Search

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a major limitation to the long-term success of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT). Our prior study of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) defined distinct treatment-response groups based on response to first-line corticosteroids: steroid-sensitive (SS), steroid-resistant (SR), and steroid-dependent (SD) aGVHD. We conducted a retrospective, single-institution, cohort study to assess the incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of patients with cGVHD after a previous diagnosis of SS, SD, or SR aGVHD compared to those with no history of aGVHD. Among 784 consecutive adult and pediatric HCT recipients for hematologic malignancies between 2008 and 2016, 347 (44%) developed aGVHD with 13% SS, 12% SD, and 19% SR aGVHD. 3-year cumulative incidence of cGVHD was 25%. Among those with cGVHD, 39% had no prior aGVHD diagnosis, while those with a prior aGVHD diagnosis, 16% had SS, 24% had SD, and 21% had SR aGVHD. Mild or moderate cGVHD was highest among those with preceding SD aGVHD, while severe cGVHD was most frequent among those with previous SR aGVHD. We identified SD acute GVHD and SR acute GVHD as independent significant risk factors for development of chronic GVHD after allogeneic HCT, whereas SS acute GVHD is not a risk factor. Our study demonstrates that cGVHD after SD aGVHD did not have an intermediate prognosis between SR and SS groups as hypothesized, rather chronic GVHD following both SD and SR acute GVHD have similar prognosis. Our findings suggest that previous aGVHD response states are important predictors of cGVHD severity and outcomes.

Introduction Bans of menthol characterizing flavor in cigarettes have been implemented in some localities and have been proposed more broadly. One proposed benefit of such a ban is to increase cessation rates among current menthol smokers. There is currently relatively limited data regarding how smoking behavior changes if menthol smokers switch to non-menthol cigarettes. Aims and Methods African American menthol smokers interested in quitting smoking were randomized to either continue smoking menthol (n = 60) or switch to non-menthol cigarettes (n = 62) for 1 month prior to a cessation attempt. Cessation results were reported previously; this analysis reports the results from the pre-cessation visits at which amount smoked, exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) concentration, urinary cotinine concentrations, and subjective measures were assessed. Results Over the 4-week study period, those switching to non-menthol (vs. continuing to smoke menthol) cigarettes smoked fewer cigarettes per day (mean ratio: 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76, 0.98; p = .02), reported lower withdrawal symptom severity (mean difference −1.29; 95% CI: −2.6 to −0.01; p = .05) and higher perceived effectiveness of their skills for quitting smoking (mean difference 0.56; 95% CI: 0.02–1.10; p = .05). No significant differences were found between groups in exhaled CO, urinary cotinine concentrations, or most other subjective effects including support for a ban on menthol characterizing flavor in cigarettes. Conclusions These results suggest that were menthol cigarettes no longer available, those that switch to non-menthol cigarettes would not change their smoking behavior in a way that is likely to be more hazardous, with some indicators suggesting that there may be some benefit. Clinicaltrials.gov # NCT02342327. Implications A ban on menthol characterizing flavor in cigarettes has been proposed as a potential means by which to increase smoking cessation rates among current menthol cigarette smokers. This study evaluated how African American menthol cigarette smokers adjusted their smoking behavior after switching to non-menthol cigarettes. Although the overall differences between groups were modest, they were in a direction consistent with decreased smoking suggesting that current smokers would not adjust their behavior in a way that is likely to be more hazardous, with some indicators suggesting that there may be some benefits.

BACKGROUND Chronic wounds, a common morbidity in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), lack definitive therapies. OBJECTIVES To assess allogeneic epidermal skin grafts in terms of wound healing and durability over time. METHODS In a prospective, open-label clinical trial for postallogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (post-alloHCT) patients with RDEB, up to nine chronic wounds per patient were grafted over 1 year. Epidermal grafts measuring 5 cm2 were obtained from related alloHCT donors in the outpatient setting using the CELLUTOMETM Epidermal Harvesting System. Wounds were photographed and symptom inventories completed at baseline and 6, 12 and 52 weeks after grafting. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02670837). RESULTS Between August 2016 and January 2019, eight patients with RDEB received a total of 35 epidermal allografts at a median of 1157 days (range 548-2884) post-alloHCT. The median (interquartile range) percentage reductions in wound surface area were 75% (52-94), 95% (72-100) and 100% (97-100) at 6, 12 and 52 weeks postgraft, respectively, each significantly reduced from baseline (P

PURPOSE Conventional wisdom has rendered patients with brain metastases ineligible for clinical trials for fear that poor survival could mask the benefit of otherwise promising treatments. Our group previously published the diagnosis-specific Graded Prognostic Assessment (GPA). Updates with larger contemporary cohorts using molecular markers and newly identified prognostic factors have been published. The purposes of this work are to present all the updated indices in a single report to guide treatment choice, stratify research, and define an eligibility quotient to expand eligibility. METHODS A multi-institutional database of 6,984 patients with newly diagnosed brain metastases underwent multivariable analyses of prognostic factors and treatments associated with survival for each primary site. Significant factors were used to define the updated GPA. GPAs of 4.0 and 0.0 correlate with the best and worst prognoses, respectively. RESULTS Significant prognostic factors varied by diagnosis and new prognostic factors were identified. Those factors were incorporated into the updated GPA with robust separation ( P < .01) between subgroups. Survival has improved, but varies widely by GPA for patients with non–small-cell lung, breast, melanoma, GI, and renal cancer with brain metastases from 7-47 months, 3-36 months, 5-34 months, 3-17 months, and 4-35 months, respectively. CONCLUSION Median survival varies widely and our ability to estimate survival for patients with brain metastases has improved. The updated GPA (available free at brainmetgpa.com) provides an accurate tool with which to estimate survival, individualize treatment, and stratify clinical trials. Instead of excluding patients with brain metastases, enrollment should be encouraged and those trials should be stratified by the GPA to ensure those trials make appropriate comparisons. Furthermore, we recommend the expansion of eligibility to allow for the enrollment of patients with previously treated brain metastases who have a 50% or greater probability of an additional year of survival (eligibility quotient > 0.50).

IntroductionMenthol smokers (particularly African-Americans) have lower cessation success rates than non-menthol smokers. With bans being considered on characterising menthol flavour in cigarettes, data are needed regarding how switching to non-menthol cigarettes impacts cessation measures.MethodsIn this randomised pilot study, African-American menthol cigarette smokers interested in quitting smoking either continued smoking menthol cigarettes (n=60) or switched to non-menthol cigarettes (n=62) for a 1-month period prior to a cessation attempt. The primary endpoint was time to smoking lapse (ie, time from quitting until any smoking). Additional endpoints included time to smoking relapse (ie, number of days from quitting until the first of seven consecutive smoking days) and difference between groups in subjective measures.ResultsAfter attempting to quit, the non-menthol cigarette group had indications of delayed time to lapse (HR 0.82; 95% CI 0.55 to 1.22; p=0.33) and time to relapse (HR 0.67; 95% CI 0.42 to 1.06; p=0.09), although these were not statistically significant. Post hoc analyses suggest that observed differences were largely due to a smaller proportion of participants in the non-menthol group relapsing within the first day of quitting (21% vs 40%; p=0.05). Values of other measures assessed postcessation were largely similar between groups.ConclusionsThese data suggest that among African-American smokers, a menthol cigarette ban would not undermine short-term cessation measures and may result in some benefits. Future research is needed to assess longer term cessation rates and to identify interventions to maximise cessation success in the event of a menthol ban.Trial registration numberNCT02342327.

ObjectiveTo quantify benchmark treatment outcomes that may be enabled by newborn screening surveillance for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), we report neurocognitive, neuropsychiatric, and MRI change for boys who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) at initial stages of demyelination, prior to neurocognitive signs of disease.MethodsRetrospective chart review identified 36 patients whose cerebral ALD was detected and treated early, with lesion severity less than 5 on the ALD-specific MRI scoring system. Median age at transplant was 7.3 years (range, 4.0–16.1). Progression of radiologic disease on MRI in the 2 years following HSCT was examined relative to the severity of the initial lesion for 33 patients, and longitudinal neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric outcomes were studied for 30 patients.ResultsPatients whose pretransplant lesion extended beyond the splenium of the corpus callosum and adjacent periventricular white matter (MRI severity score >2) demonstrated lower posttransplant neurocognitive scores, more neuropsychiatric symptoms, and more disease progression on MRI than patients with a less severe lesion. Changes from baseline neurocognitive functioning were greater at 2 years posttransplant as compared to 1 year. There was greater variance and risk of lesion progression as pretransplant MRI severity increased.ConclusionTo realize the full benefits of newborn screening, clinicians must detect very small demyelinating lesions during surveillance and intervene quickly. Novel interventions that reduce risks inherent in allogeneic transplantation are needed. Trial endpoints should include direct neurocognitive assessment and extend at least 2 years posttreatment to provide the greatest sensitivity to detect neurocognitive morbidity.

PurposeBrain metastases are a common sequelae of breast cancer. Survival varies widely based on diagnosis-specific prognostic factors (PF). We previously published a prognostic index (Graded Prognostic Assessment [GPA]) for patients with breast cancer with brain metastases (BCBM), based on cohort A (1985-2007, n = 642), then updated it, reporting the effect of tumor subtype in cohort B (1993-2010, n = 400). The purpose of this study is to update the Breast GPA with a larger contemporary cohort (C) and compare treatment and survival across the 3 cohorts.Methods and materialsA multi-institutional (19), multinational (3), retrospective database of 2473 patients with breast cancer with newly diagnosed brain metastases (BCBM) diagnosed from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2017, was created and compared with prior cohorts. Associations of PF and treatment with survival were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were compared with log-rank tests. PF were weighted and the Breast GPA was updated such that a GPA of 0 and 4.0 correlate with the worst and best prognoses, respectively.ResultsMedian survival (MS) for cohorts A, B, and C improved over time (from 11, to 14 to 16 months, respectively; P < .01), despite the subtype distribution becoming less favorable. PF significant for survival were tumor subtype, Karnofsky Performance Status, age, number of BCBMs, and extracranial metastases (all P < .01). MS for GPA 0 to 1.0, 1.5-2.0, 2.5-3.0, and 3.5-4.0 was 6, 13, 24, and 36 months, respectively. Between cohorts B and C, the proportion of human epidermal receptor 2 + subtype decreased from 31% to 18% (P < .01) and MS in this subtype increased from 18 to 25 months (P < .01).ConclusionsMS has improved modestly but varies widely by diagnosis-specific PF. New PF are identified and incorporated into an updated Breast GPA (free online calculator available at brainmetgpa.com). The Breast GPA facilitates clinical decision-making and will be useful for stratification of future clinical trials. Furthermore, these data suggest human epidermal receptor 2-targeted therapies improve clinical outcomes in some patients with BCBM.

Background Breast cancer treatment is based on estrogen receptors (ERs), progesterone receptors (PRs), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). At the time of metastasis, receptor status can be discordant from that at initial diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of discordance and its effect on survival and subsequent treatment in patients with breast cancer brain metastases (BCBM). Methods A retrospective database of 316 patients who underwent craniotomy for BCBM between 2006 and 2017 was created. Discordance was considered present if the ER, PR, or HER2 status differed between the primary tumor and the BCBM. Results The overall receptor discordance rate was 132/316 (42%), and the subtype discordance rate was 100/316 (32%). Hormone receptors (HR, either ER or PR) were gained in 40/160 (25%) patients with HR-negative primary tumors. HER2 was gained in 22/173 (13%) patients with HER2-negative primary tumors. Subsequent treatment was not adjusted for most patients who gained receptors—nonetheless, median survival (MS) improved but did not reach statistical significance (HR, 17–28 mo, P = 0.12; HER2, 15–19 mo, P = 0.39). MS for patients who lost receptors was worse (HR, 27–18 mo, P = 0.02; HER2, 30–18 mo, P = 0.08). Conclusions Receptor discordance between primary tumor and BCBM is common, adversely affects survival if receptors are lost, and represents a missed opportunity for use of effective treatments if receptors are gained. Receptor analysis of BCBM is indicated when clinically appropriate. Treatment should be adjusted accordingly. Key Points 1. Receptor discordance alters subtype in 32% of BCBM patients. 2. The frequency of receptor gain for HR and HER2 was 25% and 13%, respectively. 3. If receptors are lost, survival suffers. If receptors are gained, consider targeted treatment.

The utility of surveillance imaging after autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) in relapsed/refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine whether surveillance imaging predicts survival after AHCT. At the University of Minnesota, serial imaging for early relapse detection has been used prospectively for all consecutive AHCT recipients treated since 2010. The present analysis included 91 AHCT recipients with DLBCL who underwent 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG-PET) scan at day +100 post-AHCT. 18F-FDG-PET parameters included the Deauville (D) 5-point scale, peak standardized uptake values (SUVmax), total legion glycolysis (TLG), and total metabolic tumor volume (TMTV). Survival of patients with clinically symptomatic versus asymptomatic radiographically detected relapsed DLBCL after AHCT was compared. Sixty patients experienced relapse; 35% was detected on day +100 surveillance PET scan. 5-year overall survival (OS) by 18F-FDG-PET scan at day +100 post-AHCT was significantly lower in D4 and D5 patients (37%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 14% to 100% versus 25%; 95% CI, 43% to 89%) compared with patients with D1 and D2 (62%; 95% CI, 43% to 89% versus 62%; 95% CI, 46% to 84%). TLG and TMTV were not prognostic. SUVmax at day +100 varied from 1.5 (D1) to 17.9 (D5). In multivariate analysis, only SUVmax was predictive of relapse and OS; mortality increased 1.8-fold with each SUVmax doubling (hazard ratio [HR], 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3 to 2.3; P

Dysregulation of RAS or its major effector pathway is the molecular mechanism of RASopathies, a group of multisystemic congenital disorders. Neurologic complications are especially challenging in the management of the rare RASopathy cardiofaciocutaneous (CFC) syndrome. This study evaluated clinical neurologic and neurodevelopmental features and their associations with CFC syndrome gene variants.A multinational cohort of 138 individuals with CFC syndrome (BRAF = 90, MAP2K1 = 36, MAP2K2 = 10, KRAS = 2) was recruited. Neurologic presentation was captured via clinician review of medical records and caregiver-completed electronic surveys. Validated measures of seizure severity, adaptive function, and gross motor function were obtained.The overall frequency of intellectual disability and seizures was 82% and 55%, respectively. The frequency and severity of seizures was higher among individuals with BRAF or MAP2K1 variants than in those with MAP2K2 variants. A disproportionate incidence of severe, treatment-resistant seizures was observed in patients with variants in the catalytic protein kinase domain of BRAF and at the common p.Y130 site of MAP2K1. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were associated with genotype as well as seizure severity.Molecular genetic testing can aid in prediction of epilepsy and neurodevelopmental phenotypes in CFC syndrome. Study results identified potential CFC syndrome-associated variants in the development of relevant animal models for neurologic, neurocognitive, and motor function impairment.

In the most common variant of childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (cALD), demyelinating brain lesions are distributed predominately in parieto-occipital white matter. Less frequently, lesions first develop in frontal white matter. This matched cohort study examined whether outcomes after standard treatment with hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) differ in patients with early stage frontal lesions as compared to parieto-occipital lesions. Retrospective chart review identified seven pediatric patients with frontal cALD lesions and MRI severity score

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections acquired by very-low-birthweight (VLBW) infants are incompletely characterized. To examine CMV transmission in VLBW infants, we evaluated maternal DNAlactia, infant DNAemia, and presence of clinical disease in a blinded study in VLBW infants in our newborn intensive care unit (NICU). To examine these issues, 200 VLBW infants were enrolled in a surveillance study, with weekly breast milk and infant whole blood samples collected, as available. Virologic (breast milk and infant whole blood real time PCR) and immunologic (IgG, IgM, and IgG avidity) correlates were evaluated. A chart review examined whether infants had symptoms compatible with CMV disease. DNAlactia was identified in 65/150 (43%) of lactating mothers. Nine CMV infections were identified in 9/75 CMV-exposed infants (12% of exposed infants). A higher median breast milk viral load (DNAlactia) correlated with an increased likelihood of DNAemia (p = 0.05). Despite potential symptoms compatible with CMV infection, clinicians had not considered the diagnosis of CMV in 6/9 cases (66%). All of these infants had chronic lung disease at discharge. There was no correlation between IgG antibody titer or IgG avidity index and the likelihood of transmission or CMV disease. In conclusion, in VLBW infants receiving milk from seropositive mothers, CMV infections are commonly acquired, and are frequently unrecognized. Future studies are needed to determine whether routine surveillance for CMV of either breast milk or infant plasma is beneficial in preventing or recognizing infection.

Introduction Bans of menthol characterizing flavor in tobacco products have been proposed; however, there is limited data regarding the impact on current menthol cigarette smokers of including e-cigarettes in such bans. Methods In this six-week pilot study, 47 menthol smokers were randomized to receive all tobacco products from an experimental marketplace simulating either no menthol ban, a menthol ban for cigarettes but not e-cigarettes, or a ban for both (“total menthol ban”). Results At the first visit, all but one participant selected cigarettes with e-cigarettes selected by 38%, 69%, and 40% of participants in the no ban, menthol cigarette ban, and total menthol ban groups, respectively. Over the study period, the total menthol ban group smoked more than the menthol cigarette ban group (estimated mean ratio [EMR] in cigarettes per day = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.1, 1.75; p = .006). Compared to the no ban condition, the menthol cigarette ban group smoked slightly fewer (EMR = 0.87; 95% CI: .68, 1.11) and the total menthol ban group smoked slightly more (EMR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.45) although neither difference reached statistical significance. In both menthol ban conditions, ratings were lower (vs. no ban) on several measures of craving and cigarette effects and liking. Conclusions Menthol bans that include e-cigarettes may result in different patterns of tobacco use than if only combustible cigarettes are included, although e-cigarettes were not extensively used in any group. Larger studies are needed to determine policies most likely to provide the largest public health benefit. Implications Bans of menthol characterizing flavor have been proposed, however, the effects on menthol cigarette smokers of including e-cigarettes in such bans are not clear. This study found that smokers randomized to a simulated ban on menthol in both cigarettes and e-cigarettes smoked more cigarettes per day over the 6-week study period than those randomized to a simulated ban on menthol in only cigarettes suggesting that smoking patterns among current menthol smokers differ depending on which products are included in a menthol ban. Larger studies are needed to determine the policies most likely to provide the largest public health benefit.

Highlights • Brain metastases in GI cancer patients are not uncommon. • Survival varies widely within this cohort. • New identified prognostic factors are incorporated in an updated prognostic index. • This index, the GI-GPA, will better estimate survival. • The GI-GPA is useful in treatment selection and stratification of clinical trials., Background Patients with gastrointestinal cancers and brain metastases (BM) represent a unique and heterogeneous population. Our group previously published the Diagnosis-Specific Graded Prognostic Assessment (DS-GPA) for patients with GI cancers (GI-GPA) (1985–2007, n = 209). The purpose of this study is to update the GI-GPA based on a larger contemporary database. Methods An IRB-approved consortium database analysis was performed using a multi-institutional (18), multi-national (3) cohort of 792 patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, with newly-diagnosed BM diagnosed between 1/1/2006 and 12/31/2017. Survival was measured from date of first treatment for BM. Multiple Cox regression was used to select and weight prognostic factors in proportion to their hazard ratios. These factors were incorporated into the updated GI-GPA. Results Median survival (MS) varied widely by primary site and other prognostic factors. Four significant factors (KPS, age, extracranial metastases and number of BM) were used to formulate the updated GI-GPA. Overall MS for this cohort remains poor; 8 months. MS by GPA was 3, 7, 11 and 17 months for GPA 0–1, 1.5–2, 2.5–3.0 and 3.5–4.0, respectively. >30% present in the worst prognostic group (GI-GPA of ≤1.0). Conclusions Brain metastases are not uncommon in GI cancer patients and MS varies widely among them. This updated GI-GPA index improves our ability to estimate survival for these patients and will be useful for therapy selection, end-of-life decision-making and stratification for future clinical trials. A user-friendly, free, on-line app to calculate the GPA score and estimate survival for an individual patient is available at brainmetgpa.com.

SUMMARY: Inflammatory infiltrates are frequently present in melanocytic lesions, with different distribution and composition. Much attention has been devoted to tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in the tumor microenvironment, establishing their prognostic and predictive value in many malignancies, including melanoma. However, lymphocytes, albeit the most numerous and consistent presence, constitute only part of the immune microenvironment. Other inflammatory cells, including neutrophils, plasma cells, eosinophils and mast cells, are found in melanoma and other melanocytic lesions.Few studies offer a detailed count of these inflammatory infiltrates across the spectrum of melanocytic lesions. By using whole slide image analysis and open source software, in the present study we report the enumeration of different inflammatory infiltrates in benign melanocytic nevi, dysplastic nevi, melanoma in situ and invasive malignant melanomas. Significant higher numbers of plasma cells and neutrophils were observed in melanoma. These results indicate that composition of the inflammatory infiltrate may contribute to the diagnostic algorithm of melanocytic lesions.

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have changed the treatment paradigm of advanced-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerance of ICIs in a real-world patient population and to investigate the predictive factors associated with survival outcomes. Methods: Medical records of patients with advanced lung cancer who started ICI monotherapy were reviewed for data collection. Treatment outcomes included objective response rate, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) were assessed. Multiple Cox regression models were fit to investigate the predictive factors for survival outcomes. Results: We included 220 patients (median 66.5 years). Seventy-nine (35.9%) patients had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance-status (PS) score ⩾2. Median follow-up was 11.4 months. In NSCLC, median PFS was 3.8 months (4.7 months for first line and 3.7 months for subsequent line). Median OS was 12.4 months (15.6 months for first line therapy and 11.5 months for subsequent line). In SCLC, median PFS was 1.8 months, and median OS was 4.6 months. A quarter of patients developed irAEs. There was 1 disease flare among 17 patients with pre-existing autoimmune diseases. ECOG PS of 0 to 1 and body mass index (BMI) ⩾ 25 kg/m2 (but not occurrence of irAE) were independently associated with improved OS in NSCLC, with a hazard ratio of 0.41 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29-0.59) and 0.62 (95% CI, 0.44-0.87), respectively. Conclusions: The clinical benefit of ICIs appears to persist in a real-world population of relatively older age, including those with poor PS and pre-existing autoimmune diseases. ECOG PS of 0 to 1 and BMI ⩾ 25 kg/m2 were independently associated with improved OS.

Background RASopathies are genetic syndromes that result from pathogenic variants in the RAS-MAPK cellular signaling pathway. These syndromes, which include neurofibromatosis type 1, Noonan syndrome, cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome, and Costello syndrome, are associated with a complex array of medical and behavioral health complications. Despite a heightened risk for social challenges and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), few studies have compared different aspects of social behavior across these conditions. It is also unknown whether the underlying neuropsychological characteristics that contribute to social competence and socially empathetic (“prosocial”) behaviors differ in children with RASopathies as compared to children with nonsyndromic (i.e., idiopathic) ASD. Methods In this cross-sectional, survey-based investigation, caregivers of preschool and school-aged children with RASopathies (n = 202) or with idiopathic ASD (n = 109) provided demographic, medical, and developmental information about their child, including psychiatric comorbidities. For children who were able to communicate verbally, caregivers also completed standardized rating scales to assess social competence and empathetic behavior as well as symptoms of hyperactivity/inattention and emotional problems. Results As compared to children with idiopathic ASD, children with RASopathies were rated as demonstrating more resilience in the domain of empathy relative to their overall social competence. Similarities and differences emerged in the psychological factors that predicted social behavior in these two groups. Stronger communication skills and fewer hyperactive-impulsive behaviors were associated with increased empathy and social competence for both groups. Greater emotional challenges were associated with lower social competence for children with RASopathies and stronger empathy for children with idiopathic ASD. Among children with RASopathy and a co-occurring ASD diagnosis, socially empathetic behaviors were observed more often as compared to children with idiopathic ASD. Conclusions Findings suggest that the development of social behavior among children with RASopathies involves a distinct pattern of strengths and weaknesses as compared to a behaviorally defined disorder (idiopathic ASD). Identification of areas of resilience as well as behavioral and social challenges will support more targeted intervention.

Highlights • Oncolytic adenovirus targeting a transactivator PAX3-FOXO1 was newly developed. • Promoter of MYOG can be a potential candidate for controlling adenovirus for RMS. • Mutation in MEF2 binding site enhances the specificity and safety of the virus., The PAX3-FOXO1 fusion gene functions as a transactivator and increases expression of many cancer-related genes. These lead to metastases and other unfavorable outcomes for alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) patients. In order to target ARMS with the PAX3-FOXO1 transactivator, we developed an Oncolytic Adenovirus (OAd) regulated by the myogenin (pMYOG) promoter with a mutation in the Myocyte Enhancer Factor-2 binding site (mMEF2) in this study. The expression of MYOG in the two RMS cell lines (Rh30; PAX3-FOXO1-positive, RD; PAX3-FOXO1-negative) is about 1,000 times higher than normal skeletal muscle cell (SkMC). Ad5/3-pMYOG(S)-mMEF2 (short-length pMYOG-controlled OAd with mMEF2) showed strong replication and cytocidal effect in Rh30, but to a much lesser extent in RD. Ad5/3-pMYOG(S) (pMYOG-controlled OAd with native pMYOG) showed similar effects in RD and Rh30. Neither virus killed SkMC, indicating that Ad5/3-pMYOG(S)-mMEF2 selectively replicates and kills cells with PAX3-FOXO1. Additionally, Ad5/3-pMYOG(S)-mMEF2 showed replication and spread in vitro as well as tumor growth suppression and intratumoral viral spread in vivo, selectively in Rh30 not in RD. Our findings revealed that Ad5/3-pMYOG(S)-mMEF2 shows a promise as a safe and potent therapy to improve treatment in PAX3-FOXO1-positive ARMSs.

Background Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare genetic disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the ALPL gene encoding tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase. It is characterized by defective bone mineralization associated with low alkaline phosphatase activity. Clinical features of pediatric HPP are highly variable, and can include premature loss of teeth, musculoskeletal problems, and impaired mobility. The effects of pediatric HPP on sleep, mood, regulation of attention and behavior, and other aspects of behavioral health have not been comprehensively studied. Methods Parents of 30 children with HPP (14 females, 16 males) between the ages of 3 and 16 years (mean age = 8.0 years) enrolled in this cross-sectional survey-based study. Molecular genetic and biochemical testing as well as clinical records were reviewed to verify diagnosis of HPP. The cohort included 15 patients with a more clinically severe presentation of HPP who had received treatment with enzyme replacement therapy (asfotase alfa) and 15 children with less severe HPP who were treatment-naïve. Parents provided information regarding psychopathological comorbidity, emotional and behavioral well-being, and quality of life. Results Clinically significant behavioral health challenges were evident in 67% of children with HPP. The most common behavioral findings included sleep disturbance and symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), each of which were observed ≥ 50% of individuals. Sleep disturbance, pain interference, poor behavioral regulation, and mood/anxiety symptoms were associated with reduced physical and psychosocial quality of life. Behavioral concerns were evident among children with HPP receiving asfotase alfa treatment as well as among children with clinically less severe disease who had not initiated therapy. Although most children in the cohort (77%) had age-typical development of adaptive skills, emotional and behavioral challenges were associated with weaker adaptive function. Conclusions Children with HPP are at increased risk for ADHD symptoms and other behavioral health challenges. There is likely an under-recognition of these findings in clinical practice.

Background: The proto-oncogene MET, the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor, is a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) with a prominent role in tumor metastasis and resistance to anti-cancer therapies. Melanoma demonstrates relatively frequent MET aberrations, including MET gene amplification. Concurrently, PD-L1, with its ability to evade anti-tumor immune responses, has emerged as a prominent therapeutic target in melanoma and other malignancies and its expression is used as a predictive biomarker of response to immunotherapy. Methods: We performed immunohistochemistry analysis of MET and PD-L1 in 18 human melanoma cell lines derived from both primary and metastatic lesions; we then performed the same analysis in a human melanoma tissue microarray (TMA) containing 100 melanocytic lesions, including 42 cutaneous malignant melanomas, 20 mucosal melanoma, 21 metastatic melanomas and 17 benign melanocytic nevi as controls. After color deconvolution, TMA cores were identified and segmented to isolate staining and calculate the percentage of positive cells in each core. Results: Overall, MET expression was higher in metastatic lesions and it was higher in tumors with increased PD-L1 expression. Moreover, a positive correlation between MET and PD-L1 expression was found in metastatic melanoma. Conclusions: These data suggest that testing for expression of these markers should be conducted in patients with melanoma with metastatic disease and selective therapies targeting these proteins should be considered for advanced disease.

Key Points Vancomycin exposure in the pre-engraftment period was associated with an increased risk for CMV reactivation after allogeneic HCT. Some gram-positive bacteria may protect against CMV reactivation.

BackgroundBlunt head injury is a common pediatric injury and often evaluated in general emergency departments. It estimated that 50% of children will undergo a head computed tomography (CT), often unnecessarily exposing the child to ionizing radiation. Pediatric academic centers have shown quality improvement (QI) measures can reduce head CT rates within their emergency departments. We aimed to reduce head CT utilization at a rural community emergency department.MethodsChildren presenting with a complaint of blunt head injury and were evaluated with or without a head CT. Head CT rate was the primary outcome. We developed a series of interventions and presented these to the general emergency department over the duration of the study. The pre and intervention data was analysed with control charts.ResultsThe preintervention and intervention groups consisted of 576 children: 237 patients with a median age of 8.0 years and 339 patients with a median age of 9.00 years (p=0.54), respectively. The preintervention HCT rate was 41.8% (95% CI 35.6% to 48.1%) and the postintervention rate was 27.7% (95% CI 23.3% to 32.7%), a decrease of 14.1% (95% CI 6.2% to 21.9%, p=0.0004). During the intervention period, there was a decrease in HCT rate of one per month (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.00, p=0.07). The initial series of interventions demonstrated an incremental decrease in HCT rates corresponding with a special cause variation.ConclusionThe series of interventions dispersed over the intervention period was an effective methodology and successfully reduced HCT utilisation among children with blunt head injury at a rural community emergency department.

Abstract Background Brain metastases from sarcomatous lesions pose a management challenge owing to their rarity and the histopathological heterogeneity. Prognostic indices such as the Graded Prognostic Assessment (GPA) index have been developed for several primary tumour types presenting with brain metastases (e.g. lung, breast, melanoma), tailored to the specifics of different primary histologies and molecular profiles. Thus far, a prognostic index to direct treatment decisions is lacking for adult sarcoma patients with brain metastases. Methods We performed a multicentre analysis of a national group of expert sarcoma tertiary centres (French Sarcoma Group, GSF-GETO) with the participation of one Canadian and one Swiss centre. The study cohort included adult patients with a diagnosis of a bone or soft tissue sarcoma presenting parenchymal or meningeal brain metastases, managed between January 1992 and March 2012. We assessed the validity of the original GPA index in this patient population and developed a disease-specific Sarcoma-GPA index. Results The original GPA index is not prognostic for sarcoma brain metastasis patients. We have developed a dedicated Sarcoma-GPA index that identifies a sub-group of patients with particularly favourable prognosis based on histology, number of brain lesions and performance status. Conclusions The Sarcoma-GPA index provides a novel tool for sarcoma oncologists to guide clinical decision-making and outcomes research.

PurposeToidentify prognostic factors, define evolving patterns of care, and the effect of targeted therapies in a larger contemporary cohort of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients with new brain metastases (BM).Methods and materialsA multi-institutional retrospective institutional review board-approved database of 711 RCC patients with new BM diagnosed from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2015, was created. Clinical parameters and treatment were correlated with median survival and time from primary diagnosis to BM. Multivariable analyses were performed.ResultsThe median survival for the prior/present cohorts was 9.6/12months, respectively (P&nbsp

Background Gene mutations within the RAS-MAPK signaling cascade result in Noonan syndrome (NS), neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), and related disorders. Recent research has documented an increased risk for social difficulties and features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among children with these conditions. Despite this emerging evidence, the neuropsychological characteristics associated with social skills deficits are not well understood, particularly for children with NS. Methods Parents of children with NS (n = 39), NF1 (n = 39), and unaffected siblings (n = 32) between the ages of 8 and 16 years were administered well-validated caregiver questionnaires assessing their child’s social skills, language abilities, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and anxiety. Results With respect to overall social skills, average ratings of children in both clinical groups were similar, and indicated weaker social skills compared to unaffected siblings. Although ratings of social skills were outside of normal limits for more than four in ten children within the clinical groups, most of the deficits were mild/moderate. Fifteen percent of the children with NS and 5% of the children with NF1 were rated as having severe social skills impairment (

Recent clinical trials utilizing Interferon-alpha (IFN) in combination with chemoradiation have demonstrated significant improvements in the survival of patients with pancreatic cancer. However, efficacy was limited by the systemic toxicity of IFN and low intratumoral levels of the cytokine. We sought to address these drawbacks by using an Oncolytic Adenovirus expressing IFN (OAd-hamIFN) in combination with chemotherapy and/or radiation in regimens mimicking the IFN-based therapies used in clinical trials. IFN expressed from OAd-hamIFN potentiated the cytotoxicity of radiation and chemotherapy (5-FU, Gemcitabine, and Cisplatin), and enhanced pancreatic cancer cell death in both in vitro and in vivo experimental settings. Notably, synergism was demonstrated in therapeutic groups that combined the interferon-expressing oncolytic virus with chemotherapy and radiation. In an in vivo immunocompetent hamster model, treatment regimens combining oncolytic virus therapy with 5-FU and radiation demonstrated significant tumor growth inhibition and enhanced survival. This is the first study to report synergism between an IFN-expressing oncolytic adenovirus and chemoradiation-based therapies. When combined with an IFN-expressing OAd, there is a significant enhancement of radiation and especially chemoradiation, which may broaden the application of this new therapeutic approach to the pancreatic cancer patients who cannot tolerate existing chemotherapy regimens.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections acquired by very-low-birthweight (VLBW) infants are incompletely characterized. To examine CMV transmission in VLBW infants, we evaluated maternal DNAlactia, infant DNAemia, and presence of clinical disease in a blinded study in VLBW infants in our newborn intensive care unit (NICU). To examine these issues, 200 VLBW infants were enrolled in a surveillance study, with weekly breast milk and infant whole blood samples collected, as available. Virologic (breast milk and infant whole blood real time PCR) and immunologic (IgG, IgM, and IgG avidity) correlates were evaluated. A chart review examined whether infants had symptoms compatible with CMV disease. DNAlactia was identified in 65/150 (43%) of lactating mothers. Nine CMV infections were identified in 9/75 CMV-exposed infants (12% of exposed infants). A higher median breast milk viral load (DNAlactia) correlated with an increased likelihood of DNAemia (p = 0.05). Despite potential symptoms compatible with CMV infection, clinicians had not considered the diagnosis of CMV in 6/9 cases (66%). All of these infants had chronic lung disease at discharge. There was no correlation between IgG antibody titer or IgG avidity index and the likelihood of transmission or CMV disease. In conclusion, in VLBW infants receiving milk from seropositive mothers, CMV infections are commonly acquired, and are frequently unrecognized. Future studies are needed to determine whether routine surveillance for CMV of either breast milk or infant plasma is beneficial in preventing or recognizing infection.

PurposeTo update the Diagnosis-Specific Graded Prognostic Assessment (DS-GPA) for a markedly heterogeneous patient population, patients with melanoma and brain metastases, using a larger, more current cohort, including molecular markers.MethodsThe original Melanoma-GPA is based on data from 483 patients whose conditions were diagnosed between 1985 and 2005. This is a multi-institutional retrospective database analysis of 823 melanoma patients with newly diagnosed brain metastases from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2015. Multivariable analyses identified significant prognostic factors, which were weighted and included in the updated index (Melanoma-molGPA). Multiple Cox regression was used to select and weight prognostic factors in proportion to their hazard ratios to design the updated Melanoma-molGPA in which scores of 4.0 and 0.0 are associated with the best and worst prognoses, as with all of the diagnosis-specific GPA indices. Log-rank tests were used to compare adjacent classes.ResultsThere were 5 significant prognostic factors for survival (age, Karnofsky performance status [KPS], extracranial metastases [ECM], number of brain metastases, and BRAF status), whereas only KPS and the number of brain metastases were significant in the original Melanoma-GPA. Median survival improved from 6.7 to 9.8months between the 2 treatment eras, and the median survival times for patients with Melanoma-molGPA of 0 to 1.0, 1.5 to 2.0, 2.5 to 3.0, and 3.5 to 4.0 were 4.9, 8.3, 15.8, and 34.1months (P

PurposeBrain metastases are a common problem in patients with melanoma, but little is known about the effect of gene mutations on survival in these patients.Methods and materialsWe created a retrospective multi-institutional database of 823 patients with melanoma and brain metastases diagnosed between 2006 and 2015. Clinical parameters, gene mutation status (BRAF, C-KIT, NRAS), and treatment were correlated with survival. Treatment patterns and outcomes were compared with a prior era (1985-2005).ResultsBRAF status was known in 584 of 823 patients (71%). BRAF, NRAS, and C-KIT mutations were present in 51%, 22%, and 11% of tested patients, respectively. The median time from primary diagnosis to brain metastasis was 32months, and overall median survival (MS) from the time of initial treatment of brain metastases was 10months. MS for BRAF-positive and BRAF-negative patients was 13months and 9months, respectively (P=.02). There was no significant difference in MS in patients with or without NRAS or C-KIT mutations. The time from primary diagnosis to brain metastasis did not vary by mutation and was not associated with survival after the diagnosis of brain metastases. MS for the 1985 to 2005 and 2006 to 2015 cohorts was 6.7months and 10.0months, respectively (P