In this brief review we discuss the potential reasons underlying and follow up of patients who have a positive non-endoscopic swallowable cell collection device+biomarker (such as TFF3) test but no evidence of Barrett’s esophagus on endoscopy. We discuss the potential role of careful examination of the gastroesophageal junction and targeted biopsies of any visible lesions, as well endoscopic follow up in 3-5 years in the absence of any alarm symptoms. Considerations of the use of new technologies such as wide area transepithelial sampling in this situation are also discussed.
A Patient With Risk Factors for Barrett’s Esophagus (BE) Undergoes Screening With a Cellular Collection Device
Minimally invasive esophageal cellular collection devices such as the Capsule Sponge may offer the potential for targeted screening of high-risk patients. The capsule sponge has been shown to be a safe, accurate and effective means of detecting Barrett’s esophagus. Here, we explore two potential real-life scenarios that could occur in a future screening or case finding programme. Firstly, when the capsule sponge test result is positive but confirmatory endoscopy demonstrates <1cm of columnar epithelium and secondly when subsequent endoscopy identifies gastric intestinal neoplasia. We discuss the clinical implication of the result and suggest how these patients could potentially be followed up in the future.
Advances in IOL calculations in patients with keratoconus
Keratoconus is a progressive ectatic corneal disease characterized by corneal thinning, steepening, and irregular astigmatism, presenting unique challenges for intraocular lens (IOL) calculations in cataract surgery. The use of traditional formulas for IOL calculations in eyes with keratoconus frequently leads to significant refractive prediction errors, often resulting in a hyperopic shift, which can lead to suboptimal outcomes and reduced patient satisfaction. This review examines the impact of keratoconus on IOL calculations and highlights recent advancements in formulas specifically designed for eyes with keratoconus, particularly the Barrett True-K and the Kane Keratoconus formulas. We assess the effectiveness of these formulas based on the current literature and provide clinical recommendations aimed at improving surgical outcomes in this complex patient group.
Artificial Intelligence‐assisted Endoscopy and Examiner Confidence: A Study on Human–Artificial Intelligence Interaction in Barrett's Esophagus (With Video)
ABSTRACT Objective Despite high stand‐alone performance, studies demonstrate that artificial intelligence (AI)‐supported endoscopic diagnostics often fall short in clinical applications due to human‐AI interaction factors. This video‐based trial on Barrett's esophagus aimed to investigate how examiner behavior, their levels of confidence, and system usability influence the diagnostic outcomes of AI‐assisted endoscopy. Methods The present analysis employed data from a multicenter randomized controlled tandem video trial involving 22 endoscopists with varying degrees of expertise. Participants were tasked with evaluating a set of 96 endoscopic videos of Barrett's esophagus in two distinct rounds, with and without AI assistance. Diagnostic confidence levels were recorded, and decision changes were categorized according to the AI prediction. Additional surveys assessed user experience and system usability ratings. Results AI assistance significantly increased examiner confidence levels ( p < 0.001) and accuracy. Withdrawing AI assistance decreased confidence ( p < 0.001), but not accuracy. Experts consistently reported higher confidence than non‐experts ( p < 0.001), regardless of performance. Despite improved confidence, correct AI guidance was disregarded in 16% of all cases, and 9% of initially correct diagnoses were changed to incorrect ones. Overreliance on AI, algorithm aversion, and uncertainty in AI predictions were identified as key factors influencing outcomes. The System Usability Scale questionnaire scores indicated good to excellent usability, with non‐experts scoring 73.5 and experts 85.6. Conclusions Our findings highlight the pivotal function of examiner behavior in AI‐assisted endoscopy. To fully realize the benefits of AI, implementing explainable AI, improving user interfaces, and providing targeted training are essential. Addressing these factors could enhance diagnostic accuracy and confidence in clinical practice.
339 | OUTCOMES IN AN INTERNATIONAL MULTICENTRE STUDY OF 600 PATIENTS WITH CNS RELAPSE OF LARGE B CELL LYMPHOMA: COMPARTMENT OF RELAPSE IS PROGNOSTIC
Efficacy and CNS results from a randomized subset of the phase 2 SAVANNAH study comparing savolitinib (savo) + osimertinib (osi) combination with savo + placebo (PBO).
8513 Background: The MET pathway is a known mediator of EGFR-TKI resistance and represents a therapeutic vulnerability to select MET-TKIs. Savo is an oral, highly selective MET-TKI that, when combined with osi, has the potential to overcome MET-driven resistance after progressive disease (PD) on osi. The Phase 2 SAVANNAH study has demonstrated clinically meaningful activity with the combination of savo + osi in patients (pts) with EGFR-mutated (EGFRm) advanced NSCLC and MET overexpression/amplification (NCT03778229). Isolating the efficacy of savo in the use of savo + osi is a key question for this combination. Methods: A subset of SAVANNAH included eligible pts who had EGFRm advanced NSCLC with MET overexpression (IHC 3+ intensity in ≥90% of tumor cells [IHC3+/≥90%]) and/or amplification (≥10 MET gene copies by FISH [FISH10+]) after PD on first-line (1L) osi; asymptomatic stable brain metastases (treated/untreated) were allowed. Pts were randomized 2:1 (double-blind) to savo 300 mg BID + osi 80 mg QD, or savo 300 mg BID + PBO (stratified by investigator [INV] assessed baseline [BL] brain metastases [yes/no]), until INV-assessed PD per RECIST 1.1. Brain imaging occurred at BL and PD; pts with brain metastases were re-imaged at each tumor assessment to PD. Endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), duration of response (DoR), and progression-free survival (PFS) by BICR and INV; CNS PFS, and presence/absence of CNS lesions at PD by BICR. Results: Overall, 73 pts were randomized (savo + osi n=48; savo + PBO n=25). At BL, median age: 67 vs 65 years, female: 73% vs 64%, White: 73% vs 52% in the savo + osi and savo + PBO arms, respectively. Efficacy outcomes (ORR, DoR, and PFS) were higher with savo + osi than savo + PBO (Table). CNS PFS events by CNS BICR occurred in 5/14 (36% savo + osi) and 2/4 pts (50% savo + PBO). In pts without BL brain metastases, none of the 13 pts (savo + osi) with RECIST PD by BICR had a new CNS lesion; 6/11 pts in the savo + PBO arm developed a new CNS lesion. Conclusions: In EGFRm advanced NSCLC with MET IHC3+/≥90% and/or FISH10+ status after PD on 1L osi, efficacy of savo 300 mg BID + osi was numerically greater than savo + PBO and showed promising CNS activity. To date, this is one of the largest randomized data sets presented evaluating an oral MET-TKI in EGFRm NSCLC. Efficacy findings from SAVANNAH suggest that targeting both EGFR and MET is key and support further investigation of savo + osi and CNS activity in the Phase 3 SAFFRON study. Clinical trial information: NCT03778229 . Assessment Savo + osi (n=48) Savo + placebo (n=25) ORR, % (95% CI) BICR 58 (43, 72) 16 (5, 36) INV 54 (39, 69) 24 (9, 45) DoR, mo, median (95% CI) BICR 11.8 (6.0, NC) 4.5 (2.6, NC) INV 8.0 (4.9, 11.7) 4.2 (2.6, NC) PFS, mo, median (95% CI) BICR 8.3 (5.8, 15.1) 3.6 (1.4, 5.7) INV 7.6 (5.6, 11.0) 2.7 (1.4, 4.1) BICR, blinded independent central review; CI, confidence interval; mo, months; NC, not calculable.
Cardiac amyloidosis detection from a single echocardiographic video clip: a novel artificial intelligence-based screening tool
Abstract Background and Aims Accurate differentiation of cardiac amyloidosis (CA) from phenotypic mimics remains challenging using current clinical and echocardiographic techniques. The accuracy of a novel artificial intelligence (AI) screening algorithm for echocardiography-based CA detection was assessed. Methods Utilizing a multisite, multiethnic dataset (n = 2612, 52% CA), a convolutional neural network was trained to differentiate CA from phenotypic controls using transthoracic apical four-chamber video clips. External validation was conducted globally across 18 sites including 597 CA cases and 2122 controls. Classification accuracy was assessed on the entire external validation dataset, and subgroup analyses were performed both on technetium pyrophosphate scintigraphy referrals, and individuals matched for age, sex, and wall thickness. Model accuracy was also compared with the transthyretin CA score and the increased wall thickness score within a subset of older heart failure with preserved ejection fraction patients with increased wall thickness. Results Cardiac amyloidosis patients and controls displayed similar age, sex, race, and comorbidities. After the removal of uncertain AI predictions (13%), model discrimination and classification were excellent for the entire external validation dataset [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) 0.93, sensitivity 85%, specificity 93%], irrespective of CA subtype (sensitivity: light-chain = 84%, wild-type transthyretin = 85%, and hereditary transthyretin = 86%). Performance was maintained in subgroup analysis in patients clinically referred for technetium pyrophosphate scintigraphy imaging (AUROC 0.86, sensitivity 77%, specificity 86%) and matched patients (AUROC 0.92, sensitivity 84%, specificity 91%). The AI model (AUROC 0.93) also outperformed transthyretin CA score (AUROC 0.73) and increased wall thickness (AUROC 0.80) scores. Conclusions This AI screening model—using only an apical four-chamber view—effectively differentiated CA from other causes of increased left ventricular wall thickness.
Contemporary Biology, Management, and Outcomes of Renal Medullary Carcinoma in Children and Adults: A Pediatric Surgical Oncology Research Collaborative Study
ABSTRACTBackgroundRenal medullary carcinoma (RMC) is an aggressive tumor associated with sickle cell trait. Despite treatment advances for other rare renal tumors, RMC survival remains poor. We aimed to describe the contemporary management and survival of children and adults with RMC.ProcedureIn this multicenter retrospective cohort study, Pediatric Surgical Oncology Research Collaborative sites searched their databases for patients diagnosed with RMC (2000–2022). Descriptive statistics were calculated and survival analyses performed using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression.ResultsThirty‐four patients with RMC were identified. Median age was 19 years (IQR: 15–28; range: 7–52). Most were male (24/34; 71%), Black (27/32; 84%), had sickle cell trait or disease (30/33; 91%), presented with metastatic disease (27/34; 79%), and were symptomatic at presentation (32/34; 94%). Median overall survival (OS) was 24 months from diagnosis (16 months for children, 28 months for adults, p = 0.6). Receipt of platinum‐based chemotherapy (23/34; 68%) was associated with significantly higher OS than other regimens (35 vs. 5 months, p < 0.001). Nephrectomy (24/34; 71%) was associated with significantly improved OS compared with non‐operative management (34 vs. 7 months, p = 0.001). Immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation therapy were not associated with significant differences in OS, nor were age, sex, race, sickle cell status, SMARCB1/INI‐1, stage, nephrectomy approach, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, gross residual disease, margins, or tumor size.ConclusionsRMC survival remains poor despite newer therapies. Nephrectomy and platinum‐based chemotherapy should be considered in locally advanced and metastatic disease. Coordinated international cooperative group studies are needed to meaningfully improve RMC survival.
Sex differences in prodromal dementia with Lewy bodies using the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center data
AbstractINTRODUCTIONMales are disproportionately represented in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Little is known regarding sex differences in cognitive, neuropsychiatric, and motor features of the prodromal stage of DLB.METHODSWe used National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center longitudinal data to examine cognitive, neuropsychiatric, and motor features in 120 males and 23 females 2 years prior to a clinical diagnosis of DLB.RESULTSMales were more likely than females to present with two or more core DLB clinical features 2 years prior to obtaining a diagnosis of dementia. Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, cognitive fluctuations, bradykinesia, and rigidity were more common in males than females. Neuropsychological test performance was similar between groups.DISCUSSIONIn prodromal DLB, males exhibit a greater number of core features than females. Core DLB features may fall short in identifying females at risk. Additional work is needed to better understand the clinical profile of prodromal DLB in females.Highlights There are sex differences in the presentation and course of neurodegenerative disease. Findings from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set suggest there are sex differences in prodromal DLB symptoms. Females were less likely to demonstrate core clinical features of DLB prior to dementia diagnosis. This information can help inform clinical diagnostic criteria for prodromal DLB.