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Smith, Stephen D.

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9028-8372

Mayo Clinic

University of Washington

Citations 11

Outcomes from the Multicenter ACCRU-LY-1804/CARiBOU (Cytarabine, Acalabrutinib and Rituximab integrated with Bortezomib-based Outpatient therapy) Trial in 1st line Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Smith, Stephen D. , Giri, Sharmila, Tatoian, Emily Tamar, Grossfeld, Trenton, Lynch, Ryan C. , Nowakowski, Grzegorz S. , Sundaram, Suchitra , Ness, Andy , Wang, Yucai , Pang, Yifan , Gopal, Ajay K. , Warren, Edus Houston , Park, Steven

Blood | December 5, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 3575-3575

10.1182/blood-2025-3575 Get It

Abstract Introduction: First-line therapy for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) represents a critical opportunity for clinical benefit via sustained complete response. Multitargeted combinations, including optimized chemotherapy with novel agents targeted to MCL, may best address the biologic heterogeneity of this disease. Building on prior experience using modified VR-CAP and R-cytarabine, we enhanced this regimen by adding acalabrutinib while reducing cytarabine, aiming for improved efficacy and safety without impeding stem cell collection. To evaluate this regimen, we conducted a phase 2 multicenter trial at four centers in the Academic and Community Cancer Research United (ACCRU) network. Methods: CARiBOU (ACCRU-LY-1804) employs alternating VR-CAP and R-cytarabine with continuous acalabrutinib, in six 21-day cycles, for previously untreated MCL. Eligible patients (pts) were at least 18 years old with adequate organ function, measurable disease, no CNS involvement; and were ASCT-eligible per investigator. VR-CAP (cycles 1, 3, and 5) employed bortezomib 1.3 mg/m² subcutaneously days 1,8, and 15; rituximab 375 mg/m² day 1; cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m² day 1; doxorubicin 50 mg/m2 day 1; and prednisone 100 mg PO days 1-5. Cycles 2,4, and 6 used outpatient rituximab with cytarabine at 3 g/m² x 2 daily doses in the first 5 pts, after which the dose was reduced to 2 gm/m2 x 2 daily doses due to thrombocytopenia. Acalabrutinib 100 mg p.o. twice daily was given continuously but held for grade 4 thrombocytopenia or clinically significant toxicity. Growth factors and prophylactic antimicrobials were required. Responses were assessed after six cycles using FDG PET/CT, bone marrow aspirate/biopsy (BM Bx), and endoscopy when indicated (Lugano 2014). The primary endpoint was complete metabolic response (CMR) rate at end of treatment (EOT). Secondary endpoints included safety, feasibility of stem cell collection, proportion proceeding to ASCT, and progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Peripheral blood measurable residual disease (MRD) was evaluated using the ClonoSEQ assay (Adaptive Biotechnologies). A Simon two-stage design was used, targeting a CMR rate ≥ 70% versus a null rate of 50%, with a total sample size of 39 evaluable pts. Results: 41 pts were accrued from October 2021 through May 2025, 37 of whom completed all 6 cycles and are evaluable for response; two are still on therapy, and two discontinued therapy early for toxicity. Median age was 63 years (range 41-73), 22% were female, and 85% were White. MIPI risk groups were low (44%), intermediate (39%), and high (17%), and Ki-67 was ≥ 30% in 54% of pts. Three pts (7%) had known TP53 mutations by sequencing. At EOT, the CMR rate was 85.3% among all pts (35/41; 95% CI 67.9%-92.9%), or 94.5% among evaluable pts (35/37). BM Bx was performed in 31 pts at EOT, 30 of which (96.8%) were negative for MCL. Undetectable peripheral blood MRD using a 10^6 threshold (uMRD6) was achieved at EOT in 78.1% (25/32) of tested pts, and 93.8% (30/32) achieved uMRD5. Nine of 41 pts underwent ASCT; no patient failed stem cell collection. Maintenance therapy was not protocol-defined but included rituximab in 91.9% of pts and a BTK inhibitor in 21.6% of pts. With a median follow-up of 16.7 months, PFS and OS rates at 18 months were 76.7% (95% CI: 60.7%-96.9%) and 95.5% (95% CI: 87.1%-100%). Toxicities were primarily hematologic. Grade 3+ toxicities included thrombocytopenia (66.6%), neutropenia (28.2%), and anemia (25.6%). Grade 3+ febrile neutropenia was observed in 10.2% of pts. Peripheral neuropathy was seen in 20.5% of pts and all grade 1-2. Bleeding events included purpura in 2 pts (5.2%) and epistaxis in 1 patient (2.6%). One case of atrial fibrillation was observed. Eighteen pts required temporary dose hold of acalabrutinib for toxicity (mainly thrombocytopenia), and 2 had acalabrutinib dose reductions. Serious adverse events occurred in 6 pts, and no treatment-related deaths occurred. Conclusions: CARiBOU is an efficient, highly effective outpatient regimen for 1st line MCL, employing intermediate dose cytarabine with continuous acalabrutinib. With supportive care and platelet monitoring, this approach safely yielded high rates of CMR and uMRD6, supporting multitargeted induction therapy for appropriate pts with untreated MCL.
EO2463 (EO) peptide immunotherapy combined with rituximab (R) for first-line treatment of low-tumor burden follicular lymphoma (FL): A feasibility evaluation in Study EONHL1-20/sidney (NCT04669171)
Smith, Stephen D. , Marolleau, Jean Pierre, Herce, Cristina García, Mora, Maria Rocio Figueroa, Morel, Pierre, Rattotti, Sara , Rinaudo, Philippe, Carpier, Jean-Marie , Fagerberg, Jan, Armand, Philippe , Friedberg, Jonathan W. , Ansell, Stephen M. , Bosch, Francesc , Wallace, Danielle , Villasboas, José C. , Grande, Carlos , Merryman, Reid W. , Arcaini, Luca , Pinto, Antonio , Gutiérrez, Norma C. , Till, Brian G. , Zinzani, Pier Luigi

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 3594-3594

10.1182/blood-2025-3594 Get It

Abstract Background Single-agent R is a common 1st-line therapy for patients (pts) with FL, especially those with low-tumor burden advanced stage disease or comorbidities. EO is a therapeutic vaccine generated from non-self-protein sequences from gut bacteria, including 4 HLA-A2 CD8 T cell epitopes that mimic B cell-specific markers: CD20, CD22, CD37 and BAFF-receptor. EO also contains a CD4 helper epitope UCP2. EO expands pre-existing memory CD8 T cells recognizing non-self-protein sequences from gut bacteria which can cross-react with B cell antigens on tumor cells. The aim adding EO to R is to safely increase the depth and duration of responses. Methods Cohort 3 (C3) of trial EONHL1-20/SIDNEY includes pts with HLA-A2 and previously untreated low-tumor burden (GELF) FL grade 1-3A in need of treatment (per pt/treating physician). Pts receive EO (300μg/peptide) SC with adjuvant Montanide, q2 weeks (w) x 4, then q4w for a total of 12 doses, combined with R starting at w7 (375 mg/m2 IV q1w x4, then q8w x4). For immune responses blood mononuclear cells were assayed by flow cytometry and EO-mimic or B cell peptide specific tetramers without in vitro stimulation. The primary objective is to assess safety; secondary objectives include EO immunogenicity and preliminary efficacy. Results As of July 2025, the 6 planned pts had started EO. Median age was 66 years (range 46-73); 5 ECOG 0/1 ECOG 1; 1 Ann Arbor stage III/5 stage IV; FLIPI low risk 2/intermediate 2/high 2; FLIPI-2 low risk 2/intermediate 4. At median follow-up 10.6 months (mo) 4 pts completed and 2 are ongoing on EO. Median treatment duration was 43 w (range 2-43). Best response by Lugano in the 6 pts included 4 complete (CR) and 2 partial responses (PR). Median time to PR/CR was 17.1 w (range 6.0-18.0). Currently there is only 1 (not yet confirmed) progression at 20.5 mo. All 5 immune response evaluable pts had expansion of CD8 T cells specific for EO mimic and B cell target peptides during treatment; 4 of 5 had detectable expansions at w5 (1st testing time). Currently, the longest tested immune response is at w65 and positive for both EO mimic and B cell target peptides. Expanded specific CD8 T cells had a memory phenotype predominantly composed of effector memory (TEM) cells but also including central memory (TCM) and terminally differentiated effector memory CD8 T (TEMRA) cells. Across the 5 pts, the medians of max % (sum of specific CD8 T cells targeting either the 4 EO mimic peptides or the 4 B cell antigen epitopes at a specific timepoint) among all peripheral CD8 T cells were 0.71% (range 0.19-3.97) for EO mimic and 0.33% (0.20-1.30) for B cell target peptides. The most common EO-related adverse events (AEs) were local administration site reactions (erythema, pain, induration). These included Gr (Grade) 1 reactions in 3 pts, Gr 2 in 1 pt, and Gr 3 in 1 pt; latter being ulceration with EO-interruption at w10.1, and in context of a strong immune response against EO mimic [3.97% of all peripheral CD8 T cells at w5] and B cell target [1.30%] peptides, and CR from w16.7. Other EO related AEs were Gr 1 lymph node pain (1 pt), and related to both EO and R were Gr 2 urticaria (1 pt) and Gr 1 fatigue (1 pt). Only R related were Gr 2 infusion related reaction (3 pts), Gr 2 enterocolitis infection (1 pt), and in 1 pt each Gr 1 flushing, anemia, headache and diarrhea. There were no further Gr 3-4 AE and no death on treatment/follow-up. Complete B cell depletion was seen in 5 pts tested at w18 (R added w7); no recovery in the range of w30-65. Only 3 infections were reported, per above enterocolitis, and 2 cases of COVID-19 both resolved without sequalae. ConclusionsThe combination of EO with R has a predictable and manageable safety profile, with EO only adding local administration site reactions to the well-known R safety profile. In this feasibility cohort all evaluable pts developed a specific immune response against EO and B cell targets, and a Lugano objective response. The combination of EO and R is feasible and can be evaluated in further trials. Updated results will be presented at the meeting.
Risk factors for cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity in patients receiving epcoritamab or glofitamab for large B cell lymphoma: A multi-center, retrospective, real world analysis.
Yang, Xi , Karimi, Yasmin , Chen, Xiaoying , Nedved, Adrienne, Schwarz, Tenley, Schwede, Matthew , McKenna, Marshall, Abdel-Razeq, Nayef , Reinert, Catherine, Trotier, Daniel, Baron, Kelsey, Jones, Sally, Dave, Nikita, Sears-Smith, Megan , Salafian, Kiarash , Ayers, Emily C. , Gibson, Alyssa, Prince-Eladnani, Raja, Morales, Rodolfo Garza, Khan, Cyrus, Castillo, Brenda Sofia, Smith, Stephen D. , Chinyengetere, Fadzai, Davé, Sandeep S. , Hernandez‐Ilizaliturri, Francisco J. , Hill, Brian T. , Karimi, Yasmin H , Wang, Yucai , Grover, Natalie S. , Tiger, Yun Kyoung , Moustafa, Muhamad Alhaj , Major, Ajay , Pophali, Priyanka A. , Hu, Boyu , Saha, Aditi , Landsburg, Daniel J. , Ghosh, Nilanjan , Sundaram, Suchitra , Brody, Joshua , Kline, Justin Paul , Muñoz, Javier , Castillo, Brenda, Niu, Alex , Caimi, Paolo F. , Brooks, Taylor

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 401-401

10.1182/blood-2025-401 Get It

Abstract Introduction: CD20xCD3 bispecific antibodies (BsAb) have been approved for use in relapsed/refractory (RR) large B-Cell lymphomas (LBCLs) with manageable toxicities. The main adverse events of clinical interest are cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). The risk factors for CRS and ICANS are not well understood. Knowledge of variables that contribute to increased risk may help clinicians identify and tailor management for high-risk patients (pts) and increase the comfort level for providers using these therapies in community practices. Methods: We performed a multicenter retrospective study at 21 US centers evaluating pts with RR LBCLs receiving commercially available epcoritamab (epco) or glofitamab (glofit) between 2023 and 2025. We obtained baseline characteristics, safety and efficacy outcomes. Univariate analysis was performed to identify associations between CRS, ICANS, and clinical variables of interest. Results: As of May 31, 2025, a total of 312 pts with RR LBCLs were treated with BsAb, Epco n=193 (62%), Glofit n= 119 (38%); median age 68; 63% male; 70% ECOG PS 0-1. Most common histologic type was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (DLBCL, NOS) (n=239, 84%) followed by high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL) (n=46, 16%). 179 pts (57%) were previously treated with chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, with 47% receiving CAR-T <6 months (mo) prior to BsAb. Among pts with prior CAR-T, CRS with CAR-T therapy of any grade occurred in 63%, with 26% ≥ grade 2. ICANS of any grade (G) occurred in 25% of pts (9.4% ≥ G3). Overall and complete response (ORR and CR) rates to BsAb were 51% and 29%, respectively. With a median follow up of 5 mo, median progression-free and overall survival (PFS and OS) were 2.3 and 7.3 mo, respectively. With BsAb treatment, CRS of any grade occurred in 117 (39%) patients: 24% G1, 8.7% G2, 4% G3, 1% G4 and 1% G5. The max grade CRS occurred most frequently after the third dose of epco (35%) and the first dose of glofit (23%). CRS was managed with additional steroids in 24% of pts and tocilizumab in 22%. 13% of pts experienced ICANS: 5.8% G1, 3.4% G2, 2% G3, 1% G4 and 0.3% G5. Factors that increased the risk for any grade CRS included: bulky disease ≥ 7.5 cm at time of BsAb treatment (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.17 – 3.55, p = 0.012), elevated LDH (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.45– 4.76, p = 0.002) and treatment with epco compared to glofit (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.04- 2.77, p = 0.036). As G ≥2 CRS generally requires inpatient monitoring and management, we next compared the risk factors between pts with no CRS or G1 CRS and G ≥2 CRS. Factors associated with increased risk for high grade CRS included: bone marrow involvement by lymphoma (OR 3.47, 95% CI 0.97 – 11.3, p = 0.043), platelet count ≤ 75 (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.21 – 4.87, p = 0.011), ≥ 2 extra nodal sites (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.07 – 3.97, p = 0.032) and ≥G2 CRS with prior CAR-T (OR 3.35, 95% CI 1.13 – 9.97, p = 0.027). Factors that increased the risk for ICANS included: bulky disease (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.28 – 5.49, p = 0.008), elevated Cr ≥ 1.5x ULN (OR 3.79, 95% CI 1.25 – 10.4, p = 0.012), elevated AST/ALT ≥ 3x ULN (OR 4.65, 95% CI 0.92 – 19.9, p = 0.042), low albumin (OR 2.85, 95% CI 1.49 - 5.5, p = 0.002), and co-occurrence of CRS with BsAb (OR 9.1, 95% CI 3.85- 25, p < 0.001). No other clinical variables including older age, histologic subtype, ECOG PS, B symptoms, IPI score, cell of origin or histologic subtype, baseline labs such as ALC, CRP, fibrinogen or D-dimer were significantly associated with CRS or ICANS risk. There was no difference in ORR or CR rates in patients who experienced CRS or ICANS. Conclusions: Our analysis of pts treated with commercial BsAb for LBCL shows an increased risk for CRS and ICANs based on clinical variables that are routinely obtained at baseline including tumor bulk, sites of disease, laboratory parameters, and history of prior CRS with CAR-T therapy. Differences in baseline populations receiving epco and glofit treatments in this real-world analysis have been previously reported (Brooks et al, Blood 2025) and the comparative risk for CRS between these treatments remains unclear. Future plans including multivariable analysis may allow for development of a predictive model to identify pts at high risk of CRS and ICANS with BsAb treatment, potentially leading to prospective clinical trials evaluating prophylactic interventions for high-risk pts.
Outcomes following disease progression after epcoritamab or glofitamab in the real-world outcomes of bispecific T-cell engagers (REALBiTE) multi-center, retrospective cohort study
Mian, Agrima , Nedved, Adrienne, Yang, Xi , Karimi, Yasmin , Schwarz, Tenley, Schwede, Matthew , McKenna, Marshall, Abdel-Razeq, Nayef , Reinert, Catherine, Trotier, Daniel, Baron, Kelsey, Jones, Sally, Dave, Nikita, Sears-Smith, Megan , Salafian, Kiarash , Ayers, Emily C. , Gibson, Alyssa, Munoz, Javier, Morales, Rodolfo Garza, Khan, Cyrus, Castillo, Brenda Sofia, Smith, Stephen D. , Chinyengetere, Fadzai, Davé, Sandeep S. , Hernandez‐Ilizaliturri, Francisco J. , Hill, Brian T. , Karimi, Yasmin H , Brooks, Taylor , Wang, Yucai , Grover, Natalie S. , Tiger, Yun Kyoung , Moustafa, Muhamad Alhaj , Major, Ajay , Pophali, Priyanka A. , Hu, Boyu , Saha, Aditi , Landsburg, Daniel J. , Ghosh, Nilanjan , Sundaram, Suchitra , Brody, Joshua , Kline, Justin Paul , Munoz, Javier, Khan, Eshan , Castillo, Brenda, Niu, Alex , Caimi, Paolo F.

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 402-402

10.1182/blood-2025-402 Get It

Abstract Introduction: Epcoritamab (epco) and glofitamab (glofit) are bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) approved for the treatment of patients (pts) with multiply relapsed or refractory (r/r) large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL). Though response rates are relatively high, most patients (pts) eventually experience progression of disease (POD). We sought to investigate the treatment patterns and clinical outcomes following POD post-BsAb for r/r LBCL Pts, as this has not previously been described. Methods: We performed a multicenter retrospective study including 21 US centers evaluating pts with r/r LBCL receiving commercially available epco or glofit between 2023 and 2025. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were extracted from medical records. Efficacy and survival outcomes were assessed by site investigators and included overall response rate (ORR), complete and partial response (CR, PR) rates, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), analyzed using the Kaplan Meier method. Results: As of May 15, 2025, a total of 312 pts with r/r LBCLs were treated with BsAb, of whom a total of 168 (53.8%) pts experienced POD [104 of 193 (53.8%) treated with prior epco and 64 of 119 (53.8%) treated with prior glofit]. Pts with POD had a median age at BsAb start of 67 years (interquartile range [IQR] 58-76), most were male (68.4%), and the most common histology was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (n=122 [71.8%]). Sixty-seven of 168 pts (39.9%) with POD after BsAb had experienced primary refractory disease defined as failure to achieve PR or CR to frontline therapy. A total of 102 (60.7%) pts with POD to BsAb had received chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy prior to BsAbs, with 33.3% of these pts being refractory to CAR T and 30.4% progressing within 6 months of CAR T-cell infusion. The median time to progression following BsAb start was 48 days. Following POD, 70 pts received no further anti-lymphoma therapy. Among 98 pts receiving subsequent therapy, 85 initially received systemic therapy and 13 initially received local therapy with radiation (concurrently with systemic therapy in 8 pts). The most commonly-used next line of systemic therapies included: loncastuximab tesirine in 19 pts (ORR 16.7%, all PR); commercial CAR T in 11 pts (ORR 50% [CR 36.4%, PR 18.2%); tafasitamab with lenalidomide in 7 (no responses); and other chemotherapy in 46 pts (ORR 27.6% [CR 24.1%]). The median follow-up time from POD was 9.2 months among survivors (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.8-13.3). Among those who initiated subsequent-line therapy following BsAbs, the median progression-free survival (PFS2) was 1.9 months (95% CI 1.5-2.4) and median overall survival (OS) from initiation of subsequent-line therapy was 3.9 months (95% CI 2.4-5.5). The estimated 1-year OS following initiation of next therapy was 12%. Conclusions: We report the outcomes of largest cohort of pts with POD post-BsAbs in r/r LBCL. Progression events occurred early after initiation of single agent BsAbs, and almost half of pts who progressed did not receive subsequent therapy. For those who received standard subsequent-line therapy after POD, response rates and survival outcomes were poor. Pts with POD after BsAB should be strongly considered for clinical trials of novel therapeutics or combination therapies.
EO2463 Peptide Immunotherapy in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Asymptomatic Follicular Lymphoma Results in Monotherapy Objective Clinical Responses Linked with Anti-Peptide Specific CD8 Memory T Cell Responses: The EONHL1-20/Sidney Study
Smith, Stephen D. , Marolleau, Jean Pierre, García, Carlos Grande, Morel, Pierre, Mora, Rocío Figueroa, García, Cristina Martínez , Rattotti, Sara , Aubergeon, Lucie , Chêne, Laurent , Fagerberg, Jan, Armand, Philippe , Friedberg, Jonathan W. , Ansell, Stephen M. , Villasboas, José C. , Wallace, Danielle , Merryman, Reid W. , Bosch, Francesc , Arcaini, Luca , Pinto, Antonio Ventura , Gutiérrez, Norma C. , Till, Brian G. , Zinzani, Pier Luigi

Blood | December 6, 2024 | Volume: 144 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 4395-4395

10.1182/blood-2024-201269 Get It

Background Follicular lymphoma (FL) is a generally indolent disease where a watch and wait strategy is standard in asymptomatic patients (pts) with a low tumor-burden. Harnessing antitumor immunity through an anti-tumor immunization strategy at this stage may delay or avoid the subsequent need for more toxic and complex therapies. EO2463 is a therapeutic vaccine designed from non-self protein sequences, derived from gut bacteria, including 4 HLA-A2 synthetically produced 9-mer CD8 cytotoxic T cell epitopes, exhibiting molecular mimicry with specific epitopes on the B cell markers CD20, CD22, CD37, and CD268 (BAFF-receptor). Additionally, EO2463 contains a CD4 helper epitope UCP2 derived from hTERT. The compound expands pre-existing memory CD8 T cells recognizing the non-self protein sequences from gut bacteria which can then cross-react with the selected B cell antigens on tumor cells. EO2463 is being used to drive anti-tumor immunity against B cell malignancies, and has demonstrated long-lasting, specific CD8-memory T cell responses and clinical activity in relapsed/refractory FL and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) [J Clinical Oncol 2024, 42 (S16), 7058]. Furthermore, CD8 T cells expanded from samples of patients treated with EO2463 can kill HLA-A2 expressing lymphoblastoid cell lines presenting the B cell targets [Hematological Oncol 2023, 41 (S2), 581-582]. Methods The current report describes Cohort 2 of trial EONHL1-20/SIDNEY (NCT04669171) and includes pts with newly diagnosed, previously untreated FL, grade 1-3A, HLA-A2, and not in need of treatment. Pts receive EO2463 (300μg/peptide) SC with adjuvant Montanide ISA 51 VG, q2 weeks (w) x 4, then q4w, for a total of 12 doses (39w; PET-CTs at w6, w19, and w42). Planned accrual for this cohort is 25 pts. Immune responses were assayed on thawed pt peripheral blood mononuclear cells by flow cytometry and EO2463 peptide specific tetramers or by IFN-γ ELISPOT (assaying responses against 9-mer peptides from CD20, CD22, CD37, and CD268; and from peptides of EO2463) without any proceeding in vitro stimulation (ex vivo). Results As of June 2024, 15 pts had started study treatment. Median age was 62 (range 55-66) year, 7 male and 6 female, 2 pts Ann Arbor stage I/II, 5 stage III, and 8 stage IV. Ten of 15 pts were still on treatment; median treatment duration was 18.4 weeks (range 5-39 w) for all pts. Among 13 evaluable pts, best responses by PET-CT using Lugano criteria were 1 pt CR, 5 pts PR (46% objective responses (OR)), 3 pts SD, and 4 pts PD. Of those with PD per Lugano, 2 had isolated increases in FDG-uptake without increase in lesion size/number at w6 and both remain on treatment (per protocol based on LYRIC criteria). OR was first noted w6 in 3 pts and w19 in 3 pts; duration of response is not evaluable at this time due to short follow-up. The pt with CR had isolated increases in FDG-uptake at w6, PR at w19, and CR at w35. Anti-EO2463 immune responses were observed in 4 of 5 tested pts at the 1st testing timepoint (w5) and onwards (currently longest tested up until w31). In an exploratory analysis, the percentage of EO2463 peptide specific CD8 T cells measured by tetramers seemed linked to clinical response (OR 3 pts vs non-OR 2 pts; 2-sided T-test, p=0.02; range of percentages in pts with OR 0.85%-1.39% of all CD8 T cells in peripheral blood, range in pts with non-OR 0.17%-0.27%). Functionality and cross-reactivity of responses were shown by IFN-γ ELISPOT using 9-mer peptides corresponding to the B cell targets in 4 tested pts. Expanded antigen-specific CD8 T cells displayed a memory phenotype; effector/memory (TEM), and terminally differentiated effector memory CD8 T cells (TEMRA). The most common related AEs were grade 1 (7 pts) and grade 2 (5 pts) local administration site reactions (mainly erythema, pruritus, and induration). Other related AEs in > 1 pt were grade 1 headache (2 pts) and grade 1-3 fatigue/asthenia (3 pts). Asthenia lasting 2 days was the only related grade 3 adverse event (AE). Conclusions EO2463 monotherapy is associated with a very manageable safety profile and appears to demonstrate meaningful single-agent efficacy in FL. Consistent with the preclinical hypothesis, expansion of specific CD8 memory T cells may be associated with response. Results will be expanded at the meeting. Study EONHL1-20/SIDNEY also includes cohorts, not covered in this abstract, exploring EO2463 plus rituximab for 1st line FL/MZL, and EO2463 plus lenalidomide/rituximab in relapsed FL/MZL.
EO2463 Peptide Immunotherapy in Patients with Indolent NHL: A Phase 1 Exploration of a Response Biomarker for EO2463 Monotherapy and EO2463 in Combination with Lenalidomide/Rituximab
García, Carlos Grande, Smith, Stephen D. , Marolleau, Jean Pierre, García, Cristina Martínez , Mora, Rocío Figueroa, Rattotti, Sara , Aubergeon, Lucie , Chêne, Laurent , Fagerberg, Jan, Armand, Philippe , Friedberg, Jonathan W. , Ansell, Stephen M. , Villasboas, José C. , Wallace, Danielle , Bosch, Francesc , Pinto, Antonio Ventura , Merryman, Reid W. , Gutiérrez, Norma C. , Arcaini, Luca , Till, Brian G. , Filippi, Rosaria De , Zinzani, Pier Luigi

Blood | December 6, 2024 | Volume: 144 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 1616-1616

10.1182/blood-2024-204593 Get It

Background Follicular and marginal zone B cell lymphoma (FL; MZL) demonstrate an indolent course with heterogeneous outcomes and a potential for spontaneous remissions indicating immune system intervention. T cell-based therapeutic approaches are therefore an attractive proposition in FL and MZL. EO2463 peptide immunotherapy expands pre-existing memory CD8 T cells recognizing non-self-protein sequences from gut bacteria which cross-react with B cell antigens. The compound includes 4 HLA-A2 synthetically produced epitopes which exhibit molecular mimicry with the B cell markers CD20, CD22, CD37, and CD268 (BAFF-receptor), as well as a the CD4 helper-epitope UCP2 derived from hTERT. EO2463 is being used to drive anti-tumor immunity against B cell malignancies, and has demonstrated long-lasting, specific CD8-memory T cell responses and clinical activity in relapsed/refractory FL and MZL [J Clinical Oncol 2024, 42 (S16), 7058]. Furthermore, CD8 T cells expanded from samples of patients (pts) treated with EO2463 can kill HLA-A2 expressing lymphoblastoid cell lines presenting the B cell targets [Hematological Oncol 2023, 41 (S2), 581-582]. Methods The current report describes testing of a possible biomarker in the phase 1 portion of the ongoing EONHL1-20/SIDNEY trial (NCT04669171).This part of the trial (“Cohort 1”) included pts (n=9) with relapsed (at least 1, no limit, prior treatments) FL and MZL, stage 1-3A, confirmed to be positive for HLA-A2. Pts received EO2463 (150 [n=3] or 300μg/peptide [n=6]) SC with adjuvant Montanide ISA 51 VG q2 weeks (w) x 4, then q4w, for a max of 12 months; at w7 lenalidomide (20 mg/day for 21/28 days up to 12 cycles) was added (EL), and if no complete remission (CR) at w19, rituximab (375 mg/m IV, q1w x 4, then q4w x 4) was also added (ER2). Immune responses and clinical outcomes of Cohort 1 were previously reported [J Clinical Oncol 2024, 42 (S16), 7058]. To assess a possible biomarker, tetramers were used to specifically detect CD8 T cells recognizing the 4 epitopes in the EO2463 compound (derived from gut bacterial proteins exhibiting molecular mimicry with the B cell markers CD20, CD22, CD37, and CD268). The tetramers were all marked with phycoerythrin. Thawed samples of peripheral blood mononuclear cells taken at start of w5 (after 2 administrations of EO2463 monotherapy, each followed by 2w observation) were stained ex vivo (without any in vitro stimulation) with the tetramers and assayed by flow cytometry. Results are presented as percentage of EO2463 specific CD8 T cells among all CD8 T cells in the peripheral blood of the pt. Results Among the 9 treated pts, PET-CT at w6 (after 3 administrations of EO2463 monotherapy) suggested possible clinical activity in 4/9 pts (1 PR, 1 pt size reduction 15%, 1 pt 20% reduced tracer uptake, 1 pt 5/6 target lesions reduced metabolic activity). By PET-CT at w42 (after 12 administrations of EO2463 monotherapy, 11 cycles of lenalidomide, and rituximab treatment) the Lugano response assessment was complete response in 6/9 pts. A positive biomarker response was assessed in 5/9 pts (percentage of specific CD8 T cells ranged from 0.2-2.1%). EO2463 monotherapy PET-CT activity at w6 (n=4/9 pts): 4 of 4 pts with clinical activity were biomarker positive and 1/5 of the other pts was also positive; this pt had an isolated increase in FDG-uptake at w6, followed by a CR at w19. Four further other pts were biomarker negative. In this limited sample, the biomarker had sensitivity 100% and specificity 80%. EO2463 in combination with lenalidomide/rituximab PET-CT CR at w42 (n=6/9): 5 of 6 pts with CR were biomarker positive and 1 pt with CR was negative; the pt with a negative test had no objective tumor response until after rituximab. In this limited sample, the biomarker showed sensitivity 83% and specificity 100%. Conclusions The current preliminary assessment indicates that direct ex vivo tetramer staining for specific CD8 T cells after short term (5 w) treatment with EO2463 monotherapy could be a possible biomarker for clinical response, both for EO2463 monotherapy response, and for response to EO2463 in combination with lenalidomide/rituximab. We plan to validate these findings in the ongoing study cohorts of the trial; expansion phase 2 cohorts, exploring EO2463 monotherapy in the “watch & wait” setting, EO2463 plus rituximab for 1st line FL/MZL, and EO2463/lenalidomide +/- rituximab in relapsed FL/MZL.
Pembrolizumab Gemcitabine Vinorelbine and Liposomal Doxorubicin (P-GVD) for Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (CHL) in the Real-World Setting
Baek, Grace , Varma, Gaurav , Yamshon, Samuel , Besien, Herman van, Baron, Kelsey, Svoboda, Jakub , Prischak, Sara, D’Angelo, Christopher R. , Lukowski, Joe D., Advani, Ranjana H. , Yeung, Austin H., Rosenberg, Maya, Lynch, Ryan C. , Raghunathan, Vikram , Smith, Stephen D. , Ujjani, Chaitra S. , Advani, Ranjana H , Bartlett, Nancy L. , Watkins, Marcus P. , Shah, Harsh , Merryman, Reid W. , Falade, Ayo , Yeung, Austin H., Voutsinas, Jenna M. , Di, Mengyang , Poh, Christina , Raghunathan, Vikram M. , Shadman, Mazyar , Till, Brian G. , Diefenbach, Catherine , Gopal, Ajay K.

Blood | December 5, 2024 | Volume: 144 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 4431-4431

10.1182/blood-2024-200719 Get It

Introduction: Pembrolizumab Gemcitabine Vinorelbine and Liposomal Doxorubicin (P-GVD) has become a commonly employed regimen for the treatment of relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL), often preceding autologous stem cell transplant in patients with good response. The utilization of P-GVD is based on a 38-evaluable patient prospective trial (Moskowitz et al. JCO 2021). There remains minimal data regarding the efficacy of this regimen in a larger, real-world cohort. Methods:Patients with CHL who received P-GVD at 9 United States centers were retrospectively evaluated to estimate efficacy and safety, with a focus on the second line use of this regimen. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from medical records. Responses reflected Lugano criteria per local investigator assessment. Study objectives were overall response rates (ORR), complete response rates (CRR), progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. PFS and OS were estimated by Kaplan-Meier. Results: Patients and Treatment: We identified 65 CHL patients who received P-GVD between July 2019 and June 2024, including 43 who were treated in the second line. Enrolled patients included a median age of 31 years (range 17-69 years), 36.9% (24) females, 75.4% (49) nodular sclerosing subtype, and 60% (39) stage III-IV at diagnosis. Patients included 64.6% (42) White and non-Hispanic, 15.4% (10) Hispanic or White and Hispanic, 10.8% (7) Black, 3.1% (2) Asian/Pacific Islander, 3.1% (2) other, and 3.1% (2) unknown. The median number of prior regimens was 1 (range 0-12); these included 3.1% (2) who had prior checkpoint inhibitor (CPI), 50.8% (33) who had prior brentuximab vedotin (BV), and 3.1% (2) who had prior transplant. Patients with primary refractory disease [no initial complete response (CR)] comprised 58.5% (38), and 35.4% (23) had relapse within 1 year of completing initial therapy. The median number of cycles received was 3 (range 1-5). Treatment in a community practice setting was noted for 21.5% (14) patients. Efficacy: At a median follow up of 17.7 months, ORR and CRR after P-GVD were 95% (62/65) and 74% (48/65), respectively. This increased to 95% ORR and 81% CRR when limited to 43 patients who were treated 2nd line. Responses by line included: 1st [n=1; 100% ORR and CRR]; 3rd [n=15; 100% ORR, 73.3% CRR], 4th [n=3; 100% ORR, 33.3% CRR], 5th [n=2; 100% ORR, 0% CRR], and 13th [n=1; SD]. CRR in BV- and CPI-exposed patients were 60.6% and 50%, respectively. Ninety one percent (39) of 2nd line treated patients proceeded to autologous transplant, as well as all 3 patients > age 60. Among 41 response-evaluable second-line patients, CR was achieved in 94% (30/32) who received 2 or 3 cycles of P-GVD, and 56% (5/9) who received 4 cycles of P-GVD. For the entire cohort at 12 and 24 months after starting P-GVD, PFS was 95% (95% CI: 89-100%), 91% (95% CI: 83-100%) and OS was 98% (95% CI: 94-100%), 94% (95% CI: 86-100%), respectively. Ninety five percent (41) of 2nd line transplanted patients remain alive and in remission at a median of 18.5 months (range 3.5-38.7 months). In the primary refractory subset, PFS and OS at 24 months were 91% and 97%, respectively. For the cohort with 2 or more prior lines of therapy, PFS and OS at 24 months were 91% and 94%, respectively. Safety: Immune-related adverse events (IRAEs) were reported in 20% (13) of patients, of which grade 3 IRAEs per NCCN criteria version 1.2024 comprised 38.5%; all others were grades 1-2. Non-IRAE grade 3-4 toxicities per CTCAE version 5.0 were reported in 22% (14) patients. Of 29 patients evaluable for treatment-related interruptions, 7% (2) had therapy discontinued, and 34% (10) had holds, dose reductions, and/or delays. No deaths were attributed to P-GVD treatment. Conclusions:This retrospective study confirms the utility of P-GVD in treating relapsed/refractory CHL in a real-world population. Though fewer CRs and higher rates of grade 3 adverse events were observed, the vast majority of patients were able to proceed to transplant, and outcomes to date are highly encouraging.
Real-World Outcomes with Bispecific T-Cell Engagers (REALBiTE) for Relapsed or Refractory Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Multi-Center, Retrospective Cohort Study
Zabor, Emily C. , Bedelu, Yohana B., Dave, Nikita, Nedved, Adrienne, Reinert, Catherine, Sears-Smith, Megan , Salafian, Kiarash , Ayers, Emily C. , Miller, Jordan A. , Khan, Cyrus, Bliven, Sean Patrick , Narkhede, Mayur , Smith, Stephen D. , Gibson, Alyssa, Baron, Kelsey, Trotier, Daniel, Yang, Xi , Karimi, Yasmin , McKenna, Marshall, Hernandez‐Ilizaliturri, Francisco J. , Morales, Rodolfo Garza, Munoz, Javier, Chinyengetere, Fadzai, Davé, Sandeep S. , Abdel-Razeq, Nayef , Hill, Brian T. , Karimi, Yasmin H , Sears-Smith, Megan , Brooks, Taylor , Landsburg, Daniel J. , Wang, Yucai , Major, Ajay , Ghosh, Nilanjan , Grover, Natalie S. , Peterson, Chelsea , Ho, Carrie , Kline, Justin Paul , Sundaram, Suchitra , Brody, Joshua , Hu, Boyu , Pophali, Priyanka A. , Tiger, Yun Kyoung , Niu, Alex , Munoz, Javier, Moustafa, Muhamad Alhaj , Caimi, Paolo F.

Blood | December 5, 2024 | Volume: 144 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 111-111

10.1182/blood-2024-199330 Get It

Introduction: Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) epcoritamab (Epco) and glofitamab (Glofit) are approved in the US for the treatment of patients (pts) with relapsed or refractory (r/r) large B-cell lymphomas (LBCLs) based upon high response rates and manageable toxicity profiles reported in pivotal trials. However, data on outcomes for pts treated with BsAbs outside of clinical trials are limited. As such, we sought to investigate the safety and efficacy of Epco and Glofit for the treatment of pts with r/r LBCLs in real-world settings. Methods: We performed a retrospective study including 19 US centers evaluating pts with r/r LBCLs receiving commercially available Epco or Glofit between 2023 and 2024. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were extracted from medical records. Efficacy outcomes included overall response rate (ORR), complete and partial response (CR, PR) rates, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), analyzed using the Kaplan Meier method. Key safety outcomes included cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). Results: As of May 31, 2024, a total of 209 pts with r/r LBCLs were treated with Epco (n=139) or Glofit (n=70). Median age at BsAb start was 67 years (interquartile range [IQR] 58-76). Most were male (62.2%), and the most common histology was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (n=155 [74.2%]). Of pts with molecular testing (n=168), 34 (20.2%) had double/triple hit lymphoma. Most (78.9%) had Ann Arbor stage III-IV disease and 91% had an ECOG performance status of ≤1. Median number of lines of treatment before BsAb was 3 (range 1-12). Of pts with known response assessment following front-line therapy, 54 (32.1%) had primary refractory disease, defined as failure to achieve PR or CR to front-line therapy. Most pts (n=126 [60.3%]) received prior chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy and 21 (10.0%) received prior autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell transplant. CD20 expression was assessed in 106 biopsies (50.7%) prior to BsAb and was positive in 90 (84.9%). A total of 172 pts were response-evaluable. The best ORR was 50.6%, with CR in 41 (23.8%), PR in 46 (26.7%), stable disease in 10 (5.8%), and progressive disease in 75 (43.6%). The ORR and CR rates were 49% and 23% for Epco, and 53% and 25% for Glofit, respectively. With a median follow-up of 5 months, the median PFS was 2.7 months (95% CI 2.0, 3.9) and median OS was 7.2 months (95% CI 6.1, not reached [NR]). The estimated PFS and OS at six months were 35% (95% CI 29%-43%) and 59% (95% CI 52%-67%), respectively. For pts who relapsed after CAR T-cell therapy, the median PFS and OS were 2.5 (95% CI 1.8, 4.7) and 7.8 (95% CI 6.2, NR) months, respectively. Pts without detectable CD20 expression via immunohistochemistry or flow cytometry prior to BsAb therapy had significantly inferior outcomes (PFS 1.1 vs 3.4 months, P < 0.001 and OS 1.3 vs 13 months, P < 0.001) compared to pts with detectable CD20. CRS of any grade occurred in 82 pts (39.2%), corresponding to 51.1% and 28.6% of pts treated with Epco and Glofit, respectively. Grade ≥3 CRS occurred in 9 (4.3%), all of whom received Epco. CRS was treated with tocilizumab in 43 pts (53.1%). ICANS occurred in 24 (11.5%) pts; any grade ICANS occurred in 13.7% and 7.1% of pts treated with Epco and Glofit, respectively. Grade ≥3 ICANS occurred in 6 pts (2.9%), 5 of which received Epco (3.6%). Of those experiencing ICANS, 66.0% were treated with corticosteroids. Two pts had deaths attributed to ICANS and one to CRS. A total of 122 (58.4%) pts discontinued therapy after a median of 3 cycles (range 0-48), 91 (74.6%) due to disease progression and 31 (25.4%) due to adverse events (15 due to infection, 3 due to ICANS, 2 due to CRS, and 11 for other reasons). Conclusions: In this heavily pretreated group with adverse disease features and high rate of CAR T exposure, the response rates, PFS, and OS following BsAb therapy were lower compared to pivotal trials. Poor outcomes were observed for those without detectable CD20. Rates of ICANS and grade ≥3 CRS were higher than reported in pivotal trials, as was the rate of discontinuation of therapy due to adverse events. Future efforts to improve outcomes may include intensified dose escalation protocols to more rapidly achieve disease control, combination therapies, and characterization of clinicopathologic factors that predict response to BsAb to identify subgroups of pts who can derive maximal benefit from these agents.
A novel microbial-derived peptide therapeutic vaccine (EO2463) as monotherapy and in combination with lenalidomide and rituximab, for treatment of patients with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (SIDNEY).
Ansell, Stephen M. , Friedberg, Jonathan W. , Marolleau, Jean Pierre, Smith, Stephen D. , Fagerberg, Jan, Armand, Philippe , Zinzani, Pier Luigi , Bosch, Francesc , Arcaini, Luca , García‐Sánz, Ramón , Gopal, Ajay K. , Grande, Carlos , Merryman, Reid W. , Pinto, Antonio , Villasboas, José C. , Wallace, Danielle , Magalhaes, Joao Gamelas

Journal of Clinical Oncology | June 6, 2022 | Volume: 40 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: TPS7586-TPS7586

10.1200/jco.2022.40.16_suppl.tps7586 Get It

TPS7586 Background: EO2463 is a therapeutic vaccine designed to activate existing commensal bacteria-specific memory T cells that cross-react with B cell markers in order to drive anti-tumor immune activity against B-cell malignancies. The four microbial-derived, synthetically produced peptides contained in EO2463 (OMP72, OMP64, OMP65, and OMP66), correspond to cytotoxic CD8 T cell HLA-A2 restricted epitopes, and exhibit molecular mimicry with the B cell markers CD20, CD22, CD37, and CD268 (BAFF-receptor), respectively. In pre-clinical models, these peptides can generate strong immune responses and specifically stimulate cross-reactive cytotoxic CD8 T cells to recognize the chosen B cell targets. EO2463 also contains a CD4 helper peptide referred to as universal cancer peptide 2, derived from the human telomerase reverse transcriptase catalytic subunit. The present study is a first-in-human clinical trial of this microbiome-derived peptide therapeutic cancer vaccine approach in patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL). Methods: This four-cohort phase 1/2 trial will investigate EO2463 monotherapy, and combinations of EO2463/lenalidomide (EL), EO2463/rituximab (ER), and EO2463/lenalidomide/rituximab (ER2), for treatment of patients with FL and MZL. Cohort 1 is a safety lead-in dose-finding in patients with relapsed/refractory (RR) disease, with a 3-by-3 design to establish the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) for EO2463 monotherapy and to confirm the safety of the RP2D for combination schedules of EL, and ER2. After the recommended EO2463 monotherapy dose is established, cohorts 2, 3, and 4 will open to accrual. Cohort 2 will investigate EO2463 monotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed FL/MZL who are not in need of treatment; cohort 3 will investigate EO2463 monotherapy, followed by ER in patients with limited tumor burden who need treatment, and cohort 4 will further investigate EL, followed by ER2 in the RR setting. EO2463 will be administered SC 4 times at 2-week intervals, followed by continued booster administrations every 4 weeks for 9 (Cohorts 2 and 3) or 12 (Cohorts 1 and 4) months. Inclusion/exclusion criteria, and the design and schedule of the intense immune and safety monitoring will be presented. The safety lead-in dose-finding is currently ongoing, and no safety concerns have been observed thus far. Clinical trial information: NCT04669171.