A 10-year analysis of the racial distribution of authors in plastic surgery research and the impact of minority mentorship.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the racial distribution in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PRS) publication authorship and illustrates the impact underrepresented in medicine (URiM) mentorship has on increasing diverse trainee contributions to the PRS peer-reviewed literature. METHODS: Articles published in the seven highest-impact PRS peer-reviewed journals within the last 10 years (2012-2022) were reviewed and analyzed for first and senior authors' race and ethnicity, publication year, and citation count. RESULTS: A total of 23,549 publications were identified of which 8250 were from the US-based institutions. A random sampling of 778 publications (∼10 â€‹%) were scrutinized for first and senior author race and ethnicity. Across all journals, 64.5 â€‹% of senior authors were White, 29.9 â€‹% Asian, 4.6 â€‹% Hispanic, and 1.0 â€‹% Black. First authors were 59.5 â€‹% White, 32.8 â€‹% Asian, 5.2 â€‹% Hispanic, and 2.6 â€‹% Black (p=<0.0001). The presence of a URiM senior author increased the likelihood of a URiM first author 7-fold (p=<0.0001); 95 â€‹% CI [3.5-14.0]). There was no statistically significant difference in the total citation count relative to author race or ethnicity. The Aesthetic Surgery Journal had the greatest proportion of White senior authors (73.6 â€‹%), while Microsurgery had the highest percentage of URiM senior authors (8.7 â€‹%). CONCLUSIONS: URiM authorship of PRS publications is limited and mentorship is essential to improve underrepresented perspectives in the PRS peer-reviewed literature.

Papillary Hemangioma Harbors Somatic GNA11 and GNAQ Mutations.

Papillary hemangioma (PH) is a small, primarily dermal lesion occurring predominantly in the head and neck in both children and adults. Its signature characteristics are dilated thin-walled channels containing papillary clusters of mainly capillary-sized vessels and endothelial cytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusions. Given certain histopathologic similarities to congenital hemangioma which harbor mutations in GNAQ and GNA11 , we investigated whether similar mutations are present in PH. Seven PH specimens were studied. All presented in the first 4 years of life, with one being noted at birth. With the exception of one lesion, all were in the head and neck. Lesions were bluish and ranged in size from 0.5 to 2.8 cm. Four samples had GNA11 p.Q209L and 3 had GNAQ p.Q209L missense mutations. Mutations in GNA11 and GNAQ are associated with other types of somatic vascular lesions including capillary malformation, congenital hemangioma, anastomosing hemangioma, thrombotic anastomosing hemangioma, and hepatic small cell neoplasm. Shared mutations in GNA11 and GNAQ may account for some overlapping clinical and pathologic features in these entities, perhaps explicable by the timing of the mutation or influence of the germline phenotype.

Body Mass Index and Lymphedema Morbidity: Comparison of Obese versus Normal-Weight Patients.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a risk factor for the development of secondary lymphedema after axillary lymphadenectomy and radiation therapy. The purpose of this study was to determine whether obesity influences the morbidity of lymphedema in patients who have the condition. METHODS: Two cohorts of patients were compared: group 1, normal weight (body mass index ≤25 kg/m); and group 2, obese (body mass index ≥30 kg/m). Inclusion criteria were patients aged 21 years or older with lymphedema confirmed by lymphoscintigraphy. Covariates included age, sex, lymphedema type (primary or secondary), location, comorbidities, lymph node dissection, radiation therapy, lymphoscintigram result, and disease duration. Outcome variables were infection, hospitalization, and degree of limb overgrowth. The cohorts were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's exact test, and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients were included: group 1, n = 33; and group 2, n = 34. Disease duration did not differ between groups (p = 0.72). Group 2 was more likely to have an infection (59 percent), hospitalization (47 percent), and moderate or severe overgrowth (79 percent), compared to group 1 (18, 6, and 40 percent, respectively; p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression showed that obesity was an independent risk factor for infection (OR, 7.9; 95 percent CI, 2.5 to 26.3; p < 0.001), hospitalization (OR, 30.0; 95 percent CI, 3.6 to 150.8; p < 0.001), and moderate to severe limb overgrowth (OR, 6.7; 95 percent CI, 2.1 to 23.0; p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Obesity negatively affects patients with established lymphedema. Obese individuals are more likely to have infections, hospitalizations, and larger extremities compared to subjects with a normal body mass index. Patients with lymphedema should be counseled about the negative effects of obesity on their condition. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, II.

Endothelial MAP2K1 mutations in arteriovenous malformation activate the RAS/MAPK pathway.

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a locally destructive congenital vascular anomaly caused by somatic mutations in MAP2K1. The mutation is isolated to endothelial cells (ECs). The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of mutant MAP2K1 on EC signaling and vascular network formation. Pathway effects were studied using both mutant MAP2K1 (K57N) human AVM tissue and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) engineered to overexpress the MAP2K1 (K57N) mutation. Western blot was used to determine cell signaling along the RAS/MAPK pathway. Geltrex tube formation assays were performed to assess EC vascular network formation. Cells were treated with a MAP2K1 inhibitor (Trametinib) to determine its effect on signaling and vascular tube formation. Human mutant MAP2K1-AVM ECs had similar baseline MEK1 and ERK1/2 expression with controls; however, mutant MAP2K1-AVM ECs produced significantly more phosphorylated ERK1/2 than wild-type ECs. Mutant MAP2K1 HUVECs demonstrated significantly more phosphorylated ERK1/2 than control HUVECs. Trametinib reduced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in mutant cells and prevented the ability of ECs to form vascular networks. AVM MAP2K1 mutations activate RAS/MAPK signaling in ECs. ERK activation and vascular network formation are reduced with Trametinib. Pharmacotherapy using MAP2K1 inhibitors may prevent the formation or progression of AVMs.

Arteriovenous Malformation MAP2K1 Mutation Causes Local Cartilage Overgrowth by a Cell-Non Autonomous Mechanism.

Extracranial arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is most commonly caused by MAP2K1 mutations in the endothelial cell. The purpose of this study was to determine if local tissue overgrowth associated with AVM is caused by direct or indirect effects of the MAP2K1 mutation (i.e., cell-autonomous or cell-non autonomous). Because cartilage does not have blood vessels, we studied ear AVMs to determine if overgrown cartilage contained AVM-causing mutations. Cartilage was separated from its surrounding tissue and isolated by laser capture microdissection. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) was used to identify MAP2K1 mutations. MAP2K1 (p.K57N) variants were present in the tissue adjacent to the cartilage [mutant allele frequency (MAF) 6-8%], and were enriched in endothelial cells (MAF 51%) compared to non-endothelial cells (MAF 0%). MAP2K1 mutations were not identified in the overgrown cartilage, and thus local cartilage overgrowth likely results from the effects of adjacent mutant blood vessels (i.e., cell-non autonomous).

Diffuse capillary malformation with overgrowth contains somatic PIK3CA variants.

Diffuse capillary malformation with overgrowth (DCMO) is a clinical diagnosis describing patients with multiple, extensive capillary malformations (CMs) associated with overgrowth and foot anomalies. The purpose of the study was to identify somatic variants in DCMO. Skin containing CM and overgrown subcutaneous adipose tissue was collected from patients with DCMO. Exons from 447 cancer-related genes were sequenced using OncoPanel. Variant-specific droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) independently confirmed the variants and determined variant allele frequencies (VAF). One subject contained a somatic PIK3CA p.G106V variant. A second patient had a PIK3CA p.D350G variant. VAF was 27% to 29% in skin and 16% to 28% in subcutaneous adipose. Variants were enriched in endothelial cells (VAF 50%-51%) compared to nonendothelial cells (1%-8%). DCMO is associated with somatic PIK3CA variants and should be considered on the PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum (PROS). Variants are present in both skin and subcutaneous adipose and are enriched in endothelial cells.

Arteriovenous malformation associated with a HRAS mutation.

The majority of extracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are caused by somatic mutations in MAP2K1. We report a somatic HRAS mutation in a patient who has a facial AVM associated with subcutaneous adipose overgrowth. We performed whole exome sequencing on DNA from the affected tissue and found a HRAS mutation (p.Thr58_Ala59delinsValLeuAspVal). Mutant allelic frequency was 5% in whole tissue and 31% in isolated endothelial cells (ECs); the mutation was not present in blood DNA or non-ECs. Somatic mutations in HRAS can cause AVM.

Sensitivity and Specificity of the Stemmer Sign for Lymphedema: A Clinical Lymphoscintigraphic Study.

BACKGROUND: The Stemmer sign is a physical examination finding used to diagnose lymphedema. If the examiner cannot pinch the skin of the dorsum of the foot or hand then this positive finding is associated with lymphedema. The purpose of the study was to determine the accuracy of the Stemmer sign to predict lymphedema. METHODS: All patients referred to our Lymphedema Program between 2016 and 2018 were tested for the Stemmer sign and underwent lymphoscintigraphy to define the patient's lymphatic function. Patient age, lymphedema type (primary and secondary), disease location (arm and leg), lymphoscintigraphy findings, stage, severity, and body mass index were recorded. Comparison of predictive variables and Stemmer sign result was performed using Fisher's exact test and Student's t test. RESULTS: One hundred ten patients were studied: patients with a positive Stemmer sign (n = 87) exhibited abnormal (n = 80) or normal (n = 7) lymphatic function by lymphoscintigraphy (sensitivity = 92%). False-positive Stemmer signs included individuals with obesity (n = 6) or spinal muscle atrophy (n = 1). Subjects with a negative Stemmer sign (n = 23) had normal (n = 13) or abnormal (n = 10) lymphatic function by imaging (specificity = 57%). Patients with a false-negative Stemmer sign were more likely to have a normal body mass index (P = 0.02) and Stage 1 disease (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A positive Stemmer sign is a sensitive predictor for primary and secondary lymphedema of the arms or legs and, thus, is a useful part of the physical examination. Because the test exhibits moderate specificity, lymphoscintigraphy should be considered for patients with a high suspicion of lymphedema that have a negative Stemmer sign.

Intramuscular fast-flow vascular anomaly contains somatic MAP2K1 and KRAS mutations.

BACKGROUND: The term "intramuscular hemangioma capillary type" (IHCT) refers to a fast-flow vascular lesion that is classified as a tumor, although its phenotype overlaps with arteriovenous malformation (AVM). The purpose of this study was to identify somatic mutations in IHCT. METHODS: Affected tissue specimens were obtained during a clinically indicated procedure. The diagnosis of IHCT was based on history, physical examination, imaging and histopathology. Because somatic mutations in cancer-associated genes can cause vascular malformations, we sequenced exons from 446 cancer-related genes in DNA from 7 IHCT specimens. We then performed mutation-specific droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) to independently test for the presence of a somatic mutation found by sequencing and to screen one additional IHCT sample. RESULTS: We detected somatic mutations in 6 of 8 IHCT specimens. Four specimens had a mutation in MAP2K1 (p.Q58_E62del, p.P105_I107delinsL, p.Q56P) and 2 specimens had mutations in KRAS (p.K5E and p.G12D, p.G12D and p.Q22R). Mutant allele frequencies detected by sequencing and confirmed by ddPCR ranged from 2 to 15%. CONCLUSIONS: IHCT lesions are phenotypically similar to AVMs and contain the same somatic MAP2K1 or KRAS mutations, suggesting that IHCT is on the AVM spectrum. We propose calling this lesion "intramuscular fast-flow vascular anomaly."

Adult-Onset Primary Lymphedema: A Clinical-Lymphoscintigraphic Study of 26 Patients.

Background: Primary lymphedema results from the anomalous development of the lymphatic system that typically presents during infancy, childhood, or adolescence. Adult-onset primary lymphedema is rare and has not been studied. The purpose of this investigation was to characterize patients with primary lymphedema that developed after the pediatric time period to better understand the condition. Study Design: Patients treated in our Lymphedema Program between 2009 and 2018 were reviewed. Diagnosis was determined based on history, physical examination, and imaging studies. Patients with primary lymphedema developing in adulthood (>21 years) were identified. Sex, age of onset, location, severity, morbidity, family history, associated features, and lymphoscintigraphy findings were documented. Results: Twenty-six patients (10%) of 259 with primary lymphedema developed the disease during adulthood. Sixteen individuals were female, and the disease occurred at an average age of 40 years (range, 24-72). It affected the lower extremity (85%) (unilateral 82%, bilateral 18%) or upper limb (15%) (unilateral 80%, bilateral 20%). Twenty-seven percent of patients suffered infections. Ninety-five percent of lymphoscintigrams exhibited delayed transit of radiolabeled tracer and 73% showed dermal backflow. None of the patients had systemic lymphatic involvement or associated vascular anomalies. One patient had a family history of lymphedema. Conclusions: Adult-onset primary lymphedema is typically unilateral, affects the lower extremity, and is not associated with systemic lymphatic anomalies; hereditary transmission is rare. Because adult-onset lymphedema is much less common than the pediatric condition, the disease should be confirmed with lymphoscintigraphy. Imaging of the axillary or inguinal nodes is also considered to rule out a lesion causing secondary lymphedema.

Lymphoscintigraphic Evaluation of Systemic Tracer Uptake in Patients With Primary Lymphedema.

BACKGROUND: Lymphoscintigraphy is used to confirm the diagnosis of lymphedema. One end point for the test is to ensure a patent thoracic duct by uptake of tracer in the organs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate transit of radiolabeled colloid to the organs to gain insight into the etiopathophysiology of primary lymphedema. METHODS: Patients treated in our Lymphedema Program between 2009 and 2018 were reviewed. Only subjects with bilateral lower extremity primary lymphedema were included (individuals with unilateral leg lymphedema were excluded because the tracer will reach the venous circulation and organs through the normal extremity). Disease severity and lymphoscintigraphy findings were documented. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients were included. Ten subjects had no radiolabeled tracer transit to the inguinal lymph nodes on lymphoscintigraphy. However, 8 of these individuals had tracer uptake to the liver, kidney, and/or bladder, illustrating clearance of tracer into the systemic venous circulation. All 8 patients had infant-onset primary lymphedema and mild disease. The 2 patients who did not have clearance of tracer to the systemic venous circulation developed lymphedema in adolescence and had clinically moderate or severe disease. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with primary lower extremity lymphedema often have pathways for lymph fluid to reach the venous circulation other than through the inguinal nodes and thoracic duct. Documentation of systemic tracer uptake during lymphoscintigraphy to confirm a patent thoracic duct has limited clinical significance in subjects with primary disease of the legs.

Somatic mutations in intracranial arteriovenous malformations.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a common cause of primary intracerebral hemorrhage in young adults. Lesions typically are sporadic and contain somatic mutations in KRAS or BRAF. The purpose of this study was to identify somatic mutations in a cohort of participants with brain AVM and to determine if any genotype-phenotype associations exist. METHODS: Human brain AVM specimens (n = 16) were collected during a clinically-indicated procedure and subjected to multiplex targeted sequencing using molecular inversion probe (MIP-seq) for mutations in KRAS, BRAF, HRAS, NRAS, and MAP2K1. Endothelial cells (ECs) were separated from non-ECs by immune-affinity purification. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) was used to confirm mutations and to screen for mutations that may have been missed by MIP-seq. Patient and AVM characteristics were recorded. RESULTS: We detected somatic mutations in 10 of 16 specimens (63%). Eight had KRAS mutations [G12D (n = 5), G12V (n = 3)] and two had BRAF mutations [V600E (n = 1), Q636X (n = 1)]. We found no difference in age, sex, presenting symptom, AVM location, or AVM size between patients with a confirmed mutation and those without. Nor did we observe differences in these features between patients with KRAS or BRAF mutations. However, two patients with BRAF mutations presented at an older age than other study participants. CONCLUSIONS: Somatic mutations in KRAS and, less commonly in BRAF, are found in many but not all intracranial AVM samples. Currently, there are no obvious genotype-phenotype correlations that can be used to predict whether a somatic mutation will be detected and, if so, which gene will be mutated.

Primary Lymphedema of the Upper Extremities: Clinical and Lymphoscintigraphic Features in 23 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Primary idiopathic lymphedema is an uncommon condition that typically affects the lower extremities. Patients have a malformed lymphatic system that causes subcutaneous fluid and adipose deposition. Rarely, the disease also has been described in the upper extremities. The purpose of this study was to investigate a cohort of patients with primary arm lymphedema to better understand the disease. METHODS: Patients evaluated in our Lymphedema Program between 2008 and 2018 were reviewed for individuals with upper extremity primary lymphedema. Gender, age of onset, morbidity, associated features, and management were identified. Transit of radiolabeled tracer and dermal backflow on lymphoscintigraphy were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients of 234 individuals with primary lymphedema had upper extremity disease (9.8%). Eleven subjects were male. Age of onset was infancy (n = 15), adolescence (n = 5), or adulthood (n = 3). The disease affected the left arm (n = 11), right arm (n = 9), or both upper extremities (n = 3). Lymphoscintigraphy in 15 patients exhibited delayed transit of tracer and 2 illustrated dermal backflow. One-half of individuals also had primary lower extremity lymphedema (six unilateral and six bilateral). None of the patients in the cohort exhibited a family history of lymphedema. Two individuals had Turner syndrome. Morbidity included infection (n = 5), other lymphatic anomalies (n = 6), and lymphangiosarcoma (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: The upper extremities are a rare location for primary lymphedema and patients often also have lymphedema of the legs. Compared with that of the lower extremities, primary disease of the arm is more likely to be associated with systemic lymphatic dysfunction and has a lower risk of familial transmission.

Vascular Anomalies: From a Clinicohistologic to a Genetic Framework.

BACKGROUND: Vascular anomalies currently are classified according to their clinical and histological characteristics. Recent advances in molecular genetics have enabled the identification of somatic mutations in most types of vascular anomalies. The purpose of this study was to collate information regarding the genetic basis of vascular anomalies. METHODS: The PubMed literature was reviewed for all citations that identified a mutation in a vascular anomaly between 1994 and 2017. Search terms included "vascular anomaly," "mutation," "gene," "hemangioma," "pyogenic granuloma," "kaposiform hemangioendothelioma," "capillary malformation," "venous malformation," lymphatic malformation," "arteriovenous malformation," and "syndrome." Articles that identified both germline and somatic mutations in vascular anomalies were analyzed. Mutations were categorized by type (germline or somatic), gene, signaling pathway, and cell(s) enriched for the mutation. RESULTS: The majority of vascular anomalies had associated mutations that commonly affected tyrosine kinase receptor signaling through the RAS or PIK3CA pathways. Mutations in PIK3CA and G-protein-coupled receptors were most frequently identified. Specific types of vascular anomalies usually were associated with a single gene. However, mutations in the same gene occasionally were found in different vascular lesions, and some anomalies had a mutation in more than one gene. Mutations were most commonly enriched in endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of somatic mutations in vascular anomalies is changing the paradigm by which lesions are diagnosed and understood. Mutations and their pathways are providing potential targets for the development of novel pharmacotherapy. In the future, vascular anomalies will be managed based on clinical characteristics and molecular pathophysiology.

Diagnosis and Staging of Lymphedema.

Lymphedema often is confused with other causes of extremity edema and enlargement. Understanding the risk factors and physical examination signs of lymphedema can enable the health care practitioner to accurately diagnose patients ∼90% of the time. Confirmatory diagnosis of the disease is made using lymphoscintigraphy. It is important to correctly diagnose patients with lymphedema so that they can be managed appropriately.

Vascular Malformation Enlargement During Menopause.

Vascular malformations enlarge overtime, particularly during adolescence when follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) rises. Lesions contain the receptor for follicle-stimulating hormone. FSH also becomes elevated during menopause. We present a patient with a venous malformation of the lip that presented for the first time after she entered menopause which was temporally related to a significant increase in her serum FSH levels that were measured. This observation supports the hypothesis that FSH might influence the pathophysiology of vascular malformations.

Analysis of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor in Infantile Hemangioma.

INTRODUCTION: The life cycle of infantile hemangioma (IH) and secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are identical. We previously have shown that IH contains the FSH receptor (FSHR). The purpose of this study was to identify which cell type(s) in IH expresses FSHR. METHODS: Human proliferating IH tissues obtained during a clinically indicated surgical procedure were used. Paraffin sections and isolated cell populations (endothelial, pericyte, stem cell) were subjected to immunofluorescence for FSHR. Tissues were costained with DAPI, anti-α smooth muscle actin, or biotinylated Ulex Europaeus Agglutinin I to identify nuclei, pericytes, and endothelial cells, respectively. Whole tissue and purified single cell populations underwent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for FSHR. Positive control specimens (ovary, sertoli cells) and negative control tissues (skin/subcutis, hepatic cells) were included. RESULTS: Immunofluorescence of 9 IHs demonstrated that FSHR was enriched in pericytes compared with endothelial cells. Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor was expressed in 6 of 6 whole tissue IHs along with the positive control via PCR. Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor was not present in the negative control samples. Four of 5 sets of pericytes expressed FSHR by PCR. Neither IH endothelial cells, IH stem cells, nor negative control cells exhibited FSHR by PCR. CONCLUSIONS: Because the secretion of FSH correlates with the growth pattern of IH, FSH might be involved in the disease process. Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor is enriched in the pericytes of IH, suggesting that this cell type may be involved in the pathogenesis of the tumor.

Association between extremity kaposiform hemangioendothelioma and lymphedema.

Kaposiform hemangioendotheliomas are pediatric vascular tumors that do not metastasize. We present a patient with a thigh kaposiform hemangioendothelioma successfully treated using a systemic corticosteroid during infancy who was diagnosed with lymphedema in the extremity 9 years later. The observation that extremity kaposiform hemangioendothelioma could possibly be associated with lymphedema has implications for the care of patients with kaposiform hemangioendothelioma.

Congenital Vascular Tumors.

Vascular tumors are benign neoplasms, which result from proliferating endothelial cells. These lesions present during infancy or childhood, may affect any location, and exhibit postnatal growth. Local complications include bleeding, tissue destruction, and pain whereas systemic sequelae include thrombocytopenia, congestive heart failure, and death. Vascular tumors should be differentiated from vascular malformations, which present at birth, have a quiescent endothelium, and grow in proportion to the child. Together, vascular tumors and malformations comprise the field of vascular anomalies.

Propranolol Treatment of Vascular Anomalies Other Than Infantile Hemangioma.

BACKGROUND: Oral propranolol has become first-line intervention for problematic infantile hemangioma (IH) that is not amenable to topical or intralesional therapies. Consensus data supporting its efficacy for other vascular anomalies does not exist. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and causes of propranolol use for vascular lesions other than IH. METHODS: Referrals to our Vascular Anomalies Center between 2008 and 2017 were reviewed for patients treated with propranolol at an outside institution. Patient history, photographs, imaging studies, and/or histopathology were evaluated by an interdisciplinary team to diagnose the vascular anomaly. Our center's diagnosis was compared to the referral diagnosis to categorize patients into 3 groups: Group 1 (patients were appropriately labeled with an IH); Group 2 (individuals were erroneously diagnosed with IH); and Group 3 (subjects were diagnosed with a vascular anomaly other than IH). RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-six patients met inclusion criteria. Group 1 (39%; n = 91) had an IH and were treated appropriately. Group 2 (20%; n = 49) was misdiagnosed with IH and incorrectly received propranolol. Group 3 (41%; n = 96) was given propranolol to treat another vascular anomaly. Propranolol did not have efficacy for vascular anomalies other than IH. CONCLUSIONS: Propranolol commonly is used to treat lesions other than IH; misdiagnosis of a lesion as IH is a common cause. Propranolol should be used with caution to treat other types of vascular anomalies because patients are subjected to the risks of the drug without data supporting its efficacy.