West Des Moines, Iowa

Online Adaptive Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Localized Prostate Cancer (X-SMILE)

Background: Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for localized prostate cancer has demonstrated non-inferior oncological outcomes and toxicity profiles to conventionally or moderately hypofractioned radiotherapy regimens, while offering the advantage of shorter treatment durations. However, SBRT may not be suitable for all patients, particularly those with lower urogenital tract symptoms and/or prostatic hyperplasia. Methods: This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of weekly computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance image-guided (MRI) online adaptive SBRT in patients with intermediate to (very) high-risk localized prostate cancer who present with lower urinary tract symptoms (International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS] > 12) and/or have prostate hyperplasia (prostate volume >60 mL). The primary outcome measure is urogenital toxicity grade ≥3 within 3 months after completion of SBRT (according to CTCAE V5.0 and RTOG) or discontinuation of therapy. Our aim is to show that the event rate is at 3% below a clinically acceptable threshold, which is set at 20%. Under the null hypothesis, this design with an alpha of 0.05 and power of 80% results in an expected number of cases of 30.

A Non-interventional Study for Kisqali (Ribociclib) in Combination With an Aromatase Inhibitor for Adjuvant Treatment in Patients With HR+/HER2- Early Breast Cancer at High Risk of Recurrence

This non-interventional study aims to provide information on real-world effectiveness, safety and tolerability, management of adverse events, QoL and patient compliance of patients with HR+/HER2- early breast cancer at high risk of recurrence treated with ribociclib in combination with an non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor (NSAI) ± luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) with curative intent according to the German summary of product characteristics. In order to put the results of patients treated with ribociclib into perspective, socio-economic data, data on QoL and patient compliance will also be collected from patients treated with abemaciclib + endocrine therapy (ET) ± LHRH as described in the respective local summary of product characteristics. To understand reasons for treatment decision, and to analyze the clinical adoption of ribociclib + NSAI ± LHRH after EU approval over time, baseline data will be collected from cohorts of ribociclib + NSAI ± LHRH, abemaciclib + ET ± LHRH, and additionally from patients treated with ET monotherapy ± LHRH and analyzed cross-sectionally. The study is planned to be rolled out into a broad set of German and optionally Austrian and Swiss breast centers and gynecological practices to describe clinical routine in a representative subset of the local healthcare eco-system. It will gather insights into the potential benefits and risks associated with ribociclib + NSAI ± LHRH in the adjuvant treatment of HR+/HER2- eBC patients at high risk of recurrence. This knowledge will inform about clinical decision-making and contribute to improved patient outcomes in routine practice.

European Registry of Next Generation Imaging in Advanced Prostate Cancer

This registry is intended to collect real-world data on patient demographics, medical history, clinical endpoints, histological tumour characteristics and imaging explorations of the patients with prostate cancer at high risk for harbouring metastatic deposits at the hormone-sensitive stage, who require imaging exploration (conventional, NGI, or their combination) either at the diagnostic workup of a "naïve" patient or at biochemical relapse/progression after local treatment. Stage 1: cross-sectional observation 1. To identify the proportion of patients for whom an imaging work-up with NGI at baseline may result beneficial, according to physician criteria. 2. Assess management prompted by NGI vs. conventional imaging in usual clinical practice. 3. To identify the proportion of patients for whom conventional imaging is considered informative enough for making a clinical decision, according to physician criteria. 4. Stratification of metastatic prostate cancer patients by the number, volume, and location of deposits, according to the different imaging tools employed. 5. Reclassification of HSPC (M0 vs low vs. high volume) based on NGI respect to CI when both imaging modalities are used. Stage 2: longitudinal observation 1. Evaluation of survival outcomes and their relationship with the imaging pathway undertaken (overall and per subgroup of imaging modality). 2. Identification of prognostic factors related to treatment response and disease progression.

Long-Term Evaluation of TAILORED Vs Anatomical Ablation Strategy for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

The TAILORED-AF study demonstrated at one year's follow-up that a tailored ablation strategy guided by Volta Medical AI-software targeting areas of spatio-temporal dispersed electrograms in combination with pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) ablation is more effective to an anatomical ablation strategy targeting PVI alone (current standard of care) for the treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). VX1 legacy device renamed Volta AF-Xplorer was used in the TAILORED-AF study in the treatment arm. No additional treatments are specifically required in the scope of this ancillary TAILORED-LT study which aims to follow the patients previously treated in the initial TAILORED-AF study over the long-term. However, in the event of repeat procedures during the TAILORED-LT study, the choice of the ablation technique will be left to the investigator's discretion, regardless of the patient's randomization arm in the TAILORED-AF study. The annual follow-up will be performed as in routine clinical practice post AF ablation procedures: visits at 24 months, 36 months, 48 months and 60 months post TAILORED-AF Study index procedure. It is possible that some of these annual visits cannot be completed prospectively due to time already having elapsed between the end of the subject participation in the TAILORED-AF study and the date of enrollment in the extension TAILORED-LT study. In this case, available data (among those expected by the study protocol) will be collected retrospectively. The additional procedures related to this clinical investigation are limited to annual 24-hour Holters and to the administration of Quality Of Life questionnaires (SF-36 and AFEQT) to the patients during follow-up visits.

A Prospective, Bicentric Evaluation of Fluciclovine PET-imaging in Patients with Prior Negative or Inconclusive PSMA-ligand PET

The REFINE study is a prospective, bicentric observational trial conducted at two specialized nuclear medicine centers in Germany to evaluate the technical performance of fluciclovine (18F) PET/CT imaging in a real-world clinical setting. Patients with prostate cancer recurrence after definitive treatment who previously underwent a negative or inconclusive PSMA PET/CT are enrolled and observed for 12 months. Each participant undergoes a fluciclovine PET/CT scan as part of their normal clinical routine, with all images pseudonymized and stored in a central database where three independent nuclear medicine physicians, blinded to the local site's interpretation, review each scan. In addition to the initial imaging, follow-up assessments are conducted at one month and 12 months to validate scan findings; a questionnaire sent to the referring physician at one month helps capture any changes in the intended treatment plan, while comprehensive follow-up data-including additional imaging studies, PSA levels, treatment outcomes, and histopathological findings when available-are collected at 12 months. This follow-up information serves as a composite reference standard to distinguish true positive lesions from false positives, with criteria based on changes in lesion size, response to treatment, and confirmatory imaging or biopsy results, as well as to identify any false negatives.

Post-Marketing Study to Assess the Safety & Efficacy of RenalGuard® Therapy for Prevention CSA-AKI

Preoperative Physical Activity Before Radical Cystectomy and the Impact on Morbidity

In Europe, bladder cancer (BC) is the 6th most common tumor entity. Globally, over 540,000 new cases have been reported annually in recent years. Approximately 75% of cases are diagnosed as non-muscle-invasive BC at initial presentation, which can generally be treated in a bladder-preserving manner through transurethral resection and intravesical therapy. In cases of muscle-invasive, non-metastatic BC, guidelines recommend radical cystectomy (RC) with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in a curative setting, provided the patient is suitable for such treatment. Considering comorbidities, mortality, and quality of life, various forms of urinary diversion are employed during RC. These include incontinent diversions, such as ileal or colonic conduits, and continent diversions, such as orthotopic bladder replacement using the ileum (neobladder). A direct comparison of these different urinary diversion methods is currently challenging due to a lack of data. RC is associated with one of the highest complication rates among urological procedures. Rehabilitation following RC must focus on addressing postoperative functional impairments, restoring physical and mental performance, and facilitating a prompt return to social and professional life. The ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) concept, originally established in colorectal surgery, has also demonstrated reduced overall hospital stays in RC without increasing complication rates. While it remains uncertain whether the ERAS concept improves prognosis and morbidity, it is considered safe, as no studies have reported an increase in severe complications or mortality associated with its implementation. Studies in visceral surgery involving prehabilitation for patients with colorectal, esophageal, and lung cancers have shown functional benefits, such as improved fitness, mobility, and strength, but without reductions in complication rates or mortality. In a randomized controlled trial, Minella EM et al. demonstrated the effectiveness of prehabilitation in improving functional outcomes, such as strength and endurance, in BC patients undergoing RC. However, no significant differences in postoperative complications or mortality were observed. A recent prospective study involving patients prior to RC also reported significant improvements in strength and functional fitness. In the prospective randomized study presented here for evaluation, the investigators aim to investigate the impact of preoperative physical activity on perioperative morbidity (primary endpoint). Secondary endpoints include quality of life, length of hospital stay, mortality, and postoperative physical activity. The intervention group will undergo preoperative preparation over four weeks, targeting a daily step count of 8,000-10,000. Step counts will be self-monitored by patients using pedometers. Physical activity and quality of life will be assessed at specific time points using established fitness assessments and questionnaires. Comparative follow-ups will take place four weeks before surgery, the day before surgery, one week postoperatively, and at three and twelve months postoperatively. The study will be conducted as a single-center trial at the Department of Urology at the University of Munich over a three-year period.

40 Hz Visual Stimulation As an Intervention in Schizophrenia

SAMPLE Inward patients at Klinikum rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany diagnosed with schizophrenia (F20) or a schizoaffective disorder (F25) will be recruited. Treating physicians will screen and pre-select patients who are primarily affected by negative symptoms and on stable medication and/or psychotherapy (treatment as usual) throughout the study period. The target sample size for this pilot is at least N = 10 patients who undergo the experimental study protocol, and an equal number of patients who only complete the scales as a treatment-as-usual control group. PROTOCOL - EXPERIMENTAL GROUP The protocol for the experimental group will be as follows. After written informed consent was obtained by their treating physician, patients will undergo session 0 for pre-tests five to one day(s) before the first stimulation session. For a fair comparison with the post-tests in the last session, patients will be asked not to drink coffee in the three hours beforehand, to rest at the lab for one hour, and then to complete the mood and cognition scales (PANAS and THINC-IT). The psychiatric symptom assessment (PANSS) will be carried out by their treating physician before the first stimulation in session 1. The stimulation protocol will take place the week after, from Monday to Friday, at approximately the same time of day as session 0. Patients should again avoid consuming coffee three hours before each session start, to facilitate sleep. In session 1 (Monday), the EEG will first be set up. The session will start with a five-minute resting-state EEG recording; then, patients will lay down and undergo the visual stimulation protocol with their eyes closed for one hour. They will be encouraged to relax and fall asleep during this time. Afterward, we will inquire about adverse events and the EEG will be removed. In sessions 2 to 4 (Tuesday to Thursday), no EEG will be recorded. Patients will undergo one hour of visual stimulation and subsequently be asked about adverse events in the same way as in session 1. In the last session 5, the protocol will be the same as in session 1, including EEG, five minutes of resting-state recording, and one hour of visual stimulation. Afterward, as in session 0, patients will also complete the mood and cognition scales (PANAS and THINC-IT). The psychiatric symptom assessment (PANSS) will be carried out by their treating physician zero to three days after the last stimulation session. PROTOCOL - CONTROL GROUP As for the control group, after written informed consent was obtained by their treating physician, patients will undergo session 0 analogously to the experimental group for the pre-tests. This procedure will be repeated 7-10 days later for the post-tests. VISUAL STIMULATION Visual stimulation parameters will be analogous to a previous study (Hainke et al., 2025). A customized sleep mask with inbuilt LEDs externally linked to a microcontroller will be used to deliver visual stimuli. Its high-wavelength LEDs with a narrow spectral peak at 605 nm and an illuminance of 80 lux will flicker at 40 Hz in a square wave pattern at a 50 % duty cycle. Light will be faded in at the beginning and out at the end for 10 seconds, respectively. Patients will be asked to keep their eyes closed and encouraged to fall asleep for the full stimulation duration of 60 minutes. After every stimulation session, the experimenter will verbally inquire about adverse events, by asking the patient: "Have you experienced any undesired effects during or after the stimulation?". If the patient answers yes, they will be asked to describe the adverse event and then rate its severity as mild, moderate or severe and whether it was unlikely, likely or certainly related to the stimulation. For the resting-state measurement, the LEDs will be flickering at 40 Hz as during the stimulation, but they will be covered with black tape ("blackout"). This controls for the possibility of electrical interference from the mask on EEG data (Hainke et al., 2025). Here, patients will remain awake. EEG SETUP EEG will be measured in the experimental group at sessions 1 and 5 using the Neurofax system at the clinic's sleep laboratory, supported by Polaris.One software (Nihon Kohden Europe GmbH, Rosbach v.d.H., Germany). The sampling rate will be 1000 Hz. Gold cup electrodes will be positioned at A1, A2 (mastoids reference), FpZ (ground), left EOG, left EMG, C3, C4, O1, Oz, O2, PO3, POz, and PO4. Sleep scoring will be performed automatedly and offline using the Python library YASA based on the C4, EOG, and EMG electrodes, and participants' sex and age (Vallat & Walker, 2021). EEG PROCESSING Data will be pre-processed using MNE Python as in Hainke et al. (2025): Band-pass filtering (0.16-300 Hz) Bad channel rejection by visual inspection Electrode averaging by Region of Interest: central (C3, C4) and occipital (O1, Oz, O2, PO3, POz, PO4) Re-referencing to the mastoid average (A1, A2) Dividing data into 30-second epochs Bad epoch rejection (<50% sleep scoring algorithm certainty or stimulation duration <25 seconds) For frequency domain analyses, epochs with a peak to peak amplitude > 1 mV will be rejected. All 30-s epochs will be subjected to a Fast-Fourier Transform using a Hamming window to obtain the Power Spectral Density per epoch. For time domain analyses, data will be further divided into 25 ms segments length of one cycle of a 40 Hz oscillation); segments with a peak-to-peak amplitude >100 μV will be rejected. 30-s epochs and 25-ms segments will be averaged by region of interest (central / occipital), condition (blackout / stimulation), session (1 / 5), and state (awake / light sleep / deep sleep). Light sleep is defined as NREM1 and NREM2; deep sleep is defined as NREM3. EEG OUTCOMES The two resulting EEG outcomes describe the Steady-State Visually Evoked Potentials (SSVEPs), i.e., the magnitude of the neuronal response to 40 Hz visual stimulation, from complementary perspectives. EEG signals can be interpreted in the time domain or the frequency domain; analysing both allows for maximal information gain about underlying neuronal processes (Hainke et al., 2025). In the time domain, SSVEP magnitude is quantified as the peak-to-peak amplitude of the 25-ms segment average in microvolts. In the frequency domain, SSVEP magnitude is quantified as the signal-to-noise ratio of power at 40 Hz, i.e., the power spectral density value at 40 Hz in dB divided by the surrounding values [38 to 39.5 Hz] + [40.5 to 42 Hz] in dB. COGNITIVE & PSYCHIATRIC OUTCOMES The following scales will be completed by both the experimental and control group patients, in the respective first and last session. Cognition will be assessed with the THINC-integrated tool test battery (THINC-IT; Harrison et al., 2018), presented on a Windows laptop. It has previously been used to assess cognition in schizophrenia (Szmyd et al., 2023) and has five components: Spotter (Choice Reaction Time), Symbol Check (1-back test), Trails (Trails Making Test B), Codebreaker (Digit Symbol Substitution Test), and a self-reported cognitive function questionnaire (5-item Perceived Deficit Questionnaire). Mood will be measured with the Positive And Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS; Watson et al., 1988). The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS; Kay et al., 1987) will be administered by a trained physician to quantify schizophrenia-related psychiatric symptoms. An interim analysis will be conducted when a sample of 10 patients in the experimental group has been reached.

Assessment of Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair in Atrial Functional Mitral Regurgitation (ATRIAL-MR)

Plaque Imaging in Routine Care to Detect Intraplaque Hemorrhage

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and the leading cause of permanent disability. Identifying the underlying etiology is crucial as secondary stroke prevention strategies vary depending on the cause of the stroke. However, in approximately 30% of patients, no clear etiology can be identified (cryptogenic stroke), preventing these patients from receiving targeted treatment. Recent findings indicate that features of plaque vulnerability are associated with acute ischemic stroke which also applies to patients with cryptogenic stroke who have a carotid artery stenosis of less than 50%. Features of plaque vulnerability can be assessed by high-resolution carotid magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which enables noninvasive detailed characterization of atherosclerotic carotid artery plaques. Hence, plaque imaging allows to detect vulnerable plaques and to further stratify stroke etiology. In addition, plaque imaging may identify patients with vulnerable plaques who are at risk for a recurrent ischemic stroke or TIA. However, integrating multisequence high-resolution, contrast-enhanced MRI into the standard diagnostic workflow of acute stroke would prove difficult, thus calling for simpler imaging protocols. Unlike other features of plaque vulnerability, intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) can be reliably detected by standard coils and conventional native black-blood fat-saturated T1-weighted sequences. Given the frequency of IPH, previous study results, and additional literature evidencing the importance of IPH as a marker for plaque vulnerability and risk of stroke recurrence, a single black-blood fat-saturated T1-weighted sequence was added to the MR imaging protocol for the diagnostic work-up of stroke patients at LMU hospital. Patients with acute ischemic stroke, who received non-contrast carotid MRI for routine diagnostic work-up, will be asked whether they are willing to participate in a prospective, longitudinal study with telephone follow-up to assess recurrent ischemic stroke or TIA. In addition, this study will analyse retrospectively obtained data collected through clinical routine. These analyses will be done on all patients who received non-contrast carotid MRI for routine diagnostic work-up over the last years. This approach allows to estimate the prevalence of IPH in an unselected patient population. In principle, the detection of IPH points towards the presence of an increased plaque vulnerability. However, it is unknown whether IPH can be reliably detected on routine clinical scans and whether information on the presence or absence of IPH should influence clinical decision making. Depending on the results, the outcome of this study might benefit future generations of patients by improving the diagnostic assignment to a specific stroke etiology and risk assessment with respect to recurrent vascular events.