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Electrocochleography (ECochG) is an electrophysiological technique that records electrical potentials generated by different components of the inner ear and peripheral cochlear nerve in response to acoustic stimulation. ECochG responses can be analyzed into (1) cochlear microphonics (CM), (2) auditory nerve neurophonics, (3) summating potential, and (4) compound action potential. Over the past few decades, there have been ongoing refinements in technique and updates in the understanding of recorded potentials. Historically, ECochG found its main application in the diagnostic evaluation of Meniere's disease (MD). However, in the last decade, the focus has shifted towards cochlear implantation (CI). In patients with residual hearing after CI, combined electric and acoustic stimulation has resulted in improved hearing and speech outcomes. Despite efforts to mitigate trauma during electrode insertion, hearing preservation rates vary after surgery. During implantation, real‐time ECochG offers an opportunity to measure frequency specific CMs elicited from a localized region in the cochlea as the surgeon inserts the electrode array. In extracochlear ECochG recordings, the recording electrode can be placed on the promontory, the stapes, or the tympanic membrane. Intracochlear ECochG can be performed by inserting a recording electrode into the cochlea or by using one of the CI electrodes as the recording electrode. The loss of intraoperative ECochG signal may indicate cochlear trauma from electrode insertion, but the association between intraoperative ECochG changes and cochlear trauma remains controversial. The ability to monitor cochlear trauma during CI electrode placement holds promise to improve hearing preservation outcomes, modify surgical techniques, and change electrode design. The goal of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the electrophysiology and history of ECochG, discuss its recent applications in CI, and explore the ongoing research in this expanding field.

AbstractBackgroundMuscle wasting is a debilitating co‐morbidity affecting most advanced cancer patients. Alongside enhanced muscle catabolism, defects in muscle repair/regeneration contribute to cancer‐associated wasting. Among the factors implicated in suppression of muscle regeneration are cytokines that interfere with myogenic signal transduction pathways. Less understood is how other cancer/wasting‐associated cues, such as metabolites, contribute to muscle dysfunction. This study investigates how the metabolite succinate affects myogenesis and muscle regeneration.MethodsWe leveraged an established ectopic metabolite treatment (cell permeable dimethyl‐succinate) strategy to evaluate the ability of intracellular succinate elevation to (i) affect myoblast homeostasis (proliferation and apoptosis), (ii) disrupt protein dynamics and induce wasting‐associated atrophy, and (iii) modulate in vitro myogenesis. In vivo succinate supplementation experiments (2% succinate and 1% sucrose vehicle) were used to corroborate and extend in vitro observations. Metabolic profiling and functional metabolic studies were then performed to investigate the impact of succinate elevation on mitochondria function.ResultsWe found that in vitro succinate supplementation elevated intracellular succinate about 2‐fold and did not have an impact on proliferation or apoptosis of C2C12 myoblasts. Elevated succinate had minor effects on protein homeostasis (~25% decrease in protein synthesis assessed by O‐propargyl‐puromycin staining), and no significant effect on myotube atrophy. Succinate elevation interfered with in vitro myoblast differentiation, characterized by significant decreases in late markers of myogenesis and fewer nuclei per myosin heavy chain positive structure (assessed by immunofluorescence staining). While mice orally administered succinate did not exhibit changes in overall body composition or whole muscle weights, these mice displayed smaller muscle myofiber diameters (~6% decrease in the mean of non‐linear regression curves fit to the histograms of minimum feret diameter distribution), which was exacerbated when muscle regeneration was induced with barium chloride injury. Significant decreases in the mean of non‐linear regression curves fit to the histograms of minimum feret diameter distributions were observed 7 and 28 days post injury. Elevated numbers of myogenin positive cells (three‐fold increase) supportive of the differentiation defects observed in vitro were observed 28 days post injury. Metabolic profiling and functional metabolic assessment of myoblasts revealed that succinate elevation caused both widespread metabolic changes and significantly lowered maximal cellular respiration (~35% decrease).ConclusionsThis study broadens the repertoire of wasting‐associated factors that can directly modulate muscle progenitor cell function and strengthens the hypothesis that metabolic derangements are significant contributors to impaired muscle regeneration, an important aspect of cancer‐associated muscle wasting.

Abstract Background Anti‐IgE (omalizumab) has been used for the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe asthma that is not controlled by inhaled steroids. Despite its success, it does not always provide patients with significant clinical benefits. Objective To investigate the transcriptional variations between omalizumab responders and non‐responders and to study the mechanisms of action of omalizumab. Methods The whole blood transcriptomes of moderate‐to‐severe adult asthma patients (N = 45:34 responders and 11 non‐responders) were analysed over the course of omalizumab treatment. Non‐asthmatic healthy controls (N = 17) were used as controls. Results Transcriptome variations between responders and non‐responders were identified using the genes significant (FDR < 0.05) in at least one comparison of each patient response status and time point compared with control subjects. Using gene ontology and network analysis, eight clusters of genes were identified. Longitudinal analyses of individual clusters revealed that responders could maintain changes induced with omalizumab treatment and become more similar to the control subjects, while non‐responders tend to remain more similar to their pre‐treatment baseline. Further analysis of an inflammatory gene cluster revealed that genes associated with neutrophil/eosinophil activities were up‐regulated in non‐responders and, more importantly, omalizumab did not significantly alter their expression levels. The application of modular analysis supported our findings and further revealed variations between responders and non‐responders. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance This study provides not only transcriptional variations between omalizumab responders and non‐responders, but also molecular insights for controlling asthma by omalizumab.

Background: Long-QT syndrome (LQTS) is characterized by a prolonged heart rate–corrected QT interval (QTc). Genome-wide association studies identified common genetic variants that collectively explain ≈8% to 10% of QTc variation in the general population. Methods: Overall, 423 patients with LQT1, LQT2, or LQT3 were genotyped for 61 QTc-associated genetic variants used in a prototype QTc–polygenic risk score (QTc-PRS). A weighted QTc-PRS (range, 0–154.8 ms) was calculated for each patient, and the FHS (Framingham Heart Study) population-based reference cohort (n=853). Results: The average QTc-PRS in LQTS was 88.0±7.2 and explained only ≈2.0% of the QTc variability. The QTc-PRS in LQTS probands (n=137; 89.3±6.8) was significantly greater than both FHS controls (87.2±7.4, difference-in-means±SE: 2.1±0.7, P <0.002) and LQTS genotype-positive family members (87.5±7.4, difference-in-mean, 1.8±.7, P <0.009). There was no difference in QTc-PRS between symptomatic (n=156, 88.6±7.3) and asymptomatic patients (n=267; 87.7±7.2, difference-in-mean, 0.9±0.7, P=0.15). LQTS patients with a QTc≥480 ms (n=120) had a significantly higher QTc-PRS (89.3±6.7) than patients with a QTc<480 ms (n=303, 87.6±7.4, difference-in-mean, 1.7±0.8, P <0.05). There was no difference in QTc-PRS or QTc between genotypes. Conclusions: The QTc-PRS explained <2% of the QTc variability in our LQT1, LQT2, and LQT3 cohort, contributing 5× less to their QTc value than in the general population. This prototype QTc-PRS does not distinguish/predict the clinical outcomes of individuals with LQTS.

Objectives: To describe the feasibility of a chaplain-led spiritually focused life review interview and the development of a spiritual legacy document (SLD) for patients with advanced diseases and to describe changes in spiritual well-being (SWB), spiritual coping strategies (SC), and quality of life (QOL) after receiving the SLD. Patients and Methods: In all, 130 patients and support person (SP) pairs were recruited from July 2012 to January 2019. Following enrollment, demographic information was gathered and baseline questionnaires were administered. Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT-Sp-12) and a linear analog scale assessment (LASA) measured SWB. LASAs also measured QOL and emotional well-being (EWB). Positive Religious Coping Scale (RCOPE) measured SC. After completion of baseline forms, participants were interviewed (individually) by a chaplain. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and verified. Transcripts were edited and participants were given the opportunity to make adaptations. The participant-approved draft was then developed into a professionally printed SLD. Follow-up questionnaires were administered to assess change. Results: Significant improvements from baseline to post-SLD follow-up were found for patients on the LASAs: SWB (average 7.7-8.3, P = .01), QOL (average 6.7-7.3, P = .03), EWB (average 6.9-7.5, P = .01), and on the positive RCOPE (average 1.8-2.0, P = .007). Effect sizes were approximately 0.25. Considering any improvement, 61.0% improved their positive RCOPE score, 46.6% improved EWB, and 39.7% improved SWB. No significant changes were found on the FACIT-Sp-12. No significant changes were found for SPs. Conclusion: The results suggest that the primary participants who completed the study benefited by significantly increasing their QOL, SWB, EWB, and SC.

BACKGROUND: The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to a significant disruption in the care of pain from chronic and subacute conditions. The impact of this cessation of pain treatment may have unintended consequences of increased pain, reduced function, increased reliance on opioid medications, and potential increased morbidity, due to the systemic impact of untreated disease burden. This may include decreased mobility, reduction in overall health status, and increase of opioid use with the associated risks. METHODS: The article is the study of the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN) COVID-19 task force to evaluate the policies set forth by federal, state, and local agencies to reduce or eliminate elective procedures for those patients with pain from spine, nerve, and joint disease. The impact of these decisions, which were needed to reduce the spread of the pandemic, led to a delay in care for many patients. We hence review an emergence plan to reinitiate this pain-related care. The goal is to outline a path to work with federal, state, and local authorities to combat the spread of the pandemic and minimize the deleterious impact of pain and suffering on our chronic pain patients. RESULTS: The article sets forth a strategy for the interventional pain centers to reemerge from the current pandemic and to set a course for future events. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic represents an overwhelming challenge to interventional pain physicians and their patients. In addition to urgent actions needed for disease mitigation, the ASPN recommends a staged return to pain management professionals’ workflow.

e24114 Background: Pharmacogenomics (PGx) testing is used increasingly in cancer supportive care for drug and dose selection, and side effects prediction with antidepressants, antiemetics, and pain medications. Genetic variants in genes that encode for drug metabolizing enzymes (CYPs), transporters (SLC6A4) and drug receptors (HTR2A, OPRM1, etc) are well known for these medications. They contribute to inter-individual differences in medication safety and efficacy. We report on their frequency and effect on supportive care drugs in patients with solid tumors. Methods: Between 06/06/19 and 12/18/19, solid tumor cancer patients at Mayo Clinic Arizona were enrolled in a PGx prospective study. They were genotyped using a multi-gene panel, OneOme RightMed. The panel assessed 27 genes, including CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A4, COMT, OPRM1, GRIK4, HTR2A, SLC6A4, associated with pain medications, antidepressants, and antiemetics. PGx pharmacist provided medication recommendations and dose adjustments based on PGx test results and concurrent medications. Results: 200 patients were swabbed and 196 patients were genotyped. The results were available within 5 days. All patients were also assessed for pheno-conversion (drug-drug-gene interactions) by a pharmacist. Recommendations were made based on predicted phenotype. Various solid tumor types were represented, including prostate (19.9%), colorectal (17.9%), melanoma (14.8%), and others (47.4%). Median age was 65 with 59.2% patients being male and 40.85% female. All had at least one actionable polymorphism related to these medications. The most significant findings were related to CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 genes. Of 196 patients, a total of 132 (67.3%) had other than normal CYP2D6 metabolizer phenotype and 112 (57.1%) had other than normal CYP2C19 metabolizer phenotype. Based on these genotypes, alternatives to pain medications were recommended for 37 patients, to ondansetron in 9 patients, and to anti-depressants in 51 patients. Conclusions: Genetic variants were commonly found that affect supportive care medications used in oncology practice and contribute to inter-individual differences associated with increased risk of adverse drug effects and reduced efficacy. PGx guided recommendation may help physicians in individualizing medication treatment outcomes for patients with different cancer types and with polypharmacy. PGx trained pharmacist can serve as a valuable asset in optimizing personalized medication management.

e24011 Background: Advanced care planning and living wills are critical components of caring for patients at the end of their lives. Advance directives are designed to be implemented when a patient meets the legal definition of terminal and is deemed incapacitated. By reviewing the electronic health record (EHR) in patients with terminal cancer, we sought to evaluate whether advance directives were appropriately implemented. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the EHR of 500 cancer patients from 1/1/2013 to 12/31/2016 was performed. Data points were manually collected and entered in a central database, and data analysis was completed using SAS. Results: Of the 500 patients, 160 (32%) had an advance directive (AD). The most common clinical terminology used by physicians indicating a terminal diagnosis was “progressive” (36.6%) and “palliative” (31%). The most common clinical terminology indicating incapacity was “altered mental status” (25.6%), and “not oriented” (14%). 34 patients (6.8%) met all criteria of having a terminal diagnosis, a documented AD, and deemed incapacitated. Of these patients who met all of these data points, their ADs were implemented on average 1.7 days (SD: 4.4 days) after which they should have been. This resulted in a total of 58 days of additional care provided to these patients. Conclusions: End-of-life care is a challenging albeit vital part of the practice of medicine. This study provided insight on to how ADs are managed in day to day practice in a hospital. From our analysis, it is clear that physicians are able to identify when a patient is terminal; however, it is typically later than it should have been recognized (and thereby, leading to delays in the implementation of the patient’s AD). Further studies should be performed focusing on harnessing the power of the EHR and providing physicians formative and evaluative feedback of practice patterns to ensure that ADs are honored when appropriate.

10029 Background: This is the first randomized trial testing the addition of an oncolytic virus to an immune checkpoint inhibitor for advanced melanoma. At the 3-year (yr) follow-up, the combination (combo) of T-VEC and ipi demonstrated durable and statistically superior objective response rate (ORR) over ipi alone (36.7% vs. 16.0%; odds ratio, 3.0; 95% Cl, 1.6–6.0; P = 0.002). Complete response (CR) rate was 21.4% with the combo and 6.0% with ipi. Median overall survival (OS) was not reached in either arm. In this post hoc analysis, we utilized the 3-yr landmark data to explore the relationship between CR and OS in the combo arm. Methods: Pts with unresectable, stage IIIB-IV melanoma were randomized 1:1 to receive combo or ipi alone. T-VEC was administered intratumorally on day 1 of week (wk) 1 at 106 plaque-forming units (PFU)/mL followed by subsequent doses at 108 PFU/mL on day 1 of wk 4, and every 2 wks thereafter. Ipi (3 mg/kg) was given every 3 wks starting on day 1 of wk 6 for up to 4 doses. Response was assessed by investigators per immune-related response criteria every 12 wks until disease progression. The primary endpoint was ORR; key secondary endpoints were OS, progression-free survival, and safety. Results: 198 pts were randomized (98 to combo; 100 to ipi). As of February 25, 2019, the median follow-up time was 40.0 mos (range: 0.2–63.7) for the combo arm. Among 98 pts who received combo, 21 (21.4%) had a best overall response of CR including 8 who converted from an initial partial response (PR), 15 (15.3%) had PR, 19 (19.4%) had stable disease, 30 (30.6%) had progressive disease, and 13 (13.2%) were unevaluable. Of 21 pts achieving CR, 17 (81%) had ECOG status of 0, 16 (76.2%) had stage IIIB-IVM1a disease, and 16 (76.2%) had no visceral metastases. Median duration of CR was not reached (range: 5.4[+]–58.2[+] mos); 19 of 21 CRs lasted more than 6 months. The baseline tumor burden was lower in pts with CR than in those with non-CR. Median OS was not reached in pts with CR (range: 25.1[+]–63.7[+] mos) and was 47.6 mos (range: 0.2[+]– 63.7[+] mos) in pts with non-CR (Log-rank P = 0.0005). The Kaplan–Meier estimated 3-year OS rate was 100.0% for patients with CR and 52.3% for those with non-CR. Conclusions: CR rate was higher with T-VEC plus ipi than with ipi alone in pts with advanced melanoma (21.4% vs. 6.0%). In the combo arm, CR was associated with prolonged OS, and pts with CR tended to have better ECOG performance status, earlier-stage disease, and lower baseline tumor burden, as compared with those with non-CR. Clinical trial information: NCT01740297.

10006 Background: Treatment options are limited for patients with advanced melanoma who have progressed on checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies. Adoptive cell therapy using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) leverages and enhances the body’s natural defense against cancer and has shown durable responses in heavily pretreated melanoma patients. Methods: C-144-01 is a global Phase 2 open-label, multicenter study of efficacy & safety of lifileucel in patients with unresectable metastatic melanoma who have progressed on checkpoint inhibitors and BRAF/MEK inhibitors, if BRAFv600 mutant. We report on Cohort 2 (N = 66) patients who have received TIL. Tumors were resected at local institutions, processed in central GMP facilities for TIL production, manufactured, cryopreserved & shipped back to sites in a 22-day process. Therapy consisted of one week of lymphodepletion, a single lifileucel infusion, and up to 6 IL-2 doses. ORR was based on RECIST v1.1 by investigator assessment. Data cutoff was Feb 2, 2020. Results: Baseline characteristics: 3.3 mean prior therapies (anti-PD1 100%; anti-CTLA-4 80%; BRAF/MEK inhibitor 23%), high baseline tumor burden (106 mm mean target lesion sum of diameters), 44% liver/brain lesions, 40.9% LDH > ULN. ORR by investigator was 36.4% (2 CR, 22 PR) and DCR was 80.3%. Mean time to response was 1.9 months (range: 1.3-5.6). After a median study follow-up of 17.0 months, median DOR (mDOR) was still not reached. Six responders have progressed, 2 have died and 2 started other anti-cancer therapy without progression. The adverse event profile was consistent with the underlying advanced disease and the lymphodepletion and IL-2 regimens. Additional follow-up data will be available for presentation. Conclusions: Lifileucel treatment results in a 36.4% ORR and mDOR was not reached at 17.0 months of median study follow up in a heavily pretreated metastatic melanoma patients with high baseline disease burden who progressed on multiple prior therapies, including anti-PD1 and BRAF/MEK inhibitors, if BRAFv600 mutant. Clinical trial information: NCT02360579.