Citations

Abstract Background We aimed to describe the real-world durability of clinical and endoscopic outcomes of upadacitinib (UPA) in ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods We retrospectively analyzed an ongoing multi-center cohort of UC patients(pts) in the United States who were started on UPA for active disease. Primary outcome was clinical remission at 1yr assessed by partial Mayo score(pMS)(resolution of all UC related symptoms and physician global assessment). Secondary outcomes assessed at various timepoints, including after re-escalation, included clinical response(>50%reduction in symptoms utilizing the pMS), endoscopic response (Mayo endoscopic score≤1or absence of erosions/ulcerations) and histological remission(defined as normal or chronic inactive). Durable secondary outcomes achieved at both 6months and at 1yr and beyond were also assessed. Descriptive statistics were performed. Adverse events(AEs) investigated included cardiovascular events and herpes zoster (HZ). Results 416pts were included(Table 1) with median values for age at initiation of36.00yrs(range27-48), disease duration7.00yrs(range3-14)and follow-up 993days(IQR,672-1103), with206(49.52%)with follow-up at 1yr or beyond. Of these, 66.1%had extensive colitis. Induction duration was8wks in 86.5%and16wks in 4.8 %(20/416). Most received an induction dose of45mg(97.1%)and maintenance dose of30mg(85.8%). Among the evaluable population at1yr and beyond, 62.5%(45/80)were in clinical remission, 75.9%(22/29)in endoscopic response with58.6%(17/29) in remission and66.6%(20/30)in histological remission. At 6months, clinical remission was51.6%(42/93), endoscopic response was 75%(24/32) of which43.75%(14/32)were in remission and histologic remission was seen in 40.8%(20/49).Durable secondary outcomes of clinical remission were seen in 71.4%(30/42), endoscopic improvement in 45.8%(11/24), and histologic remission in35%(7/20). Re-escalation to 45mg occurred in 35pts, of which48.6%(17/35)were re-escalated due to incomplete induction clinical response with all achieving response(11 in remission). The rest(18/35)were re-escalated for clinical relapse after initial remission where72.2%(13/18)were able to recapture remission. After re-escalation,54.3%(19/35)continued on 45mg daily. AEs were reported in12.7%with HZ in 7pts(2.1%). One pt aged53yrs had an episode of TIA after 1yr on UPA at 15mg, without pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors and UPA use is ongoing at the same dose. There were no reported episodes of worsening of pre-existing cardiovascular disease or DVT/PE. Conclusion UPA is durably effective and safe in a real-world clinical setting with re-escalation to 45mg capturing response in a majority of the pts. Ongoing recruitment will provide further evidence on long term effectiveness and safety. Conflict of interest: Ms. Huang, Katherine: No conflict of interest Chandnani, Arun: No conflict of interest Samaan, Sami: None Tan, Tingyi: I have no conflict of interests to declare. Ramesh, Prajith Raj: None Conlon, Caroline: No conflict of interest Klein, Jeremy: None Reddy, Nikhil: No conflict of interest Ayoub, Malek: None Cervantes Limon, Gabriela: none Myers, Melissa: None Bucaram, Martha: No conflict of interest Lieto, Stephen: No conflict of interest Scalzo, Nicholas: No conflict of interest Cohen, Benjamin: Abbvie - consulting and speaking ALPCO - consulting J & J Innovative Medicine - consulting Takeda - consulting and speaking Emmes Biopharma Services LLC - DSMB Pfizer - consulting Mohamed, Islam: nothing to declare Ciorba, Matthew: Advisory Board: Janssen, AbbVie, Pfizer, Geneoscopy Consulting: Janssen, AbbVie, Pfizer, Geneoscopy Grant contracts: Janssen, Pfizer, Incyte Shukla, Richa: Speakers bureau - Abbvie and Lilly Wright, Michael: None Xu, An Tao: No conflict of interest Chowla, Navreet: No conflict of interest Ogholikhan, Sina: Abbvie Medical Director Kujawski, Michelle: Abbvie Scientific Director Dulaney, David: Speaker bureau - Regeneron Speaker bureau - Sanofi Speaker bureau - Takeda Speaker bureau - Eli Lilly Fenster, Marc: none Benson, Caroline: No conflict of interest Alhobayb, Tamara: No conflict of interest Berinstein, Jeffrey: No conflict of interest Shivashankar, Raina: Abbvie and BMS - speaker bureau Janssen and Celltrion - grant for IBD fellowship funding Pfizer - consultant Bishu, Shrinivas: None Patel, Anish: speaker: abbvie, J & J, Lilly, BMS, Pfizer, Phathom, Takeda consultant: abbvie Ungaro, Ryan: Personal Fees: AbbVie, Bristol Myers Squibb, Genentech, Lilly, Pfizer, Janssen, Takeda Johnson, Amanda: Research grant: Abbvie, Spyre Therapeutics Pekow, Joel R.: CVS Health - Consulting Abbvie, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Johnson and Johnson - Stocks Yarur, Andres: Personal Fees: Consultant for Takeda, Pfizer, Roche, Merck, Abbvie, Eli Lilly. Bristol Myers Squibb, Celltrion, Johnson and Johnson. Deepak, Parakkal: Parakkal Deepak has received research support under a sponsored research agreement unrelated to the data in the abstract from AbbVie, Johnson and Johnson, Sanofi, Merck, Teva, Direct Biologics, Tr1x, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Pfizer, Prometheus Biosciences, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Roche Genentech, Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca, Spyre and Agomab, has received consulting fees from Johnson and Johnson, Abbvie, Merck, Sobi, Celltrion, Fresenius Kabi, Asahi Kasei Pharma, Sandoz and CorEvitas, LLC and has served on the board of the Srategic Alliance for Intercultural Advocacy in GI.

Abstract Background Prostate cancer is a heterogeneous disease comprising diverse cell types within the tumor microenvironment that support cancer cell survival. Using single cell and spatial transcriptomics, we previously identified subpopulations of treatment-persistent cancer cells exhibiting regenerative properties and a distinct molecular signature. Herein, we aimed to characterize the locked ‘Persist’ signature (PS) and its association with outcomes in a large cohort of non-metastatic prostate cancer tumors. Methods Patients with non-metastatic prostate cancer that underwent Decipher prostate genomic classifier and whole-transcriptome profiling on biopsy (BX, n=146,941) and radical prostatectomy (RP, n=55,329) specimens between October 2016 and February 2024 were included (Veracyte Inc., San Diego, CA, USA). Baseline clinical and pathological data from deidentified patients as well as signature scores were retrieved from the Decipher Genomic Resource for Intelligent Discovery (GRID) registry (Clinical Trials identifier: NCT02609269). The PS score based on the expression of 17 genes was calculated for all samples. Results PS was significantly associated with adverse clinical and pathological variables. In biopsy sample, PS was higher in cases with worse T3/4 clinical stage, Grade group (GG4-5), and high/very high NCCN risk (p<0.001 for all). In RP sample, PS was significantly higher in patients with GG4-5, extraprostatic extension, seminal vesicle invasion and lymph node involvement (p<0.001 for all). PS was also higher in patients with very high Decipher (>0.85) in both BX and RP (p<0.001 for both). When evaluating the prognosis of PS in multiple retrospective cohorts, PS in biopsy was prognostic of adverse pathology features at RP. PS was also prognostic of distance metastasis (DM) in multiple RP cohorts with long-term follow up (META855). In the ARNEO trial testing apalutamide in addition to ADT as neo-adjuvant treatment prior RP, PS was prognostic of early recurrence. In the Stampede trial, PS was prognostic of progression free survival, PCSM and OS in both non-metastatic and metastatic disease. When associating PS with other GRID signatures, PS was higher in samples with homologous recombination deficiency, TP53 mutations, Luminal B and luminal proliferating subtypes. On the other hand, PS was lower in samples with low androgen receptor-activity, RB-loss and neuroendocrine-like tumors. Finally, PS was positively correlated with radiation sensitivity signatures. Conclusions Persist is a novel molecular signature associated with more aggressive tumor characteristics. Future studies aim to further examine beyond this signature potential to identify patients at risk of aggressive prostate cancer, and understand what the optimal treatments for those with treatment-persistent prostate cancer cells are. Citation Format: Francesco Ballesio, Sinja Taavitsainen, Mohammed Alshalalfa, Antti Kiviaho, Mazlina Ismail, Reetta Nätkin, Alexander Giesen, Thomas Munro, James A. Proudfoot, Hyunnam Ryu, Elai Davicioni, Matthew C. Cooperberg, R. Jeffrey. Karnes, Ruochen Jiang, Steven Joniau, Gerhardt Attard, Frank Claessens, Matti Nykter, Alfonso Urbanucci. Persist: a molecular signature for prostate cancer patients with preexisting treatment-persistent cells associated with aggressive disease [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Innovations in Prostate Cancer Research and Treatment; 2026 Jan 20-22; Philadelphia PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(2_Suppl):Abstract nr B079.

Abstract Background Intracranial mesenchymal tumors, FET::CREB fusion-positive (ICMT), show fusions involving FET RNA-binding protein family genes (EWSR1 or FUS) and CREB family of transcription factors (ATF1, CREB1, or CREM). The methylation signature(s), gene expression characteristics, and clinical behavior of this important tumor type require further characterization. Methods We study the methylation profiles of 81 ICMT cases (61 newly profiled cases and 20 cases from publicly available sources). Clinicopathologic and genomic data were recorded for each case when available. Results ICMT showed a relatively distinct methylation signature compared to related tumors. Among the 65 cases where fusion types were documented, the identified fusions included EWSR1::ATF1 (25 cases), EWSR1::CREB1 (12 cases), EWSR1::CREM (21 cases), FUS::CREM (3 cases), and SMARCA2::CREM (4 cases). We confirmed the prior description of 2 distinct subgroups of ICMT (subclasses A and B). The majority of the cases belonged to subclass A (n = 69; 85%), which showed a higher median age compared to subclass B patients (26 years vs. 15 years). Subclass B cases (n = 12; 15%) showed shorter progression-free survival (P < 0.01). Gene expression analysis of ICMT showed key overexpressed markers in ICMT, with significant CREM overexpression regardless of fusion type, when compared to either meningioma alone or a larger group of CNS tumors. Conclusions This work provides further characterization of ICMT as an important CNS mesenchymal neoplasm that is prone to tumor recurrence, showing 2 prognostically relevant methylation subclasses and warranting diagnostic distinction from other epigenetically and histologically related tumors. ICMTs show substantial overexpression of the CREM gene, independent of fusion type.

ABSTRACT Advanced chronic diseases, or multicomplexity in older adults presents unique challenges. Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR‐CA) is one such scenario where heart failure is a common presentation, and management remains challenging. We describe the challenges involved in the diagnosis of ATTR‐CA in older adults, which has implications on treatment options. We discuss the application of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) and shared decision making (SDM) in the context of these challenges. Based on geriatric medicine principles, an innovative framework for applying SDM in ATTR‐CA patients is proposed, including consideration of the patient priorities care approach. The proposed framework emphasizes assessing functionality, frailty, and life expectancy to help categorize risk. This framework can be applied in various advanced chronic diseases or multicomplexity. Based on risk categorization, treatment burden, and alignment with values and preferences, management pathways are suggested for each risk category. Incorporating CGA and SDM, the proposed framework supports patient‐centered care, ensuring that clinical recommendations are tailored to each older adult's unique needs and goals. In ATTR‐CA, a collaboration between cardiology and geriatric medicine provides significant value in managing older adults. The need to prevent age‐related bias in clinical decision‐making exists across all health conditions, and the proposed framework allows for a thorough evaluation of multimorbidity, frailty, disability, and patient preferences. While ATTR‐CA is used as a prototype, this integrated approach can be applied across all health conditions and is essential for delivering holistic care, improving communication, and aligning treatment plans with patient values.

Abstract Here, we examine immune signaling pathways affecting the duration of primary nasopharyngeal colonization by Streptococcus pneumoniae ( Spn ), the first step in its pathogenesis. Spn colonization which lasts days to weeks in WT mice was persistent ( > 6 months) in the absence of IL-17RA-signaling. RNA-seq analysis confirmed the role of IL-17RA signaling in neutrophil-associated pathways. Rather than driving neutrophil specific chemokine expression, IL-17RA-signaling was required to replenish neutrophils in nasal tissue that were otherwise depleted during infection. Enhanced neutrophil trafficking correlated with IL-17RA-dependent expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecules that promote neutrophil trafficking from the circulation into nasal tissue. Persistent colonization was also observed in mice lacking IL-1R-signaling. Recognition of IL-1-family cytokines, however, was not necessary for the expression of IL-17A or neutrophil recruitment. Instead, IL-1R-signaling was associated with the activation of neutrophils in nasal tissue that displayed increased levels of the surface marker CD11b, an important receptor for the complement-opsonized phagocytosis of Spn . Our findings provide insight into the requirement for sustained neutrophil presence and activity to prevent persistent mucosal infection by a leading opportunistic mucosal pathogen. Author Summary Colonization of the upper airway by Streptococcus pneumoniae ( Spn ) is common and often asymptomatic, particularly in early life, yet prolonged colonization increases the risk of transmission and invasive disease. Despite its importance, the immune mechanisms that prevent long-term persistence of Spn in the upper airway are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated how two immune signaling pathways, the IL-17RA and IL-1R pathways, contribute to preventing persistent Spn colonization. Using a mouse model, we found that the IL-17RA pathway supports continued replenishment of neutrophils into nasal tissue by promoting expression of molecules that allow these cells to exit the bloodstream and enter the nasal tissue. In contrast, the IL-1R pathway activates neutrophils in a way that makes them more effective at clearing Spn . Loss of either pathway resulted in persistent Spn colonization, with an additive effect seen when both pathways were removed. Collectively, our results highlight how two distinct immune pathways cooperate to control pneumococcal colonization by sustaining neutrophil recruitment and function.

Abstract INTRODUCTION The genetic basis of sporadic early‐onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) remains largely unknown, prompting evaluation of late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) polygenic risk in EOAD. METHODS A LOAD polygenic score (PGS) was calculated in the Longitudinal Early‐onset Alzheimer's Disease Study (LEADS) and Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) study and tested for associations with AD risk, cognitive performance, and imaging and fluid biomarkers. RESULTS Though PGS was elevated in LOAD and EOAD, it was not a significant predictor of EOAD adjusting for APOE ε4 carrier status and was not associated with age of EOAD onset ( p = 0.106) or with cognitive performance ( p = 0.417). In LEADS, greater LOAD PGS was associated with differences in neuroimaging and fluid biomarkers, including elevated synaptosomal‐associated protein 25 (SNAP‐25) ( p = 2.3 × 10 −5 ). DISCUSSION While LOAD polygenic risk contributed minimally to EOAD onset and cognitive dysfunction, PGS association with fluid biomarkers in LEADS suggests a role for LOAD polygenic risk in EOAD pathophysiology. Highlights LOAD PGSs were elevated in both LOAD and EOAD compared to controls; however, LOAD PGS did not significantly predict EOAD risk, age at onset, or cognitive performance independent of APOE ε4 in the LEADS. Higher LOAD PGS was associated with lower amyloid PET Centiloids (less brain amyloid deposition) as well as lower CSF biomarker Aβ42 in LEADS (proxy marker suggesting higher brain amyloid deposition) in LEADS; these contradictory findings support the need for larger studies to further investigate whether LOAD PGS is associated with increased amyloid deposition in EOAD. Higher LOAD PGS was also associated with higher levels of CSF synaptosomal‐associated protein 25 (SNAP‐25), a key component of the SNARE complex, suggesting that LOAD genetic factors may contribute to dysregulation of synaptic transmission and/or pathological protein aggregation in EOAD.

ABSTRACT Neurodegenerative diseases are characterised by the assembly of a limited number of disease-specific proteins into amyloid filaments, which form intracellular inclusions or extracellular deposits in the central nervous system (CNS) 1,2 . We previously found that amyloid filaments of TATA-binding protein-associated factor 15 (TAF15) characterise a subtype of frontotemporal lobar degeneration with FET protein-immunoreactive inclusions (FTLD-FET) 3 , termed atypical FTLD with ubiquitin-positive inclusions (aFTLD-U) 4 , which causes early-onset, rapidly progressive behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (FTD). However, it was not clear if TAF15 proteinopathy was more widespread in neurodegenerative diseases. Two additional FTLD-FET subtypes have been proposed, neuronal intermediate filament inclusion body disease (NIFID) and basophilic inclusion body disease (BIBD) 5,6 , which have more heterogenous clinical presentations including FTD, motor neuron diseases (MND) and movement disorders. Here, we used electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) to determine a total of 32 amyloid filament structures from the brains of 17 individuals encompassing all three proposed subtypes of FTLD-FET and their diverse clinical presentations. All cases were characterised by TAF15 filaments, in the absence of filaments of the other FET proteins, fused in sarcoma (FUS) and Ewing’s sarcoma (EWS). All three aFTLD-U cases had the previously-reported TAF15 fold 3 . Unexpectedly, we found four distinct TAF15 folds among 11 NIFID cases. Eight of these cases shared a common fold, while the remaining three were each distinct. Furthermore, we found distinct TAF15 folds for each of the three BIBD cases. Neuropathological reassessment of the neocortical TAF15 inclusion pathology of these cases distinguished the NIFID cases with the common fold from the others. Thus, TAF15 filament structures form the basis of a new, expanded classification of FTLD-FET subtypes. Moreover, we discovered a TAF15 Y38C variant in the filament fold of one of the individuals with BIBD. The structure is unable to incorporate wild-type TAF15, despite the individual being heterozygous, suggesting that this variant drives TAF15 filament assembly. This study provides structural and genetic evidence that TAF15 amyloid filaments underlie the diverse group of neurodegenerative diseases currently termed FTLD-FET, which we therefore rename FTLD-TAF15.

TPS611 Background: GPC3 is an oncofetal protein expressed in up to 75% of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and associated with poor prognosis. Its selective expression in tumor and not in normal tissue makes it a promising target for radiopharmaceutical imaging and therapy (theranostics). The GPC3-selective diagnostic RYZ811 ([ 68 Ga]Ga-RAYZ-8009) and therapeutic α particle-emitting RYZ801 ([ 225 Ac]Ac-RAYZ-8009) are a theranostic pair. Previous studies show high uptake of RYZ811 in intrahepatic and extrahepatic HCCs, with low normal liver background uptake. In GPC3+ HCC mouse models, single administrations of RYZ801 significantly inhibited tumor growth. Methods: RYZ801-101 is a single-arm, open-label, phase 1/1b study of RYZ811 and RYZ801 in previously treated patients with GPC3+ unresectable HCC. The study has two parts: dose escalation (part 1) and dose expansion (part 2). Each part consists of two stages: RYZ811 imaging and RYZ801 treatment. The aim of imaging is to determine if RYZ811 safely and adequately identifies patients with GPC3+ tumors. The aim of treatment is to determine the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D; part 1), and preliminary antitumor activity (part 2) of RYZ801. Key eligibility criteria are: confirmed HCC; Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B or C; Child-Pugh A; ≥1 RECIST v1.1-measurable lesion (treatment stage); and disease progression after ≥1 systemic therapy in part 1 and 1 prior line in part 2. In part 1, approximately 60 patients will receive RYZ811 (185 MBq) in the imaging stage; up to 30 of these will receive escalating doses of RYZ801 (2.6–5.5 MBq × 4 doses) in the treatment stage. In part 2, approximately 80 patients will receive RYZ811 (185 MBq) in the imaging stage; up to 40 of these will receive RYZ801 at the RP2D in the treatment stage. Primary RYZ811 objectives are to assess the safety/tolerability and biodistribution of RYZ811. Secondary objectives are to determine absorbed doses (ADs) to organs and tissues and any association between RYZ811 uptake and RYZ801 efficacy. Primary RYZ801 objectives are to identify the RP2D and safety/tolerability of RYZ801. Secondary objectives are to assess PK, ADs to critical organs and tumors, and preliminary antitumor activity. Enrollment for Part 1 is ongoing in the USA. Clinical trial information: NCT06726161 .

Abstract Background The mechanisms of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with moderate septal hypertrophy (≤ 18 mm) remain uncertain with therapeutic implications. This study investigated the role of three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE)-derived myocardial mechanics in LVOTO. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 216 HCM patients with moderate septal hypertrophy, stratified into nonobstructive (n = 38), provokable LVOTO (n = 63), and resting LVOTO (n = 115). Transthoracic echocardiography assessed LV geometry, LVOT diameter, anterior mitral leaflet length, and papillary muscle abnormalities (via a composite SubMV score). 3DE-derived strain parameters, including global longitudinal (GLS), circumferential, radial, area (GAS) strain, twist, and torsion, were quantified. Determinants of LVOTO were evaluated using multivariate regression, restricted cubic splines (RCS), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results Both LVOTO subgroups showed significantly augmented strain mechanics versus nonobstructive patients, greatest in resting LVOTO (p < 0.05); twist and torsion were the strongest discriminators (p < 0.001). Multivariate regression showed that, beyond LVOT diameter and SubMV score, torsion (B = 9.47), twist (B = 1.92), and GAS (B = 1.29) independently predicted provoked LVOT gradients (all p < 0.05); RCS demonstrated nonlinear twist/torsion–LVOTO relationships, with obstruction risk rising sharply above twist = 15° and torsion = 3°/cm, especially under provocation. Torsion discriminated provokable LVOTO achieving 81% specificity (cutoff 2.4°/cm, AUC = 0.72), outperforming all structural parameters. Integrating 3DE-derived mechanics with structural metrics improved diagnostic accuracy, especially in provokable LVOTO (AUC 0.84 vs. 0.76, DeLong p = 0.003). Conclusions In moderate-hypertrophy HCM, 3DE-derived strain mechanics, especially twist and torsion, independently determine LVOTO beyond structural narrowing, particularly under provocation, strengthening mechanistic insight and clinical applicability.

Abstract Background The tau PET imaging with 18F‐flortacipir (18F‐FTP) has focused interest in accurately tracking longitudinal tau changes in Alzheimer's disease [1]. Thus, minimizing variability is critical. Off‐target signal has the potential to complicate interpretation of tau‐PET imaging due to potential spillover or bleed‐in effects, with increased effects seen in later stages of Alzheimer's due to cerebral atrophy and proximity of off‐target areas to relevant cortical areas[2]. Previously, we demonstrated the effect of uptake period activity on 18F‐FTP signal. With increasing recent interest in demographic factors that may affect off‐target binding, we investigated the effect of age in extra‐cerebral off‐target signal in 18F‐FTP PET imaging. Method Standard 18F‐FTP PET protocol was performed in 330 participants. Two independent readers measured tau uptake in predetermined off‐target regions, including extraocular muscle, meninges, and occipital bone among others. Linear regression models assessed the relationship between participants’ age, sex, and tau uptake values (SUV and SUVr) (SUV = (Tissue radioactivity concentration / Injected dose) / Body weight & SUVr = SUV of target region/ SUV of reference region.) Result Sex had a significant effect on off‐target signal in most brain regions, with variable positive or negative correlation based on area. Notably, SUV in the eyeball‐retina, occipital bone, upper skull meninges all showed significant positive correlation with sex, with ‘male’ status generally associated with lower SUV. The greatest effect of sex was observed in superior skull meninges, occipital bone, and internal carotid artery ( p <0.001). Age showed minimally affected SUV and SUVr in off‐target regions. SUVr values show a significant correlation with SUV values of upper skull meninges in sex. Cognitive status did not significantly affect off‐target SUV. Conclusion We observed that sex significantly affected extra‐brain off‐target signal in 18F‐FTP PET imaging, while age has minimal effect, adding to previous evidence of off‐target binding within brain regions. Further evaluation is necessary to understand the age‐related effects on off‐target regions. As a result, the variability introduced by sex may pose challenges to studying tau accumulation.