Decreases in Blood Pressure During Thrombectomy Are Associated With Larger Infarct Volumes and Worse Functional Outcome.

Background and Purpose- After large-vessel intracranial occlusion, the fate of the ischemic penumbra, and ultimately final infarct volume, largely depends on tissue perfusion. In this study, we evaluated whether blood pressure reduction and sustained relative hypotension during endovascular thrombectomy are associated with infarct progression and functional outcome. Methods- We identified consecutive patients with large-vessel intracranial occlusion ischemic stroke who underwent mechanical thrombectomy at 2 comprehensive stroke centers. Intraprocedural mean arterial pressure (MAP) was monitored throughout the procedure. ΔMAP was calculated as the difference between admission MAP and lowest MAP during endovascular thrombectomy until recanalization. Sustained hypotension was measured as the area between admission MAP and continuous measurements of intraprocedural MAP (aMAP). Final infarct volume was measured using magnetic resonance imaging at 24 hours, and functional outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale at discharge and 90 days. Associations with outcome were analyzed using linear and ordinal multivariable logistic regression. Results- Three hundred ninety patients (mean age 71±14 years, mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 17) were included in the study; of these, 280 (72%) achieved Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2B/3 reperfusion. Eighty-seven percent of patients experienced MAP reductions during endovascular thrombectomy (mean 31±20 mm Hg). ΔMAP was associated with greater infarct growth ( P=0.036) and final infarct volume ( P=0.035). Mean ΔMAP among patients with favorable outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score, 0-2) was 20±21 mm Hg compared with 30±24 mm Hg among patients with poor outcome ( P=0.002). In the multivariable analysis, ΔMAP was independently associated with higher (worse) modified Rankin Scale scores at discharge (adjusted odds ratio per 10 mm Hg, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.04-1.32; P=0.009) and at 90 days (adjusted odds ratio per 10 mm Hg, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.07-1.38; P=0.003). The association between aMAP and outcome was also significant at discharge ( P=0.002) and 90 days ( P=0.001). Conclusions- Blood pressure reduction before recanalization is associated with larger infarct volumes and worse functional outcomes for patients affected by large-vessel intracranial occlusion stroke. These results underscore the importance of BP management during endovascular thrombectomy and highlight the need for further investigation of blood pressure management after large-vessel intracranial occlusion stroke.

Treatment options for HER2-expressing colorectal cancer: updates and recent approvals.

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Approximately 3-5% of colorectal tumors harbor human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2) amplification which is associated with a higher incidence of intracranial metastasis and overall worse outcomes. In the setting of refractory metastatic RAS wild-type tumors, evidence supports the use of various HER2-blocking agents, including monoclonal antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and novel antibody-drug conjugates. With a number of relatively active agents clinically available and even more in development, it is crucial for clinicians to familiarize themselves with the mechanisms of action, efficacy data, and safety profiles of these treatments. In this review, we aim to summarize key findings from past and ongoing trials with anti-HER2 agents in metastatic colorectal cancer.

Targeting ERBB2/HER2 genetic alterations: an expanding therapeutic opportunity in gastrointestinal cancers.

HER2 amplification and/or activating variations of its protein, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), are associated with distinct clinical and pathological features in gastrointestinal tumors, including a worse overall prognosis and a higher incidence of metastastic lesions in the central nervous system. Notably, the role of HER2 as a therapeutic target continues to expand beyond the scope of breast and gastroesophageal tumors, now encompassing colorectal and biliary tract cancers (BTCs), among others. In parallel, there is a burgeoning array of therapeutic agents designed to inhibit the activity of the HER2 pathway, including monoclonal antibodies, orally available tyrosine kinase inhibitors, bispecific antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugate compounds. In this comprehensive review, we will explore the current body of evidence that supports the implementation of HER2-targeting strategies in the treatment of patients with gastric, esophageal, colorectal, and biliary tract tumors. We will also describe testing methods for HER2 status in clinical practice, including immunohistochemistry (IHC), and its correlation with next-generation sequencing-based techniques. Additionally, we will review the key treatment-related adverse events associated with specific anti-HER2 agents, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and effective management. Furthermore, a critical aspect of this exploration is determining the optimal treatment sequencing among the available therapies, which will be pivotal in enhancing treatment outcomes.

Update on Emerging Therapies for Advanced Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy worldwide. It is projected to increase by 3.2 million new cases and account for 1.6 million deaths by 2040. Mortality is largely due to limited treatment options for patients who present with advanced disease. Thus, the development of effective and tolerable therapies is crucial. Chemotherapy has been the backbone of systemic treatment of advanced CRC, but utility has been limited because of invariable resistance to therapy, narrow mechanisms of action, and unfavorable toxicity profile. Tumors that are mismatch repair-deficient have demonstrated remarkable response to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. However, most CRC tumors are mismatch repair-proficient and represent an unmet medical need. Although ERBB2 amplification occurs only in a few cases, it is associated with left-sided tumors and a higher incidence of brain metastasis. Numerous combinations of HER2 inhibitors have demonstrated efficacy, and antibody-drug conjugates against HER2 represent innovative strategies in this area. The KRAS protein has been classically considered undruggable. Fortunately, new agents targeting KRAS G12C mutation represent a paradigm shift in the management of affected patients and could lead the advancement in drug development for the more common KRAS mutations. Furthermore, aberrant DNA damage response is present in 15%-20% of CRCs, and emerging innovative combinations with poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors could improve the current therapeutic landscape. Multiple novel biomarker-driven approaches in the management of patients with advanced CRC tumors are reviewed in this article.

Genomic Profiling Reveals Germline Predisposition and Homologous Recombination Deficiency in Pancreatic Acinar Cell Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To determine the genetic predisposition underlying pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma (PACC) and characterize its genomic features. METHODS: Both somatic and germline analyses were performed using an Food and Drug Administration-authorized matched tumor/normal sequencing assay on a clinical cohort of 28,780 patients with cancer, 49 of whom were diagnosed with PACC. For a subset of PACCs, whole-genome sequencing (WGS; n = 12) and RNA sequencing (n = 6) were performed. RESULTS: Eighteen of 49 (36.7%) PACCs harbored germline pathogenic variants in homologous recombination (HR) and DNA damage response (DDR) genes, including BRCA1 (n = 1), BRCA2 (n = 12), PALB2 (n = 2), ATM (n = 2), and CHEK2 (n = 1). Thirty-one PACCs displayed pure, and 18 PACCs harbored mixed acinar cell histology. Fifteen of 31 (48%) pure PACCs harbored a germline pathogenic variant affecting HR-/DDR-related genes. BRCA2 germline pathogenic variants (11 of 31, 35%) were significantly more frequent in pure PACCs than in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (86 of 2,739, 3.1%; P < .001), high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (67 of 1,318, 5.1%; P < .001), prostate cancer (116 of 3,401, 3.4%; P < .001), and breast cancer (79 of 3,196, 2.5%; P < .001). Genomic features of HR deficiency (HRD) were detected in 7 of 12 PACCs undergoing WGS, including 100% (n = 6) of PACCs with germline HR-related pathogenic mutations and 1 of 6 PACCs lacking known pathogenic alterations in HR-related genes. Exploratory analyses revealed that in PACCs, the repertoire of somatic driver genetic alterations and the load of neoantigens with high binding affinity varied according to the presence of germline pathogenic alterations affecting HR-/DDR-related genes and/or HRD. CONCLUSION: In a large pan-cancer cohort, PACC was identified as the cancer type with the highest prevalence of both BRCA2 germline pathogenic variants and genomic features of HRD, suggesting that PACC should be considered as part of the spectrum of BRCA-related malignancies.

Medical marijuana knowledge and attitudes amongst internal medicine residents.

BACKGROUND: Mounting evidence suggests the safety and efficacy of medical marijuana (MM) in treating chronic ailments, including chronic pain, epilepsy, and anorexia. Despite incremental use of medical and recreational cannabinoids, current limited evidence shows generalized unpreparedness of medical providers to discuss or recommend these substances to their patients. Herein, the present study aims to examine internal medicine residents' knowledge of marijuana and their attitude towards its medical use. METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. A survey with 12 standardized queries was created and distributed among the internal medicine residents from Mount Sinai Morningside-West (MSMW) program from July 2020 to December 2020. Participants included preliminary and categorical residents from post-graduate years one to three. The survey consisted of self-assessment of residents' knowledge on the indication, contraindication, adverse effects of MM. RESULTS: Eighty-six (59%) out of 145 residents completed the questionnaire. Despite most trainees (70%) having considered certifying the use of MM for their patients, over 90% reported none to little knowledge on its use. Approximately 80% of the surveyed residents expressed willingness to receive an appropriate educational curriculum. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that indicated a critical lack of medical marijuana-related knowledge in surveyed internal medicine residents. In a population with growing cannabis consumption, physician training on the indication, toxicity, and drug interaction of cannabinoids is warranted.

Methylation Analyses Reveal Promoter Hypermethylation as a Rare Cause of "Second Hit" in Germline BRCA1-Associated Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by the occurrence of pathogenic variants in BRCA1/2 in 5-6% of patients. Biallelic loss of BRCA1/2 enriches for response to platinum agents and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 inhibitors. There is a dearth of evidence on the mechanism of inactivation of the wild-type BRCA1 allele in PDAC tumors with a germline BRCA1 (gBRCA1) pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant (P/LPV). Herein, we examine promotor hypermethylation as a "second hit" mechanism in patients with gBRCA1-PDAC. METHODS: We evaluated patients with PDAC who underwent Memorial Sloan Kettering-Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets (MSK-IMPACT) somatic and germline testing from an institutional database. DNA isolated from tumor tissue and matched normal peripheral blood were sequenced by MSK-IMPACT. In patients with gBRCA1-PDAC, we examined the somatic BRCA1 mutation status and promotor methylation status of the tumor BRCA1 allele via a methylation array analysis. In patients with sufficient remaining DNA, a second methylation analysis by pyrosequencing was performed. RESULTS: Of 1012 patients with PDAC, 19 (1.9%) were identified to harbor a gBRCA1 P/LPV. Fifteen patients underwent a methylation array and the mean percentage of BRCA1 promotor methylation was 3.62%. In seven patients in whom sufficient DNA was available, subsequent pyrosequencing confirmed an unmethylated BRCA1 promotor. Loss of heterozygosity was detected in 12 of 19 (63%, 95% confidence interval 38-84) patients, demonstrating loss of heterozygosity is the major molecular mechanism of BRCA1 inactivation in PDAC. Two (10.5%) cases had a somatic BRCA1 mutation. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with gBRCA1-P/LPV-PDAC, loss of heterozygosity is the main inactivating mechanism of the wild-type BRCA1 allele in the tumor, and methylation of the BRCA1 promoter is a distinctly uncommon occurrence.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in the era of precision medicine.

The paradigm for treatment of PDAC is shifting from a "one size fits all" of cytotoxic therapy to a precision medicine approach based on specific predictive biomarkers for a subset of patients. As the genomic landscape of pancreatic carcinogenesis has become increasingly defined, several oncogenic alterations have emerged as actionable targets and their use has been validated in novel approaches such as targeting mutated germline DNA damage response genes (BRCA) and mismatch deficiency (dMMR/MSI-H) or blockade of rare somatic oncogenic fusions. Chemotherapy selection based on transcriptomic subtypes and developing stroma- and immune-modulating strategies have yielded encouraging results and may open therapeutic refinement to a broader PDAC population. Notwithstanding, a series of negative late-stage trials over the last year continue to underscore the inherent challenges in the treatment of PDAC. Multifactorial therapy resistance warrants further exploration in PDAC "omics" and tumor-stroma-immune cells crosstalk. Herein, we discuss precision medicine approaches applied to the treatment of PDAC, its current state and future perspective.

Copy number signatures predict chromothripsis and clinical outcomes in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.

Chromothripsis is detectable in 20-30% of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients and is emerging as a new independent adverse prognostic factor. In this study we interrogate 752 NDMM patients using whole genome sequencing (WGS) to investigate the relationship of copy number (CN) signatures to chromothripsis and show they are highly associated. CN signatures are highly predictive of the presence of chromothripsis (AUC = 0.90) and can be used identify its adverse prognostic impact. The ability of CN signatures to predict the presence of chromothripsis is confirmed in a validation series of WGS comprised of 235 hematological cancers (AUC = 0.97) and an independent series of 34 NDMM (AUC = 0.87). We show that CN signatures can also be derived from whole exome data (WES) and using 677 cases from the same series of NDMM, we are able to predict both the presence of chromothripsis (AUC = 0.82) and its adverse prognostic impact. CN signatures constitute a flexible tool to identify the presence of chromothripsis and is applicable to WES and WGS data.

Whole-genome sequencing reveals progressive versus stable myeloma precursor conditions as two distinct entities.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is consistently preceded by precursor conditions recognized clinically as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) or smoldering myeloma (SMM). We interrogate the whole genome sequence (WGS) profile of 18 MGUS and compare them with those from 14 SMMs and 80 MMs. We show that cases with a non-progressing, clinically stable myeloma precursor condition (n = 15) are characterized by later initiation in the patient's life and by the absence of myeloma defining genomic events including: chromothripsis, templated insertions, mutations in driver genes, aneuploidy, and canonical APOBEC mutational activity. This data provides evidence that WGS can be used to recognize two biologically and clinically distinct myeloma precursor entities that are either progressive or stable.

Routine Evaluation of Minimal Residual Disease in Myeloma Using Next-Generation Sequencing Clonality Testing: Feasibility, Challenges, and Direct Comparison with High-Sensitivity Flow Cytometry.

The 2016 International Myeloma Working Group consensus recommendations emphasize high-sensitivity methods for minimal residual disease (MRD) detection, treatment response assessment, and prognostication. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of IGH gene rearrangements is highly specific and sensitive, but its description in routine clinical practice and performance comparison with high-sensitivity flow cytometry (hsFC) remain limited. In this large, single-institution study including 438 samples from 251 patients, the use of NGS targeting the IGH and IGK genes for clonal characterization and monitoring, with comparison to hsFC, is described. The index clone characterization success rate was 93.6% (235/251), which depended on plasma cell (PC) cellularity, reaching 98% when PC ≥10% and below 80% when PC <5%. A total of 85% of cases were successfully characterized using leader and FR1 primer sets, and most clones showed high somatic hypermutation rates (median, 8.1%). Among monitoring samples from 124 patients, 78.6% (147/187) had detectable disease by NGS. Concordance with hsFC was 92.9% (170/183). Discordant cases encompassed 8 of 124 hsFC MRD+/NGS MRD- patients (6.5%) and 4 of 124 hsFC MRD-/NGS MRD+ patients (3.2%), all with low-level disease near detection limits for both assays. Among concordant hsFC MRD-/NGS MRD- cases, only 5 of 24 patients (20.8%) showed subsequent overt relapse at 3-year follow-up. HsFC and NGS showed similar operational sensitivity, and the choice of test may depend on practical, rather than test performance, considerations.

Advances in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Recently Approved Therapies and Drugs in Development.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a genetically heterogeneous malignancy comprised of various cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities that has notoriously been difficult to treat with an overall poor prognosis. For decades, treatment options were limited to either intensive chemotherapy with anthracycline and cytarabine-based regimens (7 + 3) or lower intensity regimens including hypomethylating agents or low dose cytarabine, followed by either allogeneic stem cell transplant or consolidation chemotherapy. Fortunately, with the influx of rapidly evolving molecular technologies and new genetic understanding, the treatment landscape for AML has dramatically changed. Advances in the formulation and delivery of 7 + 3 with liposomal cytarabine and daunorubicin (Vyxeos) have improved overall survival in secondary AML. Increased understanding of the genetic underpinnings of AML has led to targeting actionable mutations such as FLT3, IDH1/2 and TP53, and BCL2 or hedgehog pathways in more frail populations. Antibody drug conjugates have resurfaced in the AML landscape and there have been numerous advances utilizing immunotherapies including immune checkpoint inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific T cell engager antibodies, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapy and the development of AML vaccines. While there are dozens of ongoing studies and new drugs in the pipeline, this paper serves as a review of the advances achieved in the treatment of AML in the last several years and the most promising future avenues of advancement.

Cardiovascular mortality among chronic myeloid leukemia patients in the pre-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) and TKI eras: a surveillance, epidemiology and end results (SEER) analysis.

Despite remarkable efficacy, there is an emerging concern regarding TKI-associated cardiovascular toxicity in CML. Long term follow-up studies on association between TKI therapy and cardiovascular outcome have been limited. CML patients were accessed from the SEER 18 database from 1992 to 2011. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) specific mortality was calculated comparing the pre-TKI era to the TKI era using the Fine-Gray competing risk model. Overall, the TKI era was associated with a reduced cardiovascular mortality compared with the pre-TKI era (HR = 0.72; 95%CI, 0.59-0.89). Our results argue for continued aggressive screening, identification and management of cardiovascular risk factors among all CML patients, especially the elderly, and further investigation into specific mechanisms, factors and predictors of risks in TKI-treated CML.

Association of admission clinical predictors and functional outcome in patients with Cerebral Venous and Dural Sinus Thrombosis.

OBJECTIVES: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare subtype of stroke that most commonly affects younger women. While most patients treated with anticoagulation therapy have good outcomes, a significant number go on to experience disability. The primary aim of this study was to identify objective, easily reproducible, clinical admission predictors of poor outcome at discharge in patients with CVST. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of adult CVST patients admitted at our comprehensive stroke center between April 2004 and December 2017. The medical records of patients with a CVST discharge diagnosis code were reviewed for diagnosis confirmation and extraction of clinical and demographic admission data. Multivariable logistic regression was used to build predictive models of objective, standardized examination signs and adjusted for confounders. The primary endpoint was modified Rankin Scale score at discharge defined as good outcome (0-2) and poor outcome (3-6). Mortality was the secondary endpoint. RESULTS: A total of 176 CVST patients were identified. Most patients were white (91 %) and female (65 %). The median age was 40 years old. Headache was the most commonly reported symptom (74 %). Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) was present in 27 % of patients, venous infarct occurred in 22 % of the patients, and 12 % had both. Age (OR = 1.03, 95 % CI 1.01-1.05), abnormal level of consciousness (OR = 4.38, 95 % CI 1.86-8.88), and focal motor deficits (OR = 3.49, 95 % CI 1.49-8.15) were found to be predictive of poor functional outcome. Pre-hospitalization infections (OR = 5.22, 95 % CI 1.51-18.07) and abnormal level of consciousness (OR = 9.22, 95 % CI 2.34-36.40) were significant predictors of mortality. The predictive effect remained significant after adjusting by median PTT level, presence of intracranial hemorrhage, and venous infarct. CONCLUSIONS: Age, abnormal level of consciousness, and focal motor deficits identified at admission are independently associated with poor outcome in CVST patients. These frequently prevalent, easily reproducible examination signs represent the first step to develop a clinical prediction tool toward stratifying CVST patients with poor prognosis at admission.

A Case of Gastric Thickening and a Large Ovarian Mass.

A 35-year-old female patient with hypothyroidism and Ehler-Danlos syndrome presents with fatigue, abdominal distension, and dyspnea. What is your diagnosis?

Lipid Management in Chronic Kidney Disease: Systematic Review of PCSK9 Targeting.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and CKD is considered a coronary artery disease risk equivalent. So far, statins have been the mainstay of primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in the general population. However, their benefit on outcomes is limited and controversial in CKD patients and new therapeutic approaches to reduce cardiovascular risk are needed. Monoclonal antibodies targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and lipoprotein(a) in high-risk populations and cardiovascular events in secondary prevention. We now review the limitations of the current approach to lipid management in CKD and information on CKD patients from clinical trials of anti-PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies alirocumab and evolocumab. In CKD sub-group analysis, ODYSSEY COMBO I and ODYSSEY COMBO II studies demonstrated significant superiority of alirocumab on LDL-cholesterol lowering in comparison to placebo and ezetimibe, respectively, when added to statins, and case reports have shown efficacy in nephrotic syndrome. A detailed analysis of CKD subgroups in general population trials of anti-PCSK9 strategies addressing events is needed, given the limited efficacy of statins in CKD both in terms of lipid lowering and events, the high rate of statin non-compliance in these patients, and the high lipoprotein(a) levels. This information should guide the design of trials addressing the safety profile and efficacy on cardiovascular outcomes of PCSK9-targeted therapies in CKD patients.

Effect of Intracranial Stenosis Revascularization on Dynamic and Static Cerebral Autoregulation.

INTRODUCTION: Severe intracranial stenosis might lead to acute cerebral ischemia. It is imperative to better assess patients who may benefit from immediate reperfusion and blood pressure management to prevent injury to peri-infarct tissue. METHODS: We assessed cerebral autoregulation using static and dynamic methods in an 81-year-old woman suffering acute cerebral ischemia from severe intracranial stenosis in the petrous segment of the left internal carotid artery (LICA). RESULTS: Static cerebral autoregulation, which is evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance perfusion studies showed a progression of infarcts and a large perfusion-diffusion mismatch in the entire LICA territory between the second and third days after onset despite maximized medical therapy. Dynamic methods, including transfer function analysis and mean velocity index, demonstrated an increasingly impaired dynamic cerebral autoregulation (DCA) on the affected side between these days. Revascularization through acute intracranial stenting resulted in improved perfusion in the LICA territory and normalization of both dynamic and static cerebral autoregulation. CONCLUSION: Thus, DCA, a noninvasive bedside method, may be useful in helping to identify and select patients with large-vessel flow-failure syndromes that would benefit from immediate revascularization of intracranial atherosclerotic disease.

Subacute Abdominal Pain in a Patient With Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

A 66-year-old woman with chronic hepatitis B infection and hepatocellular carcinoma presented with moderate radiating epigastric pain with nausea, anorexia, and water brash without emesis. What is your diagnosis?

Lesinurad: what the nephrologist should know.

Lesinurad is an oral inhibitor of the monocarboxylic/urate transporter URAT1 encoded by the SLC22A12 gene. Market authorization was granted in February 2016 in Europe and December 2015 in the USA. As a potentially nephrotoxic uricosuric drug acting on the kidney, nephrologists should become familiar with its indications and safety profile. The approved indication is treatment of gout in combination with a xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitor in adult patients who have not achieved target serum uric acid levels with an XO inhibitor alone. It is not indicated for asymptomatic hyperuricaemia or for patients with estimated creatinine clearance <45 mL/min. The only authorized daily dose is 200 mg and cannot be exceeded because of the nephrotoxicity risk. Nephrotoxicity is thought to be related to uricosuria. At the 200 mg/day dose, serum creatinine more than doubled in 1.8% of lesinurad patients (versus 0% in placebo) and in 11% of these it was not reversible. In addition, it is subject to a risk management plan given the potential association with cardiovascular events. In randomized clinical trials, the association of lesinurad with either allopurinol or febuxostat achieved a greater reduction in serum uric acid (∼1 mg/dL lower) than the XO inhibitors alone, and this allowed the serum uric acid target to be met in a higher proportion of patients, which was the primary endpoint. However, no clinical differences were observed in gout flares or tophi, although these were not the primary endpoints.