Citations

This JAMA Clinical Guidelines Synopsis summarizes the American College of Gastroenterology’s (ACG) 2025 clinical guideline update on management of ulcerative colitis in adults.

PURPOSE Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer. Early-stage, high-risk patients with TNBC are treated with chemotherapy and pembrolizumab per the KEYNOTE-522 regimen. This report examines real-world clinical effectiveness and toxicity of this regimen. METHODS This 19-site retrospective analysis included all patients who received at least one dose of the KEYNOTE-522 regimen. Safety, efficacy, and health care encounters were collected. RESULTS 675 patients from 19 sites in the United States who received chemotherapy and pembrolizumab for early-stage TNBC were included. 547 (81.0%) patients underwent surgery and 250 (54.7%) patients had a pathologic complete response (pCR). No baseline characteristics were predictive of pCR status. 224 patients (33.2%) had an adverse drug event resulting in ≥1 dose reduction of chemotherapy and were significantly more likely to have residual disease. Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) were observed in 388 (57.5%) patients and grade 3+ irAEs were observed in 176 (26.1%) patients. There was no difference in pCR status between provider's choice chemotherapy schedules. There was no difference of pCR rate between Black and White patients (55.6% v 51.6%, P = .489). White patients were significantly more likely to have any grade and grade 3+ irAEs. Older patients (age ≥65 years) had similar pCR rates compared with younger patients; however, older patients were significantly more likely to have grade 3+ irAEs. CONCLUSIONS In this multi-institutional real-world cohort, we observed a lower pCR rate, higher rates of toxicity, frequent emergency health care utilization, and the reporting of rare irAEs at higher frequency than the KEYNOTE-522 regimen. These findings have important implications for clinical management of patients with early-stage TNBC and warrant further validation with real-world data sets.

Abstract Background and Aims Patients with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) are at risk for potentially life-threatening arrhythmic events (AEs) even while treated with β-blockers. The aim was to develop a model for individualized prediction of AEs in patients with RYR2-mediated CPVT on β-blocker monotherapy. Methods The derivation and independent validation cohorts included 743 and 129 patients, respectively. AEs were defined as arrhythmic syncope, appropriate implantable cardioverter–defibrillator shock, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), and sudden cardiac death. Near-fatal or fatal AEs (nf/fAEs) included all AEs except for arrhythmic syncope. Prediction models using Cox regression were developed and internally and externally validated. Results A total of 102 (13.7%) patients in the derivation cohort and 24 (18.6%) patients in the validation cohort experienced ≥1 AE over a median follow-up of 5.1 [interquartile range (IQR), 7.7] and 2.4 (IQR, 4.4) years, respectively. Predictors of AE were arrhythmic syncope or SCA prior to diagnosis and age at β-blocker initiation. In the derivation and validation cohorts, the optimism-corrected C-indices of the models for AE were 0.67 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62–0.72] and 0.59 (95% CI 0.48–0.71), respectively. For nf/fAEs, ventricular arrhythmia severity before β-blocker initiation was a fourth independent predictor, and C-indices of the models in the derivation and validation cohorts were 0.74 (95% CI 0.68–0.80) and 0.60 (95% CI 0.47–0.72), respectively. In the derivation cohort, calibration slopes were 1.00 (95% CI 0.59–1.41) for AE and 1.00 (95% CI 0.69–1.32) for nf/fAE. Conclusions These externally validated risk prediction models using clinical parameters accurately distinguished CPVT patients on β-blocker monotherapy at low and high risk for future AEs while treated with β-blockers. These models provide guidance for implementation of clinical management therapies to prevent AEs in patients with CPVT.

Abstract Background and Aims Truncating variants in the TTN gene (TTNtv) are the most common genetic cause of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) but also occur as incidental findings in the general population. This study investigated factors associated with the clinical manifestation of TTNtv. Methods An international multicentre retrospective observational study was performed in families with TTNtv-related DCM. Shared frailty models were used to estimate associations of variant characteristics with lifetime risk of DCM, and logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for individual-level clinical risk factor profiles (cardiac conditions, cardiovascular comorbidities, lifestyle) and DCM. Results A total of 3158 subjects in 1043 families with TTNtv-related DCM were studied. TTNtv-positive subjects were 21-fold more likely to develop DCM [OR, 21.21; 95% confidence interval (CI), 14.80–30.39]. Disease onset was earlier in males, but was similar for TTNtv of different types and locations. The presence of clinical risk factors was associated with earlier DCM onset (OR, 3.41; 95% CI, 2.06–5.64), with a prior history of atrial fibrillation having a two-fold increased odds of DCM (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.27–3.32). The prevalence of clinical risk factors increased with age; however, the strength of the DCM association was greatest for young-onset (<30 years) disease (OR, 4.75; 95% CI, 2.35–9.60). Administration of beta-adrenergic receptor or renin-angiotensin system-blocking drugs prior to overt DCM was associated with 87% reduced odds of DCM (OR, .13; 95% CI, .08–.23). Conclusions Disease onset in TTNtv-associated familial DCM is dependent on individual patient context and is potentially modifiable by risk factor management and prophylactic therapeutic intervention.

The NCCN Guidelines for Head and Neck Cancers address tumors arising in the oral cavity (including mucosal lip), pharynx, larynx, and paranasal sinuses, as well as occult primary cancer, salivary gland cancer, and mucosal melanoma (MM). The specific site of disease, stage, and pathologic findings guide treatment (eg, the appropriate surgical procedure, radiation targets, dose and fractionation of radiation, indications for systemic therapy). The NCCN Head and Neck Cancers Panel meets at least annually to review comments from reviewers within their institutions, examine relevant new data from publications and abstracts, and reevaluate and update their recommendations. These NCCN Guidelines Insights summarize the panel’s most recent recommendations regarding management of nasopharynx cancer and ongoing research in this area.

Abstract Abstract Title: Real-world analysis comparing Black and White patients with triple-negative breast cancer receiving therapy per KEYNOTE-522 Background: KEYNOTE-522 was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial which resulted in the FDA approval of pembrolizumab with neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with newly diagnosed, high-risk, early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Despite the significant improvement in pathological complete response (pCR) and event-free survival rates across all patients, the landmark trial included only 4.5% Black patients. It is essential to assess outcomes in representative treatment populations. We assessed real-world toxicity and treatment outcomes across Black and White patients who received standard-of-care treatment per KEYNOTE-522. Methods: In this retrospective, multicenter study, we examined patients with early-stage TNBC who received planned treatment per KEYNOTE-522 as standard-of-care (SOC) therapy. 16 sites were included in the analysis. IRB approval was obtained from each participating site. Number and length of treatment delays, treatment-related toxicities (both chemotherapy and immune-related) of all grades, and pCR rate were collected from the electronic medical record of each participating site, and deidentified data were shared for central analysis. Results: Of the 577 patients who initiated treatment with chemotherapy and immunotherapy, 534 patients were included in this analysis with 105 patients who self-identified as Black (19.7%) and 429 who self-identified as White (80.3%). There were no statistically significant differences in clinical and pathological characteristics between the two groups. White women were more likely to have grade 3+ immune-related adverse events (irAEs) compared to Black women (33.8% vs 20.9%, P=0.011). There was no significant difference across Black and White patients with respect to grade 3+ chemotherapy-related adverse events. Out of the 444 patients who have completed surgery, no difference in pCR rate was observed between Black and White women (45/86 52.3% vs 200/358 55.9%) (p = 0.6). The authors also saw no difference in the rates of hospitalizations between Black and White women (39% vs 36% p = 0.5), and rates of acute care utilization (38% vs 38% p = 0.9). Conclusions: We report safety and efficacy across Black and White women in a real-world analysis of patients who received treatment per KEYNOTE-522. Notably, White patients had a significantly higher frequency of grade 3+ irAEs, although the reason for this finding is unclear based on this analysis. Black patients had similar pCR rates and rates of treatment-related hospitalizations compared to White patients. Assessment of outcomes and toxicity by race in clinical trials and real-world analyses are critical in drug development. Citation Format: Mara Hofherr, Andrew Davis, Spenser January, Emily Owen, Farah Raheem, Lida A. Mina, Suganya Arunachalam Karikalan, Lauren Lyons, Meredith Watson Rose, Katherine Madden, Jerline Hsin, Aimee Keegan, Wai Yu, Shawna Kraft, Allison Schepers, Emily Armgardt, Douglas Mazewski, Alison Svoboda, Kayla Harwood, Jodi Taraba, Yonatan Resnick, Shelly Hummert, Lisa Grate, Sidney Keisner, Jacob Hobbs, Todd Davis, Kristin Bastian, Dawn Minikel, Wiliam Adler, Traci White, Avneek Singh Sandu, Fouad Boulbol, Kelsey Finch, Katherine Clifton. Real-world analysis comparing Black and White patients with triple-negative breast cancer receiving therapy per KEYNOTE-522 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PS14-02.

Abstract Title: Real-world analysis of adverse events in patients with triple-negative breast cancer receiving therapy per KEYNOTE-522 Background: KEYNOTE-522 was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial which resulted in the FDA approval of pembrolizumab with neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients (pts) with newly diagnosed, high-risk, early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Given the improvement in pathological complete response (pCR) and event-free survival rates, this regimen has emerged as standard-of-care (SOC) therapy. To date, real world outcome analyses are limited. Methods: In this retrospective, multicenter study, we examined pts with early-stage TNBC who received planned treatment per KEYNOTE-522 as SOC. 16 sites were included in the analysis. IRB approval was obtained from each participating site. Number and length of treatment delays, treatment related toxicities (both chemotherapy and immune-related) of all grades, and pCR rate were collected from the electronic medical record of each participating site, and deidentified data were shared for central analysis. Results: 577 pts were included in this analysis. The median age of the cohort was 52 [range 27-77]. 457 pts had T1-2 disease and 139 had T3-4 disease. 316 pts had N0 disease and 261 had N1-3 disease. 506 pts had baseline ECOG 0, 62 had ECOG 1, and 9 had ECOG 2-3. Of the 482 patients who had surgery at the time of this analysis, 219 patients had pCR (54.5%) and 192 pts were still receiving treatment. 217 patients (37%) had an adverse drug event (ADE) causing dose reductions and 228 patients (39.5%) had to discontinue treatment early. There were 360 unplanned care visits, with 91 patients having 2+ visits. 66 patients had hospitalizations due to the regimen with 102 total hospitalizations. 179 (31%) of patients had grade 3+ immune related adverse events (irAEs), including many that are rare and potentially serious. 317 (54%) had an immune related adverse effect (see Table 1). There was no significant difference in the frequency of grade 3+ irAE based on age or body mass index. We observed no difference in residual disease between patients who discontinued treatment early and those who did not. However, if patients had an ADR causing a dose reduction, pts were significantly more likely to have residual disease (P=0.039) Conclusions: In a multicenter real-world analysis, the KEYNOTE-522 regimen was associated with a high frequency of dose reductions, early treatment discontinuations, ER visits, and hospitalizations. This may have accounted for a lower pCR rate than observed in the landmark clinical trial. Most grade 3+ irAEs occurred at greater frequency in our real-world analysis. Providers should carefully monitor for toxicity to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Table 1 Citation Format: Mara Hofherr, Katherine Clifton, Spenser January, Emily Owen, Farah Raheem, Lida A. Mina, Suganya Arunachalam Karikalan, Lauren Lyons, Meredith Watson Rose, Katherine Madden, Jerline Hsin, Aimee Keegan, Wai Yu, Shawna Kraft, Allison Schepers, Emily Armgardt, Douglas Mazewski, Alison Svoboda, Kayla Harwood, Jodi Taraba, Yonatan Resnick, Shelly Hummert, Lisa Grate, Sidney Keisner, Jacob Hobbs, Todd Davis, Kristin Bastian, Dawn Minikel, Traci White, William Adler, Avneek Singh Sandu, Fouad Boulbol, Kelsey Finch, Andrew Davis. Real-World Analysis of Adverse Events in Patients with Triple Negative Breast Cancer Receiving Therapy per KEYNOTE-522 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PS14-06.

BACKGROUND: In severely affected patients with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, beta-blockers are often insufficiently protective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether flecainide is associated with a lower incidence of arrhythmic events (AEs) when added to beta-blockers in a large cohort of patients with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. METHODS: From 2 international registries, this multicenter case cross-over study included patients with a clinical or genetic diagnosis of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia in whom flecainide was added to beta-blocker therapy. The study period was defined as the period in which background therapy (ie, beta-blocker type [beta1-selective or nonselective]), left cardiac sympathetic denervation, and implantable cardioverter defibrillator treatment status, remained unchanged within individual patients and was divided into pre-flecainide and on-flecainide periods. The primary end point was AEs, defined as sudden cardiac death, sudden cardiac arrest, appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator shock, and arrhythmic syncope. The association of flecainide with AE rates was assessed using a generalized linear mixed model assuming negative binomial distribution and random effects for patients. RESULTS: A total of 247 patients (123 [50%] females; median age at start of flecainide, 18 years [interquartile range, 14–29]; median flecainide dose, 2.2 mg/kg per day [interquartile range, 1.7–3.1]) were included. At baseline, all patients used a beta-blocker, 70 (28%) had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, and 21 (9%) had a left cardiac sympathetic denervation. During a median pre-flecainide follow-up of 2.1 years (interquartile range, 0.4–7.2), 41 patients (17%) experienced 58 AEs (annual event rate, 5.6%). During a median on-flecainide follow-up of 2.9 years (interquartile range, 1.0–6.0), 23 patients (9%) experienced 38 AEs (annual event rate, 4.0%). There were significantly fewer AEs after initiation of flecainide (incidence rate ratio, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.38–0.83]; P =0.007). Among patients who were symptomatic before diagnosis or during the pre-flecainide period (n=167), flecainide was associated with significantly fewer AEs (incidence rate ratio, 0.49 [95% CI, 0.31–0.77]; P =0.002). Among patients with ≥1 AE on beta-blocker therapy (n=41), adding flecainide was also associated with significantly fewer AEs (incidence rate ratio, 0.25 [95% CI, 0.14–0.45]; P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: For patients with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, adding flecainide to beta-blocker therapy was associated with a lower incidence of AEs in the overall cohort, in symptomatic patients, and particularly in patients with breakthrough AEs while on beta-blocker therapy.

Though specific growth rate (SGR) has potential prognostic value for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), there is sparse literature defining these rates. Our aims were to establish the SGRs of primary tumors (PTs) and lymph nodes (LNs) in OPSCC and to correlate SGR with oncologic outcome. A pilot study was designed with a retrospective analysis examining 54 patients from the University of California, Davis with OPSCC (diagnosed 2012–2019). Radiation oncology software and pretreatment serial CT scans were used to measure PT and LN volumes to calculate SGR and doubling time (DT). The mean PT-SGR was 1.2 ± 2.2%/day and the mean LN-SGR was 1.6 ± 1.9%/day. There was no statistically significant difference between slow-growing and fast-growing cohorts in terms of age, gender, smoking status, tumor subsite, HPV status (as determined with p16 staining), initial volume, or overall stage. SGR had no impact on 2-year overall survival, disease-free survival, or disease-specific survival. We found the average daily growth rates for OPSCC to be 1.2%/day and 1.6%/day. Our findings suggest PT- and LN-SGR are independent factors, not heavily influenced by known biomarkers and patient characteristics, without a statistical impact on prognosis. This information has value in patient counseling regarding tumor growth and in providing patients worried about fast-growing tumors the appropriate reassurance.

Abstract Antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) recognizing the acetyltransferase (E2) of the pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) complex have been previously well-documented and the immunodominant epitope mapped. In this study, we demonstrate that sera from patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) react with another lipoic acid containing acyltransferase enzyme, namely the E2 of the branched chain alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase (BCKD) complex. Indeed, 85/120 (71%) sera from patients with PBC reacted with BCKD-E2 by immunoblotting against purified BCKD complex. In contrast, sera from patients with chronic active hepatitis or progressive sclerosing cholangitis as well as sera from healthy volunteers did not react with any component enzymes of the BCKD complex. More importantly, BCKD enzyme activity was inhibited after incubation of the BCKD complex with either PBC sera against BCKD-E2 or with affinity purified antisera to BCKD-E2. Enzyme activity was unaltered by control sera or with PBC sera that reacted with PDH-E2 but not BCKD-E2. Furthermore, immunoblots of purified mitochondria probed with PBC sera absorbed with BCKD-E2 demonstrated that BCKD-E2 and PDH-E2 are each recognized by distinct AMA populations which do not cross-react. In addition, affinity purified PBC sera against BCKD-E2 did not react with PDH-E2 nor inhibit PDH enzyme activity, thus providing further evidence that BCKD-E2 and PDH-E2 are recognized by separate AMA. These data further suggest that the BCKD-E2 epitope recognized by AMA contains, or is close to, a functional domain of this enzyme. The availability of cDNA clones encoding BCKD-E2 and PDH-E2 will allow the study of how key metabolic enzymes may be involved in the immunology and pathology of PBC.