Duke Orthopaedic Surgery faculty and trainees delivered outstanding presentations at the Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS) Annual Meeting, held November 5–8 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Recognized as the leading global forum for sarcoma research and treatment, the conference brought together multidisciplinary experts—including surgeons, oncologists, radiation specialists, pathologists, and basic scientists—to advance therapies for rare connective tissue tumors.
This year, the meeting highlighted chondrosarcoma as “Sarcoma of the Year,” closely aligning with Duke’s research focus on metastatic mechanisms and new therapeutic targets. Dr. Julia Visgauss, an assistant professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Division Chief of Orthopaedic Oncology, represented Duke with six poster presentations and one podium presentation, including innovative research on suppressing the NF-κB pathway in chondrosarcoma.
Podium Presentation: IKK-16 Inhibits Primary Tumor Growth and Metastatic Progression in Chondrosarcoma via NF-κB Pathway Suppression
Poster Highlights:
- Deep Learning and Dimensionality Reduction for Sarcoma Subtyping
- Single-Cell RNA Sequencing and Proteomic Spatial Profiling in Chondrosarcoma
- Targeting LCP1-Mediated Metastasis with Oroxylin A
- Financial Toxicity in Patients Undergoing Treatment for Extremity and Pelvic Sarcoma
Visgauss emphasized the significance of the meeting: "CTOS is an incredible opportunity to share rigorous research and foster collaboration. This year, the convergence of themes in sarcoma biology and therapeutic targets was inspiring. It reaffirms the importance of our ongoing work and the potential to make a meaningful impact on patient survival.”
Medical student Aron Mebrahtu (MS3) also presented research focused on targeting NF-κB signaling in metastatic chondrosarcoma and shared his enthusiasm for the collaborative environment: "It was humbling to see incredible research from the sarcoma community and validating to see work similar to ours at Duke. The randomized Phase 2 trial for ozekibart (INBRX-109) in chondrosarcoma was especially inspiring—it gives hope to our patients.” His poster won the best poster award, and his podium presentation received many accolades.
Dr. Brian Brigman, professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and director of the Sarcoma Center, highlighted the unique value of CTOS: "Unlike many specialty meetings, CTOS brings together a diverse, multidisciplinary group to tackle rare and complex tumors. Duke has been well represented for over 15 years, and this year was no exception.”
Duke’s strong presence at CTOS emphasizes our dedication to advancing sarcoma research and improving patient outcomes through collaboration, innovation, and education.