Brain Lesions Research Articles

GNN-based structural information to improve DNN-based basal ganglia segmentation in children following early brain lesion

Analyzing the basal ganglia following an early brain lesion is crucial due to their noteworthy role in sensory–motor functions. However, the segmentation of these subcortical structures on MRI is challenging in children and is further complicated by the presence of a lesion. Although current deep neural networks (DNN) perform well in segmenting subcortical brain structures in healthy brains, they lack robustness when faced with lesion variability, leading to structural inconsistencies. Given the established spatial organization of the basal ganglia, we propose enhancing the DNN-based segmentation through post-processing with a graph neural network (GNN). The GNN conducts node classification on graphs encoding both class probabilities and spatial information regarding the regions segmented by the DNN. In this study, we focus on neonatal arterial ischemic stroke (NAIS) in children. The approach is evaluated on both healthy children and children after NAIS using three DNN backbones: U-Net, UNETr, and MSGSE-Net. The results show an improvement in segmentation performance, with an increase in the median Dice score by up to 4% and a reduction in the median Hausdorff distance (HD) by up to 93% for healthy children (from 36.45 to 2.57) and up to 91% for children suffering from NAIS (from 40.64 to 3.50). The performance of the method is compared with atlas-based methods. Severe cases of neonatal stroke result in a decline in performance in the injured hemisphere, without negatively affecting the segmentation of the contra-injured hemisphere. Furthermore, the approach demonstrates resilience to small training datasets, a widespread challenge in the medical field, particularly in pediatrics and for rare pathologies.

Brain lesions causing parkinsonism versus seizures map to opposite brain networks.

Recent epidemiological studies propose an association between parkinsonism and seizures, but the direction of this association is unclear. Focal brain lesions causing new-onset parkinsonism versus seizures may provide a unique perspective on the causal relationship between the two symptoms and involved brain networks. We studied lesions causing parkinsonism versus lesions causing seizures and used the human connectome to identify their connected brain networks. Brain networks for parkinsonism and seizures were compared using spatial correlations on a group and individual lesion level. Lesions not associated with either symptom were used as controls. Lesion locations from 29 patients with parkinsonism were connected to a brain network with the opposite spatial topography (spatial r = -0.85) compared to 347 patients with lesions causing seizures. A similar inverse relationship was found when comparing the connections that were most specific on a group level (spatial r = -0.51) and on an individual lesion level (average spatial r = -0.042; P < 0.001). The substantia nigra was found to be most positively correlated to the parkinsonism network but most negatively correlated to the seizure network (spatial r > 0.8). Brain lesions causing parkinsonism versus seizures map to opposite brain networks, providing neuroanatomical insight into conflicting epidemiological evidence.

A TH17-intrinsic IL-1β-STAT5 axis drives steroid resistance in autoimmune neuroinflammation.

Steroid resistance poses a major challenge for the management of autoimmune neuroinflammation. T helper 17 (TH17) cells are widely implicated in the pathology of steroid resistance; however, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. In this study, we identified that interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R) blockade rendered experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice sensitive to dexamethasone (Dex) treatment. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) induced a signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5)-mediated steroid-resistant transcriptional program in TH17 cells, which promoted inflammatory cytokine production and suppressed Dex-induced anti-inflammatory genes. TH17-specific deletion of STAT5 ablated the IL-1β-induced steroid-resistant transcriptional program and rendered EAE mice sensitive to Dex treatment. IL-1β synergized with Dex to promote the STAT5-dependent expression of CD69 and the development of central nervous system (CNS)-resident CD69+ TH17 cells. Combined IL-1R blockade and Dex treatment ablated CNS-resident TH17 cells, reduced EAE severity, and prevented relapse. CD69+ tissue-resident TH17 cells were also detected in brain lesions of patients with multiple sclerosis. These findings (i) demonstrate that IL-1β-STAT5 signaling in TH17 cells mediates steroid resistance and (ii) identify a therapeutic strategy for reversing steroid resistance in TH17-mediated CNS autoimmunity.

Connectome reorganization associated with temporal lobe pathology and its surgical resection.

Network neuroscience offers a unique framework to understand the organizational principles of the human brain. Despite recent progress, our understanding of how the brain is modulated by focal lesions remains incomplete. Resection of the temporal lobe is the most effective treatment to control seizures in pharmaco-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), making this syndrome a powerful model to study lesional effects on network organization in young and middle-aged adults. Here, we assessed the downstream consequences of a focal lesion and its surgical resection on the brain's structural connectome, and explored how this reorganization relates to clinical variables at the individual patient level. We included adults with pharmaco-resistant TLE (n = 37) who underwent anterior temporal lobectomy between two imaging time points, as well as age- and sex-matched healthy controls who underwent comparable imaging (n = 31). Core to our analysis was the projection of high-dimensional structural connectome data-derived from diffusion MRI tractography from each subject-into lower-dimensional gradients. We then compared connectome gradients in patients relative to controls before surgery, tracked surgically-induced connectome reconfiguration from pre- to postoperative time points, and examined associations to patient-specific clinical and imaging phenotypes. Before surgery, individuals with TLE presented with marked connectome changes in bilateral temporo-parietal regions, reflecting an increased segregation of the ipsilateral anterior temporal lobe from the rest of the brain. Surgery-induced connectome reorganization was localized to this temporo-parietal subnetwork, but primarily involved postoperative integration of contralateral regions with the rest of the brain. Using a partial least-squares analysis, we uncovered a latent clinical imaging signature underlying this pre- to postoperative connectome reorganization, showing that patients who displayed postoperative integration in bilateral fronto-occipital cortices also had greater preoperative ipsilateral hippocampal atrophy, lower seizure frequency and secondarily generalized seizures. Our results bridge the effects of focal brain lesions and their surgical resections with large-scale network reorganization and interindividual clinical variability, thus offering new avenues to examine the fundamental malleability of the human brain.

Abstract PS15-01: A first-in-human phase 1 study of SIM0270, a brain-penetrant oral selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD), in patients with ER+/HER2- locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer

Abstract Background: ER+/HER2- breast cancer is the most prevalent subtype, and endocrine-based therapy is the standard treatment. SIM0270 is a brain-penetrant and highly potent oral SERD that has demonstrated ER degradation and robust antitumor activity across various preclinical models, including those with intracranial xenograft tumors. Methods: This Phase 1 study evaluates the safety, pharmacokinetics and preliminary anti-tumor activity of SIM0270 as monotherapy and/or in combination with palbociclib or everolimus in patients with HR+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer. The primary objective of the phase 1a study, which consisted of the dose escalation stage and the dose expansion stage, is to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and/or recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of SIM0270 as monotherapy. A Bayesian Optimal Interval design (BOIN) was adopted. SIM0270 was administered orally daily in 28-day cycles. Here we report preliminary monotherapy data. Results: As of May 22nd 2023, 45 female patients were enrolled, receiving SIM0270 at dose levels of 10 mg (n=4), 30 mg (n=4), 60 mg (n=9), 90 mg (n=6), 120 mg (n=11), 200 mg (n=5), or 300 mg (n=6). The median age was 56 years (range, 40-73) and ECOG performance status was 0 (18%) or 1 (82%). Most patients were heavily pretreated, with a median of 2 prior endocrine-based therapies (range, 0-5) and a median of 2 prior chemotherapies (range, 0-8). Thirty-one patients (69%) received prior fulvestrant, 42 (93%) received prior aromatase inhibitors, and 28 (62%) received prior CDK4/6 inhibitors. Visceral metastases were present in 33 patients (72%), and brain metastases in 7 patients (16%). The most common TEAEs were sinus bradycardia (51%), anemia (38%), hypalbuminaemia (31%), hypercholesterolaemia (24%), urinary tract infection (24%), asthenia (24%), electrocardiogram (ECG) QT prolonged (24%), and dizziness (22%). Most of the TEAEs were Grade 1-2. Grade 3 TRAEs were ECG QT prolonged, gamma-glutamyltransferase(γ-GT) increased and dizziness in 2 patients each. All AEs were manageable with dose interruption or reduction, except only 1 patient discontinued treatment of SIM0270 due to TRAE (Grade 3 γ-GT increased). Four patients experienced dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs): 1 with Grade 3 ECG QT prolonged at 200mg dose level, 1 with Grade 3 ECG QT prolonged and 2 with Grade 3 dizziness at 300mg dose level. All DLTs were resolved with dose interruption then reduction. The MTD of single-agent SIM0270 was established as 200mg QD. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed a T1/2 of approximately 70 hours, and the AUC and Cmax increased in an approximately linear manner with dose escalation. Concentration in cerebrospinal fluid was measured in 1 patient after 41 days treatment of SIM0270, which is consistent with preclinical data and suggested high concentration of SIM0270 in the brain of patients. Among 31 response evaluable patients (per RECIST 1.1 criteria), 4 PRs (3 unconfirmed) were observed, yielding an ORR of 12.9%. Brain lesions were all stable in 4 evaluable patients per RANO-BM criteria. In patients with ESR1 mutations at baseline and samples available for analysis, 4/6(67%) exhibited a reduction or loss of mutant ESR1 upon SIM0270 treatment. Conclusions: Single-agent SIM0270 was well tolerated and showed favorable antitumor activity in heavily pretreated advanced or metastatic ER+/HER2- breast cancer patients, including those previously treated with CDK4/6 inhibitors and fulvestrant. Phase 1a dose expansion with single-agent SIM0270 is ongoing, and the RP2D will be determined based on further accumulative data of tolerability and efficacy. (NCT05293964) Citation Format: Jiong Wu, Jian Zhang, Qingyuan Zhang, Yuping Sun, Hongtao Li, Yongmei Yin, Yehui Shi, Wenfeng Li, Yunjiang Liu, Min Yan, Chen Yang, Lili Zhu, Yang Yang, Liting Xue. A first-in-human phase 1 study of SIM0270, a brain-penetrant oral selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD), in patients with ER+/HER2- locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer [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 PS15-01.

Abstract PO1-20-09: A rare unilateral expression of hand-foot syndrome: a case report

Abstract Introduction: Hand-foot syndrome, also known as palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, is a common side effect observed in patients undergoing various chemotherapeutic treatments, including capecitabine. It is characterized by symmetrical palmoplantar numbness, pain, erythema with or without edema, and desquamation. Case Presentation: A 38-year-old woman was diagnosed with multifocal mucinous invasive carcinoma of the left breast, which was ER+, PR+, and HER-2-. She underwent neoadjuvant therapy with docetaxel and trastuzumab, followed by bilateral mastectomy. Postoperatively, radiation therapy was administered to the chest wall, and Tamoxifen and trastuzumab were prescribed. Disease progression occurred after 15 months, involving the sternum, retroperitoneal lymph nodes, and supraclavicular areas. Gemcitabine plus trastuzumab was initiated, along with Zometa for supportive care, resulting in a favorable response for five months. Chemotherapy was discontinued, and the patient received goserelin with anastrozole. One month after discontinuing gemcitabine, she developed recurrent lung disease. Lapatinib plus Capecitabine were administered for 12 months, resulting in further progression to the brain. Brain lesions were managed through whole brain radiation, stereotactic radiosurgery, and a palliative craniectomy. The patient developed a chronic left-sided hemiparesis and a contracture in her left hand. Ado-trastuzumab was initiated but resulted in disease progression. Subsequently, Capecitabine and Neratinib were administered, with a positive response. However, within six months, she developed grade 2 hand-foot syndrome, characterized by erythema and desquamation of the right palm and soles. Supportive care and dose reduction of Capecitabine improved symptoms. Discussion: The pathogenesis of Hand-Foot Syndrome (HFS) remains incompletely understood and may vary depending on the chemotherapeutic agents used. Possible causes include direct toxicity to eccrine coils, activation of enzymes leading to increased metabolite concentration, micro-trauma causing persistent drug extravasation and tissue damage, and activation of inflammatory pathways. Further research is needed to better understand the neurovascular mechanisms involved in HFS. Conclusion: This case report provides insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of Hand-Foot Syndrome associated with capecitabine use. Preexisting hemiparesis may play a role in protecting against HFS development, suggesting the involvement of mechanical stress. Patients should be advised to avoid activities that subject the palms and soles to excessive friction. Clinicians should be aware of atypical presentations of HFS in patients with neurological disorders and medications that can trigger HFS. Future studies should focus on elucidating the neurovascular mechanisms to enhance patient management. Citation Format: Daniela Urueta Portillo, Kate Lathrop. A rare unilateral expression of hand-foot syndrome: a case report [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 PO1-20-09.

Abstract PO2-27-01: TFX06, a next-generation oral CERAN/SERD, shows favorable safety and PK profile, extracranial and intracranial efficacy in patients with ER+/HER2- breast cancer: Preliminary results from a phase 1/2 first-in-human trial

Abstract Aims: TFX06 is an investigational oral complete estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist (CERAN) and selective ER degrader (SERD) (Wu J, et al., 2023 AACR annual meeting). A Phase 1/2, multicenter, open-label dose-escalation and dose-expansion study (CTR20230789) was initiated in China to evaluate TFX06 in previously heavily treated patients with ER+/HER2- locally advanced and/or metastatic breast cancer. The primary objectives were to assess safety and tolerability, recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D), and pharmacokinetics (PK). Methods: A 3+3 dose-escalation design was implemented. TFX06 tablets were orally administered at 60 mg/100 mg daily for 28 days of treatment cycle until disease progression or intolerant to TFX06. As of the cut-off date (Sept. 15, 2023), the Phase 1 study enrolled five patients with Stage IV diseases with distant metastases. Three were treated with TFX06 at 60 mg, the starting dose and two at the next dose level of 100 mg. Median age of patients were 50 years (39-65) with a ECOG score of 0-1. Two out of five patients carried estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) mutations (ctDNA). Prior anticancer treatments included one or two lines of endocrine therapies, including fulvestrant, and/or one or two lines of chemotherapies. Clinical responses by investigator according to RECIST v1.1 were performed every two cycles to explore preliminary efficacy. Results: Three patients in 60 mg and one in 100 mg dose cohorts completed dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) observation period. No DLT observed. All treatment related adverse events (TRAEs) were grade 1-2 in severity, including nausea, drowsiness, decreases in WBC and neutrophils, and anemia. Analyses of plasma concentrations of TFX06 in all three patients receiving 60 mg revealed a similar PK profile with small variations in Cmax. The average steady-state Cmax and Cmin of TFX06 were 101 ng/mL and 65 ng/mL, respectively, and the Cmax of TFX06 was approximately 4-fold higher than that of fulvestrant administered intramuscularly at 500 mg in clinic (28 ng/mL). Two patients in the 60 mg cohort were evaluable for response assessment. One patient discontinued due to progressive disease (PD) after two cycles of treatment. This patient experienced a 17.1% decrease in target lesions in the lung; however, new metastases to bone observed. The other patient who carried ESR1 D538G mutation showed a decrease of 91% in ESR1 mutation burden 8 days after treatment, and a decrease of 34.2% in target lesions (partial response, PR), including a substantial shrinkage of 78.6% in the brain lesion (target lesion), as well as complete responses (CR) of non-target lesions in lung after 4 cycles of treatment. This patient remains on the study as of the cut-off date. Conclusions: Based on the preliminary results, oral administration of TFX06 at 60 or 100 mg once daily had favorable safety and PK profiles. TRAEs, such as gastrointestinal toxicities, bradycardia, and visual disturbances were not observed. Pleasingly, TFX06 demonstrated early extracranial and intracranial antitumor activity (PR) in a patient with a brain metastasis. Citation Format: Zhaojian Fu, Zhiye Zhang, Jia Song, Yang Chen, Douglas Fang, Wei Sha, Jian Zhang, Charles Ding. TFX06, a next-generation oral CERAN/SERD, shows favorable safety and PK profile, extracranial and intracranial efficacy in patients with ER+/HER2- breast cancer: Preliminary results from a phase 1/2 first-in-human trial [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 PO2-27-01.

Abstract PS05-04: [89Zr]Trastuzumab-PET/MRI to Characterize HER2+ Breast Cancer: A Quantitative Approach on Tumor Heterogeneity

Abstract Introduction: Molecular imaging of human epidermal receptor 2 (HER2) aims to overcome limitations of traditional HER2 assessment through biopsy, including invasiveness and inability to detect intra and inter-tumoral spatial heterogeneity. Prior human studies suggest that [89Zr]Trastuzumab-positron emission tomography (PET) imaging can effectively differentiate HER2 lesions (Dehdashti et al, Breast Cancer Res. Treat. 2018). Commonly, CT complements PET for anatomical reference, however, integrating MRI enables the sensitivity of soft-tissue contrast required for anatomic and morphological breast imaging and can provide for quantitative multiparametric characterization. Diffusion weighted-MRI (DW-MRI) contributes to tumor characterization by assessing intratumoral cellularity via the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and can be combined with molecular expression from HER2-PET. We present preliminary results in 13 patients with HER2 PET/MRI to define tumor and normal tissue imaging metrics. Methods: A phase II clinical trial assessing the feasibility of [89Zr]trastuzumab-PET with simultaneous quantitative DW-MRI to enhance understanding of tumor heterogeneity in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. 13 patients (ages 40-70; mean 60) with HER2-positive breast cancer based on prior biopsy underwent whole-body [89Zr]trastuzumab-PET/MR imaging (5 ± 1 days post-injection of radiopharmaceutical) during the course of HER2-directed therapy. Normal organ and tumor regions of interest (ROI) were identified on concurrently acquired whole-body T1-weighted MRI for ADC (cellularity) and standardized uptake value (SUV, PET uptake) mean quantification. Tumor presence was confirmed via bone scintigraphy, FDG-PET/CT, or contrast-enhanced MRI. Non-parametric T-tests compared lesions to normal organs. Lesions greater than 30 mm in diameter underwent multiparametric intratumoral habitat analysis. Using the median HER2 values, tumors were evaluated for heterogeneity of high and low HER2 expression in conjunction with ADC. Long-term treatment response evaluation is ongoing. Results: Mean [89Zr]trastuzumab uptake, SUV, and ADC values for normal tissue were summarized in Table 1. All tumors demonstrated higher overall uptake of [89Zr]trastuzumab (bone: p=0.019, brain: p=0.014, breast: p=0.069, juxtapulmonary: p=0.026) and increased ADCmean values (bone: p=0.002, brain: p=0.5, breast: p=0.03, juxtapulmonary: p=0.037), in comparison to matched normal organs. Notably, one of five patients with a breast lesion, who completely responded to HER2 targeted therapy, exhibited the highest breast lesion SUVmean. Brain and lymph node lesions demonstrated intratumoral heterogeneity of HER2 expression. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates the potential value of quantitative MRI along with molecular imaging to characterize metastatic HER2+ breast cancer and evaluate intratumoral heterogeneity. We underscore the importance of standardizing processing techniques and contribute to this effort by summarizing [89Zr]trastuzumab uptake and cellularity values of normal physiological uptake. Higher SUVmean and ADC mean values observed in lesions, compared to normal tissue, highlight their potential roles in intratumoral classification. While studies have shown the utility of [89 Zr]trastuzumab-PET/CT, our findings demonstrate that integrated DW-MRI can aid in tumor classification. Table 1: Physiological 89Zr-Trastuzumab Uptake (SUVmean) and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADCmean) in Healthy Tissues Citation Format: Ameer Mansur, Moozhan Nikpanah, Johnathan McConathy, Erica Stringer-Reasor, Gabrielle Rocque, Ahmed Elkhanany, Katia Khoury, Nusrat Jahan, Suzanne Lapi, Anna Sorace. [89Zr]Trastuzumab-PET/MRI to Characterize HER2+ Breast Cancer: A Quantitative Approach on Tumor Heterogeneity [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 PS05-04.

Syringe Port System as a Tubular Retractor Technique for Brain Lesions: Case Series and Review of the Literature

Abstract Objective To describe a tubular retractor technique for brain lesions through a series of cases and to conduct a literature review on intracranial tubular retractors with emphasis on the syringe port system. Materials and Methods We described four cases of lesions with an intraventricular component and different pathological patterns. The surgeries were performed between April, 2021 and July, 2022. The images were acquired through computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and transferred to the Horos software, version 1.1.7. To make the tubular retractor, a 20-mL syringe and a 14-Fr/Ch, 30-mL/cc Foley probe were used. The syringe was sectioned according to the planned depth based on preoperative imaging. The syringe was the retractor itself, while the probe served as a means of dilating the path to the lesion. Results Gross total resection was achieved in all cases, and the samples collected were satisfactory regarding the results of the anatomopathological study. All patients evolved without any additional deficits and with adequate postoperative image control. Conclusion The syringe as a tubular retractor associated with the Foley probe as a surgical port dilator was useful, and it enabled the radical resection of intracranial tumors related to the lateral ventricle, not limiting the use of auxiliary instruments, neither of microsurgical instruments; therefore, it is an affordable, secure, and inexpensive method.

Abstract PO5-20-02: Secondary BRain metastases prevention after Isolated intracranial progression on trastuzumab/pertuzumab or T-DM1 in pts with aDvanced human epidermal Growth factor receptor 2+ brEast cancer with addition of Tucatinib (BRIDGET)

Abstract Background: Despite treatment with trastuzumab-based therapy, up to half of patients with HER2+ advanced/metastatic breast cancer (MBC) will develop brain metastases (BrM). First-line therapy for advanced HER2+ MBC remains a taxane, trastuzumab, pertuzumab (TP) which demonstrates poor brain permeability. Isolated brain relapse with stable or absent extracranial disease remains a clinical problem in both the adjuvant (Untch et al., ESMO 2019 Congress) and metastatic settings (Noteware et al., Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2023). Current guidelines recommend continuing current systemic therapy in the setting of first isolated brain relapse following local therapy. Tucatinib, a brain-penetrable HER2-targeting tyrosine kinase inhibitor, when added to trastuzumab and capecitabine improves intracranial progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with stable or active HER2+ BrMs. We hypothesize that adding tucatinib to TP or T-DM1 in patients with HER2+ MBC with isolated brain relapse or progression could delay or prevent the development of further intracranial lesions and improve OS. Methods: BRIDGET (NCT05323955) is a single arm, phase II, multicenter study of tucatinib added to TP or T-DM1 after local therapy in patients with isolated brain relapse or progression. A total of 48 patients at 9 U.S. sites as part of the Hoosier Cancer Research Network (HCRN) with metastatic HER2+ breast cancer will be enrolled after 1st or 2nd BrM relapse or progression within 8 weeks of local therapy. Patients must currently be receiving standard of care treatment with TP or T-DM1 in the metastatic setting, or adjuvant trastuzumab-based or T-DM1 therapy with isolated brain recurrence. Extracranial disease must be stable per RECISTv1.1 or absent. Patients may not have leptomeningeal disease or untreated brain lesions over 5 mm. Patients will receive continuous tucatinib added to their current therapy (TP or T-DM1). The primary objective is intracranial PFS compared to a historical control (H0: PFS &amp;lt; 5 months (mos), HA: PFS &amp;gt; 8 mos) of the HER2CLIMB clinical trial where patients could continue on trial with isolated brain progression. In these patients, median time from brain progression to second progression or death was 7.6 mos (95% CI, 3.9 to 11.3 mos) in the tucatinib arm versus 3.1 mos (95% CI, 1.2 to 4.1 mos) in the control arm (Lin et al., J Clin Onc 2020). Secondary endpoints include PFS by RECISTv1.1, PFS of extracranial disease, locally treated versus new distant intracranial metastasis PFS, site of first progression (brain versus non-brain), OS, and toxicity in patients with BrM. Collection of correlative specimens including archival tissue, cerebrospinal fluid (optional), whole blood for ctDNA are planned. Patient-reported outcomes surveyed utilizing the FACT-BR and FACIT-Fatigue questionnaires are also included for future analyses. As of 7/06/23, accrual is 5 patients of the anticipated 48 patients overall, across 5 sites (Duke University, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Ohio State University, Providence Portland Medical Center, and Washington University in St. Louis) currently open. An additional 4 sites are pending opening. Those interested in this trial can reach out to the study Principal Investigators, Carey Anders, MD (carey.anders@duke.edu) or Sarah Sammons, MD (sarahl_sammons@dfci.harvard.edu). Citation Format: Sarah Sammons, Amanda Van Swearingen, Laura Noteware, Nusayba Bagegni, Kelly Moulton, Stevie Threatt, Denise Jaggers, Shannon Shea, Eric Lipp, Erin Riley, Sin-Ho Jung, Gloria Broadwater, Masey Ross, Kimberly Strickland, Sasha Beyer, Alison Conlin, Aki Morikawa, Rashmi Murthy, Carey Anders. Secondary BRain metastases prevention after Isolated intracranial progression on trastuzumab/pertuzumab or T-DM1 in pts with aDvanced human epidermal Growth factor receptor 2+ brEast cancer with addition of Tucatinib (BRIDGET) [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 PO5-20-02.

Safety and Dose-Response of Vidofludimus Calcium in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis: Extended Results of a Placebo-Controlled Phase 2 Trial.

Vidofludimus calcium suppressed MRI disease activity compared with placebo in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in the first cohort of the phase 2 EMPhASIS study. Because 30 mg and 45 mg showed comparable activity on multiple end points, the study enrolled an additional low-dose cohort to further investigate a dose-response relationship. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial, patients with RRMS, aged 18-55 years, and with ≥2 relapses in the last 2 years or ≥1 relapse in the last year, and ≥1 gadolinium-enhancing brain lesion in the last 6 months. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1) vidofludimus calcium (30 or 45 mg) or placebo in cohort 1 and vidofludimus calcium (10 mg) or placebo (4:1) in cohort 2 for 24 weeks. The primary end point was the cumulative number of combined unique active (CUA) lesions at week 24. Secondary end points were clinical outcomes and safety. Across cohorts 1 and 2, 268 patients were randomized to placebo (n = 81), 10 mg (n = 47) vidofludimus calcium, 30 mg (n = 71) vidofludimus calcium, or 45 mg (n = 69) vidofludimus calcium. The mean cumulative CUA lesions over 24 weeks was 5.8 (95% CI 4.1-8.2) for placebo, 5.9 (95% CI 3.9-9.0) for 10 mg treatment group, 1.4 (95% CI 0.9-2.1) for 30 mg treatment group, and 1.7 (95% CI 1.1-2.5) for 45 mg treatment group. Serum neurofilament light chain decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The number of patients with confirmed disability worsening after 24 weeks was 3 (3.7%) patients receiving placebo and 3 (1.6%) patients receiving any dose of vidofludimus calcium. Treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 35 (43%) placebo patients compared with 11 (23%) and 71 (37%) patients in the 10 mg or any dose of vidofludimus calcium groups, respectively. The incidence of liver enzyme elevations and infections were similar between placebo and any dose of vidofludimus calcium. No new safety signals were observed. Compared with placebo, vidofludimus calcium suppressed the development of new brain lesions with daily doses of 30 mg and 45 mg, but not 10 mg, establishing the lowest efficacious dose is 30 mg. This study provides Class II evidence that among adults with active RRMS and≥1 Gd+ brain lesion in the past 6 months, the cumulative number of active lesions decreased with vidofludimus calcium. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03846219) and EudraCT (2018-001896-19).

Metabolomics of Multiple Sclerosis Lesions Demonstrates Lipid Changes Linked to Alterations in Transcriptomics-Based Cellular Profiles.

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) have a dysregulated circulating metabolome, but the metabolome of MS brain lesions has not been studied. The aims of this study were to identify differences in the brain tissue metabolome in MS compared with controls and to assess its association with the cellular profile of corresponding tissue. MS tissues included samples from the edge and core of chronic active or inactive lesions and periplaque white matter (WM). Control specimens were obtained from normal WM. Metabolomic analysis was performed using mass-spectrometry coupled with liquid/gas chromatography and subsequently integrated with single-nucleus RNA-sequencing data by correlating metabolite abundances with relative cell counts, as well as individual genes using Multiomics Factor Analysis (MOFA). Seventeen samples from 5 people with secondary progressive MS and 8 samples from 6 controls underwent metabolomic profiling identifying 783 metabolites. MS lesions had higher levels of sphingosines (false discovery rate-adjusted p-value[q] = 2.88E-05) and sphingomyelins and ceramides (q = 2.15E-07), but lower nucleotide (q = 0.05), energy (q = 0.001), lysophospholipid (q = 1.86E-07), and monoacylglycerol (q = 0.04) metabolite levels compared with control WM. Periplaque WM had elevated sphingomyelins and ceramides (q = 0.05) and decreased energy metabolites (q = 0.01) and lysophospholipids (q = 0.05) compared with control WM. Sphingolipids and membrane lipid metabolites were positively correlated with astrocyte and immune cell abundances and negatively correlated with oligodendrocytes. On the other hand, long-chain fatty acid, endocannabinoid, and monoacylglycerol pathways were negatively correlated with astrocyte and immune cell populations and positively correlated with oligodendrocytes. MOFA demonstrated associations between differentially expressed metabolites and genes involved in myelination and lipid biosynthesis. MS lesions and perilesional WM demonstrated a significantly altered metabolome compared with control WM. Many of the altered metabolites were associated with altered cellular composition and gene expression, indicating an important role of lipid metabolism in chronic neuroinflammation in MS.

Predicting clinical progression and cognitive decline in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a 6-year follow-up study.

Cognitive impairment occurs from the earliest stages of multiple sclerosis (MS) and progresses over time. The introduction of disease modifying therapies (DMTs) has changed the prognosis for MS patients, offering a potential opportunity for improvement in the cognitive arena as well. 41 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) were recruited to the study. Thirty patients were available for final follow-up and were included in the analysis. Baseline (BL) brain MRI including volumetry and neuropsychological tests were performed. Blood samples were collected at BL and follow-up (FU) and were tested for: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM1), soluble platelet-endothelial CAM-1 (sPECAM1), and soluble intercellular CAM-1 (sICAM-1). Patients were invited for a final neuropsychological follow-up after a median of 6 years. Disease activity (relapses, EDSS increase, new/active brain lesions on MRI) was analysed between BL and FU. The study group deteriorated in the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) test (p = 0.001), but improved significantly in three other tests, i.e. semantic fluency test (p = 0.013), California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT, p = 0.016), and Word Comprehension Test (WCT, p < 0.001). EDSS increase correlated negatively with semantic fluency and WCT scores (r = -0.579, p = 0.001 and r = -0.391, p = 0.033, respectively). Improvements in semantic fluency test and WCT correlated positively with baseline deep grey matter, grey matter, and cortical volumes (p < 0.05, r > 0). Higher EDSS on FU correlated significantly negatively with baseline left and right pallidum, right caudate, right putamen, right accumbens, and cortical volume (p < 0.05, r < 0). No significant relationship was found between the number of relapses and EDSS on FU or neuropsychological deteriorations. Improvements in WCT and CVLT correlated positively with baseline sPECAM1 and sVCAM1 results, respectively (r > 0, p < 0.05). Deterioration in ROCF test correlated significantly with higher levels of baseline VEGF and sVCAM1 (p < 0.05). Brain volume is an important predictor of future EDSS and cognitive functions outcome. MS patients have a potential for improving in neuropsychological tests over time. It remains to be established whether this is related to successful disease modification with immunotherapy. Baseline volumetric measures are stronger predictors of cognitive performance than relapse activity, which yet again highlights the importance of atrophy in MS prognosis.

Herpes simplex (HSV1) encephalitis in an infant: a case report study

Introduction and importance: The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is the most common cause of acute sporadic encephalitis, a severe and often fatal disease in humans. It is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates in untreated patients. Case presentation: An 11-month-old child was admitted to the hospital presenting with acute fever and seizures characterized by staring episodes and spastic movements affecting the left side of the body. Diagnostic workup revealed abnormal T2 flair hyperintense foci in bi-temporoparietal lobes and right thalamus, and bilateral otomastoiditis were detected. A positive result for HSV-1 was obtained through HSV type 1/2 PCR testing, leading to a diagnosis of herpes encephalitis. Clinical discussion: While acyclovir has proven to be an effective therapeutic option, mortality and neurological sequelae continue to be reported in a notable fraction of patients. HSV encephalitis is mainly caused by two strains of the herpes simplex virus: HSV-1, more frequently observed in children and adults, and HSV-2, commonly seen in neonates and those with compromised immune systems. MRI scans often reveal that the brain lesions are localized to certain areas, although temporal involvement may not always be evident. The symptoms of herpetic encephalitis can greatly vary, making early diagnosis and treatment vital for improving patient outcomes. Conclusion: this case report highlights the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and treatment strategies for HSV-1 encephalitis and underscores the importance of early recognition and prompt initiation of antiviral therapy in suspected cases of HSV-1 encephalitis.

Improvement of Upper Extremity Function and Leisure Satisfaction of Children with Brain Lesions through Sports Stacking Activities: A Case Study

Improvement of Upper Extremity Function and Leisure Satisfaction of Children with Brain Lesions through Sports Stacking Activities: A Case Study

Nutritional interventions to prevent retinopathy of prematurity.

Very preterm infants are at high risk of growth failure. Poor weight gain is a prominent risk factor for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and optimizing nutrition could potentially promote growth and reduce ROP. Most infants at risk of ROP need parenteral nutrition initially and studies of enhanced parenteral provision of lipids and amino acids have suggested a beneficial effect on ROP. Higher amino acid intake was associated with lower incidence of hyperglycemia, a risk factor for ROP. For very preterm infants, providing unpasteurized fortified raw maternal breast milk appears to have a dose-dependent preventive effect on ROP. These infants become deficient in arachidonic acid (ArA)and docosahexaenoic acid(DHA) after birth when the maternal supply is lost. Earlier studies have investigated the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on ROP with mixed results. In a recent study, early enteral supplementation of ArA 100 mg/kg/d and DHA 50 mg/kg/d until term equivalent age reduced the incidence of severe ROP by 50%. IMPACT: Previous reviews of nutritional interventions to prevent morbidities in preterm infants have mainly addressed bronchopulmonary dysplasia, brain lesions and neurodevelopmental outcome. This review focusses on ROP. Neonatal enteral supplementation with arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, at levels similar to the fetal accretion rate, has been found to reduce severe ROP by 50% in randomized controlled trials.

Predictive Model for Estimating the Risk of Epilepsy After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: The RISE Score.

The occurrence of seizures after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is associated with a poorer functional and cognitive prognosis and less favorable quality of life. It would be of value to promptly identify patients at risk of epilepsy to optimize follow-up protocols and design preventive strategies. Our aim was to develop a predictive score to help stratify epilepsy risk in patients with aSAH. This is a retrospective, longitudinal study of all adults with aSAH admitted to our center (2012-2021). We collected demographic data, clinical and radiologic variables, data on early-onset seizures (EOSs), and data on development of epilepsy. Exclusion criteria were previous structural brain lesion, epilepsy, and ≤7 days' follow-up. Multiple Cox regression was used to evaluate factors independently associated with unprovoked remote seizures (i.e., epilepsy). The best fitting regression model was used to develop a predictive score. Performance was evaluated in an external validation cohort of 308 patients using receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis. From an initial database of 743 patients, 419 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. The mean age was 60 ± 14 years, 269 patients (64%) were women, and 50 (11.9%) developed epilepsy within a median follow-up of 4.2 years. Premorbid modified Rankin Score (mRS) (hazard ratio [HR] 4.74 [1.8-12.4], p = 0.001), VASOGRADE score (HR 2.45 [1.4-4.2], p = 0.001), surgical treatment (HR 2.77 [1.6-4.9], p = 0.001), and presence of EOSs (HR 1.84 [1.0-3.4], p = 0.05) were independently associated with epilepsy. The proposed scale, designated RISE, scores 1 point for premorbid mRS ≥ 2 (R), VASOGRADE-Yellow (I, Ischemia), surgical intervention (S), and history of EOSs (E) and 2 points for VASOGRADE-Red. RISE stratifies patients into 3 groups: low (0-1), moderate (2-3), and high (4-5) risk (2.9%, 20.8%, and 75.7% developed epilepsy, respectively). On validation in a cohort from a different tertiary care center (N = 308), the new scale yielded a similar risk distribution and good predictive power for epilepsy within 5 years after aSAH (area under the curve [AUC] 0.82; 95% CI 0.74-0.90). The RISE scale is a robust predictor of post-SAH epilepsy with immediate clinical applicability. In addition to facilitating personalized diagnosis and treatment, RISE may be of value for exploring future antiepileptogenesis strategies.

The Impact of Perilesional Heatsink Structures on Ablation Volumes in Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy for Brain Metastases.

Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) has demonstrated promise in surgical neuro-oncology because of its effectiveness in delivering precise thermal energy to lesions. The extent of ablation (EOA) is a prognostic factor in improving patient outcomes but is often affected by perilesional heatsink structures, which can lead to asymmetric ablations. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the impact of various perilesional heatsink structures on the EOA in LITT for brain metastases. Twenty-seven procedures for 22 unique patients with brain metastases fit the inclusion criteria. Intracranial heatsink structures were identified: sulci, meninges, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces, and vasculature. Asymmetric ablation was determined by measuring 3 pairs of orthogonal distances from the proximal, midpoint, and distal locations along the laser catheter to the farthest edge of the ablation zone bilaterally. Distances from the same points on the laser catheter to the nearest heatsink were also recorded. The Heatsink Effect Index was created to serve as a proxy for asymmetric ablation. Pearson correlations, t -tests, and analysis of variance were the statistical analyses performed. From the midpoint of the catheter, the 27 heatsinks were meninges (40.7%), sulci (22.2%), vasculature (22.2%), and CSF spaces (14.8%). Across all points along the catheter track, there was a significant generalized heatsink effect on asymmetric ablations ( P < .0001). There was a negative correlation observed between asymmetric ablations and EOA from the midpoint of the laser catheter (r = -0.445, P = .020). Compared with sulci, CSF spaces trended toward a greater effect on asymmetric ablation volumes ( P = .069). This novel quantitative analysis shows that perilesional heatsinks contribute to asymmetric ablations. CSF spaces trended toward higher degrees of asymmetric ablations. Importantly, neurosurgeons may anticipate asymmetric ablations preoperatively if heatsinks are located within 13.3 mm of the laser probe midpoint. These preliminary results may guide surgical decision-making in LITT for metastatic brain lesions.

Valproic Acid Treatment after Traumatic Brain Injury in Mice Alleviates Neuronal Death and Inflammation in Association with Increased Plasma Lysophosphatidylcholines.

The histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) valproic acid (VPA) has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI), which have been partially attributed to the epigenetic disinhibition of the transcription repressor RE1-Silencing Transcription Factor/Neuron-Restrictive Silencer Factor (REST/NRSF). Additionally, VPA changes post-traumatic brain injury (TBI) brain metabolism to create a neuroprotective environment. To address the interconnection of neuroprotection, metabolism, inflammation and REST/NRSF after TBI, we subjected C57BL/6N mice to experimental TBI and intraperitoneal VPA administration or vehicle solution at 15 min, 1, 2, and 3 days post-injury (dpi). At 7 dpi, TBI-induced an up-regulation of REST/NRSF gene expression and HDACi function of VPA on histone H3 acetylation were confirmed. Neurological deficits, brain lesion size, blood-brain barrier permeability, or astrogliosis were not affected, and REST/NRSF target genes were only marginally influenced by VPA. However, VPA attenuated structural damage in the hippocampus, microgliosis and expression of the pro-inflammatory marker genes. Analyses of plasma lipidomic and polar metabolomic patterns revealed that VPA treatment increased lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs), which were inversely associated with interleukin 1 beta (Il1b) and tumor necrosis factor (Tnf) gene expression in the brain. The results show that VPA has mild neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects likely originating from favorable systemic metabolic changes resulting in increased plasma LPCs that are known to be actively taken up by the brain and function as carriers for neuroprotective polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Isolated Optic Neuritis: Etiology, Characteristics, and Outcomes in a US Mountain West Cohort.

The diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune optic neuritis (ON) has improved with the accessibility and reliability of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody testing, yet autoantibody-negative ON remains common. This study describes the demographic, clinical, and outcome data in patients with isolated ON across the pediatric and adult cohort. A retrospective chart review of University of Utah Health patients with the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code of ICD-9 377.30 (ON unspecified), ICD-9 377.39 (other ON), or ICD-10 H46 (ON) and at least 2 ophthalmologic evaluations were conducted between February 2011 and July 2023. Only isolated cases of ON without other brain or spinal demyelinating lesions were evaluated. Differences in demographic and clinical characteristics between AQP4, MOG, and Other-ON were determined. Of the 98 patients (15 children and 83 adults), 9 (9.2%) were positive for AQP4-IgG and 35 (35.7%) tested positive for MOG-IgG. Fifty-four were classified into Other-ON, of which 7 (13.0%) had recurrence or new demyelinating lesions during a median follow-up of 12.5 months-2 were ultimately diagnosed with recurrent isolated ON (RION), 1 with chronic relapsing inflammatory ON (CRION), 2 with multiple sclerosis, 1 with collapsin response-mediator protein (CRMP)-5-ON, and 1 with seronegative neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Four patients were treated with long-term immunosuppressive therapy. No patients with RION or CRION had preceding infections; they had first recurrences of ON within 2 months. At presentation, AQP4-ON (75%) and MOG-ON (48.8%) had more severe vision loss (visual acuity <20/200) than Other-ON (23.2%, P = 0.01). At the 1-month follow-up, 93.0% of patients with MOG-ON and 89.3% of patients with Other-ON demonstrated a visual acuity ≥20/40, compared with only 50% of patients with AQP4-ON (P < 0.01). By the last follow-up, 37.5% of the AQP4-ON still exhibited visual acuity <20/40, including 25% who experienced severe vision loss (visual acuity <20/200). By contrast, over 95% of patients with MOG-ON and Other-ON maintained a visual acuity of ≥20/40. In our cohort, over a quarter of pediatric cases presented with simultaneous bilateral ON, 40% had a preceding infection, and 44.4% initially presented with a visual acuity <20/200. Two pediatric cases had recurrence, and both were MOG-ON. By their last follow-up, all pediatric cases had achieved a visual acuity of 20/40 or better. In addition, pediatric cases were more likely to exhibit disc edema compared with adult cases (100% vs 64%, P < 0.01). Despite recent advances in identification and availability of testing for AQP4-IgG and MOG-IgG, over half of patients who presented with isolated ON remained with an "idiopathic" diagnostic label. As more than 1 in 10 patients with AQP4-IgG and MOG-IgG negative ON experienced recurrence or develop new demyelinating lesions, clinicians should provide anticipatory guidance and closely monitor for potential long-term outcomes. In addition, it is crucial to re-evaluate the diagnosis in cases of poor recovery, ON recurrence, and the emergence of new neurological symptoms, as ON can often be the initial presentation of other conditions.