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Purpose Seizures pose a significant burden in patients with primary and secondary brain tumors during the end-of-life period. A wide range of 6 to 56% of clinically observed epileptic seizures at the end of life has been reported. We aimed to analyse the incidence of epileptic seizures at the end of life in brain tumor patients more accurately using not only clinical but also electrophysiological findings. Methods This retrospective, single center study included brain tumor patients who died during the stay on the ward or within 7 days after discharge between 01/2015 and 08/2020. Clinical observation of seizures derived from the original medical records and EEG findings (within 45 days prior to death) were analyzed to determine the incidence of seizures in that period. Results Of the 68 eligible patients, 50 patients (73.5%) suffered from seizures within 45 days prior to death, of which n = 24 had a status epilepticus. The diagnosis of seizures/ status epilepticus was determined either by the presentation of clinical signs in 45 patients and if not, by the detection of a (possible) non-convulsive status epilepticus in the EEG of five patients. Conclusion In the presence of neurologically trained staff and with the frequent use of routine EEG, we were able to identify seizures and to distinguish status epilepticus from encephalopathy/ hypoactive delirium. We detected a higher incidence of seizures and status epilepticus at the end of life in neurooncological patients than previously reported.

Purpose Non-invasive prediction of the tumour of origin giving rise to brain metastases (BMs) using MRI measurements obtained in radiological routine and elucidating the biological basis by matched histopathological analysis. Methods Preoperative MRI and histological parameters of 95 BM patients (female, 50; mean age 59.6 ± 11.5 years) suffering from different primary tumours were retrospectively analysed. MR features were assessed by region of interest (ROI) measurements of signal intensities on unenhanced T1-, T2-, diffusion-weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) normalised to an internal reference ROI. Furthermore, we assessed BM size and oedema as well as cell density, proliferation rate, microvessel density and vessel area as histopathological parameters. Results Applying recursive partitioning conditional inference trees, only histopathological parameters could stratify the primary tumour entities. We identified two distinct BM growth patterns depending on their proliferative status: Ki67high BMs were larger (p = 0.02), showed less peritumoural oedema (p = 0.02) and showed a trend towards higher cell density (p = 0.05). Furthermore, Ki67high BMs were associated with higher DWI signals (p = 0.03) and reduced ADC values (p = 0.004). Vessel density was strongly reduced in Ki67high BM (p p ≤ 0.03 for all features) with SCLCs representing predominantly the Ki67high group, while NSCLCs rather matching with Ki67low features. Conclusion Interpretable and easy to obtain MRI features may not be sufficient to predict directly the primary tumour entity of BM but seem to have the potential to aid differentiating high- and low-proliferative BMs, such as SCLC and NSCLC.

Purpose Molecular diagnostics including next generation gene sequencing are increasingly used to determine options for individualized therapies in brain tumor patients. We aimed to evaluate the decision-making process of molecular targeted therapies and analyze data on tolerability as well as signals for efficacy. Methods Via retrospective analysis, we identified primary brain tumor patients who were treated off-label with a targeted therapy at the University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University. We analyzed which types of molecular alterations were utilized to guide molecular off-label therapies and the diagnostic procedures for their assessment during the period from 2008 to 2021. Data on tolerability and outcomes were collected. Results 413 off-label therapies were identified with an increasing annual number for the interval after 2016. 37 interventions (9%) were targeted therapies based on molecular markers. Glioma and meningioma were the most frequent entities treated with molecular matched targeted therapies. Rare entities comprised e.g. medulloblastoma and papillary craniopharyngeoma. Molecular targeted approaches included checkpoint inhibitors, inhibitors of mTOR, FGFR, ALK, MET, ROS1, PIK3CA, CDK4/6, BRAF/MEK and PARP. Responses in the first follow-up MRI were partial response (13.5%), stable disease (29.7%) and progressive disease (46.0%). There were no new safety signals. Adverse events with fatal outcome (CTCAE grade 5) were not observed. Only, two patients discontinued treatment due to side effects. Median progression-free and overall survival were 9.1/18 months in patients with at least stable disease, and 1.8/3.6 months in those with progressive disease at the first follow-up MRI. Conclusion A broad range of actionable alterations was targeted with available molecular therapeutics. However, efficacy was largely observed in entities with paradigmatic oncogenic drivers, in particular with BRAF mutations. Further research on biomarker-informed molecular matched therapies is urgently necessary.

Purpose The role of obesity in glioblastoma remains unclear, as previous analyses have reported contradicting results. Here, we evaluate the prognostic impact of obesity in two trial populations; CeTeG/NOA-09 (n = 129) for MGMT methylated glioblastoma patients comparing temozolomide (TMZ) to lomustine/TMZ, and GLARIUS (n = 170) for MGMT unmethylated glioblastoma patients comparing TMZ to bevacizumab/irinotecan, both in addition to surgery and radiotherapy. Methods The impact of obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) was investigated with Kaplan–Meier analysis and log-rank tests. A multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed including known prognostic factors as covariables. Results Overall, 22.6% of patients (67 of 297) were obese. Obesity was associated with shorter survival in patients with MGMT methylated glioblastoma (median OS 22.9 (95% CI 17.7–30.8) vs. 43.2 (32.5–54.4) months for obese and non-obese patients respectively, p = 0.001), but not in MGMT unmethylated glioblastoma (median OS 17.1 (15.8–18.9) vs 17.6 (14.7–20.8) months, p = 0.26). The prognostic impact of obesity in MGMT methylated glioblastoma was confirmed in a multivariable Cox regression (adjusted odds ratio: 2.57 (95% CI 1.53–4.31), p Conclusion Obesity was associated with shorter survival in MGMT methylated, but not in MGMT unmethylated glioblastoma patients.

Pericyte coverage in GL261 control tumors is shown (CollagenIV, red; desmin, green)

Supplementary Figure 3 demonstrates that dual anti-angiogenic and PD-1 therapy normalized the vasculature at the morphological level

Supplementary Figure 1 showing PD-L1 expression in human GBM

Gating strategy for the delineation of glioma tumor infiltrating lymphocytes.

Legends for movies 1-4

File with supporting methods and tables

Supplementary Figure 2 illustrates PD-L1 expression in the GL261 glioma model

Supplementary Figure Legends 1 - 3 are displayed

Pericyte coverage after PD-1 monotherapy (CollagenIV, red; desmin, green)

Aflibercept/AMG386 combined with anti-PD-1 therapy improves the vasculature as evidenced by desmin staining (CollagenIV, red; desmin, green)

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a non-T-cell–inflamed cancer characterized by an immunosuppressive microenvironment that impedes dendritic cell maturation and T-cell cytotoxicity. Proangiogenic cytokines such as VEGF and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) have high expression in glioblastoma in a cell-specific manner and not only drive tumor angiogenesis and vascular permeability but also negatively regulate T-lymphocyte and innate immune cell responses. Consequently, the alleviation of immunosuppression might be a prerequisite for successful immune checkpoint therapy in GBM. We here combined antiangiogenic and immune checkpoint therapy and demonstrated improved therapeutic efficacy in syngeneic, orthotopic GBM models. We observed that blockade of VEGF, Ang-2, and programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) significantly extended survival compared with vascular targeting alone. In the GBM microenvironment, triple therapy increased the numbers of CTLs, which inversely correlated with myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells. Transcriptome analysis of GBM microvessels indicated a global vascular normalization that was highest after triple therapy. Our results propose a rationale to overcome tumor immunosuppression and the current limitations of VEGF monotherapy by integrating the synergistic effects of VEGF/Ang-2 and PD-1 blockade to reinforce antitumor immunity through a normalized vasculature.

Enhanced cytochrome C release in U251 BAG3KD cells.

Supplementary Figure Legends

Purpose: Rechallenge with temozolomide (TMZ) at first progression of glioblastoma after temozolomide chemoradiotherapy (TMZ/RT→TMZ) has been studied in retrospective and single-arm prospective studies, applying temozolomide continuously or using 7/14 or 21/28 days schedules. The DIRECTOR trial sought to show superiority of the 7/14 regimen.Experimental Design: Patients with glioblastoma at first progression after TMZ/RT→TMZ and at least two maintenance temozolomide cycles were randomized to Arm A [one week on (120 mg/m2 per day)/one week off] or Arm B [3 weeks on (80 mg/m2 per day)/one week off]. The primary endpoint was median time-to-treatment failure (TTF) defined as progression, premature temozolomide discontinuation for toxicity, or death from any cause. O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation was prospectively assessed by methylation-specific PCR.Results: Because of withdrawal of support, the trial was prematurely closed to accrual after 105 patients. There was a similar outcome in both arms for median TTF [A: 1.8 months; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.8–3.2 vs. B: 2.0 months; 95% CI, 1.8–3.5] and overall survival [A: 9.8 months (95% CI, 6.7–13.0) vs. B: 10.6 months (95% CI, 8.1–11.6)]. Median TTF in patients with MGMT-methylated tumors was 3.2 months (95% CI, 1.8–7.4) versus 1.8 months (95% CI, 1.8–2) in MGMT-unmethylated glioblastoma. Progression-free survival rates at 6 months (PFS-6) were 39.7% with versus 6.9% without MGMT promoter methylation.Conclusions: Temozolomide rechallenge is a treatment option for MGMT promoter-methylated recurrent glioblastoma. Alternative strategies need to be considered for patients with progressive glioblastoma without MGMT promoter methylation. Clin Cancer Res; 21(9); 2057–64. ©2015 AACR.

Supplementary Figure S1. Geometric mean plasma concentration-time profiles of BAY1436032 at dose levels of 150 mg to 1500 mg.

Purpose:BAY1436032, an inhibitor of mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (mIDH1), was active against multiple IDH1-R132X solid tumors in preclinical models. This first-in-human study was designed to determine the safety and pharmacokinetics of BAY1436032, and to evaluate its potential pharmacodynamics and antitumor effects.Patients and Methods:The study comprised of dose escalation and dose expansion cohorts. BAY1436032 tablets were orally administered twice daily on a continuous basis in subjects with mIDH1 solid tumors.Results:In dose escalation, 29 subjects with various tumor types were administered BAY1436032 across five doses (150–1,500 mg twice daily). BAY1432032 exhibited a relatively short half-life. Most evaluable subjects experienced target inhibition as indicated by a median maximal reduction of plasma R-2-hydroxyglutarate levels of 76%. BAY1436032 was well tolerated and an MTD was not identified. A dose of 1,500 mg twice daily was selected for dose expansion, where 52 subjects were treated in cohorts representing four different tumor types [lower grade glioma (LGG), glioblastoma, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and a basket cohort of other tumor types]. The best clinical outcomes were in subjects with LGG (n = 35), with an objective response rate of 11% (one complete response and three partial responses) and stable disease in 43%. As of August 2020, four of these subjects were in treatment for >2 years and still ongoing. Objective responses were observed only in LGG.Conclusions:BAY1436032 was well tolerated and showed evidence of target inhibition and durable objective responses in a small subset of subjects with LGG.

Supplementary Table S12. NGS analysis of select tumor-associated genes in archival tumor tissue obtained from a subset of subjects.

Supplementary Figure 1. MMSE assessment at study entry, during treatment, and at follow-up

Supplementary Methods, Supplementary Results, Supplementary Tables S1-S11

Supplementary Tables 1-7. Supplementary Table 1. Safety and tolerability. Supplementary Table 2. Outcome by MGMT promoter methylation status and treatment arm. Supplementary Table 3. Outcome by interval from last TMZ administration and MGMT promoter methylation status. Supplementary Table 4. Adherence to Mini Mental Status data collection over the course of the study. Supplementary Table 5. Treatment effect (Arm B versus Arm A) on EORTC-QLQ-C30 and -BN20 scales evaluated at timepoint 90 days Supplementary Table 6. Absolute changes of (0-100) score points of quality of life (as assessed by the EORTC-QLQ-C30 and -BN20 scales) within one treatment cycle of 28 days in Arms A and B, along with local p-values for difference in slopes. Supplementary Table 7. Adherence to EORTC-QLQ-BN20 and -C30 data collection over the course of the study.

BACKGROUND: Metastases are the most common malignant tumors affecting the central nervous system and occur in 20–40 percent of patients with solid systemic tumors. The aim of this review is to discuss the role of neurosurgical procedures in a modern, multidisciplinary treatment approach. METHODS: An expert panel of neurosurgeons, neurologists, and radio-oncologists conducted a selective literature review on neurosurgical interventions for the diagnosis and treatment of cerebral metastases. Original articles, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews were included. RESULTS: There is a lack of prospective randomized studies. Based on retrospective case series, international guidelines recommend the harvesting (if required, stereotactically guided) of tissue for histological and molecular diagnosis in cases of unknown or possibly competing underlying systemic malignant diseases, in cases of suspected tumor recurrence, and with regard to the evaluation of targeted therapies taking into account molecular heterogeneity of primary and secondary tumors. Surgical resection is particularly valuable for the treatment of up to three space-occupying cerebral metastases, especially to achieve clinical stabilization to allow further non-surgical treatment. For cystic metastasis, a combination of stereotactic puncture and radiotherapy may be useful. Meningeal carcinomatosis can be treated with intrathecal medication via an intraventricular catheter system. Ventriculo-peritoneal shunts represents an effective treatment option for patients with tumor-associated hydrocephalus. CONCLUSION: Neurosurgical procedures are of central importance in the multimodal treatment of cerebral metastases. The indications for neurosurgical interventions will be refined in the light of more effective radiation techniques and systemic treatments with new targeted therapeutic approaches and immunotherapies on the horizon.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) constitutes a severe disease with increasing incidence, mostly in the context of immunosuppressive therapies. A detailed understanding of immune response in PML appears critical for the treatment strategy. The aim was a comprehensive immunoprofiling and radiological characterization of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) defined PML variants. METHODS All biopsy-confirmed PML patients (n = 15) treated in our department between January 2004 and July 2019 were retrospectively analysed. Data from MRI, histology as well as detailed clinical and outcome data were collected. The MRI-defined variants of classical (cPML) and inflammatory (iPML) PML were discriminated based on the intensity of gadolinium enhancement. In these PML variants, intensity and localization (perivascular vs. parenchymal) of inflammation in MRI and histology as well as the cellular composition by immunohistochemistry were assessed. The size of the demyelinating lesions was correlated with immune cell infiltration. RESULTS Patients with MRI-defined iPML showed a stronger intensity of inflammation with an increased lymphocyte infiltration on histological level. Also, iPML was characterized by a predominantly perivascular inflammation. However, cPML patients also demonstrated certain inflammatory tissue alterations. Infiltration of CD163-positive microglia and macrophage (M/M) subtypes correlated with PML lesion size. CONCLUSIONS The non-invasive MRI-based discrimination of PML variants allows for an estimation of inflammatory tissue alterations, although exhibiting limitations in MRI-defined cPML. The association of a distinct phagocytic M/M subtype with the extent of demyelination might reflect disease progression.

Purpose With increasing patient self-empowerment and participation in decision making, we hypothesized that patients with adult-type diffuse gliomas, CNS WHO grade 4 who change sites of treatment differ from patients being entirely treated in one neuro-oncological center. Methods Prospectively collected data from all diffuse glioma grade 4 patients who underwent treatment in our neuro-oncological center between 2012 and 2018 were retrospectively examined for differences between patients having initially been diagnosed and/or treated elsewhere (External Group) and patients having entirely been treated in our neuro-oncological center (Internal Group). Additionally, a matched-pair analysis was performed to adjust for possible confounders. Results A total of 616 patients was analyzed. Patients from the External Group (n = 78) were significantly younger, more frequently suffered from IDH-mutant astrocytoma grade 4, had a greater extent of tumor resection, more frequently underwent adjuvant therapy and experienced longer overall survival (all p Conclusion The present study demonstrates that mobile diffuse glioma grade 4 patients stand out from a comprehensive diffuse glioma grade 4 patient cohort due to their favorable prognostic characteristics. However, changing treatment sites did not result in survival benefit over similar patients being entirely taken care of within one neuro-oncological institution. These results underline the importance of treatment and molecular markers in glioma disease for patients’ self-empowerment, including changing treatment sites according to patients’ needs and wishes.

Purpose To investigate the potential of radiomics applied to static clinical PET data using the tracer O-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl)-l-tyrosine (FET) to differentiate treatment-related changes (TRC) from tumor progression (TP) in patients with gliomas. Patients and Methods One hundred fifty-one (151) patients with histologically confirmed gliomas and post-therapeutic progressive MRI findings according to the response assessment in neuro-oncology criteria underwent a dynamic amino acid PET scan using the tracer O-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl)-l-tyrosine (FET). Thereof, 124 patients were investigated on a stand-alone PET scanner (data used for model development and validation), and 27 patients on a hybrid PET/MRI scanner (data used for model testing). Mean and maximum tumor to brain ratios (TBRmean, TBRmax) were calculated using the PET data from 20 to 40 min after tracer injection. Logistic regression models were evaluated for the FET PET parameters TBRmean, TBRmax, and for radiomics features of the tumor areas as well as combinations thereof to differentiate between TP and TRC. The best performing models in the validation dataset were finally applied to the test dataset. The diagnostic performance was assessed by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Results Thirty-seven patients (25%) were diagnosed with TRC, and 114 (75%) with TP. The logistic regression model comprising the conventional FET PET parameters TBRmean and TBRmax resulted in an AUC of 0.78 in both the validation (sensitivity, 64%; specificity, 80%) and the test dataset (sensitivity, 64%; specificity, 80%). The model combining the conventional FET PET parameters and two radiomics features yielded the best diagnostic performance in the validation dataset (AUC, 0.92; sensitivity, 91%; specificity, 80%) and demonstrated its generalizability in the independent test dataset (AUC, 0.85; sensitivity, 81%; specificity, 70%). Conclusion The developed radiomics classifier allows the differentiation between TRC and TP in pretreated gliomas based on routinely acquired static FET PET scans with a high diagnostic accuracy.

Background The incidence of spinal cord gliomas, particularly in adults is low, and the role of chemotherapy has remained unclear. Methods We performed a multicenter, retrospective study of 21 patients diagnosed with spinal cord glioma who received chemotherapy at any time during the disease course. Benefit from chemotherapy was estimated by magnetic resonance imaging. Data on radiotherapy were taken into consideration. Results Thirteen patients were diagnosed with astrocytic gliomas World Health Organization (WHO) grades 1-4, the remaining eight patients with ependymomas WHO grades 1 or 3. Most patients had more than one neurosurgical intervention. Median age at time of first chemotherapy was 33 years (range 21-67 years). Seven patients had chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy as first-line treatment. Two patients had chemoradiotherapy at recurrence, without prior tumor-specific treatment beyond surgery. One patient received chemotherapy alone as first-line treatment and 2 patients had chemotherapy alone at recurrence, without prior treatment. Nine patients had received radiation therapy at an earlier time and chemotherapy was given at time of further recurrences. Best responses in astrocytomas were as follows: chemotherapy alone—2 stable disease (SD) and 3 progressive disease (PD); chemoradiotherapy—1 complete response, 3 SD, and 4 PD. Best responses in ependymomas were as follows: chemotherapy alone—1 partial response, 5 SD, and 1 PD; chemoradiotherapy—1 SD. Conclusions Spinal cord gliomas represent a heterogeneous group of tumors. Survival outcomes in response to chemotherapy in adult spinal cord glioma patients vary substantially, but individual patients appear to derive benefit from chemotherapy.

Mutated isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) defines a molecularly distinct subtype of diffuse glioma1–3. The most common IDH1 mutation in gliomas affects codon 132 and encodes IDH1(R132H), which harbours a shared clonal neoepitope that is presented on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II4,5. An IDH1(R132H)-specific peptide vaccine (IDH1-vac) induces specific therapeutic T helper cell responses that are effective against IDH1(R132H)+ tumours in syngeneic MHC-humanized mice4,6–8. Here we describe a multicentre, single-arm, open-label, first-in-humans phase I trial that we carried out in 33 patients with newly diagnosed World Health Organization grade 3 and 4 IDH1(R132H)+ astrocytomas (Neurooncology Working Group of the German Cancer Society trial 16 (NOA16), ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02454634). The trial met its primary safety endpoint, with vaccine-related adverse events restricted to grade 1. Vaccine-induced immune responses were observed in 93.3% of patients across multiple MHC alleles. Three-year progression-free and death-free rates were 0.63 and 0.84, respectively. Patients with immune responses showed a two-year progression-free rate of 0.82. Two patients without an immune response showed tumour progression within two years of first diagnosis. A mutation-specificity score that incorporates the duration and level of vaccine-induced IDH1(R132H)-specific T cell responses was associated with intratumoral presentation of the IDH1(R132H) neoantigen in pre-treatment tumour tissue. There was a high frequency of pseudoprogression, which indicates intratumoral inflammatory reactions. Pseudoprogression was associated with increased vaccine-induced peripheral T cell responses. Combined single-cell RNA and T cell receptor sequencing showed that tumour-infiltrating CD40LG+ and CXCL13+ T helper cell clusters in a patient with pseudoprogression were dominated by a single IDH1(R132H)-reactive T cell receptor., A phase 1 clinical trial provides evidence that a vaccine against mutant IDH1 is safe and produces a T helper immune response in patients with glioma.

Purpose Classification and treatment of WHO grade II/III gliomas have dramatically changed. Implementing molecular markers into the WHO classification raised discussions about the significance of grading and clinical trials showed overall survival (OS) benefits for combined radiochemotherapy. As molecularly stratified treatment data outside clinical trials are scarce, we conducted this retrospective study. Methods We identified 343 patients (1995–2015) with newly diagnosed WHO grade II/III gliomas and analyzed molecular markers, patient characteristics, symptoms, histology, treatment, time to treatment failure (TTF) and OS. Results IDH-status was available for all patients (259 mutant, 84 IDH1-R132H-non-mutant). Molecular subclassification was possible in 173 tumors, resulting in diagnosis of 80 astrocytomas and 93 oligodendrogliomas. WHO grading remained significant for OS in astrocytomas/IDH1-R132H-non-mutant gliomas (p p = 0.27). Chemotherapy (and temozolomide in particular) showed inferior OS compared to radiotherapy in astrocytomas (median 6.1/12.1 years; p = 0.03) and oligodendrogliomas (median 13.2/not reached (n.r.) years; p = 0.03). While radiochemotherapy improved TTF in oligodendroglioma (median radiochemotherapy n.r./chemotherapy 3.8/radiotherapy 7.3 years; p p Conclusion This is one of the largest retrospective, real-life datasets reporting treatment and outcome in low-grade gliomas incorporating molecular markers. Current histologic grading features remain prognostic in astrocytomas while being insignificant in oligodendroglioma with interfering treatment effects. Chemotherapy (temozolomide) was less effective than radiotherapy in both astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas while radiochemotherapy showed the highest TTF in oligodendrogliomas.

O-(2-[

Introduction Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations are disease-defining mutations in IDH-mutant astrocytomas and IDH-mutant and 1p/19q-codeleted oligodendrogliomas. In more than 80% of these tumors, point mutations in IDH type 1 (IDH1) lead to expression of the tumor-specific protein IDH1R132H. IDH1R132H harbors a major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII)-restricted neoantigen that was safely and successfully targeted in a first-in human clinical phase 1 trial evaluating an IDH1R132H 20-mer peptide vaccine (IDH1-vac) in newly diagnosed astrocytomas concomitant to standard of care (SOC). Methods AMPLIFY-NEOVAC is a randomized, 3-arm, window-of-opportunity, multicenter national phase 1 trial to assess safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of IDH1-vac combined with avelumab (AVE), an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) targeting programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). The target population includes patients with resectable IDH1R132H-mutant recurrent astrocytoma or oligodendroglioma after SOC. Neoadjuvant and adjuvant immunotherapy will be administered to 48 evaluable patients. In arm 1, 12 patients will receive IDH1-vac; in arm 2, 12 patients will receive the combination of IDH1-vac and AVE, and in arm 3, 24 patients will receive AVE only. Until disease progression according to immunotherapy response assessment for neuro-oncology (iRANO) criteria, treatment will be administered over a period of maximum 43 weeks (primary treatment phase) followed by facultative maintenance treatment. Perspective IDH1R132H 20-mer peptide is a shared clonal driver mutation-derived neoepitope in diffuse gliomas. IDH1-vac safely targets IDH1R132H in newly diagnosed astrocytomas. AMPLIFY-NEOVAC aims at (1) demonstrating safety of enhanced peripheral IDH1-vac-induced T cell responses by combined therapy with AVE compared to IDH1-vac only and (2) investigating intra-glioma abundance and phenotypes of IDH1-vac induced T cells in exploratory post-treatment tissue analyses. In an exploratory analysis, both will be correlated with clinical outcome. Trial registration NCT03893903.

Objective:To investigate the association of radiochemotherapy-induced cytopenia with sex of glioma patients and its potential impact on survival.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed cytopenia during temozolomide-based concomitant radiochemotherapy (RCT) in 492 glioma patients. Histological grading, molecular pathology, surgical procedures, adjuvant chemotherapy subsequent to the RCT phase and overall survival (OS) were recorded. The extent of cytopenia was correlated with sex and outcome.Results:Treatment-induced severe cytopenia (leuko-, lympho-, neutro- and thrombocytopenia) was more frequent in women than men (44 vs. 18%, p-value 0.0002). In women with IDH-wildtype high-grade astrocytomas there was a negative correlation of severe cytopenia in general and thrombocytopenia in specific during temozolomide RCT with OS independent from other predictors (92 (77-111) vs. 73 (21-127) weeks, p-values Conclusions:Our analysis of treatment-induced cytopenia in a large cohort of glioma patients (i) confirms that women are at higher risk and (ii) demonstrates an association of cytopenia in women with shortened survival.Classification of Evidence:This study provides class II evidence that women with glioma treated with temozolomide-based concomitant radiochemotherapy have more frequent treatment-induced severe cytopenia than men and that severe myelosuppression correlates with worse OS in women.

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a central cellular energy sensor that regulates metabolic activity. We hypothesised that in glioblastoma (GB), AMPK plays a pivotal role in balancing metabolism under conditions of the tumour microenvironment, which is characterised by fluctuating and often low nutrient and oxygen availability. Impairment of this network could thus interfere with tumour progression.AMPK activity was modulated genetically by CRISPR/Cas9-based double knockout (DKO) of the catalytic α1 and α2 subunits in human GB cells and effects were confirmed by pharmacological AMPK inhibition using BAY3827 and an inactive control compound in primary GB cell lines.We found that metabolic adaptation of GB cells under energy stress conditions (hypoxia, glucose deprivation) was dependent on AMPK and accordingly that, AMPK DKO cells were more vulnerable to glucose-deprivation or inhibition of glycolysis and sensitised to hypoxia-induced cell death. This effect was rescued by reexpression of the AMPK α2 subunit. Similar results were observed using the selective pharmacological AMPK inhibitor BAY3827. Mitochondrial biogenesis was regulated AMPK-dependently with a reduced mitochondrial mass and mitochondrial membrane potential in AMPK DKO GB cells. In vivo, AMPK DKO GB cells showed impaired tumour growth and tumour formation in CAM assays as well as in an orthotopic glioma mouse model.Our study highlights the importance of AMPK for GB cell adaptation towards energy depletion and emphasises the role of AMPK for tumour formation in vivo. Moreover, we identified mitochondria as central downstream effectors of AMPK signalling. The development of AMPK inhibitors could open opportunities for the treatment of hypoxic tumours.