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- Fenstermacher, M.E., et al.
(author)
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DIII-D research advancing the physics basis for optimizing the tokamak approach to fusion energy
- 2022
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In: Nuclear Fusion. - : IOP Publishing. - 0029-5515 .- 1741-4326. ; 62:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- DIII-D physics research addresses critical challenges for the operation of ITER and the next generation of fusion energy devices. This is done through a focus on innovations to provide solutions for high performance long pulse operation, coupled with fundamental plasma physics understanding and model validation, to drive scenario development by integrating high performance core and boundary plasmas. Substantial increases in off-axis current drive efficiency from an innovative top launch system for EC power, and in pressure broadening for Alfven eigenmode control from a co-/counter-I p steerable off-axis neutral beam, all improve the prospects for optimization of future long pulse/steady state high performance tokamak operation. Fundamental studies into the modes that drive the evolution of the pedestal pressure profile and electron vs ion heat flux validate predictive models of pedestal recovery after ELMs. Understanding the physics mechanisms of ELM control and density pumpout by 3D magnetic perturbation fields leads to confident predictions for ITER and future devices. Validated modeling of high-Z shattered pellet injection for disruption mitigation, runaway electron dissipation, and techniques for disruption prediction and avoidance including machine learning, give confidence in handling disruptivity for future devices. For the non-nuclear phase of ITER, two actuators are identified to lower the L-H threshold power in hydrogen plasmas. With this physics understanding and suite of capabilities, a high poloidal beta optimized-core scenario with an internal transport barrier that projects nearly to Q = 10 in ITER at ∼8 MA was coupled to a detached divertor, and a near super H-mode optimized-pedestal scenario with co-I p beam injection was coupled to a radiative divertor. The hybrid core scenario was achieved directly, without the need for anomalous current diffusion, using off-axis current drive actuators. Also, a controller to assess proximity to stability limits and regulate β N in the ITER baseline scenario, based on plasma response to probing 3D fields, was demonstrated. Finally, innovative tokamak operation using a negative triangularity shape showed many attractive features for future pilot plant operation.
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| 3. |
- Chowdhury, S., et al.
(author)
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Deep, rapid, and durable prostate-specific antigen decline with apalutamide plus androgen deprivation therapy is associated with longer survival and improved clinical outcomes in TITAN patients with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer
- 2023
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In: Annals of Oncology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0923-7534. ; 34:5, s. 477-485
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The first interim analysis of the phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multinational TITAN study demonstrated improved overall survival (OS) and radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) with apalutamide added to ongoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in patients with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer. The final analysis confirmed improvement in OS and other long-term outcomes. We evaluated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) kinetics and the association between PSA decline and outcomes in patients with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer from TITAN. Patients and methods: Patients received apalutamide (240 mg/day) or placebo plus ADT (1: 1). This post hoc exploratory analysis evaluated PSA kinetics and decline in relation to rPFS (22.7 months’ follow-up) and OS, time to PSA progression, and time to castration resistance (44.0 months’ follow-up) in patients with or without confirmed PSA decline using a landmark analysis, the Kaplan–Meier method, and Cox proportional hazards model. Results: One thousand and fifty-two patients (apalutamide, 525; placebo, 527) were enrolled. Best confirmed PSA declines (≥50% or ≥90% from baseline or to ≤0.2 ng/ml) were achieved at any time during the study in 90%, 73%, and 68% of apalutamide-treated versus 55%, 29%, and 32% of placebo-treated patients, respectively. By 3 months of apalutamide treatment, best deep PSA decline of ≥90% or to ≤0.2 ng/ml occurred in 59% and 51% of apalutamide- and in 13% and 18% of placebo-treated patients, respectively. Achievement of deep PSA decline at landmark 3 months of apalutamide treatment was associated with longer OS [hazard ratio (HR) 0.35; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.25-0.48), rPFS (HR 0.44; 95% CI 0.30-0.65), time to PSA progression (HR 0.31; 95% CI 0.22-0.44), and time to castration resistance (HR 0.38; 95% CI 0.27-0.52) compared with no decline (P < 0.0001 for all). Similar results were observed at landmark 6 and 12 months of apalutamide treatment. Conclusions: Apalutamide plus ADT demonstrated a robust (rapid, deep, and durable) PSA decline that was associated with improved clinical outcomes, including long-term survival.
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