Citations

Abstract Objective Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) residency remains highly competitive, with persistent disparities in applicant representation. This study presents a cross‐sectional analysis of OHNS residency and faculty demographics using 2025 program rosters, evaluating degree type (MD vs DO), geographic distribution, and leadership influence. Study Design A cross‐sectional review. Setting All US ACGME‐accredited OHNS residency programs, with data collected in 2024 to 2025. Methods Demographic data were collected on OHNS faculty and residents, including post‐graduate year (PGY) 1 through PGY5 trainees at the time of data collection, corresponding to entry years from 2020 to 2024 across all US ACGME‐accredited residency programs. Data was extracted from official program websites, FREIDA, ACGME, NRMP, and social media. Programs with incomplete data, those using the military match, and non‐accredited sites were excluded. Descriptive statistics, χ 2 tests, and correlation analyses were performed ( p < .05). Results Of 131 programs, 125 were analyzed at the program level and 121 at the faculty level. DO residents were concentrated in Michigan (59%), Ohio (50%), and Oklahoma (50%). DO representation correlated with DO faculty ( r = .82, p < .0001), DO program director ( r = .95, p < .0001), and former AOA program designation ( r = .92, p < .0001). A negative correlation existed between program size and DO resident ( r = –.4, p < .0001). Conclusion Despite growing diversity following the single accreditation system, disparities persist in OHNS. DO residents remain underrepresented and geographically concentrated, with representation strongly associated with osteopathic faculty presence, program leadership, and prior AOA affiliation.

Abstract Purpose Validate the semiquantitative (SQ)-MRI score for chronic pancreatitis (CP) diagnosis in an independent, multicenter cohort. Methods We analyzed MRIs performed at baseline in 337 participants with acute (AP) or recurrent AP (RAP) and 67 with non-calcific chronic pancreatitis (NCCP) enrolled in the PROCEED study from 6/2017 to 3/2023. MRIs were performed at multiple clinical centers using site-specific clinical protocols and a variety of MRI vendors to evaluate the SQ-MRI score in a real-world setting. The SQ-MRI score was calculated using the T1 signal intensity ratio of the pancreas to the spleen (T1 score), arteriovenous enhancement ratio (AVR), and pancreatic body diameter (PBD). We adjusted for confounding by participant characteristics via propensity score weighting. Results Median AVR was higher in AP/RAP (1.18, IQR: 0.97–1.44) than in the NCCP group (1.03, IQR: 0.78–1.22, p = 0.007). Pancreatic body diameters were larger in AP/RAP than in the NCCP group − 7–14 mm (10% vs 25%), 14–20 mm (40% vs 54%), and > 20 mm (50% vs 21%), respectively ( p < 0.01). Median T1 score was higher in AP/RAP (1.18, IQR: 0.96–1.40) than in the NCCP group (1.04, IQR: 0.86–1.32, p = 0.10). Median SQ-MRI score in the AP/RAP group was significantly lower, 1.91 (IQR: 0.97, 2.95), than in the NCCP group, 2.74 (IQR: 2.04–4.03) ( p < 0.001). The propensity score-adjusted AUC for SQ-MRI to distinguish AP/RAP from NCCP was 0.64, which was higher than for individual parameters. Conclusion We have validated the SQ-MRI score in a multicenter cohort using an independent, real-world MRI dataset.

The adult chronic pancreatitis (CP) working group, formed at the inception of the Consortium for the Study of Chronic Pancreatitis, Diabetes, and Pancreatic Cancer (CPDPC), has developed a robust framework and infrastructure to conduct clinical, translational, and mechanistic studies of CP. At its core is PRO spective Evaluation of C hronic Pancreatitis for E pid E miologic and Translational Stu D ies (PROCEED), the first longitudinal cohort study of CP in US adults, launched in 2017. PROCEED has developed a well-annotated clinical data set of over 2000 deeply-phenotyped participants, a biorepository and an imaging repository. Investigators have published promising data on blood-based and imaging-based biomarkers of CP diagnosis and pain, which are awaiting validation. Clinical observations include classification of patients into mechanism-based pain phenotypes using responses to PROMIS questionnaires, prevalence and predictors of opioid use, prevalence of psychological comorbidity, and osteopathy in CP patients. Pilot clinical trials have evaluated the effect of oral indomethacin on pancreatic fluid prostaglandin E2 levels and Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for chronic pain. Results of pilot trials have led to an ongoing definitive randomized clinical trial for CBT. The rich environment and resources have facilitated mentorship and academic development of many early-stage investigators. Investigators outside of the consortium have opportunities for collaboration. In the next 5 years, the working group plans to further strengthen the research platform, complete primary and key secondary analyses of PROCEED and ancillary studies, continue efforts to develop biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of CP, and complete ongoing clinical trials to address unanswered questions in the field.

Multiple sclerosis is an immune-driven neurological disease that affects myelinated axons in the central nervous system. However, the trigger of the (dysregulated) immune reactions is not known. According to Wilkin’s primary lesion theory, myelin-reactive T cells present in the immune repertoire hyper-react to myelin antigens that are released from idiopathic lesions within the central nervous system. However, neither the cause of the primary lesion nor the cause of the immune hyper-reactivity is known. We investigated whether these unknown activation signals may be relayed by common herpesviruses. In this concept paper, we propose the novel paradigm that the trigger of autoimmunity in MS comprises a conspiracy of three common herpesviruses: human herpesvirus-6A as a potential trigger of primary lesions due to its proven capacity to cause oligodendrogliopathy, cytomegalovirus as a trigger for the formation of effector memory cytotoxic T cells with proven capacity to induce multiple sclerosis pathology in a non-human primate MS model and Epstein-Barr Virus due to its capacity to render B cells capable to effectively present a critical myelin antigen to these effector memory cytotoxic T cells.

Abstract Surgery continues to be a mainstay of treatment for patients with symptomatic fibroids. Hysterectomy is an option for those desiring definitive treatment and myomectomy is preferred for those that have not yet completed childbearing or wish to retain their uterus. While open laparotomy remains a viable approach to both hysterectomy and myomectomy, minimally invasive techniques for the surgical management of symptomatic fibroids are preferred options for many due to improved patient outcomes. These include hysteroscopic myomectomy, laparoscopic and robotically assisted myomectomy, and vaginal, laparoscopic, and robotically assisted hysterectomy. Patients have a faster recovery and less postoperative pain compared to a laparotomic approach. More recently, uterine‐sparing outpatient modalities such as ultrasound‐guided radiofrequency ablation and high‐intensity focused ultrasound have emerged as promising alternatives for selected patients. Benefits include clinically significant reduction in fibroid size and menstrual bleeding with small or no abdominal incisions and an expedited convalescence. This article reviews preoperative evaluation and imaging for fibroids, as well as the techniques, approach, indications, patient selection, procedural management, and surgical and fertility outcomes for each surgical and procedural management of uterine fibroids.

TPS1147 Background: Due to dramatic improvements in neoadjuvant and adjuvant HER2-directed therapy (tx), most patients (pts) with early HER2+ breast cancer are cured. As a result, over half of pts newly diagnosed with HER2+ metastatic breast cancer (MBC) now present with de novo stage IV disease. Anti-HER2 tx has also significantly extended survival for pts with HER2+ MBC, with a subgroup of exceptional responders alive many years (yrs) after diagnosis. However, the paradigm for HER2+ MBC remains non-curative, and pts receive tx indefinitely with significant toxicities and costs. The SAPPHO study is investigating whether an intensification approach of sequential, non-cross resistant anti-HER2 tx followed by tx discontinuation is associated with long-term disease control in pts with HER2+ MBC. Methods: SAPPHO is an open-label, phase II, single-arm trial testing a sequential regimen of non-cross resistant, HER2-targeted tx with curative intent in pts with de novo HER2+ MBC. Eligible pts must have biopsy-proven, de novo MBC with high HER2 expression (3+ by immunohistochemistry). Pts with brain metastases are eligible upon receipt of local tx. Treatment consists of an induction regimen (trastuzumab-pertuzumab-taxane [THP] x 4 cycles, followed by trastuzumab deruxtecan [TDXd] x 6 cycles, followed by trastuzumab emtansine [TDM1]-tucatinib x 4 cycles), followed by a maintenance regimen (HP-tucatinib for 1 yr). Given results from DESTINY-Breast09, the sequence of TDXd-P x 6 cycles followed by THP x 4 followed by TDM1-tucatinib x 4 can be chosen as alternative induction tx per investigator and patient choice. Pts who remain progression-free after completing maintenance will stop all anti-HER2 tx. Endocrine tx will be continued for pts with hormone receptor+/HER2+ tumors. Tumor specimens from breast and a metastatic site are collected at baseline and the end of induction. Serial plasma samples for ctDNA analysis are collected at baseline, during treatment, and during follow-up. The primary endpoint is the probability of being progression-free and off anti-HER2 tx 4 yrs from the start of induction. With a sample size of 72 pts, the study is designed to have 91% power to reject the null hypothesis that the probability of being off anti-HER2 tx and progression-free is less than 24%, with an alternative hypothesis of 40%. Key secondary endpoints are overall survival, overall response rate by modified RECIST 1.1 after induction, and safety. Correlative endpoints include the relationship between ctDNA dynamics and outcomes. Patient-reported outcomes will be analyzed, including quality of life, illness intrusiveness, financial toxicity, anxiety, distress about cancer progression, perception of benefit and risk of progression. SAPPHO began enrollment in Q3 2024, and the study is open at 4 US sites within the Translational Breast Cancer Research Consortium (NCT05721248). Clinical trial information: NCT05721248 .

7532 Background: BsAbs are highly effective, off-the-shelf T-cell engagers recently approved for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM) but remain underutilized in real-world settings. In partnership with the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO), a statewide initiative was launched to expand BsAb access through peer-led regional discussions focused on operational barriers, care transitions, and therapy management strategies. This study assessed the real-world impact of these interventions on BsAb utilization in FL. Methods: Multidisciplinary discussion forums were held in 4 FL metropolitan areas (Jan-Apr 2024). We conducted single and controlled interrupted time series (ITS) analyses using IQVIA eLAAD claims data (Apr 2023 - Sep 2025) including adult patients with a diagnosis of MM, evidence of claim activity, and provider state information. Fifth line or later (5L+) status was estimated as 3.3% of MM prevalence (Nikolaou et al.) BsAb utilization (% of MM 5L+ patients receiving a BsAb) was evaluated using segmented regression to estimate pre- and post-intervention trends, excluding the intervention period. We reported BsAb utilization by comparing FL with all other states, between community versus academic settings, and assessing the number of sites administering BsAb. Results: Before the intervention, BsAb utilization among MM 5L+ patients in FL rose from 8.2% (Apr 2023) to 11.2% (Dec 2023) (0.3 pp/mo; p=0.23), compared with a rise from 6.7% to 16.3% (1.3 pp/mo; p<0.0001) across all other states over the same time period. Post-intervention, BsAb utilization in FL increased from 22.8% (May 2024) to 35.9% (Sep 2025), reflecting a 7.0% immediate increase and 0.8 pp/mo sustained growth, exceeding the post-intervention trend observed across all other states (23.5% to 30.3%; 0.5 pp/mo). Overall, although pre-intervention BsAb utilization in FL was lower than all other states, FL demonstrated a 1.2 pp/month higher post-intervention utilization trend (p<0.001; Table). Post-intervention, FL community sites showed a 0.13 pp/mo higher BsAb utilization trend than academic sites, and the number of community sites administrating BsAb increased from 5 to 9, with no change among academic sites. Conclusions: This study suggests that the FLASCO-led, collaborative model increased BsAb utilization in FL community oncology sites and offers a framework for broader community adoption across other states. Parameter estimates from ITS model(s). FL (%) p-value Other US States (%) p-value Difference CITS:FL - Other US States (%) p-value Intercept (Apr 2023) 8.6 <.0001 7.7 <.0001 0.9 0.52 Monthly change pre-intervention 0.3 0.23 1.3 <.0001 -0.9 0.002 (Apr - Dec 2023) Immediate change post-intervention 7 0.01 0.2 0.87 6.8 0.01 (May 2024) Monthly change post-intervention 0.8 <.0001 0.5 <.0001 1.2 0.0003 (May 2024 – Sep 2025)

Background: The purpose of this study was to describe, and report the outcomes of, a surgical technique that combines reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) using an allograft-prosthetic composite (APC) with a lower trapezius transfer (LTT) to the infraspinatus of the allograft extended with the inferior capsule. Methods: Between 2019 and 2023, 2 surgeons performed a total of 27 RSAs using an APC in conjunction with an LTT. Once the RSA APC reconstruction had been performed, cuff-capsule allograft tissue was passed posterior to the glenosphere and secured to the harvested lower trapezius. One shoulder was resected for periprosthetic joint infection; the remaining 26 shoulders were followed for a minimum of 2 years (mean, 2.7 years; range, 2 to 5 years). Results: The rate of revision or reoperation for humeral complications was 15% and included secondary bone grafting (2 shoulders), resection for infection (1 shoulder), and internal fixation of a periprosthetic fracture (1 shoulder). Other complications requiring surgery included hematoma treated with evacuation (2 shoulders), dislocation (1 shoulder), and glenosphere disassociation (1 shoulder). Preoperatively, 11 shoulders presented with pseudoparalysis, and the mean active elevation of the remaining 16 shoulders was 43°, with only 1 shoulder demonstrating >90° of active elevation. At the most recent follow-up, 3 shoulders were pseudoparalytic, 11 had <90° of active elevation, 8 had >90° of active elevation, and 3 had active elevation to 90°. The overall mean active elevation of the 25 shoulders that could be assessed was 79°. Preoperatively, only 4 (15%) of the 27 shoulders demonstrated active external rotation past neutral; at the most recent follow-up, 80% of surviving shoulders had active external rotation past neutral. Conclusions: LTT at the time of RSA using an APC has the potential to restore active external rotation in shoulders with proximal humeral bone loss and posterosuperior cuff deficiency. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Abstract Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), principally Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are common chronic disorders involving inflammation and often progressive tissue damage. Genome-wide association studies have mapped many risk signals, but the causal variants, effector genes and relevant cellular contexts remain difficult to resolve, limiting mechanistic interpretation and therapeutic translation. Here we performed a multi-ancestry GWAS meta-analysis of 125,992 individuals with IBD and more than 1.2 million controls, identifying 619 independent association signals (374 novel) at 420 IBD regions that account for 77–80% of SNP-based heritability. Fine-mapping resolved 81 high-confidence variants, 41 not previously reported. Although most signals were shared between CD and UC, 39% showed IBD subtype specificity, with UC signals showing stronger enrichment in functional annotations from intestinal epithelial, secretory and enteroendocrine cells, and CD showing stronger genetic correlations with circulating inflammatory biomarkers, including C-reactive protein and glycoprotein acetylation. Latent causal modelling supported a causal effect of decreased high-density lipoprotein on CD risk. By integrating bulk and single-cell eQTL and pQTL resources using colocalisation and Mendelian randomisation, together with coding-variant evidence from exome sequencing, we prioritised 664 candidate effector genes across 341 signals, including 390 newly implicated IBD genes, revealing new biological mechanisms and candidate therapeutic targets supported by human genetics.