Intra-CSF AAV9 and AAVrh10 Administration in Nonhuman Primates: Promising Routes and Vectors for Which Neurological Diseases?

The identification of the most efficient method for whole central nervous system targeting that is translatable to humans and the safest route of adeno-associated virus (AAV) administration is a major concern for future applications in clinics. Additionally, as many AAV serotypes were identified for gene introduction into the brain and the spinal cord, another key to human gene-therapy success is to determine the most efficient serotype. In this study, we compared lumbar intrathecal administration through catheter implantation and intracerebroventricular administration in the cynomolgus macaque. We also evaluated and compared two AAV serotypes that are currently used in clinical trials: AAV9 and AAVrh10. We demonstrated that AAV9 lumbar intrathecal delivery using a catheter achieved consistent transgene expression in the motor neurons of the spinal cord and in the neurons/glial cells of several brain regions, whereas AAV9 intracerebroventricular delivery led to a consistent transgene expression in the brain. In contrast, AAVrh10 lumbar intrathecal delivery led to rare motor neuron targeting. Finally, we found that AAV9 efficiently targets respiratory and skeletal muscles after injection into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which represents an outstanding new property that can be useful for the treatment of diseases affecting both the central nervous system and muscle.

Breast desmoid tumor management in France: toward a new strategy

PURPOSE

Desmoid tumors (DTs) are rare tumors that originate from myofibroblastic tissue. Recently, initial wait and see was recommended (ESMO guidelines Ann Oncol 2017) in the most frequent locations. This study investigates the outcome of breast desmoid tumor (BDT) according to the initial strategy.

METHOD

Data from all consecutive patients treated from a BDT in four referral centers were collected. Only intra-mammary desmoid tumors were included. A pathological review and a molecular analysis (CTNNB1 gene mutation) were performed (National re-reading network of sarcomas-RRePS). Patients were grouped according to initial strategy: surgery group (SG) and active surveillance group (ASG).

RESULTS

A total of 63 patients (61 women, 2 men) met the inclusion criteria. Median age was 50 years (16-86). CTNNB1 mutation was found in 61% (n = 36). SG included 46 patients (73%) (41 partial mastectomies, 2 mastectomies, and 3 mastectomies associated to parietectomies). Surgical margins were positive in 15 patients (33.3%). Median follow-up of SG was 24.9 (0.5-209) months; and 4 patients (8.7%) developed recurrence. ASG included 17 patients (27%). Their median follow-up was 42.2 (0-214) months, and 15 patients (88.2%) did not require any additional treatment. Six patients (35%) had a spontaneous regression, 9 patients (52%) were stable, and 2 patients presented a significant progression that was treated by partial mastectomy.

CONCLUSION

This study supports an initial nonsurgical approach to BDTs followed by surgery based on tumor growth in select cases, which is consistent with current ESMO recommendations.