Kaplan-Meier Survival Analysis Research Articles

Predicting prostate adenocarcinoma patients’ survival and immune signature: a novel risk model based on telomere-related genes

Alterations in telomeres constitute some of the earliest occurrences in the tumourigenesis of prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD) and persist throughout the progression of the tumour. While the activity of telomerase and the length of telomeres have been demonstrated to correlate with the prognosis of PRAD, the prognostic potential of telomere-related genes (TRGs) in this disease remains unexplored. Utilising mRNA expression data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we devised a risk model and a nomogram to predict the survival outcomes of patients with PRAD. Subsequently, our investigations extended to the relationship between the risk model and immune cell infiltration, sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs, and specific signalling pathways. The risk model we developed is predicated on seven key TRGs, and immunohistochemistry results revealed significant differential expression of three TRGs in tumours and paracancerous tissues. Based on the risk scores, PRAD patients were stratified into high-risk and low-risk cohorts. The Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and Kaplan–Meier survival analyses corroborated the exceptional predictive performance of our novel risk model. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that the risk score was an independent risk factor associated with Overall Survival (OS) and was significantly associated with T and N stages of PRAD patients. Notably, the high-risk group exhibited a greater response to chemotherapy and immunosuppression compared to the low-risk group, offering potential guidance for treatment strategies for high-risk patients. In conclusion, our new risk model, based on TRGs, serves as a reliable prognostic indicator for PRAD. The model holds significant value in guiding the selection of immunotherapy and chemotherapy in the clinical management of PRAD patients.

Target trial emulation with real-world data to determine the population-level cost-effectiveness of multi-gene panel sequencing in advanced melanoma.

e21508 Background: Compared to single-gene BRAF testing to guide targeted treatment for advanced melanoma, multi-gene panels can identify additional gene mutations with known therapeutic or prognostic relevance. No randomized control trials of multi-gene panel sequencing have been completed in advanced melanoma. This study determined the population-level cost-effectiveness of multi-gene panel sequencing compared to single-gene BRAF testing for advanced melanoma. Methods: Our population-based retrospective study emulated a hypothetical pragmatic trial using comprehensive patient-level clinical and health administrative data between September 2016 and December 2018 from British Columbia, Canada. To emulate random treatment assignment, we 1:1 matched multi-gene panel patients to contemporaneous controls using a machine learning approach that maximized balance on 15 covariates. Following matching, we estimated mean three-year survival time and costs (2021 CAD), and calculated incremental net monetary benefit (INMB) for life-years gained (LYG) at $100,000/LYG using inverse probability of censoring weighted linear regression and nonparametric bootstrapping. Besides an intention-to-treat (ITT) effect, we also estimated the per-protocol (PP) effect of initiating treatment within 90 days of receiving test results additionally using inverse probability of treatment weights. We also estimated overall survival using Weibull regression and Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival analysis. Results: We matched 147 patients receiving multi-gene panel sequencing to controls, achieving good balance for all included covariates. ITT mean incremental costs were $19,541 (95%CI: -$18,939, $77,396) and mean incremental LYG were 0.22 (95%CI: -0.06, 0.50). We did not find statistically significant different differences in overall survival using the KM (P = 0.11) and Weibull regression (HR: 0.73 [95%CI: 0.51-1.03]) survival analysis in the ITT analysis. PP incremental costs were $36,367 (95%CI: -$6,653, $120,216) and incremental LYG were 0.56 (95%CI: 0.39, 1.24), with corresponding differences in overall survival using KM (P = 0.02) and Weibull regression (HR: 0.56 [95%CI: 0.36-0.87]) survival analysis. The probability of multi-gene panel sequencing being cost-effective at $100,000/LYG was 54.9% in the ITT analysis and 64.5% in the PP analysis. Conclusions: We found the cost-effectiveness of multi-gene panel sequencing to be evenly poised, with estimates favouring multi-gene panel sequencing with respect to overall survival and cost-effectiveness when accounting for probability of treatment initiation. This real-world evidence generated using randomized trial design principles can support jurisdictions’ deliberations on the reimbursement of precision oncology interventions.

Effect of transcription factor WT1 on triple-negative breast cancer metastasis through PFKFB4-mediated glycolysis.

e13145 Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer with a high probability of metastasis as well as a lack of specific targets and targeted therapeutics. Preliminary study suggested that Wilms' tumor gene 1 (WT1) is highly expressed in breast cancer patients with poor prognosis and may promote TNBC metastasis, but the underlying mechanism remains poorly defined. Methods: WT1 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in breast cancer patients. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed to assess the prognostic significance of WT1 expression. WT1 was silenced in MDA-MB-231 and BT549 cells or overexpressed in HCC1806 cells. qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the WT1 expression in tissues and cells. Wound healing assays, transwell assays and 3D spheroid assays were used to examine the migration and invasion abilities in TNBC cells. The lung metastasis model of mice was used to evaluate metastasis of TNBC in vivo. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by next-generation sequencing (ChIP-seq) and transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) were performed to find PFKFB4, a downstream target gene for WT1. ChIP-PCR and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to explore the transcriptional regulation of PFKFB4 by WT1. Seahorse XF glycolysis stress assay, glucose uptake assay, and lactate production assay were used to investigate the role of WT1 in regulating glycolysis metabolites. Results: WT1 was highly expressed in TNBC and correlated to poor prognosis in TNBC patients. Functional assays revealed that WT1 promoted TNBC cell metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Our mechanistic investigations demonstrated that WT1 promoted TNBC cells migration and invasion by transcriptionally activating the expression of PFKFB4.This action leaded to increased glycolytic capacity, glucose uptake, and lactate production in cancer cells, therefore promoting metastasis of TNBC. Clinically, the combined expression of WT1 and PFKFB4 provides a reliable predictive biomarker for the prognosis of TNBC patients. Conclusions: Our findings reveal a molecular mechanism of WT1 promoting TNBC metastasis, which provides new targets for the precision treatment of TNBC and new perspectives for the development of targeted metabolic anticancer drugs.

Curative Approaches for Metaplastic Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Outcome Review

BackgroundMetaplastic breast cancer (MBC) is a rare and heterogeneous breast cancer subtype, and there are critical gaps in our understanding of its long-term outcomes. This retrospective cohort study aimed to address these gaps by scrutinizing the pathological and clinical aspects of MBC to enhance clinical decision-making and refine patient care strategies. MethodsThis registry-based retrospective cohort study included females aged ≥21 years diagnosed with MBC or matrix-producing carcinoma. The data were obtained from January 2001–August 2020 from the XXXX Registry of XXXX, which included 23,935 patients. Demographic and clinicopathological characteristics, neoadjuvant chemotherapy responses, and survival outcomes were analyzed. Statistical assessments involved univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan–Meier survival analyses. ResultsThis study enrolled 170 patients; 87.1% had non-metastatic disease and 12.9% had metastatic disease. The age of patients at diagnosis ranged from 46 to 65 years (median, 56 years). The cohort's predominant characteristics were advanced clinical stage (77.6%), node negativity (67.6%), and grade 3 disease (74.1%). In patients receiving curative intent treatment, neoadjuvant chemotherapy yielded a pathological complete response of 19.2% and a disease progression rate of 46.2%. Multivariate analysis showed that adjuvant radiation therapy significantly improved overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), with hazard ratios (HRs) of 0.29 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13 – 0.62; p < 0.005) and 0.23 (95% CI, 0.10–0.50; p < 0.005), respectively. Clinical T3 and T4 stages, and nodal involvement were associated with poor outcomes. Stable disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was associated with poor OS and DFS. Conclusion(s)This study sheds light on the complex landscape of MBC and emphasizes the pivotal role of adjuvant radiotherapy in enhancing patient outcomes. Despite advancements, challenges persist that warrant continued research to refine neoadjuvant chemotherapy strategies and delve into the nuanced factors that influence treatment responses.

WDR4 as a potential indicator of clinical prognosis and immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma.

e16275 Background: Immunotherapy has garnered increasing attention in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. However, there remains a pressing need for effective immunological predictive biomarkers. In our previous study, utilizing data extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we identified a positive correlation between WDR4 expression levels in hepatocellular carcinoma and various clinical parameters, encompassing Stage, T-stage, pathological grade, AFP level, and vascular invasion. Additionally, higher WDR4 expression was linked to poorer prognosis. Leveraging The TIMER and GEPIA databases, we further elucidated a significant association between WDR4 expression levels and the extent of immune cell infiltration, particularly macrophages, B lymphocytes, and myeloid suppressor cells, in hepatocellular carcinoma. These findings propose the potential utility of WDR4 as a biomarker for immune infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma. As noted in the trial NCT03867084, which hypothesized that adjuvant pembrolizumab might surpass placebo efficacy, there still exists a gap in identifying the specific population benefiting from adjuvant immunotherapy. Methods: Clinical and pathological data from patients who underwent single-agent immunotherapy for HCC were additionally collected from Hunan Provincial People's Hospital between January 1, 2019, and January 31, 2024. These patients participated in the clinical trial (NCT03867084) with informed consent. The relationship between WDR4 expression levels, clinical pathological data, and patient prognosis was assessed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis. Results: WDR4 displayed significant upregulation in HCC tissues compared to para-carcinoma tissues (P &lt; 0.001) and exhibited robust diagnostic potential. WDR4 expression showed significant associations with various immune cells, including macrophages (r = 0.278, P &lt; 0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that patients with high WDR4 expression had shorter postoperative progression-free survival in the context of immunotherapy. Data from 37 patients who underwent postoperative single-agent immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (NCT03867084) revealed a significant correlation between WDR4 expression levels and Disease-Free Survival (DFS), with notable statistical significance (Log-rank P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: WDR4 demonstrates elevated expression levels within HCC tissues and is associated with immune infiltration, establishing it as a prognostic biomarker in HCC. Furthermore, the positive correlation observed between WDR4 and CD68 as well as PD-L1 underscores its potential as a guiding factor in immunotherapeutic approaches for HCC.

Birmingham Hip Resurfacing at 25 years.

The Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) was introduced in 1997 to address the needs of young active patients using a historically proven large-diameter metal-on-metal (MoM) bearing. A single designer surgeon's consecutive series of 130 patients (144 hips) was previously reported at five and ten years, reporting three and ten failures, respectively. The aim of this study was to extend the follow-up of this original cohort at 25 years. The study extends the reporting on the first consecutive 144 resurfacing procedures in 130 patients for all indications. All operations were undertaken between August 1997 and May 1998. The mean age at operation was 52.1 years (SD 9.93; 17 to 76), and included 37 female patients (28.5%). Failure was defined as revision of either component for any reason. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed. Routine follow-up with serum metal ion levels, radiographs, and Oxford Hip Scores (OHSs) was undertaken. Overall implant survival was 83.50% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79 to 0.90) at 25 years, and the number at risk was 79. Survival in male patients at 25 years was 89.5% (95% CI 0.83 to 0.96) compared to 66.9% for female patients (95% CI 0.51 to 0.83). Ten additional failures occurred in the period of ten to 25 years. These involved an adverse reaction to metal debris in four patients, a periprosthetic femoral neck fracture affecting five patients, and aseptic loosening in one patient. The median chromium levels were 49.50 nmol/l (interquartile range (IQR) 34 to 70), and the median cobalt serum levels were 42 nmol/l (IQR 24.50 to 71.25). The median OHS at last follow-up was 35 (IQR 10 to 48). During the 25-year study period, 29 patients died. Patient survival at 25 years was 75.10% (95% CI 0.67 to 0.83). This study demonstrates that MoM hip resurfacing using the BHR provides a durable alternative to total hip arthroplasty (THA), particularly in younger male patients with osteoarthritis wishing to maintain a high level of function. These results compare favourably to the best results for THAs.

Safety and efficacy of radiotherapy in combination with immunochemotherapy for advanced esophageal cancer: A retrospective analysis.

e16032 Background: Combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with chemotherapy has emerged as the standard treatment for advanced esophageal cancer. Radiotherapy could alleviate symptoms related to dysphagia. Additionally, it holds the potential to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy, albeit with an associated risk of increased immunotoxicity. The combination of radiotherapy and immunochemotherapy for advanced esophageal cancer necessitates further investigation into its safety and efficacy. Methods: The medical records of consecutively treated patients with advanced esophageal cancer who underwent immunochemotherapy were retrospectively reviewed. The primary inclusion criteria were as follows: 1. Newly treated, imaging-confirmed stage IV esophageal carcinoma; 2. Radiotherapy administered within 6 cycles of immunochemotherapy; 3. Irradiation dose ≥ 30 Gy; 4. Target area must encompass esophageal neoplasms. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and safety (RECIST 1.1). OS was defined as the time from initial treatment to the date of death. The secondary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), defined as the time from initial treatment to cancer progression or death. Median overall survival (mOS) time and median progression-free survival (mPFS) time were used to evaluate efficacy, while the incidence of adverse events (AEs) (CTCAE 5.0) was used to evaluate safety and feasibility. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was conducted using SPSS25 software. Results: 122 patients were screened and 40 patients were finally included. The median age was 69. A total of 30 male patients were included. Three cases were stage IVa and 37 cases were stage IVb. Distant metastatic sites in these patients were lung (50%), liver (30%), bone (17.5%) and others. All cases were treated with immunochemotherapy as first-line treatment with median 4 cycles. Immunochemotherapy regimens are based on platinum and all treated with programmed death-1 inhibitors. Twenty-three cases were concurrent radiotherapy in combined with chemoimmunotherapy and 17 cases were sequential. For radiation therapy, the median dose was 50Gy in 25 fractions. The incidence of grade 3 and above AEs was shown in 20(50%) cases. Four (10%) patients showed treatment-related grade 5 toxicity (immune pneumonia, myocarditis, hepatitis and myocarditis complicated with hepatitis) which all occurred within 1-4 months after radiotherapy. With a median follow-up of 22.0 months, 26 (65%) cases experienced tumor progression (loco-regional progression only in 3, systemic progression only in 18, and both loco-regional and systemic progression in 5 patients), while 27 patients (67.5%) died. mOS and mPFS were 18.0 months and 6.2 months, respectively. Conclusions: Radiotherapy combined with immunochemotherapy for advanced esophageal cancer showed potential efficacy but relatively high toxicities.

Differential sensitivities of primary tumor and lymph nodes to induction chemotherapy and definitive radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

e18037 Background: Risk factors associated with differential sensitivities of primary tumors and lymph nodes to induction chemotherapy and their impact on clinical outcome in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients are undetermined. Methods: During June 2017 to June 2022, 105 NPC patients treated with comprehensive induction chemotherapy and concurrent chemoradiotherapy in our institute were eligible for analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with differential sensitivities of primary tumors and lymph nodes to induction chemotherapy (IC). Correlation and regression analysis were used to investigate whether there was a linear relationship between the sensitivity to induction chemotherapy and the efficacy of chemoradiotherapy. COX regression models were used to find prognostic factors, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to compare prognostic differences among groups with different induction chemotherapy sensitivities. Results: The median patient follow-up time was 26.0 (95%CI: 23.0-34.0) months. Grouped according to the response of the tumor primary site and lymph nodes to induction chemotherapy, we identified potential risk factors associated with different response patterns: primary tumor non-responsive and lymph node non-responsive, performance status (PS) score (OR: 3.824, 95% CI: 1.005-14.558, p = 0.030) ; primary tumor non-responsive but lymph node responsive, hemoglobin level (OR: 1.033, 95% CI: 1-1.067, p = 0.039) ; primary tumor responsive but lymph node non-responsive, N stage (OR: 2.297, 95% CI: 0.103-0.857, p = 0.014), white blood cell count (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.025-1.699, p = 0.030); lymphocyte count (OR: 3.499, 95% CI: 1.196-10.241, p = 0.018) and blood urea nitrogen (OR: 1.416, 95% CI: 1.055-1.901, p = 0.021); primary tumor responsive and lymph node responsive, N stage (OR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.044-3.907, p = 0.033), red blood cell count (OR: 0.369, 95% CI: 0.157-0.865, p=0.018) and lymphocyte count (OR: 0.359, 95% CI: 0.151-0.856, p = 0.015). Tumor response 6 months after chemoradiotherapy was significantly associated with tumor response after induction chemotherapy (p = 0.037). Similarly, lymph node response 3 months after chemoradiotherapy was significantly associated with lymph node response after induction chemotherapy (p = 0.043). White blood cell count (HR: 1.327, 95% CI: 1.035-1.701, p = 0.026) and neutrophil count (HR: 1.405, 95% CI: 1.049-1.882, p = 0.022) was risk factors associated with progression free survival. Conclusions: In this study, we identified PS score and hemoglobin as potential factors associated with differential sensitivities of primary tumors and lymph nodes to induction chemotherapy in NPC. However, our study found the efficacy of induction chemotherapy could predict the efficacy of chemoradiotherapy or progression free survival.

Disease-free survival after pancreatectomy for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: A 17-year single-center experience of 223 patients

BackgroundMetastasis or recurrence of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) after pancreatectomy is an important source of postsurgical morbidity. This study aimed to define disease-free survival (DFS) in this population. MethodsPatients who underwent pancreatectomy for pNETs between January 2005 and January 2022 were included. Clinicopathologic and survival data were collected, and the primary endpoint was DFS. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression modeling were performed. ResultsOf the 223 patients, 144 (65%) distal/subtotal/partial pancreatectomies, 71 (32%) pancreaticoduodenectomies, 6 (3%) total pancreatectomies, and 2 (1%) enucleations were performed. Of the 223 patients, 45 (20%) experienced disease recurrence or metastasis after index pancreatectomy during the 17 years of the study. Nonfunctional pNETs (162 [73%]) were more common than hormonally functional subtypes. The 2- and 5-year DFSs were 82% and 76%, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that N1 node positive disease, size of ≥ 4 cm, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, Ki-67 of ≥ 20%, and nonfunctional pNETs are significantly associated with a lower DFS (P < .05). Univariate Cox analysis identified the following predictors to be significantly associated with poorer DFS: larger tumor size (hazard ratio [HR], 1.16; 95% CI, 1.04–1.28), Ki-67 index of ≥ 20% (HR, 4.93; 95% CI, 2.00–11.44), perineural invasion (HR, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.40–7.89), open surgery (HR, 3.34; 95% CI, 1.03–1.33), node-positive disease (HR, 5.27; 95% CI, 2.28–13.26), and increased body mass index (HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.03–1.17) (P < .05). ConclusionOf note, 1 in 5 patients who underwent resection developed recurrence or metastasis after pancreatectomy. Prognostic predictors of DFS in pNETs could help optimize treatment and enhance follow-up protocols to improve quality and reduce morbidity.

Real-world data analysis of first-line targeted therapy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer with different EGFR mutation status in a tertiary care hospital.

e20586 Background: Lung cancer is still the malignant tumor with the highest incidence and mortality rate in the world, of which non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for about 85%. The EGFR mutation rate in Asians is 30%-60%, with exon 19 deletion mutations and exon 21 L858R point mutations accounting for about 90% of EGFR mutations, which are the classic EGFR mutation types. The two have significant differences in clinical characteristics, and some clinical trials have shown differences in efficacy between different subgroups, but whether they exist in the real world needs to be further confirmed. Meanwhile, the efficacy of first-line targeted therapy in patients with coexisting mutant NSCLC harboring different EGFR classical mutations and whether there is a difference in different subgroups has not been conclusively determined. Methods: To collect general clinical data and their genetic test reports of NSCLC patients diagnosed with gene mutations who attended the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from January 2019 to December 2021 for follow-up, with a follow-up date of June 30,2023, as the end date. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log-rank test were applied to compare:1)the median PFS in different subgroups of patients with no co-mutation classic EGFR mutation;2)the median PFS in patients with co-mutation classic EGRR mutation and no co-mutation classic EGFR mutation;3)the median PFS in different subgroups of patients with no co-mutation 19-Del/L858R and with co-mutation 19-Del/L858Rpatients;4)median PFS of patients between co-mutated 19-Del and L858R subgroups. Results: The median PFS of 19Del was significantly better than that of L858R in different subgroups of EGFR classical mutations (14.0 months vs. 8.1 months, p = 0.004 &lt; 0.05). The median PFS of EGFR classical mutation was significantly better than that of EGFR classical mutation with co-mutation,11.1months vs. 5.8 months, respectively, p &lt; 0.001. In different subgroups,19Del median PFS was superior to 19Del co-mutation (14.0 months vs. 6.1 months, p = 0.001 &lt; 0.05),and L858R median PFS was superior to L858R co-mutation (8.1 months vs. 5.8 months, p = 0.449 &gt; 0.05). 19Del co-mutation and L858R co-mutation median PFS were not observed in the analysis of the same simple 19del first-line targeted therapy survival benefit was significantly better than the similar survival benefit of L858R, whose median PFS was 6.1 months vs. 5.8 months, respectively, p = 0.449&gt;0.05, the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: The survival benefit of first-line targeted therapy for 19Del in the real world is superior to that of L858R, while the clinical benefit of first-line targeted therapy is poor for classical mutations in EGFR with co-mutations, and combinations with other therapeutic modalities should be considered.

Algorithmic precision in immune checkpoint therapy response prediction for lung cancer: Evaluating the Digital Drug Assignment model's clinical performance.

8523 Background: Despite the potential of immune checkpoint therapy (ICT) in oncology, its clinical effectiveness is limited, with only 15-35% of patients showing benefit. This inefficacy is compounded by the significant financial burden it poses. Here we tested the predictive performance of the computational reasoning model, the Digital Drug Assignment (DDA) published before (1) based on Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) results of lung cancer patients treated with various ICTs. Methods: A cohort of 328 lung cancer cases was analyzed, all of which had tumor NGS results and documented outcomes following treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors, sourced from cBioPortal. Treatment DDA scores were computed using the Genomate AI platform. DDA score thresholds were established to categorize response probability into low (&lt;0, indicating potential resistance), intermediate (0 to 1000), and high (≥1000), or negative (&lt;0) and positive (≥0) groups. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was conducted, employing log-rank statistics for significance testing. Results: The collective Objective Response Rate (ORR) to ICT was 28%. Patients receiving low-DDA-score ICTs (n=34) showed an ORR of 0%, contrasted with 36% in the DDA-high group (n=212), and 18% in the intermediate group, demonstrating significant differences (Chi-square p&lt;0.0001). Median Progression-Free Survival (mPFS) was 2.2 months in the DDA-low category, significantly shorter than the 7.0 months observed in the DDA-high group (p&lt;0.0001, HR=0.40, 95% CI 0.23-0.72) or the 5.6 months in the overall positive DDA-score group (p&lt;0.0001, HR=0.43, 95% CI 0.24-0.75). The intermediate group had a mPFS of 4.2 months, with a pooled mPFS of 5.0 months for all cases. Notably, median Overall Survival (mOS) also differed significantly between the DDA-low and DDA-high categories, 11.9 months vs. 26.3 months, respectively (p=0.0038, HR=0.52, 95% CI 0.30-0.92), with the intermediate group at 18.5 and all cases at 20.6 months. Even in the non-TMB-High/MSI-High/PD-L1+ subgroup, DDA was predictive of the outcome: mPFS of 2.2 vs 4.2 months in the negative (n=31) versus positive (n=108) DDA categories (p=0.0066, HR=0.55, 95% CI 0.32-0.95). By administering chemotherapy instead of ICT to the DDA-low cohort, we can not only potentially enhance the ORR but also reduce expenditures, resulting in an Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) of negative USD 121,816. Conclusions: The DDA demonstrates efficacy in predicting response to immunotherapy based on NGS data, offering a potential pathway to optimize treatment costs and outcomes. Our findings suggest that routine NGS panels could be leveraged for this purpose without necessitating additional testing. This highlights the potential economic impact of using predictive algorithms like DDA to optimize ICT utilization. 1. Petak et al. npj Precis. Onc. 5, 59, 2021.

Can targeting TSP-1 with gabapentin enhance survival in glioblastoma? A 20-year retrospective cohort study.

2048 Background: Molecularly-defined cellular subpopulations of glioblastoma secrete high levels of the synaptogenic protein thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) which promotes functional integration of tumor into neural circuity. A greater extent of glioma-neuronal crosstalk portends worse survival for patients. In preclinical studies, gabapentin was shown to inhibit TSP-1, in turn disrupting neuronal synaptogenesis and neuronal activity-dependent glioblastoma proliferation; however, clinical survival data is lacking. We aim to determine whether treatment with gabapentin is associated with improved survival and reduced serum TSP-1 in a retrospective cohort of patients with IDH-wildtype glioblastoma. Methods: Newly-diagnosed, IDH-wildtype glioblastoma patients who received care at the UCSF Brain Tumor Center between 1997-2017 were included in this study. Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariate Cox proportional-hazards models, controlled for age, MGMT promoter methylation status, preoperative tumor volume, and extent of resection, were used for survival analyses. Differences in serum TSP-1 measured by ELISA for gabapentin treated patients and matched non-gabapentin treated controls were assessed using unpaired two-tailed student’s t-test. Control samples were matched 2:1 by age, tumor volume, and extent of resection. After 2005, patients were treated with chemoradiation with concurrent and adjuvant temodar. Results: Among 379 adult patients with glioblastoma, 36 (9.5%) were treated with gabapentin. The median daily dose of gabapentin was 600 mg (IQR: 300-900 mg). There were no significant differences between gabapentin treated and non-gabapentin treated patients by age (0.06), sex (p=0.14), or race (p=0.52). Median overall survival for gabapentin treated and non-gabapentin treated patients was 20.8 months (IQR: 11.7 - 32.1) and 14.7 months (IQR: 8.9-23.5), respectively (p= 0.02). On Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, overall survival was longer for gabapentin treated patients compared with non-gabapentin treated patients (p=0.005). In the multivariate Cox proportional-hazards model, gabapentin use was associated with decreased hazard of death (HR 0.67, p=0.030). Mean serum TSP-1 in gabapentin-treated patients was significantly lower than in the matched control group (10181 ng/ml vs 17015 ng/ml, p=0.017). Conclusions: Gabapentin use is associated with a survival benefit for patients with glioblastoma, possibly mediated through a reduction in TSP-1. This promising result lays the foundation for future prospective studies to further evaluate TSP-1 as a circulating prognostic biomarker as well as to explore the therapeutic benefits of gabapentin as a life-prolonging treatment for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma.

Development and validation of a clinical risk score for postoperative outcome in newly diagnosed glioblastoma: A report of the RANO Resect group.

2060 Background: Following resection or biopsy, patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma frequently enter clinical trials. To standardize terminology for extent of resection, we proposed the RANO classification acknowledging four prognostic resection classes reflecting different amounts of residual tumor. Here, we aim to make use of our classification to (I) analyze the interactive effects of residual tumor with clinical and molecular factors on outcome (II) to define a prognostic postoperative risk score. Methods: The RANO resect group retrospectively compiled an international, seven-center training cohort of newly diagnosed glioblastoma. Predictors of outcome were identified by uni- and multivariate Cox’s proportional hazard regression. The combined effects of residual tumor with prognostic molecular and clinical factors on survival were assessed by recursive partitioning analysis (significance level: p≤ 0.05). Terminal regression tree nodes were combined into risk classes guided by Kaplan-Meier survival analyses and log-rank tests. The risk classes were converted into a numerical score which was prognostically verified in an external validation cohort. Results: Our training cohort compromised 1003 patients with newly diagnosed IDH-wildtype glioblastoma, including 744 patients who underwent adjuvant radiochemotherapy per EORTC-NCIC (TMZ/RT→TMZ). Residual tumor per RANO classification, MGMT promotor methylation status, age (as continuous variable; optimal cutoff: ≤65 years), and KPS (as continuous variable; optimal cutoff: ≥80) were prognostic of overall survival and forwarded into regression tree analysis. By combining eleven terminal nodes and individually weighting the prognostic factors, an additive scale (range, 0-9 points) integrating these four variables distinguished patients with low (0-2 points), intermediate (3-5 points), and high risk (6-9 points) for poor postoperative outcome (median overall survival: 24 vs. 16 vs. 6 months; p &lt; 0.01). Adjustment of the regression tree for adjuvant therapy was applied, and the presence of the three risk groups was confirmed in the subgroups of patients treated with or without RT/TMZ→TMZ. The prognostic value of the risk score was verified in a external single-center validation cohort of newly diagnosed glioblastoma ( n = 231, p &lt; 0.01). When we compared our risk score to previously postulated risk models, our score was superior in concordance between predicted with observed survival (c-index; development cohort: 0.7, validation cohorts: 0.6). Conclusions: The novel RANO risk score integrates molecular and clinical factors to serve as an easy-to-use, yet highly prognostic tool to stratify patients after resection or biopsy of newly diagnosed glioblastoma. The score may serve to guide patient management and reduce imbalances between study arms in prospective interventional trials.

Lost in transition: Impact of interhospital transfer on outcomes after emergency general surgery in the older adult population

BackgroundEmergency general surgery performed among patients over 65 years of age represents a particularly high-risk population. Although interhospital transfer has been linked to higher mortality in emergency general surgery patients, its impact on outcomes in the geriatric population remains uncertain. We aimed to establish the effect of interhospital transfer on postoperative outcomes in geriatric emergency general surgery patients. MethodsEmergency general surgery patients 65 years and older were identified with American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program 2013 to 2019. Patients were categorized based on admission source as either directly admitted or transferred from an outside hospital inpatient unit or emergency department. The primary outcomes evaluated were in-hospital mortality, 30-day mortality, and overall morbidity. Propensity score matching was used to control for confounders, including age, race, comorbidities, and preoperative conditions. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the log-rank test were used to compare 30-day survival in the matched cohort. ResultsAmong the 88,424 patients identified, 13,872 (15.7%) were transfer patients. The median age was 74, and 53% were of female sex. Transfer patients had higher rates of comorbidities and preoperative conditions, including a higher prevalence of preoperative sepsis (21.8% vs 19.3%, P < .001) and ventilator dependence (6.4% vs 2.6%, P < .001). After propensity score-matched analysis, transferred patients exhibited higher rates of in-hospital mortality, 30-day mortality, and overall morbidity. Transfer patients were also less likely to be discharged home and more likely to be discharged to an acute care facility. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis confirmed a poorer 30-day survival in transferred patients. ConclusionInterhospital transfer independently contributed to overall mortality and morbidity amongst geriatric emergency general surgery patients. Further investigation into improved coordination between hospitals, tailored care plans, and comprehensive risk assessments are needed to help mitigate the observed differences in outcomes.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy as an indication to preserve nipple areolar complex in advanced breast cancer.

e12655 Background: Nipple areolar skin sparing mastectomy (NASSM) has similar oncologic and surgical safety compared to skin sparing mastectomy (SSM) and conventional mastectomy. It provides a superior cosmetic outcome, patient satisfaction and quality of life. With the increasing rate of pathological response rate with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAT), nipple preservation can be achieved. The aim of our study is to evaluate whether NASSM is an appropriate surgical procedure for patients in whom there is radiological evidence of extension or involvement of nipple areolar complex (NAC) prior to NAT. Methods: Patients with advanced breast cancer received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and NASSM or SSM between June 2006 and December 2021 at Asan Medical Center were retrospectively reviewed. We excluded patients with metastatic breast cancer on presentation, bilateral cancer and inflammatory breast cancer. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazard models were applied to determine clinicopathological and radiological factors to determine NAC preservation. Our primary objective to assess tumor cells persistence in the NAC after radiological complete response or resolution of extension to NAC. Results: Total of 1,105 patients included. 71.7% of patients underwent NASSM and 17.2% SSM as a final operation. 144 patients (13%) had a change in the pre- NAT type of surgery decision. 83(7.5%) patients had nipple involvement on final pathology. Out of 312 patients who underwent SSM, only 76 patients had nipple involvement on final pathology When comparing patients who had nipple involvement to those who didn’t on final pathology, clinical T &amp; N stage, histologic &amp; nuclear grade, breast cancer subtype, presence of multifocality/multicentric disease on MRI pre or post NAT, distance of mass to NAC and mass size pre and post NAT, the presence of non mass extension to NAC post NAT, NAC thickening on any image pre and post NAT and presentation symptoms of nipple retraction and skin changes were statistically significant. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to compare all the above factors and showed that breast cancer subtype, tumor nipple distance on MRI pre NAT, nipple areolar thickening on MRI pre NAT, clinical response and nipple retraction on MMG post NAT were statistically significant and indicators of nipple involvement on final pathology. Only 8 patients developed NAC recurrence in the NASSM group. Conclusions: NASSM is a safe procedure in patients who had tumor extension to NAC prior to NAT and showed improvement post NAT as evident on MRI. Further prospective studies are needed to establish and criteria to preserve NAC in this subgroup of patients.

Immune related adverse events: Timing, identification patterns, and impact on survival.

e14705 Background: Increased use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has resulted in a rise in immune related adverse events (irAEs), which many non-oncology clinicians may underrecognize. Controversy exists surrounding whether irAE presence has an impact on survival. Our primary goal was to evaluate the timing between detection to diagnosis of irAE, and determine the department responsible for making the irAE diagnosis. We also assess the incidence of single vs multisystem irAEs, impact of irAE on survival, and assess whether standard irAEs (s-irAEs) those diagnosed within 90 days of initial ICI administration vs delayed irAE (d-irAEs) those diagnosed &gt;90 days impacts survival. Methods: We performed an IRB approved retrospective study of patients 18 years and older who received ICIs for a malignancy at Gundersen Health System between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2021. Statistical analysis included Chi-square, Fisher’s Exact, and Wilcoxon rank sum tests and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. All analysis was completed in R version 4.2.3 with a p-value &lt;0.05 considered significant. Results: Our study included 664 patients who were 99.6% white, 60% male, and an average age of 67 years. Median Charlson Comorbidity Index was 10. There were 245 (36.8%) patients with at least 1 irAE, and 62 (9.3%) with a multisystem irAE. While 28 (11%) irAEs were initially detected by non-oncology providers, only 10 (4.1%) irAEs were diagnosed by a non-oncology department. Median time (days) from symptoms to diagnosis was 3 for those diagnosed in non-oncology departments and 0 for those diagnosed in oncology (p&lt;0.01). A total of 142 (58.0%) s-irAEs were detected with grades 1-2-3-4-5 accounting for 21.1%-54.9%-19.7%-1.4%-2.8%. There were 103 (42.0%) d-irAEs with grades 1-2-3-4-5 accounting for 23.3%-53.4%-17.4%-5.8%-0%. Of the d-irAEs, 17 (16.5%) occurred &gt;365 days from initiation of ICI. The 3 most common irAE in this patient population included thyroiditis (34%), dermatitis (21%), and pneumonitis (12%). Our data shows a significant survival difference in patients with an irAE compared to those without (p&lt;.01). No significant survival difference was noted between patients who had s-irAE vs d-irAE (p=.069). Conclusions: Our results show that irAEs may be underrecognized and often not formally diagnosed by non-oncology providers. However, median time to diagnosis is short within this context. This may be due to non-oncology providers feeling uncomfortable making the final decision, which emphasizes the importance for oncologists to finalize irAE diagnoses. We did see a positive impact on survival with irAE presence. While oncologists often clinically expect irAEs to surface within the first 6-10 weeks of treatment, our study demonstrates that 42% of irAEs occur after 12 weeks from ICI initiation. There is no difference in survival between s-irAEs vs d-irAEs, and overall grade distribution between these two groups appears similar.

Real world outcomes of sequential ADC therapy in metastatic breast cancer: Patients treated with sacituzumab govitecan and trastuzumab deruxtecan.

1085 Background: Sacituzumab govitecan (SG) and trastuzumab deruxtecan (TDXd) are antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) that are approved for the treatment of HER2 low metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Both carry payloads which inhibit topoisomerase 1, and it is unknown whether these ADCs retain clinical activity when used sequentially to each other. Here we present a retrospective study of patients treated with both SG and TDXd at our institution and report real world progression free survival (PFS), clinical factors associated with longer PFS, and whether ADC sequence impacts outcome. Methods: All patients with MBC treated at MSKCC who had received both SG and TDXd (in any order) were eligible for inclusion. Clinicopathological and demographic data were obtained from retrospective chart review. PFS was determined clinically and calculated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Univariate and multivariate associations of survival were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models. Results: Eighty-five patients met eligibility per the criteria above: 54 with estrogen receptor positive (ER+) MBC and 31 with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). 33 patients received SG followed by TDXd (14 ER+, 19 TNBC), and 52 received TDXd followed by SG (40 ER+, 12 TNBC). Median age at time of second ADC treatment (ADC2) was 59 among all patients, 62 among SG first, and 58 among TDXd first. This cohort was heavily pre-treated, with median 5 prior therapies at the time of first ADC (ADC1) and 7 at the time of ADC2. Both the SG first and TDXd first cohorts had median 1 line of intervening therapy between ADCs. In the SG first group, median ADC2 (TDXd) PFS was 3.5 months (95%CI 2.7-7.7), and in the TDXd first group median ADC2 (SG) was 2.8 months (95%CI 2.6-3.7). On multivariate analysis, neither ADC sequence (SG first vs. TDXd first, HR 1.30, 95%CI 0.71-2.37, p=0.4) nor ER status (TNBC vs. ER+, HR 1.21, 95%CI 0.63-2.32, p=0.6) showed statistically significant differences in ADC2 PFS between these groups. Instead, later treatment line at the time of ADC2 was significantly associated with shorter ADC2 PFS (continuous, HR 1.11, 95%CI 1.01-1.23, p=0.03). To separately evaluate differences in PFS for each ADC depending upon whether it was first or follow-up therapy, median ADC1 vs. ADC2 PFS is summarized by ADC (Table). Conclusions: In this heavily pre-treated patient cohort, the clinical activity of both SG and TDXd appear modest in the ADC2 setting. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to determine whether payload cross-resistance may undermine the benefit of sequential ADC therapy. [Table: see text]

Clinicopathological features and genomic profiles of prostate cancer with elevated carbohydrate antigen 19-9.

e17003 Background: The elevated carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA199) is commonly observed in digestive system tumors, but rarely in prostate cancer (PCa). Due to the rarity and the poor understanding of the special subtype of PCa, the clinicopathological and genomic characteristics and survival outcomes in PCa patients with elevated CA199 in our center were analyzed. Methods: Cases were collected retrospectively from 2012 to 2023 in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. The tumor genomic profiles were analyzed by R (http://www.rproject.org). Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were performed to compare survival outcomes. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26.0 and GraphPad Prism version 8.0. All analyses were two‐tailed, and the significance level was set at P&lt;0.05. Results: A total of 137 PCa patients with elevated CA199 (&gt;35ng/ml) were identified, with an exclusion of 47 patients with secondary cancers and 40 patients with other diseases that may cause elevated CA199, finally 50 cases (22 with primary and 28 with secondary elevated CA199) were included. The median initial PSA and the median time from diagnosis to CRPC were 102ng/ml and 14 months. Most patients were with a high GS score (GS≥8: 82%) and an advanced stage (M1: 84%). Poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (22%) was frequently observed. Compared with patients with primary elevated CA199, patients with secondary elevated CA199 had higher levels of CA199 (102ng/ml vs. 78ng/ml, p=0.0456), lower levels of PSA at diagnosis (65ng/ml vs. 132ng/ml, p=0.0131) and higher proportion of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (36% vs. 5%, p=0.0138). The level of CA199 in patients with primary elevated CA199 was correlated with the level of CEA (R2=0.2658, p=0.0168), but not with the level of NSE or PSA. At a median follow-up of 31 months, the median OS of the whole group, primary elevated CA199 and secondary elevated CA199 subgroups was 49 months, 31 months and not reached. Secondary elevated CA199 (p=0.0009), abiraterone treatment (p&lt;0.0001) and chemotherapy treatment (p=0.0331) were significant prognostic factors of OS. To study the genomic characteristics of PCa patients with elevated CA199, 29 PCa patients with normal CA199 were included as a control (genomic data available in 13 and 29 cases respectively). Patients with elevated CA199 were more likely to have mutations in castration resistant associated genes (AR, FOXA1, ASXL1, KMT2B, JAK2 and AKT1), malignant progression associated genes (RARA, BLM, PIK3R1) and CA199 metabolism associated gene (ERBB2). Conclusions: PCa with elevated CA199 is highly malignant and with poor prognosis. Intensive treatment with abiraterone and chemotherapy could benefit such patients. Poor pathological differentiation and the gene mutation profile may partly explain the clinical outcome.

Memory mayhem: Hormone therapy causing brain fog in patients with DCIS.

575 Background: Long term hormonal therapy in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) have been studied without consistent evidence to cause cognitive side effects. Here we evaluate the relation of using hormonal therapy (HT) in patients with DCIS with cognitive effects. Methods: TrinetX, a global federated research network that provides a dataset of electronic medical records from different healthcare organizations (HCOs), was utilized. Initial query was made to isolate patients who had an ER positive DCIS. Two groups were made based on the receipt of hormone therapy (exemestane, tamoxifen, letrozole, anastrozole). Further, propensity score matching (PSM) was carried out to match age, sex, race, development of malignant neoplasm of breast, chemotherapy at any point. Outcomes of cognitive impairment were identified using ICD 10 CM codes R41.3, R41.0, F05, F02.81, and Alzheimer’s dementia was identified using ICD 10 CM code G30. Compare outcome analytic function was utilized to map the co-relation of HT with cognitive impairment. Results: 64,266 patients were identified with ER positive DCIS, of whom 63.18% (n=40,601) received HT. Patients who received HT were older (61.4 ± 12.3 vs. 61 ± 12.9, p&lt;0.0001), and predominantly Caucasian (70% vs 65%, p&lt;0.0001). On looking further into racial distribution of population, it was seen that Caucasians were predominant in both groups, followed by African Americans (12% vs. 11%, p=0.0016) and Unknown race (11% vs. 17%, p&lt;0.0001), then Asians (4% vs. 4%, p=0.0675). Before PSM, it was seen that 7.55% (n= 2,818) patients had cognitive side effects compared to only 5.044% (n= 1,139) in group that did not receive HT (OR 1.537 (1.432,1.65), p&lt;0.0001). Log-Rank Test for Kaplan-Meier curve was significant for the difference with hazard ratio 1.315, (1.227,1.409). A similar association was seen with Alzheimer’s dementia (0.735% vs. 0.547%, OR 1.346 (1.094,1.656), p= 0.0048) but Kaplan-Meier survival analysis did not show any significant difference between the groups. After PSM, both groups had 15,801 cases. The odds of developing cognitive impairment was higher in HT group (6.582% vs. 5.589%, OR 1.19, (1.082,1.309), p=0.0003). But Log-Rank Test for Kaplan-Meier curve did not show any significant difference (HR 1.047 (95% CI 0.954-1.149)). There was no significant difference for Alzheimer’s dementia development in either group (0.769% vs. 0.591%, 1.303 (0.994,1.709), p = 0.0548). Conclusions: Our study shows that HT significantly increases the odds of developing cognitive impairment. The limitation of the study is the duration of follow up. Usually, patients with DCIS live much longer and can have cognitive effects beyond the window of this study; hence a prospective long-term follow-up study is required to ascertain the relation of HT and cognitive side effects. Patients when starting the treatment should be counselled about the risk of developing cognitive side effects in future.

Clinical validation of a prognostic 7-marker IHC assay (7-IHC) in 382 patients (pts) with stage IB/IIA cutaneous melanoma (CM; MELARISK-001).

9572 Background: For pts with resected CM, adjuvant anti-PD1 is approved for AJCC v8 stage IIB–IV and BRAFi/MEKi for stage III–IV disease. Nonetheless, there remains a subgroup of pts within stages IB/IIA, which is at high risk of relapse and death, accounts for a considerable share of overall CM mortality (1), and lacks access to such therapy. Thus, adjuvant clinical trials in this “early”-stage setting may be merited. However, this subgroup is not detectable via AJCC staging alone. A prognostic 7-IHC assay that was developed (2), and analytically (3) and prospectively clinically validated (4) to identify stage IB/IIA pts at high risk of relapse and death, may be useful in selecting pts for adjuvant trials (2,4). Here, we report results from the MELARISK-001 multicenter study of that assay. Methods: MELARISK-001 enrolled consecutive pts diagnosed with stage IB/IIA CM from 2000–16, with available formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded primary melanoma. Specimens were analyzed by 7-IHC and pts classified as either high-risk or low-risk. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis (MVA) against Breslow thickness, ulceration, age, and sex were performed. Results: MELARISK-001 included 382 pts; 247 (65%) pts in stage IB, 135 (35%) in stage IIA, all sentinel node-negative. Median Breslow thickness was 1.6 mm, median age 60Y. 212 pts (55%) were classified as 7-IHC high-risk, 170 pts (45%) as 7-IHC low-risk. Median follow-up for recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 90 mos, for melanoma-specific survival (MSS) 98 mos. Comparing 7-IHC high-risk vs low-risk pts, 5Y RFS was 79% vs 100%, 10Y RFS, 72% vs 99%, 5Y MSS, 92% vs 100%, and 10Y MSS 82% vs 100% (Table; logrank p&lt;0.001). In MVA, 7-IHC risk class (hazard ratio [HR] 22.3; 95% CI 7.0–70.9), Breslow thickness (1.5; 1.1–1.9), and age (1.61; 1.0–2.5) were significant independent prognosticators of RFS. 7-IHC HR for MSS could not be computed due to 7-IHC's 100% sensitivity. Prognostic performance variables (95% CI) for RFS were: sensitivity 98% (91%–100%), positive predictive value 26% (20%–33%), negative predictive value 99% (97%–100%). Conclusions: 7-IHC risk categorization identified 98% of relapses and 100% of CM-related deaths in stage IB/IIA pts. In MVA, 7-IHC risk class was the strongest independent prognosticator of survival endpoints. 7-IHC high-risk pts have a relapse rate comparable to that of later-stage pts for whom adjuvant therapy is approved. MELARISK-001 provides further evidence supporting use of 7-IHC to identify early-stage pts at high risk of relapse and death who may benefit from adjuvant therapy trials. 1. Whiteman et al J Invest Dermatol 2015. 2. Meyer et al PloS ONE 2012. 3. Ziemer et al Diagnostics2023. 4. Meyer et al Eur J Cancer 2023. [Table: see text]