cohorts that retain intact neurological function will be critical to understand the etiology of neurodegenerative disease and the role of age at risk.

BACKGROUNDAndrogenic alopecia (AGA) is a common hair loss disorder. Studies have demonstrated successful treatment with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in men, but studies in women are few.OBJECTIVETo evaluate PRP in the treatment of AGA in women, compared with topical minoxidil.MATERIALS AND METHODSTwenty women with AGA received topical minoxidil for 12 weeks and injectable PRP for 12 weeks in a randomized crossover design with an 8-week washout between treatments. Standardized TrichoScan analysis and quality-of-life questionnaires were assessed at baseline and 12-week follow-up for each treatment.RESULTSAfter PRP, significant increases from baseline to Week 12 in TrichoScan analysis hair count (p= .002) and vellus hair density (p= .009) occurred. However, minoxidil resulted in significant increases in hair count (p< .001), vellus hair density (p= .03), terminal hair density (p= .004), and cumulative thickness (p= .004). Several quality of life responses improved from baseline to Week 12 after PRP treatment, whereas no improvements were noted after minoxidil.CONCLUSIONPlatelet-rich plasma is an effective treatment for hair regrowth in female AGA, although not as effective as minoxidil. However, the improved quality of life responses after PRP, but not minoxidil, suggest a potential overall greater degree of satisfaction with PRP.LEVELS OF EVIDENCEI.CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATIONNCT03488108.

Importance: Evidence has demonstrated that shoulder pain constitutes a functional impairment for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). No studies have yet examined the efficacy of scapular mobilization of the painful shoulder among patients with ALS. Objective: Our retrospective case series evaluated the effects of scapular mobilization on pain and shoulder motion among patients with ALS. Design: Retrospective case series over 2 yr. Setting: A multidisciplinary outpatient clinic at an academic medical institution. Participants: Twenty-eight patients with ALS who had shoulder pain and range of motion (ROM) limitations. Patients were excluded if information on visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain and shoulder ROM was not available. Intervention: Scapular mobilization, ROM, and caregiver education. All patients also received standard occupational therapy treatment for this patient population. Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was VAS shoulder pain scores; the secondary outcome was shoulder flexion ROM. Results: The median VAS pain score was 2 before treatment and 0 after treatment, with a significant median reduction of 2. Median shoulder flexion ROM was 100° before mobilization treatment and 130° after treatment, with a significant median increase of 25°. Conclusion and Relevance: The results provide strong evidence that both VAS pain score and shoulder ROM noticeably improve after mobilization treatment. What This Article Adds: Occupational therapists can effectively promote shoulder care techniques such as scapular mobilization to both patients and care providers to reduce pain and improve quality of life for patients with ALS.

AbstractBackgroundGenetic variation at the microtubule‐associated protein tau locus is associated with clinical parkinsonism. However, it is unclear as to whether microtubule‐associated protein tau H1 subhaplotypes are associated with the burden of neuropathological features of Lewy body disease.ObjectivesTo evaluate associations of microtubule‐associated protein tau haplotypes with severity of Lewy body pathology and markers of SN neuronal loss in Lewy body disease cases.MethodsFive hundred eighty‐five autopsy‐confirmed Lewy body disease cases were included. Six microtubule‐associated protein tau variants (rs1467967, rs242557, rs3785883, rs2471738, rs8070723, and rs7521) were genotyped to define common microtubule‐associated protein tau haplotypes. Lewy body counts were measured in five cortical regions. Ventrolateral and medial SN neuronal loss were assessed semiquantitatively. Nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration was quantified by image analysis of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the dorsolateral and ventromedial putamen.ResultsThe common microtubule‐associated protein tau H2 haplotype did not show a strong effect on pathological burden in Lewy body disease. The rare H1j haplotype (1.3%) was significantly associated with a lower dorsolateral putaminal tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity (and therefore greater dopaminergic degeneration) compared to other microtubule‐associated protein tau haplotypes (P = 0.0016). Microtubule‐associated protein tau H1j was also nominally (P ≤ 0.05) associated with a lower ventromedial putaminal tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity (P = 0.010), but this did not survive multiple testing correction. Other nominally significant associations between microtubule‐associated protein tau H1 subhaplotypes and neuropathological outcomes were observed.ConclusionsA rare microtubule‐associated protein tau H1 subhaplotype (H1j) may be associated with more severe putaminal dopaminergic degeneration in Lewy body disease cases. Microtubule‐associated protein tau H1j has been associated previously with an increased risk of PD, and therefore our exploratory findings provide insight into the mechanism by which H1j modulates PD risk. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society