bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NIMG-72. QUANTIFYING INTRA-TUMOR MULTI-GENE HETEROGENEITY OF GBM FROM MRI USING A DATA-INCLUSIVE MACHINE LEARNING ALGORITHM
Authors: Wang Lujia , Hu Leland , Hawkins-Daarud Andrea , Singleton Kyle , Sereduk Christopher , Tran Nhan , Swanson Kristin , Li Jing 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Intra-tumor genetic heterogeneity is an important cause of treatment failure of GBM. Using MRI and image-localized biopsies, it is possible to train machine learning (ML) models to predict regional genetic status. However, biopsy samples are limited, making it difficult to train a robust ML model. We proposed a data-inclusive model called Weakly Supervised Ordinal Support Vector Machines (WSO-SVM) which leverages the vast amount of MRI data outside the sparsely sampled biopsy regions to augment the biopsy samples to improve ML accuracy. Our study included a unique dataset of 104 image-localized biopsies with spatially matched multiparametric MRI from 30 untreated Glioblastoma (GBM) patients. Each biopsy sample went through genetic sequencing analysis and our study focused on two GBM hallmark genes, EGFR and PDGFRA. For each gene, a biopsy sample was labeled as “altered” if the copy number of this gene was amplified or a mutation was found, and “non-altered” otherwise. From the localized region of six MRI contrasts from T1gd, T2w, diffusion and perfusion imaging, over 300 texture features were extracted. To account for biopsy sample location uncertainty, six neighboring regions of the biopsy sample including four neighbors two pixels away from the biopsy location and two neighbors on adjacent slices were also included in model training. WSO-SVM achieved 0.83 accuracy, 0.77 sensitivity, and 0.86 specificity for classifying EGFR; 0.77 accuracy, 0.74 sensitivity, and 0.79 specificity for classifying PDGFRA, based on 10-fold cross validation. Furthermore, using the trained models, we generated regional EGFR and PDGFRA alteration maps for each patient within the enhancing and non-enhancing tumoral areas. On average we found a greater proportion of enhancing tumor with co-alteration than non-enhancing tumor, while this trend was reversed when considering only one altered gene. The ratio of EGFR vs PDGFRA alterations was higher in non-enhancing tumor than enhancing tumor.
NIMG-74. RESPONSE ASSESSMENT AFTER DOSE-ESCALATED RADIOTHERAPY: IMAGING PROTOCOL OF A MULTICENTER PHASE III TRIAL ON INTRAOPERATIVE RADIOTHERAPY IN NEWLY DIAGNOSED GLIOBLASTOMA (INTRAGO-II;ARO2016-1;AG-NRO-03)
Authors: Pope Whitney , Petrecca Kevin , Radbruch Alexander , Giordano Frank ,   INTRAGO Trialists
Published: November 2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Reliable response assessment of irradiated glioblastomas remains challenging. In an attempt to better distinguish post-therapeutic alterations (such as reactive gliosis, pseudoprogression and radionecrosis) from tumor progression, especially after (local) RT dose escalation as performed in the multinational INTRAGO-II trial, we modified the classical RANO criteria and developed a protocol and workflow for uniform assessment of post-irradiation tumor response.

METHODS
INTRAGO-II is a multinational randomized phase III trial (9 nations, 19 centers) that evaluates the benefit of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) with 20-30 Gy to the tumor bed after resection of glioblastoma in addition to standard of care (NCT02685605). Within this trial, advanced imaging is mandatory in addition to standard sequences and measurements (such as the sum of the products of perpendicular diameters, SPD). Specifically, the acquisition of dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) sequences as well as the calculation of the normalized relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) is required. All local assessments are subjected to a central neuroradiology read, which is conclusive. The key modifications to RANO are that (i) an ≥25% increase SPD of the target lesions should be associated with a rCBV≥1 of at least one lesion to be considered radiological progression, (ii) new enhancing lesions should become measurable before they can constitute to radiological progression, (iii) rCBV is normalized against normal appearing white matter from the contralateral brain by reference ROI (with a minimal sphere size of 5x5mm) and (iv) confirmatory scans are mandatory for defining progressive disease.

CONCLUSION/SUMMARY
We present an imaging protocol based on updated RANO that accounts for post-irradiation image alterations. Funding: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Germany and MedWave Medical Imaging BV; Registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02685605.
NCMP-06. THE RISK AND BURDEN OF THROMBOEMBOLIC AND HEMORRHAGIC EVENTS IN PATIENTS WITH MALIGNANT GLIOMA RECEIVING BEVACIZUMAB
Authors: Ou Alexander , Lin Heather , Yuan Ying , Bornstein Charles , Alfaro-Munoz Kristin , Afshar-Kharghan Vahid , Kamiya-Matsuoka Carlos , Majd Nazanin 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Patients with high-grade gliomas (HGG) often receive anti-angiogenic therapy with bevacizumab to slow disease progression and/or palliate neurological symptoms. Bevacizumab has been associated with an increased risk of two major vascular complications: venous thromboembolism (VTE) and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). We sought to identify clinical, pathologic, and radiographic variables correlated with risk of either event occurring in patients with HGG receiving bevacizumab.

METHODS
We retrospectively identified 94 patients with HGG who received bevacizumab at our center from 2015-2021. Variables included demographics, performance status, IDH, MGMT, vascular risk factors, baseline anti-coagulant/anti-platelet use, concurrent chemotherapy, and presence of macrobleeds on MRI (&gt;1 cm3 susceptibility) at the time of bevacizumab initiation. We conducted competing risk analysis using subdistribution hazard models with death as competing risk for ICH or VTE. The effects of covariates on the incidence of hemorrhage or VTE were evaluated in univariate and multivariate settings.

RESULTS
Of 94 patients, 36 (38.3%) and 27 (28.7%) developed VTE and ICH, respectively. 31 (33%) did not develop either. ICH and VTE events occurred after a mean of 4.46 and 5.94 cycles of bevacizumab, respectively. 20 had baseline anti-platelet/anticoagulant use, and 16 had prior VTEs. Patients with macrobleeds on MRI had a larger HR of developing acute hemorrhage [HR=2.368 (1.112, 5.043), p=0.0254]. Patients older than 50 trended toward larger HR of developing VTE in univariate analysis that approached significance [HR=1.799 (0.889, 3.637), p=0.1023]. Sex, performance status, IDH, MGMT, vascular risk factors, baseline anticoagulant/anti-platelet use and concurrent chemotherapy were not significantly associated with occurrence of VTE.

CONCLUSIONS
The presence of macrobleeds on MRI is associated with increased risk of developing acute ICH while on bevacizumab. Older age at diagnosis of HGG may be associated with an increased risk of VTE in patients receiving bevacizumab. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
NCMP-07. IDH MUTANT GLIOMAS PROMOTE EPILEPTOGENESIS VIA D-2-HYDROXYGLUTARATE DEPENDENT MTOR HYPER-ACTIVATION
Authors: Mortazavi Armin , Fayed Islam , Bachani Muzna , Dowdy Tyrone , Jahanipour Jahandar , Khan Anas , Yang Chungzhang , Maric Dragan , Larion Mioara , Ksendzovsky Alexander , Zaghloul Kareem 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Uncontrolled seizures in patients with low grade gliomas have a significant impact on quality of life and morbidity, yet the mechanisms through which these tumors cause seizures remain unknown. Albeit there are multiple features that contribute to tumor related epileptogenesis, IDH mutations are determined to be an independent factor, although the pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Here, we hypothesize that the active metabolite D-2-hydroxyglutarate (D-2-HG) produced by the IDH-mutant enzyme leads to metabolic disruptions in surrounding cortical neurons that consequently promote seizures. We use a complementary study of in vitro cortical cultures and electrographically sorted human cortical tissue from patients (n=5) with IDH-mutant gliomas to test this hypothesis. We demonstrate that D-2-HG leads to increased neuronal spiking activity (p&lt; 0.0001) and promotes a distinct metabolic profile in surrounding neurons and upregulation of mTOR signaling (p&lt; 0.0001), which is consistent in human epileptic cortex compared to peritumoral nonepileptic cortex. Furthermore, increases in neuronal activity are induced by mTOR activation and reversed with mTOR inhibition. Together, our data suggest that metabolic disruptions and mTOR signaling upregulation in the surrounding cortex due to D-2-HG may be a driving event for epileptogenesis in patients with IDH-mutant low grade gliomas.
NCMP-17. BEWARE: ALL POSTERIOR FOSSA MASSES IN CHILDREN ARE NOT BRAIN TUMORS
Authors: Issai Vanan Magimairajan , Li Jie , Almiski Muhamad , Bunge Martin , Serletis Demitre , Israels Sara 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
Isolated Myeloid sarcoma (MS) of the central nervous system (CNS-MS) is a very rare presentation of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). A 10-year-old boy with a two-week history of intermittent headaches was referred to the emergency department (ED) by an optometrist for evaluation of bilateral papilledema. Physical examination in the ED confirmed the presence of papilledema with no other abnormal neurologic findings. Emergent MRI of the brain showed an avidly homogeneously enhancing extra-axial dural based mass in the right posterior fossa measuring 4.8 cm (AP) x 3.2 cm (CC) x 4.6cm (T), with significant mass effect and peri-tumoral vasogenic edema. Neuro-surgery consultation was obtained and complete blood count (CBC) was normal except for the presence of 13% blasts with occasional Auer rods seen on the peripheral blood smear. Bone marrow aspirate demonstrated 56% myeloblasts; A diagnosis of AML with CNS-MS (CNS-3c) was made and the initial lumbar puncture (LP) was deferred due to the risk of CNS herniation. Induction chemotherapy was initiated as per protocol. A CT scan done two weeks later showed complete resolution of the intracranial mass.

DISCUSSION
The incidental finding of papilledema, with imaging to investigate the intracranial pathology revealed a large posterior fossa mass in our patient. However, the atypical features of the mass (dural based extra-axial location; extensive infiltration into adjacent structures) and the finding of blasts with Auer rods in peripheral blood helped us to diagnose CNS-MS, and avoided an extensive neurosurgical procedure and a delay in definitive therapy. Our patient had a normal CBC and the review of the peripheral blood film by an experienced Hematologist was very crucial in making a clinical diagnosis of MS.

CONCLUSION
Myeloid sarcomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an intracranial mass, particularly when accompanied by abnormal findings in the CBC.
NCMP-20. PRE-INFUSION NEUROFILAMENT LIGHT CHAIN (NFL) LEVELS PREDICT THE DEVELOPMENT OF IMMUNE EFFECTOR CELL-ASSOCIATED NEUROTOXICITY SYNDROME (ICANS) – A MULTICENTER RETROSPECTIVE STUDY
Authors: Butt Omar , Zhou Alice , Lee Kenneth , Wu Gregory , Caimi Paolo , de Loma Marcos , Campian Jian , DiPersio John , Ghobadi Armin , Ances Beau 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Neurological side effects after chimeric antigen receptor-modified (CAR) T cell therapy, termed immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), are common and potentially devastating. We previously demonstrated that pre-infusion plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL), a well-established marker of neurodegeneration, may predict subsequent development of ICANS in a small, single-center cohort. This larger, retrospective multicenter study compares pre-infusion NfL to known post-infusion risk factors for developing ICANs including white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet count, C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, and ferritin levels.

METHODS
Inclusion criteria included available pre-infusion (up to 4 weeks prior to lymphodepletion) plasma from patients treated with a CAR T cell therapy (n = 30, 36% with ICANS, ASTCT consensus ICANS grade range 1-4). Exclusion criteria included confounding diagnoses known to elevate NfL levels (dementia, multiple sclerosis, recent stroke). Plasma NfL was assayed using a Simoa HD-1/HD-X kit (QuanterixTM). Post-infusion Day 3 or Day 5 WBC, Platelet, CRP, fibrinogen, and ferritin were obtained from the medical record. Group comparisons were done using log-rank tests with a Bonferroni-derived significance threshold, followed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve classification.

RESULTS
Prior to infusion, individuals who ultimately developed ICANS had elevations in NfL ([87.6 v 29.4 pg/ml], p = 0.00004) with excellent classification (AUC 0.96), sensitivity (0.91) and specificity (0.95). Among known post-infusion risk factors, only post-infusion Day 3 ferritin (p = 0.004) and Day 5 ferritin (p = 0.003) differed between groups. Classification was inferior for both time points (Day 3 AUC = 0.87, specificity 0.71; Day 5 AUC 0.87, specificity 0.86).

CONCLUSION
Pre-infusion plasma NfL levels are a robust early marker for the development of ICANS that exceeds known post-infusion markers. Our findings suggest the risk of developing ICANS reflects pre-existing host-factors. Foreknowledge of ICANS development of may permit early, aggressive (preemptive or prophylaxis) ICANS-directed therapies, improving patient outcomes.
NCOG-04. THE IMPACT OF PROPHYLAXIS CHEMOTHERAPY ON CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) RELAPSES OF HIGH RISK DIFFUSE LARGE B-CELL LYMPHOMA (DLBCL): A NETWORK META-ANALYSIS
Authors: Haddad Philip , Hammoud Dalia , Gallagher Kevin 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND
CNS relapses with DLBCL tend to be uncommon. The risk increases with certain DLBCL types and certain identified risk features. There is no consensus regarding the optimal approach to CNS prophylaxis for high-risk DLBCL patients. While some favor prophylaxis with high-dose systemic therapy or intrathecal chemotherapy (IT), some experts advocate combining both approaches. In the absence of randomized trials, the role of chemotherapy prophylaxis remains controversial in DLBCL with contradictory comparative studies. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the impact of CNS prophylaxis approaches on the clinical outcomes of high-risk DLBCL.

METHODS
A review of the medical literature was conducted using online databases. Inclusion criteria consisted of DLBCL diagnosis, English language, IT or high-dose systemic prophylactic chemotherapy, and comparative studies reporting CNS recurrence rates. A frequentist and Bayesian network meta-analysis were conducted using the netmeta package and random-effects model.

RESULTS
Twenty-one comparative studies with a total of 11,507 patients were included and analyzed. The relative risk (RR) of CNS recurrence was not statistically different between IT prophylaxis, high-dose chemotherapy, and no prophylaxis. However, the combination of IT prophylaxis and high-dose chemotherapy was found to be significantly associated with a reduced RR of CNS recurrence when compared to IT prophylaxis (RR 0.28, 95%CI 0.13-0.58), high-dose chemotherapy (RR 0.34, 95%CI 0.14-0.80), and no prophylaxis (RR 0.41, 95%CI 0.19-0.87).

CONCLUSIONS
This network meta-analysis is the first to compare the different CNS prophylactic approaches. It indicates that IT prophylaxis and high-dose chemotherapy each were not better than no prophylaxis. However, the combination of IT prophylaxis with high-dose chemotherapy was significantly superior to each approach alone as well as no prophylaxis. In the absence of randomized clinical trials, this network meta-analysis represents the most compelling data supporting the use of CNS prophylaxis in patients with high-risk DLBCL.
NCOG-11. ASSOCIATION OF HYPERGLYCEMIA AND TUMOR SUBCLASS ON SURVIVAL IN IDH-WILDTYPE GLIOBLASTOMA
Authors: Liu Elisa , Vasudevaraja Varshini , Sviderskiy Vladislav , Feng Yang , Tran Ivy , Serrano Jonathan , Cordova Christine , Kurz Sylvia , Golfinos John , Sulman Erik , Placantonakis Dimitris , Possemato Richard , Snuderl Matija 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND
RNA expression and DNA methylation studies have identified different subclasses of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-wildtype (wt) glioblastoma (GBM). However, the prognostic significance of molecular subclasses is unclear. Although hyperglycemia has been previously associated with worse survival, attempts to lower glucose have yielded mixed responses. The role of hyperglycemia may be confounded by molecular heterogeneity and have different impact in molecularly distinct GBM subclasses.

METHODS
Clinical, laboratory, and molecular data on 89 IDH-wt GBMs profiled by clinical next-generation sequencing and treated with Stupp protocol were reviewed. IDH-wt GBMs were subclassified into RTKI (Proneural), RTKII (Classical) and Mesenchymal subtypes using DNA methylation. Average glucose was calculated by time-weighting plasma glucose measurements between diagnosis and last follow-up.

RESULTS
Patients were stratified into three groups using average glucose: tertile one (&lt; 100mg/dL), tertile two (100-115mg/dL), and tertile three ( &gt; 115mg/dL). Comparison across glucose tertiles revealed no significant differences in Karfnosky Performance Status (KPS), dexamethasone dose, MGMT methylation, or methylation subclass. Overall survival (OS) was not affected by methylation subclass (log-rank p=0.9) but decreased with higher glucose (log-rank p=0.015). Higher glucose tertiles were associated with poorer OS among RTK I (log-rank p=0.08) and mesenchymal tumors (log-rank p=0.05), but not RTK II (log-rank p=0.99). After controlling for age, KPS, dexamethasone dose, and MGMT status, glucose remained significantly associated with survival (adjusted hazard ratio=5.2, p=0.02). DNA methylation clustering did not identify a unique signature associated with high or low glucose levels. Metabolomic analysis of 23 tumors showed minimal variation across metabolites within the cohort with no differences across molecular subclasses.

CONCLUSION
Higher average glucose values were associated with poorer OS in RTKI and Mesenchymal IDH-wt GBM, but not RTKII. There were no discernible epigenetic or metabolomic differences between tumors in different glucose environments, suggesting a potential survival benefit with systemic glucose lowering in selected molecular subtype.
NCOG-15. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ANTIEPILEPTIC DRUG DUOTHERAPIES IN GLIOMA PATIENTS: A MULTICENTER OBSERVATIONAL COHORT STUDY
Authors: van der Meer Pim , Dirven Linda , Fiocco Marta , Vos Maaike , Kouwenhoven Mathilde , van den Bent Martin , Taphoorn Martin , Koekkoek Johan 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Uncontrolled seizures on antiepileptic drug (AED) monotherapy are common in glioma patients and about a third of patients need an add-on AED. The aim of this study was to determine whether levetiracetam combined with valproic acid (LEV+VPA), a commonly prescribed duotherapy, was more effective than other duotherapy combinations, which included either LEV or VPA, in glioma patients.

METHODS
In this multicenter observational cohort study, data of patients with a diffuse grade 2-4 glioma and having uncontrolled seizures on their first-line monotherapy LEV or VPA, was retrospectively analyzed. Primary outcome was treatment failure (i.e. replacement by or addition of a new AED, or withdrawal of an AED) for any reason. Secondary outcomes included: 1) treatment failure due to uncontrolled seizures; and 2) treatment failure due to adverse effects. Time to treatment failure was estimated with multivariable Cox proportional hazard models, from moment of AED duotherapy treatment initiation. The maximum duration of follow-up was 36 months.

RESULTS
A total of 355 patients received AED duotherapy after they showed treatment failure due to uncontrolled seizures on monotherapy. LEV+VPA was prescribed in 66% (236/355) and other AED duotherapy combinations including LEV or VPA in 34% (119/355) of patients. Patients using other duotherapy versus LEV+VPA had higher risk of treatment failure for any reason (cause-specific hazard ratio [csHR]=1.50 [95%CI=1.07-2.12], p=0.020), due to uncontrolled seizures (csHR=1.73 [95%CI=1.10-2.73], p=0.018), but not due to adverse effects (csHR=0.88 [95%CI=0.47-1.67]), p=0.703).

CONCLUSIONS
This observational cohort study showed that LEV+VPA has better efficacy than other AED combinations with either LEV or VPA, but toxicity was similar in the two groups.
NCOG-18. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RANO-PRO WORKING GROUP STANDARDIZED PRIORITY CONSTRUCTS AND DISEASE PROGRESSION AMONG MALIGNANT GLIOMA PATIENTS AS MEASURED THROUGH CLINICAL OUTCOMES ASSESSMENTS
Authors: Vera Elizabeth , Mendoza Tito , Acquaye Alvina , Briceno Nicole , Choi Anna , Christ Alexa , Grajkowska Ewa , Jammula Varna , Leeper Heather , Levine Jason , Lindsley Matthew , Reyes Jennifer , Roche Kayla , Rogers James , Timmer Michael , Boris Lisa , Burton Eric , Lollo Nicole , Panzer Marissa , Polskin Lily , Penas-Prado Marta , Pillai Valentina , Theeler Brett , Wu Jing , Gilbert Mark , Armstrong Terri 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Recognizing the importance of clinical outcomes assessments (COA), the RANO-PRO Working Group recommends inclusion of core symptoms/functions in clinical care/research for malignant glioma patients. This study evaluated the association between the recommended symptoms (pain, perceived cognition, seizures, aphasia, treatment-specific symptoms) and functions (physical: weakness, walking; and role/social: work, usual activities) and disease progression in these patients. MDASI-Brain Tumor and EQ-5D-3L scores, Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), and Neurologic Function Score (NFS) were evaluated in relation to disease progression by chi-square tests, independent- and paired-samples t-tests, adjusted for multiple comparisons. Our sample included 336 patients with malignant glioma; 82% white, 64% male, median age=52 (21-79). Imaging study revealed disease progression for 46% of patients. All symptoms except seizures and difficulty concentrating were worse in the group whose imaging showed disease progression versus stable disease, as well as the functions of walking, work, activity, and self-care (0.8 &lt; difference &lt; 1.8). Patients with disease progression were 4 times more likely to have a poor KPS (≤ 80) and worse NFS. Among patients with disease progression (n=112), all symptoms, except seizures, worsened from first assessment to time of progression. Up to 22% of patients reported worsening mobility, self-care, and usual activity; 46% and 35% had worsened KPS and NFS, respectively. Seven symptoms and functions were each individually reported by at least 10% of patients as having worsened the most. Worsening of symptoms and functions was not observed among patients with stable disease, except in difficulty understanding. Identified core symptoms/functions worsen at the time of progression demonstrating the relationship between priority constructs and a traditional tumor response measure while highlighting the importance of longitudinal collection of COA. The pattern of worsening was observed via both patient- and clinician-reported outcomes, emphasizing the utility of COA in clinical care and clinical trials.