Proposed low-energy absolute calibration of nuclear recoils in a dual-phase noble element TPC using D-D neutron scattering kinematics

We propose a new technique for the calibration of nuclear recoils in large noble element dual-phase time projection chambers used to search for WIMP dark matter in the local galactic halo. This technique provides an $\textit{in situ}$ measurement of the low-energy nuclear recoil response of the target media using the measured scattering angle between multiple neutron interactions within the detector volume. The low-energy reach and reduced systematics of this calibration have particular significance for the low-mass WIMP sensitivity of several leading dark matter experiments. Multiple strategies for improving this calibration technique are discussed, including the creation of a new type of quasi-monoenergetic 272 keV neutron source. We report results from a time-of-flight based measurement of the neutron energy spectrum produced by an Adelphi Technology, Inc. DD108 neutron generator, confirming its suitability for the proposed nuclear recoil calibration.Peer Reviewe

Prognostic impact of proliferative index determined by quantitative image analysis and the International Prognostic Index in patients with mantle cell lymphoma

Background: The proliferative index (PI) is a powerful prognostic factor in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL); however, its utility is hampered by interobserver variability. The mantle cell international prognostic index (MIPI) has been reported to have prognostic importance. In this study, we determined the prognostic value of the PI as determined by quantitative image analysis in MCL

KEYNOTE-013 4-year follow-up of pembrolizumab in classical Hodgkin lymphoma after brentuximab vedotin failure

The KEYNOTE-013 study was conducted to evaluate pembrolizumab monotherapy in hematologic malignancies; classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) was an independent expansion cohort. We present long-term results based on >4 years of median follow-up for the cHL cohort. The trial enrolled cHL patients who experienced relapse after, were ineligible for, or declined autologous stem cell transplantation and experienced progression with or did not respond to brentuximab vedotin. Patients received IV pembrolizumab 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks for up to 2 years or until confirmed progression or unacceptable toxicity. Primary end points were safety and complete response (CR) rate by central review. Enrolled patients (N 5 31) had received a median of 5 therapies (range, 2 to 15). After a median follow-up of 52.8 months (range, 7.0 to 57.6 months), CR rate was 19%, and median duration of response (DOR) was not reached; 24-month and 36-month DOR rates were both 50% by the Kaplan-Meier method. Median overall survival was not reached; 36-month overall survival was 81%. Six patients (19%) experienced grade 3 treatment-related adverse events (AEs); there were no grade 4 or 5 treatment-related AEs. With long-term follow-up among a heavily pretreated cohort, pembrolizumab had a favorable safety profile; some patients maintained long-term response with pembrolizumab years after end of treatment

Stanford V program for locally extensive and advanced Hodgkin lymphoma: the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center experience

The Stanford group has reported excellent results with the Stanford V regimen for patients with bulky and/or advanced Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). However, Gobbi reported markedly inferior failure-free survival (FFS) comparing Stanford V to other regimens but included major deviations from the original program. We retrospectively examined whether treatment at our institution carefully following Stanford V guidelines would confirm the original Stanford outcome data. From June 1995 to May 2002, 126 patients with either locally extensive or advanced HL were treated with the 12-week Stanford V chemotherapy program followed by 36-Gy involved-field radiotherapy to sites initially ≥5 cm and/or to macroscopic splenic disease. Overall, 26% had stage IV disease and 20% had international prognostic score (IPS) ≥4. Overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival, progression-free survival (PFS), FFS, and freedom from second relapse (FF2R) were determined. The 5- and 7-year OS were 90% and 88%, respectively. The 5-year FFS was 78%. IPS ≥4 was a significant independent predictor of worse OS and PFS. The FF2R was 64% at 3 years. Stanford V with appropriate radiotherapy is a highly effective regimen for locally extensive and advanced HL