Abstract: Lip, oral, and pharyngeal cancers are important contributors to cancer burden worldwide, and a comprehensive evaluation of their burden globally, regionally, and nationally is crucial for effective policy planning. Objective To analyze the total and risk-attributable burden of lip and oral cavity cancer (LOC) and other pharyngeal cancer (OPC) for 204 countries and territories and by Socio-demographic Index (SDI) using 2019 Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors (GBD) Study estimates. Evidence Review The incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to LOC and OPC from 1990 to 2019 were estimated using GBD 2019 methods. The GBD 2019 comparative risk assessment framework was used to estimate the proportion of deaths and DALYs for LOC and OPC attributable to smoking, tobacco, and alcohol consumption in 2019. Findings In 2019, 370 000 (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 338 000-401 000) cases and 199 000 (95% UI, 181 000-217 000) deaths for LOC and 167 000 (95% UI, 153 000-180 000) cases and 114 000 (95% UI, 103 000-126 000) deaths for OPC were estimated to occur globally, contributing 5.5 million (95% UI, 5.0-6.0 million) and 3.2 million (95% UI, 2.9-3.6 million) DALYs, respectively. From 1990 to 2019, low-middle and low SDI regions consistently showed the highest age-standardized mortality rates due to LOC and OPC, while the high SDI strata exhibited age-standardized incidence rates decreasing for LOC and increasing for OPC. Globally in 2019, smoking had the greatest contribution to risk-attributable OPC deaths for both sexes (55.8% [95% UI, 49.2%-62.0%] of all OPC deaths in male individuals and 17.4% [95% UI, 13.8%-21.2%] of all OPC deaths in female individuals). Smoking and alcohol both contributed to substantial LOC deaths globally among male individuals (42.3% [95% UI, 35.2%-48.6%] and 40.2% [95% UI, 33.3%-46.8%] of all risk-attributable cancer deaths, respectively), while chewing tobacco contributed to the greatest attributable LOC deaths among female individuals (27.6% [95% UI, 21.5%-33.8%] ), driven by high risk-attributable burden in South and Southeast Asia. Conclusions and Relevance In this systematic analysis, disparities in LOC and OPC burden existed across the SDI spectrum, and a considerable percentage of burden was attributable to tobacco and alcohol use. These estimates can contribute to an understanding of the distribution and disparities in LOC and OPC burden globally and support cancer control planning efforts.

Abstract: Our medical school followed the traditional curriculum earlier, and due to a large amount of content embedded in each discipline, which had less scope for active and deep learning. To overcome this, we adopted an integrated curriculum and introduced a few active teaching/learning (T/L) methodologies, which promote deep learning and problem-solving skills. One such T/L methodology we introduced was team-based learning (TBL). Before implementing this active T/L methodology in the integrated curriculum, we evaluated the effectiveness of TBL in medical students from the traditional curriculum and aimed to determine students’ perceptions. Furthermore, we aimed to explore the perception of TBL in students who underwent integrated curriculum to evaluate the difference in their perception compared to the traditional curriculum. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in RAK Medical and Health Sciences University on the 1 st year medical students from the traditional and integrated curriculum. Institutional ethical committee clearance and informed consent were obtained before starting the study. A pre-validated 5-item survey questionnaire comprising questions related to the content, process, and teamwork was used to obtain perceptions of students’ on TBL. Results: The students positively perceived the teaching-learning experience using TBL and understood the concepts better. Even the students with integrated curriculum had the same positive impact on their learning attitudes. The majority of students in both cohorts agreed that discussion among their teams helped them to learn better. Around two-thirds (66%) of students from the traditional curriculum and one-third (39%) of students from integrated curriculum wanted TBLs as T/L methodology over didactic lectures. Conclusion: TBL helped to learn better and understand the subject and promoted self and peer engagement, which facilitated their learning by clarifying the doubts with peers. Due to this positive TBL experience, most students from both curriculums recommended its use as a T/L method over lecture. Hence, TBL sessions in medical schools can be used as an effective T/L method to facilitate meaningful learning.

Abstract: Luspatercept is an approved therapy for selected patients with lower risk myelodysplasia requiring transfusion despite erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, based on the early results of a randomized trial against placebo. Zeidan and colleagues report that after a median of 26 months follow-up, 27% of patients commencing luspatercept were continuing therapy. Their updated analyses confirm that a significant minority (45%) of eligible patients can achieve transfusion independence, with a median durability of 30 weeks. These longer follow-up data better quantify the incremental benefit of luspatercept over placebo.

Abstract: Patients with transfusion‐dependent (TD) β‐thalassemia require long‐term red blood cell transfusions (RBCTs) that lead to iron overload, impacting health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods The impact of luspatercept, a first‐in‐class erythroid maturation agent, versus placebo on HRQoL of patients with TD β‐thalassemia was evaluated in the phase 3 BELIEVE trial. HRQoL was assessed at baseline and every 12 weeks using the 36‐item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36) and Transfusion‐dependent Quality of Life questionnaire (TranQol). Mean change in HRQoL was evaluated from baseline to week 48 for patients receiving luspatercept + best supportive care (BSC) and placebo + BSC and between luspatercept responders and non‐responders. Results Through week 48, for both groups, mean scores on SF‐36 and TranQol domains were stable over time and did not have a clinically meaningful change. At week 48, more patients who achieved clinical response (≥50% reduction in RBCT burden over 24 weeks) in the luspatercept + BSC group had improvement in SF‐36 Physical Function compared with placebo + BSC (27.1% vs. 11.5%; p  = .019). Conclusions Luspatercept + BSC reduced transfusion burden while maintaining patients' HRQoL. HRQoL domain improvements from baseline through 48 weeks were also enhanced for luspatercept responders.

Abstract: Introduction: Patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) experience severe anemia, which is commonly managed with frequent red blood cell transfusions (RBCT) in patients refractory to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. At diagnosis, 85% of patients have anemia and 30-50% depend on RBCT. The administration of RBCT itself provides transient relief in anemia-related symptoms. Per protocol, MEDALIST investigators were advised to transfuse for symptoms related to anemia at the investigators' discretion. Hence, cessation or reduction of RBCT may increase anemia-related symptoms and negatively impact health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Luspatercept is a first-in-class erythroid maturation agent providing clinically meaningful reduction in transfusion burden in patients with transfusion-dependent anemia due to Revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R)-defined Very low-, Low-, or Intermediate-risk MDS with ring sideroblasts in the phase 3 MEDALIST trial (NCT02631070). However, the impact of luspatercept on patients' HRQoL has not been evaluated. This analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of luspatercept versus placebo on HRQoL of patients treated for MDS from baseline through Week 25 of the MEDALIST study. Methods: Patients received luspatercept or placebo every 3 weeks for 24 weeks, plus best supportive care (BSC), including tailored amounts of RBCT. Effects of luspatercept versus placebo on HRQoL were evaluated as secondary and exploratory endpoints in the MEDALIST study. In the primary analysis, mean change from baseline to Week 25 (clinical assessment visit) in the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer's core quality of life questionnaire, version 3.0 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and in the QoL assessment in MDS questionnaire (QOL-E) was determined using mixed-effects repeated measures analysis. Clinically meaningful change within each treatment arm was defined as a ≥ 10-point change in patient-reported outcome (PRO) score from baseline for all EORTC QLQ-C30 domains, and ≥ 0.5 standard deviation of the baseline domain score for all QOL-E domains. Differences between luspatercept and placebo were considered clinically meaningful if the change from baseline between treatment arms exceeded the threshold for a clinically meaningful difference. In an exploratory analysis, patient-reported impact of transfusion dependence and overall side effects on their daily life was estimated using the QOL-E instrument. Results: A total of 229 patients were randomized; 153 patients to luspatercept and 76 to placebo. The HRQoL-evaluable population, consisting of patients with ≥ 1 post-baseline HRQoL score, was 149 patients in the luspatercept arm and 76 patients in the placebo arm. Questionnaire compliance rates among patients remaining on treatment were similar between luspatercept and placebo treatment groups at Week 25 (EORTC QLQ-C30, 88.2% vs 79.4% and QOL-E, 72.5% vs 69.7%). At baseline, MEDALIST patients had a clinically meaningfully worse HRQoL compared with the general population in 5 of 15 EORTC QLQ-C30 domains: physical functioning, role functioning, social functioning, fatigue, and dyspnea. Through Week 25, there was no clinically meaningful difference in change from baseline between and within the luspatercept and placebo arms across all EORTC QLQ-C30 (Global health status shown in Figure A) and QOL-E domains. A greater proportion of patients in the luspatercept arm relative to placebo reported improvements in daily life from the impact of transfusion burden (Figure B). Relative to baseline, the proportion of patients reporting a lower impact of transfusion dependence on their daily life was 39% versus 22% in luspatercept versus placebo at Week 25; in contrast, the proportion of patients reporting a higher impact of transfusion dependence on their daily life was 12% versus 22% in luspatercept versus placebo. Impact of treatment side effects on patients was comparable between luspatercept and placebo. Conclusions: Luspatercept with BSC reduced RBCT burden and patient-reported transfusion impact on their daily life, while maintaining other aspects of HRQoL from baseline through Week 25 in the MEDALIST study. Disclosures Oliva: Alexion: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Patents & Royalties, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Abbvie: Consultancy; Apellis: Consultancy. Platzbecker:Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria; Geron: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; AbbVie: Consultancy, Honoraria. Garcia-Manero:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Research Funding; AbbVie: Honoraria, Research Funding; Genentech: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Helsinn Therapeutics: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Onconova: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Acceleron Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amphivena Therapeutics: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Astex Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; H3 Biomedicine: Research Funding. Mufti:BMS, Novartis: Research Funding; Abbvie, Novartis: Consultancy. Santini:Takeda, Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Research Funding; Acceleron, BMS, Menarini, Novartis: Consultancy; BMS, J & J, Novartis: Honoraria. Sekeres:BMS: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda/Millenium: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Komrokji:BMS: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Acceleron: Honoraria; Geron: Honoraria; Agios: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; AbbVie: Honoraria; JAZZ: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria. Shetty:BMS: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Tang:BMS: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Guo:BMS: Consultancy. Zhang:BMS: Current Employment. Ha:Bristol Myers Squibb: Current Employment. Ito:BMS: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Lord-Bessen:Bristol Myers Squibb: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Backstrom:BMS: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Acceleron Pharma: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Fenaux:Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Jazz: Honoraria, Research Funding; BMS: Honoraria, Research Funding; Abbvie: Honoraria, Research Funding.

Abstract: Introduction: LR-MDS are characterized by ineffective erythropoiesis that leads to anemia and red blood cell (RBC) transfusion dependence. Luspatercept is a first-in-class erythroid maturation agent that binds to select TGF-β superfamily ligands and enhances late-stage erythropoiesis. MEDALIST is a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of luspatercept in pts with LR-MDS (IPSS-R-defined Very low-, Low-, and Intermediate-risk) with ring sideroblasts who required RBC transfusions and were ineligible for, intolerant of, or refractory to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. Clinical benefit (CB; defined as RBC transfusion independence [RBC-TI] ≥ 8 weeks and/or modified hematologic improvement-erythroid [mHI-E] per IWG 2006 criteria) in the primary MEDALIST treatment phase (Weeks 1-24) was achieved by 58.2% of pts in the luspatercept arm and 21.1% in the placebo arm (P & lt; 0.0001). The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of luspatercept treatment on erythropoiesis biomarkers and their relationship to CB in the primary MEDALIST treatment phase (Weeks 1-24). Methods: In the MEDALIST trial, 229 pts were randomized to receive either luspatercept (N = 153) or placebo (N = 76). Reticulocyte count was determined in blood samples collected at baseline and during the primary treatment phase. Serum biomarkers (soluble transferrin receptor 1 [sTfR1], erythroferrone [ERFE] , and erythropoietin [EPO]) were measured by ELISA. Bone marrow (BM) erythroid precursors (EP) were determined by cytomorphology from BM aspirates. Biomarker levels were compared between baseline and Week 25 within treatment arms and between pts with CB and without CB in the luspatercept arm using a paired 2-tailed t-test and unpaired t-test (parametric method). Results: In the luspatercept arm, mean reticulocyte count increased from baseline, starting at 8 days after first dose (55.1 vs 34.5 × 109/L at baseline, P & lt; 0.0001), and remained elevated throughout the evaluation period (Figure). Mean EPO levels increased significantly within 6 weeks after first dose (440.1 vs 220.4 IU/L at baseline, P & lt; 0.0001) and remained elevated up to Week 25. Similarly, levels of sTfR1 (P & lt; 0.0001), ERFE (P & lt; 0.0001), and EP (P = 0.0010) were elevated at Week 25 relative to baseline (Table). The mean transfusion burden (within 16 weeks) was significantly reduced at Week 25 compared with baseline (7.2 vs 11.0 units, P & lt; 0.0001). In contrast, in the placebo arm, reticulocyte count, EPO levels, and 16-week transfusion burden remained largely unchanged, while levels of sTfR1 (P & lt; 0.0001), ERFE (P = 0.0431), and EP (P = 0.0010) were significantly lower at Week 25 relative to baseline. In the luspatercept arm, mean baseline EP were higher in 87 pts with CB (31.3%) compared with 63 pts without CB (26.5%; P = 0.0298). No statistically significant differences in baseline EPO, ERFE, sTfR1, reticulocyte count, and 16-week transfusion burden were observed in either group. At Week 25, pts with luspatercept and CB had a significantly greater increase of reticulocyte count (2.7 vs 1.8 mean fold increase from baseline, P = 0.0017), but not EPO levels (2.9 vs 4.3 mean fold increase from baseline, P = 0.1370) compared with pts without CB. Changes in erythropoiesis-related biomarkers (EP, ERFE, and sTfR1) did not differ significantly between pts with and without CB. To investigate whether luspatercept affects erythroid maturation, the ratio of reticulocyte/sTfR1 was calculated. This ratio was reasoned to be an approximation of the ratio of late-stage erythropoiesis (reticulocytes) within total erythropoiesis (sTfR1). Luspatercept increased the mean ratio of reticulocyte/sTfR1 in pts with CB (2.2 in Week 25 vs 1.5 at baseline, P & lt; 0.0001) and no CB (1.9 in week 25 vs 1.3 at baseline, P = 0.0071). Conclusions: Luspatercept-treated pts in the MEDALIST trial had an increase of erythropoiesis-associated biomarkers. Luspatercept-mediated CB (RBC-TI ≥ 8 weeks and/or mHI-E) was associated with increased blood reticulocyte counts and was higher in pts with expanded BM erythropoiesis (as measured by EP) at baseline. Together with the observation that the ratio of reticulocytes/sTfR1 increased during luspatercept treatment, this suggests that the luspatercept mechanism of efficacy in pts with LR-MDS is associated with an increase of erythroid maturation and reticulocytes. Disclosures Platzbecker: Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; AbbVie: Consultancy, Honoraria; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria; Geron: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria, Research Funding. Zhu:Bristol Myers Squibb: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Ha:Bristol Myers Squibb: Current Employment. Risueño:Bristol Myers Squibb: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Patents & Royalties: Named in BMS (before Celgene) patent filings related to predictive patient response biomarkers in hematological malignancies. Chan:Bristol Myers Squibb: Current Employment. Zhang:BMS: Current Employment. Dunshee:Bristol Myers Squibb: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Ended employment in the past 24 months; Genentech Inc.: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Acar:Bristol Myers Squibb: Ended employment in the past 24 months. Shetty:BMS: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Ito:BMS: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. MacBeth:Bristol Myers Squibb: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Santini:Menarini: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria; Acceleron: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Johnson & Johnson: Honoraria; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Garbowski:Imara: Consultancy; Vifor Pharma: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Fenaux:BMS: Honoraria, Research Funding; Abbvie: Honoraria, Research Funding; Jazz: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding. Schwickart:Bristol Myers Squibb: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company.