Phase Lead Research Articles

CTIM-19. A PHASE 1, SAFETY LEAD-IN AND RANDOMIZED, OPEN-LABEL, PERIOPERATIVE STUDY OF VORASIDENIB COMBINED WITH PEMBROLIZUMAB IN RECURRENT OR PROGRESSIVE ENHANCING IDH-1 MUTANT GLIOMA: TRIAL IN PROGRESS

Abstract BACKGROUND Vorasidenib (VOR) is an oral, brain-penetrant dual inhibitor of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1/2 mutant (mIDH1/2) enzymes. VOR is being investigated in a phase 3 study in residual or recurrent grade 2 non-enhancing gliomas, in which interim analysis showed VOR significantly improved progression-free survival and delayed time to next intervention. A prior neoadjuvant perioperative study in recurrent, non-enhancing grade 2/3 gliomas showed that VOR treatment was associated with interferon signal activation and increased T-cell infiltration, suggesting 2-hydroxyglutarate suppression may prime the tumor immune microenvironment for immune checkpoint blockade. This study (NCT05484622) evaluates the safety and tolerability of VOR+pembrolizumab to determine the recommended combination dose (RCD) of VOR (safety lead-in phase) and evaluates CD3+ T-cell infiltration in tumors following a 28-day preoperative period. METHODS Enrollment: US patients with recurrent or progressive grade 2/3 mIDH1 R132H glioma. Key eligibility: measurable enhancing disease, Karnofsky Performance Status ≥70, resectable (perioperative phase only). Following a March 2024 protocol amendment, inclusion criteria were expanded to include patients with oligodendroglioma in addition to patients with astrocytoma. Safety lead-in dosing: Cohort 1, VOR 40mg QD+pembrolizumab 200mg Q3W in 21-day cycles. The perioperative phase is randomized 1:1:1 to preoperative combination, VOR 40mg QD, or untreated for 28 (+7) days; all patients could opt to receive the VOR RCD in combination with pembrolizumab 200mg Q3W postoperatively. Primary objectives: safety and tolerability of VOR RCD administered with pembrolizumab; CD3+ T-cell infiltration in resected tumors following presurgical treatment with combination compared to untreated tumors. RESULTS Seven patients with recurrent or progressive enhancing grade 2/3 astrocytoma with an mIDH1 R132H were dosed in the safety lead-in phase. No dose-limiting toxicities were detected during this phase. CONCLUSION VOR 40mg QD+pembrolizumab 200mg Q3W was confirmed as the RCD for the perioperative phase. This phase was opened to enrollment in May 2023, and recruitment is ongoing.

Functional assessment in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with darolutamide: results from the DaroAcT study.

Androgen receptor inhibitors (ARIs) are approved for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer; however, some patients may experience symptoms and side effects that hinder their physical functioning. The Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) tests are used to assess physical functioning in older adults and are recommended assessments for patients with prostate cancer, despite lacking validation in this setting. DaroAct (NCT04157088) was an open-label, multicenter, phase 2b study designed to evaluate the effects of the ARI darolutamide (lead-in phase) and darolutamide vs enzalutamide (randomized phase) on physical functioning in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Only the lead-in phase, in which participants received darolutamide 600mg twice daily, was completed. The TUG and SPPB tests were used to assess physical functioning. The lead-in phase enrolled 30 participants. During 24 weeks of treatment, 8 (32.0%) of 25 evaluable participants exhibited clinically meaningful worsening in TUG from baseline (primary endpoint). At the week 24 visit, 5 (21.7%) of 23 participants had worsening in TUG time, and 8 (33.3%) of 24 participants had worsening in SPPB score. Because only 48% of participants had the same outcome on the TUG and SPPB tests, the study was terminated without initiating the randomized comparison. Most participants showed no clinically meaningful worsening in physical functioning after 24 weeks of darolutamide treatment, but poor agreement between tests was observed. Tools to accurately and consistently measure the impact of ARIs on physical functioning in patients with CRPC are needed.

Long-acting antiretroviral therapy effectiveness and patient satisfaction using patient questionnaires: data from a real-world setting

BackgroundAntiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV infection has evolved substantially. The development of long-acting drugs, such as cabotegravir (CAB) and rilpivirine (RPV) might improve treatment satisfaction among people living with HIV (PLWH). The real-world effectiveness of long-acting ART and its effect on patient satisfaction needs to be assessed. This study investigated antiviral effectiveness and treatment satisfaction in PLWH who switched from conventional to long-acting ART (CAB + RPV).MethodsThis prospective cohort study included PLWH aged 18 years and older who switched to CAB + RPV and received the injections every 8 weeks between June 2022 and May 2023, after a 4-week oral lead-in phase. The eligibility criteria included viral suppression, absence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, and no prior RPV resistance mutations. Clinical data, including renal, lipid, and glucose biomarker levels, were monitored from the baseline to 44 weeks after switching. Treatment satisfaction was assessed using the HIV Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire. A linear mixed-effects model was used to estimate changes in clinical data from baseline.ResultsThirty-eight male participants were enrolled. Some participants had detectable levels of viral replication; however, all participants maintained viral suppression (HIV-RNA < 50 copies/mL) at 44 weeks and no cases of virological failure were detected. The creatinine level decreased by − 0.04 mg/dL (95% confidence interval [CI]: − 0.07 to − 0.01), lipid and glucose profiles remained stable, and treatment satisfaction increased by 6.6 points (95% CI: 2.4 to 10.8) after switching to CAB + RPV.ConclusionsLong-acting ART provides effective viral suppression and enhances treatment satisfaction in PLWH switching from conventional ART. Long-acting ART can improve patient well-being; however, patient selection and monitoring to prevent HBV-related complications are important.

Phase II trial of BXCL701 and pembrolizumab in patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (EXPEL-PANC): Preliminary findings.

LBA4132 Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has limited therapeutic options and is thought to be a “cold” tumor that does not respond to immunotherapy, due to a tumor microenvironment (TME) consisting of a desmoplastic stroma and poor T cell infiltrate. BXCL701 is an oral synthetic dipeptide that competitively inhibits dipeptidyl peptidases DPP4, DPP8, DPP9 and fibroblast activation protein (FAP). BXCL701 exerts antitumor activity via inhibition of DPP8/9, which is associated with induction of proinflammatory cytokines, as well as inhibition of FAP, which disrupts tumor-stromal interactions. Preclinical xenograft models demonstrate synergy between BXCL701 and PD-1 blockade, reducing tumor growth and promoting an increase in intratumoral CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, macrophages and NK cells, with induction of host-protective immunity. Methods: This is a phase II trial of BXCL701 in patients with metastatic PDAC (mPDAC) following progression on 1 line of treatment for advanced disease and amenable to serial biopsies. BXCL701 is administered at 0.2 mg PO BID days 1-7 and 0.3 mg BID days 8-14 during cycle 1 (21 days) followed by 0.3 mg BID days 1-14 every 21 days in all other cycles, given with pembrolizumab 200 mg IV every 21 days (all cycles). The primary objective is to determine the 18-week progression-free survival rate (PFS18weeks). We estimate that historical 2nd-line PFS18weeks is 30% or less; using a Simon’s two-stage (minimax) design, a type I error rate of 0.05 and power of 80% if the true rate is 50%, we will need 19 patients in stage 1 and 20 in stage 2 (39 total). There is a safety lead-in phase of 6 patients. We plan to enroll 43 patients to account for a predicted 10% drop out of unevaluable patients. Correlative pharmacodynamic studies include imaging mass cytometry to examine 36 markers of the PDAC TME in tissue biopsies, as well as blood-based analyses of KRAS circulating tumor DNA, circulating markers of fibrosis, and IL-6. Enrollment began in Q3 2023 (NCT05558982). Results: Six patients have enrolled, 3 women and 3 men, median age 57.5 (range 37-80). One patient was progression-free at 18 weeks and 1 patient had stable disease (SD) at 9 weeks, not yet evaluable for the 18-week landmark. Objective response rate is 16% and disease control rate is 50% (RECIST: 1 partial response, -41%, and 2 patients with SD, -18% and 0%). Three patients had significant reductions in CA19-9 from baseline (-100%, -73%, and -97%). Median PFS and overall survival have not been reached (NR, 95% CI 1.45 months-NR and 0.92 months-NR, respectively). There have been no serious treatment-related safety events. The safety lead-in will complete after the next patient completes the 6-week safety window (1 patient was unevaluable). Conclusions: BXCL701 plus pembrolizumab is well-tolerated and shows early signs of potential clinical activity in patients with mPDAC refractory to chemotherapy. Clinical trial information: NCT05558982 .

Long-term outcomes of anlotinib and penpulimab combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma that failed definitive platinum-based chemoradiotherapy.

6040 Background: The median progression-free survival (mPFS) of anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) plus gemcitabine (G) and cisplatin (C) in the first-line treatment of metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (M NPC) is still limited in about 10 ~12 months. The tolerance is also unfavorable, especially for patients (pts) who had undergone platinum-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT) previously. We performed a phase 2 study to explore the potency of replacing cisplatin with anloinib (A), a multi-kinase inhibitor in combined with penpulimab (P), a novel anti-PD-1 mAb as the first-line treatment of M NPC for pts with prior explosure of platinum-based CRT. Here we report the updated long term outcomes of this study. Methods: This is a prospective, three cohorts, single-arm study. Eligible pts were aged 18 ~ 75 years old, diagnosed with NPC and developed metastasis after platinum-based CRT. Pts who were diagnosed as having M NPC at the first visit or experienced treatment failure within 6 months after definitive CRT or adjuvant therapy were excluded. Pts were randomized to receive G + A + P (cohort GAP), G + C + A + P (cohort GCAP) or G+C+P (cohort GCP). Gemcitabine (1000mg/m2, d1, d8) and cisplatin (80mg/m2, d1) were given intravenously for 4 to 6 cycles, 3 weeks per cycle. Penpulimab (200mg, d1) and anlotinib (10mg, qd, d1-14) were given intravenously and orally respectively until disease progression, or unacceptable toxicities. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). Results: 21 pts were randomized to three cohorts in lead-in phase while only cohort GAP was selected into expansion phase to enrolled another 7 pts. Finally, totally 28 pts were enrolled and received study treatment. The data cutoff date was December 1, 2023. The median follow-up was 20.2 month (95% CI: 17.0, 23.4). The results were summered in the table below. In cohort GAP, the confirmed ORR was 92.3% (95% CI: 64.0%, 99.8%) and the mPFS was still not reached (95% CI: NE, NE). The most common Grade 3 treatment-related adverse event (TRAE) was neutrophil count decreased (3 pts). Only one patient occurred Grade 4 TRAE (neutrophil count decreased) and no treatment-related death was observed. Conclusions: The long term outcomes of this phase 2 study preliminarily disclosed the advantage of the treatment regimen including gemcitabine, anlotinib and penpulimab as the first-line treatment of M NPC, especially for pts who had exposed to platinum-based chemotherapy. The further study with more sample size is warranted. Clinical trial information: NCT04736810 . [Table: see text]

Neoadjuvant targeted therapy in early resectable HER2-mutant lobular breast cancer.

TPS630 Background: Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) accounts for approximately 10-15% of all breast cancers and is characterized by hormone receptor positivity (HR+), low Ki-67 score, and loss of cell adhesion receptors such as E-cadherin. While these tumors tend to be indolent initially, late recurrences and distant metastasis are common, and ILC has very low rates of pathologic complete response (pCR) to both neoadjuvant chemotherapy and endocrine therapy (ET). HER2 ( ERBB2) mutations are enriched in about 10% of unselected ILC, with some reports showing the prevalence as high as 27% in pleomorphic and higher grade ILCs. HER2 mutations in ILC are associated with ET resistance and a worse prognosis. Neratinib is a HER2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) currently FDA-approved for adjuvant treatment of HER2-amplified (HER2+) early-stage breast cancer. It has shown safety and efficacy in combination with ET in metastatic HER2-mutant HR+ breast cancer. We hypothesize that neoadjuvant treatment with neratinib and ET will improve pathologic responses in newly diagnosed HER2-mutant HR+ ILC. Methods: This study (NCT05919108) is an open label multi-site Phase II clinical trial for 30 patients with Stage I-III ILCs and a HER2 activating mutation. Patients will be identified by next generation sequencing (NGS) of the diagnostic biopsy and randomized to 4 weeks of ET +/- neratinib; a biopsy will be done at the end of the lead-in phase. All patients will then receive ET and neratinib for 20 weeks prior to proceeding to surgery. To optimize tolerability, the first cycle of neratinib will include a dose escalation and antidiarrheal prophylaxis. The primary objective of this study will be the pre-operative endocrine prognostic index (PEPI) score, which will be compared to a historical PEPI-0 rate for patients with HR+ breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant ET. Secondary objectives will include pCR, residual cancer burden, and rates of breast conserving surgery. Correlative studies will include biomarkers of tumor cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, HER2 pathway activation, and gene expression on the pre- and on-treatment (4 week) biopsy from the lead-in phase to document molecular synergy between neratinib and ET. Patient-derived organoids from the 4-week biopsies will be established and subjected to single-cell RNA, ATAC seq, and DNA sequencing to study tumor evolution and elucidate epigenetic programs and somatic alterations that allow breast cancer survival despite continuous HER2-directed therapy. This is a first-in-kind, mechanism-based, molecularly targeted combination of a HER2 TKI and ET in HER2-mutant ILC. We posit results from this study may generate a clear signal of clinical activity leading to a randomized phase III trial aimed at incorporating HER2-directed therapies as a treatment for operable, early stage ILC. This signal may also suggest for the first time the added value of NGS in patients with newly diagnosed HR+ breast cancer. Clinical trial information: NCT05919108 .

A pilot study of tazemetostat and pembrolizumab in advanced urothelial carcinoma (ETCTN 10183).

4574 Background: Mutations of COMPASS-related proteins KMT2D, KMT2C, and KDM6A are observed in 66% of advanced urothelial carcinomas (UC). In vivo, the administration of tazemetostat, an enzymatic EZH2 inhibitor (EZH2i), reduced tumor burden and enhanced the immune response in animal models of UC. We hypothesized that tazemetostat might improve response to immunotherapy in advanced UC. Methods: ETCTN 10183 (NCT03854474) is a multicenter pilot study evaluating the safety and efficacy of tazemetostat 800 mg BID+ pembrolizumab 200 mg given every three weeks for up to two years in patients (pts) with platinum-refractory (Arm A) or cisplatin/chemo-ineligible advanced UC (Arm B). The primary objective was to identify the recommended phase two dose (RP2D) of tazemetostat in combination with pembrolizumab. Secondary objectives included safety, response rate, and progression-free survival. Translational objectives included determining tumor mutational burden in COMPASS-related genes, tumor subtyping, TCR clonality, T cell infiltration, and PDL-1 expression. Results: There were no dose-limiting toxicities in the safety lead-in phase (n=6 pts), and the RP2D for tazemetostat was established at 800 mg BID. Baseline characteristics for Arm A N=12, Arm B N=13: 72% males; 96% white, 4% Black; 88% ECOG PS 0-1; 88% had bladder primary, 20% Stage III, 72% stage IV; 80% had visceral or bone metastases. The median number of cycles was 5 in Arm A (range 1-35) and 4 in Arm B (range 2-12). Treatment related G3/4 adverse events (AEs) were observed in 8 patients, most common were anemia and lymphopenia (n=2 each). Treatment related G1/2 AEs included nausea (n=6); skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders (n=3); anemia, lymphopenia, and thrombocytopenia (n=2 each). Among evaluable patients (n=10 in each arm), partial response rate was: Arm A 30%, Arm B 20%; stable disease: Arm A 30%, Arm B 30%; and progressive disease: Arm A 30%, Arm B 20%. 8 pts were on study treatment for ≥ 9 cycles (5 in Arm A, 3 in Arm B). All pts are off protocol treatment. Median progression-free survival was 3.06 (95% CI: 1.38-7.75) months for Arm A and 3.02 (95%CI: 2.4-5.65) for Arm B. Conclusions: Tazemetostat 800 mg BID and pembrolizumab combination is feasible and well-tolerated in patients with advanced UC. In this pilot study, improvement in efficacy relative to historical controls of pembrolizumab alone appears to be modest. Response in tumors with COMPASS-related mutations and EZH2 activity will be evaluated. Clinical trial information: NCT03854474 .

A phase 1/2, safety lead-in and dose expansion, open-label, multicenter trial investigating the safety, tolerability, and preliminary activity of ivosidenib in combination with nivolumab and ipilimumab in previously treated subjects with IDH1-mutated nonresectable or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma.

TPS4197 Background: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare cancer with limited therapeutic options, though molecularly targeted therapies have demonstrated anti-tumor activity in certain subsets. Approximately 15% of patients with intrahepatic CCA harbor activating mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (mIDH1), and treatment with the mIDH1 inhibitor, ivosidenib (IVO) improved progression-free survival in the phase 3 ClarIDHy trial. mIDH1 is associated with an immune-excluded tumor microenvironment, and anti-CTLA4 immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) augments anti-tumor activity when combined with IVO in preclinical models. Preliminary anti-tumor activity of dual immune checkpoint inhibitors (IPI, NIVO) has been reported in biliary tract cancers. Methods: This is a phase 1/2, non-comparative, multicenter, open-label study of IVO, IPI, NIVO, in subjects with unresectable or metastatic CCA with mIDH1. Key eligibility criteria include: a histopathological diagnosis; tumor mIDH1 based on local testing; progression on and/or intolerance to 1-2 prior lines of systemic therapy, at least one of which contained either gemcitabine and/or 5-fluorouracil; prior anti-PD-(L)1 therapy is allowed in the safety lead in; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) of 0 or 1; at least 1 measurable lesion as defined by RECIST version 1.1. The study has a safety lead-in phase and an expansion phase with 2 different expansion cohorts: cohort 1, ICI-naive; cohort 2, prior ICI allowed. The primary objective is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of IVO in combination with IPI plus NIVO and determine the recommended combination dose (RCD). This phase will enroll ~6 to 12 dose-limiting toxicity (DLT)–evaluable patients. The first 6 patients enrolled will receive IVO 500 mg orally once daily in combination with IPI 1 mg/kg IV infusion and NIVO 3 mg/kg IV infusion concurrently once every 3 weeks for 4 doses followed by NIVO at 480 mg IV once every 4 weeks until progression or unacceptable toxicity (up to a maximum of 24 months of NIVO). DLTs will be evaluated during the first 2 cycles of treatment. An additional 6 patients may be enrolled to assess an alternative dose of ivosidenib 250 mg once daily. Upon determination of the RCD, the two expansion cohorts will be initiated to assess the clinical activity of the triplet combination in patients with and without prior ICI. First patient in occurred in November 2023. Clinical trial information: NCT05921760 .

Brigatinib monotherapy in children with R/R ALK+ ALCL, IMT, or other solid tumors: Results from the BrigaPED (ITCC-098) phase 1 study.

10017 Background: Brigatinib is a potent ALK inhibitor (ALKi), with good CNS penetration and durable efficacy in adults with ALK-positive ( ALK+) non-small cell lung cancer at 180 mg/day after a 7-day lead-in at 90 mg/day. This report presents the results of a pediatric phase 1 study (NCT04925609) in patients (pts) with ALK+ malignancies. The study is sponsored by the Princess Máxima Center and supported by Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co. Methods: This multicenter, non-randomized, open-label phase 1 study enrolled pediatric pts aged ≥ 1 to &lt; 18 years, with ALK+ newly diagnosed unresectable/metastatic or relapsed/refractory (R/R) IMT, R/R ALCL, or other solid tumors. ALK+ ALCL pts who were MRD positive after one course of frontline chemotherapy were considered refractory disease. A proven ALK gene aberration was required, except in ALCL, where ALK+ by immunohistochemistry was sufficient. Pts had to be able to swallow tablets and to weigh more than 10 kg at trial entry. Brigatinib was administered as tablets once daily in 28-day cycles, and was dose-escalated according to the rolling-six design to a maximum of 3 dose levels (DL). Dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) were evaluated during 35 days (1st cycle preceded by a 7-day lead-in phase), to determine the RP2D. Pts were assessed for safety, pharmacokinetics (PK) and efficacy. Results: Ten pts were enrolled (5 centers, 2 countries) over 12 months, including 9 ALCL, and 1 sarcoma NOS, with an ALKfusion. Median age was 9 years (range: 6-17) and 2 pts were pretreated with another ALKi. No pts less than 6 years were included due to the lack of age-appropriate formulation (AAF). At database cut-off, a median of 13 cycles (range 4-17) were administered. No DLTs were observed on DL1 (n = 4), and only 1 on DL2 (N = 6, grade (G)3 neutropenia &gt; 7 days). Common treatment related adverse events (AE) were (n any G; n ≥G3): abdominal pain (6;0), CPK increase (7;1), nausea/vomiting (6;0), AST/ALT elevation (4;0). Reported AEs of special interest included ophthalmological events (3;0) and weight gain (2;1), no brigatinib related pulmonary toxicity or endocrine AEs were observed. PK exposure at DL2 was equivalent to that reported in adults at the approved dose. The sarcoma patient had progressive disease after 12 cycles. All 9 ALCL patients are still on therapy with an ongoing response. Conclusions: The RP2D of brigatinib was established at DL2, corresponding to 150 mg (18-40 kg), or 240 mg ( &gt; 40 kg) once daily. In general, the drug was well tolerated, with no instances of patients discontinuing dosing due to safety concerns. Brigatinib monotherapy demonstrated promising preliminary signs of efficacy in pediatric ALCL, although follow-up is still limited. The phase 2 part of this study has recently opened for accrual, and an AAF will soon be available for smaller children to define the RP2D in this population. Clinical trial information: NCT04925609 .

Abstract PO5-06-02: Phase II Trial of Combination of Atezolizumab, Cobimetinib and Eribulin (ACE) or Atezolizumab and Eribulin (AE) in patients with metastatic inflammatory breast cancer (IBC): Clinical data of both cohorts

Abstract Background: Metastatic IBC is an unmet clinical need due to the aggressiveness of this breast cancer subtype. Gene expression analysis of IBC samples post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy has revealed that dysregulation of immune pathways is common in tumors that do not have a complete pathologic response (pCR) to chemotherapy. The immune checkpoint PD-L1 is expressed in a third of IBC cases, and the MEK inhibitor, cobimetinib, has been shown to enhance the expression of PD-L1, the target of atezolizumab. Taken together, dual targeted therapy with atezolizumab and cobimetinib is hypothesized to be synergistic. Eribulin is a standard of care chemotherapy used in patients who have progressed on anthracycline-taxane based regimens. Materials and Methods: Patients received triple or double combination therapy depending on the timing of their enrollment. Patients with metastatic IBC who had measurable disease after at least 1 standard regimen were eligible. Any receptor subtype was allowed, and PD-L1 positivity was not required. The study began with a single cohort (n=17 patients) receiving all 3 agents with a lead-in phase to determine the MTD of cobimetinib in this setting. The study was later amended to include only atezolizumab and eribulin (cohort 2). Ten patients were treated in cohort 2. The study closed early due to lack of efficacy in cohort 2 and the changing landscape of metastatic breast cancer therapies. In cohort 1, atezolizumab was given every 2 weeks (840 mg), cobimetinib was given at 60/40/20 mg once daily, and eribulin was given at 1.4mg/m2 on day 1 and day 8 of 21-day cycles. In cohort 2, atezolizumab was given every 3 weeks (1200 mg) during the PD window and cycles 1-4, and then every 4 weeks (1680 mg) during maintenance, and eribulin was given at 1.4mg/m2 on day 1 and day 8 of 21-day cycles. Results: The MTD of cobimetinib was 40mg. In cohort 1, 17 patients were treated, 14 had at least 1 restaging evaluation. Seven patients had a partial response (50%) and 3 stable disease. The cohort was predominantly triple receptor-negative (n=13/17), with a median age of 51 yrs. The median PFS for patients in cohort 1 was 6.2 months (0-54.1). There were 2 exceptional responders, both with triple negative subtype, one of whom remains on therapy for &amp;gt;4.5 years without evidence of disease. The median overall survival was 29.6 months (2.9-133). The AE profile was largely expected, with 3 irAEs (1 grade 5 colitis, and 2 grade 2 pneumonitis), and one other patient with cardiac dysfunction requiring discontinuation of cobimetinib and atezolizumab. The MTD of cobimetinib was 40 mg. Cobimetinib-related toxicities were mild and largely gastrointestinal tract related. In cohort 2, only 1 patient experienced PR, and the median PFS was 3 months (1.2-6.2) and overall survival 8.3 months (1.8-19.9). One patient experienced autoimmune related hepatitis requiring discontinuation of protocol therapy. Due to excesive myelosuppression, dose of erublin was reduced to 1.1 mg per meter squared on day 1 and 8 and pegfilgastrim was added on day 9&amp;lt; Conclusions: The response profile of the triple combination demonstrated promise, and suggests that MEK inhibition may warrant further investigation as a strategy in metastatic IBC in a larger sample size. However, there does not appear to be synergy between atezolizumab and eribulin without the addition of targeted therapy. Citation Format: Angela Alexander, Hope Murphy, James Reuben, H. T. Carisa Le-Petross, Deanna Lane, Monica Huang, Savitri Krishnamurthy, Yun Gong, Dan Gombos, Nimisha Patel, Richard Allen, Suyu Liu, Anisha Patel, Andrew Futreal, Ignacio Wistuba, Rachel Layman, Naoto Ueno, Debu Tripathy, Bora Lim, Vicente Valero. Phase II Trial of Combination of Atezolizumab, Cobimetinib and Eribulin (ACE) or Atezolizumab and Eribulin (AE) in patients with metastatic inflammatory breast cancer (IBC): Clinical data of both cohorts [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 PO5-06-02.

A targeted educational intervention increases oral anticoagulation rates in high-risk atrial fibrillation patients

BackgroundAnticoagulation is the cornerstone of atrial fibrillation (AF) management for stroke prevention. Recently, we showed that AF patients’ oral anticoagulation (OAC) rates in a large US multispecialty health system are above 80%. ObjectiveThis study sought to improve OAC rates in AF patients via an educational intervention targeted to primary care providers with low OAC rates. MethodsPrimary care clinicians were stratified by proportions of their AF patients at elevated stroke risk not on anticoagulation medication. Clinicians with the lowest rates of anticoagulation were assigned to a target group receiving an educational program consisting of e-mail messaging summarizing anticoagulation guidelines. All other clinicians were assigned to a comparison group. Data from a six-month lead-in phase were compared with a six-month follow-up period to determine if the proportion of AF patients treated with OACs had changed. ResultsThere were 141 primary care clinicians with patients who met the inclusion criteria, with 36 (25.53%) assigned to the educational intervention (EG) and 105 (74.47%) assigned to the comparison group (CG). At baseline there was a significant difference in percent of high-risk AF patients who were untreated in the EG (20.65%) as compared to the high-risk patients who were untreated in the CG (13.64%, p=0.001). After the educational intervention, high-risk AF patients without anticoagulation decreased in both EG (15.47% p=0.047) and CG (10.14% p=0.07) with greater absolute reduction in the EG (5.19% versus 3.50%). ConclusionA targeted education program was associated with increased anticoagulation rates for AF patients at high risk of stroke.

Abstract CT271: Neoadjuvant targeted therapy in stage I-III HER2-mutant lobular breast cancer

Abstract Background: Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) accounts for approximately 10-15% of all breast cancers and is characterized by hormone receptor positivity (HR+), low Ki-67 score, and loss of cell adhesion receptors such as E-cadherin. While these tumors tend to be indolent initially, late recurrences and distant metastasis are common, and ILC has very low rates of pathologic complete response (pCR) to both neoadjuvant chemotherapy and endocrine therapy (ET). HER2 (ERBB2) mutations are enriched in about 10% of unselected ILC, with some reports showing the prevalence as high as 27% in pleomorphic and higher grade ILCs. HER2 mutations in ILC are associated with ET resistance and a worse prognosis. Neratinib is a HER2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) currently FDA-approved for adjuvant treatment of HER2-amplified (HER2+) early-stage breast cancer. It has shown safety and efficacy in combination with ET in metastatic HER2-mutant HR+ breast cancer. We hypothesize that neoadjuvant treatment with neratinib and ET will improve pathologic responses in newly diagnosed HER2-mutant HR+ ILC. Methods: This study (NCT05919108) is an open label multi-site Phase II clinical trial for 30 patients with Stage I-III ILCs and a HER2 activating mutation. Patients will be identified by next generation sequencing (NGS) of the diagnostic biopsy and randomized to 4 weeks of ET +/- neratinib; a biopsy will be done at the end of the lead-in phase. All patients will then receive ET and neratinib for 20 weeks prior to proceeding to surgery. To optimize tolerability, the first cycle of neratinib will include a dose escalation and antidiarrheal prophylaxis. The primary objective of this study will be the pre-operative endocrine prognostic index (PEPI) score, which will be compared to a historical PEPI-0 rate for patients with HR+ breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant ET. Secondary objectives will include pCR, residual cancer burden, and rates of breast conserving surgery. Correlative studies will include biomarkers of tumor cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, HER2 pathway activation, and gene expression on the pre- and on-treatment (4 week) biopsy from the lead-in phase to document molecular synergy between neratinib and ET. Patient-derived organoids from the 4-week biopsies will be established and subjected to single-cell RNA, ATAC seq, and DNA sequencing to study tumor evolution and elucidate epigenetic programs and somatic alterations that allow breast cancer survival despite continuous HER2-directed therapy. This is a first in kind, mechanism-based, molecularly targeted combination of a HER2 TKI and ET in HER2-mutant ILC. We posit results from this study may generate a clear signal of clinical activity leading to a randomized Phase III trial aimed at incorporating HER2-directed therapies as a treatment for operable, early stage ILC. This signal may also suggest for the first time the added value of NGS in patients with newly diagnosed HR+ breast cancer. Citation Format: Laura C. Kennedy, Nisha Unni, Ariella B. Hanker, Carlos L. Arteaga. Neoadjuvant targeted therapy in stage I-III HER2-mutant lobular breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr CT271.

Abstract CT256: Results from KEYNOTE-B98: A phase 1b/2 study of pembrolizumab plus investigational agents in patients with anti-PD-(L)1-refractory extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC)

Abstract Background: Anti-PD-L1 plus chemotherapy is a recommended first-line (1L) treatment option for ES-SCLC. However, most patients (pts) relapse and effective second-line (2L) treatment options are limited. Pembrolizumab (pembro) has demonstrated antitumor activity in previously treated ES-SCLC. The KEYNOTE-B98 study (NCT04938817) evaluated pembro in combination with investigational agents as 2L therapy for anti-PD-(L)1-refractory ES-SCLC. We present initial results from this study. Methods: This randomized, phase 1b/2, multicenter, open-label, platform study enrolled adult pts with confirmed ES-SCLC (stage IV per AJCC v8.0) that progressed ≤12 wk of last anti-PD-(L)1 dose given as part of 1L platinum-based therapy, measurable disease per RECIST v1.1, and ECOG PS of 0-1. Pts were randomized 1:1:1:1 to: (A) MK-1308A (coformulation of quavonlimab [anti-CTLA4] 25 mg + pembro 400 mg) Q6W, (B) MK-1308A Q6W + lenvatinib 20 mg QD, (C) MK-1308A Q6W + MK-4830 (anti-ILT4) 800 mg Q3W, and (D) MK-4280A (coformulation of favezelimab [anti-LAG3] 800 mg + pembro 200 mg) Q3W. A safety lead-in was performed for the first 21 days of treatment in cohort C in ≤10 pts evaluable for dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), followed by efficacy evaluation. Pts in safety lead-in were not randomized. Primary endpoints were safety (DLTs in safety lead-in phase, AEs, and discontinuations due to AEs) and ORR per RECIST v1.1 by BICR. Secondary endpoints were PFS and DOR per RECIST v1.1 by BICR. Results: 76 pts received ≥1 dose of study treatment: cohort A, n = 19; B, n = 20; C, n = 17; D, n = 20. Median follow-up at data cutoff (Jul 3, 2023) was 12.9 (range, 5.9-21.8) mo. During safety lead-in, 1 pt had a DLT of grade 3 arthralgia. Treatment-related AEs (TRAEs) occurred in 12 pts (63%; grade 3/4, n = 2, 11%) in cohort A, 17 (85%; grade 3/4, n = 6, 30%) in cohort B, 12 (71%; grade 3/4, n = 1, 6%) in cohort C, and 15 (75%; grade 3/4, n = 4, 20%) in cohort D; none were grade 5. 1 pt (5%) in cohort A, 3 (15%) in cohort B, 0 in cohort C, and 2 (10%) in cohort D had TRAEs that led to treatment discontinuation. Confirmed ORR (95% CI) was 5% (0%-26%; 1 PR) in cohort A, 25% (9%-49%; 5 PR) in cohort B, 0% (0%-20%) in cohort C, and 0% (0%-17%) in cohort D. Median (range) DOR was not reached (9.4+ to 9.4+ mo) in group A and 3.9 (2.0-3.9) mo in group B. Median (95% CI) PFS was 1.4 (1.2-2.6) mo, 3.9 (1.7-5.3) mo, 1.2 (0.8-1.4) mo, and 2.6 (1.4-4.0) mo in cohorts A-D, respectively. Conclusions: In the KEYNOTE-B98 study of anti-PD-(L)1-refractory ES-SCLC, no new safety signals were identified for the pembro-based combinations investigated. Modest antitumor activity was observed with MK-1308A ± lenvatinib, but no activity for MK-1308A + MK-4830 or for MK-4280A. This study provided proof-of-concept for the feasibility of platform trials in 2L ES-SCLC. Further investigation of new compounds and combinations is needed in this population. Citation Format: Alejandro Navarro, Myung-Ju Ahn, James Stevenson, Nir Peled, Talia Shentzer Kutiel, Florian Huemer, Dong-Wan Kim, Maria Jove Casulleras, Adnan Khattak, Dariusz Kowalski, Natasha B. Leighl, Filippo de Marinis, Carolin Lips, Jiaxin Niu, Mo Huang, Bin Zhao, Hazem El-Osta, Taofeek Owonikoko. Results from KEYNOTE-B98: A phase 1b/2 study of pembrolizumab plus investigational agents in patients with anti-PD-(L)1-refractory extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr CT256.

Sex differences in lipid mediators derived from omega-3 fatty acids in older individuals with low-grade chronic inflammation.

The rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD) death is higher in men than women before age 50 y, but the gap between sexes significantly narrows after menopause. Lipid mediators derived from EPA, DHA and AA play a role in inflammation and CVD. The aim of our study was to assess whether plasma concentrations of these lipid mediators differ between postmenopausal women and men. Twelve postmenopausal women and 9 men with low-grade chronic inflammation completed a randomized, double-blind, crossover study consisting of a 4-week lead-in placebo phase (3 g/d high-oleic acid sunflower oil) followed by randomization to either 3 g/d DHA or 3 g/d EPA for 10 weeks and crossover for additional 10 weeks, separated by a washout phase. Plasma phospholipid content of EPA, DHA and AA and plasma concentrations of their derived lipid mediators were measured at the end of the placebo lead-in phase (baseline) and the DHA and EPA supplementation phases. There were no sex differences in plasma phospholipid EPA, DHA and AA at baseline and after DHA and EPA supplementation. However, plasma concentrations of lipid mediators derived from EPA, DHA and AA via 15-lipoxygenase were lower in postmenopausal women than men, especially after supplementation. Sex differences in EPA- and DHA-derived lipid mediators with anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving actions may partly explain the faster rise in CVD in postmenopausal women than age-matched men.

ADJUBIL: A phase II study of immunotherapy with durvalumab and tremelimumab in combination with capecitabine or without capecitabine in adjuvant situation for biliary tract cancer.

TPS583 Background: Despite improvements in multidisciplinary healthcare, patients with biliary tract cancer (BTC) have a poor outcome and effective treatment options are limited. Only 20 % of patients are eligible for surgical resection with curative intent, with 5-year overall survival rates &lt; 10 % for all patients. Data on adjuvant chemotherapy alone for BTC are conflicting, and the SOC is treatment with capecitabine according to the UK BILCAP trial, even though BILCAP was formally negative. Based on the positive data for durvalumab in the TOPAZ-1 trial in BTC and for the STRIDE regimen in HCC according to the Himalaya trial data, the evaluation of the IO combination in the adjuvant setting seems promising. Also, the MediTreme trial showed promising response rates in BTC. Preclinical studies indicate that the antibody combination leads to stronger and more durable anti-tumour effects than single therapies, as it synergistically modulates the tumour's immunosuppressive microenvironment, which is particularly pronounced in cholangiocarcinoma. The aim of the ADJUBIL trial is to evaluate the clinical activity of the anti-PD-L1 (programmed-death 1 ligand) antibody durvalumab and the anti-CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T- lymphocyte-associated antigen 4) antibody tremelimumab in combination with or without capecitabine in patients with respectable BTC in the adjuvant setting. This is a randomized phase II study with a pick-the-winner design. The winner of ADJUBIL could be tested against the current SOC capecitabine in a subsequent phase 2/3 trial. Methods: The ADJUBIL trial is an open-label, multicenter phase II study, including patients with BTC after curative surgery (R0/R1) with no previous systemic treatment. Patients are randomized (1:1) to receive either tremelimumab (300 mg, one dose on C1D1) plus durvalumab (1500 mg every 4 weeks; max. 12 months), with or without capecitabine (1250 mg/m2 twice a day on day 1-14 of 3-weekly cycles; max. 8 cycles). 40 evaluable patients will be enrolled in the study to receive anticancer treatment until disease recurrence or intolerable toxicities. Primary objective is to assess the anti-tumor activity of the treatment in both arms by the recurrence-free survival rate after 12 months. Secondary endpoints are recurrence-free survival, overall survival, toxicity, and quality of life. Exploratory endpoints are to identify predictive biomarkers for recurrence-free survival and overall survival. Study start of the ADJUBIL trial was in June 2021. By September 2023, 15 centers in Germany have been activated and 23 out of 40 planned patients have been enrolled. The first 5 patients in each arm were subject to a safety lead-in phase with close monitoring of (serious) adverse events. The safety assessment revealed no concerns. The study is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT05239169 .

Combining low-dose regorafenib with pembrolizumab for patients with MSI-H colorectal cancer: REGPEM-CRC-01.

TPS238 Background: Treatment for microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H)/mismatch repair deficient (MMR-D) colorectal cancer (CRC) has rapidly evolved in the last decade. The KEYNOTE 177 trial recently established pembrolizumab as a frontline therapy for patients with MSI-H CRC. However, in this study, approximately 40% of patients were noted to have disease progression within 6 months of treatment. Furthermore, an additional 10% of patients experienced acquired resistance to therapy. Therefore, there is an unmet need to improve outcomes for patients with MSI-H CRC. Preclinical studies have shown vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling to be overactive in MSI-H compared to MSS CRC (Hansen et al. Colorectal Dis. 2011). Moreover, exploratory analysis of CALBG-80405 and PARADIGM trials showed that patients with MSI-H CRC were more likely to benefit from anti-VEGF therapy than those with MSS disease. Regorafenib, an FDA-approved agent for patients with mCRC, is a potent VEGF inhibitor with immune modulatory effects on the tumor microenvironment. We hypothesize that adding low-dose regorafenib to pembrolizumab as frontline therapy may create synergistic activity in addition to the known clinical activity of each agent in MSI-H CRC. Methods: In the lead-in arm of this prospective study, 22 patients will be enrolled. Patients will receive regorafenib 60 mg daily on days 1–14 (2 weeks on) followed by 7 days off (1 week off) in combination with pembrolizumab 200 mg in the cycle 1. In the following cycles, patients will receive regorafenib 90 mg daily for 2 weeks on 1 week off in combination with pembrolizumab 200 mg every 3 weeks. The primary outcome for the lead-in arm is overall response rate (ORR) within 12 months of treatment by RECIST 1.1. criteria. A formal one-sided hypothesis test will be conducted for futility, assuming that we will reject the null hypothesis of a target ORR only if we have strong evidence. In this study, we assume a null hypothesis that ORR is 0.60, which would reflect significant clinical improvement over the current standard of ORR = 0.43 from KEYNOTE 177. The alternative hypothesis is that ORR is less than 0.60. For the lead-in phase of the study, the emphasis is on controlling Type I error to be small, approximately 0.05. In the randomized phase of the study, patients will receive pembrolizumab monotherapy or pembrolizumab in combination with regorafenib 90 mg. The sample size for the randomized phase of trial was determined based on an assumed median of PFS of 28 months with pembrolizumab and regorafenib combination (investigational arm). The standard of care pembrolizumab monotherapy results in a median PFS of 16 months when given as a first-line therapy. We hypothesize the proposed treatment will increase median PFS to 28 months from 16 months (N=132; H0: 16 months vs., H1: 28 months; Type I error: 0.05, power 80%). Clinical trial information: NCT06006923 .

Coformulated quavonlimab and pembrolizumab (pembro) in combination with lenvatinib (lenva) as first-line (1L) therapy for patients (pts) with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): Phase 2 KEYSTEP-004 study.

484 Background: Combinations of a PD-1/L1 inhibitor with a CTLA-4 or VEGF inhibitor have been approved as 1L treatment options for pts with advanced HCC. The multicenter, phase 2 KEYSTEP-004 study (NCT04740307) was conducted to evaluate the coformulation of quavonlimab (CTLA-4 inhibitor) and pembro (PD-1 inhibitor) in combination with lenva (multi–tyrosine kinase inhibitor) as 1L treatment for pts with advanced HCC. Methods: Pts were ≥18 y of age, had histologically or radiographically confirmed HCC with no prior systemic therapy, and were not amenable to curative therapy; had Child-Pugh class A; and ECOG PS 0 or 1. The study consisted of a safety lead-in phase (approximately 6-20 pts) to evaluate the tolerability of the recommended phase 2 dose of lenva with a possibility of dose modification based on dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and an efficacy expansion phase (approximately 110 pts). In the safety lead-in phase, pts received a fixed-dose coformulation of quavonlimab 25 mg and pembro 400 mg IV Q6W in combination with lenva 8 mg (body weight [BW] &lt;60 kg) or 12 mg (BW ≥60 kg) PO QD. Allocation to the efficacy expansion phase was allowed if the doses of lenva were determined to be tolerable. Primary end points were ORR per RECIST v1.1 by BICR and safety. Secondary end points included DOR, DCR, and PFS per RECIST v1.1 by BICR and OS. Results: No DLTs were observed in the 6 pts enrolled in the safety lead-in phase. 115 pts in the safety lead-in phase or the efficacy expansion phase were treated with the fixed-dose coformulation of quavonlimab and pembro plus lenva 8 or 12 mg. 94 pts (81.7%) were male, median age was 64 y (range, 32-83), and 80 pts (69.6%) had AFP ≤400 ng/mL. As of the June 22, 2023, data cutoff date, median follow-up (time from first dose to database cutoff date or death) was 7.7 mo (range, 0.9-22.1), and 89 pts (77.4%) discontinued treatment, most commonly due to progressive disease (39.1%). Confirmed ORR was 37.4% (95% CI, 28.5-46.9), with 5 CRs (4.3%) and 38 PRs (33.0%). DCR was 79.1% (95% CI, 70.6-86.1). Median DOR was 10.6 mo (range, 1.2+ to 23.1+). Median PFS and OS were 8.2 mo (95% CI, 6.2-10.2) and 22.1 mo (95% CI, 15.5-not reached), respectively; 12-mo PFS and OS rates were 32.2% and 65.2%, respectively. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 109 pts (94.8%); most common (≥25%) were hypertension (35.7%) and diarrhea (27.8%). Grade 3-5 TRAEs occurred in 66 pts (57.4%); most common (≥5%) were hypertension (8.7%) and immune-mediated enterocolitis (7.0%). 8 pts (7.0%) died due to AEs; 2 were considered treatment related (acute respiratory failure and subarachnoid hemorrhage). Conclusions: The coformulation of quavonlimab and pembrolizumab in combination with lenvatinib demonstrated manageable safety; further investigation is warranted to understand the efficacy of this triplet as 1L treatment for advanced HCC. Clinical trial information: NCT04740307 .

Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Stool Analysis for Lactulose Titration Assistance in Hepatic Encephalopathy Through a Smartphone Application.

Management of hepatic encephalopathy relies on self-titration of lactulose. In this feasibility trial, we assess an artificial intelligence-enabled tool to guide lactulose use through a smartphone application. Subjects with hepatic encephalopathy on lactulose captured bowel movement pictures during lead-in and intervention phases. During the intervention phase, daily feedback on lactulose titration was delivered through the application. Goals were determined according to number of bowel movement and Bristol Stool Scale reports. Subjects completed the study with more than 80% satisfaction. In the lead-in phase, less compliant subjects achieved Bristol Stool Scale goal on 62/111 (56%) of days compared with 107/136 (79%) in the intervention phase ( P = 0.041), while the most compliant subjects showed no difference. Severe/recurrent hepatic encephalopathy group achieved Bristol Stool Scale goal on 80/104 (77%) days in the lead-in phase and 90/110 (82%) days in the intervention phase ( P = NS), compared with 89/143 (62%) days and 86/127 (68%) days in the stable group. Dieta application is a promising tool for objective Bowel Movement/Bristol Stool Scale tracking for hepatic encephalopathy and may potentially be used to assist with lactulose titration.

Endovascular Ablation of the Right Greater Splanchnic Nerve in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: Rationale, Design and Lead-in Phase Results of the REBALANCE-HF Trial

IntroductionSplanchnic vasoconstriction augments transfer of blood volume from the abdomen into the thorax, which may increase filling pressures and hemodynamic congestion in patients with noncompliant hearts. Therapeutic interruption of splanchnic nerve activity holds promise to reduce hemodynamic congestion in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Here we describe (1) the rationale and design of the first sham-controlled randomized clinical trial (RCT) of splanchnic nerve ablation for HFpEF; and (2) the 12-month results of the lead-in (open-label) trial participants. MethodsREBALANCE-HF is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled clinical trial of endovascular, transcatheter right-sided greater splanchnic nerve ablation for volume management (SAVM) in patients with HFpEF. The primary objectives are to evaluate the safety and efficacy of SAVM and identify responder characteristics to inform future studies. The trial consists of an open-label lead-in phase followed by the randomized, sham-controlled phase. The primary efficacy endpoint is the reduction in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) at 1-month follow-up compared to baseline during passive leg raise and 20W exercise. Secondary and exploratory endpoints include health status (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire), 6-minute walk test distance, New York Heart Association, and NTproBNP at 3, 6, and 12 months. The primary safety endpoint is device- or procedure-related serious adverse events at 1-month follow-up. ResultsThe lead-in phase of the study, which enrolled 26 HFpEF patients who underwent SAVM, demonstrated favorable safety outcomes and reduction in exercise PCWP at 1-month post-procedure; and improvements in all secondary endpoints at 6 and 12 months of follow-up. The randomized phase of the trial (n=44 SAVM, n=46 sham) has completed enrollment, and follow-up is ongoing. ConclusionREBALANCE-HF is the first sham-controlled RCT of greater splanchnic nerve ablation in HFpEF. Initial 12-month open-label results are promising, and the results of the randomized portion of the trial will inform the design of a future pivotal clinical trial. SAVM may offer a promising therapeutic option for patients with HFpEF. Trial RegistrationNCT04592445

A Survey on the Application of Lead-In in Rural Junior High School English Teaching in Henan Province of China

With the higher requirements of The English Curriculum Standards for Compulsory Education for English teaching design, the lead-in phase emerging as a critical component that has received more attention from frontline English teachers. However, a significant knowledge gap exists regarding the practical application of lead-in strategies in rural junior high school English classrooms. This study aims to address two primary research questions: the current state of lead-in practices in rural junior high school English teaching and the factors influencing the effectiveness of these strategies. To explore these questions, employing a quantitative research approach, a survey was conducted using a convenience sampling method, which involved selecting 40 English teachers from 7 rural junior high schools in Henan Province. The data from the questionnaire survey were analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS 25.0. The findings highlighted various challenges faced by teachers during the lead-in phase, such as limited teaching resources and students’ low English proficiency levels. Furthermore, the study identified teachers’ professional development and experience as crucial factors affecting the effectiveness of lead-in strategies. The conclusion drawn from the study suggests that enhancing the lead-in phase in rural junior high school English teaching necessitates a multifaceted strategy encompassing improved resource allocation, teacher training, and the implementation of innovative teaching methodologies. Based on these findings, the study recommends increasing investment in rural English education infrastructure, strengthening teacher professional development, and promoting the exploration of diverse lead-in strategies to better cater to the needs of students.