These generalist platforms often grapple with accuracy issues (i.e., hallucinations), a lack of life sciences-specific datasets, and a fundamental misunderstanding of the complex terminologies and concepts within the field. As a result, there is a pressing need for a more specialized solution - one that understands the nuances of the life sciences space and offers accurate, reliable, and up-to-date information.

Introducing Ferma

Ferma is a conversational AI platform that has been designed specifically for pharma and biotech professionals. Ferma offers superior accuracy when compared to other general-purpose models by leveraging a sophisticated knowledge graph as well as fine-tuning specific for the life sciences sector. By understanding the intricate relationships between elements of life sciences information, Ferma ensures that its responses are not just factual, but contextually relevant.

Ferma's Competitive Edge

To ensure an unbiased and comprehensive evaluation of Ferma's performance against other generative AI platforms, the Ferma team developed a rigorous methodology to compare the outputs across these models. This method involved a set of 250 life sciences-related questions, generated by subject matter experts. Further, these questions spanned a broad array of domains and formats, providing a robust test of each platforms' AI capabilities.

The domains covered in these 250 questions included:

• Pharma Basics, such as label information, corporate information, treatment guidelines, etc.
• News & Current Events, such as earnings calls, development timelines, FDA scheduling, etc.
• Business Intelligence, such as sales numbers, deals/M&A, pricing developments, etc.
• Clinical Trials, including pipeline therapies, status updates, results, study designs, etc.
• Research, including publications, epidemiology data, conference data, etc.

For each life sciences-related question, our experts generated "ground-truth" answers in isolation, which were then broken down into their "required elements." These elements defined the pieces of information necessary to meet the minimum standards for an accurate response. Once these ground-truth answers were, each models’ performance was then graded by the total number of required elements included in their response.

When subjected to this rigorous testing, Ferma significantly outperformed the general purpose platforms. Achieving an impressive accuracy rate of 72%, Ferma was more than three times as accurate as the popular ChatGPT platform, and surpassed other alternatives like Bing and Bard.

Elimination of Hallucinations

One of the most prevalent limitations with general-purpose platforms is the issue of hallucinations. This term refers to instances where the AI generates inaccurate or misleading information, a problem that can lead to harmful, even dangerous, consequences in the life sciences sector.

These hallucinations often arise due to the platforms' inability to differentiate between reliable and unreliable sources during their training, which can lead them to disseminate incorrect or outdated information. Furthermore, these models are trained to generate responses based on patterns in the data they've seen, rather than verifying the correctness of the information. This can sometimes lead to the generation of plausible sounding but incorrect or misleading information.

Ferma tackles this issue head-on with a two-fold approach. Firstly, its training data is carefully curated and continually updated, ensuring that it only learns from verified, reputable life sciences sources (see more on that below). Secondly, every response provided by Ferma comes with hyperlinked sources, offering users instant access to the underlying data. This not only provides assurance of the information's accuracy but also creates a level of transparency in how Ferma’s response is generated.

Industry-Validated Knowledge Graph

The cornerstone of Ferma's high accuracy and reliability is its sophisticated knowledge graph. This is a vast network mapping the complex relationships between a myriad of life sciences concepts. In contrast, general-purpose platforms lack this context-specific understanding, limiting their ability to provide relevant and accurate responses.

Consider, for instance, a question about the mechanism of action for a particular drug. While a generalist AI may only provide a basic definition from a drug database, Ferma leverages its knowledge graph to provide a more comprehensive, contextualized answer. It understands the nuanced relationships of the drug with the biological processes it affects, other drugs in the same class, relevant clinical trials, and recent research. This context allows Ferma to generate a response that is not just accurate, but also incredibly rich and informative.

Verified and Up-to-Date Sources

In the dynamic world of life sciences, having access to the latest findings and research is crucial. However, generalist platforms are severely limited in this regard, as their training dataset may only run up until a certain point in time (e.g., September 2021 for ChatGPT). Consequently, they cannot provide information on developments that occurred after this cut-off date.

In contrast, Ferma integrates seamlessly with a vast array of trusted and up-to-date resources. This includes over 4 million scientific publications, 190,000 clinical trials, 30,000 SEC reports, 10,000 earnings call transcripts, 105,000 press releases, and much more. What's more, these data sources are updated in real-time, ensuring that Ferma users always have access to the most recent and relevant information. This advantage allows Ferma to stay on the cutting edge of life sciences information, while generalist platforms are left lagging behind.

Conclusion

In the rapidly evolving field of life sciences, Ferma provides a much needed specialized solution. With its superior accuracy, sophistical knowledge graph, and integration with verified and up-to-date sources, Ferma is set to revolutionize the way life sciences professionals access and utilize information. By focusing on the specific needs and challenges of the life sciences industry, Ferma promises to drive advancements in research, drug discovery, and medical breakthroughs.

Experience Ferma firsthand and see how it can transform your work.

Ferma.AI

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) 2023, the prestigious conference dedicated to advancing the field of obstetrics and gynecology has taken place from May 19th at Baltimore, MD and has come to the end on May 21st via an in-person model with the mission of  supporting their members to improve the lives of all people seeking obstetric and gynecologic care, their families, and communities.

Ferma.AI has analyzed all 1,000 abstracts presented at the conference, along with social media activity and news reports to determine the most relevant and high-impact sessions for obstetricians and gynecologists. The sessions that garnered the most attention covered a diverse range of content including cutting-edge research, new treatments and therapies and insights into the latest clinical practices.

Interested in learning more about how Ferma.AI can enhance your conference coverage and insights while also reducing costs by 40%? Schedule a brief call with us to see a live demonstration.

High-Impact Sessions

Here are the 10 paramount sessions that left an indelible mark on obstetricians and gynecologists.

Let's delve into the essential insights gained from these sessions:

Trends in Contraception Use and Contraception Method Preference at Last Intercourse in Cisgender Women at High Risk for HIV Acquisition
Session Type: ePoster
Buzz Score: 85%
[Abstract]

This study examines contraception use during the last intercourse in cisgender women at high risk for HIV acquisition. There was no significant difference in contraception use at last intercourse between women at high and low risk (P=.262, OR 1.11 [0.93–1.32]). Among non-users, those at risk for HIV acquisition cited indifference towards pregnancy (P=.029, OR 1.79 [1.06–3.01]) and method lapse (P=.001, OR 4.55 [1.80–11.5]) as reasons. High-risk individuals were more likely to have used an intrauterine device (P<.001, OR 1.70 [1.28–2.24]) and less likely to have used hormonal shots (P=.015, OR 0.47 [0.26–0.86]).

Association of the Cervicovaginal Microbiome with Contraceptive Methods in Hispanic Women Living in Puerto Rico
Session Type: ePoster
Buzz Score: 85%
[Abstract]

This study assessed the impact of different contraceptive methods on the cervical microbiome of Hispanic females in Puerto Rico. An analysis of 85 women aged 21-45, categorized based on their contraceptive method, revealed that male condoms and sterilization correlated with higher microbiome richness, while IUDs and female sterilization were associated with greater microbiome diversity. Birth control pills and male condoms had minimal effects on the microbiota, showing a predominance of Lactobacillus. Injectable progesterone and IUD use were linked to increased levels of Gardnerella, and the IUD group exhibited notable presence of Clostridium compared to other groups. Female sterilization correlated with abundant Atopobium and Streptococcus, while the injectable progesterone group showed elevated levels of Megasphaera.

The association between BMI and adherence following the insertion of Etonogestrel releasing implant
Session Type: ePoster
Buzz Score: 85%
[Abstract]

This study aimed to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and side effects/adherence to etonogestrel-releasing implant treatment. The study included 1,318 women, with 35% requesting early removal of the implant. Irregular bleeding was the primary reason for early removal. The early removal group had a lower rate of obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2), while side effects were more prevalent in non-obese women. Regression analysis indicated that side effects were the only significant predictor of early implant removal. BMI did not significantly impact treatment adherence.

Resident Perception of Obstetrics and Gynecology Pelvic Anatomy Curriculum: A National Survey
Session Type: ePoster
Buzz Score: 80%
[Abstract]

This study aimed to assess the perspective of ob-gyn residents on their residency's pelvic anatomy curriculum through a national survey. Out of 582 possible residents from 28 responding programs, 180 (31.0%) residents participated. The majority were aged 25-34 (95.5%), identified as female (86.1%), and belonged to academic programs (69.4%). Only 58.1% received formal education on pelvic anatomy, while 77.5% had formal surgical simulation. Though 88.8% had protected lecture time, only 62.9% found the lectures educational. Residents who had formal education and surgical simulation felt better trained in obstetrics and gynecology (P<.05). A hands-on anatomy program should be considered to improve training in pelvic anatomy for ob-gyn residents.

Impact of SARS-CoV2 Infection on Hypertensive Disease of Pregnancy
Session Type: ePoster
Buzz Score: 80%
[Abstract]

This study aimed to examine the impact of gestational SARS-CoV-2 infection on the risk of developing pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). The study included 307 participants from the Generation C prospective cohort study in New York City. Among the participants, 27% (n=84) had SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy, but none experienced moderate symptoms or required hospitalization. Of those exposed to SARS-CoV-2, 12% (n=10) developed any hypertensive disease of pregnancy. However, in adjusted models, there was no significant association between gestational SARS-CoV-2 infection and PIH (OR 0.53, 95% CI [0.22, 1.16], P=.13). This diverse prospective study challenges recent findings suggesting an increased risk of PIH in pregnancies with antenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in cases of asymptomatic or mild infection.

Can we predict isolated fasting hyperglycemia in patients with GDM?
Session Type: ePoster
Buzz Score: 80%
[Abstract]

The study aimed to identify risk factors for predicting fasting hyperglycemia in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Among 405 GDM patients, 57% had GDMA1 and 28% had GDMHS. Higher HbA1c at GDM diagnosis (OR 3.55), older age (OR 1.08), and higher fasting glucose tolerance test (GTT) value (OR 1.06) were significantly associated with increased probability of persistent fasting hyperglycemia. Asian race was associated with decreased probability, confounded by lower fasting GTT and BMI.

Investigating the Relationship Between Maternal Obesity and Disorders of Amniotic Fluid
Session Type: ePoster
Buzz Score: 80%
[Abstract]

This retrospective cohort study of 966 women aimed to determine the association between late-pregnancy obesity and amniotic fluid disorders. There was no significant association between oligohydramnios and increasing BMI, including overweight and different obesity classes. The same was true for polyhydramnios. Elevated maternal BMI did not show a significant association with amniotic fluid disorders, regardless of obesity severity.

The Impact of Advanced Maternal Age On Adverse Outcomes Among Forceps Assisted Vaginal Deliveries
Session Type: ePoster
Buzz Score: 80%
[Abstract]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between advanced maternal age (AMA) and obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) rates in forceps-assisted vaginal deliveries (FAVDs). The study included 983 records, with 704 non-AMA and 279 AMA patients. AMA patients did not show increased odds of OASIS compared to non-AMA patients (OR 1.21 [0.78, 1.89]). There were no significant differences in quantitative blood loss, NICU admission, or adverse neonatal outcomes between the two groups. AMA does not appear to be a risk factor for OASIS or adverse outcomes in FAVDs.

Prior history of cholestasis is not associated with worsening outcomes in subsequent pregnancy with cholestasis
Session Type: ePoster
Buzz Score: 80%
[Abstract]

This study aimed to determine whether a prior pregnancy complicated by intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (IHCP) is associated with more severe adverse outcomes in a subsequent pregnancy with IHCP. Among 795 multiparous pregnancies with IHCP, 23.3% had a prior history of IHCP. Pregnancies with a prior history of IHCP had higher rates of prior preterm birth, earlier gestational age at diagnosis and delivery, and greater use of ursodeoxycholic acid therapy. However, after adjusting for confounders, the association with iatrogenic preterm birth and NICU admission was not statistically significant. There was no significant association between prior IHCP history and other adverse obstetric outcomes.

Daily vs Twice Daily Dosing of Nifedipine for Blood Pressure Control in Pregnancy and Postpartum
Session Type: ePoster
Buzz Score: 80%
[Abstract]

This study compared the effectiveness of 60 mg QD versus 30 mg BID of extended-release nifedipine for blood pressure control in 237 patients. There was no significant difference in the need for increased dosage or additional antihypertensive medications between the groups. Emergency hypertensive treatment and readmission for blood pressure control did not differ between the two dosing regimens. These results suggest that daily dosing is reasonable and convenient for patients.

Wrap-up

Ferma.AI tracks abstract and data releases for all major healthcare conferences, alongside social media and healthcare news reactions. Interested in learning more about how Ferma.AI can enhance your conference coverage and insights while also reducing costs by 40%? Schedule a brief call with us to see a live demonstration.

The European Hematology Association (EHA) is a leading organization committed to advancing patient care, research, and education in hematology. As the largest European-based organization connecting hematologists globally, it supports career development, promotes research, harmonizes hematology education, and advocates for hematologists and hematology. With its mission to promote excellence in patient care, research and education in hematology, the EHA annual meeting is back this year from June 8-15, 2023, in Frankfurt, Germany.

Ferma.AI has analyzed all 3,141 abstracts for the upcoming EHA conference, which were released on May 11, 2023 and has identified the sessions that are anticipated to generate the most significant interest among attendees.

Want to improve your conference coverage with Ferma.AI? Schedule a demo to learn how to enhance insights and velocity while reducing costs by 40%.

Highly Anticipated Sessions, by Indications

Myeloid Leukemia

• ASCEMBL, Novartis (Abstract)
• QuANTUM-First, Daiichi Sankyo (Abstract)
• SIERRA, Actinium Pharmaceuticals & Loxo Oncology (Abstract)
• QUIWI, Daiichi Sankyo &  Dynamic Science (Abstract)

Lymphoma

• MIRAGE, Kyowa Kirin (Abstract)
• LOTIS-2, ADC Therapeutics (Abstract)
• EPCORE NHL-2, AbbVie & Genmab (Abstract)
• POLAR BEAR, Roche (Abstract)

Multiple Myeloma

• KarMMa-3,Bristol Myers Squibb &  Celgene (Abstract)
• DREAMM-5, GlaxoSmithKline & SpringWorks Therapeutics (Abstract)
• MajesTEC-2, Janssen (Abstract)

Highly Anticipated Sessions in Myeloid Leukemia

Rapid And Deep Responses With Asciminib In Patients (Pts) With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia In Chronic Phase (Cml-Cp) After >=2 Prior Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (Tkis) In The Phase 3 Ascembl Study
Ascembl | NCT03106779 | Chronic Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia | Novartis | Abstract

The ASCEMBL study compared the efficacy and safety of asciminib (ASC) and bosutinib (BOS) in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (CML-CP) who had previously failed ≥2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Overall MMR rates at week 96 were higher with ASC than BOS regardless of the last prior TKI received (imatinib,55.6% vs 14.3%; nilotinib, 40.9% vs 35.7%; dasatinib, 37.1% vs 10.5%; radotinib, 50.0% vs 0%; ponatinib, 20.0% vs11.8%) and reason for its discontinuation. Overall, ASC showed higher MMR rates than BOS regardless of prior TKIs or reasons for discontinuation. These findings support ASC as a new standard of care for CML-CP patients who have failed ≥2 prior TKIs.

Impact Of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation In First Complete Remission Plus Flt3 Inhibition With Quizartinib In Acute Myeloid Leukemia With Flt3-Itd: Results From Quantum-First
Quantum-First | NCT02668653 | Acute Myeloid Leukemia | Daiichi Sankyo | Abstract

The QuANTUM-First study evaluated the efficacy of quizartinib (Quiz), a selective FLT3 inhibitor, in combination with standard chemotherapy in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with FLT3-ITD mutations.  A multivariable extended Cox regression was conducted in all randomized patients, stratified by region, age, and WBC, including allo-HCT in CR1 as time dependent and adjusted for FLT3-ITD variant allele frequency and sex. This analysis revealed Quiz treatment (hazard ratio [HR], 0.770) and allo-HCT in CR1 (HR, 0.424) as favorable factors to OS. The impact of allo-HCT in CR1 was found to be a favorable factor for OS. Quiz demonstrated superior OS regardless of pre-allo-HCT minimal residual disease (MRD) status.

Sierra Trial Results With A Targeted Radiotherapy, Iomab-B, A Myeloablative Conditioning With Reduced Intensity Tolerability Yields High Cr, Long Term Survival In Hsct Ineligible Active R/R Aml
Sierra | NCT02665065 | Relapsed/Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia | Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Loxo Oncology | Abstract

The SIERRA phase 3 study compared the efficacy of Iomab-B-based conditioning with physician's choice of conventional care (CC) in older, relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia patients ineligible for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Median OS in the CO vs non-CO cohorts on the CC arm was 7.1 vs 3.2 months (HR=0.51). OS in patients receiving Iomab-B and HSCT achieving dCR (n=13) was 92% and 60% at 1 and 2 yrs respectively.  Event-free survival (EFS) at 6 mos on Iomab-B vs CC was 26% vs 0.2%. Iomab-B-based conditioning followed by HSCT demonstrated favorable safety and tolerability. These results suggest that Iomab-B could be a promising option for older AML patients who are not candidates for HSCT.

Preliminary Results Of Quiwi: A Double Blinded, Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Standard Chemotherapy Plus Quizartinib Versus Placebo In Adult Patients With Newly Diagnosed Flt3-Itd Wild-Type Aml
Quiwi | NCT04107727 | Adult Newly Diagnosed Flt3-Itd Wild-Type Acute Myeloid Leukemia | Daiichi Sankyo, Dynamic Science | Abstract

The QUIWI trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of quizartinib (Quiz), in newly diagnosed FLT3-ITD wild-type acute myeloid leukemia patients. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II trial, Quiz was added to the standard 3+7 chemotherapy regimen. Median EFS was 16.6 months with Quiz vs 10.6 months with PBO (HR, 0.729).  Regarding OS, 50 out of 180 patients died in the Quiz arm, and 45 out of 93 in the PBO. Median OS was not reached with Quiz vs 15 months with PBO (HR, 0.558),and the 2-years OS was 63.5% with Quiz vs 47% with PBO. The EFS was also higher in the Quiz arm, although not statistically significant. These findings suggest that Quiz may prolong OS in FLT3-ITD wild-type AML patients, warranting further investigation.

Highly Anticipated Sessions in Lymphoma

Efficacy And Safety Of Zandelisib Administered By Intermittent Dosing In Japanese Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Indolent B-Cell Non-Hodgkin'S Lymphoma: Primary Analysis Of The Phase 2 Study Mirage
Mirage | NCT04533581 | Relapsed/Refractory Indolent B-Cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma | Kyowa Kirin | Abstract

The MIRAGE trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of zandelisib, an oral selective PI3Kδ inhibitor, in Japanese patients with relapsed/refractory indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-NHL). The study included 61 patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) or marginal zone lymphoma (MZL). Zandelisib demonstrated a high objective response rate (ORR) of 75.4%, with 24.6% achieving complete response (CR). The treatment was well-tolerated, with a low discontinuation rate due to adverse events. These findings suggest that zandelisib may be a promising therapeutic option for Japanese patients with relapsed/refractory indolent B-NHL.

Long-Term Responses With Loncastuximab Tesirine: Updated Results From Lotis-2, The Pivotal Phase 2 Study In Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Lotis-2 | NCT03589469 | Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma | ADC Therapeutics | Abstract

Loncastuximab tesirine (Lonca), showed promising antitumor activity in heavily pretreated patients in the LOTIS-2 phase 2 study. Among all patients, the mDOR was 13.4 months (95% CI: 6.9, -), mPFS 4.9 months (2.9, 8.3), and mOS 9.5 months (6.7, 11.5). Among patients with CR, the mDOR, mPFS, and mOS were NR. Safety profile was manageable, and a subset of patients achieved event-free CR for ≥ 2 years. Further investigation is warranted to identify factors predicting long-term response to Lonca.

High Complete Metabolic Response Rates With Epcoritamab + R-Chop In Previously Untreated (1L) Patients With High-Risk Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, Including Double/Triple-Hit: Epcore Nhl-2 Update
EPCORE NHL-2 | NCT04663347 | Previously Untreated First-Line High Risk Double/Triple-Hit Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma | AbbVie, Genmab | Abstract

Preliminary results from the phase 1/2 EPCORE NHL-2 trial evaluating epcoritamab plus R-CHOP in 1L DLBCL showed high complete metabolic response (CMR) rates and durable responses, including in double-hit/triple-hit DLBCL patients. The response rates were similar for patients with double-hit/triple-hit DLBCL (overall response rate was 100%; CMR rate was 82%). Responses were durable; at 9 months , an estimated 96%of patients with CMR remained in CMR. Subcutaneous epcoritamab plus R-CHOP exhibited promising outcomes and supports the ongoing phase 3 study in 1L DLBCL.

Initial Safety Data From The Phase 3 Polar Bear Trial In Elderly Or Frail Patients With Diffuse Large Cell Lymphoma, Comparing R-Pola-Mini-Chp And R-Mini-Chop
POLAR BEAR | NCT04332822 | Elderly Diffuse Large Cell Lymphoma | Roche | Abstract

POLAR BEAR trial evaluated pola-R-miniCHP compared to standard R-mini-CHOP in elderly/frail DLBCL patients. Safety data from 127 patients showed both regimens were tolerable. Polatuzumab vedotin substitution did not increase hematological toxicity or infection risk but led to more gastrointestinal adverse events. Vigilance in monitoring side effects is crucial when using this regimen in the elderly population.

Highly Anticipated Sessions in Multiple Myeloma

Idecabtagene Vicleucel (Ide-Cel) Vs Standard Regimens In Patients With Triple-Class-Exposed (Tce) Relapsed And Refractory Multiple Myeloma (Rrmm): A Karmma-3 Analysis In High-Risk Subgroups
KarMMa-3 | NCT03651128 | Relapsed/Refractory High-risk Multiple Myeloma | Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene | Abstract

The KarMMa-3 study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of ide-cel in high-risk patients. With a median follow-up of 18.6 months (range: 0.4–35.4), patients treated with ide-cel demonstrated longer median progression-free survival (mPFS) compared to standard regimens across all high-risk subgroups, including cytogenetic abnormalities (mPFS: 11.9 vs. 4.2 months), R-ISS stage 3 disease (mPFS: 5.2 vs. 3.0 months), high tumor burden (mPFS: 11.0 vs. 4.9 months), EMP (mPFS: 7.2 vs. 2.0 months), and TCR disease (mPFS: 11.2 vs. 3.5 months). Additionally, complete response rates (CRRs) were improved with ide-cel compared to standard regimens in all high-risk subgroups:  cytogenetic abnormalities (31.8 vs 4.9%), R-ISS stage 3 (16.1 vs 7.1%), high tumor burden (31.0 vs8.8%), EMP (23.0 vs 3.1%), and TCR disease (33.5 vs 1.1%). These findings support the utilization of ide-cel in patients with heavily treated, high-risk multiple myeloma.

Low-Dose Belantamab Mafodotin (Belamaf) In Combination With Nirogacestat Vs Belamaf Monotherapy In Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma (Rrmm): Phase 1/2 Dreamm-5 Platform Sub-Study 3
DREAMM 5 | NCT04126200 | Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma | GlaxoSmithKline, SpringWorks Therapeutics | Abstract

DREAMM-5 is a Phase 1/2 study investigating Belantamab mafodotin (belamaf) combinations. This sub-study compared low-dose belamaf + nirogacestat to belamaf alone in triple-class refractory RRMM patients. For the combination and monotherapy arms, respectively, ORR was 29% and 38%. Incidence of Grade ≥3 adverse events was 76% and 65%. The combination demonstrated an encouraging ORR with reduced high-grade ocular events, suggesting increased BCMA target density. Safety and efficacy data were consistent with previous studies.

Teclistamab (Tec) + Nirogacestat (Niro) In Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma (Rrmm): The Phase 1B Majestec-2 Study
MajesTEC-2 | NCT04722146 | Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Janssen | Abstract

The MajesTEC-2 trial investigated the combination of the BCMA-directed bispecific antibody teclistamab with the gamma-secretase inhibitor nirogacestat in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Three dose levels were evaluated, and the combination demonstrated response rates ranging from 57% to 92%. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events included neutropenia, cytokine release syndrome, and diarrhea. The combination shows promise in enhancing BCMA-directed therapies with a gamma-secretase inhibitor.

Looking Forward

Ferma.AI  will be closely monitoring the conference data releases, as well as reactions across social media and healthcare news. To learn more about how Ferma.AI can enhance your conference coverage and insights at 40% lower cost, book a 30-minute meet here.

Digestive Disease Week (DDW) is the world's largest gathering of physicians and researchers in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy, and GI surgery. DDW  provides an invaluable forum for advancing knowledge and understanding of digestive diseases, making it an essential event for anyone working in this field. The DDW 2023 conference was held from May 6 to 9, in Chicago, IL in a hybrid in-person/virtual model.

Ferma.AI has analyzed all 6,521 abstracts submitted for the DDW 2023 conference, along with social media activity and news reports, to determine the most relevant and high-impact sessions for neurologists. The top sessions that garnered the most attention covered a diverse range of content including cutting-edge research, new treatments and therapies, and insights into the latest clinical practices. Ferma.AI assigned a normalized "buzz score" to each session, identifying the most talked-about sessions among attendees.

Interested in learning more about how Ferma.AI can enhance your conference coverage and insights while also reducing costs by 40%? Schedule a brief call with us to see a live demonstration.

Most Buzzed Sessions

Here are the top 10 sessions which have created the most buzz during the DDW Conference.

Let’s dive into the key takeaways for these top-buzzed sessions:

Microbial Changes From Bariatric Surgery Alters Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide And Prevents Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease And Use Of Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide Receptor Antagonism In Vivo Reduces Weight Gain

Session Title: AASLD Liver Plenary Session: Novel Insights and Advances in Liver Disease
Session Type: Plenary Session
Buzz Score: 100%
Abstract

Bariatric surgery reduces nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) but its risks limit its adoption. This study shows microbiome changes induced by sleeve gastrectomy reduce glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) signaling, confer resistance to NAFLD, and decrease weight gain. Fecal microbial transplant from post-surgery patients to mice improved their resistance to diet-induced obesity (DIO) and NAFLD. Mice with post-surgery microbiomes had reduced GIP levels related to higher levels of Akkermansia and differing levels of indolepropionate. GIP receptor antagonist reduced weight gain in mice with DIO, suggesting GIPR antagonism and microbiome-based targets as therapeutic targets for NAFLD.

Habitual Meat Intake Is Associated With Increased Risk Of Disease Flare In Ulcerative Colitis: Initial Results From The Predicct Study

Session Title: AGA IBD: Biosimilar Switching, Next-Gen Therapies and Late Breakers
Session Type: Research Forum
Buzz Score: 98%
Abstract

The PREdiCCt study examined the association between habitual diet and disease flare in 1017 patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The hard flare rate was 5.6% per year, with no difference by subtype. Baseline total protein intake was 91.9 g/day of which 35.8 g/day was from meat sources. Habitual meat intake was associated with hard flare in UC but not CD. The hazard ratio between highest and lowest quartiles of meat intake in UC was 2.08. These are the first prospective data of habitual diet and IBD flare in a Western population, suggesting that dietary modification may reduce flare risk.

Durability Of The Clinical Response To Ser-109, An Investigational Oral Microbiome Therapeutic, In A Phase 3 Open-Label Trial (Ecospor Iv) In Patients With Recurrent Clostridioides Difficile Infection

Session Title: AGA Novel Microbiome-Based Therapeutic Approaches for C. difficile Infection
Session Type: Research Forum
Buzz Score: 97%
Abstract

Recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI) is a debilitating disease with a high risk of recurrence. The investigational oral microbiome therapeutic SER-109 was found to be superior to placebo in reducing the risk of rCDI in a Phase 3 randomized controlled trial (ECOSPOR III). In a Phase 3 open-label trial (ECOSPOR IV), 91.3% of subjects had a clinical response at 8 weeks, and 94.6% maintained a durable response through Week 24, regardless of the number of prior CDI recurrences. Treatment-emergent adverse events were mild to moderate, and none were treatment-related.

Analysis Of Patient-Reported Treatment Satisfaction And Abdominal Score In Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Constipation (Ibs-C) Treated With Tenapanor

Session Title: AGA Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Clinical
Session Type: Poster Session
Buzz Score: 97%
Abstract

A post-hoc analysis was conducted on data from the T3MPO-2 trial to assess the relationship between improvement in abdominal symptoms and patient-reported satisfaction with tenapanor treatment for IBS-C. The optimal reduction in the average abdominal symptom score from baseline at week 26 for IBS-C symptom relief ranged from 1.84 to 3.05 points, depending on the anchor used. The optimal percent reduction from baseline was 69% when patients reported complete relief. These results may help define clinical expectations for patients with IBS-C in real-world practice.

The Utility Of Symptom Association Probability (Sap) In Predicting Outcome After Laparoscopic Fundoplication In Patients With Abnormal Esophageal Acid Exposure

Session Title: SSAT Plenary Session: Best of Upper GI Diseases
Session Type: Plenary Session
Buzz Score: 96%
Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of symptom association probability (SAP) as an adjunct to DeMeester score for predicting outcomes after antireflux surgery (ARS) for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A total of 360 patients were included in the study, and 73.3% of them had a positive SAP. However, SAP did not add any value to DeMeester score for predicting favorable outcomes after ARS. 88.2% of patients achieved a favorable outcome, and 88.9% had freedom from proton pump inhibitors (PPI) at a median follow-up of 24.1 months.

Loss Of Bifidobacterium In Adults With A History Of Invasive Cancer

Session Title: AGA Microbial Dysbiosis: Causes and Consequences
Session Type: Poster Session
Buzz Score: 94%
Abstract

This study aimed to compare gut microbiomes in adults with and without a history of cancer, as chronic inflammation contributes to cancer pathogenesis and gut dysbiosis is associated with an increased inflammatory state. Metagenomic sequencing was performed on fecal samples of controls, individuals with invasive and non-invasive cancer. Median and interquartile range of Bifidobacterium relative abundance for each study group were: 4.175, 1.723-10.27 (controls); 0.000, 0.0006-0.4421 (aggressive cancer); and 2.338, 1.206-5.268 (non-aggressive cancer). Results showed a significant reduction in Bifidobacterium levels in individuals with invasive cancer compared to controls and those with non-invasive cancer, suggesting a potential association between Bifidobacterium loss and invasive cancer pathogenesis.

Efficacy Of Etrasimod At Week 52 Among Subjects Who Reached Clinical Response At Week 12:Post Hoc Analysis Of The Phase 3 Elevate Uc 52 Trial

Session Title: AGA IBD: Controlled Clinical Trials in Humans
Session Type: Poster Session
Buzz Score: 93%
Abstract

A post-hoc analysis of the ELEVATE UC 52 trial evaluated efficacy at week 52 among subjects who did or did not achieve clinical response at week 12. Of the etrasimod-treated subjects who achieved clinical response at week 12, 49.1% were in clinical remission at week 52, compared to 17.4% in the placebo group. No significant differences were observed in efficacy endpoints at week 52 among subjects who did not achieve clinical response at week 12.

Vedolizumab Prevents Postoperative Reucurrence In Crohn'S Disease:Results Of The Reprevio Trial

Session Title: AGA Clinical Plenary
Session Type: Plenary Session
Buzz Score: 93%
Abstract

The REPREVIO trial investigated the efficacy of vedolizumab (VDZ), an anti-integrin antibody, in preventing CD recurrence. 80 patients were randomized to vedolizumab or placebo, and after 26 weeks, patients underwent ileocolonoscopy. Patients in the treatment group had a 77.8% chance of having a better Rutgeerts’ score than control patients (p <0.0001).77% of patients who received VDZ had i0-2A versus 38% for PLC, yielding an absolute difference of 39% in favor of VDZ. Clinical recurrence (CDAI increase >70 pts between baseline and week 24) occurred in 9 pts on VDZ and 8 pts on PLC. No new safety signals were observed.

Ileocecal Resection For Recently Diagnosed Ileocecal Crohn'S Disease Is Associated With Improved Long-Term Outcomes Compared To Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Therapy:A Population-Based Study

Session Title: AGA Comparing IBD Therapies: Insights and Controversies
Session Type: Research Forum
Buzz Score: 92%
Abstract

This Danish cohort study compared long-term outcomes of ileocecal Crohn's disease treated with ileocecal resection (ICR) or anti-TNF therapy as the index treatment. Of the 16,443 individuals diagnosed, 581 underwent ICR and 698 received anti-TNF therapy. The composite outcome occurred less frequently in the ICR group (110.3/100,000 person-years) compared to the anti-TNF group (201.9/100,000 person-years) with a 33% lower risk after adjusting for potential confounders (aHR 0.67; 95% CI 0.54, 0.83). At 5 years after ICR, 47.5% were initiated on immunomodulators, 17.1% on anti-TNF therapy, and 50.3% received no treatment.

Endoscopic Ultrasound (Eus)-Guided Gastrogastrostomy And Transoral Outlet Occlusion (Toro) For Endoscopic Reversion Of A Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass (Rygb) For Malnutrition And Failure To Thrive

Session Title: ASGE Video Plenary-Session III
Session Type: Plenary Session
Buzz Score: 92%
Abstract

Malnutrition is a common complication of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Surgical reversion can be associated with increased morbidity and mortality. A 59-year-old female with a history of RYGB and protein-calorie malnutrition was admitted with septic shock. Endoscopic reversion of RYGB using an EUS-guided gastrogastrostomy and TORO technique was performed. At a 2-week follow-up, the patient had an excellent appetite and weight regain of 3.5 kgs. Larger studies are necessary to examine long-term efficacy and safety in this population.

Wrap-up

Ferma.AI tracks abstract and data releases for all major healthcare conferences, alongside social media and healthcare news reactions. Interested in learning more about how Ferma.AI can enhance your conference coverage and insights while also reducing costs by 40%? Schedule a brief call with us to see a live demonstration.

The 2023 American Urological Association (AUA) Annual Meeting has come to a close. With over 23,000 members worldwide, the AUA is a leading organization dedicated to advancing the field of urology. The annual conference, which was held via a hybrid in-person/virtual model in Chicago, IL, from April 27 to May 1, 2023 provided attendees with a wealth of knowledge, insights, and opportunities to network with other professionals in the field.

Ferma.AI has analyzed all 3,466 abstracts presented at the conference, along with social media activity and news reports to determine the most relevant and high-impact sessions for urologists. The sessions that garnered the most attention covered a diverse range of content including cutting-edge research, new treatments and therapies and insights into the latest clinical practices.

Interested in learning more about how Ferma.AI can enhance your conference coverage and insights while also reducing costs by 40%? Schedule a brief call with us to see a live demonstration.

Most Impactful Sessions

Let’s dive into the key takeaways for these high-impact sessions:

Avelumab First-Line (1L) Maintenance For Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma (Uc): Long-Term Outcomes From Javelin Bladder 100 In Subgroups Defined By Response To 1L Chemotherapy
Session Title: Bladder Cancer: Invasive I
Session Type: Podium Session
[Abstract]

The JAVELIN Bladder 100 trial evaluated avelumab 1L maintenance plus best supportive care (BSC) versus BSC alone in patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC) who had not progressed after first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. In CR, median overall survival (OS) was 39.8 months for avelumab+BSC and 26.8 months for BSC alone with a hazard ratio of 0.72. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 9.5 months for avelumab+BSC and 5.1 months for BSC alone with a hazard ratio of 0.58. The trial showed prolonged OS and PFS with avelumab+BSC versus BSC alone across all subgroups defined by response to first-line chemotherapy. Long-term safety was consistent across subgroups.

Core1:Phase 2 Single Arm Study Of Cg0070 Combined With Pembrolizumab In Patients With Non Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Unresponsive To Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (Bcg)
Session Title: Bladder Cancer: Non-Invasive Ii
Session Type: Podium Session
[Abstract]

This phase 2 study evaluates the potential synergy of intravesical CG0070 and pembrolizumab in treating BCG-unresponsive NMIBC. Enrollment has been completed, and a CR rate of 92% at 3 months has been observed. All patients in CR at 3 months remained in CR at downstream timepoints. The study's primary endpoint is CR at 12 months. Treatment-related adverse events are consistent with those observed in studies of each agent alone.

The Effect Of Limited English Proficiency On Psa Screening Rates In American Men
Session Title: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Health Equity & Outcomes I
Session Type: Moderated Poster Session
[Abstract]

The impact of limited English proficiency on rates of PSA screening and disparities in prostate cancer outcomes among racial and ethnic groups is unknown. This study analyzed the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to identify rates of PSA screening among men without prostate cancer ≥55, stratifying them by self-reported levels of English proficiency. The study found that limited English proficiency was associated with significantly lower rates of PSA screening, with 58.4% of men who do not speak English at all reporting receiving at least one lifetime PSA test compared to 79.6% of men who speak English very well.

Global Variation In Early Recurrence After Transurethral Resection Of Bladder Tumor In The Resect Study (Nct05154084): There Is Significant Inter-Site Variation That Is Independent Of Differences In Tumour Factors
Session Title: Bladder Cancer: Non-invasive I
Session Type: Moderated Poster Session
[Abstract]

The RESECT study aimed to determine whether there is significant variation in early recurrence after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) surgery between sites. After exclusions, 186 sites, contributing a total 4597 cases were included. Median recurrence rate per site was 12% for low grade and 27% for high grade tumours. There was significant residual variation attributable to site (p<0.0001), indicating a need for further investigation to understand the influence of surgical technique or perioperative practice.

Ongoing Improvement In Access And Quality Of Care For Kidney Stone Patients In An Underserved Community: A Three Year Program Update
Session Title: Stone Disease: Medical & Dietary Therapy
Session Type: Moderated Poster Session
[Abstract]

A comprehensive kidney stone program was established at a single institution to improve healthcare access, quality and outcomes for Medicaid-designated patients. The program involved urology, nephrology, and dietary specialists and was piloted over three years. 183 patients were evaluated, with 47% and 42% of patients receiving specialty referrals to nephrology or a dietician, respectively. Reported patient compliance and referrals to multidisciplinary specialists increased from 72.9% to 81.3% and 21.2% to 56.2%, respectively, while no-show rates at first follow-up decreased from 20.0% to 6.3%.

Association Of Age With Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer:A Biological Basis For Epidemiological Disparities?
Session Title: Bladder Cancer: Epidemiology & Evaluation Ii
Session Type: Podium Session
[Abstract]

The study investigated age disparities in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer using data from two cohorts. Analysis of the SEER-Medicare cohort (n=32,225) showed that patients aged ≥81 yrs  with hazard ratio 1.32 had higher rates of progression and bladder-cancer specific mortality compared to younger patients. UROMOL dataset analysis (n=834) revealed age-related molecular biological differences across transcriptomic and genomic domains. Patients >75 yrs had higher rates of TP53 pathway change and genomic class 3 compared to younger patients. No significant differences were observed in immune cell infiltration scores between age groups.

Prostate-Specific Antigen Analyses In Propel: Abiraterone And Olaparib Versus Abiraterone And Placebo As First-Line Therapy For Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Session Title: Prostate Cancer: Advanced (including Drug Therapy) I
Session Type: Moderated Poster Session
[Abstract]

The PROpel study investigated the efficacy of abiraterone (abi) and olaparib (ola) versus abi and placebo (pbo) in the first-line treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Confirmed PSA response rate was 79.3% with abi and ola vs 69.2% with abi and pbo in the overall population, and ≥7% higher with abi and ola vs abi and pbo in each subgroup. Post-hoc exploratory analyses revealed that abi and ola resulted in higher PSA response rates and prolonged time to PSA progression in all patients, with greater improvements observed in those with HRRm and/or BRCA mutations. Time to PSA progression was also prolonged with abi and ola in all patient subgroups.

Multi-Disciplinary Development And Implementation Of A Trial Of Void Algorithm To Reduce Indwelling Urethral Catheter Use
Session Title: Late-Breaking Abstracts I - Benign
Session Type: Moderated Poster Session
[Abstract]

To reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) in post-operative patients, a standardized algorithm for removing indwelling Foley catheters was developed and implemented in a surgical Step-Down Unit. The primary outcome was mean cumulative catheter days, which decreased significantly from 14.8 to 9.9 days after algorithm implementation (p<0.01). The mean daily number of patients with catheters also decreased (3.7 vs. 3.1, p=0.02), with no change in patient volume. There was one CAUTI potentially associated with algorithm non-adherence.

Mental Health Illness In Patients With Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer. Does Bcg Play A Role?
Session Title: Health Services Research: Practice Patterns, Quality Of Life And Shared Decision Making Iii
Session Type: Moderated Poster Session
[Abstract]

The study aimed to evaluate the incidence of mental health illness (MHI) in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer patients and the impact of intravesical BCG on the development of non-neurodegenerative MHI. Of 30,991 identified patients, 27% received BCG, and 43.7% developed MHI after diagnosis, with higher rates in elderly and female patients. Patients receiving at least an induction course of BCG had a lower rate of MHI development than those who did not receive BCG. Those with pre-existing MHI were less likely to receive BCG.

Bladder Sparing Treatment In Patients With Bcg Unresponsive Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer:An Analysis Of Long-Term Survival Outcomes
Session Title: Bladder Cancer: Non-Invasive Ii
Session Type: Podium Session
[Abstract]

This study aimed to compare long-term survival outcomes of bladder sparing treatment (BST) versus early radical cystectomy (RC) in patients with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Of 118 patients, 80 underwent BST and 38 underwent early RC. Outcomes for overall survival and cancer-specific survival (CSS) between the two groups were inconclusive. At 60 months, BST treated patients had high-grade recurrence-free survival rates of 37%, progression-free survival rates of 84%, and avoidance of RC rates of 81%. Delayed RC had similar outcomes to early RC.

Wrap-up

Ferma.AI tracks abstract and data releases for all major healthcare conferences, alongside social media and healthcare news reactions. Interested in learning more about how Ferma.AI can enhance your conference coverage and insights while also reducing costs by 40%?

Schedule a brief call with us to see a live demonstration.

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) recently held its 75th annual meeting, a platform that aims to advance high-quality, patient-centered neurologic care and elevate the career satisfaction of its members. The conference, which was held from April 22-27, 2023, took place both in-person in Boston and virtually. The meeting provided an opportunity for neurology professionals to come together and share the latest advancements, research, and insights in the field of neurology.

Ferma.AI has analyzed all 4,250 abstracts submitted for the AAN 2023 conference, along with social media activity and news reports, to determine the most relevant and high-impact sessions for neurologists. The top sessions that garnered the most attention covered a diverse range of content including cutting-edge research, new treatments and therapies, and insights into the latest clinical practices. Ferma.AI assigned a normalized "buzz score" to each session, identifying the most talked-about sessions among attendees.

Interested in learning more about how Ferma.AI can enhance your conference coverage and insights while also reducing costs by 40%? Schedule a brief call with us to see a live demonstration.

Top Buzzed Sessions

Key Themes in AAN 2023

We have segregated the most buzzed sessions into two distinct groups:

• Clinical Trials Plenary Session Updates
• Highlights From Contemporary Clinical Issues Plenary Sessions
  

Clinical Trials Plenary Session Updates

VISIONARY-MS Top-line Results: A Phase 2, Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel Group, Placebo-controlled Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of CNM-Au8, a Catalytically Active Gold Nanocrystal Suspension in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis

Buzz Score: 86% | Abstract

The VISIONARY-MS trial evaluated CNM-Au8 treatment in stable relapsing MS patients on background therapy. The primary outcome of the BC-LCLA score was 3.13. 2 of 3 key secondary outcomes were significant:

1. LS-mean difference of mean standardized mMSFC score: 0.28.
2. LS-mean difference of mMSFC average ranked sum score: 13.4.

Treatment-emergent adverse events were mild-to-moderate. These results suggest CNM-Au8 may improve neurological function in stable RMS patients on DMTs. The trial was prematurely ended due to the pandemic after enrolling 73 of the planned 150 patients.

Efficacy and Safety of Zavegepant Nasal Spray for the Acute Treatment of Migraine: Results of a Phase 3 Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo Controlled Trial
Buzz Score: 85% | Abstract

In a Phase 3 trial, zavegepant nasal spray showed superiority to placebo for the coprimary endpoints of pain freedom (23.6% vs 14.9%) and freedom from the most bothersome symptom at 2 hours post dose (39.6% vs 31.1%). Secondary endpoints included pain relief at 15 minutes (15.9% vs 8.0%) and sustained pain relief from 2-48 hours (36.1% vs 29.6%). Adverse events were generally mild or moderate, with the most common being dysgeusia. Overall, zavegepant nasal spray was effective, fast-acting and well-tolerated in the acute treatment of migraine.

Results from the First Four Regimens of the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial

Buzz Score: 82% | Abstract

The HEALEY ALS Platform Trial is a perpetual adaptive phase 2/3 multi-regimen trial for ALS, with a primary endpoint of change from the baseline through week 24 in disease severity over time as measured by ALSFRS-R. The first four regimens (zilucoplan, verdiperstat, CNM-Au8, pridopidine) were completed, with a total of 653 people with ALS randomized between July 2020 and Dec 2021. A fifth regimen is enrolling new participants (regimen E: trehalose), and more regimens are being added. By testing multiple investigational products concurrently and sequentially, the trial is accelerating drug development for ALS.

Highlights From Contemporary Clinical Issues Plenary Sessions

Deep Machine Learning Algorithms in Glioblastoma (GBM) MRI Evaluation

Buzz Score: 85% | Abstract

The study evaluates the performance of automatic brain tumor segmentation models trained on preoperative MRI datasets on post-operative MRI scans of patients with glioblastoma. Ten deep-learning models were tested on 100 MRI scans, and overall, models showed better performance on pre-operative scans. The Knowledge Distillation algorithm exhibited the best performance for whole tumor segmentation on postoperative scans with a Dice Similarity Coefficient score of 0.836. Further improvements are needed to enhance this AI technology's accuracy.

Presenter: Seizure Forecasting and Detection with Wearable Devices and Subcutaneous EEG - Outcomes from the My Seizure Gauge Trial

Buzz Score: 84 % | Abstract

The study aimed to develop a non-invasive method for forecasting seizures in patients with epilepsy. Wearable devices and concurrent ambulatory EEG monitoring were used to record data from 39 patients over 16000 days. Seizure forecasting was significantly better than chance in 6 patients using the Empatica E4 device and in 5 of 6 patients using subscalp EEG. Heart rate circadian and multi-day cycles were phase-locked with self-reported seizure likelihood in 10 of 19 patients, and electrodermal activity, heart rate, and actigraphy cycles were significantly correlated with iEEG-confirmed seizures in 11 patients.

10 kHz SCS Provides Durable Pain Relief and Neurological Improvements for Patients with Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: 24-Month RCT Results
Buzz Score: 83% | Abstract

This study aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in treating painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). Patients (n=216) were randomized to receive either 10 kHz SCS plus conventional medical management (CMM) or CMM alone. At 6 months, patients who received 10 kHz SCS experienced an average reduction of 76% in pain intensity and 62% had neurological improvements, while CMM alone showed a 2% increase in pain and only 3% had neurological improvements. 10 kHz SCS provided durable pain relief and improvements in neurological function without device explants due to lack of efficacy.

CE-VST01-JC: a Novel Allogeneic T-cell Based Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)

Buzz Score: 82%| Abstract

CE-VST01-JC is a novel allogeneic T cell-based immunotherapy developed for treating progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a demyelinating disease of the CNS caused by JC polyomavirus (JCPyV). The therapy consists of JCPyV-specific T cells expanded using a targeted mixture of 36 JCPyV-specific peptides covering 35 class I and class II HLA alleles. In vitro characterization showed that the therapy is highly potent, specific, and has no detectable off-target reactivity. A global study, ASCEND-JC, will evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of the therapy for PML treatment.

Wrap-up

Ferma.AI tracks abstract and data releases for all major healthcare conferences, alongside social media and healthcare news reactions. Interested in learning more about how Ferma.AI can enhance your conference coverage and insights while also reducing costs by 40%?

Schedule a brief call with us to see a live demonstration.

The AACR Annual Meeting is a highly anticipated event that brings together distinguished cancer research experts from around the globe to exchange groundbreaking discoveries and insights. It covers a broad spectrum of topics related to cancer science and medicine, ranging from population science and prevention to clinical and translational studies, survivorship, and advocacy. The 2023 Conference was held from April 14 to 19 in Orlando, Florida where 8,389 abstracts featured the exceptional work of top-notch researchers from various institutions worldwide.

Ferma.AI has used its Social Listening Technology to determine the highest buzzed sessions during the AACR 2023 Conference. Through assigning a standardized "buzz score" to each conference session, Ferma.AI was able to highlight the most highly anticipated and discussed sessions among the attendees.

Interested in learning more about how Ferma.AI can enhance your conference coverage and insights while also reducing costs by 40%? Schedule a brief call with us to see a live demonstration.

Top Buzzed Sessions

AEGEAN: A Phase 3 Trial of Neoadjuvant Durvalumab plus Chemotherapy Followed By Adjuvant Durvalumab in Patients with Resectable NSCLC
Buzz Score : 97%

The AEGEAN trial evaluated neoadjuvant durvalumab (D) plus chemotherapy (CT) followed by surgery and adjuvant D in patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer.  Median EFS follow-up in censored patients was 11.7 months (mITT). The pCR rate was significantly higher and EFS significantly prolonged. The treatment had a manageable safety profile and the results suggest the clinical benefit of immunotherapy in the neoadjuvant or adjuvant resectable non-small cell lung cancer setting.

A Personalized Cancer Vaccine, Mrna-4157, Combined With Pembrolizumab Versus Pembrolizumab In Patients With Resected High-Risk Melanoma: Efficacy And Safety Results From The Randomized, Open- Label Phase 2 Mrna-4157-P201/Keynote-942 Trial
Buzz Score : 97%

Moderna’s novel mRNA-based personalized cancer vaccine mRNA-4157, encoding up to 34 patient-specific tumor neoantigens, was tested in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with resected high-risk melanoma. 18-month recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates (95% CI) were 78.6% (69.0%, 85.6%) vs 62.2% (46.9%, 74.3%) in the combination and monotherapy arm respectively. The combination showed protocol-defined statistical significance and a clinically meaningful improvement in RFS compared to pembrolizumab, with a reduction in the risk of recurrence or death by 44%. The combination significantly prolonged RFS compared to pembrolizumab alone without an increase in clinically meaningful adverse events. These results provide the first randomized evidence that a personalized neoantigen approach is potentially beneficial for cancer patients. A phase 3 study will be initiated in patients with melanoma.

First-In-Class, First-In-Human Phase 1 Trial Of Vt3989, An Inhibitor Of Yes-Associated Protein (Yap)/Transcriptional Enhancer Activator Domain (Tead), In Patients (Pts) With Advanced Solid Tumors Enriched For Malignant Mesothelioma And Other Tumors With Neurofibromatosis 2 (Nf2) Mutations
Buzz Score : 97%

VT3989, a highly potent and selective inhibitor of TEAD palmitoylation, was evaluated in a phase 1 trial for patients with refractory solid tumors. 67 patients have been enrolled. 4 patients had NF2m (29 somatic and 5 germline). All MM patients had progressed on prior platinum/pemetrexed but 2 had prior immune checkpoint inhibitors. The most common AEs are proteinuria, albuminuria and peripheral edema, mainly observed with the continuous schedule. VT3989 has a 12-15 day half-life, dose proportional PK and reaches steady state within 2 weeks. The results showed that VT3989 is safe and well-tolerated with durable RECIST v1.1 antitumor responses in patients with advanced MM and NF2m cancers. Further optimization and expansion of the RP2D are ongoing.

Imbrave050: Phase 3 Study Of Adjuvant Atezolizumab Plus Bevacizumab Versus Active Surveillance In Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Hcc) At High Risk Of Disease Recurrence Following Resection Or Ablation
Buzz Score : 96%

IMbrave050 by Genentech and Roche Pharma is a trial evaluating the efficacy of adjuvant atezolizumab (atezo) plus bevacizumab (bev) in delaying or preventing recurrence in patients with high-risk hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following resection or ablation. The primary endpoint was met with an IRF-RFS hazard ratio of 0.72 and results were generally consistent across clinical subgroups. INV-RFS was similar. The safety profile was consistent with the well-established safety profile of each agent and with the underlying disease. Atezo plus bev has potential to become a new standard of care in adjuvant HCC.

Applying The Principles Of Convexity And Concavity To Guide Treatment Scheduling Of Alk Inhibitors In Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Buzz Score: 94%

The FDA's Project Optimus aims to reform the maximum-tolerable dose paradigm for targeted therapies. The authors propose a paradigm for treatment scheduling based on the curvature of exposure-response curves. They hypothesize the existence of a critical point in the time-evolution of ALK-positive tumors where it is optimal to switch from continuous treatment to high-dose/low-dose to mitigate the onset of gradual resistance. Using a mathematical modeling framework, they predict time-dependent curvature in continuous/volatile ALK inhibition in vivo and find that curvature increases in proportion to the amount of resistance in the tumor population. They test their hypothesis in vivo and compare different treatment schedules.

Abbv-319: A First-In-Class Glucocorticoid Receptor Modulator (Grm) Agonist Adc For The Treatment Of B-Cell Malignancies
Buzz Score : 92%

AbbVie’s ABBV-319 is a CD19-targeting multi-modal antibody drug conjugate (ADC) that exhibits three distinct mechanisms of action to maximize anti-cancer activity and reduce systemic toxicities in B-cell malignancies. It delivers a high potency agonist of the intracellular glucocorticoid receptor, inhibits CD19/BCR downstream signaling events, and has increased FcγR binding via afucosylation. A single dose of ABBV-319 demonstrated sustained regressions/cures in multiple B-cell malignancy xenograft model systems. A first in-human Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating ABBV-319 in B-cell malignancies was initiated in late 2022, suggesting it will be a highly effective combination treatment with favorable safety and pharmacokinetic profiles.

Discovery Of Rmc-6291, A Tri-Complex Krasg12c(ON) Inhibitor
Buzz Score : 91%

RMC-6291 by Revolution Medicines is a clinical stage inhibitor of KRASG12C(ON), a mutation occurring in various cancers that drives oncogenesis. RMC-6291 forms a tri-complex with KRASG12C(ON) and cyclophilin A, suppressing RAS pathway activity and driving tumor regressions. In a mouse clinical trial, RMC-6291 outperformed adagrasib , potentially overcoming limitations of first-generation KRASG12C(OFF) inhibitors. 72% ORR and 92% DCR was observed for RMC-6291 while 52% ORR and 72% DCR was observed for adagrasib.

A Phase 1 Multicenter Study (Traverse) Evaluating The Safety And Efficacy Of Allo-316 Following Conditioning Regimen In Pts With Advanced Or Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (Ccrcc)
Buzz Score : 90%

Allogene Therapeutics presented results from the TRAVERSE trial investigating the safety and efficacy of allogeneic CAR T cell therapy targeting CD70 in advanced ccRCC. Preliminary results from 17 patients who received ALLO-316 showed a manageable safety profile with mostly low-grade CRS and no GVHD or ICANS observed. The ORR was 12% and DCR was 71% with 3 patients achieving PR. In confirmed CD70+ tumors, the ORR was 22% and DCR was 100%. The trial is ongoing to enroll more patients with CD70+ tumors.

Pembrolizumab (Pembro) In Combination With Gemcitabine And Cisplatin (Gem/Cis) For Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer (Btc): Phase 3 Keynote-966 Study
Buzz Score : 90%

Merck’s Phase 3 trial, KEYNOTE-966, evaluated the efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin versus placebo plus the same chemotherapy regimen in previously untreated patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer. At FA, median overall survival was 12.7 mo for pembro + gem/cis vs 10.9 mo for placebo + gem/cis (HR 0.83; 95% CI 0.72-0.95; P = 0.0034); 24-mo OS was 24.9% vs 18.1%. The trial showed that the addition of pembrolizumab to chemotherapy resulted in a statistically significant improvement in overall survival with a manageable safety profile, supporting the use of pembrolizumab plus gemcitabine and cisplatin as a first-line treatment option.

Looking Forward

Ferma.AI tracks abstract and data releases for all major healthcare conferences, alongside social media and healthcare news reactions. Interested in learning more about how Ferma.AI can enhance your conference coverage and insights while also reducing costs by 40%? Schedule a brief call with us to see a live demonstration.

Exciting News! As a pharmaceutical professional, staying ahead of the curve is essential. That's why we're thrilled to share our FermaGPT AACR portal. This ChatGPT-powered app was specifically designed for AACR 2023 to make conference coverage more efficient and user-friendly.

Take it for a spin here: https://lnkd.in/gXAQPWew

With FermaGPT’s AACR portal, you can:

1. Search for abstracts related to a specific manufacturer, indication, biomarker, or drug
2. Summarize an abstract’s key findings
3. Compare clinical trials on key details such as study design, clinical outcomes, and statistical results

But don't just take our word for it. Check out the carousel below to see how your peers in the pharmaceutical industry are already experiencing the transformative power of FermaGPT in their conference coverage.

Don't miss the opportunity to level up your pharma game. Join the AI revolution with FermaGPT today!

If you'd like to learn more, Schedule a Free demo hear

For over a century, the American Urological Association (AUA) has been a leading organization dedicated to supporting the urological community. With more than 23,000 members worldwide, AUAs mission is to promote the highest standards of urological care through education, research, and healthcare policy. AUA has played a crucial role in advancing the field of urology.

This year, the AUA Annual Meeting will be held in Chicago, IL, in a hybrid model, from April 28 to May 1, 2023. The conference has released 3,454 abstracts, offering a glimpse into the exciting new research and findings that will be presented at the conference.

Ferma.AI has identified the most significant and anticipated sessions that are expected to generate the highest levels of interest among the attendees. Want to improve your conference coverage with Ferma.AI? Schedule a demo to learn how to enhance insights and velocity while reducing costs by 40%.

Exploring the Latest Developments in Androgen Receptor Inhibitors

Treatment Duration And Long-Term Safety And Tolerability With Darolutamide In Nonmetastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (Nmcrpc): Aramis Rollover Study

ARAMIS | NCT02200614 | Non-Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer | Bayer & Orion Pharma | Abstract

The ARAMIS Rollover Study (ROS) of Bayer and Orion Pharma evaluated the long-term safety and tolerability of darolutamide (DARO) in patients with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC). DARO treatment duration ranged from 0-6.8 years, with approximately 30% of patients receiving treatment for ≥4 years. Cumulative incidences of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) increased slightly with longer observation time, but the favorable safety profile of DARO was maintained with long-term exposure. No new safety concerns were observed in the ROS.

The Effect Of A Reduced Dose Of Apalutamide On Skin-Related Adverse Events In Advanced Prostate Cancer: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

PROpel | NCT05171816 | Advanced Prostate Cancer | AstraZeneca & Merck Sharp & Dohme | Abstract

This retrospective study PROpel by AstraZeneca and Merck Sharp & Dohme evaluated the effect of apalutamide dose reduction on skin-related adverse events and castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC)-free survival in patients with advanced prostate cancer. The skin adverse events (AE) rate was not significantly different between full and reduced dose groups, but dose reduction in patients with small body size led to a lower incidence rate of skin AEs. The apalutamide discontinuation rate after skin AEs was significantly lower in the reduced dose group. The CRPC-free survival was not significantly different between full and reduced dose groups.

Real-World Study On Darolutamide, Enzalutamide, And Apalutamide For Nonmetastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Patients Using A Urology Network In The United States (Dear Study)

DEAR | NCT05362149 | Non-Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer | Bayer | Abstract

Bayer’s DEAR study assessed the real-world utilization and outcomes of darolutamide, enzalutamide, and apalutamide in patients with nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. In total, 666 patients were included, with fewer patients discontinuing treatment or progressing to metastatic CRPC in the darolutamide cohort compared to enzalutamide or apalutamide. The estimated probability of discontinuation/progression was also numerically lower for darolutamide. These findings suggest that darolutamide may be a more tolerable treatment option for patients with nmCRPC.

Breaking Down the Latest PD-1 Inhibitors Research

Outcomes In Patients (Pts) With Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (Bcg)-Unresponsive High-Risk (Hr) Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer (Nmibc) Who Underwent Radical Cystectomy (Rc) Following Pembrolizumab (Pembro) Treatment In Keynote-057 Cohort A

Keynote-057 | NCT02625961 | High Risk Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer | Merck Sharp & Dohme | Abstract

In a retrospective analysis of KEYNOTE-057 cohort A by Merck Sharp & Dohme, pembrolizumab treatment resulted in a complete response (CR) rate of 41% and a median duration of response of 16.2 months in patients with BCG-unresponsive high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (HR NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ (CIS)±papillary disease. Of the 96 enrolled patients, 43 underwent radical cystectomy (RC) after discontinuing pembrolizumab, with a median time to RC of 9.0 months. Five patients had upstaging to MIBC, but the delay in RC may provide a window of opportunity for some patients to avoid or delay surgery.

Assessment Of Surgical Complications In Patients With Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (Mccrcc) Receiving Perioperative Cabozantinib And Nivolumab On Cyto-Kik Clinical Trial

Cyto-KIK | NCT04322955 | Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma | Bristol-Myers Squibb & Exelixis | Abstract

BMS & Exelixis’s Cyto-KIK phase  2 trial evaluated 16 patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma who were given cabozantinib and nivolumab for 12 weeks prior to cytoreductive nephrectomy. The safety of the interval between the discontinuation of cabozantinib and nephrectomy was evaluated using a 3+3 design. Three evaluable patients completed nephrectomy within the 21-day interval and 5 within the 14-day interval after discontinuation of cabozantinib. There were no treatment-related surgical complications and no delays in resuming combination systemic therapy after surgery.

First Results From Sunrise-1 In Patients With Bcg Unresponsive High-Risk Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Receiving Tar-200 In Combination With Cetrelimab, Tar-200, Or Cetrelimab Alone

SunRISE-1 | NCT04640623 | High-Risk Non Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer | Janssen | Abstract

The SunRISe-1 study of Janssen evaluated the efficacy and safety of TAR-200, a novel intravesical drug delivery system, and cetrelimab (CET), an anti-PD1 agent, in BCG-unresponsive patients with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (HR NMIBC). Preliminary data from TAR-200 monotherapy showed an 88% confirmed complete response (CR) rate, and 85% of patients had treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). CET results were consistent with other anti-PD(L)1 treatments. These initial results support continued study of TAR-200 and CET in HR NMIBC.

A Sneak Peek into Other Popular Sessions

Future Perspective

Ferma.AI tracks abstract and data releases for all major healthcare conferences, alongside social media and healthcare news reactions. Interested in learning more about how Ferma.AI can enhance your conference coverage and insights while also reducing costs by 40%? Schedule a brief call with us to see a live demonstration.

The AACR Annual Meeting serves as a centerpiece of the global cancer research community, bringing together leading experts in the field from all over the world. The conference provides a platform for sharing the latest discoveries and advances in cancer science and medicine across a wide range of topics, from population science and prevention, to cancer biology, translational and clinical studies, as well as survivorship and advocacy. The upcoming AACR 2023 Conference is scheduled to take place from April 14 to 19 in Orlando, Florida, and is set to showcase the exceptional work of top minds in cancer research hailing from various institutions worldwide.

AACR has released the abstracts for its upcoming conference on March 14, 2022. Ferma.AI has analyzed all 8,230 abstracts to identify the most relevant and highly anticipated sessions that are likely to draw the greatest interest among attendees.

Want to improve your conference coverage with Ferma.AI? Schedule a demo to learn how to enhance insights and velocity while reducing costs by 40%.

Highly Anticipated Sessions, by Therapeutic Area

Melanoma

• KEYNOTE-942, Moderna & Merck (Abstract)
• KEYMAKER-UO2, Merck (Abstract)
• STARBOARD, Genesis Pharma & Pfizer (Abstract)

Hematological Malignancies

• REDIRECT, Affimed (Abstract)
• BRUIN, Eli LIlly (Abstract)
• MMRF MyCheckpoint, Bristol-Myers Squibb (Abstract)

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

• CHRYSALIS-2, Janssen (Abstract)
• HERTHENA-Lung02, Daiichi Sankyo (Abstract)
• HUDSON, AstraZeneca (Abstract)

Highly Anticipated Sessions in Melanoma

A personalized cancer vaccine, mRNA-4157, combined with pembrolizumab versus pembrolizumab in patients with resected high-risk melanoma: Efficacy and safety results from the randomized, open- label Phase 2 mRNA-4157-P201/Keynote-942 trial
KEYNOTE-942 | NCT03897881 | Moderna and Merck | Abstract | Late-Breaking Session

One of the highly anticipated Late-breaking sessions at AACR 2023 focuses on the KEYNOTE-942 trial, jointly conducted by Moderna and Merck. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of postoperative adjuvant therapy with mRNA-4157 and pembrolizumab, in comparison to pembrolizumab alone, in patients with cutaneous melanoma who have undergone complete resection and are at a high risk of recurrence. The focus of this trial is to assess the potential improvement in recurrence-free survival (RFS) for participants who receive the combination therapy.

KEYMAKER-U02 substudy 02C: neoadjuvant pembrolizumab (pembro) + vibostolimab (vibo) or gebasaxturev (geba) or pembro alone followed by adjuvant pembro for stage IIIB-D melanoma
KEYMAKER-U02 | NCT04303169 | Merck | Abstract | Late-Breaking Session

Merck's KEYMAKER-U02 study is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of pembrolizumab, either alone or in combination with investigational agents, in patients with stage III melanoma who are eligible for neoadjuvant therapy. The trial aims to determine the potential benefits of pembrolizumab in improving patient outcomes, and the focus will be on assessing the safety profile and efficacy of the drug in this population.

Randomized phase 3 study (STARBOARD) evaluating encorafenib (enco) + binimetinib (bini) + pembrolizumab (pembro) for first-line treatment of unresectable locally advanced or metastatic BRAF V600-mutant melanoma
STARBOARD | NCT04657991 | Genesis Pharma and Pfizer | Abstract | Late-Breaking Session

The STARBOARD study is conducted by Genesis Pharma and Pfizer to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a combination of encorafenib, binimetinib, and pembrolizumab, for the treatment of advanced or metastatic melanoma with BRAF V600 mutation that has not received prior treatment. The study aims to determine if the combination of these three drugs can provide better outcomes for patients compared to current standard-of-care treatments.

Highly Anticipated Sessions in Hematological Malignancies

REDIRECT: A Phase 2 study of AFM13 in patients with CD30-positive relapsed or refractory (R/R) peripheral T cell lymphoma (PTCL)
REDIRECT | NCT04101331 | Affimed | Abstract | Late-Breaking Session

REDIRECT Study by Affimed is a phase 2 study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of AFM13, an investigational medication, as a standalone treatment for CD30-positive T-cell lymphoma. AFM13 is a bispecific chimeric antibody that targets both CD30 and CD16A proteins and is designed to treat malignancies that have CD30 overexpression. The aim of the study is to evaluate the potential of AFM13 in treating CD30-positive malignancies and determine its safety profile. The results of this study may pave the way for the development of a new treatment for patients with CD30-positive T-cell lymphoma.

Efficacy of pirtobrutinib, a highly selective, non-covalent (reversible) BTK inhibitor in Richter transformation: Results from the phase 1/2 BRUIN study
BRUIN | NCT03740529 | Eli Lilly | Abstract | Late-Breaking Session

Eli Lilly is conducting the open-label BRUIN study, a Phase 1/2  trial that aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of LOXO-305 (pirtobrutinib), an oral medication, in patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (CLL/SLL) and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) who have either not responded to standard treatments or cannot tolerate them.

Durable responses following anti-TIGIT (BMS-986207) and anti-LAG3 (BMS-980616) in combination with pomalidomide in relapsed myeloma: MMRF MyCheckpoint trial
MMRF MyCheckpoint | NCT04150965 | Bristol-Myers Squibb | Abstract | Late-Breaking Session

MMRF MyCheckpoint study by Bristol-Myers Squibb is a Phase 1/2 randomized trial for patients with relapsed refractory Multiple Myeloma. The study focuses on patients who have experienced relapse after treatment with prior therapies. The aim of the study is to evaluate the immunological effects and safety of two agents, Anti-LAG-3 and Anti-TIGIT, both as single agents and in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone. Patients will be randomly assigned to either the Anti-LAG-3 or Anti-TIGIT treatment arm and will receive treatment with the assigned agent for one cycle as a single agent. Subsequently, pomalidomide and dexamethasone will be added to the treatment for subsequent cycles. The study seeks to gain insights into the effectiveness and safety of these treatments.

Highly Anticipated Sessions in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Analysis of ctDNA next generation sequencing (NGS) for predicting response to amivantamab and lazertinib among patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC after progression on osimertinib and platinum-based chemotherapy (CHRYSALIS-2 Cohort A)
CHRYSALIS-2  | NCT04077463 | Janssen | Abstract | Poster Session

Janssen's CHRYSALIS-2 study is generating excitement among the audience. Study has evaluated ctDNA next generation sequencing (NGS) for predicting response to amivantamab and lazertinib in EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients after osimertinib and platinum-based chemotherapy. The study found an ORR of 29% and 26% in EGFR/MET-dependent and independent patients, respectively, with a 39% ORR in patients with an unknown resistance mechanism.

HERTHENA-Lung02: A randomized Phase 3 study of patritumab deruxtecan vs platinum-based chemotherapy in locally advanced or metastatic EGFR-mutated NSCLC after progression with a third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor
HERTHENA-Lung02 | NCT05338970 | Daiichi Sankyo |  Abstract | Late-Breaking Session

During the conference, Daiichi Sankyo will present the HERTHENA-Lung02 study which aims to compare the efficacy of patritumab deruxtecan versus platinum-based chemotherapy in participants with advanced NSCLC with an EGFR-activating mutation. The study's primary objective is to measure progression-free survival and secondary endpoint of overall survival in patients who have previously failed third-generation EGFR TKI therapy.

Immunomodulatory effects of ceralasertib in combination with durvalumab in patients with NSCLC and progression on anti-PD-(L)1 treatment
HUDSON | NCT03334617 | AstraZeneca | Abstract | Late-Breaking Session

The HUDSON Study by Astrazeneca is investigating the immunomodulatory effects of ceralasertib in combination with durvalumab in patients with metastatic NSCLC who have progressed on an anti-PD-1/PD-L1 containing therapy. It is an open-label, multi-centre, umbrella Phase II study designed to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of multiple treatment arms for patients in need of novel therapies after receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors and platinum-doublet therapies.

Note: All the summaries of the Late-breaking sessions in the blog are based on clinicaltrial.gov, and not the abstracts (yet to be released).

Future Perspectives

Ferma.AI tracks abstract and data releases for all major healthcare conferences, alongside social media and healthcare news reactions. Interested in learning more about how Ferma.AI can enhance your conference coverage and insights while also reducing costs by 40%? Schedule a brief call with us to see a live demonstration.

The 38th Annual European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress was one of the most significant urological events of the year, providing a platform for urologists to learn, connect, and share knowledge. The conference was held in Milan, Italy, from March 10-13, 2023. The conference included more than 3000 sessions, covering a broad range of topics, including plenary, thematic, poster, video, and special sessions. These sessions were held in a combination of in-person and virtual formats, allowing attendees to participate regardless of their location.

Ferma.AI has utilized its Social Listening technology to analyze all 3,214 abstracts submitted for EAU 2023 conference, along with social media buzz and news reports, to determine the most relevant and highly impactful sessions among urologists. The top sessions that generated the most buzz covered a diverse range of content, including cutting-edge research, new treatments and therapies, and insights into the latest clinical practices. By assigning a normalized "buzz score" to each conference session, Ferma.AI was able to identify the most highly anticipated and talked-about sessions among the attendees.

Interested in learning more about how Ferma.AI can enhance your conference coverage and insights while also reducing costs by 40%? Schedule a brief call with us to see a live demonstration.

Key Themes in EAU 2023

Latest Developments in Prostate Cancer

Prognostic Significance of Baseline PSMA PET-CT in Prostate Cancer Treatment: proPSMA. (ABSTRACT)

The proPSMA trial showed that PSMA PET-CT has superior accuracy to conventional imaging for detection of nodal and distant metastatic disease. PSMA PET-CT nodal staging is more prognostic than CT/bone scan for medium-term oncologic outcomes in men with intermediate-to-high risk prostate cancer without distant metastases. Among 251 patients, those with N1M0 had a higher risk of treatment failure than those with N0M0, with a hazard ratio of 2.1 and a significant p-value of 0.01. At 3 years, 70% of N0M0 patients remained free from treatment failure, compared to 46% of N1M0 patients. CT and bone scan-defined N1M0 was not prognostic.

STAMPEDE Trial: Long-term Fracture Incidence in Metastatic Prostate Cancer. (ABSTRACT)

The STAMPEDE trial compared ADT ± docetaxel (Doc) ± zoledronic acid (ZA): Adding ZA did not improve overall survival but long-term effects of bisphosphonate treatment on skeletal health was not formally collected as part of the trial. Long-term Androgen Deprivation Therapy ( for metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer (mHSPC) increases fracture risk. This trial evaluated ADT ± DOC± ZA but did not formally collect long-term skeletal health data. Hospital Episode Statistics data for 2,145 eligible patients (72% of total) showed a 5-year fracture incidence of 6.4%, higher in M1 patients (9.6% vs. 2.1% in M0). ZA significantly reduced fracture risk in M1 patients (HR 0.36) but not in M0 patients (HR 0.67).

Pilot Phase Results of Prostate Pathway Comparative Trial: Ip3-prospect. (ABSTRACT)

The feasibility of a novel trial design called the cohort-multiple RCT (cmRCT) was tested in the pilot phase of IP3-PROSPECT for delivering results in localized prostate cancer in a multicentre setting. The study successfully recruited 139 patients from four sites, passing its feasibility endpoint of 80 patients at a rate of 35.3%. Data collection completion rate was >95% at each study visit, and PROMS return rate was >70%. Patients liked having a choice in treatments and healthcare professionals thought the design had promise.

Recent Advancements in Bladder Cancer

Implementing Active Surveillance Follow-Up for Low-Grade NMIBC Tumors. (ABSTRACT)

This retrospective analysis aimed to determine the optimal surveillance strategy for patients on active surveillance (AS) with recurrent Low Grade (LG) Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC). A total of 214 patients were included, with a median follow-up of 38.8 months and a median time on AS of 13 months. Over 251 AS events, 51.8% experienced AS failure and underwent TURBT. Patients who had undergone ≥2 TURs before AS had a higher risk of failure, with a 70% failure rate at 12 months compared to 45% for patients with only one TUR.

VISIOCYT 1 Trial: AI Improves Bladder Cancer Diagnosis Accuracy. (ABSTRACT)

The sensitivity of VisioCyt was evaluated in a prospective, multicenter clinical trial involving 319 patients with non-muscle invasive bladder tumors and control patients with negative urinary cytology and cystoscopy. VisioCyt showed a significantly higher sensitivity than standard cytology (80.9% vs. 45.9%, p<0.0001) with a higher sensitivity for both low grade (66.7% vs. 26.1%) and high grade (93.7% vs. 62.8%) tumors. The specificity of VisioCyt was 61.8%, but could not be compared with that of standard cytology due to the trial design.

EB-StaR study: En bloc versus Standard Resection of Bladder Tumor. (ABSTRACT)

The EB-StaR study compared En bloc Resection of Bladder Tumor (ERBT) and Standard Resection (SR) in treating NMIBC patients. A total of 276 histologically confirmed NMIBC patients were randomized and the 1-year recurrence rate was significantly lower in the ERBT group (28.5%) compared to the SR group (38.1%) (p=0.007). The ERBT group had a longer operative time but similar outcomes in terms of detrusor muscle sampling rates, complications, and disease upstaging. In patients with NMIBC of ≤ 3cm, ERBT resulted in a significant reduction in 1-year recurrence rate when compared to SR.

Highest Buzz Session

Global variation in the quality of multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the prostate from the PRIMEtrial (The Glimpse Study) Indication: Prostate Cancer | Buzz Score:  100% | Link

Baseline PSMA PET-CT is prognostic for treatment failure in men with intermediate-to-high risk prostate cancer: 54 months follow-up of the proPSMA randomized trial.
Indication: Prostate Cancer | Buzz Score: 82%  | Link

A comprehensive overview of patient reported outcomes: Results from the PIONEER consortium.
Indication: Prostate Cancer | Buzz Score: 81% | Link

Development of an individual postoperative prediction model for kidney cancer recurrence using machine learning (UroCCR study 120)
Indication: Kidney Cancer | Buzz Score: 79% | Link

Implementing the Active Surveillance (AS) follow-up schedule for low-grade Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) tumors.
Indication: Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer | Buzz Score: 77% | Link

Artificial intelligence to improve cytology performance in bladder urothelial carcinoma diagnosis: Results of the French, multicenter, prospective VISIOCYT1 trial
Indication: Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma | Buzz Score: 76% | Link

Clinical fracture incidence in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer and risk-reduction following addition of zoledronic acid to androgen deprivation therapy with or without docetaxel: Long-term results from the STAMPEDE trial
Indication: Hormone Sensitive Prostate Cancer | Buzz Score: 75% | Link

Novel trial designs in localised prostate cancer: Pilot phase results from the prostate pathway embedded comparative trial (ip3-prospect)
Indication: Prostate Cancer | Buzz Score: 73% | Link

Transurethral en bloc resection versus standard resection of bladder tumour: A multi-center randomized trial (EB-StaR Study)
Indication: Bladder Cancer | Buzz Score: 73% | Link

Timing of symptomatic venous thromboembolism after surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Indication: Venous Thromboembolism | Buzz Score: 72% | Link

Wrap-up

Ferma.AI tracks abstract and data releases for all major healthcare conferences, alongside social media and healthcare news reactions. Interested in learning more about how Ferma.AI can enhance your conference coverage and insights while also reducing costs by 40%? Schedule a brief call with us to see a live demonstration.

It’s been a chaotic month for Elon Musk and his recent acquisition, Twitter. Musk's tenure at the company so far has been mired in controversy as the mercurial billionaire makes changes to the platform and cuts staff, and a number of high-profile users have already jumped ship.

However, amidst this controversy, social monitoring captured via Ferma.AI shows that MDs are not ready to quit Twitter just yet.

Ferma.AI’s study found that 75% of physicians (sample size = 566) who were active during scientific conferences (ASCO, ASH, AAN, ESMO, etc) continued to post on Twitter this week. The physicians in the sample were manually vetted and mapped to their NPIs.

While the future looks bleak

Twitter’s always had challenges with misinformation, Musk induced further chaos by enabling imposters to get verified for $8. At its peak, Eli Lilly issued an apology for a misleading message from an imposter account and stopped all its advertisement campaigns. Musk is planning to relaunch a rock solid version of the paid service and it remains to seen if that can be done.

Physicians are planning to stay

Despite expressing frustration, many physicians, including key digital opinion leaders, have decided to stay on Twitter because the social media platform has become an essential tool to help patients, advance science, and fight misinformation.

Even the Commissioner of FDA, Dr. Robert Califf, encouraged people not to abandon Twitter.

Pharma should increase their engagement

Amidst the chaos and controversy, Twitter remains a vital resource to MDs for healthcare-related information. And biopharma firms that manage to maintain positive relations with the #MedTwitter community, even during this chaos, would end up increasing their brand equity.

ZoomRx Social Listening, powered by Ferma.AI, helps biopharma companies monitor the dynamic and rapdily evolving conversations taking place on Twitter and many other social networks. To learn more about how to measure and maintain positive relationships with the #MedTwitter community, book a 30-minute meet here.