Citations

Abstract Objective Dravet syndrome (DS) is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy characterized by drug‐resistant seizures and developmental slowing. Although cognitive and executive function deficits have been described, their early trajectory is not well understood. Methods The prospective ENVISION natural history study (NCT04537832) assessed cognitive, executive, and adaptive function in children younger than 5 years of age with SCN1A + DS every 6 months for up to 2 years using Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd Edition (BSID‐III), Wechsler Preschool & Primary Scale of Intelligence, 4th Edition (WPPSI‐IV), Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, 3rd Edition (VABS‐3), Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function – Preschool Version (BRIEF‐P), and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). Results Fifty‐eight children were enrolled, with 47% younger than age 2 years. At least 80% of children did not achieve age‐appropriate milestones. Mean BSID‐III Cognitive raw scores increased minimally, with age‐equivalent gains of only 3 months over 1.5 years. Mean Cognitive Composite scores declined significantly by Month 12 (from 81.6 to 72.2; change: –11.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −15.3 to −6.8), signaling a widening gap compared with neurotypical development. Executive function worsened, with mean BRIEF‐P Global Executive Composite T‐scores increasing by 3.2 points/year. For some participants, scores were 5 standard deviations (SD) above the normative mean, reflecting abilities profoundly below age expectations (bottom .00003% of the population). Adaptive functioning worsened, with mean VABS‐3 Adaptive Behavior Composite decreasing from 78.7 to 68.1 over 1.5 years (change: –9.0, 95% CI: −11.9 to −6.1) and greater decline among children <2 years at enrollment, with scores decreasing by ~15 points (1 SD). Over half of children >3 years could not remove clothing independently; and when placed on a toilet, 48% could not use it. Significance Infants and young children with SCN1A + DS show significant and progressive developmental slowing across several domains, highlighting urgent need for therapies to mitigate the devastating impact on individuals and families.

Abstract Background DNA methylation profiling can be used to robustly predict postsurgical outcomes and response to radiotherapy (RT) for meningioma patients. To allow for seamless integration of these complementary models into clinical practice, a practical framework is needed. Methods We leveraged a cohort of nearly 2000 surgically-treated meningiomas with DNA methylation profiling and clinical outcomes data. Existing methylation-based prediction models were dichotomized to yield four risk groups: low and high recurrent risk, each with RT sensitive and resistant subgroups. Risk groups were correlated with progression-free survival in the context of existing biomarkers including extent of resection and WHO grade. Results We first demonstrated that all risk groups benefit from gross total resection. All “high-risk, RT sensitive” tumors (n = 306, 15.7%) also benefited from adjuvant RT: after GTR, median PFS increased from 4.68 (4.13-9.48) years to not reached (P = .003); after subtotal resection (STR), from 2.12 (1.59-3.02) to 4.09 (3.41-not reached) years (P = .004). “Low-risk, RT sensitive cases” (n = 1207, 61.8%) also benefited from RT after STR (median PFS 7.39 (6.66-12.8) vs. 16.53 (10.35-not reached) years, P = .03), suggesting that RT be considered in these patients. Neither “low-risk RT resistant” (n = 84, 4.3%) nor “high-risk RT resistant” (n = 356, 18.2%) cases benefited from RT, and the latter group was associated with universally poor outcomes. Conclusions We identify methylation-defined risk groups of meningioma for which additional benefit is gained from adjuvant RT, leading to a clinical decision-making framework for straightforward integration of molecular models into clinical practice.

Abstract BACKGROUND The phase III ECOG-ACRIN E3F05 trial tested whether combined therapy with radiation and concomitant followed by adjuvant temozolomide is more effective than radiation alone in patients with grade II gliomas. The study incorporated 1p/19q analysis but predated assessment of IDH mutational status. We previously reported that the addition of temozolomide to radiotherapy significantly improved overall survival in grade II gliomas, with similar hazard ratios in co-deleted (0.56) and non-codeleted (0.53) tumors. Herein we incorporate the results of DNA methylation profiling to examine outcomes in IDHmt, non-codeleted subjects as well as co-deleted ones. METHODS All 172 subjects underwent 1p/19q co-deletion analysis as a stratification factor, 1p and 19q deletion analysis was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) gliomas by Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH) following standard methods, 97/172 (56.3%) had tissue with 60% or more tumor content available for DNA methylation profiling using Heidelberg classifier v12 and Bethesda Classifier 2.0 to ascertain classification as IDH mutant glioma and alternative evaluation of 1p/19q co-deletion status. RESULTS Of the 172 subjects, 74 (43.0%) had 1p/19q codeletion by FISH, 38 (22.1%) were IDHmt without codeletion, 14 (8.1%) were IDHwt, and 46 (26.7%) were non-codeleted with unknown IDH status (these include n=4 pts originally classified as 1p/19q undetermined). With a median follow-up of 130 months, the addition of TMZ to RT improved OS in patients with IDHmt, non-codeleted tumors (HR 0.15 (0.03-0.74)) and 10-year OS from 39% to 80%. In codeleted tumors, the addition of TMZ improved OS (HR 0.51 (0.19-1.42)) and 10-year OS from 68% to 90%. CONCLUSION The addition of temozolomide to radiation improves overall survival in both co-deleted and IDHmt, non-co-deleted grade II gliomas.

Abstract Glioblastoma is a highly lethal malignancy with dismal overall survival and near universal recurrence despite maximal multimodal therapy. Patients with unmethylated O6-methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT) promoters do not derive survival benefit from adjuvant temozolomide. Immunotherapies have revolutionized cancer care; however, this modality has yet to translate into survival benefits in glioblastoma in part due to both local and systemic immunosuppressive states. Here, we report the results of a phase 1 clinical trial (NCT04015700) evaluating the safety and feasibility of GNOS-PV01, a personalized DNA vaccination platform that safely immunized against up to 40 patient-specific neoantigens in a clinically relevant timescale following surgical resection and radiation for MGMT-unmethylated glioblastoma patients. Multisector tumor sampling at time of resection enabled personalized and spatially representative neoantigen identification through an established pipeline. In the nine participants receiving vaccines, there were no unexpected toxicities or serious adverse events with a median vaccine delivery time of 10 weeks post-radiation. The vaccination was strongly immunogenic and induced activation and expansion of both local infiltrating CD8+ and CD4+ T-cells and circulating peripheral T-cells. T-cell receptor sequencing revealed both expanded pre-existing populations as well as novel neoantigen-specific populations, suggesting that vaccination both reinvigorates pre-existing immunity and generates novel immune reactivity. We developed a new technology to profile T-cells at single-nuclei resolution from frozen tissue revealing that vaccination altered gene expression signatures involved in inflammatory response and lymphocyte activation in the tumor microenvironment. Exposure to dexamethasone greatly suppressed immune reactivity, while PD-1 blockade enhanced local immune responses. With respect to efficacy, one third of patients survived longer than 24 months with one long-term survivor living &gt;40 months from time of diagnosis, exceeding survival of recently published trials. Thus, our study demonstrates the safety, feasibility, and preliminary clinical efficacy of a personalized multivalent neoantigen vaccination platform in a devastating cancer.

Recent studies highlight transcriptionally distinct fibroblast subpopulations in human lungs. We observed the loss of these native transcriptional programs as fresh isolated cells are maintained in traditional culture conditions. Identifying the signals defining native fibroblast identities will be pivotal to creating culture models that preserve unique subpopulations. The screening system developed here will allow the investigation of a broad selection of cues, leading to better culture models for studying human lung fibroblast function and plasticity.

Background Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) has emerged as a promising neurostimulation modality, yet its effectiveness and durability for chronic pain remain uncertain. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate changes in pain intensity following implantable PNS therapy. Methods Eligible studies included adults (≥18 years) with chronic pain treated with an implantable PNS system, and pain intensity was assessed at baseline and follow-up time points. The primary outcome was change in pain intensity from baseline to 6 months after PNS implantation. Secondary outcomes included changes in pain intensity at 3, 12 and 24 months after PNS implantation. Standardized mean differences (Hedges’ g ) were pooled using a random-effects model. Results A total of 106 studies comprising 9272 patients were included. PNS was associated with large, statistically significant reductions in pain intensity from baseline to all time points: 3 months (Hedges’ g 2.92; 95% CI 2.62 to 3.21), 6 months (Hedges’ g 3.08; 95% CI 2.68 to 3.48), 12 months (Hedges’ g 2.68; 95% CI 2.30 to 3.05) and 24 months (Hedges’ g 2.08; 95% CI 1.68 to 2.48) (all p<0.001). However, the certainty of evidence as assessed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria was rated as low for the primary outcome, due to pooling from observational studies, risk of bias, and heterogeneity (statistical, clinical and methodological). Subgroup analyses revealed no differences by study design or device type, while smaller effect sizes were reported in industry-funded studies and those with declared conflicts of interest. The largest effect sizes were observed in pelvic and upper extremity pain, whereas the smallest in truncal pain. Conclusion Implantable PNS provides persistent and clinically meaningful analgesia for chronic pain, with benefits sustained up to 24 months. These findings support broader clinical adoption and provide evidence to inform pay0r coverage and policy decisions.

OBJECTIVES The Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) cervical spine injury (CSI) clinical prediction rule (CPR) was developed to reduce unnecessary imaging in pediatric trauma patients and ensure accurate diagnosis. This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to future implementation of this rule in diverse emergency department (ED) settings. METHODS We conducted 40 interviews with 48 clinicians, including ED physicians, surgeons, nurses, and advanced practice providers at 21 health care facilities across the United States. Semistructured interviews explored determinants impacting implementation, guided by the Tailored Implementation for Chronic Diseases (TICD) framework. We conducted a deductive thematic analysis using the TICD domains as a priori codes. Three researchers independently coded the transcripts and identified key themes aligned with the TICD framework. RESULTS Barriers included limited guideline accessibility, workflow disruptions, and inconsistent integration with electronic health records. Clinicians’ concerns regarding the applicability and adherence to guidelines were also significant. Facilitators identified included institutional support, stakeholder engagement, and targeted education that addressed knowledge gaps. Implementation strategies varied by context, with suggestions for electronic health record-based decision tools in resource-equipped facilities and external aids, such as pocket cards, in lower-resource settings. Addressing legal concerns, clinician resistance, and workflow alignment emerged as critical priorities. CONCLUSION Implementing the PECARN CSI CPRs requires addressing contextual barriers such as workflow challenges, clinician adherence, and technology integration. Context-sensitive strategies are essential for successful adoption and improved decision-making in pediatric trauma care. Future research should evaluate the impact of these strategies on clinician behavior and patient outcomes.

Abstract Disclosure: I. Bancos: AstraZeneca. A. Ben-Shlomo: AstraZeneca. O. Hamidi: Recordati Rare Diseases, Neurocrine Biosciences, Corcept Therapeutics, Crinetics, Camurus, Xeris. A. Hamrahian: AstraZeneca. W. Huang: None. L.S. Kirschner: Corcept Therapeutics, AstraZeneca, Crinetics, Sparrow Pharma, Spruce Biosciences. R. Sam: AstraZeneca. A.F. Turcu: AstraZeneca. A. Lihn: AstraZeneca. A. Mallappa: AstraZeneca. S. Perl: AstraZeneca. B. Tuyishimire: AstraZeneca. M.J. Brown: GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb, AstraZeneca. Introduction: Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) treatment for primary aldosteronism (PA) has limited efficacy in some patients. Highly selective, competitive aldosterone synthase inhibitors (ASIs) offer an alternative therapeutic approach. SPARK (NCT04605549) was a Phase 2, open-label, multicenter trial of the ASI baxdrostat in patients with PA. Methods: Eligibility entailed: aged ≥18 years; diagnosis of PA; willingness to discontinue MRA up to 4 weeks before baxdrostat initiation; and systolic blood pressure (SBP) rise ≥20 mmHg or SBP ≥160 mmHg after discontinuation of MRA, or SBP ≥150 mmHg for patients with newly diagnosed PA who had not taken MRAs in the past 12 weeks. Patients entered a 12-week treatment period (Part 1) of once daily baxdrostat 2 mg, up-titrated to 4 mg or 8 mg at week (W) 4 or W8, respectively, if there was no significant risk of hypotension. Baxdrostat could be down-titrated to 2 mg or continued at 4 mg as needed. After W12, patients could continue baxdrostat up to W72 (Part 2) with doses at investigators’ discretion. Primary endpoints were safety, tolerability and change from baseline in mean seated SBP at W12. Results: Fifteen patients enrolled and completed Part 1; 14 patients continued to Part 2. Median (range) age was 54 (32, 75) years, 67% of patients were male, 47% were White, and median (range) body mass index was 32.0 (24.4, 41.4) kg/m2. At baseline, plasma renin activity (PRA) was &lt;1 ng/mL/h in 12/15 (80%) patients, and 8/15 (53%) patients had hypokalemia (serum potassium &lt;3.5 mmol/L). Mean (range) baseline SBP was 151.5 (130, 174) mmHg; diastolic BP (DBP) was 90.3 (74, 103) mmHg. At W12, mean (range) SBP change from baseline was –29.5 (–47, –12), –24.4 (–31, –17), and –23.9 (–47, –8) mmHg for patients on baxdrostat 2 mg (n=2), 4 mg (n=5), and 8 mg (n=7), respectively; DBP change was –8.0 (–14, –2), –10.4 (–20, 0), and –11.6 (–25, 7) mmHg, respectively. Overall, 11/15 (73%) patients achieved BP &lt;140/90 mmHg and 6/15 (40%) achieved BP &lt;130/80 mmHg at W12; reduced BP persisted in Part 2. No deaths were reported. Nine out of 15 (60%) patients had a treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) during W4–W12 of Part 1 (all mild/moderate), including 1/15 (7%) patient with hyperkalemia; no serious TEAEs were reported. In Part 2, 14/14 (100%) patients had a TEAE (most mild/moderate), including 5/14 (36%) patients with hyperkalemia; one serious TEAE of hyperkalemia was reported. Mean (standard deviation, SD) serum potassium levels increased from 3.9 (0.6) mEq/L at baseline to 4.7 (0.5) mEq/L at W12. Mean (SD) 24-h urine aldosterone excretion at baseline and W12 were 30.3 (17.5) and 3.2 (2.7) µg/day, respectively. At W12, 7/15 (47%) patients had achieved unsuppressed PRA (≥1.0 ng/mL/h). Conclusions: Baxdrostat, an ASI, was well tolerated and led to reduced BP and unsuppressed renin in patients with PA. Inhibiting aldosterone synthase may be an alternative to MRAs for treating PA. Presentation: Sunday, July 13, 2025