Lentzsch, Suzanne

PURPOSE In immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis, amyloid fibrils cause organ dysfunction. Anselamimab, a monoclonal antibody, selectively binds to amyloid fibrils, accelerating their clearance. METHODS Newly diagnosed patients with European modification of Mayo 2004 stage IIIa or IIIb AL amyloidosis were randomly assigned to receive anselamimab or placebo with cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (with or without daratumumab). The primary end point was a hierarchical composite of time to all-cause mortality (ACM) and frequency of cardiovascular hospitalizations (CVHs), analyzed using the Finkelstein-Schoenfeld test and win ratio estimation. RESULTS Among 406 randomly assigned patients, the primary end point win ratio for anselamimab versus placebo was 1.11 (95% CI, 0.83, 1.50; P = .332) and the hazard ratio (HR) for ACM was 0.80 (95% CI, 0.57, 1.13; P = .290). CVH rates in the anselamimab and placebo groups were 0.59 (95% CI, 0.42, 0.83) and 0.89 (95% CI, 0.55, 1.43), respectively ( P = .145). Among patients with kappa isotype (n = 72), the win ratio was 2.06 (95% CI, 0.98, 4.31; P = .100) and anselamimab reduced ACM by 62% versus placebo (HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.86; nominal P = .012), and CVH by 71% (IRR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.10 to 0.87; nominal P = .028) with improvements in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-Overall Score. There was no clinical benefit observed in the lambda population. Anselamimab was generally well-tolerated; safety data were comparable between treatment arms overall. CONCLUSION Treatment with anselamimab, an antifibril antibody used alongside antiplasma cell dyscrasia therapy, while not meeting the primary end point in the overall population, significantly improved ACM and CVH in patients with kappa AL, potentially offering a new therapeutic option for this isotype.

7501 Background: AL amyloidosis is a plasma cell dyscrasia (PCD) characterized by κ or λ Ig light chain amyloid fibrils that deposit in vital organs. Anselamimab is an investigational mAb designed to complement anti-PCD therapy through accelerated removal of amyloid fibrils. Cardiac Amyloid Reaching for Extended Survival (CARES) studies (NCT04512235 and NCT04504825) investigated the efficacy and safety of anselamimab compared with placebo, in addition to anti-PCD therapy. Methods: Alongside anti-PCD therapy with CyBorD (daratumumab was permitted) newly diagnosed patients with European modification of Mayo stage IIIa or IIIb AL amyloidosis were randomized 2:1 to receive anselamimab (1000 mg/m 2 ) or placebo (normal saline) IV every 7 days for 4 weeks followed by every 14 days for the remainder of the blinded study (18 months after the last participant enrolled). The primary endpoint was a hierarchical combination of time to all-cause mortality (ACM) and frequency of adjudicated cardiovascular hospitalizations (CVH) using the Finkelstein-Schoenfeld test and win-ratio in the combined study population. Subgroup analysis by involved κ or λ free light chain (iFLC) was prespecified. Results: 271 patients were randomized to receive anselamimab and 135 placebo. Baseline characteristics were similar between treatment arms. The median duration of treatment was 21.4 months and 21.1 in the anselamimab and placebo arms, respectively. Daratumumab was used in 79.3% and 83.7% of the anselamimab and placebo arms, respectively. Results of the primary efficacy analyses are shown in the table. Anselamimab-treated patients with κ iFLC had a 62% reduction in ACM (HR = 0.38; 95% CI, 0.17, 0.86; nominal P = 0.012) and a 71% reduction in risk for CVH (estimated CVH rate ratio = 0.29; 95% CI, 0.10, 0.87; nominal P = 0.028). Patients with λ iFLC had a 10% reduction in risk for CVH; none in ACM. Safety data were comparable between both treatment arms. In anselamimab-treated patients, safety findings were similar between κ subgroup and full population. Conclusions: Anselamimab, a κ light chain–directed anti-fibril monoclonal antibody used alongside standard of care chemotherapy, offers a first-in-class, new therapeutic option for patients with newly diagnosed κ AL amyloidosis. Clinical trial information: NCT04512235 and NCT04504825 . Summary of primary efficacy endpoints. Endpoint Overall κ Isotype λ Isotype Anselamimab (N=271) Placebo (N=135) P -value Anselamimab (N=48) Placebo (N=24) P -value Anselamimab (N=219) Placebo (N=109) P -value ACM and CVH win ratio (95% CI) 1.1 (0.8, 1.5) 0.332 2.06 (0.98, 4.31) 0.100 0.9 (0.6, 1.3) 0.848 ACM n (%) 90 (33.2) 52 (38.5) 15 (31.3) 14 (58.3) 73 (33.3) 37 (33.9) HR (95% CI) 0.8 (0.6, 1.1) 0.290 0.38 (0.2, 0.9) 0.012 1.0 (0.7, 1.5) 0.647 CVH Frequency/year (95% CI) 0.6 (0.4, 0.8) 0.9 (0.6, 1.4) 0.145 0.41 (0.2, 0.8) 1.4 (0.6, 3.4) 0.028 0.7 (0.4, 1.0) 0.8 (0.4, 1.3) 0.664 Incidence risk ratio (95% CI) 0.7 (0.4, 1.2) 0.29 (0.1, 0.9) 0.9 (0.5, 1.7)

Abstract The B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)–targeting bispecific T-cell engager pavurutamab (AMG 701) directs the cytotoxic T-cell response toward multiple myeloma (MM) cells. This phase 1/1b, open-label, dose-exploration and dose-expansion study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of pavurutamab monotherapy in patients with triple-class relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM). Pavurutamab (5-18 000 μg) was administered IV weekly with step-up dosing in week 1. Overall, 172 patients received at least 1 dose of pavurutamab; 73 received the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D; 18 000 μg), with 2 different step-up dosing regimens in phase 1b. Twelve patients had dose-limiting toxicities, which included cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and increased transaminases; none of which occurred at the RP2D. The most frequently reported treatment-emergent adverse events included CRS (74.4%), anemia (61.0%), neutropenia (47.1%), and hypophosphatemia (45.3%). Grade ≥3 infections were noted in 60 patients (34.9%). The overall response rate (ORR) was 46.5% among all patients and 65.8% (very good partial response [VGPR] or better, 60.3%) among 73 patients treated at the RP2D. At median follow-up of 17.2 months, median duration of response (DOR) was 36.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 22.3 to not estimable). Median progression-free survival (PFS) for all patients was 5.5 months (95% CI, 2.8-10.1) and 16.8 months (95% CI, 5.0 to not estimable) with the RP2D. Pavurutamab exposure generally increased in a dose-proportional manner, with high soluble BCMA levels correlating with lower exposure level. The acceptable safety profile, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy of pavurutamab supports anti-BCMA T-cell engager therapy in heavily pretreated patients with RRMM. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03287908.

ABSTRACT Systemic AL amyloidosis is a clonal plasma cell dyscrasia, where toxic free light chains (FLCs) lead to vital organ damage, with risk of early mortality despite effective therapies. Notably, there is a paucity of data on the incidence and predictors of early mortality in the daratumumab (Dara) era. We conducted a multi‐center retrospective cohort study to develop and validate a risk‐prediction model for early mortality (all‐cause death within 6 months) in patients treated with Dara‐based frontline regimens. We used univariate analysis to identify covariates for a logistic regression model predictive of 6‐month mortality and generated a clinical risk score. Among 339 patients across eight centers, 36 (10.6%) experienced early mortality. Multivariate analysis identified four independent predictors: NT‐proBN P > 5300 pg/mL (odds ratio [OR] 3.83, p = 0.006), A ge > 75 years (OR 2.96, p = 0.073), absence of t(11;14) on C ytogenetics (OR 3.0, p = 0.022), and E COG performance status (OR 1.72 per unit increase, p = 0.044). The resulting PACE score stratified patients into three risk groups with a 6‐month mortality of 1.2% (low‐risk), 11.7% (intermediate‐risk), and 50.0% (high‐risk). The PACE score demonstrated superior discrimination (C‐index 0.78) for early mortality compared to Mayo 2004 (0.69) and Mayo 2012 (0.55) staging systems. External validation confirmed robust discrimination (C‐index 0.73) with corresponding 6‐month mortality rates of 4.2%, 15.25%, and 37.04% across respective risk groups. The PACE score provides a clinically applicable tool for early mortality risk stratification in AL amyloidosis patients receiving Dara‐based therapy, and will enable improved patient counseling, clinical trial design, and identification of ultra‐high‐risk patients requiring intensive monitoring and novel therapies.

Abstract Rapid and profound reduction of free light chains (FLCs) improves outcomes in AL amyloidosis; however, early FLC kinetics with daratumumab‐based frontline therapy remain undefined. We retrospectively analyzed 315 patients treated with daratumumab–bortezomib–cyclophosphamide–dexamethasone (Dara–VCd) or Dara–Vd at eight centers. Involved FLC (iFLC), the difference between iFLC and uninvolved FLC (dFLC), and hematologic response (≥very good partial response [VGPR]) were assessed at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months, and correlated with light chain isotype, disease burden (bone‐marrow plasma‐cell percentage [%BMPC], baseline dFLC), and cytogenetics. Hematological ≥VGPR increased from 49.8% at 1 month to 66.0% at 3 months. The kappa isotype showed slower responses, with higher iFLC/dFLC and lower ≥VGPR at each time point compared to lambda. Higher %BMPC or baseline dFLC predicted persistently elevated iFLC/dFLC and reduced ≥VGPR. The t(11;14) translocation was associated with lower baseline FLC but similar subsequent kinetics. BMPC < 10% and dFLC < 18 mg/dL independently predicted early ≥VGPR (in ≤1 month). Early ≥VGPR conferred superior hematologic event‐free survival (heme‐EFS) and overall survival (OS) versus later responders (P < 0.001). At a 3‐month landmark, achieving dFLC < 1 mg/dL further stratified prognosis, conferring longer heme‐EFS and OS (P < 0.01). Frontline Dara‐based therapy elicits rapid, deep responses in AL amyloidosis; early ≥VGPR (within 1 month) and dFLC < 1 mg/dL by 3 months predict durable EFS and OS, whereas higher baseline disease burden delays hematologic response.

Abstract Background: The t(11;14) translocation occurs in 50-60% patients with systemic AL amyloidosis. Venetoclax, an oral BCL2 inhibitor, has shown promising efficacy across t(11;14)-positive plasma cell disorders. However, till date, there are no prospective data in patients with previously treated AL amyloidosis, including those with prior exposure to anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Methods: We conducted an investigator-initiated phase 1/2 multicenter open-label trial of venetoclax (± dexamethasone) in patients with relapsed/refractory AL amyloidosis. Key inclusion criteria were central-laboratory confirmed t(11;14) by FISH analysis in ≥5% of CD-138-selected cells on bone marrow aspirate, measurable hematologic disease (dFLC≥2 mg/dL and/or M-spike ≥0.5 g/dL), prior exposure to anti-CD38 mAb, and ≥1 prior line of therapy. Key exclusion criteria were NT-proBNP&gt;8500 pg/mL, NYHA class IIIb/IV, and ECOG&gt;2. Phase 1 dose escalation utilized Bayesian Optimal Interval Network (BOIN) design to determine maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) across four levels: DL1 (venetoclax 200mg), DL2 (400mg), DL3 (400mg + dexamethasone 10mg weekly), and DL4 (400mg + dexamethasone 20mg weekly). A maximum of 6 cycles of therapy on the protocol were planned, with dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) being evaluated in cycle 1. The design accommodated 12-15 patients with ~67% probability of selecting the dose closest to the 25% target toxicity rate. Here, we present the results of the Phase 1 portion of the study, which has completed enrollment. Accrual in Phase 2 portion is currently ongoing. Results: Of 16 patients screened, 12 were enrolled and evaluable for safety and efficacy. Screen failures were attributed to second malignancy (n=2), t(11;14) positivity in &lt;5% CD-138-selected cells (n=1), and t(11;14) negativity (n=1). Enrolled patients had a median age of 64 years, with 25% female, and 17% Black representation. At screening, the median percentage of CD-138-selected cells with t(11;14)-positivity on FISH was 65%. All patients had prior anti-CD38 mAb-exposure by protocol design, with 11/12 patients also exposed to bortezomib. The median number of prior lines of therapy was 1 (range, 1-5). Disease markers at treatment initiation included median dFLC of 14.35 mg/dL (range, 2.13-186.28), median NT-proBNP of 712.5 pg/mL (range, 54-8831), and the median serum creatinine of 0.99 mg/dL (range, 0.69-3.01). Regarding safety, there were no DLTs encountered during the specified timeframe. One patient each received DLs 1, 2, and 3, with all remaining patients receiving DL 4 (400mg + dexamethasone 20mg weekly), which is the RP2D in this trial. There was only one patient that developed grade 3 infection (lung infection; COVID-19). No tumor-lysis syndrome, grade 3 or higher cytopenia, or treatment-emergent deaths occurred. Hematologic overall response (PR or better) was achieved in 11/12 patients (91.7%), with 9/12 (75%) attaining ≥VGPR [4/12 (33.3%) heme-CR, with the remaining being VGPR]. The median time from treatment initiation to best response was 29 days. Among 7 patients that were evaluable for cardiac response, one underwent heart transplant after 3 cycles of study treatment (while in heme-CR), hence was no longer evaluable for cardiac organ response. Of the remaining 6 patients, 2 have achieved cardiac response till date. Renal organ response was observed in 4/7 evaluable patients. At a median follow-up of 8.8 months, 4 out of 12 patients have completed 6 treatment cycles, with 2 receiving ongoing therapy. Six patients discontinued treatment early due to hematologic progression (n=1), suboptimal hematologic response (n=2), patient preference (n=2), and heart transplant (n=1). Patient-reported outcomes (assessed by PROMIS-29) showed no significant changes in Physical Functioning and Fatigue domains among 5 patients with paired baseline and end-of-treatment assessments. Updated follow-up data will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this represents the first prospective evaluation of venetoclax-dexamethasone in relapsed/refractory t(11;14) AL amyloidosis. The combination demonstrated substantial hematologic efficacy (75% ≥VGPR rate) and a favorable safety profile without dose-limiting toxicities. Our results support investigation of venetoclax-based combinations in the frontline treatment of newly diagnosed t(11;14) AL amyloidosis.

ABSTRACTThe optimal conditioning schedule and CD34+ cell dose for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for AL amyloidosis is unknown. Patients (n = 1704) who underwent ASCT for AL amyloidosis between 2003 and 2020 in 9 centers were included. Data on melphalan conditioning dose, number of conditioning days, whether a rest day between conditioning and stem cell infusion was given or not, and infused CD34+ cell dose were collected. Full‐dose melphalan (≥ 180 mg/m2) was administered in 63.7% of the patients, and 80.4% had melphalan split into 2‐day conditioning. A rest day (day −1) between the conditioning regimen and stem cell infusion was provided in 52.5% of patients. The median infused CD34+ cell count was 4.7 × 106/kg. An infused CD34+ cell count ≥ 4.5 × 106/kg was associated with a shorter time to neutrophil and platelet engraftment. In a nominal regression analysis, full‐dose melphalan, 1‐day melphalan conditioning, and omitting a rest day between conditioning and stem cell infusion were independent predictors of post‐ASCT higher deep hematological response. The median follow‐up was 8.6 years, and 38% of patients died. Independent predictors of superior overall survival in multivariate Cox regression analysis included full‐dose melphalan, having no rest day, and infused CD34+ cells ≥ 4.5 × 106/kg. Independent predictors of higher day‐100 transplant‐related mortality (TRM) in nominal logistic regression analysis included poorer performance status, NT‐proBNP/BNP ≥ 1800/400 pg/mL, serum albumin < 2.5 g/dL, CD34+ cells < 4.5 × 106/kg, and not having a rest day. In conclusion, 1 day of melphalan conditioning and administration of CD34+ cells ≥ 4.5 × 106/kg are recommended for ASCT in AL amyloidosis.

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in AL amyloidosis effectively produces a high overall hematological response rate, complete response rate, and durable remissions. However, it is a high-dose chemotherapy-based therapy with high morbidity which can be offered only to a subset of AL amyloidosis patients who are considered fit for this therapy. Transplant-related mortality (TRM) in AL amyloidosis has decreased over the past three decades due to improvement in patient selection. New therapeutic options question the utilization of ASCT. A model to predict TRM can improve the decision-making process, patient selection and further reduce TRM. AL amyloidosis patients (n=1718) from 9 centers globally, transplanted in the years 2003-2020 were included. Pre-ASCT variables of interest were assessed for association with Day-100 all-cause mortality, including age at ASCT (≥ 60 years), sex, light chain isotype, ECOG performance status (ECOG PS; 0, 1 and 2/3), the difference between involved and uninvolved light chains (dFLC; ≥180 mg/L), N-terminal prohormone of B natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP; ≥1800 pg/mL) or B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP; ≥400 pg/mL), left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF, &lt;50%), interventricular septum (&gt;16 mm), corrected diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (cDLCO; ≤65% of predicted), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1; ≤65% of predicted), serum albumin (&lt;2.5 g/dL), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; &lt;30 mL/min/m2), alkaline phosphatase (&gt;X2 upper limit of normal), and systolic blood pressure (&lt;100 mmHg). Troponins could not be included in our modeling given the multitude of assays used across institutions and periods that could not be reconciled. A random forest (RF) classifier with 10-fold cross-validation was used to assist in variable selection. The final model variables were selected based on statistical performance and clinical relevance. The model was fitted using logistic regression. The median age at ASCT was 58, and 40% of patients were women. The most frequently involved organs were the kidneys (69%) and the heart (52%). Mayo 2004 stages I and II were collectively present in 83% of patients. Day-100 TRM occurred in 75 patients (4.4%) with the 3 main causes being shock (n=27), cardiac arrhythmia (n=26), and organ failure (n=22). Age at ASCT, sex, and light chain isotype were not predictors of Day-100 TRM. Across the other pre-ASCT variables, adverse features were present from 6.9% (LVEF &lt;50%) to 25.8% (dFLC ≥180 mg/L) of patients. Ten factors were associated with Day-100 TRM on univariate analysis. The odds ratio of these variables ranged from 1.6 to 10.2. RF classifier using all these variables identified a model with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.72±0.12. Using the importance hierarchy function to refine the model selection, a 4-variable model [NT-proBNP/BNP ≥1800/400 pg/mL, serum albumin &lt;2.5 g/dL, ECOG PS 1 or 2/3, and systolic blood pressure &lt;100 mmHg] was built with an AUC of 0.70±0.12. Based on logistic regression coefficients, ECOG PS 2/3 was assigned two points, while other adverse predictors were assigned 1-point each (model score range 0-5). We then applied the model scoring to our study population. Score distribution was as follows: 0 (n=431, 25.1% of patients), 1 (n=688,40.1%), 2 (n=413, 24.0%), and 3 and above (n=186, 10.8%). Day-100 TRM rates were 0.46%, 3.2%, 5.8%, and 14.5% for 0, 1, 2, and ≥3 points, respectively. The respective rates for the years 2003-2011 were 1.1%, 3.3%, 6.4%, and 19.2%, while for the years 2012-2020 0%, 3.1%, 5.2%, and 8.4%. We developed a simple clinical tool to predict the Day-100 TRM risk in AL patients undergoing ASCT. This tool will allow more informed decision making weighing the individual benefits and risks of ASCT compared to other therapies.

Background: Despite substantial improvements in early mortality (EM) for patients with systemic light chain amyloidosis (AL), rates remained high in the bortezomib-era, at approximately 25% (Muchtar et al. Blood. 2017). However, the therapeutic landscape in AL amyloidosis has changed with the ANDROMEDA trial, which led to the approval of daratumumab in combination with bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone (Dara-VCd) in the frontline setting. The incidence and predictors of EM in the context of daratumumab-based frontline therapy have not been studied. Methods: We performed an international multicenter retrospective cohort study of all consecutive patients with newly diagnosed AL treated with frontline Dara-VCd or Dara-Vd, and followed until 12/31/2023. EM was defined as death from any cause within 6 months of treatment initiation. Our primary objective was to identify the rate and significant predictors of EM. Univariate logistic regression was used to identify significant predictors of EM, which were then included in a multivariate logistic regression model. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine the best threshold values that discriminated EM rates for the following continuous variables: age, dFLC (involved-uninvolved), eGFR, NT-proBNP, albumin, and high-sensitivity Troponin-T (hs-TnT). Other variables tested in univariate analysis were the following: ECOG performance status, NYHA functional class, sex, race, light chain isotype, percent bone marrow plasma cells, status of the following cytogenetic abnormalities-t(11;14), +1q, hyperdiploidy, del(13q), high-risk translocations, and del(17p), and the number of organs involved (2 vs 1). To build the clinical prediction score, each variable was weighted according to the β coefficient (natural logarithm of odds ratio) obtained from the multivariable regression. The β coefficients were rounded to the nearest 0.5 and multiplied by 2 to obtain an even number. Results The study cohort included 335 AL patients treated with daratumumab-based frontline therapy (92.2% Dara-VCd, 7.8% Dara-Vd), with all surviving patients having at least 6 months of follow-up. The median age at diagnosis was 66.5 years (range, 59.4 - 71.3), and 6.7% (n = 22) were Non-Hispanic blacks. Median dFLC at diagnosis was 22.91 mg/dL (range, 0.2-1093.4), and median NT-proBNP was 2415 pg/mL (range, 13-70,000). Mayo 2004 stages IIIA/IIIB represented 44% of the total cohort, with 17% having ECOG ≥ 2 and 25.4% having NYHA Class III/IV symptoms. The cumulative incidence of EM was 10.7%, with the incidence in patients with Mayo 2004 stage I, II, IIIA, and IIIB being 0%, 8%, 12.5%, and 25% respectively. On univariate analysis with unadjusted odds ratio (OR), the following variables significantly predicted EM: Age ≥ 75 (OR=2.8, p=0.013) ECOG ≥ 2, (OR 4.9, p&lt;0.001), NYHA Class ≥ III (OR=4.95, p&lt;0.001), dFLC ≥9 mg/dL (OR, 10.18, p=0.023), eGFR &lt;33 mL/min/1.73 m2 (OR=2.7, p=0.026), NT-proBNP &gt;5276 pg/mL (OR=7.69, p &lt;0.001), hs-TnT &gt;70 ng/L (OR=5.88, p&lt;0.001), and absence of t(11; 14) (OR=2.33, p=0.041). These variables were entered into multivariate regression, except for ECOG and NYHA, which were combined to create a single variable (values ranging from 0-8), and hs-TnT was dropped due to substantial missing data as centers used different troponin assays. NT-proBNP was rounded to 5300 pg/ml for ease of clinical application. Based on the multivariate analysis, the following scores were assigned to each variable: Age ≥75 (2.0), ECOG+NYHA (1.0 x combined score), NT-proBNP &gt;5,300 pg/ml (2.0), and absence of t(11;14) (3.0). This led to a score ranging from 1-15, and two risk-groups: low-risk (score &lt;9; 87.5%) and high-risk (score ≥9; 12.5%). The respective cumulative incidence of EM was 6.1% versus 50% (p&lt;0.001). The c-index of the model was 0.725 (95% CI, 0.676-0.774). Conclusion: Using variables that are readily available in the clinic, we have developed a two-tiered risk-prediction model for EM in AL amyloidosis in the context of daratumumab-based frontline therapy. The model needs to be externally validated in an independent dataset.