Citations

Objective Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe treatment‐resistant epilepsy. Although vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS) are established therapies, comparative data and the impact of dual neuromodulation remain limited. We compared seizure outcomes across VNS, DBS, and combined DBS + VNS therapy in LGS. Methods This retrospective cohort study at Mayo Clinic (2005–2024) included LGS patients treated with VNS and/or DBS . Seizure frequency was assessed at 6, 12, and 24 months post‐stimulation. Responder was defined as 50% or more seizure reduction. Results Forty patients were included (42% female, median, 150 seizures/month). Eleven patients underwent sequential VNS followed by DBS and contributed data to 2 treatment epochs, yielding 3 treatment groups: VNS alone (n = 29), DBS alone (n = 12), and DBS + VNS (n = 10). At 24 months, median seizure reduction rate was comparable between VNS (50%; 95% confidence interval [ CI], 44–75%) and the overall DBS cohort (59%, 95% CI, 33–86%) ( p = 0.54). However, a significant difference emerged when comparing the 3 treatment arms ( p = 0.027). Specifically, DBS + VNS therapy yielded significantly greater median reduction rate (81%, 95% CI, 60–99%) than DBS alone (43%, 95% CI, 0–58%) ( p adj = 0.027) or VNS alone (50%, 95% CI, 44.4–75.0%) ( p adj = 0.048). Four patients attained sustained seizure freedom above 1 year at last follow‐up. Interpretation VNS and DBS provide comparable seizure reduction in LGS over a 2‐year follow‐up period. DBS + VNS was associated with further improvements in seizure reduction in this small, retrospective dataset. This possibility warrants further investigation. ANN NEUROL 2026

Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a complex disorder of gut-brain interaction, with heterogeneous symptoms, no available biomarkers and limited pathogenetic insight. Objective To identify genetic risk factors and actionable mechanisms for future clinical translation in IBS. Design We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis of IBS in 2 775 539 individuals from 22 biobanks. IBS genetics was studied across multiple ancestries, different case definitions and symptom-related subtypes. Heritability and genetic correlations with other traits were estimated, and Mendelian randomisation was used to test causal relationships. GWAS data were functionally annotated and fine-mapped to prioritise tissues, cell types, pathways, candidate genes, specific mechanisms and druggable targets. Results Significant heritability was only detected in individuals of European ancestry, with near-identical genetic architecture across case definitions. Genetic correlations with GI, psychiatric and cardiometabolic traits were observed, including causal relationships with triglyceride (TG) levels. Functional annotation of IBS risk loci highlighted cell types and pathways relevant to brain, enteric neuro-glial and cardiometabolic domains, as well as actionable targets like GCKR, a regulator of TG metabolism. Druggability analyses converged on cardiometabolic mechanisms, including TG modulation. IBS polygenic risk scores were derived and showed a significant association with case status in an independent case-control dataset, supporting further evaluation in external population-based and clinically ascertained cohorts. Conclusions This study provides the most comprehensive assessment of IBS genetics to date, demonstrating reproducible polygenic inheritance. We link IBS risk to convergent neurogastrointestinal and novel cardiometabolic mechanisms, highlight specific biological pathways and actionable mechanisms and outline translational opportunities emerging from integrated computational analyses.

Study Design. Post hoc analysis of prospectively-collected data. Objective. To identify factors predicting the most (and least) satisfaction following surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Summary of Background Data. Patient satisfaction affects long-term outcomes after surgery but the preoperative factors that influence postoperative satisfaction have not been well studied in patients with CSM. Methods. We conducted a post hoc analysis of prospectively-collected data from the Quality Outcomes Database (QOD) CSM registry cohort. Baseline and surgical characteristics were compared for patients with CSM reporting the most [North American Spine Society Satisfaction Score (NASS) 1] and least (NASS 4) satisfaction 24 months postoperatively. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed using backward stepwise elimination to determine significant predictors of most versus least satisfaction. Twenty-four-month patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were compared. Results. Overall, 1141 patients were prospectively enrolled with 948 (83.1%) reaching 24-month follow-up. Of these, 699 met prespecified inclusion criteria: 610 (87.3%) were most satisfied and 89 (12.7%) were least satisfied. Though there were mean improvements in all 24-month PROs for the most satisfied cohort ( P <0.001), there were no significant improvements in 24-month PROs for the least satisfied cohort ( P >0.05). Using multivariable logistic regression modeling, a preoperative symptom of upper extremity weakness (OR=2.5, P =0.003), subjective myelopathy (OR=2.0, P =0.04), absence of numbness complaints (OR=2.2, P =0.003), symptom duration under 12 months (OR=1.6, P =0.047), Caucasian race (OR=2.3, P =0.001), participation in activities outside of the home (OR=2.0, P =0.04), anterior approach (OR=2.3, P <0.001), and higher baseline quality of life (OR=4.0, P =0.01) were predictive of the most satisfaction. Conclusion. Compared with the least satisfied, those most satisfied following surgery for CSM more often had a preoperative symptom of arm weakness, subjective myelopathy, the absence of numbness complaints, symptom duration under 12 months, higher baseline quality of life, and participation in activities outside of the home. Compared with a posterior approach, an anterior approach was associated with the most satisfaction. Taken together, early surgical treatment--before myelopathic symptoms significantly impact one's quality of life--may be considered to optimize patient satisfaction following CSM surgery.

4514 Background: Maintenance avelumab is a standard of care in patients (pts) with la/mUC who do not progress after first-line PBC. Cabozantinib (CABO) is an oral inhibitor of MET, VEGFR and TAM, active in multiple solid tumors. We hypothesized that an avelumab (Av)-CABO combination would improve outcomes in pts with mUC with an acceptable safety profile compared to avelumab maintenance alone. Methods: MAIN-CAV (NCT05092958) is a phase III randomized, multicenter, international trial for la/mUC pts who did not progress after 4-6 cycles of any PBC (gemcitabine-cisplatin, gemcitabine-carboplatin, MVAC, ddMVAC). Pts were randomized 1:1 to Av 800 mg IV every 2 weeks alone or with CABO 40 mg daily for ≤2 years. Stratification factors were response to first-line PBC (complete response [CR] vs partial response [PR] vs stable disease [SD]) and visceral metastases. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS); secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), safety and quality of life. The target accrual was 654 pts; the trial closed early after enrollment of 68 pts following adoption of enfortumab vedotin plus pembrolizumab as the new preferred first-line standard in the US. Results: From 3/2022 to 3/2024, 68 pts were randomized (Av n = 33; CABO-Av n = 35). Median OS was 24.8 months (mo) with Av and 23.0 mo with Avb-CABO (Hazard ratio 1.41; 95% CI 0.66–3.01; p = 0.186). Median PFS was 4.6 mo with Av vs 6.0 mo with Av-CABO (p = 0.343). Objective response rate among pts with PR or SD after first-line PBC was 20.8% with Av vs 11.5% with Av-CABO (p = 0.424). Grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 24.2% pts on the Av arm vs 39.4% of pts on the Av-CABO arm and CABO dose reductions occurred in 63% of pts. Conclusions: Addition of CABO to Av did not improve OS or PFS compared with Av alone in this underpowered, prematurely closed phase III trial; safety was consistent with known profiles. U10CA180821,U10CA180882; U24CA196171, U10CA180863. (CCTG);U10CA180888 (SWOG); https://acknowledgments.alliancefound.org. Clinical trial information: NCT05092958 .

Abstract Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) with HER2-targeted agents is the standard treatment for patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer (HER2 + EBC). Although high levels of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are associated with higher pathologic complete response (pCR) rates and improved recurrence-free survival (RFS), the specific immune components responsible remain unclear. In this study, pretreatment tumor biopsies from 188 patients receiving HER2-targeted NAT were analyzed. Univariate analysis revealed that enrichment of TIL-B cells in tumors, high HER2 mRNA and low ESR1 mRNA expression were linked to pCR (both p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis confirmed TIL-B-cell enrichment as an independent predictor of pCR. Mature IgD/IgM-high B cells, but not immature RAG1 + B cells, independently predicted pCR. Transcriptomic profiling identified 265 upregulated genes in pCR tumors enriched in MHC class II antigen presentation pathways. Immunofluorescence demonstrated increased spatial interaction of mature B cells with CD4 + T cells in pCR tumors, consistent with active antigen presentation. The antigen presenting B-cell signature, integrated mature B-cell and MHC II profile, was the strongest independent predictor of pCR (OR = 3.008, 95% CI: 1.196–7.544, p = 0.019) and was also significantly associated with improved RFS (HR = 0.109, 95% CI: 0.014–0.872), highlighting B-cell–mediated antigen presentation as a clinically relevant biomarker in HER2 + EBC.

Abstract Introduction Adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is difficult for many patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Clinical outcomes are improved with CPAP adherence ≥6 hr/night, yet scalable approaches to personalized support are limited. We developed a theory-based, clinic experience–driven conceptual dynamical model for optimizing CPAP use and applied it to a ‘just-in-time’ adaptive version of SleepWell24, a smartphone application integrating near–real-time wearable data, CPAP use, and patient-reported symptoms and CPAP-related problems with evidence-based behavior change interventions. In this feasibility optimization trial, we examined patient acceptability and initial outcomes of the adaptive SleepWell24 platform, and guided by the conceptual model, evaluated a control systems engineering approach to demonstrate, in simulation, improved CPAP adherence. Methods Aim 1: Naïve CPAP users (N=10; M age=61.7, 60% female) participated in this 60-day ongoing trial. Patients were encouraged to interact daily with SleepWell24 to report symptoms, receive personalized troubleshooting recommendations, set goals, and receive feedback on CPAP use (via Wi-Fi-enabled smart plug assessing CPAP ‘on/off state’) and sleep/activity (Fitbit). We assessed SleepWell24 use, post-intervention acceptability, and consistent CPAP use defined as ≥6hr, for ≥6nights/week for ≥2 consecutive weeks. Aim 2: The conceptual model of CPAP adherence produced a dynamical system, informed by Model Predictive Control (MPC) as a decision-making algorithm to optimize CPAP use to ≥6hr/night by tailoring actionable behavioral recommendations using patient data integrated in real-time. Results Aim 1: Across the 60-day trial, average daily SleepWell24 engagement was 72.7%. Median CPAP adherence of ≥6hr/night was 65.8%. All participants (100%) rated SleepWell24 as moderately-to-totally acceptable and would recommend it; perceived helpfulness averaged 7.0 (of 10). Eighty percent achieved consistent CPAP use. Aim 2: In simulation, the MPC framework managed CPAP-associated symptoms (e.g., nasal, anxiety, leak) and adjusted CPAP use goals, improving predicted CPAP adherence and sleep duration and quality. Conclusion SleepWell24 was engaging, acceptable, and helpful, with most users reaching optimal CPAP use. We will next estimate dynamical models using data from trial patients, a necessary step towards full automation of SleepWell24. Support (if any) AASMF #285-SR-22

Abstract Background: Despite its widespread adoption, there is a lack of data as to whether breast MRI for local staging and surgical planning of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients improves oncologic outcomes. The Alliance A011104 phase III trial was designed to test the hypothesis that MRI detection of mammographically occult disease helps to tailor surgical intervention thereby reducing local recurrence and improving local regional control. Here we report on the primary outcome of 5-year local regional recurrence. Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed clinical stage I-II, ER/PR- and HER2- negative (triple- negative) or ER/PR-negative and HER2-positive breast cancer, deemed eligible for breast- conserving surgery (BCS) based on clinical exam, mammography +/- ultrasound were randomized to undergo staging breast MRI or no further local staging. Patients with multifocal tumors that could be encompassed in a single operative resection were eligible. Patients who were carriers of gBRCA 1/2, or who had bilateral breast cancer, or a prior history of breast cancer were excluded. Initial eligibility was limited to patients not scheduled to receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy; however, a subsequent amendment allowed for enrollment after completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Categorical variables were compared between arms with a chi-square or Fisher’s exact test. LRR, distant recurrence and overall survival (OS) were estimated with Kaplan-Meier point estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs were obtained from Cox proportional hazards models. Results: Of 319 patients enrolled from 2/2014-12/2019,161 were randomized to undergo breast MRI and 158 to no breast MRI evaluation. The mean age at enrollment was 58.9 years (range 29-85). Most patients (72.1%) had T1 tumors, 93.4% were cN0 and 19.7% were HER2 positive. Systemic chemotherapy was utilized in 85% with 17.6% receiving treatment neoadjuvantly; receipt of systemic therapy was unknown for 15 patients (4.7%). Two hundred and ninety-eight patients (93.4%) underwent surgical intervention; 91.9% underwent BCS as initial surgical procedure with no significant differences noted between groups (92.7% in the no MRI group and 91.9% in the MRI group [p=0.62]). Of patients who underwent breast surgery, 293 underwent axillary evaluation with the majority (270 patients, 92%) undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy as the only axillary intervention. Among patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the overall pathologic complete response rate was 39.3%, 29.0%in the MRI arm vs. 52.0% no MRI arm (p=0.10). Receipt of adjuvant radiation was comparable between arms, 85.4% and 85.0% receiving radiation in the no MRI and MRI arms, respectively. Among 298 patients evaluable for the primary endpoint, with median follow-up of 61.1 months (0.2, 68.1), there were no differences in rates of LRR; 5-year local regional control was 93.2% (89.0-97.6%) in the MRI group and 95.7% (92.3-99.1%) in the no MRI group (HR: 1.1, 95% CI: 0.3, 3.9). For the entire cohort, 5-year distant recurrence-free rate and OS were 94.3% (91.7, 97.1) and 92.2% (89.1, 95.4), respectively, with no differences between groups. Conclusions: With multimodality therapy, rates of 5-year LRR in patients with early stage triple- negative and HER2-positive breast cancer are very low. Breast MRI for local staging and surgical planning in this setting does not result in improved local regional control. Support: U10CA180821, U10CA180882; UG1CA189823; U10CA180868 (NRG Oncology); ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01805076; https://acknowledgments.alliancefound.org Citation Format: I. Bedrosian, K. Ballman, L. M. McCall, C. E. Comstock, G. W. Unzeitig, T. Yen, A. Weiss, B. G. Haffty, J. M. Bensenhaver, S. M. DeSnyder, J. J. Liu, A. H. Partridge, L. A. Carey, K. K. Hunt.Effect of Preoperative Breast MRI Staging on Local Regional Recurrence (LRR) in Early Stage Breast cancer: Alliance A011104/ACRIN 6694 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2025; 2025 Dec 9-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2026;32(4 Suppl):Abstract nr GS2-07.