@article {pmid41929033,
year = {2026},
author = {Andrews, KR and Chang, J and Roemer, C and Hadfield, J and Lin, V and Brito, AF and Daodu, RO and Joia, IA and Kistler, K and Li, A and Moncla, LH and Paredes, MI and Kühnert, D and Torres, LM and Voitl, L and Aksamentov, I and Hodcroft, EB and Huddleston, J and McCrone, JT and Anderson, JSJ and Sibley, TR and Lee, J and Neher, RA and Bedford, T},
title = {Nextstrain automates real-time phylodynamic analysis of open data for endemic and emerging pathogens.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41929033},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {MOTIVATION: Genome sequencing provides an exceptional window into the evolutionary and epidemiological dynamics of endemic and emerging pathogens, and thus allows for better, more targeted, public health interventions. Online genomic surveillance platforms can provide near real-time insight into these dynamics.

RESULTS: Nextstrain provides continually updated real-time genomic surveillance for 21 viruses and the bacterial pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis, with most analyses relying solely on open sequence data. Each pathogen includes steps to fetch and curate open data, classify sequences using established nomenclature systems, perform phylodynamic analyses, and share the results publicly. These analyses are automated, with most running daily to provide continually updated snapshots of pathogen evolution.

All source code is available at https://github.com/nextstrain. Phylodynamic results can be visualized and downloaded at https://nextstrain.org/pathogens, and open sequence data and curated metadata are available at https://nextstrain.org/pathogens/files.},
}

@article {pmid41929074,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, Q and Padilla-Galvez, M and Uhl, S and Eggenberger, J and Kogut, S and Becker, S and Chen, S and Rosenberg, BR and Blanco-Melo, D},
title = {Pluripotency Factors Modulate Interferon Signaling in Embryonic Stem Cells.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41929074},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Despite lacking a robust interferon response, pluripotent stem cells remain highly resistant to viral infection, in part through the constitutive expression of immune genes traditionally classified as interferon-stimulated genes. While interferon signaling has been shown to be incompatible with the maintenance of pluripotency, the molecular mechanisms underlying this relationship remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate the transcriptional response of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) to infection with a potent activator of the interferon response, an influenza A virus mutant lacking the viral NS1 protein. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that while most hESCs remain unresponsive to infection, a distinct subpopulation expresses type I and III interferons. Notably, only interferon-expressing cells mounted a robust antiviral response, characterized by strong induction of interferon-stimulated genes. In contrast to the bulk hESC population, interferon responding cells exhibited reduced expression of core pluripotency factors as well as negative regulators of interferon signaling, such as SOCS1 and SPRY4. Depletion of SOCS1 enabled hESCs to respond robustly to interferon stimulation, showing that this negative regulator is a key suppressor of interferon signaling in pluripotent stem cells. We further show that SOCS1 and additional negative regulators of IFN signaling are intrinsically expressed in hESCs and are transcriptionally controlled by pluripotency factors, such as NANOG, SOX2 and OCT4. Together, our findings support a model in which pluripotency factors regulate intrinsic immune gene expression, including negative regulators of interferon signaling, thereby suppressing canonical interferon signaling to preserve pluripotency while maintaining antiviral resistance.},
}

@article {pmid41929129,
year = {2026},
author = {Hedouin, S and Hu, C and Biggins, S},
title = {An interdependent Cbf1-CCAN interaction stabilizes the budding yeast kinetochore.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41929129},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R35 GM149357/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Chromosome segregation requires the proper assembly of kinetochores on centromeric DNA. The kinetochore is a complex multi-protein machine comprising more than 40 distinct proteins, but the functional roles of many components remain unclear. One such protein is the yeast transcription factor Cbf1, which directly binds to budding yeast centromeric DNA. Loss of Cbf1 significantly increases the rate of chromosome missegregation, however its precise molecular mechanism of action is unknown. It was recently found that Cbf1 inhibits transcription through the centromere by preventing the untimely pericentromeric transcriptional readthrough via a roadblock mechanism. Intriguingly, restoring the transcriptional roadblock in the absence of Cbf1 binding only partially rescued chromosome missegregation, indicating that Cbf1 performs additional centromeric activities. Here, we show that Cbf1 promotes inner kinetochore assembly both in vitro and in vivo. This assembly function depends on the direct interaction between Cbf1 and Okp1. Moreover, we found that Cbf1's stable association with the centromere requires its interaction with the inner kinetochore, revealing an interdependent interaction essential for the assembly and stability of the kinetochore. Thus, Cbf1 functions as a centromere-anchored hub that couples transcriptional roadblocking to CCAN assembly and kinetochore stability.},
}

@article {pmid41990179,
year = {2026},
author = {Hartweger, H and Ruprecht, C and Yao, KH and Laffont, P and Lima Dos Reis, G and Zhou, P and Hägglöf, T and Binet, L and Loewe, M and Hong, JP and Xiao, T and Sefik, E and Hernandez, B and Gazumyan, A and Jankovic, M and Seaman, MS and Costa, G and Nelson, SA and Clark, J and Kanatani, S and Wilson, PC and Krammer, F and Levashina, EA and Julien, JP and Wardemann, H and Sinnis, P and Stamatatos, L and Flavell, RA and Nussenzweig, MC},
title = {B lymphocyte protein factories produced by hematopoietic stem cell gene editing.},
journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {392},
number = {6795},
pages = {eadz8994},
doi = {10.1126/science.adz8994},
pmid = {41990179},
issn = {1095-9203},
mesh = {Animals ; Mice ; *B-Lymphocytes/immunology ; Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies/immunology ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Gene Editing/methods ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; *Hematopoietic Stem Cells/immunology ; HIV Antibodies/blood/immunology/biosynthesis ; HIV-1/immunology ; Malaria/prevention & control/immunology/therapy ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Orthomyxoviridae Infections/prevention & control/immunology ; Plasma Cells/immunology ; Precursor Cells, B-Lymphoid/immunology ; Antibodies, Protozoan/biosynthesis/blood/immunology ; },
abstract = {Long-term in vivo production of therapeutic proteins and development of vaccines that elicit protective levels of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) against major pathogens face challenges. In this study, we report on an alternative gene editing approach using small numbers of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) to direct long-term, high-level expression of antibodies or cargo proteins. In mice, edited B lymphocytes derived from transplanted HSPCs were activated by cognate antigen, underwent clonal expansion, and developed into specific antibody-synthesizing or cargo protein-synthesizing plasma cells. These cells produced long-lasting, therapeutic levels of serum antibody against HIV-1, malaria, or an anti-influenza virus bNAb that mediated universal protection from heterologous lethal challenge. Our data provide a paradigm for cell therapy approaches to prevent or treat disease using self-amplifying B cell protein factories.},
}

Animals
Mice
*B-Lymphocytes/immunology
Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies/immunology
CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Gene Editing/methods
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
*Hematopoietic Stem Cells/immunology
HIV Antibodies/blood/immunology/biosynthesis
HIV-1/immunology
Malaria/prevention & control/immunology/therapy
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Orthomyxoviridae Infections/prevention & control/immunology
Plasma Cells/immunology
Precursor Cells, B-Lymphoid/immunology
Antibodies, Protozoan/biosynthesis/blood/immunology

@article {pmid41992009,
year = {2026},
author = {Moosavi, D and Lim, U and Hullar, MA and Rettenmeier, C and Kwee, SA and Monroe, KR and Ernst, T and Randolph, T and Wilkens, LR and Le Marchand, L and Lampe, JW and Park, SY},
title = {Association between plant-based diet quality and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) among multiethnic adults.},
journal = {European journal of clinical nutrition},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41992009},
issn = {1476-5640},
support = {R01 MD018265/MD/NIMHD NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MD018265-03S2//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute on Aging (U.S. National Institute on Aging)/ ; U01 CA164973/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; U01 CA164973/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; (U01 CA164973//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a growing public health concern with limited effective treatments. Diet quality may influence MASLD risk, yet the role of plant-based dietary patterns in diverse populations remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the associations of plant-based dietary patterns with liver fat content or MASLD prevalence in multiethnic older adults.

METHODS: We analyzed cross-sectional data on 1598 participants of five racial and ethnic groups in the Adiposity Phenotype Study, nested within the Multiethnic Cohort Study. Participants' adherence to three established plant-based diet indices was estimated from their food frequency questionnaire responses: overall plant-based diet index (PDI), healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI), and unhealthful plant-based diet index (uPDI). Magnetic resonance imaging was used to quantify liver fat and identify MASLD cases. Multivariable-adjusted linear regression of liver fat and logistic models of MASLD were performed to determine their associations with the plant-based diet indices, adjusting for demographic, lifestyle, and anthropometric covariates.

RESULTS: Higher hPDI scores were associated with lower liver fat content (adjusted mean liver fat for 4th (5.39%) vs. 1st quartile (6.52%) of hPDI) and reduced likelihood of MASLD (OR for 4th vs. 1st quartile = 0.58 (95% CI: 0.41-0.81)). The hPDI-MASLD association varied by race and ethnicity (p-heterogeneity = 0.001), with stronger inverse associations observed among Latino and White participants than among African American, Japanese American, or Native Hawaiian participants. No consistent associations were observed for PDI or uPDI. Among hPDI components, higher nut and lower animal fat intakes were associated with lower hepatic adiposity.

CONCLUSIONS: Greater adherence to a healthful plant-based diet is associated with lower liver fat and MASLD prevalence, with some racial and ethnic variation. These findings underscore the importance of plant-food quality and may inform dietary strategies for MASLD prevention in heterogeneous populations.},
}

@article {pmid41993886,
year = {2026},
author = {Tan, J and Wu, Y and Barve, R and Lalmansingh, J and Li, F and Payne, P and Kong, N and Jin, SC and Shan, Y and Zhou, R and Ge, X and Li, JJ and Head, R and Sun, Y},
title = {SnakeAltPromoter Facilitates Differential Alternative Promoter Analysis.},
journal = {Computational and structural biotechnology journal},
volume = {35},
number = {1},
pages = {0033},
pmid = {41993886},
issn = {2001-0370},
abstract = {Background: Alternative promoter usage contributes to isoform diversity and gene regulation in mammals but remains difficult to study at scale. Cap Analysis of Gene Expression precisely maps transcription start sites, but its cost limits large-scale application. Alternatively, ProActiv, Salmon, and DEXSeq can be utilized with widely available RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data to infer promoter activity. However, there is currently no framework available to automate the generation of reproducible results for these methods. Results: SnakeAltPromoter, a scalable end-to-end Snakemake workflow, has been developed to automate alternative promoter analysis from raw RNA-seq data. The workflow performs quality control, alignment, and promoter quantification using 3 complementary RNA-seq analysis methods (junction-based, transcript-based, and first-exon-based), followed by promoter classification and differential activity or usage analysis. SnakeAltPromoter supports both command-line and graphical user interface usage and utilizes standardized modules to enhance reproducibility. A built-in benchmarking module compares promoter activities inferred from RNA-seq data to matched Cap Analysis of Gene Expression data to evaluate quantification performance. Our analyses revealed robust and complementary performance profiles among the evaluated methods across tissues and cell types, highlighting the value of a unified framework for promoter analysis. Conclusions: To our knowledge, SnakeAltPromoter is the first unified and reproducible framework that combines scalable execution and guided method selection for RNA-seq-based promoter analysis. By standardizing and integrating existing RNA-seq-based promoter analysis tools, it provides researchers with a robust and accessible platform to investigate promoter-level regulation and alternative promoter activity and will enhance the research value of large, public RNA-seq repositories. Code is freely available at https://github.com/YidanSunResearchLab/SnakeAltPromoter.git.},
}

@article {pmid41995270,
year = {2026},
author = {Chae, YK and Czeskleba, J and Patel, SP and Mentor, A and Robinson, W and Jones, NL and Rampurwala, M and Naing, A and Beck, JM and Moloney-Lineen, C and Chung, LI and McLeod, CM and Chen, HX and Sharon, E and Threlkel, S and Othus, M and Ryan, CW and Blanke, CD and Kurzrock, R},
title = {A phase II basket trial of Dual Anti-CTLA-4 and Anti-PD-1 Blockade in Rare Tumors (DART) SWOG S1609: vaginal cancer sub cohort results.},
journal = {Journal of gynecologic oncology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3802/jgo.2026.37.e92},
pmid = {41995270},
issn = {2005-0399},
support = {U10CA180888//National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute/United States of America ; U10CA180819//National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute/United States of America ; U10CA180821//National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute/United States of America ; U10CA180868//National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute/United States of America ; UG1CA233198//National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute/United States of America ; UG1CA233320//National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute/United States of America ; UG1CA233327//National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute/United States of America ; //Bristol Myers Squibb Company/United States of America ; 5U01CA180888-08/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; 5UG1CA233198-05/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The SWOG S1609 Dual Anti-CTLA-4 & Anti-PD-1 blockade in Rare Tumors (DART) trial is the first basket study to include a sub-cohort assessing ipilimumab and nivolumab in patients with primary vaginal cancers with differing histology.

METHODS: DART is a prospective, open-label, multicenter, multi-cohort phase II clinical trial of ipilimumab (1 mg/kg intravenously) 6 weekly plus nivolumab (240 mg intravenously) 2 weekly across multiple rare tumor cohorts, with the vagina cohort (any vaginal histology) reported here. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) per RECISTv1.1; progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), clinical benefit rate (CBR; overall response plus stable disease [SD] ≥6 months), and toxicity are secondary endpoints.

RESULTS: Seven evaluable patients (median age, 60 years; performance status 0-1; no prior exposure to immunotherapy) were analyzed, of whom 3 had adenocarcinoma, 2 had squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), one had small-cell carcinoma and one had undifferentiated histology. The ORR was 29%, with 1 patient (14%) with undifferentiated histology achieving complete response (lasting 14.8 months) and 1 patient with SCC histology (14%) attaining a partial response (lasting 45.2 months). The CBR was 43%. The 6-month PFS rate was 43% and the median OS was 11.7 months. Five patients (71.4%) experienced an adverse event (AE) with 4 (57.1%) having grade 3-4 AE's.

CONCLUSION: Ipilimumab plus nivolumab showed efficacy (ORR was 29% and CBR of 43%) and durability (one patient with prolonged SD >6 months) in a sub cohort of patients with vaginal cancer of differing histology without new safety signals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02834013.},
}

@article {pmid41995339,
year = {2026},
author = {Ayalew, M and Hoffman, AM and Fuller, K and Kerr, J and Lee, A and Lee, J and Martinez, ES and Ulbricht, K and Xie, X},
title = {Microbiome education at under-resourced institutions: current status, barriers, and approaches to successful implementation.},
journal = {Journal of microbiology & biology education},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0028825},
doi = {10.1128/jmbe.00288-25},
pmid = {41995339},
issn = {1935-7877},
abstract = {Microbiome research offers significant promise for advancing public health, medicine, environmental science, and industry. The topic also lends itself well to engaging students and teaching a "new biology" that integrates several disciplines, including computational biology. However, access to microbiome education remains limited, particularly at under-resourced institutions. We conducted a poll showing that over 90% of faculty expressed strong interest in microbiomes; however, only 48% reported that their institutions offer related courses or modules. The most commonly cited barrier was a lack of time and/or funding for design or implementation. A secondary barrier was limited access to professional development or a supportive community of practice. Through case vignettes and reflective analysis, we explore successful efforts to incorporate microbiome education at under-resourced institutions, highlighting the role of faculty development, collaboration, curriculum design, and external funding. These cases demonstrate that implementation is possible with varying levels of investment. We conclude by emphasizing the need for innovative and collaborative strategies, along with sustained resources, to support microbiome education and empower the next generation of genomic data scientists from diverse educational backgrounds.},
}

@article {pmid41995349,
year = {2026},
author = {Schiffer, JT and Reeves, DB and Mayer, B and Rodriguez, LR and Duke, ER and Haddock, B and Avila-Ponce de Leon, U and Iwami, S and Owens, K and Esmaeili-Wellman, S},
title = {Clinical trial simulation of antiviral drugs.},
journal = {Journal of virology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0181424},
doi = {10.1128/jvi.01814-24},
pmid = {41995349},
issn = {1098-5514},
abstract = {Antiviral clinical trial simulation (CTS) is a type of mathematical modeling that couples viral- immune dynamics (VID) unique to each human viral pathogen, with mechanistic, pharmacokinetic (PK), and pharmacodynamic (PD) drug characteristics. Validation is achieved by matching model output to detailed viral load trajectories from trials. Antiviral CTS can be applied at all stages of drug development to viruses with distinct shedding patterns. Models can capture the activity of small molecules, neutralizing antibodies, and cellular therapies, as well as combination strategies to enhance potency and avoid drug resistance. Several principles are observed across antiviral CTS models. First, PK and PD models that recapitulate drug levels and concentration-dependent antiviral activity are often necessary, but never sufficient to predict trial results. VID equations are also required to guide optimal treatment timing because expanding immune responses synergistically eliminate infection but are deleterious if too sustained or intense. Therefore, equivalent antiviral doses may have different efficacy if given during different infection stages. Second, antiviral CTS models identify effective plasma drug concentrations in humans, which are often poorly predicted by in vitro assays. Finally, models that do not consider drug mechanisms lead to incorrect efficacy estimates. Data-validated CTS is increasingly used to inform drug dose and dosing interval, treatment timing and duration, virologic endpoint selection, and sample size, particularly when applied to detailed phase 1 and 2 trial data. Given the high expense of antiviral licensure trials, CTS models are vital to optimize trial efficacy and de-risk the drug development process.},
}

@article {pmid41996472,
year = {2026},
author = {Attalla, SA and Isaac, KJ and Pfeffer, M and Hockaday, JR and Weatherly, R and Asselin, MB and Lewis, AK and Rai, V and Huff, WA and Long, MH and Placide, T and Pearce, KR and Nkengbeza, LN and Thurman, AK and Cox, AL and Diaz, GD and Carter, J and Stein, N and Fischer, S and Ellis, BL},
title = {Mass drug administration approved and candidate anthelmintics beginning on larval stage 1 Caenorhabditis elegans are generally potent, suggesting a novel, pre-infective control for helminths.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {4},
pages = {e0346795},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0346795},
pmid = {41996472},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Caenorhabditis elegans/drug effects/growth & development ; Larva/drug effects ; *Anthelmintics/pharmacology/administration & dosage ; *Mass Drug Administration ; },
abstract = {About 1.5 billion people are infected with at least one of three soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) - roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm- which have devastating outcomes for growth, nutrition, cognition, and school attendance, trapping them in poverty. The WHO currently approves only two anthelmintics with only one mechanism of action for mass drug administration (MDA), and resistance has been documented. This calls for new drugs and new strategies to reduce worm burden. Previous research, beginning with larval stage 4 (L4) C. elegans as a model, used a health-rating system to score individual worms in varying concentrations of anthelmintics. We hypothesized that younger worms would be more susceptible to drugs. We tested beginning at larval stage 1 (L1) C. elegans, using the health-rating system, with the same drugs, and additionally tested mebendazole, from both the L1 and L4 stages, allowing comparison at different stages. We found that L1 worms are susceptible to all anthelmintics tested, including the MDA drug of choice, albendazole, but surprisingly showed significantly lower efficacy with pyrantel and nitazoxanide at the L1 stage, as measured by motility and fraction alive, compared to L4. Furthermore, mortality and inhibition tended to begin earlier in the L4 stages. Finally, we found that ivermectin was the most potent anthelmintic against L1, as previously shown for L4. Beyond providing systematic drug-to-drug and stage-to-stage comparisons that can guide therapeutic development for larval-stage helminth infections, our findings suggest, for the first time, the possibility of spraying the environment with anthelmintics to reduce hookworm populations before people become infected. As hookworm is not infective until the L3 stage from soil, targeting L1-L3 larvae presents a strategic intervention window. Because previous work on C. elegans showed lower benzimidazole drug susceptibility than helminths, our L1 results may represent conservative estimates of efficacy against STH larvae in vitro and in environmental applications.},
}

Animals
*Caenorhabditis elegans/drug effects/growth & development
Larva/drug effects
*Anthelmintics/pharmacology/administration & dosage
*Mass Drug Administration

@article {pmid41996694,
year = {2026},
author = {Scoville, C and Gati Mirembe, B and Voldal, E and Maena, J and Etima, J and Harris-Wisecarver, J and Rukundo, I and Ssemere, H and Kemigisha, D and Nakyanzi, T and Nakalega, R and Conserve, DF and Albano, M and Dyer, M and Piwowar-Manning, E and Spiegel, H and Nakabiito, C and Mujugira, A and Donnell, D and Lukyamuzi, Z},
title = {Feasibility and Acceptability of Barbershop-Based HIV Prevention Among Heterosexual Men in Kalangala Islands, Uganda: Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Trial (HPTN 111).},
journal = {JMIR research protocols},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {e87612},
doi = {10.2196/87612},
pmid = {41996694},
issn = {1929-0748},
mesh = {Humans ; Male ; *HIV Infections/prevention & control ; *Heterosexuality/psychology ; Uganda/epidemiology ; Feasibility Studies ; Adult ; *Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics & numerical data ; *Barbering/methods ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Young Adult ; HIV Testing ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Globally, successful strategies to engage high-risk heterosexual men in HIV prevention are scarce, resulting in limited access and uptake. Barbershops offer a potential venue for HIV prevention.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a barbershop-based HIV prevention initiative. The secondary objectives were to compare completion of self-initiated HIV testing between intervention and control groups, evaluate the preliminary effectiveness of the intervention on change in behaviors associated with HIV acquisition, compare interest in or use of HIV prevention services between intervention and control groups, and assess interest in long-acting preexposure prophylaxis among all participants and by study arm. The exploratory objective was to evaluate the preliminary effectiveness of the intervention on incident sexually transmitted infections.

METHODS: HIV Prevention Trials Network 111 (HPTN 111; Testing a Barbershop-based HIV Prevention Initiative Among Men [TRIM]) is a cluster randomized trial conducted in Kalangala district, Uganda, among barbershop-going men. Approximately 250 men were assigned to either an intervention barbershop (n=12) or a control barbershop to receive the standard of care (n=6). Participants assigned to intervention barbershops received an intervention package that included HIV-status neutral education, distribution of HIV self-test kits, and barber-led peer group sessions. Feasibility and acceptability of the intervention were assessed from participants in the intervention group at week 26 and week 52. The study will also assess the effectiveness of the intervention on changes in HIV testing and use of prevention services. Self-reported sexual behaviors associated with HIV incidence and sexually transmitted infection incidence rates will also be compared to the standard of care.

RESULTS: Data collection began in March 2024 and concluded in June 2025. Participants were followed for 12 months. Data analysis has been completed. The primary manuscript is expected to be submitted for publication by March 30, 2026.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study will provide crucial information about the feasibility and acceptability of novel interventions, such as barbershops, to impact behavior change, as well as about the engagement of heterosexual men in high HIV transmission settings in HIV prevention and treatment trials in the future.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06148584; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06148584.

RR1-10.2196/87612.},
}

Humans
Male
*HIV Infections/prevention & control
*Heterosexuality/psychology
Uganda/epidemiology
Feasibility Studies
Adult
*Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics & numerical data
*Barbering/methods
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Young Adult
HIV Testing

@article {pmid41997295,
year = {2026},
author = {Patel, SP and Othus, M and Chae, YK and Azenkot, T and Alviz, C and Threlkel, S and Haymaker, C and Streicher, HZ and Magner, CM and Chen, HX and Sharon, E and Ryan, CW and Blanke, CD and Kurzrock, R},
title = {DART (NCI/SWOG S1609): Comprehensive Final Results from Dual Checkpoint Inhibition with CTLA-4 and PD-1 Blockade in Rare Cancers.},
journal = {Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.annonc.2026.04.004},
pmid = {41997295},
issn = {1569-8041},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: We summarize final results of the NCI/SWOG S1609 trial, whose objective was to evaluate efficacy signals across 53 refractory rare cancer cohorts treated with dual CTLA-4 and PD-1 inhibition.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective, open-label, multicenter phase 2 trial of ipilimumab (1mg/kg intravenously every 6 weeks) plus nivolumab (240mg intravenously every 2 weeks) was conducted (N=53 cohorts). A statistical framework was established to evaluate each cohort in a two-stage design. The primary end point was objective response rate (ORR), with progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), clinical benefit rate (CBR, ORR plus stable disease >6 months), i-outcomes, and toxicity as secondary and exploratory endpoints.

RESULTS: Overall, 798 previously treated patients were enrolled onto S1609/DART; 727 eligible patients received treatment; 1083 national (USA) sites opened the trial. Twenty-four of 53 cohorts (45%) demonstrated clinical activity, defined as ≥2 patients with confirmed response. Median (range) ORR was 12% (0-75%); CBR, 27% (0-75%). Median (range) 2-year PFS was 10% (0-75%); 3-year OS was 23% (0-100%). PFS at 6 months was moderately correlated with 1- and 3-year OS. Patients who attained an iOR versus OR had similar OS. Altogether, 82 patients (11% of the 727 enrolled patients) had an iPFS of ≥2 years. Immune-related toxicity rates were comparable to prior studies. Adverse events (AEs) led to treatment discontinuation in 102 patients (14%). The most common AEs were fever, diarrhea, and rash/pruritis. Patients alive at 6 months who discontinued treatment due to immune-related toxicity had longer OS than those who discontinued treatment for other reasons.

CONCLUSION: Patients with multiple refractory rare cancer types derived meaningful response to ipilimumab plus nivolumab treatment. More robust characterization of biologically defined subsets is underway to optimize therapeutic selection.},
}

@article {pmid41997298,
year = {2026},
author = {Switzer, GE and Bruce, JG and Shaw, BE and Kuniyil, V and Varni, JW and Butler, BJ and Erickson, C and Mussetter, A and Neutzling, A and Abdel-Azim, H and Aguayo-Hiraldo, P and Anderson, EJ and Aquino, VM and Boone, K and Boulad, F and Chewning, JH and Cooper, J and Dahlberg, A and Dvorak, CC and Galvez-Silva, J and Haight, AE and Hoag, JA and Hudspeth, M and Jacobsohn, D and Kasow, KA and Kitko, CL and Krishnamurti, L and Madden, L and Miller, HK and Morales, E and Olson, TS and Pawlowska, AB and Prasad, VK and Quigg, TC and Scaradavou, A and Shah, NC and Shenoy, S and Terwilliger, NB and Wiener, L and Yanik, GA and Yu, LC and Pulsipher, MA},
title = {Factors associated with pre-donation health-related quality-of-life among pediatric sibling hematopoietic cell donors; A DonorKids QL study.},
journal = {Transplantation and cellular therapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.jtct.2026.04.012},
pmid = {41997298},
issn = {2666-6367},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Due to limited published data assessing pediatric hematopoietic cell donor experiences, we previously conducted one of the largest quantitative investigations of pediatric donor experiences and health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) at the time (RDSafe). Findings from RDSafe demonstrated that a subset of pediatric HC donors experienced very poor HRQoL; unfortunately, that dataset addressed only a limited number of factors, and key associations explaining this poor HRQoL were not found.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, our goal was to address that deficit by describing pre-donation donor HRQoL in detail and identifying factors across five key domains that were associated with donor HRQoL.

STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a prospective study involving 29 centers in the US (31 enrolled, 29 contributed data). After consent at the local center, data were collected via telephone interviews with donors, recipients, other siblings, and parents, and via a web-based survey from transplant centers. Family data (donors, recipients, sibling, parents) were collected before donation and at four weeks, six months, and one-year post-donation. Domains assessed included sociodemographics, general and donation-related psychosocial, clinical, and transplant center characteristics. Data presented here are from the 133 donor-parent pairs who completed the pre-donation interview, 64 recipients, 59 non-donor/non-recipient siblings in these related donor families, and 78 comparison siblings of patients receiving unrelated marrow, PBSC, or cord blood transplantation.

RESULTS: Important percentages of pediatric donors reported very poor psychosocial (20%) and overall (13%) HRQoL and parents overestimated their donor child's HRQoL. Donors had significantly better HRQoL than recipients and worse HRQoL than parent proxy reports. Multiple donor, recipient, parent and transplant center characteristics were associated with HRQoL in bivariate analyses. Multivariable analyses by donor age group suggested that donor HRQoL was significantly negatively associated with donor self-reported anxiety, depression and parental education and significantly positively associated with family cohesion, understanding of donation and proxy reports of donor HRQoL.

CONCLUSIONS: The link between donor HRQoL and recipient and parent health and well-being suggests that variations in donor HRQoL do not occur in isolation but affect and/or are affected by the overall functioning and well-being of other family members and the family as a whole. Particularly striking is the association of donor HRQoL with perceived understanding of the donation process - improved donor education is a potential pathway to improving donor HRQoL. Assessment of - and Interventions to mitigate - risks to donors should involve the functioning of the family as a whole and not just the donor.},
}

@article {pmid41997451,
year = {2026},
author = {Lee, C and Mille, MM and Griffin, KT and Rigsby, C and Popescu, A and Gopalakrishnan, M and Leisenring, W and Peterson, S and Dome, JS and Laurie, F and Fitzgerald, TJ and Bentzen, S and Jung, JW and Lee, C and Kalapurakal, JA},
title = {Estimation of detailed cardiac doses for pediatric radiotherapy patients in National Wilms Tumor Study.},
journal = {International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijrobp.2026.04.006},
pmid = {41997451},
issn = {1879-355X},
abstract = {PURPOSE: Substructure-level heart dosimetry may improve the evaluation of long-term cardiac toxicity in childhood cancer survivors, but detailed pediatric heart models are limited. We developed age-specific heart models (1, 5, 10, and 15 years) using high-resolution imaging and integrated them into computational phantoms to estimate cardiac substructure doses in patients treated on the National Wilms Tumor Study (NWTS) protocols and evaluate the impact of anatomical detail on radiotherapy dose estimates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Heart models with detailed substructures including chambers, myocardium, arteries, valves, and conduction nodes were developed from pediatric MR and adult CT images. These were incorporated into a size-dependent phantom library representing a wide range of pediatric body sizes. Patient-specific radiotherapy plans were reconstructed using the Pinnacle treatment planning system, and heart doses were calculated using both treatment planning system (TPS) and Monte Carlo (MC) methods.

RESULTS: The developed heart models closely matched ICRP reference masses (within 2%). TPS and MC dose calculations showed strong agreement (median difference <2%) so that MC-based doses were used for further analysis. Among 4,716 NWTS patients treated with radiotherapy, the median whole-heart dose was 4.2 Gy. Cardiac and substructure doses varied by treatment region with the right atrium and left ventricular myocardium receiving higher doses (up to 5.1 and 4.5 Gy), while coronary arteries and valves received lower doses (<1 Gy). In non-chest fields, substructure doses differed significantly from whole-heart doses (p < 0.001), reflecting steep intra-cardiac dose gradients. Chest fields alone resulted in uniformly high cardiac doses with minimal variation.

CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that relying solely on whole heart dose may obscure clinically relevant exposure to critical substructures. Detailed heart models enable more accurate dosimetry and support improved risk assessment and safer pediatric radiotherapy planning to reduce long-term cardiac toxicity.},
}

@article {pmid41986366,
year = {2026},
author = {Schmidt, SD and Subramanian, R and Basappa, M and Carroll, R and Rexhepaj, M and Posavad, CM and Liao, JA and Bohl, JA and Chowdhury, A and Spaulding, AB and Lin, BC and Castro, M and Koup, RA and Serebryannyy, LA and Douek, DC},
title = {SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and infection elicit cross-neutralizing responses against clade 3 and 4 sarbecoviruses.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41467-026-71662-y},
pmid = {41986366},
issn = {2041-1723},
abstract = {Two sarbecoviruses, SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 that engage ACE2 through their receptor-binding domains, have caused major human outbreaks. The pandemic potential of sarbecoviruses has prompted the discovery and classification of bat and other zoonotic sarbecoviruses that are also able to use human ACE2 or ACE2 ortholog receptors for infection. However, the current human immunological landscape reactive to these SARS-CoV-2-related viruses is not well profiled. Using a panel of pseudotyped lentiviruses expressing only spike proteins, we assess serum neutralization activity against clade 3 and 4 (also designated as clade 1c) receptor binding domain classified sarbecoviruses in a cohort who received a primary series of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines as well as individuals before and after infection with BA.5 or XBB.1.5 variants. Detectable neutralizing responses against clade 3 and 4 sarbecoviruses are observed in both vaccinees and convalescents and are comparable in magnitude to titers against SARS-CoV-2 variants. Infection with XBB.1.5 increases neutralization titers against SARS-CoV-2 variants as well as against clade 3 and 4 sarbecoviruses. Collectively, our findings suggest that the current immunologic landscape of vaccination and infection may confer some level of immunity against a variety of clade 3 and 4 sarbecoviruses, which should inform future pandemic response and pan-sarbecovirus countermeasure efforts.},
}

@article {pmid41986623,
year = {2026},
author = {Mehta, RS and Kanakry, CG and Nawas, M and Lazaryan, A and Kanakry, JA and Holtan, S and Al-Juhaishi, T and Rimando, JC and Singh, A and Saultz, J and Mccurdy, SR and Milano, F},
title = {Haploidentical versus matched unrelated donor transplantation with post-transplant cyclophosphamide: a platform-dependent machine learning analysis of donor age.},
journal = {Leukemia},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41986623},
issn = {1476-5551},
abstract = {In allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation with post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy), clinicians frequently face a critical choice between a readily available, often younger, haploidentical and a fully matched unrelated donor (MUD). The platform-specific influence of donor age on survival is a critical, unquantified factor that complicates clinical decision-making. We retrospectively analyzed 4258 adult patients with acute leukemia who underwent first allogeneic HCT with PTCy (2017-2021). We employed machine learning (Random Survival Forests and DeepSurv) alongside robust regression models, including Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting, 1:1 Propensity Score Matching, and Elastic-Net penalized Cox regression. Machine learning models revealed a divergent association of donor age with survival depending on donor type. The MUD-PTCy platform proved remarkably resilient; a 1% absolute increase in mortality risk (equivalent to Number-Needed-to-Harm of 100) did not emerge in donors up to age 50. In stark contrast, the age-sensitive Haploidentical cohort reached this same risk threshold at a donor age of just 38 years. MUD-PTCy was independently associated with a significant overall survival advantage (Adjusted Hazard Ratio 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.75-0.97; P = 0.01). This analysis provides a quantitative framework to guide the trade-off between HLA matching and donor age, supporting individualized decision-making and a rationale to reconsider restrictive donor age policies.},
}

@article {pmid41988904,
year = {2026},
author = {Osazuwa-Peters, N and Hunter, AE and Salas, J and Chrusciel, T and Kahmke, RR and Bates, NE and Scherrer, JF},
title = {Cumulative Incidence and Risk of Depression After Opioid Use in Head and Neck Cancer Patients.},
journal = {Head & neck},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/hed.70254},
pmid = {41988904},
issn = {1097-0347},
support = {K01 DE030916/DE/NIDCR NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DE032216/DE/NIDCR NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: This study examined the relationship between postoperative opioid duration and new-onset depression following head and neck cancer (HNC) surgery.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of opioid-naïve patients undergoing HNC surgery from 2007 to 2020, using national Veterans Health Administration claims data. Postoperative opioid duration was categorized as 1-30 days, 31-90 days, or > 90 days (long-term opioid therapy [LTOT]). The primary outcome was new-onset depression within 24 months. Competing risk survival models with entropy balancing evaluated associations.

RESULTS: Among 9148 patients, 24.3% received LTOT. Rates of new-onset depression per 1000 person-years were 46.8 (1-30 days), 70.2 (31-90 days), and 88.4 (LTOT). LTOT was associated with a 20% increased risk of depression compared with 1-30 days of use. LTOT was associated with higher rates of comorbidities, non-cancer pain, anxiety, substance use, and preoperative benzodiazepine use.

CONCLUSION: LTOT was independently associated with higher risk of depression after HNC surgery.},
}

@article {pmid41989584,
year = {2026},
author = {Elhaw, AT and Tang, PW and Cheng, YY and Kamlapurkar, S and Javed, Z and Al-Saad, S and White, SR and Abdelnaby, AE and Khan, H and Choi, AS and Mattheyses, AL and Cole, AR and Kim, YS and Atiya, HI and Trebak, M and Zervantonakis, IK and Buckanovich, RJ and Aird, KM and Coffman, LG and Mythreye, K and Hempel, N},
title = {RHOV is a Detachment-Responsive Rho GTPase Necessary for Ovarian Cancer Peritoneal Metastasis.},
journal = {Cancer research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-25-4056},
pmid = {41989584},
issn = {1538-7445},
abstract = {A defining feature of epithelial ovarian cancer, irrespective of histologic subtype, is its predominant spread through transcoelomic metastasis, where tumor cells disseminate into the peritoneal fluid, resist anoikis, and form multicellular aggregates that invade the peritoneum. This tumor progression represents the main driver of mortality for ovarian cancer patients. Identification of the earliest adaptations necessary for metastasizing ovarian cancer cells to survive matrix detachment could help develop strategies to prevent the initiation of transcoelomic metastasis. In this study, we identified a conserved detachment-sensitive gene signature activated shortly after matrix-detachment across multiple ascites-derived ovarian cancer cell lines. Within this signature, RHOV, an atypical and fast-cycling Rho GTPase, emerged as a top transcript that was confirmed to be highly induced in patient-ascites derived cells. Loss of RHOV impaired anoikis resistance, multicellular aggregate compaction, migration, and invasion in vitro, and it completely abolished metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, RHOV enhanced c-Jun signaling and cytoskeletal remodeling to support pro-metastatic signaling. Rescue experiments showed that both GTP-binding and membrane localization were required for the pro-metastatic function of RHOV. Together, these findings define RHOV as a unique detachment-sensitive Rho GTPase and establish RHOV as a critical and necessary mediator of early adaptations that prime ovarian cancer cells for peritoneal metastatic progression. This work provides key insights into the molecular vulnerabilities of disseminating tumor cells, establishes the targeting of early molecular adaptations following matrix detachment as a potential therapeutic strategy for metastatic disease, and uncovers functions of an understudied member of the Rho GTPase family.},
}

@article {pmid41981308,
year = {2026},
author = {Mahalingam, D and Shroff, RT and Carneiro, BA and Ji, Y and Coveler, AL and Cervantes, A and Sahai, V and Ploquin, A and Hiret, S and LoConte, NK and Percent, IJ and Lopez, CD and Pernot, S and Kavan, P and Mulcahy, M and Carr, R and Giles, FJ and Seifarth, C and Ugolkov, A and Weiskittel, T and Fine, G and Jaros, M and Mazar, AP and Bekaii-Saab, TS},
title = {Elraglusib and chemotherapy in metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a randomized controlled phase 2 trial.},
journal = {Nature medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41981308},
issn = {1546-170X},
abstract = {Metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality, but advances in therapeutic treatments remain limited. Elraglusib (9-ING-41), an inhibitor of GSK-3β, exhibits a multimodal mechanism of action based on antitumor activity in preclinical models of cancer, including pancreatic. The efficacy and safety of elraglusib with gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel (GnP) were assessed in patients with previously untreated mPDAC. In an open-label, international, multicenter, phase 2 study, patients were randomized 2:1 to weekly elraglusib/GnP or GnP alone. Primary endpoints were median overall survival (OS) and 1-year survival rate. The prespecified modified intention-to-treat population included 155 patients on elraglusib/GnP and 78 on GnP. As of the data cutoff of 27 April 2025, elraglusib/GnP improved median OS by 2.9 months and decreased the risk of death by 38% versus GnP (median OS 10.1 months versus 7.2 months, respectively (hazard ratio 0.62; 95% confidence interval 0.46 to 0.84; P = 0.01)). The 1-year survival rates were 44.1% versus 22.3%, respectively. The safety profile of elraglusib/GnP was manageable. The most common grade 3 or higher treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) with elraglusib/GnP versus GnP alone were neutropenia (52.3% versus 30.8%), anemia (25.2% versus 29.5%) and fatigue (16.8% versus 5.1%). Explorative correlative analyses demonstrated that baseline circulating immune-related factors (that is, CXCL2 and TRAIL ligands) were associated with improved survival in the elraglusib/GnP arm. Treatment was accompanied by increases in intratumoral cytotoxic immune cell populations. Together, these findings support the clinical activity of elraglusib/GnP as first-line treatment in mPDAC and provide a biological context for the observed survival benefit. Based on the results of this phase 2 trial, a phase 3 trial is being planned. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT03678883.},
}

@article {pmid41981715,
year = {2026},
author = {Braun, LW and Pedroso, CM and Cotter, HM and Dean, D and Prado-Ribeiro, AC and Martins, MD and Sollecito, TP and DeLisser, HM and Santos-Silva, AR},
title = {Spirituality and Religiosity in Adults With Head and Neck Cancer: A Scoping Review of Concepts, Measures, and Outcomes.},
journal = {Oral diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/odi.70335},
pmid = {41981715},
issn = {1601-0825},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To synthesize evidence on spirituality in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), focusing on its dimensions, assessment strategies, and impact on health outcomes.

METHODS: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus, and gray literature identified qualitative and quantitative studies explicitly addressing spirituality in HNC. Eligible sources were narratively synthesized.

RESULTS: Twenty-one studies met inclusion criteria. Core spiritual dimensions included the search for meaning, inner peace, religious faith, and a positive outlook. Six studies reported associations between spirituality and improved quality of life (QoL), while three described enhanced coping capacity and emotional resilience. Religious faith, irrespective of denomination, was associated with better pain management, fewer treatment-related side effects, lower existential distress, and, in some studies, improved survival outcomes. The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-being Scale was the most frequently applied instrument, assessing beliefs, meaning, and inner peace.

CONCLUSION: Spirituality was frequently associated with coping capacity, psychological adjustment, and QoL in patients with HNC. Integrating spiritual care into holistic oncology practice may enhance treatment adherence, resilience, and patient well-being.},
}

@article {pmid41981957,
year = {2026},
author = {Karaba, A and Lewis, H and Boonyaratanakornkit, J},
title = {Antibodies as Therapy: A Coming of Age in Transplantation.},
journal = {Transplant infectious disease : an official journal of the Transplantation Society},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70215},
doi = {10.1111/tid.70215},
pmid = {41981957},
issn = {1399-3062},
}

@article {pmid41982242,
year = {2026},
author = {Moon, J and Choi, M and Kim, Y and Rhee, H and Park, SJ and Kim, JS and Lee, IJ},
title = {Deep learning-based auto-segmentation and RECIST evaluation after concurrent chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients.},
journal = {Frontiers in oncology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1775269},
pmid = {41982242},
issn = {2234-943X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality, and intrahepatic progression after following treatment is common. Accurate tumor evaluation is essential for treatment decisions but remains challenging due to tumor heterogeneity, the background of cirrhotic liver, and treatment-related artifacts. This study investigated the feasibility of a deep learning-based auto-segmentation approach for response evaluation in locally advanced HCC treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 83 treatment-naïve patients with locally advanced HCC who underwent definitive CCRT between 2016 and 2021. Tumor contours were manually delineated on pre-treatment (CTpre) and first post-treatment CT (CTpost). A fully convolutional DenseNet (FCD) and an intentional deep overfit learning (IDOL) framework were trained and validated. Performance was assessed using the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), and RECIST-based diameters were compared between manual and predicted contours.

RESULTS: In the full cohort, the FCD model achieved mean DSCs of 0.53 for CTpre and 0.33 for CTpost, while the IDOL model improved CTpost DSCs to 0.49. In the RECIST cohort (n = 63), mean DSCs were 0.61 for CTpre and 0.53 for CTpost using FCD, versus 0.63 for IDOL. For the RECIST cohort (n = 14 validation cases), predicted diameters differed by a mean of 9.2 mm from manual values (p = 0.032), showing a tendency toward overestimation in peritumoral inflammatory areas. However, RECIST-based response showed high concordance in 13 of 14 cases.

CONCLUSIONS: The patient-specific IDOL framework improved auto-segmentation accuracy compared with conventional models and provided reliable data for RECIST-based response assessment. Despite limitations and lack of external validation, this study demonstrates the preliminary feasibility of auto-segmentation to support response evaluation in treated HCC.},
}

@article {pmid41984442,
year = {2026},
author = {Childers, CP and Selzer, DJ},
title = {Recalibrating Productivity Benchmarks.},
journal = {JAMA surgery},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1001/jamasurg.2026.0889},
pmid = {41984442},
issn = {2168-6262},
}

@article {pmid41984598,
year = {2026},
author = {Mishra, R and Song, S and Choradia, D and Rudoy, D and Wladyka, CL and Hoang, P and Kim, JY and Coleman, IM and Arora, S and Dobersch, S and Orellana, AE and Lin, C and Gafken, PR and Corey, E and Nelson, PS and Kugel, S and Li, H and Sengupta, A and Hsieh, AC},
title = {Therapeutic targeting of the eIF4E cap-binding domain reveals control of lineage fate in prostate cancer.},
journal = {The Journal of clinical investigation},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1172/JCI199838},
pmid = {41984598},
issn = {1558-8238},
abstract = {Lineage plasticity underscores the resilience of cancer cells in the context of drug treatment. However, lineage fates can also be therapeutically directed. We demonstrate that the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) cap-binding domain is a critical regulator of lineage plasticity in prostate cancer. Using a first-in-class cap-binding domain inhibitor, we found that plasticity is driven by translational repression of basal keratins through a shared cis-regulatory element enciphered in their 5' untranslated regions (UTRs). Simultaneously this stabilized the androgen receptor (AR) through translational upregulation of the deubiquitinases BAP1 and OTUD3. This lineage program is essential for cell survival and drives a druggable vulnerability. Notably, tumors resistant to AR blockade regained sensitivity upon eIF4E cap-binding domain inhibition, which reprogrammed them toward a luminal state. In castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients, elevated eIF4E expression was associated with a basal phenotype, reduced luminal differentiation and accelerated resistance to AR pathway inhibitors (ARPIs). These discoveries uncover a role for the eIF4E cap-binding domain in lineage plasticity and highlight that targeting this domain offers a promising strategy to overcome treatment resistance in prostate cancer.},
}

@article {pmid41985129,
year = {2026},
author = {Heymach, JV and Yamamoto, N and Girard, N and Ruiter, G and Smit, EF and Planchard, D and Nadal, E and Wu, YL and Zugazagoitia, J and Tu, HY and Baik, CS and Yoh, K and Soo, RA and Zhao, Y and Sabari, JK and Wermke, M and Scheffler, M and Ahn, MJ and Fernamberg, K and Schroeter, L and Sadrolhefazi, B and Thamer, C and Eigenbrod-Giese, S and Popat, S and , },
title = {First-Line Zongertinib in Advanced HER2-Mutant Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.},
journal = {The New England journal of medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1056/NEJMoa2516969},
pmid = {41985129},
issn = {1533-4406},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Until recently, no first-line targeted treatment options were available for patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Zongertinib is an oral, irreversible tyrosine kinase inhibitor that selectively inhibits HER2 while sparing wild-type epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), thereby minimizing associated toxic effects.

METHODS: We conducted a phase 1a-1b, multicohort trial to assess zongertinib in patients with advanced or metastatic nonsquamous HER2-mutant NSCLC. Here, we evaluated zongertinib at a dose of 120 mg once daily in patients who had not previously received treatment (cohort 2). The primary end point was objective response as assessed by blinded independent central review. Secondary end points included duration of response and progression-free survival. In addition, zongertinib was evaluated in patients with active brain metastases (exploratory cohort 4).

RESULTS: In cohort 2, a total of 74 previously untreated patients received zongertinib at a dose of 120 mg. As of August 21, 2025, the percentage of patients with a confirmed objective response was 76% (95% confidence interval [CI], 65 to 84); the median duration of response was 15.2 months (95% CI, 9.8 to not evaluable), and the median progression-free survival was 14.4 months (95% CI, 11.1 to not evaluable). Adverse events of any grade occurred in 73 patients (99%), including events of grade 3 or higher in 33 patients (45%). Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 67 patients (91%), including events of grade 3 or higher in 14 patients (19%). In cohort 4, a total of 30 patients with active brain metastases received zongertinib at a dose of 120 mg; of these, 47% (95% CI, 30 to 64) had a confirmed intracranial objective response according to Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology Brain Metastases criteria. In this cohort, treatment-related adverse events of grade 3 or higher occurred in 5 patients (17%).

CONCLUSIONS: Zongertinib showed sustained efficacy in previously untreated patients with advanced or metastatic HER2-mutant NSCLC. Treatment-related adverse events were predominantly low-grade. (Funded by Boehringer Ingelheim; Beamion LUNG-1 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04886804.).},
}

@article {pmid41986233,
year = {2026},
author = {Hamm, DC and O'Donnell, AB and Bennett, SR and Lemmers, RJLF and van der Vliet, PJ and van der Maarel, SM and Tapscott, SJ},
title = {KLF18 is a necessary component of the DUX4-initiated transcriptional network and a candidate locus for phenotypic diversity.},
journal = {Genes & development},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/gad.353253.125},
pmid = {41986233},
issn = {1549-5477},
abstract = {DUX4 initiates the first wave of zygotic genome activation (ZGA) in the human embryo, and its misexpression in skeletal muscle causes facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). However, other factors that help regulate ZGA-like transcription in human development and disease are still not fully understood. Here we identify Krüppel-like factor 18 (KLF18) as a component of a DUX4 feed-forward network that is necessary for expression of KLF17 and a subset of DUX4-regulated totipotency-associated genes. We mapped the genome-wide binding profile of KLF18 downstream from DUX4 and showed that its activity is influenced by DUX4 and chromatin accessibility. We found that in contrast to the rodent ortholog, human KLF18 has a predicted β-solenoid structure composed of a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) with multiple different structural variants in the human population. Expression of different KLF18 variants in combination with DUX4 showed similar transcriptional activity, whereas assessment of KLF18 structural variants in individuals with FSHD1 showed inconsistent association with disease severity that requires further study as a modifier locus. Together, these findings establish the polymorphic transcription factor KLF18 as a critical component of a DUX4-initiated feed-forward network and a candidate locus for human diversity.},
}

@article {pmid41974306,
year = {2026},
author = {Ellithi, M and Raj, S and Bromberg, M and Goldstein, I and Saldia, A and Papadopoulos, EB and Gyurkocza, B and Ponce, DM and Shaffer, BC and Tamari, R and Young, JW and Politikos, I and Shah, GL and Alhomoud, M and Raju, G and Hughes, CFM and Dahi, PB and Scordo, M and Giralt, SA and Perales, MA and Goldberg, AD and Berman, E and Wang, X and Stein, EM and Gonen, M and Jakubowski, AA and Lin, RJ},
title = {The Impact of Post-Transplant Interventions and Chronic GVHD on Survival in Myeloid Malignancies Harboring TP53 Alterations.},
journal = {Transplantation and cellular therapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.jtct.2026.03.039},
pmid = {41974306},
issn = {2666-6367},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Myeloid malignancies with TP53 alterations are characterized by genomic instability, chemotherapy resistance, and very poor outcomes even after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Hypomethylating agents (HMAs), small molecule targeted therapies, and donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) are often used post-transplant to mitigate relapse risk in high-risk myeloid malignancies, but their impact on survival in TP53-mutated disease remains uncertain.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of post-transplant interventions and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) on relapse and survival outcomes in patients with TP53-mutated or chromosomal 17p-deleted myeloid malignancies.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a single-center retrospective study of adult patients with TP53-mutated and/or chromosomal 17p-deleted myeloid malignancies who underwent first allo-HCT between 2014 and 2023. Survival outcomes were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess associations of baseline characteristics with outcomes. Analyses of post-HCT interventions (maintenance/preemptive HMAs, targeted therapies, and/or DLI) and the development of chronic GVHD (classic chronic or acute/chronic overlap) were landmarked at 60 and 180 days, respectively, and both exposures were treated as time-dependent covariates. Cause-specific multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusted for baseline covariates were fitted to assess associations of outcomes with the time-dependent exposures. Pre-specified subgroup analyses were performed for the ultra-high-risk group, defined as complex karyotype and/or ≥2 TP53/17p alterations.

RESULTS: Among 158 patients (median age 65 years, IQR: 57- 70), acute myeloid leukemia (54%) and myelodysplastic syndromes (40%) were the most common myeloid malignancies. Complex karyotypes were present in 68%, and ultra-high-risk features were present in 73%. Reduced-intensity conditioning was used in 59%. Approximately 49% of patients received post-HCT interventions; 68% of these were administered before relapse (preemptively or as prophylaxis/maintenance). In a landmark analysis at day 60 post-HCT (N=145), pre-relapse HMA, targeted therapies, and/or DLI was not associated with improved overall survival (OS) (HR 0.95; 95% CI: 0.56, 1.62; p=0.80), progression free survival (PFS) (HR 0.95; 95% CI: 0.49, 1.30; p=0.40), or cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) (HR 1.05; 95% CI: 0.60, 1.85; p=0.90) after adjusting for key baseline characteristics. Similarly, in a landmark analysis at day 180 post-HCT (N=100), the occurrence of chronic GVHD was not associated with OS (HR 0.78; 95% CI: 0.24, 2.61; p=0.70), PFS (HR 0.67; 95% CI: 0.20, 2.23; p=0.50), or CIR (HR 0.34; 95% CI: 0.05, 2.54; p=0.30). Findings were similar in the ultra-high-risk subgroup (N=115) where post-HCT interventions showed no association with OS (HR 0.81; 95% CI: 0.45, 1.45; p=0.50), PFS (HR 0.72; 95% CI: 0.42, 1.24; p=0.20), or CIR (HR 0.87; 95% CI: 0.46, 1.62; p=0.70).

CONCLUSIONS: In this single center study, preemptive or prophylactic post-HCT interventions did not significantly improve survival or reduce relapse risk in patients with TP53-altered myeloid malignancies, including those with ultra-high-risk features. While the study was limited by its small sample size and heterogeneous interventions, these findings highlight the urgent need to develop novel therapeutic strategies for this high-risk population.},
}

@article {pmid41974584,
year = {2026},
author = {Law, AD and Lipton, JH},
title = {Allogeneic HSCT in Aplastic Anemia: Current Evidence, Controversies, and Practical Decision-Making.},
journal = {American journal of hematology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ajh.70319},
pmid = {41974584},
issn = {1096-8652},
abstract = {Morbidity and mortality in bone marrow failure syndromes such as acquired aplastic anemia (AA) are driven by severe and prolonged cytopenia. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) is potentially curative and offers a rapid route to hematopoietic reconstitution. In 2026, reduced-toxicity conditioning, improved supportive care, and novel graft versus host disease prevention through post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy)-based platforms have brought alternative donor transplantation into the mainstream. This review examines contemporary evidence, particularly looking at the expanded role of transplant outside the widely accepted setting of younger patients with matched sibling donors and offers a pragmatic framework for context-adapted decision-making.},
}

@article {pmid41979606,
year = {2026},
author = {Devall, MA and Taha, HM and Chen, M and Eaton, SD and Sun, X and Venkatesh, S and Ramirez, A and Habib, FZ and Ali, MW and Cooper, GS and Willis, J and Hu, G and Ebrahim, S and Schmit, SL and Peters, U and Powell, SM and Yoshida, C and Li, L},
title = {Interrogating the mechanistic link between neighborhood deprivation and colorectal cancer risk through transcriptomic analysis of normal colorectal biopsies.},
journal = {Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-25-1685},
pmid = {41979606},
issn = {1538-7755},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Greater neighborhood deprivation, as defined by the Neighborhood Deprivation Index (NDI), has been associated with increased colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. However, the biological mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear.

METHODS: Normal colorectal biopsies (matched right and left colon, and rectum) from African Americans (AA; (n = 34)) and European Americans (EA; (n = 23)) adults undergoing colonoscopy were collected for a cross-sectional study in Cleveland, Ohio. NDI-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) using limma. Normal colon organoid lines were derived from biopsies of AA (n = 4) and EA (n = 6) individuals in Charlottesville, Virginia, treated daily with metformin for 72-hours, and metformin-DEGs were identified in limma.

RESULTS: A total of 237 DEGs were found to be commonly associated with NDI in AA and EA populations across individual-matched biopsy triplets (right and left colon, and rectum). Of the 237 NDI-associated DEGs, 82 overlapped with CRC tumor DEGs from a publicly available dataset (P=2.21E⁻05), and nine were prioritized as therapeutic targets, including MYC overexpression (Benjamani Hochberg (BH)=2.48E-12). Metformin exposure in colon organoids also altered the expression of 28 of these genes, with ~79% showing opposite direction, including reduced MYC expression (BH=0.095).

CONCLUSIONS: NDI is associated with CRC-related transcriptional differences. The observed reversal of gene expression by metformin, including at MYC, suggests a potential role for metformin in reducing CRC risk by modifying NDI-high related gene expression.

IMPACT: NDI-associated CRC risk genes provide novel opportunity for future biomarkers or early therapeutic targets in at-risk populations.},
}

@article {pmid41980093,
year = {2026},
author = {Romero, EV and Clyde, AE and Giorgi, EE and Westfall, DH and Azam, W and Taylor, ML and Caskey, M and Feder, AF and Cohn, LB},
title = {Recurrent mutations drive rapid HIV escape from two broadly neutralizing antibodies in vivo.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {123},
number = {16},
pages = {e2524021123},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2524021123},
pmid = {41980093},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {UM1AI64565//HHS | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; U01AI169385//HHS | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; Research Scholars//Pew Charitable Trusts (Pew)/ ; 1DP2CA280623-01//HHS | NIH | National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; Research Scholars//Gilead Sciences (Gilead)/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *HIV Infections/immunology/virology/drug therapy ; *Mutation ; *Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology/genetics/therapeutic use ; *HIV Antibodies/immunology/genetics ; *HIV-1/genetics/immunology ; env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus/genetics/immunology ; *Immune Evasion/genetics ; Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies/immunology ; },
abstract = {Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) show promise for HIV treatment and prevention, but are vulnerable to resistance evolution. Comprehensively understanding in vivo viral escape from individual bNAbs is necessary to design bNAb combinations that will provide durable responses. We characterize viral escape from two such bNAbs, 10-1074 and 3BNC117, using deep, longitudinal sequencing of full-length HIV envelope (env) genes from study participants treated with bNAb monotherapy. Improved sequencing depth and computational evolutionary analyses permit us to identify in vivo routes and parallelism underlying HIV escape from each bNAb, providing insight into this evolutionary process. We find that 10-1074 escape is restricted to a small number of previously documented pathways seen across participants, but these escape mutations 1) emerge via extensively recurrent mutation, 2) are not equally preferred, and 3) can preexist at low frequency in intrahost viral populations before therapy, although their detection does not predict rebound timing. In contrast, 3BNC117 escape follows background-specific patterns in which specific escape mutations present in one intrahost population rarely emerge or spread in other populations, except among highly related viruses. Despite this, 3BNC117 escape mutations can still emerge recurrently within their host. Our findings map longitudinal in vivo antibody escape across 20 diverse clade B HIV intrahost populations and reveal clinically relevant resistance dynamics that highlight how combination bNAb therapies will need to contend with extensively recurring escape mutations and dependence on genetic background.},
}

Humans
*HIV Infections/immunology/virology/drug therapy
*Mutation
*Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology/genetics/therapeutic use
*HIV Antibodies/immunology/genetics
*HIV-1/genetics/immunology
env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus/genetics/immunology
*Immune Evasion/genetics
Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies/immunology

@article {pmid41980929,
year = {2026},
author = {Hansen, DK and Dima, D and Mian, H and Devos, J and Brazauskas, R and Oloyede, T and Afrough, A and Ahmed, N and Anderson, L and Banerjee, R and Berdeja, JG and Bidikian, A and Dhakal, B and Dias, A and Efebera, Y and Faisal, MS and Gowda, L and Hashmi, H and Mirza, AS and Mohan, M and Narra, R and Rosko, AE and Schroeder, M and Nishihori, T and Landau, H and Usmani, S and Pasquini, MC and Akhtar, OS and Sidana, S and Patel, KK},
title = {Safety and efficacy of ciltacabtagene autoleucel for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: a CIBMTR study.},
journal = {Blood cancer journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41408-026-01496-w},
pmid = {41980929},
issn = {2044-5385},
support = {U24CA076518//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; U24CA076518//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; U24CA076518//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; U24CA076518//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; U24CA076518//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)/ ; U24CA076518//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)/ ; U24CA076518//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)/ ; U24CA076518//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)/ ; U24CA076518//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; U24CA076518//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; U24CA076518//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; U24CA076518//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; 75R60222C00011//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | Health Resources and Services Administration (Health Resources & Services Administration)/ ; 75R60222C00011//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | Health Resources and Services Administration (Health Resources & Services Administration)/ ; 75R60222C00011//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | Health Resources and Services Administration (Health Resources & Services Administration)/ ; 75R60222C00011//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | Health Resources and Services Administration (Health Resources & Services Administration)/ ; N00014-25-1-2146//United States Department of Defense | United States Navy | Office of Naval Research (ONR)/ ; N00014-25-1-2146//United States Department of Defense | United States Navy | Office of Naval Research (ONR)/ ; N00014-25-1-2146//United States Department of Defense | United States Navy | Office of Naval Research (ONR)/ ; N00014-25-1-2146//United States Department of Defense | United States Navy | Office of Naval Research (ONR)/ ; },
abstract = {Ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel), an anti-B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, was approved in 2022 for heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of cilta-cel in RRMM patients reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research registry between March 2022 and December 2023 who met commercial release specifications. Among 595 patients, median age was 64 years, 57% were male, and 70% had ≥1 comorbidity. Extramedullary disease and marrow plasma cell burden ≥ 50% were present in 13% and 14% of patients, respectively. The median number of prior lines of therapy was 7 and 8% had received prior BCMA-directed therapy. Median follow-up was 12 months (range, 1-25 months). Cytokine release syndrome occurred in 80% (≥ grade 3: 4%) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) in 22% (≥ grade 3: 4%). Non-ICANS neurotoxicity was seen in 5% (n = 31), including Parkinsonism in 2.7% (n = 16) and cranial nerve palsies in 2.5% (n = 15), primarily cranial nerve VII (n = 12/15). Infections occurred in 47% and treatment-related mortality was 5%. The best overall response rate was 87%, with ≥ very good partial response rate in 75%, and ≥ complete response rate in 35%. Estimated 12-month progression-free and overall survival were 73% (95% CI: 68-77%) and 85% (95% CI: 81-88%), respectively. This represents the largest standard-of-care (SOC) study of cilta-cel in RRMM patients to date. Despite advanced disease and high comorbidity burden, cilta-cel demonstrated favorable safety and efficacy, supporting its use in clinical practice.},
}

@article {pmid41929060,
year = {2026},
author = {Farrell-Sherman, A and Azam, W and de la Force, N and White, EL and Sandel, DA and Rodriguez, AE and Figueroa, T and Dalhuisen, T and Williams, MC and Tai, V and Gruenhagen, GW and Abdellatif, A and Fragiadakis, GK and Samghabadi, P and De la Sancha Verduzco, C and Vohra, P and Gasper, C and Long, S and Caskey, M and Zhu, B and Shalek, AK and Hoh, R and Rutishauser, RL and Peluso, MJ and Deeks, SG and Cohn, LB},
title = {Early immune responses anticipate HIV rebound and precede viral control.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41929060},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Sustained viral suppression following antiretroviral treatment (ART) cessation is a major goal of HIV cure research[1]. Rare individuals mount immune responses able to control viral rebound without intervention[2,3], however, the earliest moments in which these responses form remain poorly defined. We performed an intensively sampled, prospective analytical treatment interruption (ATI) to study the initial immune response to rebound and to understand its role in defining subsequent virus control. Profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma revealed consistent immune activation prior to systemic rebound, including upregulation of antiviral transcriptional pathways, expansion of CD16[++] non-classical monocytes, and increases of inflammatory and antiviral soluble plasma proteins. Individuals with prior viral control (controllers) diverged from non-controllers with a slower slope of rebound, a longer period of immune activity prior to rebound, and engagement of a multifaceted immune program with less systemic inflammation. An intermediate immune signature emerged in a separate ATI cohort of individuals who experienced delayed rebound after receiving broadly neutralizing antibodies[4], suggesting that immunotherapy can induce a potentially protective pre-rebound immune response. Together, these data resolve the earliest systemic host immune responses to HIV rebound and demonstrate broad immune differences associated with HIV control phenotypes.},
}

@article {pmid41964525,
year = {2026},
author = {Miller, CA and Kumar, AM and Mendoza, JA and Barsell, JD and Diala, OR and Glasgow, TE and Dahman, B and Bradley, C and Resnicow, K and Leader, A and Briant, KJ and Poynter, JN and Winn, RA and Fuemmeler, BF},
title = {Cancer prevention in context: interplay of perceived discrimination, neighborhood deprivation, and cancer-related risk and protective factors.},
journal = {Journal of the National Cancer Institute},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jnci/djag101},
pmid = {41964525},
issn = {1460-2105},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Socio-environmental deprivation and discrimination are associated with poorer cancer outcomes, yet their combined impact remains understudied. This study examines the independent and combined impact of these factors on cancer-related outcomes.

METHODS: Survey data (2018 to 2020) from 7,977 participants across six NCI-designated cancer centers assessed perceived discrimination (PD), area-level deprivation, lifestyle factors (smoking and obesity), and self-reported breast and colorectal cancer screening behaviors. Multivariate and multilevel logistic regression models estimated associations and the interclass correlation (ICC) quantified variation attributable to area-level factors.

RESULTS: High PD was associated with 2.28 times higher odds of current smoking (95% CI: 1.71-3.05) and 1.33 times higher odds of obesity (95% CI: 1.03-1.72), compared to those with low PD. Living in socially deprived areas increased the odds of smoking by 1.51 (95% CI: 1.20-1.89), relative to socially privileged areas. ICC estimates that 4% of the variation in the association between high PD on smoking, and 2% of the variation between medium PD and obesity, were attributable to area-level factors. Neither PD nor neighborhood disadvantage were significantly associated with being up-to-date on cancer screenings.

CONCLUSIONS: PD and neighborhood deprivation independently increase risk of smoking and obesity, both cancer risk factors, but were not significantly associated with screening behaviors. Area-level factors explain modest variation in these associations.

IMPACT: Findings highlight the importance of integrating both social experience (PD) and structural conditions (neighborhood deprivation) in cancer prevention research. For practice and policy, results underscore the need for multilevel strategies and targeted prevention efforts to reduce behavioral cancer risk.},
}

@article {pmid41966988,
year = {2026},
author = {Warrier, L and Saito, A and Graham, JB and Swarts, JL and Vick, SC and MacLean, F and Potchen, NB and Cruz Talavera, I and Tsegaye, AT and Thomas, KK and Chohan, BH and Ngure, K and Mugo, N and Lingappa, JR and Lund, JM},
title = {Initiation of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis associated with changes in genital tract T cell phenotypes in women exposed to HIV.},
journal = {The Journal of infectious diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/infdis/jiag204},
pmid = {41966988},
issn = {1537-6613},
abstract = {Oral tenofovir-based HIV-pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), approved for use in preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, has been implicated in altering the immune landscape. We leveraged longitudinal samples from heterosexual couples with the male partner living with HIV and the female partner without HIV initiating PrEP after enrollment. Applying high parameter flow cytometry to cells from ectocervical and vaginal biopsies and peripheral blood samples, we found a decrease in activated ectocervical CD8+ and CD4+ T cell subsets after oral PrEP exposure. Our data expand the understanding of the immunological impact of oral PrEP and potential protective mechanisms of PrEP usage.},
}

@article {pmid41968745,
year = {2026},
author = {Reimer Jensen, AM and Johansen, ND and Wolff, PS and Vaduganathan, M and Bhatt, AS and Modin, D and Skaarup, KG and Duus, LS and Chatur, S and Claggett, BL and Janstrup, KH and Hill, JA and Van Spall, HGC and Larsen, CS and Larsen, L and Wiese, L and Dalager-Pedersen, M and Køber, L and Solomon, SD and Sivapalan, P and Jensen, JUS and Martel, CJ and Krause, TG and Biering-Sørensen, T},
title = {Electronic Nudges to Increase Influenza Vaccination in Immunosuppressed Adults Across the Age Spectrum: A Pooled Analysis of Two Nationwide Randomized Trials.},
journal = {Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/cid/ciag219},
pmid = {41968745},
issn = {1537-6591},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Immunosuppressed individuals face higher risk of severe influenza complications, yet vaccination coverage remains low. We aimed to assess the effect of electronic letter-based nudges on influenza vaccination uptake by immunosuppression status.

METHODS: We performed a participant-level pooled analysis of two methodologically harmonized, nationwide, pragmatic randomized clinical trials (NUDGE-FLU-2 and NUDGE-FLU-CHRONIC) conducted during the 2023-2024 influenza season. Adults aged ≥65 years (NUDGE-FLU-2) and adults aged 18-64 years with chronic conditions (NUDGE-FLU-CHRONIC) were included, with immunosuppression defined by an immunosuppressive diagnosis or a filled prescription for immunosuppressive therapy. Participants were randomized in a 2.45:1:1:1:1:1:1 ratio to usual care or one of six electronic letter interventions. The primary outcome was receipt of influenza vaccination by January 1, 2024, ascertained from nationwide administrative health registries. Effect modification by immunosuppression status was assessed using binomial regression.

RESULTS: Among 1,181,254 participants (mean age 67 years; 73,830 [6.3%] immunosuppressed), 66.1% were vaccinated. Any letter increased vaccine uptake compared with usual care (absolute difference, 2.79 percentage points; 95% CI, 2.60-2.98; p<0.001), with greater effect among immunosuppressed individuals (+4.12 vs +2.70 percentage points; pinteraction=0.002). In younger adults with chronic conditions, letter-based nudges increased vaccination rates by 11.7 percentage points overall and by 13.3 percentage points among those with immunosuppression (pinteraction=0.007). Among immunosuppressed individuals, nudging effects appeared greater for those with immunosuppressive conditions than for those receiving immunosuppressive treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: Electronic letter-based nudges increased influenza vaccination rates, with greater benefit among individuals with immunosuppression. These findings support implementation of low-cost, letter-based nudging strategies to improve vaccine uptake in this high-risk population.},
}

@article {pmid41971714,
year = {2026},
author = {Ahn, JJ and Yu, TC and Dadonaite, B and Radford, CE and Bloom, JD},
title = {Influenza hemagglutinin subtypes have different sequence constraints despite sharing extremely similar structures.},
journal = {Virus evolution},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {veag018},
pmid = {41971714},
issn = {2057-1577},
abstract = {Hemagglutinins (HAs) from different influenza A virus subtypes share as little as ~40% amino acid identity, yet their protein structure and cell entry function are highly conserved. Here, we examine the extent that sequence constraints on HA differ across three subtypes. To do this, we first use pseudovirus deep mutational scanning to measure how all amino-acid mutations to an H7 HA affect its cell entry function. We then compare these new measurements to previously described measurements of how all mutations to H3 and H5 HAs affect cell entry function. We find that ~50% of HA sites display substantially diverged preferences for different amino acids across the HA subtypes. The sites with the most divergent amino-acid preferences tend to be buried and have biochemically distinct wildtype amino acids in the different HA subtypes. We provide an example of how rewiring the interactions among contacting residues has dramatically shifted which amino acids are tolerated at specific sites. Overall, our results show how proteins with the same structure and function can become subject to very different site-specific evolutionary constraints as their sequences diverge.},
}

@article {pmid41973829,
year = {2026},
author = {Banerjee, R},
title = {Point: CAR-T therapy is the preferred option in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.},
journal = {Blood advances},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1182/bloodadvances.2026019898},
pmid = {41973829},
issn = {2473-9537},
}

@article {pmid41973985,
year = {2026},
author = {Walsh, C and Palazzo, L and Hansell, L and Louie, T and Long, S and Brown, M and Hippe, DS and Coronado, GD and DeCell, K and Leone, RJ and Lodhi, S and Wysham, N and Wernli, KJ and Triplette, M},
title = {Lung cancer screening care pathways in community settings: An examination of three healthcare systems.},
journal = {Annals of the American Thoracic Society},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/annalsats/aaoag029},
pmid = {41973985},
issn = {2325-6621},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Lung cancer screening (LCS) with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is recommended for individuals ages 50-80 with a high-risk tobacco history, but implementation of LCS in community settings remains a significant challenge. The benefits of LCS are tempered by both low uptake and low adherence to recommended follow-up, supporting the need for community-engaged research in this area.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to understand LCS workflows throughout the care continuum in representative community-care settings.

DESIGN: This is a case study informed by multi-method data collection to characterize three community-based LCS programs in Washington state who are participating in a hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial to enhance LCS program care coordination.

PARTICIPANTS: This research was conducted in collaboration with three community-based LCS referral programs. Participants included program partners who participated in formalized site visits and interviews.

APPROACH: To develop and refine LCS workflows, we triangulated data from rapid ethnographic assessment site visits (n = 5), semi-structured interviews with care providers (n = 15), and member checking with key programmatic partners from each site. Rapid Group Analysis Process was used to integrate findings and guide the development and visualization of LCS workflows.

KEY RESULTS: The three community-based programs provide LCS services for their regional primary care networks with various levels of centralized programmatic support. LCS workflows from each site demonstrate varied staff involvement and resources along the LCS care continuum. Provider interviews identified the need for patient education and outreach, provider support and resources, and attention to gaps in care along the LCS continuum.

CONCLUSIONS: The LCS system-level workflows demonstrate three approaches to LCS care in community settings. LCS workflows can enable the timely identification of barriers and facilitators to improving LCS implementation in community settings.},
}

@article {pmid30004025,
year = {2018},
author = {Shore, RE and Beck, HL and Boice, JD and Caffrey, EA and Davis, S and Grogan, HA and Mettler, FA and Preston, RJ and Till, JE and Wakeford, R and Walsh, L and Dauer, LT},
title = {Implications of recent epidemiologic studies for the linear nonthreshold model and radiation protection.},
journal = {Journal of radiological protection : official journal of the Society for Radiological Protection},
volume = {38},
number = {3},
pages = {1217-1233},
doi = {10.1088/1361-6498/aad348},
pmid = {30004025},
issn = {1361-6498},
mesh = {Epidemiologic Studies ; Humans ; Linear Models ; Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced ; Nuclear Weapons ; Radiation Dosage ; Radiation Exposure ; *Radiation Protection ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/adverse effects ; },
abstract = {The recently published NCRP Commentary No. 27 evaluated the new information from epidemiologic studies as to their degree of support for applying the linear nonthreshold (LNT) model of carcinogenic effects for radiation protection purposes (NCRP 2018 Implications of Recent Epidemiologic Studies for the Linear Nonthreshold Model and Radiation Protection, Commentary No. 27 (Bethesda, MD: National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements)). The aim was to determine whether recent epidemiologic studies of low-LET radiation, particularly those at low doses and/or low dose rates (LD/LDR), broadly support the LNT model of carcinogenic risk or, on the contrary, demonstrate sufficient evidence that the LNT model is inappropriate for the purposes of radiation protection. An updated review was needed because a considerable number of reports of radiation epidemiologic studies based on new or updated data have been published since other major reviews were conducted by national and international scientific committees. The Commentary provides a critical review of the LD/LDR studies that are most directly applicable to current occupational, environmental and medical radiation exposure circumstances. This Memorandum summarises several of the more important LD/LDR studies that incorporate radiation dose responses for solid cancer and leukemia that were reviewed in Commentary No. 27. In addition, an overview is provided of radiation studies of breast and thyroid cancers, and cancer after childhood exposures. Non-cancers are briefly touched upon such as ischemic heart disease, cataracts, and heritable genetic effects. To assess the applicability and utility of the LNT model for radiation protection, the Commentary evaluated 29 epidemiologic studies or groups of studies, primarily of total solid cancer, in terms of strengths and weaknesses in their epidemiologic methods, dosimetry approaches, and statistical modelling, and the degree to which they supported a LNT model for continued use in radiation protection. Recommendations for how to make epidemiologic radiation studies more informative are outlined. The NCRP Committee recognises that the risks from LD/LDR exposures are small and uncertain. The Committee judged that the available epidemiologic data were broadly supportive of the LNT model and that at this time no alternative dose-response relationship appears more pragmatic or prudent for radiation protection purposes.},
}

Epidemiologic Studies
Humans
Linear Models
Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced
Nuclear Weapons
Radiation Dosage
Radiation Exposure
*Radiation Protection
Tomography, X-Ray Computed/adverse effects

@article {pmid41962747,
year = {2026},
author = {Erickson, DPJ and Shaver, BA and Grassberger, C and Morimoto, A and Seitz, Z and Cui, S and Cao, N and Saini, J and Wong, T and Mian, O and Ford, E and Rengan, R and Zeng, J and Schwarz, M},
title = {Split-Dose FLASH irradiation to investigate the clinical feasibility of multifield treatments.},
journal = {International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijrobp.2026.03.053},
pmid = {41962747},
issn = {1879-355X},
abstract = {PURPOSE: The "FLASH effect", a phenomenon in which radiation-induced toxicity is diminished in healthy tissues when treated at ultra-high dose rates, has been demonstrated in several experimental models. We aim to evaluate the impact of split doses, the time interval between splits, and the effect of dose rate variations below and above the 40 Gy/s threshold.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: Mice received 16 Gy pelvic radiation with a scattering beam or a scanning beam. The conventional dose rate (CONV) was set at 0.5-1 Gy/s, while the FLASH effect was observed at dose rates ranging from 20 to 120 Gy/s. The mice were irradiated with a single dose or with a split-dose regime (1 or 2 splits) with pauses between treatments of either 30 seconds or 2 minutes. The endpoint was survival.

RESULTS: The hazard ratio of a single irradiation in FLASH mode vs CONV was 0.31, confirming the presence of the FLASH effect. A split dose with a single 30-second or 2-minute pause reduced overall survival, with hazard ratios of 0.53 and 0.56, respectively. However, survival was still higher compared to CONV. Two 2-minute pauses were not significantly worse than one 2-minute pause. The lowest dose rate at which a FLASH effect was detected was 20 Gy/s; no benefit was observed for dose rates above 60 Gy/s. For the endpoint of 50% survival rate, the FLASH modification factor is 0.91 and 0.96 for irradiations without and with 1 or 2 pauses, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: The FLASH effect is attenuated by the introduction of a split-dose regimen. In the clinical implementation of FLASH, the benefit of multiple fields should be weighed against a reduction of the FLASH effect. For our endpoint, the minimum dose rate for FLASH is 20 Gy/s, while an increase from 60 Gy/s to 120 Gy/s is not beneficial.},
}

@article {pmid41963322,
year = {2026},
author = {Warmuth, L and Dötsch, S and Trebo, M and Bellucci, S and Engels, S and Valdivia Manrique, R and Moukarzel, K and Schütz, JM and Hammel, M and Straub, A and Wagner, S and Hochholzer, A and Salinno, C and Seigner, J and Zajc, CU and Schmidt, GP and Michael, J and Nerreter, T and Hudecek, M and Traxlmayr, MW and Casucci, M and Riddell, SR and Poltorak, MP and Busch, DH and D'Ippolito, E},
title = {Balancing the efficacy and safety of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy by affinity combination.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41963322},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {SFB-TRR 338/1 2021-452881907 (project A01)//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; },
mesh = {*Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology/metabolism/genetics ; Animals ; Humans ; *Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods/adverse effects ; Mice ; *T-Lymphocytes/immunology/transplantation/metabolism ; *Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology/metabolism/genetics ; Lymphocyte Activation/immunology ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays ; Cytokine Release Syndrome/immunology ; Cytokines/metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Female ; *Neoplasms/therapy/immunology ; },
abstract = {Recent studies suggest that Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) binding affinity to its ligand affects CAR-T-cell functionality. Affinity engineering towards lower binding strengths might mitigate therapeutic side effects arising from intense CAR-T-cell activation as well as tumor relapse due to antigen-escape or limited persistence of CAR-T cells during sustained activation via high-affinity receptors. Here we characterize a broad range of CARs with varying affinities to the same target epitope and leverage the insights we gain to design a combined high- and low-affinity CAR product. While CAR affinity impacts in vitro functionality minimally, it strongly correlates with tumor control in vivo. Low-affinity binders cause only mild cytokine release syndrome (CRS) in humanized mouse models at the expense of anti-tumour efficiency. In mixtures with low-affinity CARs, high-affinity CARs maintain strong functionality while showing reduced signs of exhaustion and monocyte-induced cytokine production, compared to high-affinity CAR-T cells alone. In long term in vitro and in vivo settings, low-affinity CAR-T cells dominate over time, proving more resilience to chronic antigen exposure. Overall, our findings demonstrate that affinity combination represents a promising strategy to generate more effective CAR-T-cell products with an improved therapeutic index, beyond affinity engineering alone.},
}

*Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology/metabolism/genetics
Animals
Humans
*Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods/adverse effects
Mice
*T-Lymphocytes/immunology/transplantation/metabolism
*Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology/metabolism/genetics
Lymphocyte Activation/immunology
Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
Cytokine Release Syndrome/immunology
Cytokines/metabolism
Cell Line, Tumor
Female
*Neoplasms/therapy/immunology

@article {pmid41964503,
year = {2026},
author = {Waligorski, N and Ronsley, R and Stasi, SM and Stevens, J and Rudzinski, ER and Lockwood, CM and Leary, SES and Cole, BL and Ting, MA and Paulson, V},
title = {Evaluating the Utility of Paired Tumor and Germline Targeted DNA Sequencing for Pediatric Oncology Patients: A Single Institution Report.},
journal = {Pediatric blood & cancer},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70326},
doi = {10.1002/1545-5017.70326},
pmid = {41964503},
issn = {1545-5017},
support = {//The Brotman Baty Institute/ ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic yield and utility of universal paired tumor-normal multigene panel sequencing in newly diagnosed pediatric solid and central nervous system (CNS) tumor patients and to compare the detection of germline pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (PV/LPVs) against established clinical referral criteria for cancer predisposition assessment.

METHODS: From May 2021 to November 2022, all patients with newly diagnosed and previously untreated CNS and non-CNS solid tumors who had planned ongoing oncology care at Seattle Children's Hospital were offered paired tumor-normal targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) using the UW-OncoPlex cancer gene panel, versions 6, 7, and 8. Known variant testing was offered to a subset of parents whose child was identified to carry a PV/LPV in a cancer susceptibility gene (CSG). Participant data was retrospectively reviewed based on the most utilized pediatric cancer predisposition screening tools to determine whether a patient met clinical criteria for referral for genetic assessment.

RESULTS: A total of 193 patients were eligible for sequencing. A number of 158/193 (82%) patients underwent paired tumor-normal sequencing. Twenty-eight (17.7%) patients tested positive for a PV/LPV in a CSG. Ten (6.3%) patients had a P/LPV in a CSG associated with adult-onset cancer risks. Four of 28 (14.2%) patients with a PV/LPV in a CSG would have been missed by phenotype or family history-based referral criteria.

CONCLUSIONS: Paired tumor-normal multigene panel testing of pediatric tumors remains an unbiased method of capturing patients with an underlying cancer predisposition syndrome that may otherwise go undetected with more selective screening tools.},
}

@article {pmid41378873,
year = {2026},
author = {Hussein, A and Fischer, M and Valinetz, E and Pergam, SA and Selke, S and Pepper, G and Jerome, KR and Greninger, AL and Wald, A and Johnston, C},
title = {Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and Type 2 Western Blot Serology Test Results From 1999 to 2020 in a US Reference Laboratory.},
journal = {Sexually transmitted diseases},
volume = {53},
number = {5},
pages = {285-287},
doi = {10.1097/OLQ.0000000000002258},
pmid = {41378873},
issn = {1537-4521},
support = {P01 AI030731/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; T32 AI007044/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; T32 AI007140/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Herpesvirus 1, Human/immunology/isolation & purification ; Humans ; *Herpesvirus 2, Human/immunology/isolation & purification ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; *Blotting, Western ; *Herpes Simplex/epidemiology/diagnosis/virology ; *Antibodies, Viral/blood ; United States/epidemiology ; Female ; Male ; *Herpes Genitalis/epidemiology/diagnosis ; Adult ; Serologic Tests ; Laboratories ; Middle Aged ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; },
abstract = {We analyzed 162,397 deidentified HSV Western blot results performed at the University of Washington Virology Laboratory from 1999 to 2020. The seroprevalence of HSV-1 declined by 0.53% per year, whereas indeterminate HSV-1 results increased by 0.08% annually. Similarly, HSV-2 seroprevalence decreased by 0.72%, and indeterminate results increased by 0.16% each year.},
}

*Herpesvirus 1, Human/immunology/isolation & purification
Humans
*Herpesvirus 2, Human/immunology/isolation & purification
Seroepidemiologic Studies
*Blotting, Western
*Herpes Simplex/epidemiology/diagnosis/virology
*Antibodies, Viral/blood
United States/epidemiology
Female
Male
*Herpes Genitalis/epidemiology/diagnosis
Adult
Serologic Tests
Laboratories
Middle Aged
Adolescent
Young Adult

@article {pmid41929126,
year = {2026},
author = {Head, ST and Nemani, A and Chang, YH and Harrison, TA and Bresnahan, ST and Rothstein, JH and Sieh, W and Lindström, S and Bhattacharya, A},
title = {Improving isoform-level eQTL and integrative genetic analyses of breast cancer risk with long-read RNA transcript assemblies.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41929126},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Most eQTL and TWAS analyses quantify expression using aggregate, tissue-agnostic transcript annotations and ignore isoform-level regulation, potentially obscuring or misattributing regulatory mechanisms. Here, we developed a framework leveraging publicly available long-read RNA-seq data to perform tissue-informed inference of genetic regulation and prioritize candidate causal isoforms for breast cancer risk. We quantified gene- and isoform-level expression in breast tumor (TCGA), non-cancerous mammary tissue, and cultured fibroblasts (GTEx) using three transcriptome annotations: standard GENCODE, tissue-specific long-read-derived assemblies, and combined annotations incorporating transcript-isoforms from both. While GENCODE cataloged over 250,000 pan-tissue isoforms, the tissue-specific long-read assemblies captured reduced sets of 74,717 isoforms in tumor, 48,057 in fibroblasts, and 22,941 in healthy breast. We performed eQTL mapping and fine-mapping, followed by colocalization with overall and subtype-specific breast cancer GWAS and isoform-level TWAS. While most eGenes were concordant across annotations, approximately 1/3 of lead cis-eQTLs for shared eGenes differed between long-read assemblies and GENCODE. Further, eIsoform discovery was highly annotation-specific. In healthy breast tissue, the gold standard tissue for building gene expression prediction models for TWAS of breast cancer, 46% of eIsoforms identified by the long-read annotation were unique to that annotation even though 93.7% of them are present in GENCODE. Despite combined annotations expanding the GENCODE catalog by only 0.6-7.6% depending on tissue source, 69% of unique significant isoform-trait associations were specific to a single annotation. Long-read-informed annotations uncovered regulatory associations entirely missed by GENCODE, including a candidate regulatory isoform at the MARK1 locus captured only in fibroblasts and a previously unannotated splice variant prioritized as the likely effector transcript at NUP107. These findings demonstrate that transcript annotation is not merely a technical consideration but critically defines the biological hypothesis space for regulatory mechanisms and shapes discovery. Incorporating tissue-resolved isoform annotations from long-read RNA-seq improves the specificity of regulatory inference and enhances identification of candidate causal isoforms at GWAS loci.},
}

@article {pmid41955253,
year = {2026},
author = {Childers, CP and Sutherland, MJ and Selzer, DJ and Sheth, KR and Nepomnayshy, D and Tyler, KM and Senkowski, CK and Mabry, CD},
title = {Characteristics of Open and Conversion to Open Operations in a Minimally Invasive Era: Implications for the Physician Fee Schedule.},
journal = {Journal of the American College of Surgeons},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1097/XCS.0000000000001940},
pmid = {41955253},
issn = {1879-1190},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Current procedural terminology (CPT) valuation historically treated open and minimally invasive (MIS) abdominopelvic operations as interchangeable services performed on similar patients. As MIS has become the dominant approach, open surgery may now represent a distinct and more complex clinical scenario. This study characterized contemporary open operation for common abdominopelvic procedures.

STUDY DESIGN: The 2023 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was analyzed for appendectomy, cholecystectomy, right colectomy, low anterior resection, and Hartmann's procedure. Cases were categorized as MIS, straight-to-open, or conversion-to-open. Patient characteristics, operative time, length of stay, and 30-day complications were compared across approaches using binomial regression models.

RESULTS: Among 105,085 operations, MIS predominated for appendectomy (98%), cholecystectomy (98%), low anterior resection (84%), and right colectomy (72%), whereas Hartmann's procedures were primarily open (77%). Conversions represented approximately half of open appendectomies and cholecystectomies and had the longest operative times, exceeding MIS operations by 147% for appendectomy and 116% for cholecystectomy. Compared with MIS, straight-to-open appendectomy was associated with increased length of stay (IRR 2.92) and higher complication odds (OR 4.02), with conversion-to-open appendectomy showing further stepwise increases (IRR 4.85; OR 7.07). Similar stepwise patterns from MIS to straight-to-open to conversion-to-open were observed across procedures.

CONCLUSIONS: In contemporary practice, open abdominopelvic operations are uncommon and frequently represent conversion from MIS, identifying a subgroup with longer operations, longer hospitalization, and higher complication rates. Current CPT coding and work relative value units may not reflect the greater clinical complexity and effort associated with these cases, supporting reconsideration of open procedure valuation.},
}

@article {pmid41955632,
year = {2026},
author = {Danilov, AV and Coombs, CC and Phillips, T and Allan, JN and Barrientos, JC and Barta, SK and Choi, MY and Cohen, JB and Hill, BT and Karmali, R and Patel, K and Rhodes, JM and Sauter, C and Strati, P and Wang, Y and Shadman, M},
title = {Clinical strategies for lymphoma management: Recommendations from the Bridging the Gaps in Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Multiple Myeloma Consensus Conference 2025.},
journal = {Cancer},
volume = {132},
number = {8},
pages = {e70389},
doi = {10.1002/cncr.70389},
pmid = {41955632},
issn = {1097-0142},
mesh = {Humans ; *Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/therapy ; *Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/therapy ; *Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/therapy ; *Multiple Myeloma/therapy ; Consensus ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use ; },
abstract = {The Bridging the Gaps (BTG) in Leukemia, Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma Consensus Conference 2025 brought together a multidisciplinary group of oncology experts to address the complexities of lymphoma management, focusing on mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). This article presents consensus recommendations developed through a modified Delphi process, which emphasize the need for tailored therapeutic strategies in light of recent advancements in treatment options. Key recommendations include the screening for high-risk features in MCL, use of the BOVen regimen (zanubrutinib, obinutuzumab, and venetoclax) for TP53-aberrant cases, and integration of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for patients with mantle cell lymphoma that is refractory to covalent Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors. For CLL, recommendations include consideration of time-limited therapies for younger patients and a "watch and wait" strategy for asymptomatic patients despite the improved activity and safety of current treatment regimens. For DLBCL, this article highlights the challenges in treatment sequencing and the role of circulating tumor DNA and minimal residual disease testing in monitoring disease progression. Overall, the conference describes the importance of ongoing research to refine management strategies and improve patient outcomes in lymphoma care, addressing the gaps in clinical practice where high-level evidence is lacking.},
}

Humans
*Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/therapy
*Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/therapy
*Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/therapy
*Multiple Myeloma/therapy
Consensus
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use

@article {pmid41958647,
year = {2026},
author = {Fiore-Gartland, A and Mayer-Blackwell, K and Stray, J and Neradilek, M and Lo, A and Hannah, A and Dong, T and Serebryannyy, L and Carroll, R and Lin, BC and Koup, RA and Garcia, NMG and Marcelin, JR and Pettifor, AE and Janes, H and Brown, ER and Yen, C and Andriesen, J and Corey, L and Stephenson, KE and Kublin, JG},
title = {Profiling of SARS-CoV-2 virus shedding, antibody neutralization, and T-cell receptor repertoires in a large, multi-center cohort of young adults with varied prior exposures.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1731974},
pmid = {41958647},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology/physiology ; *COVID-19/immunology/virology ; *Antibodies, Viral/immunology/blood ; *Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology/blood ; Male ; Female ; Young Adult ; Adult ; *Virus Shedding/immunology ; *Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology/genetics ; COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology ; Cohort Studies ; Adolescent ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The cellular and neutralizing antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection are complex, particularly with multiple and heterogeneous exposures. We sought to understand the changes to the antibody and T-cell repertoire elicited by mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic infections in young adults, and how immune responses to prior vaccination may interact with new viral exposures in this population. Additionally, profiling both aspects of humoral and cellular immunity from a single vial of blood is experimentally challenging.

METHODS: We developed a protocol to recover T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoires from frozen blood clots, i.e., remnant material, retained after coagulation of whole blood for serum recovery and antibody analysis. The method was applied to a subset of participants in a COVID-19 vaccine trial (CoVPN 3006, n = 209 participants). We sequenced TCR repertoires and measured anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses from pre-exposure, post-vaccination, and post-breakthrough blood samples.

RESULTS: Clot material provided suitable genomic DNA for TCR profiling, with vaccination and infection leading to expansions in T-cell responses. Consistent with prior studies, we found that hybrid immunological exposures (vaccination after infection) lead to the greatest antibody potency and spike TCR breadth. When the order of exposure was reversed, we observed evidence of attenuated disease severity (reduced shedding duration and lower peak nasal viral load) in post-vaccination versus primary infections.

DISCUSSION: The protocols described here for recovery of TCR repertoires from remnant coagulated material will facilitate more common estimation of cellular and neutralizing antibody immune responses as potential correlates of protection in large clinical trial cohorts where peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) acquisition or analysis is otherwise infeasible.},
}

Humans
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology/physiology
*COVID-19/immunology/virology
*Antibodies, Viral/immunology/blood
*Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology/blood
Male
Female
Young Adult
Adult
*Virus Shedding/immunology
*Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology/genetics
COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology
Cohort Studies
Adolescent

@article {pmid41959656,
year = {2025},
author = {King-Okoye, M and Fuller, H and Tan, K and Marlow, N and Fleuriot, J and Tzatzakis, C and Kanodia, S and Odoh, K and Dubbala, K and Alvarez, JA},
title = {Explainable and reproducible AI: culturally responsive AI for health equity in minoritized groups.},
journal = {Frontiers in digital health},
volume = {7},
number = {},
pages = {1683783},
pmid = {41959656},
issn = {2673-253X},
abstract = {Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare by enabling advanced diagnostics, personalized treatments, and improved operational efficiencies. By identifying complex data patterns and correlations, AI could supplement clinical decision-making, enabling more rapid diagnoses and treatment decisions tailored to meet the unique needs of diverse communities. However, realizing these benefits requires that clinical AI models be consistent, reliable, and validated across diverse populations and clinical environments. In addition, as these data patterns and correlations may often be unexpected, AI models require more explainability compared to other medical technologies. This is especially true for complex models, where the processes driving a model to make a prediction are often unclear and uninterpretable to both model developers and medical professionals, resulting in AI models frequently being described as "black boxes". To address this fundamental challenge of interpretability, explainable AI (XAI) has emerged as a critical approach, providing insight (often in a post-hoc manner) into why models generate their given output. Studies have shown that most physicians prefer XAI to non-explainable AI. This commentary therefore explores key considerations needed to ensure that AI promotes health equity in marginalized communities, building on similar shifts toward anticipatory health action that have been explored in humanitarian and climate AI contexts (8, 9). We argue that equity in AI depends on embedding explainability and reproducibility within culturally responsive frameworks that address historical and structural bias.},
}

@article {pmid41960203,
year = {2023},
author = {Gao, F and Xia, F and Chan, KCG},
title = {DEFINING AND ESTIMATING PRINCIPAL STRATUM SPECIFIC NATURAL MEDIATION EFFECTS WITH SEMI-COMPETING RISKS DATA.},
journal = {Statistica Sinica},
volume = {33},
number = {4},
pages = {2495-2517},
pmid = {41960203},
issn = {1017-0405},
abstract = {In many medical studies, an ultimate failure event, such as death, is likely to be affected by the occurrence and timing of other intermediate clinical events. Both event times are subject to censoring by loss-to-follow-up, but the nonterminal event may be further censored by the occurrence of the primary outcome, but not vice versa. To study the effect of an intervention on both events, the intermediate event may be viewed as a mediator. However, the conventional definitions of direct and indirect effects do not apply, because of the semi-competing risks data structure. We define three principal strata based on whether the potential intermediate event occurs before the potential failure event. This allows us to properly define direct and indirect effects in one stratum, and define total effects for all strata. We discuss the identification conditions for the stratum-specific effects, and propose a semiparametric estimator based on a multivariate logistic stratum membership model and within-stratum proportional hazards models for the event times. By treating the unobserved stratum membership as a latent variable, we propose an expectation-maximization algorithm for the computation. We study the asymptotic properties of the estimators using modern empirical process theory and examine the performance of the estimators in numerical studies.},
}

@article {pmid41961496,
year = {2026},
author = {Williamson, MR and Whitsel, EA and Smith, RL and Collins, JM and Stewart, JD and Jung, SY and Harris, HR and Feiler, MO and Manson, JE and Qi, L and Schwartz, GG},
title = {Residential Radon Levels and Ovarian Cancer Among Postmenopausal Women.},
journal = {JAMA network open},
volume = {9},
number = {4},
pages = {e268641},
doi = {10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.8641},
pmid = {41961496},
issn = {2574-3805},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *Ovarian Neoplasms/epidemiology/etiology ; *Radon/analysis/adverse effects ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; *Postmenopause ; Prospective Studies ; United States/epidemiology ; *Environmental Exposure/adverse effects/statistics & numerical data ; Risk Factors ; Housing/statistics & numerical data ; },
abstract = {IMPORTANCE: Few environmental risk factors for ovarian cancer have been discovered. Women exposed to ionizing radiation from the atomic bomb during World War II experienced an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Today, the largest source of ionizing radiation is radon gas in the home, but whether ionizing radiation is associated with increased risk of ovarian cancer more broadly is unknown.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether higher home radon levels are associated with increased risk of ovarian cancer.

This prospective cohort study included 127 547 women from the Women's Health Initiative, including 40 clinical centers across the US, with outcomes followed up for 31 years (1993-2024). Postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 years were enrolled in an observational study or 1 or more randomized clinical trials. All cases of ovarian cancer were physician adjudicated.

EXPOSURE: Radon measurements from the 1993 US Geological Survey, classified into low (<2 pCi/L), medium (2-4 pCi/L), and high zones (>4 pCi/L), were linked with the geocoded home addresses of participants at baseline (1993-1998).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Hazard ratios (HRs) for ovarian cancer, adjusted for covariates with 95% CIs.

RESULTS: Among the 127 547 women (mean [SD] age, 63.1 [7.2] years) with available radon zone values, 1645 incident ovarian cancers and 1048 ovarian cancer deaths were observed over a mean (SD) follow-up of 17.7 (8.4) years. After adjustment for covariates, the HR for all ovarian cancers for women living in the medium radon zone compared with women living in the low radon zone was not significantly higher (HR, 1.13 [95% CI, 1.00-1.29]). However, the HR was significantly higher for women living in the high radon zone compared with those living in the low radon zone (HR, 1.31 [95% CI, 1.11-1.54]). Similar findings were observed for the most common histologic type, serous ovarian cancer, for which the HR in the medium zone was 1.06 (95% CI, 0.88-1.27) and the HR in the high zone was 1.38 (95% CI, 1.09-1.74). Ovarian cancer mortality also was significantly higher in the high radon zone compared with the low radon zone (HR, 1.31 [95% CI, 1.07-1.60]). Sensitivity analyses using 3 alternate radon measures produced similar results.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this large, prospective cohort of postmenopausal women, the risks of ovarian cancer incidence and mortality were significantly higher for women living in homes in the high radon zone. Residential radon is a ubiquitous and modifiable risk factor. This is the first epidemiologic study of radon and ovarian cancer among postmenopausal women to date, and its findings suggest a potential target for mitigating cancer risk.},
}

Humans
Female
*Ovarian Neoplasms/epidemiology/etiology
*Radon/analysis/adverse effects
Middle Aged
Aged
*Postmenopause
Prospective Studies
United States/epidemiology
*Environmental Exposure/adverse effects/statistics & numerical data
Risk Factors
Housing/statistics & numerical data

@article {pmid41961500,
year = {2026},
author = {Trivedi, MS and Unger, JM and Henry, NL and Darke, AK and Hertz, DL and Brannagan, TH and Reyes, SJ and Schneider, BP and Irvin, WJ and Hathaway, AR and Vander Woude, AC and Gudena, VK and Cabrera-Galeana, P and Orsted, M and LeBlanc, M and Fisch, MJ and Hershman, DL},
title = {Risk Prediction Model for Taxane-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Early-Stage Cancer.},
journal = {JAMA network open},
volume = {9},
number = {4},
pages = {e264901},
doi = {10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.4901},
pmid = {41961500},
issn = {2574-3805},
mesh = {Humans ; *Peripheral Nervous System Diseases/chemically induced/epidemiology ; Female ; Middle Aged ; *Taxoids/adverse effects/therapeutic use ; Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Assessment/methods ; Male ; *Neoplasms/drug therapy/pathology ; Adult ; *Bridged-Ring Compounds/adverse effects ; Quality of Life ; Docetaxel/adverse effects ; Paclitaxel/adverse effects ; Risk Factors ; *Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects ; },
abstract = {IMPORTANCE: Taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy (TIPN) affects quality of life and ability to complete cancer treatment and has limited effective interventions for prevention and treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a TIPN risk prediction model.

SWOG S1714 was a prospective observational cohort study conducted at sites in the National Cancer Institute National Community Oncology Research Program between March 1, 2019, and November 15, 2021, with 3 years of follow-up. The study included evaluable participants 18 years or older with stage I to III lung, breast, or ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who were starting taxane-based treatment. Statistical analysis was conducted from December 2023 to June 2024.

EXPOSURES: Taxane-based regimens including paclitaxel or docetaxel.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary end point was occurrence of TIPN by 24 weeks. TIPN was assessed using the patient-reported European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy 20-item scale (CIPN-20) at baseline and weeks 4, 8, 12, and 24. Occurrence of TIPN was defined as an increase of 8 points or more over baseline in the CIPN-20 sensory subscale score. With a 60% random sample of evaluable participants, best-subset selection using logistic regression and k-fold cross-validation identified a best model based on demographic factors, baseline comorbid conditions, and treatment factors. Adverse risk factors were summed, generating a score, split at the median and tested in the remaining 40% of evaluable participants. The target difference was 12% between high-risk vs low-risk groups.

RESULTS: A total of 1336 participants enrolled in S1714. Of 1278 evaluable participants (median age, 55.0 years [range, 23.0-84.0 years]; 1264 women [98.9%]; 1164 with breast cancer [91.1%]), 804 (62.9%) experienced TIPN by week 24. Using the training set of 768 participants, a risk prediction model for TIPN was developed that included 5 adverse risk factors: receipt of paclitaxel; stage II or III disease; planned taxane duration of more than 12 weeks; diabetes, autoimmune disease, moderate kidney disease, or a neurologic condition; and self-identified race and ethnicity (Black, Hispanic, Native American, Pacific Islander, multiple races, or unknown race or ethnicity). In the test set of 510 participants, TIPN was more common in high-risk (235 of 345 [68.1%]) vs low-risk (84 of 165 [50.9%]) groups (absolute difference, 17.2%), exceeding the 12% target.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this cohort study of participants with early-stage cancer receiving a taxane regimen, a set of baseline risk factors stratified TIPN risk. A risk prediction model may guide treatment decision-making, symptom monitoring, and enrollment in interventional trials for TIPN prevention and treatment.},
}

Humans
*Peripheral Nervous System Diseases/chemically induced/epidemiology
Female
Middle Aged
*Taxoids/adverse effects/therapeutic use
Aged
Prospective Studies
Risk Assessment/methods
Male
*Neoplasms/drug therapy/pathology
Adult
*Bridged-Ring Compounds/adverse effects
Quality of Life
Docetaxel/adverse effects
Paclitaxel/adverse effects
Risk Factors
*Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects

@article {pmid41962175,
year = {2026},
author = {Symonds, L and Swensen, SN and Nguyen, MH and Hippe, DS and Mullen, TD and Pang, S and Liu, A and Hunter, N and Vinayak, S and Calhoun, KE and Javid, SH and Gadi, VK and Linden, H and Specht, J and Gwin, W and Kim, JN},
title = {Concurrent Chemotherapy With Adjuvant Radiation for Patients With High-risk Locally Advanced Breast Cancer: Safety and Outcomes.},
journal = {Clinical breast cancer},
volume = {26},
number = {5},
pages = {63-70},
doi = {10.1016/j.clbc.2026.03.005},
pmid = {41962175},
issn = {1938-0666},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Concurrent chemoradiation (chemoXRT) enhances the efficacy of adjuvant radiation by radiosensitizing microscopic residual disease and may improve locoregional control. We report our institutional experience using adjuvant chemoXRT for high-risk breast cancer patients.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of patients with stage II-III invasive breast cancer treated with chemotherapy, surgery, and adjuvant chemoXRT between 2006 and 2019. The use of chemoXRT was based on provider discretion. Locoregional recurrence (LRR) was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included distant recurrence, disease free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity. LRR incidence was estimated with distant recurrence and death as competing risks. DFS and OS were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS: Forty-two patients met inclusion criteria; 35 (83%) patients received treatment at primary diagnosis and 7 (17%) for a LRR. In the primary setting, 91% had stage III disease. Of the patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (71%), all had residual disease in the breast or lymph nodes. The majority received comprehensive regional nodal irradiation (40, 95%) with a median total dose of 57 Gy (range: 45-68 Gy). Concurrent chemotherapies included capecitabine, cisplatin, or paclitaxel. At median follow-up of 5 years, LRR risk was 7% (95% CI: 2%-21%). DFS was 47% (95% CI: 34%-65%) and OS was 56% (95% CI: 42%-74%). ChemoXRT was well tolerated with expected rates of dermatitis and no new toxicity signals.

CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent chemoXRT was safe and showed promise as a method to decrease risk of local recurrence in high-risk patients. Prospective evaluation is needed.},
}

@article {pmid41962590,
year = {2026},
author = {Heller, KB and Mohamed, JS and Cherne, SL and Onono, M and Bukusi, EA and Njoroge, BW and Kimanthi, S and Hassan, RM and Rechkina, EA and McClelland, RS and Brown, ER and Mugo, NR and Barnabas, RV and , },
title = {High agreement of Seegene Anyplex[TM] HPV 28 and Allplex[TM] HPV 28 for High-Risk Vaccine-Type HPV Detection in the KEN SHE Study.},
journal = {Journal of virological methods},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {115395},
doi = {10.1016/j.jviromet.2026.115395},
pmid = {41962590},
issn = {1879-0984},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The KEN SHE Study replaced Anyplex[TM] II HPV28 Detection multiplex real-time PCR kits (Anyplex) with Allplex[TM] HPV28 kits (Allplex) mid-study. Assay comparison is necessary for ongoing research.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate agreement between Allplex and Anyplex assays for vaccine type HPV DNA detection within the KEN SHE Study.

STUDY DESIGN: The KEN SHE Study is a randomized clinical trial of single-dose HPV vaccination. HPV DNA measured in cervical swab specimens collected every six months is used to ascertain the study endpoint of persistent positive HPV. Two hundred specimens previously tested using Anyplex were randomly selected for re-assay using Allplex. Prespecified selection criteria ensured high positivity for HPV 16/18/31/33/45/52/58 (70% positive per Anyplex). Cohen's Kappa coefficients were used to assess inter-assay agreement.

RESULTS: Agreement between Anyplex and Allplex was κ=0.93 (95%CI: 0.88 - 0.99) for HPV 16, κ=0.96 (0.91 -1.00) for HPV 18, κ=0.90 (95% CI: 0.90 -1.00) for HPV 31, κ=0.93 (0.80 - 1.00) for HPV 33, κ=0.65 (0.37, 0.94) for HPV 45, κ=0.88 (0.79 - 0.97) for HPV 52, and κ=0.92 (0.92-1.00) for HPV 58. Inter-assay agreement for combined vaccine types HPV 16/18, HPV 31/33/45/52/58, and HPV 16/18/31/33/45/52/58 was also high. Most discordant results either had high cycle threshold (ct) values on Allplex (ct>35) or a single semiquantitative '+' on Anyplex.

CONCLUSIONS: The Allplex assay has excellent agreement with Anyplex for individual HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 52, and 58, as well as combined HPV 16/18, HPV 16/18/31/33/45/52/58 and HPV 31/33/45/52/58. These results support continued analysis with the Allplex assay.},
}

@article {pmid41962684,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhuo, J and Tolomeo, C and Kurani, A and Burke, M and Wang, S and Feng, A and Zhang, Y and Dee, EC and Su, CT},
title = {Palliative Care for Immigrants with Cancer in the United States: A Roadmap to Equitable Care.},
journal = {Journal of pain and symptom management},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2026.03.018},
pmid = {41962684},
issn = {1873-6513},
abstract = {Across the United States, immigrants with cancer, especially those who are undocumented or from low-income backgrounds, encounter significant barriers to accessing quality palliative care. Despite cancer comprising over one-third of global palliative care needs, immigrant patients are often excluded from essential services due to lack of insurance, immigration status, limited English proficiency, and culturally discordant care models. These challenges contribute to delayed diagnoses, inadequate symptom management, and lower quality of end-of-life care. This narrative review identifies both patient level and systemic barriers and offers a four-part roadmap to address them. First, care models that prioritize cultural humility and respectful curiosity should be implemented through targeted training programs and workforce diversification. Second, community-based palliative care programs should be expanded through partnerships with trusted local organizations, bringing services directly into immigrant communities. Third, successful state-level innovations can be scaled, like California's Senate Bill 1004 and Illinois' Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults and Seniors. Finally, the routine use of patient-reported symptom tracking can improve diagnosis and guide treatment decisions. Drawing on data from national surveys, state-level policy evaluations, and peer-reviewed research on palliative care disparities, this review presents actionable strategies to ensure that all patients receive high-quality palliative care, regardless of their immigration status.},
}

@article {pmid41951840,
year = {2026},
author = {Ramlal, R and Kim, J and Thompson, Z and Ochoa-Bayona, L and Mishra, A and Nishihori, T and Perez, L and Bejanyan, N and Castaneda Puglianini, O and Faramand, R and Mirza, S and Khimani, F and Lazaryan, A and Hansen, D and Locke, F and Artz, A and Sorror, M and Pidala, J},
title = {Single center evaluation of a composite risk assessment model to predict non-relapse mortality following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT).},
journal = {Bone marrow transplantation},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41951840},
issn = {1476-5365},
}

@article {pmid41951860,
year = {2026},
author = {Lin, X and Guan, W and Chen, L and Su, Y and Liang, Z and Xiao, C and Bai, Y and Lei, H and Lin, F and Huang, Z and Chow, ICL and Yang, B and Tsang, TK and Weng, Y and Bhandari, N and Varadarajan, R and Peiris, M and Cowling, B and Li, T and McGargill, M and Thomas, PG and Zhong, N and Webby, R and Yang, Z and Zanin, M and Wong, SS},
title = {Birth imprinting effects on the antibody responses of H7N9 patients from 2013-2018 in China.},
journal = {Communications medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s43856-026-01554-1},
pmid = {41951860},
issn = {2730-664X},
support = {2019A1515012070//Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (Guangdong Natural Science Foundation)/ ; 81761128014//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: There is an urgent need to understand the immune correlates of protection against avian influenza viruses (AIV), where pre-existing immunity may be limited.

METHODS: Here, we characterized the antibody response in 12 severely ill A(H7N9) patients and examined its association with early-life imprinting and clinical outcome.

RESULTS: We find that A(H7N9) patients imprinted with A(H2N2) during early life show minimal H7-IgM and a rapid IgG response across diverse hemagglutinin subtypes. They also have more high avidity H7-antibodies compared to older or younger patients. Early antibody titers against seasonal H1, H3, and conserved stalk domains trend negatively with clinical severity in A(H7N9) infection, while an inverse pattern is observed following severe A(H1N1) infection, potentially suggesting a different mechanism of immune regulation between seasonal and avian influenza virus infections.

CONCLUSIONS: These data provide direct serological evidence that birth imprinting profoundly shapes the humoral immune landscape during zoonotic influenza infection and may influence subsequent disease outcome.},
}

@article {pmid41952250,
year = {2026},
author = {Hawwash, NK and Sperrin, M and Martin, GP and Sinha, R and Matthews, CE and Schulze, MB and Hiensch, A and Amiano, P and Neuhouser, ML and Joshu, CE and Platz, EA and Freisling, H and Gunter, MJ and Renehan, AG},
title = {Sensitive Period Analysis of Adulthood BMI and Cancer Risk: An Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis of Over 720,000 Participants in the ABACus 2 Consortium.},
journal = {International journal of cancer},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ijc.70464},
pmid = {41952250},
issn = {1097-0215},
support = {C19941/A28707/CRUK_/Cancer Research UK/United Kingdom ; IS-BRC-1215-20007//Manchester Biomedical Research Centre/ ; /CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92022D00001/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92022D00002/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92022D00003/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92022D00004/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92022D00005/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01WH22110/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; 24152/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; 32100-2/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; 32105-6/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; 32108-9/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; 32111-13/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; 321115/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; 32118-32119/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; 32122/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; 42107-26/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; 42129-32/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; 44221/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; //Intramural Research Program of the National Cancer Institute/ ; //International Agency for Research on Cancer/ ; //Imperial College London/ ; //European Commission (DG-SANCO)/ ; //Danish Cancer Society/ ; //Ligue Contre le Cancer/ ; //Institut Gustave-Roussy/ ; //Mutuelle Générale de l'Education Nationale/ ; //Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale/ ; //Deutsche Krebshilfe/ ; //Deutsches Krebsfor- schungszentrum/ ; //German Federal Ministry of Education and Research/ ; //Hellenic Health Foundation/ ; //Associa- zione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro-AIRC-Italy and National Research Council/ ; //Dutch Ministry of Public Health, Welfare, and Sports/ ; //Netherlands Cancer Registry/ ; //LK Research Funds/ ; //Dutch Prevention Funds/ ; //Dutch Zorg Onderzoek Nederland/ ; //World Cancer Research Fund/ ; //Statistics Netherlands/ ; //Health Research Fund/ ; //Instituto de Salud Carlos III/ ; //Catalan Institute of Oncology/ ; //Swedish Cancer Society/ ; //Swedish Scientific Council/ ; //Region Skåne and Region Västerbotten/ ; MR/N003284/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; MC-UU_12015/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; MR/M012190/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
abstract = {At least 13 cancers are linked to obesity. We analyse time-to-event data using Sensitive Period Analysis to explore whether associations between body mass index (BMI) and cancer incidence vary throughout adulthood to inform cancer prevention strategies, policy and weight management trials of optimal intervention ages. Using the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort, Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study, Women's Health Initiative, Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial, NIH-AARP Diet and Health, we predicted BMI throughout adulthood. We landmarked to predefined ages of interest (AOI), ages 30 to 65 (5-yearly). Super-landmarking and a two-stage IPD meta-analysis were used. A single stratified Cox proportional hazards model with interaction terms between BMI and AOIs was fitted to analyse associations between per 5 kg/m[2] BMI at AOIs and cancer incidence and identify sensitive age periods. 720,210 participants were followed up over 9.85 years in men and 10.80 years in women. Positive associations were found per 5 kg/m[2] BMI across ages 30-65 for obesity-related cancers. Some evidence suggests BMI in the 40s-50s raises cancer risk more than baseline. Interactions by age were found in women at ages 35 and 40 for obesity-related cancers with HRs per 5 kg/m[2] of 1.04 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.07, I[2]:0%) and 1.05 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.09, I[2]:50%), respectively, and at ages 35-65 for postmenopausal breast cancer. Higher BMI increased obesity-related cancer risk across ages 30-65. Similar associations across adulthood suggest adiposity at any age increases cancer risk. Policymakers should prevent excess adiposity accumulation in early life to minimise cancer risk.},
}

@article {pmid41952631,
year = {2026},
author = {Gilbert, JS and Milano, F},
title = {Conditioning for acute myeloid leukemia: looking beyond intensity.},
journal = {Haematologica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3324/haematol.2026.300787},
pmid = {41952631},
issn = {1592-8721},
abstract = {Not available.},
}

@article {pmid41952636,
year = {2026},
author = {Olivieri, DJ and Gooley, T and Manjappa, S and Walter, RB and Keel, S and Flowers, M and Storb, R and Vo, P},
title = {Impact of horse anti-thymocyte globulin on graft-versus-host disease after human leukocyte antigen-matched related bone marrow transplantation for severe aplastic anemia.},
journal = {Haematologica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3324/haematol.2026.300746},
pmid = {41952636},
issn = {1592-8721},
abstract = {Not available.},
}

@article {pmid41954104,
year = {2026},
author = {Shitole, SG and Chen, E and Naveed, M and Xue, X and Sharma, A and Hanna, DB and Anastos, K and Kaplan, RC and Levsky, JM and Tien, PC and Radparvar, AA and Bortnick, AE and Budoff, MJ and Kizer, JR},
title = {Brief Report: Association of HIV and HCV With Adverse Coronary Artery Phenotypes in Women: Findings From a Cross-Sectional Study.},
journal = {Journal of acquired immune deficiency syndromes (1999)},
volume = {101},
number = {4},
pages = {399-404},
doi = {10.1097/QAI.0000000000003808},
pmid = {41954104},
issn = {1944-7884},
support = {U01 AI035004/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Middle Aged ; *HIV Infections/complications ; *Hepatitis C/complications ; *Coronary Artery Disease/complications ; Phenotype ; Adult ; *Coronary Vessels/pathology ; Computed Tomography Angiography ; Aged ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) have each been associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease events. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has linked HIV to noncalcified plaque, and HCV to both calcified and noncalcified plaque, but available data come mostly or exclusively from men.

METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of CCTA in women from the Bronx site of the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study/Women's Interagency HIV Study Combined Cohort Study to investigate associations of HIV and HCV status with adverse coronary artery phenotypes, including total plaque, noncalcified plaque, and coronary artery calcium (CAC).

RESULTS: Of 79 participants (median age 56 years), 53 were women with HIV (WWHIV) and 16 were women with positive HCV status all but 1 of whom had cleared viremia). On multivariable adjustment, WWHIV had near-significantly higher noncalcified plaque volume extent [RR = 3.53 (0.98, 12.68), P = 0.053] compared with women without HIV, but there were no significant associations of HIV with other coronary phenotypes. Compared with HCV-negative women, HCV-positive women exhibited a significantly higher CAC score [RR = 4.77 (1.44, 15.85), P = 0.010] and near-significantly greater odds of noncalcified plaque [OR = 4.25 (0.97, 18.73), P = 0.055] and total plaque [OR = 4.26 (0.96, 18.87), P = 0.056].

CONCLUSIONS: The present findings support the association of HIV with higher-risk, noncalcified plaque in women, and with a more calcific plaque phenotype in HCV-positive women even after viremic clearance. Although these results require further investigation in larger samples, they underscore the importance of implementing recommended cardiovascular preventive and HCV screening efforts in this vulnerable population.},
}

Humans
Female
Cross-Sectional Studies
Middle Aged
*HIV Infections/complications
*Hepatitis C/complications
*Coronary Artery Disease/complications
Phenotype
Adult
*Coronary Vessels/pathology
Computed Tomography Angiography
Aged

@article {pmid41954617,
year = {2026},
author = {Sorror, ML and Artz, AS and Olin, RL and Ramlal, R and Giralt, SA},
title = {Eligibility is not appropriateness: Reframing the role of age in allogeneic transplant decision-making.},
journal = {Blood advances},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1182/bloodadvances.2026020278},
pmid = {41954617},
issn = {2473-9537},
}

@article {pmid41946999,
year = {2026},
author = {Brain, JA and Vigil, ABG and Davidsen, K and Itokawa, A and Jurasin, AC and Kerbyson, HJ and Kobiesa, M and Hart, ML and Yoon, SJ and Bellotti, P and Maianti, JP and DeNicola, GM and Sullivan, LB},
title = {Excess cysteine drives conjugate formation and impairs proliferation of NRF2-activated cancer cells.},
journal = {Nature metabolism},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41946999},
issn = {2522-5812},
support = {P30CA015704//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; R37CA230042//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; P01CA250984//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; T32GM007270//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)/ ; },
abstract = {Cancer cells with constitutive NRF2 activation take up excess cystine beyond the cysteine demands of conventional pathways, implying unknown metabolic fates. Here, we develop an unbiased approach for the identification of cysteine metabolic fates and find that both known and previously uncharacterized cysteine-derived metabolites accumulate in NRF2-activated cancer cells. We identify many of these unknown metabolites as conjugates formed between cysteine and endogenous sugar metabolites, which can also be generated in vitro. We confirm the presence of these cysteine-derived conjugates in murine lung cancer models and primary human lung cancer samples, and their enrichment in NRF2-activated tumours in each context. Mechanistically, NRF2 promotes cystine uptake by driving SLC7A11 expression, which increases intracellular cysteine levels to promote these cysteine fates in a panel of cancer cell lines. Finally, we show that NRF2 activation creates a sensitivity to high environmental cystine, which impairs cell proliferation through excess free cysteine, and can be mitigated by sequestration into cysteine-derived conjugates. Overall, these findings reveal a cancer-associated metabolic vulnerability to excess cysteine stress, and reveal unrecognized routes of cysteine metabolism.},
}

@article {pmid41947740,
year = {2026},
author = {Pan, J and Bannick, M and Gao, F},
title = {Estimating HIV Cross-sectional Incidence Using Recency Tests from a Non-representative Sample.},
journal = {American journal of epidemiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/aje/kwag075},
pmid = {41947740},
issn = {1476-6256},
abstract = {Cross-sectional incidence estimation based on recency testing is a widely used tool in HIV research. This method has been used to estimate "placebo" incidence in active-control HIV prevention trials by applying the cross-sectional estimator to the screening population data. The application of this approach faces challenges due to non-representative sampling, as individuals aware of their HIV-positive status may be less likely to participate in screening for an HIV prevention trial. To address this, recent phase 3 trials introduced a test-based criterion, excluding individuals who had recently taken an HIV test. To date, the theoretical and empirical validity of this criterion has yet been studied. We develop a statistical framework incorporating non-representative sampling and the testing-based criterion. We quantify the limiting estimation error in recency-based incidence estimates, and investigate the performance of cross-sectional HIV incidence estimation through simulations emulating realworld trial designs. We find that under non-representative sampling, the incidence estimator is unreliable unless all recently tested individuals are excluded. Additionally, we highlight a bias-variance trade-off: excluding more individuals may reduce estimation bias from non-representative sampling but increases the variability. Our findings emphasize careful application of the testing-based criterion and the importance of improved methods in future HIV prevention trials.},
}

@article {pmid41948817,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhao, K and Pershad, Y and Xue, L and Vlasschaert, C and Corty, RW and Heimlich, JB and Kooperberg, C and Reiner, AP and Bick, AG},
title = {Clonal Hematopoiesis and Risk of Stroke: Evidence From Over 800 000 Individuals Across 3 Cohorts.},
journal = {Stroke},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1161/STROKEAHA.125.054128},
pmid = {41948817},
issn = {1524-4628},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is a common age-related condition that increases risk for cardiovascular disease. However, its relationship with stroke remains uncertain.

METHODS: To resolve these conflicting findings, we analyzed genomic and clinical data from 800 160 participants with genetic sequencing and medical records across 3 large-scale cohorts: the Vanderbilt BioVU biobank (United States; enrollment 2007-2022), the National Institutes of Health All of Us Research Program (United States; enrollment 2018-2023), and the UK Biobank (United Kingdom; enrollment 2006-2010). The median follow-up time was 4.4 years (interquartile range, 1.8-10.2) in BioVU, 1.9 years (interquartile range, 0.4-3.9) in All of Us, and 12.4 years (interquartile range, 11.7-13.1) in UK Biobank. Stroke events were identified and classified as ischemic or hemorrhagic using International Classification of Diseases codes. Subgroup analyses were conducted by driver gene, clone size, sex, and menopausal status. Genetically predicted levels of 27 cytokines were assessed for modification of CHIP-associated stroke risk.

RESULTS: CHIP was associated with increased risk of incident stroke in the meta-analysis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.20 [95% CI, 1.14-1.27]; P=1.92×10[-10]). This association was observed for ischemic (HR, 1.18) and hemorrhagic (HR, 1.25) stroke subtypes. Gene-specific analyses showed strong associations for JAK2 (HR, 2.52) and TET2 (HR, 1.23). DNMT3A demonstrated weak but significant associations (HR, 1.13). CHIP was associated with stroke risk in both sexes; however, among women, the association was evident in postmenopausal (HR, 1.49 [95% CI, 1.16-1.92]; P=1.91×10[-3]) but not in premenopausal participants (HR, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.36-1.43]; P=0.33). Among participants with CHIP, but not among participants without CHIP, genetically predicted levels of IL-1RAP (interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein) were predictive of risk for stroke, suggesting IL-1RAP as a modifier of the CHIP-associated risk for stroke.

CONCLUSIONS: Our large-scale, multicohort study establishes CHIP as a determinant of incident stroke risk and IL (interleukin)-1-mediated inflammation as a targetable pathway to reduce this risk.},
}

@article {pmid41948933,
year = {2026},
author = {Konecny, AJ and Lim, FY and Domenjo-Vila, E and Lovas, E and Blazevic, RL and Kimball, LE and Boeckh, M and Waghmare, A and Prlic, M},
title = {An at-home blood collection device for remote immune monitoring by high-parameter flow cytometry.},
journal = {JCI insight},
volume = {11},
number = {7},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1172/jci.insight.201116},
pmid = {41948933},
issn = {2379-3708},
mesh = {Humans ; *Flow Cytometry/methods/instrumentation ; *Blood Specimen Collection/instrumentation/methods ; Male ; Female ; Monitoring, Immunologic/methods/instrumentation ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Aged ; },
abstract = {At-home blood collection devices (ABCDs) can facilitate study participation for remote and rural cohorts. Previous studies used ABCDs to interrogate samples by proteomics and sequencing approaches. We wanted to address the question of whether this approach could be used to assess live immune cells with high-parameter flow cytometry to enable remote immune monitoring. We first compared blood from standard venipuncture with ABCD blood draws, followed by assessment of the impact of sample shipping on immune cell viability and phenotyping. We found that capillary blood collected with a Tasso+ device and concurrently drawn venipuncture blood samples had highly congruent immune cell composition and phenotype. Shipment of Tasso+ samples via the United States Postal Service altered the myeloid compartment, but T cell numbers, subsets, and phenotypes remained remarkably stable compared with non-shipped samples. Finally, we describe a flow cytometry analysis framework that allowed for direct sample comparison even when samples were stained and analyzed over a time period of 1.5 years. Overall, our data highlight the feasibility of using ABCDs combined with subsequent flow cytometry analysis for remote immune monitoring. Additionally, our study also identifies areas that could be improved to further promote the use of ABCDs for immune monitoring.},
}

Humans
*Flow Cytometry/methods/instrumentation
*Blood Specimen Collection/instrumentation/methods
Male
Female
Monitoring, Immunologic/methods/instrumentation
Middle Aged
Adult
Aged

@article {pmid41949764,
year = {2026},
author = {Iancu, A and Gwin, W and Vinayak, S and Linden, H and Specht, J and Symonds, L and Davidson, N and Hunter, N},
title = {Incidental discovery of second primary lung tumors in breast cancer patients: An institutional case series.},
journal = {The oncologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/oncolo/oyag083},
pmid = {41949764},
issn = {1549-490X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Guidelines recommend biopsy of first breast cancer recurrence. Our group recently showed that only half of patients in Washington diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) between 2008 and 2017 underwent biopsy.

METHODS: Oncologists in our group identified patients in which a lung malignancy was diagnosed in patients with a breast cancer history.

RESULTS: We identified eight illustrative cases. Lung findings were typically identified on a CT obtained for staging or radiation planning. In five cases, patients were treated curatively for two early-stage malignancies. In two cases, patients with MBC were found to have early-stage lung adenocarcinomas. In one case, MBC and metastatic lung cancer were diagnosed synchronously.

CONCLUSIONS: While imaging can raise suspicion for breast cancer recurrence, relying on radiologic appearance to infer that a lesion 1) is malignant and 2) represents spread of the known primary risks treating both the primary tumor and the newly detected condition inappropriately.},
}

@article {pmid41950298,
year = {2026},
author = {Demedis, J and Reedy, J and Chow, EJ and Peterson, PN and Dorsey, B and Studts, CR},
title = {Provider-Engaged Development of a Sexual Dysfunction Screening Approach for Adolescents and Young Adult Childhood Cancer Survivors: Iterative Co-Design Study.},
journal = {JMIR formative research},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {e85905},
doi = {10.2196/85905},
pmid = {41950298},
issn = {2561-326X},
mesh = {Humans ; *Cancer Survivors/psychology ; Adolescent ; Male ; Young Adult ; Female ; *Mass Screening/methods ; *Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/diagnosis/etiology ; Adult ; *Neoplasms/complications ; Child ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Sexual dysfunction (SD) is common among childhood cancer survivors, affecting approximately 20% to 50% of patients. National guidelines recommend discussions about sexuality throughout cancer care, and prior work demonstrates patient interest in SD conversations. Despite its prevalence and importance, SD is widely underrecognized and undertreated, creating gaps in comprehensive whole-person care.

OBJECTIVE: Our research aims to collaborate with provider partners to co-design an SD screening intervention prototype for implementation in a clinical oncology setting. This study outlines the co-design process to serve as a case study, highlighting challenges and strategies to achieve a consensus-driven intervention and implementation plan.

METHODS: We engaged pediatric cancer providers in a series of co-design sessions at a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center within an academic children's hospital. For each co-design session, the research team created a template outlining considerations from formative work (eg, patient privacy) and key decisions to be made (eg, screening modality). Co-design session moderators facilitated discussion, guiding participants toward a consensus decision for each intervention component. A final process mapping session reviewed and outlined the entire SD prototype. We conducted a rapid qualitative analysis, compiling a templated summary synthesizing and organizing findings by discussion topic and decision point. Based on co-design discussions, the research team compiled a menu of options outlining key thematic findings, core screening intervention functions, and intervention form options to allow for future expansion and tailoring of the SD prototype.

RESULTS: Six provider participants, including attending physicians, advanced practice providers, and registered nurses representing multiple oncology subspecialty groups, engaged in a series of 5 co-design sessions. Participants assessed specific intervention component options, reached consensus on component decisions, and determined an intervention and implementation workflow for each. Throughout, providers needed to ensure workflows aligned with patient and provider priorities from foundational work and to ensure design feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness. Key intervention and implementation decisions included target population, screening frequency, screening modality and workflow, management of screening results, clinic reminders and cues, and provider education and training. With several decisions being interconnected, there was often a cascade effect in which one decision influenced or limited future decisions and, in some cases, required revisiting prior decisions to ensure cohesive alignment into a single prototype. Co-design session moderators used several strategies (eg, reminders, redirection, providing information on feasibility, etc) to facilitate decision-making and implementation strategy selection.

CONCLUSIONS: Engaging provider partners in co-design sessions allowed for the collaborative development of a preliminary SD screening approach for adolescents and young adults with and surviving cancer. The dynamic co-design process and moderator strategies ensured that intervention and implementation decisions reflected the patient and provider priorities identified in prior work. Future work will test, adapt, and refine the prototype SD screening approach prior to effectiveness testing and eventual dissemination.},
}

Humans
*Cancer Survivors/psychology
Adolescent
Male
Young Adult
Female
*Mass Screening/methods
*Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/diagnosis/etiology
Adult
*Neoplasms/complications
Child

@article {pmid41951456,
year = {2026},
author = {Rathkopf, DE and Patel, MR and Choudhury, AD and Rasco, D and Lakhani, N and Hawley, JE and Srinivas, S and Aparicio, A and Narayan, V and Runcie, KD and Emamekhoo, H and Reichert, ZR and Nguyen, MH and Wells, AL and Kandimalla, R and Liu, C and Suryawanshi, S and Han, J and J Wu, and Arora, VK and Pourdehnad, M and Armstrong, AJ},
title = {Corrigendum to "Safety and clinical activity of BMS-986365 (CC-94676), a dual androgen receptor ligand-directed degrader and antagonist, in heavily pretreated patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer": [Ann Oncol 36 (2025) 76-88].},
journal = {Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.annonc.2026.01.016},
pmid = {41951456},
issn = {1569-8041},
}

@article {pmid41942608,
year = {2026},
author = {Azam, S and Lamb, LR and Eliassen, AH and King, TA and Specht, M and Kraft, P and Lindstrom, S and Lehman, CD and Tamimi, RM},
title = {Performance of an image-only deep learning breast cancer risk model with the addition of a polygenic risk score.},
journal = {British journal of cancer},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41942608},
issn = {1532-1827},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Mammograms contain imaging biomarkers that can predict future breast cancer risk using deep learning (DL) models. We evaluated whether adding a polygenic risk score (PRS) improves performance of the image-only DL breast cancer risk model Mirai.

METHODS: This nested case-control study within the Nurses' Health Study 2 included 902 women (270 cases, 632 controls) who underwent bilateral 2D digital screening mammography between 2001-2017. Risk was assessed using Mirai and, for clinical comparison, the Gail 5-year model. A PRS was calculated using 313 breast cancer-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms. The primary outcome was incident breast cancer within five years of the index mammogram. Discrimination was evaluated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), with comparisons using the DeLong test.

RESULTS: Mean age was 55.5 years(SD 5.3). Among cases, median time from index mammogram to diagnosis was 2.0 years (IQR0.5-4.0). Mirai alone achieved an AUC of 0.66 (95% CI: 0.62-0.70), increasing to 0.73 (95% CI 0.67-0.78; P = 0.05) with PRS. The Gail model improved from 0.52 (95% CI: 0.47-0.57) to 0.69 (95% CI: 0.62-0.76; P < 0.001) with PRS. Mirai+PRS significantly outperformed Gail+PRS (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Integrating PRS with DL-based mammographic models modestly improves risk discrimination and may enhance personalized screening.},
}

@article {pmid41944291,
year = {2026},
author = {Matsen, FA and Dumm, W and Sung, K and Johnson, MM and Rich, DH and Starr, TN and Song, YS and Fukuyama, J and Haddox, HK},
title = {Separating selection from mutation in antibody language models.},
journal = {eLife},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.7554/eLife.109644},
pmid = {41944291},
issn = {2050-084X},
support = {R01-AI146028/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; R56-HG013117/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; R01-HG013117/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; DP2-AI177890/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; S10OD028685/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Mutation ; *Antibodies/genetics ; *Selection, Genetic ; Humans ; V(D)J Recombination ; Models, Genetic ; },
abstract = {Antibodies are encoded by nucleotide sequences that are generated by V(D)J recombination and evolve according to mutation and selection processes. Existing antibody language models, however, focus exclusively on antibodies as strings of amino acids and are fitted using standard language modeling objectives such as masked or autoregressive prediction. In this paper, we first show that fitting models using this objective implicitly incorporates nucleotide-level mutation processes as part of the protein language model, which degrades performance when predicting effects of mutations on functional properties of antibodies. To address this limitation, we devise a new framework: a deep amino acid selection model (DASM) that learns the selection effects of amino acid mutations while explicitly factoring out the nucleotide-level mutation process. By fitting selection as a separate term from the mutation process, the DASM exclusively quantifies functional effects: effects that change some aspect of the function of the antibody. This factorization leads to substantially improved performance on standard functional benchmarks. Moreover, our model is an order of magnitude smaller and multiple orders of magnitude faster to evaluate than existing approaches, as well as being readily interpretable.},
}

*Mutation
*Antibodies/genetics
*Selection, Genetic
Humans
V(D)J Recombination
Models, Genetic

@article {pmid41945753,
year = {2026},
author = {Verboon, L and Barwe, SP and Tavenner, M and Faust, JR and Issa, H and Goncalves-Dias, J and Schuschel, K and Bhayadia, R and van Berkel, PH and Sebastian, A and Ries, RE and Paczesny, S and Meshinchi, S and Hitzler, JK and Pikman, Y and Kolb, EA and Heckl, D and Klusmann, JH and Gopalakrishnapillai, A},
title = {DLK1 is a GATA1s-Driven Dependency and Therapeutic Target in Down Syndrome-Associated Myeloid Leukemia.},
journal = {Blood advances},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1182/bloodadvances.2025018830},
pmid = {41945753},
issn = {2473-9537},
abstract = {Children with Down syndrome have a markedly increased risk of developing myeloid leukemia (ML-DS). Although having an excellent prognosis, 10-20% develop relapsed or refractory disease with poor survival, highlighting the need for new targeted approaches. The pathogenesis of ML-DS is tightly linked to fetal hematopoiesis and mutations in GATA1, generating the truncated GATA1short(s) isoform. We identified Delta-like non-canonical Notch ligand 1 (DLK1) as a direct GATA1s target. DLK1, a paternally imprinted transmembrane protein, is highly expressed in fetal liver CD34[+] cells but absent in adult hematopoiesis, making it an attractive immunotherapeutic target. Chromatin profiling revealed GATA1s occupancy at a distal enhancer within the DLK1-DIO3 locus, driving aberrant DLK1 upregulation in ML-DS. Functional studies demonstrated that DLK1 is a leukemia dependency, as its genetic ablation impaired proliferation and engraftment, induced apoptosis, and altered Notch and β-catenin signaling. Therapeutically, a DLK1-directed antibody-drug conjugate (DLK1-ADC) induced selective cytotoxicity, abrogated colony formation, and significantly prolonged survival in refractory ML-DS PDX models, achieving durable remissions at higher doses. These findings establish DLK1 as a leukemia-specific vulnerability and provide preclinical proof-of-concept for DLK1-targeted therapies in ML-DS and other leukemias with fetal-like expression programs.},
}

@article {pmid41945755,
year = {2026},
author = {Amonoo, HL and Keane, EP and Guo, M and Gudenkauf, LM and Boardman, AC and Larizza, IS and Wolfe, ED and Mate-Kole, MN and Healy, BC and Cutler, CS and Jim, HS and Lee, SJ and Greer, JA and Huffman, JC and El-Jawahri, A},
title = {A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial of a Peer Support Intervention for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.},
journal = {Blood advances},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1182/bloodadvances.2025018918},
pmid = {41945755},
issn = {2473-9537},
abstract = {Peer support has been associated with improved patient-reported outcomes (PROs), including reduced psychological distress, among patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Structured interventions tailored for this population are limited. This study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a scalable peer support intervention for reducing psychological distress and enhancing quality of life (QOL) post-HSCT. We conducted a pilot randomized clinical trial evaluating the Supporting Transplant Experiences with Peer Program (STEPP), a five-session, telephone-based intervention delivered by an HSCT survivor offering psychoeducation and coping strategies. Participants were recruited 1-2 weeks pre-HSCT admission and randomized to STEPP or usual care. Feasibility was defined as ≥60% enrollment and ≥60% completing ≥3 sessions. Acceptability was assessed using the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ; ≥3/4 mean benchmark). PRO measures of anxiety, depression (HADS), post-traumatic stress (PCL-C), QOL (FACT-BMT), social support (SSEQ), and self-efficacy (CASE) were assessed pre-HSCT and at 30 and 60 days post-HSCT. Mixed-effects models explored STEPP's preliminary effects. We enrolled 77% (90/117) of eligible patients (STEPP n=45; usual care n=45). Twelve became ineligible due to HSCT cancellation or postponement. Among 78 active participants (mean age 58.9 years (SD=12.3); 57.7% women), all STEPP participants completed ≥3 sessions, and the mean CSQ score was 3.5. STEPP showed small-to-moderate improvements in Day 30 anxiety (d=-0.36) and Day 60 anxiety (d=-0.58), depression (d=-0.25), post-traumatic stress (d=-0.28), QOL (d=0.48), social support (d=0.36), and self-efficacy (d=0.46). STEPP exceeds feasibility and acceptability thresholds, showing promising psychosocial benefits warranting a fully powered multi-site efficacy trial. This study was preregistered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06010017).},
}

@article {pmid41867231,
year = {2026},
author = {O'Brien, A and Kong, H and Patel, H and Ho, M and Patel, MB and Zhong, J and Xu, M and Papenberg, BW and Connelly, KE and Collins, I and Hennessey, R and Thakur, R and Sowards, H and Funderburk, K and Luong, T and Florez-Vargas, O and Myers, T and Jermusyk, A and Gorman, B and Luo, W and Jones, K and Das, S and , and , and Lan, Q and Rothman, N and McKay, JD and Hung, RJ and Amos, CI and Iles, MM and Koutros, S and Landi, MT and Law, MH and Stolzenberg-Solomon, RZ and Wolpin, BM and Hassan, M and Klein, AP and Antwi, SO and Orr, N and Chanock, SJ and Lindström, S and Hoskins, JW and Stern, MH and Andresson, T and Shi, J and Prokunina-Olsson, L and Choi, J and Brown, KM and Amundadottir, LT},
title = {Integrative screening identifies functional variants and VNTRs underlying GWAS signals at the 5p15.33 multi-cancer susceptibility locus.},
journal = {medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41867231},
abstract = {Chromosome 5p15.33 harbors several independent association signals which demonstrate antagonistic pleiotropy across cancer types, with causal mechanisms largely unresolved. To identify functional variants and enhancer elements at this locus, we performed statistical fine-mapping followed by massively parallel reporter assays (MPRA) and proliferation based CRISPRi screens. This approach identified eight multi-cancer functional variants (MCFVs) across three GWAS signals. Targeting rs421629 (part of the CLPTM1L signal marked by rs465498) with CRISPRi revealed opposing effects on TERT expression in pancreatic versus lung cancer cells, consistent with the antagonistic pleiotropy observed for this signal. Furthermore, CRISPRi nominated an intronic CLPTM1L variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) as a potent enhancer. Long-read sequencing established VNTR polymorphisms as potential causal variants for the rs465498 signal. We showed that Hippo-pathway transcription factors mediate VNTR enhancer activity in lung and pancreatic cancer cells. Together, these findings indicate that cancer susceptibility at 5p15.33 may be mediated by both SNPs and VNTRs and provide an integrated framework for resolving complex pleiotropic loci.},
}

@article {pmid41889874,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, Y and Zhang, Z and Tao, Y and Rahgav, L and Gray-Gaillard, S and Hussaini, Y and Pan, M and Shamber, J and Kwak, J and Park, SL and Cramer, J and Stoltz, R and Patria, J and Swanger, J and Liu, K and Sannigrahi, MK and Houghton, AM and Rodriguez, CP and Carey, RM and Brody, R and Rajasekaran, K and Weinstein, G and Linette, GP and Carreno, BM and Painter, MM and Wherry, EJ and Clurman, B and Basu, D and Diab, A},
title = {Therapeutic scheduling of WEE1 inhibition preserves T cell function and promotes immune control of HPV[+] tumors.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41889874},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {K99 DE030194/DE/NIDCR NIH HHS/United States ; P01 CA022443/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; R00 DE030194/DE/NIDCR NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DE034056/DE/NIDCR NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV[+] OPC) is driven by viral E6 and E7 oncoproteins, which disrupt G1 checkpoint control and impose selective dependency on WEE1-mediated G2/M regulation. While this vulnerability confers sensitivity to WEE1 inhibition, its immunologic consequences remain poorly defined, and the challenge of eliciting antitumor immunity without compromising immune fitness has limited clinical translation. Here, we show that WEE1 inhibition elicits durable antitumor immunity in immunocompetent models of HPV[+] OPC. Using murine and human preclinical systems, we demonstrate that the WEE1 inhibitor azenosertib (ZN-c3) mediates tumor control through both cell-autonomous cytotoxicity and immune-dependent mechanisms requiring T cells and conventional dendritic cells. Mechanistically, HPV[+] tumor cells are deficient in STING signaling and fail to mount canonical type I interferon responses. Instead, tumor cell-intrinsic cGAS drives immune activation through STING-competent host cells within the tumor microenvironment, revealing a non-cell-autonomous relay that circumvents viral immune evasion. Intermittent WEE1 inhibition preserves T cell fitness while maintaining antitumor efficacy, and mice achieving complete responses develop immunologic memory capable of rejecting tumor rechallenge. These findings establish intermittent WEE1 inhibition as an immune-permissive therapeutic strategy that enables antigen-specific T cell responses in HPV-driven malignancies and provides a mechanistic rationale for combination with immunotherapy.},
}

@article {pmid41890019,
year = {2026},
author = {Arora, S and Suresh, L and Thirimanne, HN and Glatzer, G and Jensen, M and Fatherree, JP and Konnick, EQ and Levine, KM and Brooks, AN and Hougton, AM and Pritchard, CC and MacPherson, D and Berger, AH and Holland, EC},
title = {Beyond Histology: A Unified Transcriptomic Atlas Defines Lung Cancer Biologic States and Subtypes.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41890019},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Lung cancer encompasses multiple histological entities with substantial molecular heterogeneity that remain incompletely resolved at population scale. Here, we constructed a unified reference landscape of lung cancer by analyzing raw RNA sequencing data from 1,558 tumors spanning adenocarcinoma (n=753), squamous cell carcinoma (n=540), small cell lung cancer (n=150), and unclassified non-small cell lung cancer (n=80). Following batch correction, samples were embedded using PaCMAP to generate a continuous molecular atlas annotated with clinical and biological metadata. Rather than segregating strictly by histology, tumors organized along conserved transcriptional axes defined by tumor-intrinsic proliferative or metabolic programs and immune-infiltrated states. Consensus clustering resolved nine robust molecular clusters, including a female non-smoker-enriched adenocarcinoma subgroup, a neuroendocrine-like adenocarcinoma marked by ASCL1 activation, immune-associated regions, and bifurcation of both small cell and squamous carcinomas into biologically distinct states. Spatially-restricted expression of clinically actionable targets revealed state-specific vulnerabilities. Projection of patient tumors and patient-derived xenografts onto the atlas demonstrated preservation of transcriptional identity and enabled quantitative assessment of model fidelity. This unified framework redefines lung cancer as a structured continuum of transcriptional states with translational relevance.},
}

@article {pmid41936375,
year = {2026},
author = {Umbleja, T and Zafar, MU and McCallum, S and Gattu, AK and Zanni, MV and Bloomfield, GS and Malvestutto, CD and Fichtenbaum, CJ and Currier, JS and Sponseller, CA and Diggs, MR and Chu, SM and Lu, AB and Glesby, MJ and Stapleton, JT and Frank, M and Nguyen, KL and Bender Ignacio, RA and Han, WM and Douglas, PS and Aberg, JA and Ribaudo, HJ and Grinspoon, SK},
title = {Pitavastatin effects on lipids in relation to major adverse cardiovascular events: a REPRIEVE secondary analysis.},
journal = {The lancet. HIV},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/S2352-3018(26)00031-7},
pmid = {41936375},
issn = {2352-3018},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV (REPRIEVE) found a 36% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) with pitavastatin in people with HIV. Little is known about the relationship between lipid lowering and MACE in this population. We evaluated pitavastatin effects on lipids and examined mediation of pitavastatin effects on MACE through lipid lowering.

METHODS: REPRIEVE was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial evaluating pitavastatin (4 mg daily) or placebo for prevention of MACE in people with HIV. Participants aged 40-75 years, on stable combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), and at low-to-moderate atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk with minimally elevated LDL were followed up for a median of 5·6 years. Centrally tested fasting lipids were captured at entry and annually thereafter. The primary MACE outcome, reported previously, was time to first MACE. Here, we report secondary outcomes on fasting lipids. Linear mixed-effects models were used for assessment of the pitavastatin effect on lipids, Cox regression for relationship of lipids to MACE, and Vansteelandt method for mediation analysis.

FINDINGS: REPRIEVE enrolled 7769 participants from March 26, 2015, to July 31, 2019, in 12 countries across five Global Burden of Diseases super-regions. The median baseline LDL was 108 mg/dL, and similar across treatment groups. Pitavastatin effects were primarily observed on LDL, with a modest reduction in triglycerides and no apparent effect on HDL. Based on the longitudinal data modelling, the estimated treatment group difference in LDL at month 12 (pitavastatin minus placebo) was -30 mg/dL (95% CI -31 to -29), corresponding to a 30% reduction. The estimated risk of LDL of ≥100 mg/dL at month 12 was 0·18 in the pitavastatin group and 0·57 in the placebo group (relative risk 0·32, 95% CI 0·30-0·34). A 30% lower time-updated average LDL was associated with 20% lower risk of primary MACE (hazard ratio 0·80, 95% CI 0·68-0·94). Of the pitavastatin effect on MACE, 68% was estimated to be mediated through LDL, although with low precision (95% CI 15-574).

INTERPRETATION: LDL is strongly related to MACE, and LDL lowering should be an important goal of primary cardiovascular prevention in people with HIV, even in those with minimally elevated LDL. Treatment should aim to achieve accepted primary care prevention targets for LDL.

FUNDING: US National Institutes of Health, Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Gilead Sciences, and ViiV Healthcare.},
}

@article {pmid41939159,
year = {2025},
author = {Kumar, AS and Meyer, J and Babu, AD and Sankar, S and Marco, E},
title = {Commissioning and Quality Assurance of Catalyst[+] HD Surface-guided Radiotherapy on TrueBeam HyperArc Linear Accelerator: An Indian Experience in Precision Radiotherapy.},
journal = {Journal of medical physics},
volume = {50},
number = {2},
pages = {288-296},
pmid = {41939159},
issn = {0971-6203},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: In this study, we describe and critically review our experience in the commissioning of the surface-guided radiation therapy (SGRT) system from C-RAD (Uppsala, Sweden), integrated with a Varian TrueBeam HyperArc linear accelerator (LINAC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The C-RAD SGRT system was commissioned according to the guidelines of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group 147 and the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology-Advisory Committee for Radiation Oncology Practice report. The commissioning tests included the isocenter, camera thermal drift, reproducibility, static localization accuracy with a 6-degree-of-freedom (DOF) couch, dynamic gating delivery, and an end-to-end test. The tools and phantoms employed for this verification included: (a) Sentinel 4DCT daily check device, (b) Catalyst⁺ HD daily check device, (c) Penta-guide, (d) gating phantom, (e) calibration board, (f) Winston-Lutz phantom, and (g) the Little John anthropomorphic phantom.

RESULTS/DISCUSSION: The reproducibility of both the Sentinel 4DCT and Catalyst⁺ HD cameras demonstrated accuracy within ± 1 mm. The radiation isocenter measurements for both the Sentinel 4DCT and Catalyst⁺ HD cameras were found to be <1 mm, well within the recommended reports of the relevant international guidelines. The static localization accuracy of the Catalyst⁺ HD camera with a 6DOF couch was determined to be 0.15 ± 0.13 mm, 0.42 ± 0.23 mm, and 0.20 ± 0.15 mm for the vertical, longitudinal, and lateral directions, respectively. The rotational accuracy for roll, pitch, and yaw was found to be 0.05°±0.05°, 0.12°±0.18°, and 0.13°±0.10°, respectively. All results were within the tolerances recommended by the international recommendations and highlight the accuracy and precision of the C-RAD SGRT system in conjunction with the TrueBeam HyperArc LINAC.

CONCLUSION: The newly installed advanced C-RAD SGRT systems have been successfully integrated with the Varian TrueBeam LINAC for clinical use, marking a significant milestone as the first deployment of SGRT technology of its kind in India.},
}

@article {pmid41941252,
year = {2026},
author = {Jhaveri, K and Eli, LD and Hurvitz, SA and Brufsky, A and Bose, R and de Miguel, M and Unni, N and Reid, S and Quinn, DI and Mahalingam, D and Saura Manich, C and García-Sáenz, JÁ and Martínez-Bueno, A and Guerrero-Zotano, A and Trédan, O and Wildiers, H and Bischof, GF and Bebchuk, J and Solit, DB},
title = {Efficacy and Genomic Analysis of HER2-Mutant Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Treated with Neratinib Alone or with Trastuzumab in the SUMMIT Basket Trial.},
journal = {Clinical cancer research : an official journal of the American Association for Cancer Research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-25-4135},
pmid = {41941252},
issn = {1557-3265},
abstract = {PURPOSE: HER2 mutations occur in 1-3% of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs), representing a novel target for biomarker-directed treatment. In the SUMMIT basket trial (NCT01953926), patients with HER2-mutant, metastatic TNBC received neratinib (240 mg/day) or neratinib+trastuzumab (N+T; neratinib 240 mg/day, IV trastuzumab 8 mg/kg initially then 6 mg/kg q3w). We report final results from the neratinib and N+T TNBC cohorts.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Primary endpoint: investigator-assessed objective response rate at first post-baseline tumor assessment (ORRfirst); secondary endpoints included: confirmed ORR by investigator; clinical benefit rate (CBR); progression-free survival (PFS); exploratory endpoint: circulating tumor (ct) DNA collected at baseline, during treatment, and at end of treatment.

RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were enrolled between July 2014 and September 2021. Confirmed ORRs were 40.0% (95%CI12.2-73.8) for neratinib (n=10) and 35.3% (95%CI 14.2-61.7) for N+T (n=17). CBRs were 40.0% (95%CI 12.2-73.8) and 47.1% (95%CI 23.0-72.2), respectively; median PFS was 2.89 (95%CI 0.95-5.52) and 6.24 months (95%CI 2.10-8.18), respectively. HER2 mutation variant allele frequencies in ctDNA from patients with response or stable disease decreased upon treatment and increased upon progression. Serial ctDNA sequencing revealed emergence or increase of on-pathway (ERBB3) and off-pathway (KRAS, TP53) mutations. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were diarrhea, nausea, and constipation.

CONCLUSIONS: N+T in patients with HER2-mutant metastatic TNBC appeared to prolong responses versus neratinib alone, representing a novel approach for biomarker-defined metastatic TNBC patients. Based on these and previously published data, neratinib-based combinations are endorsed by NCCN guidelines for patients with hormone receptor-positive or -negative metastatic breast cancer with activating HER2 mutations.},
}

@article {pmid41941698,
year = {2026},
author = {Einarsdottir, S and Fei, T and Singh, KH and Martens, MJ and Young, JH and Bhavsar, K and Kou, J and Chen, M and Lee, LW and Baluch, A and Dhodapkar, MV and Nakamura, R and Peyton, K and Shahid, Z and Armistead, PM and Westervelt, P and McCarty, J and McGuirk, JP and Hamadani, M and Sharon, E and Spahn, A and Toor, AA and Waldvogel, SL and Greenberger, LM and Auletta, JJ and Horowitz, MM and Riches, M and Hosszu, K and Hill, JA and DeWolf, S and Perales, MA},
title = {Antigen-specific T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination after Hematopoietic Cell Transplant or CAR T cell Therapy.},
journal = {Blood advances},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1182/bloodadvances.2026019614},
pmid = {41941698},
issn = {2473-9537},
abstract = {The optimal timing of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination after cellular therapies remains uncertain. In a prior prospective multicenter cohort (n=466), we found no differences in humoral or SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell receptor (TCR) responses between patients vaccinated early (<4 months) versus later (4-12 months) after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT), autologous HCT (auto-HCT), or chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy. In this sub-study, we evaluated functional T cell responses in 68 patients (allo-HCT n=28, auto-HCT n=22, CAR-T n=18) that were clinically and immunophenotypically similar to the overall cohort. Antigen-specific CD4[+] and CD8[+] T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination were assessed by spectral flow cytometry. Functional responses were correlated with baseline immune reconstitution parameters, antibody responses, and to SARS-CoV-2-specific TCR repertoire metrics. Vaccination induced significant increases in antigen-specific IFN-γ and TNF-α production by both CD4[+] and CD8[+] T cells across all cellular therapy groups. Responses were primarily driven by CD4[+] central memory and cytotoxic CD8[+] T cell subsets. Functional T cell responses correlated with baseline CD19[+] B cell counts (p=0.002) and post-vaccination antibody responses (p<0.01), but not with SARS-CoV-2-specific TCR breadth or depth. Notably, functional T cell responses were detectable even in patients with low B cell counts or absent antibody responses. We conclude that mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination elicits functional, Th1-skewed T cell responses after allo-HCT, auto-HCT, and CAR-T therapy. Initiation of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination early after cellular therapy (<4 months) was not associated with impaired functional T cell responses.},
}

@article {pmid41941894,
year = {2026},
author = {Yorke, AA and Nyflot, MJ and Apisarnthanarax, S and Sponseller, PA and Bowen, SR},
title = {Precision Radiotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Exploring the Clinical Utility of Functional Liver Avoidance Planning (FLAP).},
journal = {Practical radiation oncology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.prro.2026.03.008},
pmid = {41941894},
issn = {1879-8519},
abstract = {PURPOSE: We assessed the utility of functional liver avoidance planning (FLAP) to meet clinical constraints and reduce dose to functioning liver tissue.

METHODS: Twenty patients (52-83 years, 6/20 female) with varying degrees of cirrhosis (Child-Pugh scores A5-B9) underwent [99mTc] sulfur colloid SPECT/CT imaging with generation of functional liver volumes (FLV) at 30%max thresholds, and FLV were co-registered onto planning CT scans. Half of patients received prior liver directed therapy (LDT). VMAT-SBRT (5 fx, 5 CP-A, 5 CP-B/C) conventional plans were optimized following ASTRO consensus guidelines and those that did not meet published functional liver dose constraints (FLV mean, FLV V20) were re-optimized for functional liver avoidance and scaled to the same target dose coverage. Scanning proton beam therapy (PBT) plans were similarly generated for hypo-fractionated regimens (15 fx, 5 CP-A, 5 CP-B/C). We characterized the associations between clinical characteristics and the probability of FLAP re-optimization and correlations with FLV dose reduction.

RESULTS: SBRT conventional plans for CP-A patients met all clinical and functional liver dose constraints, while 40% of CP-B/C SBRT plans, 40% of CP-A PBT plans, and 80% of CP-B/C PBT plans required re-optimization for FLV dose constraints. Compared to conventional plans, FLAP replans achieved a median reduction of 13% (range: 2%-30%) in FLV mean dose and 4% (range: 1%-10%) in FLV V20. Increasing likelihood of prior LDT correlated with a decrease in FLAP re-optimization frequency (Spearman R -0.95, p=0.05). This is reflected in CP-A SBRT patients requiring fewer functional liver avoidance replans (80% prior LDT, 0% FLAP replans) compared to CP-B/C PBT patients (10% prior LDT, 80% FLAP replans).

CONCLUSION: We successfully investigated the clinical utility of functional tissue avoidance in different groups of patients with HCC as a planning strategy to preserve liver function and mitigate hepatoxicity.},
}

@article {pmid41942445,
year = {2026},
author = {Ozog, S and Krantz, EM and Tindbaek, K and Munoz, J and Liu, WL and Chalal, C and Pernikoff, S and Yahya, K and Stevens-Ayers, T and Dasgupta, S and Cowan, AJ and Green, DJ and Gauthier, J and Till, BG and Gardner, RA and Shadman, M and Bleakley, M and Boeckh, M and Boonyaratanakornkit, J and Turtle, CJ and Hill, JA},
title = {Influence of B cell-lineage targeted CAR-T cell therapy on humoral immunity and vaccine-induced antibody response.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41467-026-71473-1},
pmid = {41942445},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {5U01CA247548//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; T32 CA009351/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Humoral immune-related adverse events, including hypogammaglobulinemia and B cell depletion, pose long-term infection risks after chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy (CARTx) for hematologic malignancies. This prospective study evaluates the kinetics of pathogen-specific humoral immunity prior to and up to a year after CARTx targeting CD19 and CD20 (B cells) or BCMA (plasma cells) in 100 and 28 individuals, respectively. Antibodies are tested for 12 vaccine-preventable pathogens and using comprehensive high-throughput antibody profiling. A subset of 72 participants are evaluated for post-CARTx vaccine responses. Here, we show pathogen-specific humoral immunity does not significantly change after CD19-, CD20-, or BCMA-targeted CAR-T cell therapy (CARTx). However, seroprotective antibodies are absent for up to one-third of routine vaccine-preventable pathogens in CD19- and CD20-CARTx recipients and for nearly half of vaccine-preventable pathogens in BCMA-CARTx recipients by one-year post-CARTx. Pre-vaccination B cell count is the main predictor of vaccine response.},
}

@article {pmid41934618,
year = {2026},
author = {Singh Mahla, R},
title = {Comment on: Fcgamma-receptor-activation by circulating immune complexes in systemic autoimmune diseases and its reduction by CD19-CAR T-cell therapy.},
journal = {Rheumatology (Oxford, England)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/rheumatology/keag174},
pmid = {41934618},
issn = {1462-0332},
}

@article {pmid41936367,
year = {2026},
author = {, },
title = {Global burden of cancer in children and adolescents aged 0-19 years, 1990-2023: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023.},
journal = {Lancet (London, England)},
volume = {407},
number = {10536},
pages = {1360-1373},
doi = {10.1016/S0140-6736(26)00200-X},
pmid = {41936367},
issn = {1474-547X},
mesh = {Humans ; Adolescent ; Child ; *Neoplasms/epidemiology/mortality ; Child, Preschool ; Infant ; *Global Burden of Disease/trends ; Young Adult ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Disability-Adjusted Life Years ; Female ; Incidence ; Global Health/statistics & numerical data ; Life Expectancy ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Information on childhood cancer burden is crucial for effective cancer policy planning. Unfortunately, observed paediatric cancer data are not available in every country, and previous global burden estimates have not discretely reported several common cancers of childhood. We aimed to inform efforts to address childhood cancer burden globally by analysing results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2023, which now include nine additional cancer causes compared with previous GBD analyses.

METHODS: GBD 2023 data sources for cancer estimation included population-based cancer registries, vital registration systems, and verbal autopsies. For childhood cancers (defined as those occurring at ages 0-19 years), mortality was estimated using cancer-specific ensemble models and incidence was estimated using mortality estimates and modelled mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIRs). Years of life lost (YLLs) were estimated by multiplying age-specific cancer deaths by the standard life expectancy at the age of death. Prevalence was estimated using survival estimates modelled from MIRs and multiplied by sequelae-specific disability weights to estimate years lived with disability (YLDs). Disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) were estimated as the sum of YLLs and YLDs. Estimates are presented globally and by geographical and resource groupings, and all estimates are presented with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs).

FINDINGS: Globally, in 2023, there were an estimated 377 000 incident childhood cancer cases (95% UI 288 000-489 000), 144 000 deaths (131 000-162 000), and 11·7 million (10·7-13·2) DALYs due to childhood cancer. Deaths due to childhood cancer decreased by 27·0% (15·5-36·1) globally, from 197 000 (173 000-218 000) in 1990, but increased in the WHO African region by 55·6% (25·5-92·4), from 31 500 (24 900-38 500) to 49 000 (42 600-58 200) between 1990 and 2023. In 2023, age-standardised YLLs due to childhood cancer were inversely correlated with country-level Socio-demographic Index. Childhood cancer was the eighth-leading cause of childhood deaths and the ninth-leading cause of DALYs among all cancers in 2023. The percentage of DALYs due to uncategorised childhood cancers was reduced from 26·5% (26·5-26·5) in GBD 2017 to 10·5% (8·1-13·1) with the addition of the nine new cancer causes. Target cancers for the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) comprised 47·3% (42·2-52·0) of global childhood cancer deaths in 2023.

INTERPRETATION: Global childhood cancer burden remains a substantial contributor to global childhood disease and cancer burden and is disproportionately weighted towards resource-limited settings. The estimation of additional cancer types relevant in childhood provides a step towards alignment with WHO GICC targets. Efforts to decrease global childhood cancer burden should focus on addressing the inequities in burden worldwide and support comprehensive improvements along the childhood cancer diagnosis and care continuum.

FUNDING: St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Gates Foundation, and St Baldrick's Foundation.},
}

Humans
Adolescent
Child
*Neoplasms/epidemiology/mortality
Child, Preschool
Infant
*Global Burden of Disease/trends
Young Adult
Infant, Newborn
Male
Disability-Adjusted Life Years
Female
Incidence
Global Health/statistics & numerical data
Life Expectancy
Prevalence
Risk Factors

@article {pmid41933184,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, S and Ghajar, CM},
title = {A tumor-derived metabolite primes the leptomeningeal pre-metastatic niche.},
journal = {Nature cancer},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41933184},
issn = {2662-1347},
}

@article {pmid41934616,
year = {2026},
author = {Núñez, ER and Triplette, M},
title = {Care Coordination as the Bridge: Closing the Gaps in Lung Cancer Screening.},
journal = {Annals of the American Thoracic Society},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/annalsats/aaoag081},
pmid = {41934616},
issn = {2325-6621},
}

@article {pmid41867730,
year = {2026},
author = {Hollis, JA and Stonick, JA and Topalidou, I and Young, JM and Moens, CB and Lehrbach, NJ and Campbell, MG and Malik, HS},
title = {Remote homology and functional genetics unmask deeply preserved Scm3/HJURP orthologs in metazoans.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41867730},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {In most animals and fungi, centromere identity and function depend on the Scm3/HJURP chaperone, which deposits CENPA at centromeres. However, Scm3/HJURP orthologs appeared to be missing in insects, nematodes, many vertebrates, and other metazoans, suggesting radical chaperone replacement in these lineages. Here, we combine remote homology detection, AlphaFold-based structural modeling, and functional genetics in zebrafish and Caenorhabditis elegans to identify previously unknown Scm3/HJURP orthologs that localize to centromeres and whose loss causes catastrophic mitotic failure. We further show that Drosophila CAL1, long considered a functional analog, is instead a highly diverged Scm3/HJURP ortholog. Despite rapid primary-sequence divergence, predicted and known structures reveal a broadly conserved CENPA-H4-binding scm3 fold across fungi, vertebrates, nematodes, insects, and basally-branching metazoans. Our work demonstrates how rapid divergence can obscure the broad conservation of essential centromere machinery and provides a broadly applicable strategy to unmasking missing orthologs.},
}

@article {pmid41925941,
year = {2026},
author = {Owens, GC and Contreras, EM and Kienzler, JC and Treger, J and Soto, H and Orpilla, JR and Qiao, C and Chang, JW and Lee, A and Kim, WJ and Sun, MZ and Peeters, SF and Bethel, JA and Kondajji, AM and Holland, EC and Becher, OJ and Liau, LM and Prins, RM and Wang, AC},
title = {Therapeutic efficacy of dendritic cell vaccination in a novel syngeneic mouse model of diffuse hemispheric glioma, H3 G34-mutant.},
journal = {Journal of neuro-oncology},
volume = {177},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41925941},
issn = {1573-7373},
}

@article {pmid41930736,
year = {2026},
author = {Zou, R and D Williamson, B and M Shortreed, S and Coley, RY},
title = {Validation of a Risk-Prediction Model in the Presence of Outcome Misclassification.},
journal = {Statistics in medicine},
volume = {45},
number = {8-9},
pages = {e70377},
doi = {10.1002/sim.70377},
pmid = {41930736},
issn = {1097-0258},
support = {R01-MH125821/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; U19-MH099201/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; U19-MH121738/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Electronic Health Records/statistics & numerical data ; *Models, Statistical ; Risk Assessment/methods/statistics & numerical data ; Computer Simulation ; ROC Curve ; Bias ; Area Under Curve ; },
abstract = {Electronic health records (EHRs) provide a rich data source for building prediction models to improve the quality of care. However, EHR data are prone to measurement error, and outcomes used to evaluate prediction model performance may be misclassified. Comparing risk predictions to misclassified outcomes will result in unreliable estimates of a prediction model's performance. We propose a method that leverages a smaller chart review sample with gold-standard outcome measurements to adjust validation for outcome misclassification and provide more accurate prediction model evaluation. We derive formulae to estimate true positive rate (TPR), false positive rate (FPR), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) in the presence of outcome misclassification. Different scenarios of misclassification are explored, including when the misclassification is independent or dependent on features, and when misclassification is unidirectional (e.g., only missed diagnoses) or bidirectional. In simulation studies, we compare the bias and 95% confidence interval coverage of performance estimates obtained using our proposed method to those estimated with misclassified outcomes (without accounting for misclassification) or in the smaller chart review sample. Simulation results indicate that, across all misclassification scenarios examined, our proposed estimates have good accuracy and improved precision. Outcome misclassification should be considered when evaluating a prediction model's performance in order to accurately inform decision-making about whether and how to use a clinical prediction model.},
}

Humans
Electronic Health Records/statistics & numerical data
*Models, Statistical
Risk Assessment/methods/statistics & numerical data
Computer Simulation
ROC Curve
Bias
Area Under Curve

@article {pmid41932032,
year = {2026},
author = {Geidel, G and Fekade, N and Raabe, K and Smit, DJ and Adam, L and Heidrich, I and Rünger, A and Kött, J and Zell, T and Amaral, T and Ascierto, PA and Corrie, P and Dummer, R and Eggermont, A and Guo, J and Hassel, JC and Jalving, M and Johnson, DB and Kandolf, L and Kirkwood, JM and Lebbé, C and Lee, R and Long, GV and Lorigan, P and Malvehy, J and Mangana, J and Mohr, P and Patel, SP and Rizos, H and Robert, C and Schadendorf, D and Sondak, VK and Svane, IM and Wainstein, A and Zager, JS and Pantel, K and Hauschild, A and Gebhardt, C and , },
title = {Translating ctDNA into cutaneous melanoma care: An international expert survey.},
journal = {European journal of cancer (Oxford, England : 1990)},
volume = {239},
number = {},
pages = {116676},
doi = {10.1016/j.ejca.2026.116676},
pmid = {41932032},
issn = {1879-0852},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a promising biomarker in melanoma, with higher sensitivity for tumor burden detection than conventional diagnostics. While well established in research, clinical routine implementation remains pending. Key global questions concern optimal clinical applications and barriers to adoption.

METHODS: A web-based survey of 116 members of the Melanoma World Society Study Group assessed international expert opinions on ctDNA utility across predefined clinical scenarios. The questionnaire included 18 general questions on ctDNA use and 5 clinical vignettes with de-identified patient data and retrospectively obtained ctDNA results.

RESULTS: ctDNA was rated most valuable for detecting minimal residual disease (mean score 3.63), surveillance of recurrent disease (3.85), and stage IV melanoma (3.82), with limited utility in early stages. Experts considered ctDNA superior to S100 and LDH for early relapse detection and identifying progressive disease. Most participants (80%) agreed that ctDNA correlates with radiographic response, and 82% favored its integration into routine follow-ups. In urgent high-tumor-burden settings, 82.8% would initiate BRAFi/MEKi therapy based on ctDNA if tissue analysis was pending, and 93.9% if unavailable. For central nervous system lesions, 62% did not support blood ctDNA, while 66% considered cerebrospinal fluid valuable. Pragmatic approaches with small to mid-size targeted panels and short turnaround times were preferred. Major barriers included the need for prospective trials (85%), standardized guidelines (83%), and reimbursement policies (82%).

CONCLUSION: Key opinion leaders regarded ctDNA as a valuable adjunct selected melanoma scenarios. Validation through prospective studies, guideline development, and reimbursement frameworks are essential for broader clinical implementation.},
}

@article {pmid41932899,
year = {2026},
author = {Williamson, C and Moodley, C and Magaret, CA and Giorgi, EE and Rolland, M and Westfall, DH and Yssel, A and Deng, W and Rossenkhan, R and Mkhize, NN and Chen, L and Zhao, H and Bhattacharya, T and Pankow, A and Murrell, B and York, T and Gwashu-Nyangiwe, A and Ndabambi, N and Thebus, R and Cohen, P and Lambson, B and Kaldine, H and Bhebhe, S and Juraska, M and Bai, H and deCamp, AC and Miner, MD and Ludwig, J and Molitor, C and Beaume, N and Matten, D and Huang, Y and Zhang, L and Reeves, DB and Mayer, B and Karuna, ST and Hural, JA and Morris, L and Montefiori, D and Bumgarner, RE and Moore, PL and Edlefsen, PT and Edupuganti, S and Mgodi, N and McElrath, MJ and Cohen, MS and Corey, L and Gilbert, PB and Mullins, JI},
title = {Influence of the broadly neutralizing antibody VRC01 on HIV breakthrough virus populations in antibody-mediated prevention trials.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41467-026-70888-0},
pmid = {41932899},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {UM1 AI068614/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; UM1 AI068635/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; UM1 AI068618/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; UM1 AI068619/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; UM1 AI068613/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; UM1 AI068617/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI152115/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; K25 AI155224, R01 AI186721-01//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; R01 AI157854/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; 1032144, INV-016189//Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)/ ; 2018-02381//Vetenskapsrådet (Swedish Research Council)/ ; },
abstract = {In the antibody mediated prevention (AMP) trials, the broadly neutralizing antibody (bNAb) VRC01 demonstrated protective efficacy against susceptible HIV strains. To understand how VRC01 shaped breakthrough infections, deep sequencing was performed on 172 participants (>100,000 gag-Δpol and rev-env-Δnef sequences), at diagnosis and over time, in the placebo and treatment arms of the African (HVTN703/HPTN081; NCT02568215) and Americas/Europe (HVTN704/HPTN085; NCT02716675) cohorts. A high frequency of multilineage infections was detected (38%), including co-infection with both VRC01 sensitive and resistant viruses. This high frequency is largely accounted for by low-abundance lineages. Although VRC01 does not significantly affect the genetic transmission bottleneck compared to placebo, higher VRC01 doses trend towards greater VRC01 neutralization differences among co-infecting lineages. Two-thirds of multilineage infections showed evidence of recombination at the diagnostic timepoint. In the treatment group there is evidence of recombinant viruses preferentially inheriting resistance-associated mutations. This study provides critical insights into viral genetic and antigenic diversity that needs to be targeted to achieve protection, and highlights the role of recombination in facilitating escape.},
}

@article {pmid41933174,
year = {2026},
author = {Cummings, JL and Agadjanyan, MG and Barry, M and Corey, L and Doody, R and Hendrix, S and Mattke, S and Mattsson-Carlgren, N and McDade, E and Menetski, JP and Mohs, RC and Partrick, KA and Petrovsky, N and Selkoe, DJ and Silva, D and Sperling, RA and Tiede, B and Vradenburg, G},
title = {Target product profiles for treatments to delay or prevent symptomatic Alzheimer's disease.},
journal = {Nature medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41933174},
issn = {1546-170X},
abstract = {Despite advances in understanding the mechanisms, risk factors and treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease (AD), no approved therapies exist to prevent or delay onset in at-risk individuals or those with elevated biomarkers who do not yet show symptoms. Multiple candidate interventions are now being evaluated in clinical trials in these settings, raising key questions around which populations are most appropriate and what criteria should guide regulatory and clinical decision-making. Data are expected within 1-2 years, underscoring the need for stakeholder alignment on clinically meaningful and acceptable characteristics of preventative therapies or other products. To address this need, the Global CEO Initiative on Alzheimer's Disease convened an international group of experts to develop target product profiles for therapies designed to delay or prevent the onset of clinical symptoms in AD. These target product profiles outline minimum and preferred characteristics, including intended use, target populations, safety expectations and efficacy benchmarks. This effort provides a foundational framework to accelerate therapeutic development and guide researchers, regulators and patients in the evaluation of emerging therapies for preventing symptomatic AD.},
}

@article {pmid41846968,
year = {2026},
author = {Santos, JJS and Souza, CK and Zanella, GC and Goulart, DB and Arruda, B and Boggiatto, P and Palmer, MV and Snyder, CA and Kristula, MA and Dickens, C and Webb, TL and Atkinson, RK and Dadonaite, B and Dwivedi, G and Alameh, MG and Bloom, JD and Weissman, D and Althouse, GC and Baker, AL and Hensley, SE},
title = {Evaluation of an H5 influenza virus mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) vaccine in lactating dairy cows.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41846968},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 virus has recently emerged in dairy cattle in the United States. The virus replicates primarily in the mammary gland of infected cattle, leading to dramatic reductions in milk production. It is thought that the virus transmits from animal to animal through viral shedding in milk, and therefore, vaccines that decrease the amount of virus in milk can potentially limit the current outbreak and reduce the risk of H5N1 spillover into humans. Here, we assess the immunogenicity and efficacy of a clade 2.3.4.4b H5 mRNA-LNP vaccine in lactating dairy cows. We found that the H5 mRNA-LNP vaccine elicited robust antibody responses in sera and milk and significantly reduced viral replication and disease caused by clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 intramammary infection.},
}

@article {pmid41922791,
year = {2026},
author = {Contieri, R and Gontero, P and Hurle, R and Afferi, L and Albisinni, S and Babjuk, M and Birtle, A and Black, P and Brausi, M and Bruins, M and Čapoun, O and Carrion, A and Catto, J and Choudhury, A and Cimadamore, A and Comperat, E and Daneshmand, S and D'andrea, D and Del Giudice, F and Escrig, JLD and Hensley, P and Krajewski, W and Laukhtina, E and Li, R and Liedberg, F and Lotan, Y and Marcq, G and Mariappan, P and Mari, A and Martini, A and Lecomte, AM and Meijer, R and Mir, MC and Mori, K and Moschini, M and Mostafid, H and O'Donnell, M and Palou, J and Panebianco, V and Perdonà, S and Porten, S and Psutka, S and Rink, M and Roupret, M and Seisen, T and Soloway, M and Soukup, V and Steinberg, G and Stenzl, A and Teoh, JY and Tully, K and van der Heijden, T and van Rhijn, BWG and Witjes, A and Xylinas, E and Kamat, AM and Pradere, B and Mertens, LS},
title = {Active surveillance in low-grade NMIBC - results of an international two-round modified Delphi consensus.},
journal = {Nature reviews. Urology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41922791},
issn = {1759-4820},
abstract = {Standard management for recurrent low-grade non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (LG-NMIBC) often involves a substantial treatment burden, which is not justified by the relatively indolent course of the disease, prompting a need for de-intensification strategies. Active surveillance (AS) is an alternative approach aimed at reducing overtreatment in selected patients. However, the broader adoption of AS is hindered by a lack of standardized protocols for patient selection, monitoring and intervention. To address this gap, we conducted an international, two-round Delphi consensus among 51 bladder cancer experts to establish foundational statements for the use of AS. Consensus was achieved on 20 statements, providing clear recommendations for terminology; inclusion and exclusion criteria; follow-up monitoring; and exit criteria. This Delphi consensus provides the first expert-driven framework to standardize the clinical application of AS for LG-NMIBC. These statements could guide current clinical practice and unify the design of future trials.},
}

@article {pmid41923460,
year = {2026},
author = {Jin, Y and Luedtke, A and Moodie, Z and Janes, H and Benkeser, D},
title = {Comparing HIV Vaccine Immunogenicity Across Trials With Different Populations and Study Designs.},
journal = {Statistics in medicine},
volume = {45},
number = {8-9},
pages = {e70495},
doi = {10.1002/sim.70495},
pmid = {41923460},
issn = {1097-0258},
support = {5UM1AI068635/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*AIDS Vaccines/immunology ; Humans ; *HIV Infections/prevention & control/immunology ; *Immunogenicity, Vaccine ; *Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic/methods ; *Research Design ; Computer Simulation ; Vaccine Efficacy ; Models, Statistical ; },
abstract = {Safe and effective preventive vaccines have the potential to help stem the HIV epidemic. The efficacy of such vaccines is typically measured in randomized, double-blind phase IIb/III trials and described as a reduction in newly acquired HIV infections. However, such trials are often expensive, time-consuming, and/or logistically challenging. These challenges lead to a great interest in immune responses induced by vaccination, and in identifying which immune responses predict vaccine efficacy. These responses are termed vaccine correlates of protection. Studies of vaccine-induced immunogenicity vary in size and design, ranging from small, early-phase trials to case-control studies nested in a broader late-phase randomized trial. Moreover, trials can be conducted in geographically diverse study populations across the world. Such diversity presents a challenge for objectively comparing vaccine-induced immunogenicity. To address these practical challenges, we propose a framework that is capable of identifying appropriate causal estimands and estimators, which can be used to provide standardized comparisons of vaccine-induced immunogenicity across trials. We evaluate the performance of the proposed estimands via extensive simulation studies. Our estimators are well-behaved and enjoy robustness properties. The proposed technique is applied to compare vaccine immunogenicity using data from three recent HIV vaccine trials.},
}

*AIDS Vaccines/immunology
Humans
*HIV Infections/prevention & control/immunology
*Immunogenicity, Vaccine
*Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic/methods
*Research Design
Computer Simulation
Vaccine Efficacy
Models, Statistical

@article {pmid41923535,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhu, K and Chuen Gary Chan, K and Zhao, YQ and Zheng, Y},
title = {Two-Step Error-Controlling Classifiers With Application to Cost-Effective Disease Diagnosis.},
journal = {Statistics in medicine},
volume = {45},
number = {8-9},
pages = {e70498},
doi = {10.1002/sim.70498},
pmid = {41923535},
issn = {1097-0258},
support = {R01 CA236558/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; U24 CA288285/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; U24 CA086368/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnosis/classification ; Male ; *Cost-Benefit Analysis ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; },
abstract = {Accurate classifiers that use novel biomarkers and readily available predictors significantly enhance decision-making in various clinical scenarios, such as assessing the need for biopsies in cancer diagnosis. When classification performance is limited, a decision framework can be applied to rule in or rule out invasive diagnostic procedures while incorporating a neutral zone for indeterminate classifications. Building on this framework, we propose a new family of two-step classifiers that selectively use costly biomarker testing for a targeted subset of individuals undergoing multiple evaluations. The optimal solution expands upon the Neyman-Pearson Lemma, highlighting a vital trade-off between the costs of expensive biomarker measurements and improving classification performance while minimizing uncertainty in the decision process. We demonstrate the practical utility of our approach through a biomarker study focused on prostate cancer diagnosis.},
}

Humans
*Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnosis/classification
Male
*Cost-Benefit Analysis
Biomarkers, Tumor

@article {pmid41924784,
year = {2026},
author = {Khan, A and Schwartz, JY and Patel, D and Njoku, C and Bosse, K and Heidaran, M and Atkins, JW},
title = {Two decades of advancing safe and effective cell-based therapies: a review of the impact, promise, and current limitations of USA regulation 21 CFR Part 1271.},
journal = {Cytotherapy},
volume = {28},
number = {6},
pages = {102119},
doi = {10.1016/j.jcyt.2026.102119},
pmid = {41924784},
issn = {1477-2566},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AIMS: Over the past 20 years, USA regulation 21 CFR Part 1271 has served as the cornerstone regulation for human cells, tissues, and cellular and tissue-based products (HCT/Ps) in the United States. Designed to ensure public health safety while fostering innovation, the framework has significantly shaped the development and oversight of regenerative medicine.

METHODS: This paper examines the evolution of 21 CFR Part 1271 since its inception, highlighting key amendments, milestones, and regulatory challenges. It explores its impact on the industry, focusing on case studies that underscore its influence on clinical translation and commercialization.

RESULTS: The analysis shows that 21 CFR Part 1271 addresses ongoing controversies, such as compliance and enforcement challenges, and discusses how emerging technologies like exosomes, gene editing, and bioprinting may reshape its future.

CONCLUSION: By reflecting on two decades of regulatory experience, this paper provides insights into the successes and limitations of 21 CFR Part 1271 and proposes pathways for its modernization to address the growing complexity of regenerative medicine.},
}

@article {pmid41925553,
year = {2026},
author = {Urujeni, C and Epplein, M and Li, CI and Pete, D},
title = {Racial and ethnic differences in gastric cancer by stage of diagnosis in the United States (2009-2019).},
journal = {Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-25-1356},
pmid = {41925553},
issn = {1538-7755},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Despite the United States having a low overall gastric cancer (GC) incidence rate, there remain disparities by race/ethnicity. We examined the incidence of GC by stage at diagnosis among Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander (A/PI), American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN), and non-Hispanic Black (NHB) populations, compared to non-Hispanic White (NHW) population, during 2009-2019.

METHODS: Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data, age-adjusted GC incidence rates, rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by stage and race/ethnicity. Stratified analyses were performed by sex, age and anatomical site.

RESULTS: Compared to NHW individuals, incidence rates of regional and distant stage GC diagnosis were nearly two times higher in Hispanic (RRRegional, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.78-1.97; RRDistant, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.84-2.00), A/PI (RRregional, 2.17; 95% CI, 2.04-2.30; RRDistant, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.49-1.68), and NHB (RRregional, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.67-1.88; RRDistant, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.71-1.89) individuals. In stratified analyses, the increased rate of advanced-stage diagnosis for Hispanic, A/PI, and NHB individuals remained generally consistent by sex and age, although young AI/AN individuals also had a significantly higher rate of distant GC (RR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.36-3.83). By site, the increased rates of advanced-stage diagnosis were limited to non-cardia and overlapping/unspecified GC, whereas these populations had lower rates of cardia GC than NHW individuals.

CONCLUSIONS: Hispanic, A/PI, and NHB individuals have disproportionately high advanced-stage non-cardia GC rates compared to NHW individuals.

IMPACT: This study has identified significant disparities in advanced-stage non-cardia GC, suggesting the need to identify strategies to improve early detection in these populations.},
}

@article {pmid41925563,
year = {2026},
author = {Schaefer, DA and Guo, M and Keane, EP and Song, MT and Larizza, IS and Adri, F and Wolfe, ED and Saadeh, N and Boardman, AC and Acharya, NB and Waldman, LP and Monahan, JA and Ramirez-Gamero, AF and Diaz Gonzalez-Colmenero, F and Watson, J and Cronin, AE and Celano, CM and Brown, L and Lee, SJ and Stoto, MA and Gudenkauf, LM and Amonoo, HL},
title = {Supportive Care Interventions in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Blood advances},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1182/bloodadvances.2026019724},
pmid = {41925563},
issn = {2473-9537},
abstract = {There is no comprehensive synthesis of supportive care interventions for patients with hematologic malignancies receiving transplantation and cellular therapies (TCTs). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to characterize randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TCT supportive care interventions and examine effects on patient-reported outcomes (PROs). We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and CENTRAL databases. We used the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 protocol, grouped findings by intervention and PRO types, and synthesized results narratively. We conducted exploratory random-effects meta-analyses to estimate pooled intervention effects on anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QOL). Fifty-three RCTs published from 1992 to 2025 met criteria. All RCTs included hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients; none were tested in patients receiving cellular therapies. Included studies reported a range of sample sizes (11-711), participant demographics (mean age 33-63 years; 22-64% female), and PROs. There were nine intervention categories: cognitive behavioral (n=5), exercise only (n=17), expressive helping (n=2), mind-body/stress management (n=7), multimodal (exercise plus another modality; n=6), music/art (n=12), palliative care (n=2), positive psychology (n=1), and self-management/self-efficacy (n=5). Interventions were mostly feasible and acceptable, with promising improvements in psychological distress, QOL, and physical outcomes. Meta-analysis showed non-significant trends toward exercise interventions improving QOL (SMD=0.09; 95% CI: -0.07 to 0.25) and music/art interventions reducing acute depressive symptoms (SMD=-0.26; 95% CI: -0.52 to 0.00). Among patients undergoing HSCT for hematologic malignancies, supportive care interventions show feasibility, acceptability, and promise for improving PROs. However, larger, rigorously designed trials using standardized PRO measures are needed to establish efficacy.},
}

@article {pmid41918519,
year = {2026},
author = {Mngadi, K and Broder, GB},
title = {Editorial: Community-centric strategies for HIV and STI prevention in key populations.},
journal = {Frontiers in reproductive health},
volume = {8},
number = {},
pages = {1798107},
pmid = {41918519},
issn = {2673-3153},
}

@article {pmid41918932,
year = {2026},
author = {Hecht, JR and Molina, JR and Liechty, K and Welling, TH and Grierson, PM and Patel, SP and Kirtane, K and Morelli, MP and Locke, FL and Maloney, DG and Punekar, SR and Nikiforow, S and Lin, Y and Ulrickson, M and Specht, JM and Lozac'hmeur, A and Osterman, CK and Garde, RJ and Rangel, GA and Ng, EW and Welch, JS and Tebbets, JC and Go, WY and Simeone, DM},
title = {BASECAMP-1 screening study: a model for efficient enrolment in precision oncology clinical trials.},
journal = {BMJ oncology},
volume = {5},
number = {1},
pages = {e001033},
pmid = {41918932},
issn = {2752-7948},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Identifying eligible patients for precision oncology clinical trials is challenging, particularly for rare molecular subpopulations. To address this challenge, A2 Biotherapeutics developed BASECAMP-1 (NCT04981119), a non-interventional master screening study to identify patients eligible for interventional studies of logic-gated Tmod chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies. Eligible patients for these interventional trials have an advanced solid malignancy and are germline human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-A*02 heterozygous, with tumour-associated HLA-A loss of heterozygosity (LOH). HLA-A LOH occurs in ~16% of advanced solid malignancies; therefore, an efficient screening strategy is required. This report describes BASECAMP-1; compares the efficiency of two screening methods; and discusses the broader advantages of BASECAMP-1 beyond efficient enrolment.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Patients are identified for BASECAMP-1 using two approaches. In the traditional approach, common for clinical trials, investigators consent and screen all patients who might be good candidates for cell therapy trials, with no prior knowledge of patient HLA-A type or LOH status. To further optimise our approach, we co-developed with Tempus AI (Tempus) the bioinformatic programme Aware, which identifies potentially eligible patients with tumour-associated HLA-A*02 LOH within a clinico-genomic database that includes linked genomic and transcriptomic sequencing and clinical data collected during routine care.

RESULTS: Over 42 months of using a traditional approach to identify eligible patients, 1918 patients at 13 study sites were consented and screened for BASECAMP-1; of these, 30 patients with tumour-associated HLA-A*02 LOH were enrolled (~0.7 participants per month). Over the last 30 months of that same period, Tempus Aware screening was implemented and 55 patients with tumour-associated HLA-A*02 LOH were enrolled (~1.8 participants per month). The bioinformatic approach identified more patients than the traditional approach and used sequencing results produced as part of the standard clinical tumour sequencing workflow, reducing resource use and study staff burden. Additional advantages of using a screening study, such as BASECAMP-1, include manufacturing efficiencies and collection of a large dataset of molecular and clinical parameters that can be used to supplement trial analyses.

CONCLUSIONS: The BASECAMP-1 study demonstrates a clinico-genomic screening approach can more efficiently identify patients for precision oncology trials. Furthermore, precision oncology can be enhanced through collaborative data-sharing.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04981119.},
}