Long-term outcomes of a randomized, open-label, phase II study comparing cabazitaxel versus paclitaxel as neoadjuvant treatment in patients with triple-negative or luminal B/HER2-negative breast cancer (GENEVIEVE)

BACKGROUND

The GENEVIEVE study, comparing neoadjuvant cabazitaxel versus paclitaxel in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and luminal B/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer (BC), previously reported significant differences in pathological complete response (pCR) rates. Effects on long-term outcome are unknown.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

GENEVIEVE randomized patients with cT2-3, any cN or cT1, cN+/pNSLN+, centrally confirmed TNBC or luminal B/HER2-negative BC (latter defined as estrogen/progesterone receptor-positive and >14% Ki-67-stained cells) to receive either cabazitaxel 25 mg/m2 q3w for four cycles or paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 weekly for 12 weeks. Anthracycline-containing chemotherapy was allowed in case of histologically proven invasive residuals as neoadjuvant treatment or after surgery as adjuvant treatment. Here we report the secondary endpoints invasive disease-free survival (iDFS), distant disease-free survival (DDFS), and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Of the 333 patients randomized, 74.7% and 83.2% completed treatment in the cabazitaxel and paclitaxel arms, respectively. After a median follow-up of 89.3 months (interquartile range 68.8-97.3 months), 80 iDFS events (43 after cabazitaxel and 37 after paclitaxel) and 47 deaths (23 after cabazitaxel and 24 after paclitaxel) were reported. IDFS rates were not significantly different between the cabazitaxel and paclitaxel arms after a 3-year (83.6% versus 85.0%) and 5-year follow-up (76.2% versus 78.3%) [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.27, 95% confidence interval 0.82-1.96, P = 0.294], respectively. DDFS rates at 3 years (88.6% versus 87.8%) and 5 years (82.1% versus 82.8%) for cabazitaxel and paclitaxel were comparable (HR = 1.15, P = 0.573). Similarly, OS rates at 3 years (91.6% versus 91.8%) and 5 years (89.2% versus 86.8%) showed no significant differences (HR = 1.05, P = 0.872). Subgroup analysis for TNBC and luminal B/HER2-negative BCs indicated no significant variations in 3- or 5-year iDFS, DDFS, or OS.

CONCLUSIONS

The significant differences in pCR rates observed in both treatment arms did not significantly impact long-term outcomes for patients treated with cabazitaxel versus paclitaxel in the GENEVIEVE trial.

Association between hip muscle strength/function and hip cartilage defects in sub-elite football players with hip/groin pain

OBJECTIVE

To explore associations between hip muscle strength and cartilage defects (presence and severity) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in young adults with hip/groin pain participating in sub-elite football.

DESIGN

Sub-elite football players with hip/groin pain (>6 months) completed assessments of isometric hip strength and functional task performance. Hip cartilage defects were assessed using the Scoring Hip Osteoarthritis with MRI tool. This exploratory, cross-sectional study used logistic and negative binomial models to assess the relationships between hip muscle strength or functional task performance and hip cartilage defects, controlling for body mass index, age, testing site and cam morphology, incorporating sex-specific interaction terms.

RESULTS

One hundred and eighty-two (37 women) sub-elite (soccer or Australian football) players with hip/groin pain (age 26 ± 7 years) were included. Greater hip extension strength was associated with higher cartilage total score (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 1.01, 95%CI: 1.0 to 1.02, p = 0.013) and superolateral hip cartilage defects (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01 to 1.06, p < 0.01). In female sub-elite football players, greater hip external rotation strength was associated with lateral cartilage defects (aOR 1.61, 95%CI: 1.05 to 2.48, p = 0.03) and higher cartilage total score (aIRR 1.25, 95%CI: 1.01 to 1.66, p = 0.042). A one-repetition increase in one-leg rise performance was related to lower odds of superomedial cartilage defects (aOR 0.96, 95%CI: 0.94 to 0.99, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, there were few associations between peak isometric hip muscle strength and overall hip cartilage defects. It is possible that other factors may have relevance in sub-elite football players. Additional studies are needed to support or refute our findings that higher one leg rise performance was associated with reduced superomedial cartilage defect severity and greater hip extension strength was related to higher cartilage defect severity scores.

The resolute Onyx drug eluting stent for neurointervention: A technical series

INTRODUCTION

Current methods for angioplasty and stenting of the intracranial vasculature for neurointervention are limited. The Wingspan Stent System is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved with human device exemption for a limited patient group and despite numerous prospective registries and trials demonstrating reasonable safety, still carries warnings from the FDA for its use. Given these limitations, we present the technical nuances and outcomes of the off-label use of the Resolute Onyx drug-eluting stent (DES) for neurointerventional purposes.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing a neurointerventional procedure with the Resolute Onyx DES was done from January 2017-2021. The Resolute Onyx is a coronary balloon-mounted drug-eluting (zotarolimus) single wire laser cut stent. Technical details and procedural outcomes were collected.

RESULTS

In total 40 patients had attempted placement of the Resolute Onyx DES with procedural success in 95% of patients. The most common vessel stented was the basilar artery, 30% (12/40). The most common indication was intracranial atherosclerotic disease in 62.5% (25/40) patients, followed by acute stroke in 17.5% (7/40) of patients. The technical and procedural outcomes were excellent with only one technical complication (2.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

This series describes the initial technical safety and utility of utilizing a new generation balloon-mounted drug-eluting stent for neurointerventional purposes. This stent offers the potential for improved navigability, delivery, and outcomes compared to current neurointerventional options and warrants further study.

Single-center outcomes of Onyx Frontier™ and Resolute Onyx™ drug-eluting balloon-mounted stents for rescue stenting for acute large vessel occlusion

BACKGROUND

In cases where mechanical thrombectomy (MT) fails, rescue stenting may be necessary to achieve reperfusion; however, the lack of standardized techniques or devices poses a challenge. This series aims to present our early experience with the Onyx Frontier™ and Resolute Onyx™ balloon-mounted drug-eluting stents for rescue stenting.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients who underwent rescue stenting, in the setting of failed MT, using Onyx Frontier™ or Resolute Onyx™ stents at a single institution. Technical details, procedural complications, and patient outcomes were recorded for each case.

RESULTS

Twenty-two Onyx Frontier™ and Resolute Onyx™ stents were deployed in 18 patients undergoing rescue stenting. Stent locations included the middle cerebral artery (36.4%), internal carotid artery (18.2%), vertebral artery (22.7%), and basilar artery (22.7%). The average National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score before MT was 13.8 (range 0-31). The median initial modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was zero, while the median mRS score at follow-up was three. Successful reperfusion, as assessed by TICI scores, was achieved in 43.8% of patients for TICI 3, 43.8% for TICI 2C, and 12.5% for TICI 2B. Post-revascularization, 16.7% of patients experienced hemorrhage, of which one patient (5.6%) had symptomatic hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

Onyx Frontier™ and Resolute Onyx™ stents are well suited for rescue stenting in cases of failed MT. These balloon-mounted drug-eluting stents exhibit excellent navigability, rendering them appropriate for rescue revascularization procedures. Our findings demonstrate that these stents confer a high degree of technical success.

Flow diverter surface modifications for aneurysm treatment: A review of the mechanisms and data behind existing technologies

Flow diversion (FD) has become a mainstay treatment for large wide-necked aneurysms. Despite excellent safety and efficacy, the risk of thromboembolic complications necessitates the use of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). The use of DAPT makes hemorrhagic complications of stenting carry high morbidity and mortality. Additionally, DAPT usage carries a risk of "nuisance" complications that do not directly impact intracranial circulation but need to be managed nonetheless. To circumvent this issue, the most recent generation of flow diverters have undergone surface modification with various compounds to confer blood compatibility to limit clotting and thrombosis. While these newer generation flow diverters are marketed to enhance ease of deployment, the goal is to eventually facilitate single antiplatelet use with flow diverter treatment. This generation of FDs have potential to expand indications beyond unruptured wide-necked aneurysms to include ruptured intracranial aneurysms without the necessity of DAPT. Currently, no comprehensive review details the molecular mechanisms and pre-clinical and clinical data on these modifications. We seek to fill this gap in the literature by consolidating information on the coating technology for four major FDs currently in clinical use-PipelineTM Flex and Vantage Shield TechnologyTM, FREDTMX, p48/64 hydrophilic coating, and Acandis Dervio® 2heal-to serve as a reference guide in neurointerventional aneurysm treatment. Although the Balt silkTM was one of the first FDs, it is uncoated, thus we will not cover this device in our review. A literature review was performed to obtain information on each coating technology for the major flow diverters currently on the market using international databases (PUBMED, Embase, Medline, Google Scholar). The search criteria used the keywords for each coating technology of interest "phosphorylcholine," "poly 2-methoxyethyl acrylate," "hydrophilic polymer coating," and "fibrin-heparin" Keywords related to the device names "Pipeline Shield," "Pipeline Shield with Flex Technology," "FRED," "FREDX," "p64," "p64-HPC," "Derivo 2heal" were also used. Studies that detailed the mechanism of action of the coating, any pre-clinical studies with surface-modified intravascular devices, and any clinical retrospective series, prospective series, or randomized clinical trials with surface-modified devices for aneurysm treatment were included.

Hemodynamic outcomes of stenting for vertebrobasilar insufficiency in patients with a low flow state

INTRODUCTION

The Vertebrobasilar Flow Evaluation and Risk of Transient Ischemic Attack and Stroke (VERiTAS) study determined patients with low flow in their vertebrobasilar (VB) system are at increased risk of recurrent stroke. Endovascular interventions such as angioplasty and stenting are reserved for patients with refractory symptoms; however, few series to date have demonstrated either hemodynamic or clinical outcomes in this high-risk patient group. We present our combined institutional series of patients with symptomatic VB atherosclerotic disease and low-flow state who underwent angioplasty and stenting.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of patients undergoing angioplasty and stenting for symptomatic VB atherosclerotic disease at two institutions was performed. Clinical and radiographical outcomes were collected including flow rates using quantitative MRA (QMRA) pre- and post-stenting.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients underwent angioplasty and stenting for symptomatic VB atherosclerotic disease and met VERiTAS low-flow state criteria. There were four cases (23.5%) of periprocedural stroke, two of which were minor and transient. The stent was placed intracranially in 82.4% of patients. Basilar and bilateral posterior cerebral artery (PCA) flows significantly improved post-stenting (p < 0.05) and normalized based upon VERiTAS criteria in all patients. Fourteen patients had delayed QMRA at mean follow-up 20 months demonstrating appropriate patency and flow post-stenting. Two patients (10%) had recurrent stroke, one from medication nonadherence and in-stent thrombosis, and the other from a procedural dissection that subsequently became symptomatic.

CONCLUSIONS

Our series demonstrates angioplasty and stenting significantly improve intracranial flow over long-term. Angioplasty and stenting may improve the natural history of low-flow VB atherosclerotic disease.

A comparison of endovascular coil systems for the treatment of small intracranial aneurysms

BACKGROUND

Endovascular coiling of small, intracranial aneurysms remains controversial and difficult, despite advances in technology.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed data for 62 small aneurysms (<3.99 mm) in 59 patients. Occlusion rates, complications rates, and coil packing densities were compared between subgroups based upon coil type and rupture status.

RESULTS

Ruptured aneurysms predominated (67.7%). Aneurysms measured 2.99 ± 0.63 mm by 2.51 ± 0.61 mm with an aspect ratio of 1.21 ± 0.34 mm. Brands included Optima (Balt) (29%), MicroVention Hydrogel (24.2%), and Penumbra SMART (19.4%) coil systems. Average packing density was 34.3 ± 13.5 mm³. Occlusion rate was 100% in unruptured aneurysms; 84% utilized adjuvant devices. For ruptured aneurysms, complete occlusion or stable neck remnant was achieved in 88.6% while recanalization occurred in 11.4%. No rebleeding occurred. Average packing density (p = 0.919) and coil type (p = 0.056) did not impact occlusion. Aspect ratio was smaller in aneurysms with technical complications (p = 0.281), and aneurysm volume was significantly smaller in those with coil protrusion (p = 0.018). Complication rates did not differ between ruptured and unruptured aneurysms (22.6 vs. 15.8%, p = 0.308) or coil types (p = 0.830).

CONCLUSION

Despite advances in embolization devices, coiling of small intracranial aneurysms is still scrutinized. High occlusion rates are achievable, especially in unruptured aneurysms, with coil type and packing density suggesting association with complete occlusion. Technical complications may be influenced by aneurysm geometry. Advances in endovascular technologies have revolutionized small aneurysm treatment, with this series demonstrating excellent aneurysm occlusion especially in unruptured aneurysms.

Comparative outcomes of the treatment of unruptured paraophthalmic aneurysms in the era of flow diversion

BACKGROUND

Paraophthalmic aneurysms present a challenge to surgeons and their ideal management remains up for debate. We studied recent outcomes of these lesions in a single center.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing treatment for paraophthalmic aneurysms from 2017-2019 was performed. Factors including patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, treatment modality, radiographic treatment outcome, clinical outcome, and length of stay were collected, and bivariate analysis was performed.

RESULTS

In total 84.5% (82/97) of aneurysms were treated endovascularly and 15.5% (15/97) surgically. In the surgery cohort, there were three transient perioperative complications (20%) and one minor postoperative complication (6.7%). Complete aneurysm occlusion or near complete (<2mm residual) was achieved in 100% (15/15). All but one patient had mRS ≤1 at the last follow-up. In the endovascular group, 78.1% (64/82) underwent flow diversion alone. Endovascular treatment was associated with a 4.9% (4/82) rate of periprocedural complications: 3 transient events, and 1 death, and a 3.7% (3/82) rate of delayed complications: 2 transient vision changes, and one death. Rate of total occlusion was 87.8% (72/82). 76 patients (92.7%) had mRS ≤1 at the last follow-up. Length of stay was significantly shorter in the endovascular group (3.4 days vs. 7.0 days) [p < 0.001].

CONCLUSIONS

This series demonstrates similar safety to previously reported series as well as the efficacy of both surgical clipping and endovascular embolization of paraophthalmic aneurysms. Rate of complications and treatment efficacy were similar in both groups although this represents a single institution series not generalizable to all centers.

Depression and anxiety in women with malignant ovarian germ cell (MOGCT) and sex cord stromal tumors (SCST): an analysis of the AGO-CORSETT database

INTRODUCTION

The intention of this study was to evaluate the level of anxiety and depression of malignant ovarian germ cell (MOGCT) and sex cord stromal tumors (SCST) survivors and to identify possible alterable cofactors.

METHODS

CORSETT was an observational, multicenter, mixed retrospective/prospective cohort study of the AGO Studygroup. Women who had been diagnosed with MOGCTs and SCSTs between 2001 and 2011 were asked to complete the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to evaluate distress. Predictors of distress (type of surgery, chemotherapy, time since diagnosis, recurrence, second tumor, pain) were investigated using multivariate linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

150 MOGCT and SCST patients with confirmed histological diagnosis completed the questionnaire median seven years after diagnosis. They had a HADS total score ≥ 13 indicating severe mental distress in 34% of cases. Patients after fertility-conserving surgery had lower probability of severe mental distress than those without fertility-conserving treatment (β = - 3.1, p = 0.04). Pain was associated with the level of distress in uni- and multivariate analysis (coef 0.1, p < 0.01, coef. Beta 0.5).

DISCUSSION

Severe mental distress was frequent in patients with MOGCT and SCST and the level of pain was associated with the level of distress. Fertility conserving therapy, however, was associated with less mental distress. Screening and treatment of pain and depression is required to improve mental well-being in survivors of MOGCT and SCST.

Utilizing a Digital Swarm Intelligence Platform to Improve Consensus Among Radiologists and Exploring Its Applications

Radiologists today play a central role in making diagnostic decisions and labeling images for training and benchmarking artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. A key concern is low inter-reader reliability (IRR) seen between experts when interpreting challenging cases. While team-based decisions are known to outperform individual decisions, inter-personal biases often creep up in group interactions which limit nondominant participants from expressing true opinions. To overcome the dual problems of low consensus and interpersonal bias, we explored a solution modeled on bee swarms. Two separate cohorts, three board-certified radiologists, (cohort 1), and five radiology residents (cohort 2) collaborated on a digital swarm platform in real time and in a blinded fashion, grading meniscal lesions on knee MR exams. These consensus votes were benchmarked against clinical (arthroscopy) and radiological (senior-most radiologist) standards of reference using Cohen's kappa. The IRR of the consensus votes was then compared to the IRR of the majority and most confident votes of the two cohorts. IRR was also calculated for predictions from a meniscal lesion detecting AI algorithm. The attending cohort saw an improvement of 23% in IRR of swarm votes (k = 0.34) over majority vote (k = 0.11). Similar improvement of 23% in IRR (k = 0.25) in 3-resident swarm votes over majority vote (k = 0.02) was observed. The 5-resident swarm had an even higher improvement of 30% in IRR (k = 0.37) over majority vote (k = 0.07). The swarm consensus votes outperformed individual and majority vote decision in both the radiologists and resident cohorts. The attending and resident swarms also outperformed predictions from a state-of-the-art AI algorithm.

Latest advancements in imaging techniques in OA

The osteoarthritis (OA) research community has been advocating a shift from radiography-based screening criteria and outcome measures in OA clinical trials to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based definition of eligibility and endpoint. For conventional morphological MRI, various semiquantitative evaluation tools are available. We have lately witnessed a remarkable technological advance in MRI techniques, including compositional/physiologic imaging and automated quantitative analyses of articular and periarticular structures. More recently, additional technologies were introduced, including positron emission tomography (PET)-MRI, weight-bearing computed tomography (CT), photon-counting spectral CT, shear wave elastography, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, multiscale X-ray phase contrast imaging, and spectroscopic photoacoustic imaging of cartilage. On top of these, we now live in an era in which artificial intelligence is increasingly utilized in medicine. Osteoarthritis imaging is no exception. Successful implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) will hopefully improve the workflow of radiologists, as well as the level of precision and reproducibility in the interpretation of images.

A multicentre, randomised, double-blind, phase II study to evaluate the tolerability of an induction dose escalation of everolimus in patients with metastatic breast cancer (DESIREE)

BACKGROUND

Stomatitis is one of the main reasons to discontinue everolimus in patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) metastatic breast cancer (mBC). To decrease stomatitis and subsequently early treatment discontinuations or dose reductions, the DESIREE trial investigated the use of a stepwise dose-escalation schedule of everolimus (EVE esc).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

DESIREE is a phase II, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in patients with HR+/HER2- mBC and progression/relapse after nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor treatment. Patients were randomised to EVE esc (2.5 mg/day, week 1; 5 mg/day, week 2; 7.5 mg/day, week 3; 10 mg/day, weeks 4-24) or everolimus 10 mg/day (EVE 10mg) for 24 weeks plus exemestane. The primary endpoint was the incidence of stomatitis episodes grade ≥2 within 12 weeks of treatment. The secondary endpoints included toxicity, relative total dose intensity (RTDI) and quality of life (QoL).

RESULTS

A total of 160 patients were randomised and 156 started treatment (EVE esc: 80; EVE 10mg: 76). The median age of patients was 64 years (range 33-85), 56.3% patients in the EVE esc arm versus 42.1% in the EVE 10mg arm had liver metastasis (P = 0.081) and 62.5% versus 51.3% received over one metastatic therapy line (P = 0.196). Within 12 weeks, the incidence of stomatitis episodes grade ≥2 was significantly lower in the EVE esc arm compared with the EVE 10mg arm (28.8% versus 46.1%; odds ratio 0.47, 95% confidence interval 0.24-0.92; P = 0.026). Toxicity was in line with the known safety profile without new safety concerns. The median RTDI was 91.1% in the EVE esc arm versus 80.0% in the EVE 10mg arm (P = 0.329). Discontinuation rate in the first 3 weeks was 6.3% versus 15.8%, respectively (P = 0.073). QoL was comparable between the two treatment arms.

CONCLUSIONS

A dose-escalation schema of everolimus over 3 weeks can be successfully used to reduce the incidence of high-grade stomatitis in the first 12 weeks of treatment in patients with HR+/HER2- mBC.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.govNCT02387099; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02387099.

Measuring Comprehensive, General Health Literacy in the General Adult Population: The Development and Validation of the HLS19-Q12 Instrument in Seventeen Countries

BACKGROUND

For improving health literacy (HL) by national and international public health policy, measuring population HL by a comprehensive instrument is needed. A short instrument, the HLS₁₉-Q12 based on the HLS-EU-Q47, was developed, translated, applied, and validated in 17 countries in the WHO European Region.

METHODS

For factorial validity/dimensionality, Cronbach alphas, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), Rasch model (RM), and Partial Credit Model (PCM) were used. For discriminant validity, correlation analysis, and for concurrent predictive validity, linear regression analysis were carried out.

RESULTS

The Cronbach alpha coefficients are above 0.7. The fit indices for the single-factor CFAs indicate a good model fit. Some items show differential item functioning in certain country data sets. The regression analyses demonstrate an association of the HLS₁₉-Q12 score with social determinants and selected consequences of HL. The HLS₁₉-Q12 score correlates sufficiently highly (r ≥ 0.897) with the equivalent score for the HLS₁₉-Q47 long form.

CONCLUSIONS

The HLS₁₉-Q12, based on a comprehensive understanding of HL, shows acceptable psychometric and validity characteristics for different languages, country contexts, and methods of data collection, and is suitable for measuring HL in general, national, adult populations. There are also indications for further improvement of the instrument.

HLS19-NAV-Validation of a New Instrument Measuring Navigational Health Literacy in Eight European Countries

To manoeuvre a complex and fragmented health care system, people need sufficient navigational health literacy (NAV-HL). The objective of this study was to validate the HLS19-NAV measurement scale applied in the European Health Literacy Population Survey 2019-2021 (HLS19). From December 2019 to January 2021, data on NAV-HL was collected in eight European countries. The HLS19-NAV was translated into seven languages and successfully applied in and validated for eight countries, where language and survey method differed. The psychometric properties of the scale were assessed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Rasch modelling. The tested CFA models sufficiently well described the observed correlation structures. In most countries, the NAV-HL data displayed acceptable fit to the unidimensional Rasch partial credit model (PCM). For some countries, some items showed poor data-model fit when tested against the PCM, and some items displayed differential item functioning for selected person factors. The HLS19-NAV demonstrated high internal consistency. To ensure content validity, the HLS19-NAV was developed based on a conceptual framework. As an estimate of discriminant validity, the Pearson correlations between the NAV-HL and general health literacy (GEN-HL) scales were computed. Concurrent predictive validity was estimated by testing whether the HLS19-NAV, like general HL measures, follows a social gradient and whether it forms a predictor of general health status as a health-related outcome of general HL. In some countries, adjustments at the item level may be beneficial.

The HLS19-COM-P, a New Instrument for Measuring Communicative Health Literacy in Interaction with Physicians: Development and Validation in Nine European Countries

BACKGROUND

Sufficient communicative health literacy (COM-HL) is important for patients actively participating in dialogue with physicians, expressing their needs and desires for treatment, and asking clarifying questions. There is a lack of instruments combining communication and HL proficiency. Hence, the aim was to establish an instrument with sufficient psychometric properties for measuring COM-HL.

METHODS

The HLS₁₉-COM-P instrument was developed based on a conceptual framework integrating HL with central communicative tasks. Data were collected using different data collection modes in nine countries from December 2019 to January 2021 (n = 18,674). Psychometric properties were assessed using Rasch analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach's alpha and Person separation index were considered for reliability.

RESULTS

The 11-item version (HLS₁₉-COM-P-Q11) and its short version of six items (HLS₁₉-COM-P-Q6) fit sufficiently the unidimensional partial credit Rasch model, obtained acceptable goodness-of-fit indices and high reliability. Two items tend to under-discriminate. Few items displayed differential item functioning (DIF) across person factors, and there was no consistent pattern in DIF across countries. All items had ordered response categories.

CONCLUSIONS

The HLS₁₉-COM-P instrument was well accepted in nine countries, in different data collection modes, and could be used to measure COM-HL.

Neoadjuvant durvalumab improves survival in early triple-negative breast cancer independent of pathological complete response

BACKGROUND

Addition of immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is a promising strategy in early breast cancer, but the optimal duration of therapy is currently unknown. In the GeparNuevo (NCT02685059) trial, addition of durvalumab to NACT as previously reported led to a moderate increase in pCR rate by absolute 9% (p=0.287).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Durvalumab or placebo 1.5g/placebo q4 weeks plus nab-paclitaxel 125mg/m² weekly for 12 weeks, followed by 4 cycles durvalumab/placebo plus epirubicin/cyclophosphamide (EC) q2 weeks was given to cT1b-cT4a-d TNBC patients. Durvalumab was not continued after surgery. Primary objective was pathological complete response (pCR). Secondary endpoints included invasive disease-free survival (iDFS), distant disease-free survival (DDFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

174 patients were randomised between June 2016 and October 2017. After a median follow-up of 43.7 months, 34 events had occurred. Despite a non-significant increase in the pCR rate, significant differences were observed for 3-year iDFS, DDFS and OS: iDFS was 85.6% with durvalumab vs 77.2% with placebo (HR 0.48, 95%CI 0.24-0.97, stratified log-rank p=0.036); DDFS 91.7% vs 78.4% (HR 0.31, 95%CI 0.13-0.74, p=0.005); OS 95.2% vs 83.5% (HR 0.24, 95%CI 0.08-0.72, p=0.006). pCR patients had 3-year iDFS of 95.5% with durvalumab and 86.1% without (HR 0.22, 95% CI 0.05-1.06). In non-pCR cohort 3-year iDFS was 76.3% vs 69.7% (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.29-1.54). Multivariable analysis confirmed durvalumab effect independent of the pCR effect. No new safety signals occurred.

CONCLUSION

Durvalumab added to NACT in TNBC significantly improved survival despite a modest pCR increase and no adjuvant component of durvalumab. Additional studies are needed to clarify the optimal duration and sequence of CPIs in the treatment of early TNBC.

The Determinants of Vaccine Literacy in the Italian Population: Results from the Health Literacy Survey 2019

Vaccines are among the most important public health achievements of the last century; however, vaccine awareness and uptake still face significant challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this phenomenon. Vaccine Literacy (VL) is the ability to find, understand and judge immunisation-related information to make appropriate immunisation decisions. A cross-sectional study on a sample of 3500 participants, representative of the Italian adult population aged 18+ years, was conducted in Italy in 2021. A validated questionnaire, including sections on health literacy (HL), sociodemographic characteristics, risk factors, and lifestyles of respondents, was used. VL was measured by four items (item 19, 22, 26 and 29) of the HL section. While 67.6% of the respondents had a “good” (47.5%) or “sufficient” (20.1%) level of VL, 32.4% had “limited” VL levels. Although the overall VL level was quite high, many participants reported difficulties in dealing with vaccination information, particularly those with a lower educational level, those living in southern and insular regions of Italy, those with greater financial deprivation and those with a migration background. Improving VL in Italy should be a top priority in the political agenda, with special regard to socially and geographically disadvantaged communities.

Cam morphology is associated with MRI-defined cartilage defects and labral tears: a case-control study of 237 young adult football players with and without hip and groin pain

Objective

Football players are at risk of developing hip osteoarthritis (OA). Cam morphology (present in almost two of every three football players) may explain this heightened risk, but there is limited research on its role in hip OA development in younger athletes. Knowledge of this relationship will advance our understanding of the aetiology of hip OA in football players. We aimed to study the relationship between cam morphology size and MRI-defined cartilage defects and labral tears, and if this relationship differs by symptomatic state in young adult football players.

Methods

For this case–control study, 182 (288 hips) symptomatic (hip and/or groin pain >6 months and positive flexion-adduction-internal-rotation (FADIR) test) and 55 (110 hips) pain-free football players (soccer or Australian football) underwent anteroposterior and Dunn 45° radiographs, and 3-Tesla MRI. Cam morphology size was defined using alpha angle, and cartilage defects and labral tears were scored semiquantitatively. Presence, location and score (severity) of cartilage defects and labral tears were determined. Each participant completed the International Hip Outcome Tool 33 and Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score.

Results

Greater alpha angle was associated with cartilage defects (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.04) and labral tears (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.04). Greater alpha angle was associated with superolateral cartilage defects (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.05) and superior labral tears (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.05). The association of alpha angle with MRI-defined cartilage defects and labral tears was no greater in football players with symptoms than in those without (p=0.189–0.937)

Conclusion

Cam morphology size was associated with cartilage defects and labral tears in young adult football players with and without pain. This study provides evidence that cam morphology may contribute to the high prevalence of hip OA in football players. Prospective studies of football players are now needed to establish if cam morphology causes progression of cartilage defects and labral tears and development of hip OA.

Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization and the Treatment of a Chronic Subdural Hematoma

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a common pathology that typically affects the elderly. It is believed to occur due to injury to the dural border cells, which creates an inflammation/proliferation reaction. Ineffective repair leads to the formation of a new external layer of cells and fragile capillaries, which damage easily and can worsen the condition. Conventionally, asymptomatic cSDH is managed by observation, and symptomatic cases are treated by surgical evacuation. Unfortunately, recurrence rates of the SDH following surgical evacuation can be high. One treatment option for SDH involves embolization of the middle meningeal artery (MMA). The MMA provides blood supply to the dura mater and feeds the membrane capillaries covering the SDH. MMA embolization blocks the blood flow to this system and can promote hematoma resolution. In this paper, we review the existing literature on MMA embolization and discuss the underlying pathophysiology of cSDH.

The European Health Literacy Survey 2019 of M-POHL: a summary of its main results

Background

The HLS-EU study in 2011 demonstrated that there exists limited comprehensive health literacy (HL) for considerable proportions of the general population, that there is a social gradient for HL and that limited HL has problematic consequences for healthy lifestyles, self-reported health and utilization of health care services. But distributions and associations of HL differed considerably between the 8 included EU-countries. WHO-Europe initiated the Acton Network on Measuring Population and Organizational Health Literacy (M-POHL) to measure HL regularly, starting with the Health Literacy Survey 2019 (HLS19).

Methods

Based on the design and instrument of the HLS-EU, an improved core questionnaire was developed for HLS19 to measure comprehensive HL and its relevant correlates. Optional packages introduced specific instruments and measured digital, communication, navigation and vaccination HL and its most relevant correlates. Cross-sectional data were collected by probability samples of at least 1.000 respondents per country for the general population 18+, in 17 member states of the WHO-Europe region, by personal interviews, telephone interviews, or internet surveys.

Results

Considerable proportions of resident adult populations in participating countries have limited HL and there is a social gradient for HL. HL also has, but to a differing degree, consequences for selected life-style indicators, indicators for self-reported health and use of professional health care services. General trends were found, but also considerable variation by country.

Conclusions

Results demonstrated that main trends of the HLS-EU study concerning HL hold still true for HLS19 and that there are even more pronounced differences between participating countries. Since HL is relevant for health policy in all countries, policy recommendations for improving HL in the European region were drafted by the HLS19 consortium and will be presented in the second presentation.

Utility of quantitative magnetic resonance angiography and non-invasive optimal vessel analysis for identification of complications and long-term hemodynamic changes in post-pipeline embolization patients

INTRODUCTION

Quantitative magnetic resonance angiography and non-invasive optimal vessel analysis serve as powerful tools to collect and analyze hemodynamic data from pipeline embolization patients. At our institution, patients receive post-embolization quantitative magnetic resonance angiography within 24 h of treatment and within 6 months for follow-up to evaluate pipeline patency. Here, we aim to elucidate the long-term hemodynamic changes following pipeline embolization device placement and report two cases in which in-stent stenosis was detected.

METHODS

Medical records of patients who underwent pipeline embolization device placement for an internal carotid artery aneurysm between 2017 and 2019 were reviewed. Patients who received post-procedure NOVA and follow-up NOVA were included in the study (n = 32). Location and size of aneurysm, number of pipeline embolization device deployed, and complications were collected along with the non-invasive optimal vessel analysis report (flow volume rate (ml/min), mean, systolic, and diastolic flow velocities (cm/s), and vessel diameter (mm)). Internal carotid artery vessel flow rate was measured proximal to the pipeline embolization device. Derivations of hemodynamic parameters (pulsatility index, Lindegaard ratio, and wall shear stress) were calculated.

RESULTS

The middle cerebral artery mean and diastolic flow velocities were significantly lower on the follow-up NOVA compared to the post-procedure NOVA. Moreover, follow-up NOVA demonstrated lower middle cerebral artery wall shear stress on the side with flow diversion compared to the post-procedure NOVA. In-stent stenosis, requiring intervention, was detected in two patients on follow-up NOVA. One patient had a successful balloon angioplasty of the stented internal carotid artery that resolved her stenosis. However, the second patient developed progressive stenosis and expired despite intervention.

CONCLUSION

Long-term hemodynamic adaptations post-pipeline embolization device demonstrate decreased wall shear stress and decreased mean and diastolic flow velocities in the distal middle cerebral artery, which suggest decreasing velocity of blood flow with endothelialization of the device. Furthermore, follow-up NOVA is a useful tool for detecting potential flow-related complications such as in-stent stenosis.

Quantitative magnetic resonance angiography to assess post embolization hemodynamics following pipeline embolization

INTRODUCTION

Delayed intraparenchymal hemorrhage is a known complication of the Pipeline Embolization device (PED); however, its etiology is unclear and some have suggested it is a flow related phenomenon. Quantitative magnetic resonance angiography (QMRA) serves as a powerful tool to collect and analyze hemodynamic data. We report a detailed characterization of short-term hemodynamics after PED placement.

METHODS

Patients who underwent PED placement for a distal internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm between 2017 to 2019 with post embolization QMRA were reviewed. Aneurysm characteristics, flow volume rate (ml/min), mean, systolic, and diastolic flow velocities (cm/s), vessel diameter (mm), pulsatility index, Lindegaard ratio, and wall shear stress (WSS) were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 67 patients were included. Post-procedure patients were found to have a significantly lower ICA flow on the side with flow diversion when compared to the side without flow diversion (218 vs. 236.3; P < 0.05). Average ICA flow after flow diversion for aneurysms >2 cm was significantly lower when compared to the untreated side (187.7 vs. 240.4; P < 0.05). There was no difference in MCA or ACA flow or velocity. WSS was significantly lower in the treated ICA (8.2 vs. 9.0; P < 0.05). Lindegaard ratio was not different in the treated vs. contralateral untreated sides.

CONCLUSION

PED placement for distal ICA aneurysms results in lower flow, mean velocity, and WSS when compared to the contralateral untreated ICA. This is not demonstrated distal to the Pipeline device in the ACA or MCA territories. Ultimately these findings suggest hemodynamic changes are not a cause of PED complications.

Single institution early clinical experience with the Scepter Mini balloon catheter

BACKGROUND

The use of liquid embolic agents in the endovascular treatment of dural arteriovenous (dAVFs) fistulas and brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) has become common practice. The use of dual lumen balloon microcatheters has greatly improved the efficacy of liquid embolization. The purpose of this series is to discuss our early experience with the Scepter Mini dual lumen balloon microcatheter.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients who underwent embolization with the Scepter Mini dual lumen balloon at a single institution. Technical details and procedural complications were recorded for each case.

RESULTS

In total, 10 Scepter Mini dual lumen balloon microcatheters were used in nine patients. All patients except two were treated for AVMs. Technical success was achieved in all but one case where one balloon had to be discarded due to precipitation of the tantalum powder. Average vessel diameter where the balloon was inflated was 1.1 mm (0.8-2.4 mm). It provided flow arrest in 100% of cases with no cases of reflux of embolic material. Balloon "jump back" was found to occur in 44.4% (4/9) of cases. Seven out of nine cases used Onyx, and two cases used n-butyl cyanoacrylate.

CONCLUSIONS

The Scepter Mini is a new dual lumen balloon ideal for distal access and can be used for embolization with liquid embolic agents with a high degree of technical success. Its great benefit is the immediate and safe flow arrest of distal vasculature upon balloon inflation. One important consideration for effective embolization is early identification of balloon jump back.

Prevalence of early hip OA features on MRI in high-impact athletes. The femoroacetabular impingement and hip osteoarthritis cohort (FORCe) study

OBJECTIVE

To compare early hip osteoarthritis (OA) features on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in high-impact athletes with and without hip and/or groin pain, and to evaluate associations between early hip OA features, the International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT33) and Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS).

DESIGN

This case-control study evaluated data of the femoroacetabular impingement and hip osteoarthritis cohort (FORCe). One hundred and eighty-two symptomatic (hip and/or groin pain >6 months and positive flexion-adduction-internal-rotation (FADIR) test) and 55 pain-free high-impact athletes (soccer or Australian football (AF)) without definite radiographic hip OA underwent hip MRI. The Scoring Hip Osteoarthritis with MRI (SHOMRI) method quantified and graded the severity of OA features. Each participant completed the iHOT33 and HAGOS.

RESULTS

Hip and/or groin pain was associated with higher total SHOMRI (0-96) (mean difference 1.4, 95% CI: 0.7-2.2), labral score (adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) 1.33, 95% CI: 1.1-1.6). Differences in prevalence of cartilage defects, labral tears and paralabral cysts between symptomatic and pain-free participants were inconclusive. There was a lower prevalence of effusion-synovitis in symptomatic participants when compared to pain-free participants (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.46 (95% CI: 0.3-0.8). Early hip OA features were not associated with iHOT33 or HAGOS.

CONCLUSIONS

A complex and poorly understood relationship exists between hip and/or groin pain and early hip OA features present on MRI in high-impact athletes without radiographic OA. Hip and/or groin pain was associated with higher SHOMRI and labral scores.

Volume-based sizing of the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device: A preliminary assessment of a novel method for device size selection

INTRODUCTION

Accurate sizing of the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device is of critical importance as it determines procedural safety and successful occlusion of wide neck bifurcation aneurysms. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of aneurysm volume to assist in accurate WEB size selection.

METHODS

All patients with an intracranial aneurysm treated with the WEB SL or WEB SLS device between March 2019 and October 2019 were identified for this retrospective study. Aneurysm volumes were calculated with auto-segmentation using a three-dimensional volume rendering program on an independent Syngo workstation (Siemens Healthineers AG). Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated for aneurysm auto-segmented volumes and WEB volumes, as well as for aneurysm height × width and WEB height × width. Follow-up angiographic outcomes were collected at 6-9 months post-procedure.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine aneurysms were evaluated by 3D rotational angiography. The correlation coefficient with WEB size was larger for auto-segmented aneurysm volumes (r = 0.979) compared to height × width measurements (r = 0.867). Using Fisher r-to-z transformations, we found the difference between the two correlations to be statistically significant (p = 0.0007). Follow-up angiography available in 13 subjects demonstrated an 85% complete aneurysm occlusion rate.

CONCLUSION

Aneurysm volumes are highly correlated with WEB volumes, with auto-segmentation volumes displaying statistically significant difference against conventional height by width measurements. These results suggest that volumetric measurements of aneurysm size provide a useful adjuvant measure to assist in appropriate size selection of the WEB device.

Reconstructing tumor history in breast cancer: signatures of mutational processes and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy⋆

BACKGROUND

Different endogenous and exogenous mutational processes act over the evolutionary history of a malignant tumor, driven by abnormal DNA editing, mutagens or age-related DNA alterations, among others, to generate the specific mutational landscape of each individual tumor. The signatures of these mutational processes can be identified in large genomic datasets. We investigated the hypothesis that genomic patterns of mutational signatures are associated with the clinical behavior of breast cancer, in particular chemotherapy response and survival, with a particular focus on therapy-resistant disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Whole exome sequencing was carried out in 405 pretherapeutic samples from the prospective neoadjuvant multicenter GeparSepto study. We analyzed 11 mutational signatures including biological processes such as APOBEC-mutagenesis, homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), mismatch repair deficiency and also age-related or tobacco-induced alterations.

RESULTS

Different subgroups of breast carcinomas were defined mainly by differences in HRD-related and APOBEC-related mutational signatures and significant differences between hormone-receptor (HR)-negative and HR-positive tumors as well as correlations with age, Ki-67 and immunological parameters were observed. We could identify mutational processes that were linked to increased pathological complete response rates to neoadjuvant chemotherapy with high significance. In univariate analyses for HR-positive tumors signatures, S3 (HRD, P < 0.001) and S13 (APOBEC, P = 0.001) as well as exonic mutation rate (P = 0.002) were significantly correlated with increased pathological complete response rates. The signatures S3 (HRD, P = 0.006) and S4 (tobacco, P = 0.011) were prognostic for reduced disease-free survival of patients with chemotherapy-resistant tumors.

CONCLUSION

The results of this investigation suggest that the clinical behavior of a tumor, in particular, response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and disease-free survival of therapy-resistant tumors, could be predicted by the composition of mutational signatures as an indicator of the individual genomic history of a tumor. After additional validations, mutational signatures might be used to identify tumors with an increased response rate to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and to define therapy-resistant subgroups for future therapeutic interventions.

Technical aspects of combined intrasaccular and endoluminal flow diversion

INTRODUCTION

The concurrent use of endoluminal flow diversion with coils is a viable option when treating complex or large aneurysms. Alternatives to coil embolization as an adjunctive treatment are currently limited. The Food and Drug Administration recently approved the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device (Microvention, Aliso Viejo, California) as an intrasaccular flow diverter for wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms. We present the technical aspects of combined WEB device plus endoluminal flow diversion for the treatment of complex wide-necked intracranial aneurysms.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of all patients treated via intrasaccular flow diversion at a single institution over the last 12 months was performed.

RESULTS

In total, seven patients underwent treatment of eight aneurysms via combined intrasaccular and endoluminal flow diversion. Of the seven patients, six were treated in a single setting. The most common aneurysm location was the posterior communicating artery. The majority of the aneurysms required steam shaping of the Via deployment catheter to place the WEB device orthogonally to the aneurysm dome. There were no complications.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe this is one of the first series reporting the combined use of the WEB device and endoluminal flow diversion for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. This series demonstrates that the concurrent use of the WEB device with endoluminal flow diversion is safe for achieving immediate aneurysm treatment and may enhance the long-term durability in complex aneurysms.

Neoadjuvant paclitaxel/olaparib in comparison to paclitaxel/carboplatinum in patients with HER2-negative breast cancer and homologous recombination deficiency (GeparOLA study)

BACKGROUND

The efficacy and toxicity of olaparib as combination therapy in early breast cancer (BC) patients with homologous recombinant deficiency (HRD) [score high and/or germline (g) or tumour (t) BRCA1/2 mutation] is not well described. GeparOLA (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02789332) investigated olaparib in combination with paclitaxel in HER2-negative early BC with HRD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with untreated primary HER2-negative cT2-cT4a-d or cT1c with either cN+ or pNSLN+ or cT1c and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) or cT1c and Ki-67>20% BC with HRD were randomised either to paclitaxel (P) 80 mg/m² weekly plus olaparib (O) 100 mg twice daily for 12 weeks or P plus carboplatinum (Cb) area under the curve 2 weekly for 12 weeks, both followed by epirubicin/cyclophosphamide (EC). Stratification factors were hormone receptor (HR) status (HR+ versus HR-) and age (<40 versus ≥40 years). The primary endpoint was pathological complete response (pCR; ypT0/is ypN0). A two-sided one-group χ²-test was planned to exclude a pCR rate of ≤55% in the PO-EC arm. Secondary end points were other pCR definitions, breast conservation rate, clinical/imaging response, tolerability and safety.

RESULTS

A total of 107 patients were randomised between September 2016 and July 2018; 106 (PO N = 69; PCb N = 37) started treatment. Median age was 47.0 years (range 25.0-71.0); 36.2% had cT1, 61.0% cT2, 2.9% cT3, and 31.8% cN-positive tumours; grade 3 tumours: 86.8%; Ki-67>20%: 89.6%; TNBC: 72.6%; confirmed gBRCA1/2 mutation: 56.2%. The pCR rate with PO was 55.1% [90% confidence interval (CI) 44.5% to 65.3%] versus PCb 48.6% (90% CI 34.3% to 63.2%). Analysis for the stratified subgroups showed higher pCR rates with PO in the cohorts of patients <40 years and HR+ patients.

CONCLUSION

GeparOLA could not exclude a pCR rate of ≤55% in the PO arm. PO was significantly better tolerated and the combination merits further evaluation.

Digital health literacy in general populations – An international comparison

Background

Due to the digital transformation in late modern society, digital (or e-) health literacy (DHL) is becoming increasingly relevant for people to take health related decisions. Yet despite its importance for evidence-based policy, very few tools have been developed to measure DHL, and even fewer studies have measured DHL in general populations. The Action Network on Measuring Population and Organizational Health Literacy (M-POHL) is one of the first to include a measure of DHL and its relevant correlates in the Health Literacy Survey 2019 (HLS19).

Methods

Based on an existing instrument (Van der Vaart & Drossaert, 2017), adapted to the format of the HLS-EU questionnaire for measuring comprehensive health literacy, 10 items with four Likert categories were developed to measure self-reported DHL, as well as 6 questions measuring the use of digital resources to obtain health related information and communicate with their health care system, as an optional package of the HLS19 study. Ten of the 15 countries participating in HLS19 included this optional package into their national survey. Data were collected from probability samples of at least 1.000 respondents per country, taken from the general population 18+ by personal interviews, telephone interviews or internet.

Results

For comparisons between countries, distributions of the answers to single items as well as psychometric validation and descriptive data for an index of DHL will be presented. Associations of DHL with general comprehensive health literacy, with the use of digital resources, and with other selected correlates based on correlational and regression analysis will also be presented comparatively for countries.

Conclusions

This study is the first to present standardized comparative data for the distributions of DHL and its correlates in the general population of WHO-Europe region Member States. The relevance of these results for national and European health policy will be discussed.

Panelists:

Doris Schaeffer

Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Literacy Research, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany

Contact: doris.schaeffer@uni-bielefeld.de

Maria Lopatina

Department of Public Health, National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine, Moscow, Russia

Contact: ms.lopatina@gmail.com

Miguel Arriaga

Division of Literacy, Health and Well-being, Directorate-General on Health, Lisbon, Portugal

Contact: miguelarriaga@dgs.min-saude.pt

Magnetic resonance venography for 3-dimensional live guidance during venous sinus stenting

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to report the technique for intraprocedural guidance of endovascular Venous Sinus Stenting procedures using 3-Dimensional (3D) Magnetic Resonance Venography (MRV) as an overlay on live biplanar fluoroscopy.

Materials and methods

Venous sinus stenting procedures performed between April and December, 2017 with 3D MRV fusion for live guidance were reviewed in this study. A thin-slice, contrast-enhanced MR Venogram was used to create 2 3D models – vessels and skull – for procedural guidance via augmented fluoroscopy (Vessel ASSIST, GE Healthcare, Chicago, IL). The skull model was used in the registration of the 3D overlay on both the frontal and lateral planes, which required 1–2 min of procedural time. The vessel model was used to mark landmarks such as the cortical vein ostia and stenosis on the 3D overlay fused with biplanar fluoroscopy.

The retrospective imaging review was conducted by 3 neurointerventionalists and relied on a consensus confidence ranking on a 3-point Likert scale from 1- low confidence to 3- high confidence. The neurointerventionalists first reviewed the conventional 2-dimensional pre-stent deployment fluoroscopy images and then reviewed the corresponding images with the 3D MRV overlay. They ranked their confidence in their understanding of cortical venous anatomy for each group. Statistical analysis was performed using a Paired T Test at a 99% confidence interval.

Results

Ten cases were included in the retrospective image review. Operator confidence regarding the location of cortical veins was significantly increased using 3D MRV fusion during venous sinus stenting procedures (1.9 vs 2.9, p = .001).

Conclusion

3-Dimensional MRV fusion is feasible and helpful in understanding the venous sinus anatomy and location of important cortical veins during venous sinus stenting procedures.

Comprehensive health literacy in general populations – An international comparison

Background

The HLS-EU study in 2011 demonstrated for 8 EU Member States that there exists limited comprehensive health literacy for considerable proportions of the general population, that there is a social gradient for health literacy and that limited health literacy has problematic consequences for healthy lifestyles, self-reported health and utilization of professional health services. It was also shown that distributions and associations of health literacy differ considerable between countries. WHO-Europe started the Acton Network on Measuring Population and Organizational Health Literacy (M-POHL) to measure health literacy regularly with the Health Literacy Survey 2019 (HLS19).

Methods

Based on the design and instrument of the HLS-EU study (to allow comparisons for countries participating in both surveys) a core questionnaire was developed for measuring comprehensive health literacy and its relevant correlates. Optional packages were created to measure, among others, digital health literacy and its most relevant correlates. Data were collected from probability samples of at least 1.000 respondents per country for the general population 18+ by personal interviews, telephone interviews or internet surveys in at least 15 member states of the WHO-Europe region.

Results

Distributions for indices, scales and levels of comprehensive health literacy will be presented as well as correlations and regressions for associations of health literacy with social determinants and with consequences for selected life style indicators, indicators for self-reported health and use of professional health care services.

Conclusions

Preliminary results show that the general trends of the HLS-EU study concerning health literacy hold true for HLS19 and that there are considerable differences between participating countries. Health literacy is relevant for health policy in all countries, but to understand the differences between countries a more detailed analysis is necessary.

Abstract P6-09-03: Association of Caspase 8 polymorphisms with TILs and disease-free survival in primary breast cancer patients

BACKGROUND: The minor allele of two caspase-8 polymorphisms, namely CASP8 -652 6N InsDel and CASP8 Asp302His, were shown to promote survival of T-lymphocytes and were repeatedly associated with reduced breast cancer susceptibility. However, besides some preliminary findings, clinical relevance of these polymorphisms in patients with already existing primary breast cancer has not yet been established. Considering an immunomodulatory and potentially tumor-protective role of these caspase-8 variants, we genotyped 785 primary breast cancer patients and correlated caspase-8 variants with i) disease-free survival (DFS) and ii) the presence of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs).

METHODS: Primary breast cancer samples were collected at the Martin-Luther University, Halle-Wittenberg between 2009 and 2011 as part of the multicenter prospective PiA trial (NCT 01592825). The majority of patients had luminal-like tumors (75.9%), followed by triple negative (10.1%), luminal-Her2-like (9.6%) and Her2-enriched tumors (4.5%). Genotyping was performed by pyrosequencing, TILs status was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining.

RESULTS: The CASP8 -652 deletion was significantly associated with improved DFS in an allele-dose dependent manner (p=0.027). Homozygosity for the -652 6N Del variant was an independent predictor for improved DFS (p=0.005). In patients with a 302His/His genotype, there was no event of recurrence during the entire observation time. Combined analysis of diplotypes revealed that both polymorphisms had an influence on DFS (p=0.029). Interestingly, patients with the 302His/His variant among the unstratified patient cohort and among the luminal-like subtype alone had tumors with very low lymphocyte infiltration (0-10% TILs in 65% of cases compared to 31% of cases for other genotypes, p=0.025).

CONCLUSION: In line with previous epidemiological findings, we propose a prognostically favorable role of the CASP8 -652 6N Del and the Asp302His variant in primary breast cancer patients. Moreover, we suggest for the first time a role of the Asp302His variant in immunosurveillance and lymphocyte infiltration of breast cancer. Our findings strongly encourage further analyze of these genetic variants as a biomarker for prognostic and immunotherapeutic considerations.

Citation Format: Wimberger P, Bachmann HS, Kuhlmann JD, Link T, Kröber E, Thomssen C, Malle B, Vetter M, Kantelhardt EJ. Association of Caspase 8 polymorphisms with TILs and disease-free survival in primary breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-09-03.