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Ailawadhi, Sikander

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8377-8111

Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic

Citations 383

Impact of prophylactic cyclophosphamide on ALC and delayed neurotoxicity after cilta-cel.
Tan, Melinda, Schaefers, Christoph, Lim, Kenneth J. C., Chhabra, S, Gertz, MA, Kapoor, Prashant , Kourelis, T., Warsame, Rahma , Cook, Joselle, Bergsagel, Leif P., Wiedmeier-Nutor, Julia Erin, Zanwar, Saurabh , Abdallah, Nadine, Ailawadhi, Sikander, Fonseca, Rafael, Kumar, Shaji, Anastasia, Zekeridou, Lin, Yi, Tan, Melinda Si Yun , Schaefers, Christoph , Lim, Kenneth J C , Chhabra, Saurabh , Parrondo, Ricardo D , Gertz, Morie A. , Kourelis, Taxiarchis , Cook, Joselle , Binder, Moritz , Bergsagel, P. Leif , Abdallah, Nadine , Ailawadhi, Sikander , Fonseca, Rafaël , Kumar, Shaji

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 7543-7543

10.1200/jco.2026.44.16_suppl.7543 Get It

7543 Background: Delayed neurotoxicity (DNT) after ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) is associated with severe morbidity and mortality occurring in 10-15% of patients. A high post-infusion peak absolute lymphocyte count (ALCpeak ≥3x10 9 /L; ALC hi ) is correlated with an increased risk of DNT (25-30%). We previously examined prophylactic dexamethasone (PPX DEX) administered for 3 days when ALC hi was reached and found no reduction in ALC expansion, DNT incidence or severity. Here, we report the use of prophylactic cyclophosphamide (PPX CTX) on ALC kinetics and DNT. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients (pts) treated with cilta-cel at Mayo Clinic (09-12/2025; n =60). Pts with ALC hi received CTX 500 mg IV/PO once (n = 22). Outcomes and ALC kinetics including ALCpeak, ALC D28 (ALC D28 ), and area under the curve D1-D28 (ALC AUC ) were compared with PPX DEX cohort (12/2024-08/2025; n =50) and a historical cohort without PPX (04/2022-11/2024; n =116). Results: Pre-lymphodepletion (LD) demographics were similar across historical ALC hi , PPX DEX, and PPX CTX groups. Pre-LD CRP was higher in the historical ALC hi cohort; however, baseline ferritin, CRS, and ICANS, and disease burden did not differ significantly between groups. There were no statistically significant differences in time to ALCpeak or ALC kinetics among the 3 cohorts. Among pts with ALC < 3×10⁹/L treated during the PPX CTX study period, 2 developed cranial nerve palsy (IEC-CNP; 2/38, 5%). Both presented with unilateral facial nerve palsy and were treated with corticosteroids. One pt resolved symptoms by one month, while the second had persistent symptoms at 2 weeks and remains on follow-up. Among ALC hi patients in the PPX CTX cohort, DNT occurred in 4/22 pts (18%), including 1 case of IEC-CNP (5%) and 3 with parkinsonism (IEC-PKS, 14%). Within the PPX CTX cohort, baseline characteristics and post-infusion CRS or laboratory parameters did not differ between patients with and without DNT. Among patients who developed DNT, ALC kinetics were similar across PPX CTX, PPX DEX, and historical cohorts. PPX CTX was well tolerated, with 2 cases of grade 1 nausea reported. The incidence of DNT did not differ significantly between the PPX DEX (14/61, 23%) and PPX CTX (4/22, 18%) cohorts. However, DNT presentations in the PPX CTX cohort appeared milder and were responsive to treatment. Two of three patients (67%) presented with mild symptoms (one with dynamic dysphasia; second with flat affect) that responded to DEX. A third patient presented with typical parkinsonian features (hypomimia, bradykinesia, rigidity) and demonstrated clinical improvement following high-dose CTX. Conclusions: PPX CTX was well tolerated. While it did not significantly impact ALC expansion kinetics or DNT rates, first few cases of IEC-PKS suggest that the presentation may be milder and amenable to less toxic treatment. Larger cohorts are needed to refine optimal prophylactic strategies.
Evaluating the impact of a statewide intervention on multiple myeloma bispecific T-cell engaging antibody (BsAb) therapy uptake in Florida (FL).
Hussein, Maen A., Kim, Chai, Chen, Y, Grajales‐Cruz, Ariel, Blue, Brandon , Boykin, Kristen, Adams, C. Brooke, Gayle, Arlene, Nguyen, Nina , Kowalski, Andrew , Newberry, Julie, Francis, Sarah, Johnson, Sarasa, Faucher, Arianne, Thatcher, Elizabeth Jeanne Ripley, Hart, Jim, Sandin, Rickard, Cruz, Isabel Perez, Ailawadhi, Sikander, Grajales‐Cruz, Ariel , Gayle, Arlene Angela, Chaulagain, Chakra P. , Cruz, Isabel Perez, Ailawadhi, Sikander

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 7532-7532

10.1200/jco.2026.44.16_suppl.7532 Get It

7532 Background: BsAbs are highly effective, off-the-shelf T-cell engagers recently approved for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM) but remain underutilized in real-world settings. In partnership with the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO), a statewide initiative was launched to expand BsAb access through peer-led regional discussions focused on operational barriers, care transitions, and therapy management strategies. This study assessed the real-world impact of these interventions on BsAb utilization in FL. Methods: Multidisciplinary discussion forums were held in 4 FL metropolitan areas (Jan-Apr 2024). We conducted single and controlled interrupted time series (ITS) analyses using IQVIA eLAAD claims data (Apr 2023 - Sep 2025) including adult patients with a diagnosis of MM, evidence of claim activity, and provider state information. Fifth line or later (5L+) status was estimated as 3.3% of MM prevalence (Nikolaou et al.) BsAb utilization (% of MM 5L+ patients receiving a BsAb) was evaluated using segmented regression to estimate pre- and post-intervention trends, excluding the intervention period. We reported BsAb utilization by comparing FL with all other states, between community versus academic settings, and assessing the number of sites administering BsAb. Results: Before the intervention, BsAb utilization among MM 5L+ patients in FL rose from 8.2% (Apr 2023) to 11.2% (Dec 2023) (0.3 pp/mo; p=0.23), compared with a rise from 6.7% to 16.3% (1.3 pp/mo; p<0.0001) across all other states over the same time period. Post-intervention, BsAb utilization in FL increased from 22.8% (May 2024) to 35.9% (Sep 2025), reflecting a 7.0% immediate increase and 0.8 pp/mo sustained growth, exceeding the post-intervention trend observed across all other states (23.5% to 30.3%; 0.5 pp/mo). Overall, although pre-intervention BsAb utilization in FL was lower than all other states, FL demonstrated a 1.2 pp/month higher post-intervention utilization trend (p<0.001; Table). Post-intervention, FL community sites showed a 0.13 pp/mo higher BsAb utilization trend than academic sites, and the number of community sites administrating BsAb increased from 5 to 9, with no change among academic sites. Conclusions: This study suggests that the FLASCO-led, collaborative model increased BsAb utilization in FL community oncology sites and offers a framework for broader community adoption across other states. Parameter estimates from ITS model(s). FL (%) p-value Other US States (%) p-value Difference CITS:FL - Other US States (%) p-value Intercept (Apr 2023) 8.6 <.0001 7.7 <.0001 0.9 0.52 Monthly change pre-intervention 0.3 0.23 1.3 <.0001 -0.9 0.002 (Apr - Dec 2023) Immediate change post-intervention 7 0.01 0.2 0.87 6.8 0.01 (May 2024) Monthly change post-intervention 0.8 <.0001 0.5 <.0001 1.2 0.0003 (May 2024 – Sep 2025)
Isatuximab plus pomalidomide-dexamethasone in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: Subgroup analysis by prior anti-CD38 exposure from the phase 3 IRAKLIA trial.
Rocafiguera, Albert Oriol, Hus, Marek, Gazitúa, Raimundo , Liao, Aijun , Janowski, Wojciech, Jurczyszyn, Artur, Berkovits, Alejandro, Lu, J, Schjesvold, Fredrik, Ling, Silvia, Spencer, Andrew, Ailawadhi, Sikander, Buck, Tondre T., Khan, Umer, Suzan, Florence, Stefanova-Urena, Maya, Hungria, Vania, Špička, Ivan, Hus, Marek , Janowski, Wojciech , Lee, Cindy , Mikala, Gábor , Schjesvold, Fredrik , Spencer, Andrew , Ailawadhi, Sikander , Buck, Tondre, Špička, Ivan

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 7516-7516

10.1200/jco.2026.44.16_suppl.7516 Get It

7516 Background: With the growing use of anti-CD38 therapies in early multiple myeloma (MM) management, there is a need for data in patients previously exposed to anti-CD38 therapy to guide decision making. In the Phase 3 IRAKLIA trial (NCT05405166), patients with relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM) received the anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody isatuximab (Isa) subcutaneously (SC) delivered via an innovative on-body injector (OBI) or intravenously (IV), with pomalidomide and dexamethasone (Pd). In this post hoc analysis, we examined outcomes in IRAKLIA patients with vs without prior anti-CD38 exposure. Methods: RRMM patients ≥18 years with ≥1 prior line of therapy including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor were randomized to receive Isa SC (n=263) or IV (n=268) weekly in Cycle 1, then every 2 weeks, with Pd. Patients with prior anti-CD38 exposure <9 months (mos) before randomization or intolerance to anti-CD38 were excluded. Refractory patients were defined as those who failed to achieve minimal response on treatment or had progression within 60 days after last dose. Patients receiving Isa SC or IV were pooled. Results: Overall, 67 patients (12.6%) had prior anti-CD38 exposure with a median washout period of 20.2 mos, of which 26 (38.8%) were anti-CD38 refractory. Baseline characteristics were largely consistent between patients with or without prior anti-CD38 exposure; the median follow-up for the overall population was 12 mos. Patients with prior anti-CD38 exposure had an overall response rate (ORR) of 52.2%, 12-mo progression-free survival (PFS) rate of 40.6%, and median PFS of 8.5 mos. In patients without prior exposure, an ORR of 73.5%, 12-mo PFS of 68.8%, and non-estimable (NE) median PFS were reported. Anti-CD38 non-refractory vs refractory patients had an ORR of 48.8% vs 57.7%, 12-mo PFS of 38.9% vs 42.2%, and median PFS of 9.0 vs 7.5 mos. Patients with a longer washout period (>median of 20.2 mos) had an ORR of 63.6%, 12-mo PFS of 61.8% and NE median PFS, whereas patients whose prior anti-CD38 therapy ended more recently (≤median of 20.2 mos) had an ORR of 41.2%, 12-mo PFS of 19.2%, and median PFS of 6.7 mos. The safety profile of Isa + Pd was similar in patients with vs without prior anti-CD38 exposure. Conclusions: Isa + Pd demonstrated clinical benefit across anti-CD38–naïve, anti-CD38–exposed, and anti-CD38–refractory patients. A washout period >median of 20.2 mos resulted in outcomes comparable to those in anti-CD38–naïve patients, and outcomes were consistent between anti-CD38–exposed and anti-CD38–refractory patients after a >9-mo washout period. Efficacy of Isa + Pd in patients with prior anti-CD38 exposure from the IRAKLIA trial presents an opportunity to address an unmet need in a difficult-to-treat patient population. Clinical trial information: NCT05405166 .
Iopofosine I-131 after BTK inhibitors in Waldenström macroglobulinemia: CLOVER-WaM subgroup efficacy and safety.
Longcor, Jarrod , Ailawadhi, Sikander, Gavriatopoulou, M, Peterson, Jennifer, Ntanasis-Stathopoulos, Ioannis, El-Haddad, Ghassan, Moshe, Levy, Castillo, Jorge Julio, Hernandez-Ilizaliturri, Francisco J., D'Sa, Shirley , Cutrer, Clark, Thomas, Sheeba K., Oliver, Katherine, Anderson, LD, Ailawadhi, Sikander , Gavriatopoulou, Maria , Ntanasis‐Stathopoulos, Ioannis , Trotman, Judith , Castillo, Jorge J. , Hernandez‐Ilizaliturri, Francisco J. , Nooka, Ajay K. , D’Sa, Shirley , Thomas, Sheeba K. , Oliver, Katherine

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 7094-7094

10.1200/jco.2026.44.16_suppl.7094 Get It

7094 Background: Waldenström Macroglobulinemia (WM) remains incurable with current available therapeutic options. Treatment options for relapsed/refractory pts are limited and often continuous, underscoring the need for new agents with novel mechanisms of action and pt-centered, fixed duration therapy. Iopofosine I 131 is a novel radiopharmaceutical compound composed of a lipid raft-targeting phospholipid ether covalently bound to 131 I, a beta emitting radioisotope. Here, we report preliminary sub-group results of the CLOVER-WaM study [NCT02952508] in WM pts treated with a Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor (BTKi) immediately prior to iopofosine. Methods: Eligible WM pts had received >2 prior therapies and had symptomatic disease requiring therapy according to consensus recommendations for WM. Treatment consisted of 2 cycles of iopofosine I 131 administered at 15 mCi/m 2 on days 1 and 15 of each 57-day cycle. The primary efficacy endpoint was major response rate (MRR; partial response or better, as determined by the modified IWWM-VI). Secondary and exploratory endpoints included overall response rate (ORR), treatment-free survival (TFS), progression free survival (PFS), duration of response (DOR), and clinical benefit rate (CBR; stable disease or better). Herein, efficacy endpoints were assessed in the modified intent-to-treat (mITT) population (all pts who received ≥60 mCi total administered dose of iopofosine I 131), and whose treatment regimen prior to iopofosine included a BTKi. Safety was evaluated using CTCAE v4.03 in pts who received ≥1 dose of iopofosine. Data cut off for this analysis was Jan. 16, 2026. Results: As previously reported, 65 pts were dosed and 55 are included in the mITT population. Of those, 22 (40%) had received a BTKi containing regimen immediately prior to iopofosine; and 11 who previously received at least 2 regimens utilizing BTKis and 12 who were refractory to rituximab. In this subgroup, median age was 70.5 (range 55-88), 17 (77%) were male, and 5 (23%) were female. The median number of prior therapies was 3 (range 2-7), 15/22 (68%) were MYD88 mutated and 18/22 (82%) were TP53 wildtype. The MRR was 15/22 (68.2%), ORR was 19/22 (86.4%) and CBR was 100%, median PFS was 12 months (range 1.6 to 28.0) and median TFS was 19.1 months (range 2.5-34.4). Grade ≥ 3, related treatment emergent adverse events (TEAE) occurring in > 10% of pts included anemia (41%), leukopenia (41%), neutropenia (58%), and thrombocytopenia (86%). Conclusions: Iopofosine I 131 demonstrated significant efficacy; 100% CBR, 86.4% ORR and 68.2% MRR with a median PFS of 12 months (range: 1.6 – 28.0 months) in a pt population with no current standard of care therapy. The treatment was well-tolerated with a manageable toxicity profile with cytopenias as the only Grade 3 or greater TEAE. Based on the results of this pivotal trial, iopofosine I 131 could be a promising novel treatment for WM pts after BTKi therapy. Clinical trial information: NCT02952508 .
Gaps in access to chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy post leukapheresis: Waiting time and post-leukapheresis treatment patterns in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM)—Real-world evidence from U.S. claims.
Ailawadhi, Sikander, Boytsov, Natalie, Multani, Jasjit, Zhou, Zifan , Niehoff, Nicole, Purser, Molly, Hartman, John, Palumbo, Teresa, Ailawadhi, Sikander , Boytsov, Natalie N. , Multani, Jasjit K. , Purser, Molly F. , Hartman, John, Chen, Chi‐Chang

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 7530-7530

10.1200/jco.2026.44.16_suppl.7530 Get It

7530 Background: B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed CAR-T therapy is a highly effective treatment with potential for long-term remission of RRMM with improved outcomes vs daratumumab-based regimens. CAR-T suitability may be limited by delays/manufacturing failure and changes in pt condition, financial situation, or access to specialized treatment centers. We characterized pts with RRMM who underwent leukapheresis to prepare for CAR-T and pt treatment waiting time, to understand the delays incurred prior to CAR-T infusion. Methods: A real-world study in the US using the PharMetrics Plus claims database (July 2020–September 2024) was performed. Eligible pts were aged ≥18 years with RRMM, had their first leukapheresis claim (index date) during the index period (March 2021–August 2024), were continuously enrolled in medical/pharmacy benefits for ≥180 days prior to and ≥30 days after index date, and were not clinical trial participants. Pt characteristics, rate of CAR-T receipt, and time to CAR-T receipt were assessed during the variable follow-up. Results: Overall, 337 pts who received leukapheresis were identified. Median (interquartile range) age was 62 (55–67) years, and 59.1% of pts were male. Mean National Cancer Institute (NCI) comorbidity index was 0.52. Most pts received care in the Midwest (31.8%) or Northeast (24.6%) regions. Most pts (95.9%) received leukapheresis in an outpatient setting. Median available follow-up time was 255 days (mean 337 days). During follow-up, 183 pts (54.3%) did not receive CAR-T after leukapheresis. Among pts who had ≥12 months of follow-up (n=143), the proportion of pts who did not receive CAR-T was similar at 53.1% (n=76). Among pts who received CAR-T during the follow-up (n=154; 45.7%), the median waiting time was 54.0 days (mean 56.7 days). The cohort of pts who did not receive CAR-T had a higher proportion of females (48.6%/31.8%), were more likely to have Medicaid (29.5%/7.8%), had higher NCI comorbidity index (scores 0.55/0.47), and most commonly received care in the Northeast (35.5%/11.7%) while pts who received CAR-T most commonly received care in the Midwest (23.0%/42.2%). The most common first classes of multiple myeloma medications after leukapheresis but prior to CAR-T infusion in pts who did/did not receive CAR-T were an alkylating agent (65.6%/36.1%), proteasome inhibitor (40.3%/30.6%), steroid (38.3%/39.3%), immunomodulatory drug (22.7%/27.3%), anti-CD38 (20.8%/20.8%), and stem cell transplant (0%/17.5%). Conclusions: Over half of pts receiving leukapheresis did not receive CAR-T infusion, highlighting a persistent gap between eligibility and treatment delivery. These data emphasize an urgent need for broadly accessible BCMA-targeted therapies that provide deep and durable responses.
A multicenter study of progression risk and outcomes in solitary bone plasmacytoma with and without marrow involvement
Lim, Kenneth J C , Greipp, Patricia T. , Kelemen, Katalin, Jevremovic, Dragan, Buadi, Francis K. , Dingli, David, Hayman, Suzanne R. , Kapoor, Prashant , Fonder, Amie , Hobbs, Miriam A, Hwa, Y., Warsame, Rahma , Kourelis, Taxiarchis , Abdallah, Nadine, Zanwar, Saurabh , Lin, Yi, Go, Ronald S., Ailawadhi, Sikander, Cooke, Rachel E. , Zordan, Adrian Carl, Ninkovic, Slavisa , Best, Sharene, Alatorre, Gabriela, Wiedmeier-Nutor, Julia Erin, Einsele, H, Kyle, Robert A, Gertz, MA, Kumar, Shaji , Rajkumar, S Vincent, Fonseca, Rafael, Gonsalves, Wilson I, Yadav, Udit , Rees, Matthew James , Greipp, Patricia T , Dispenzieri, Angela , Baughn, Linda, Buadi, Francis K , Muchtar, E , Leung, Nelson , Fonder, Amie , Hwa, Yi Lisa, Warsame, Rahma , Kourelis, Taxiarchis , Cook, Joselle M , Binder, Moritz , Abdallah, Nadine H , Zanwar, Saurabh S , Siddiqui, Mustaqeem A , Parrondo, Ricardo D , Ailawadi, Sikander, Roy, Vivek , Cooke, Rachel , Best, Sharene H, Alatorre, Gabriela A, Kortüm, Martin , Chhabra, Saurabh , Bergsagel, P. Leif , Gertz, Morie A , Kumar, Shaji K , Fonseca, Rafael , Yadav, Udit , Lim, Kenneth J C , Steinhardt, Maximilian , Rees, Matthew J. , Dispenzieri, Angela , Jevremović, Dragan , Baughn, Linda B. , Dingli, David , Muchtar, Eli , Leung, Nelson , Hobbs, Miriam, Cook, Joselle , Binder, Moritz , Abdallah, Nadine , Go, Ronald S. , Siddiqui, Mustaqeem , Ailawadhi, Sikander , Roy, Vivek , Dun, Karen A. , Zordan, Adrian, Kortüm, K. Martin , Einsele, Hermann , Chhabra, Saurabh , Bergsagel, P. Leif , Kyle, R., Gertz, Morie A. , Rajkumar, S. Vincent , Fonseca, Rafaël , Gonsalves, Wilson I.

Blood Advances | April 22, 2026 | Volume: 10 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 4286-4295

10.1182/bloodadvances.2025019136 Get It

Abstract Solitary bone plasmacytoma (SBP) and SBP with minimal marrow involvement (SBPmm) are treated similarly with definitive radiation therapy (RT) followed by observation. However, differences in the natural disease course after RT between the two, are not well described. We performed a multicenter study assessing outcomes after RT in 141 patients with SBP and 102 with SBPmm diagnosed between January 2010 and December 2024. About 92% of patients with SBPmm progressed to multiple myeloma (MM) vs 76% of those with SBP (P = .01). Among patients with SBP, 21% progressed with a second solitary bone lesion vs 4% with SBPmm (P&lt; .01). Patients with longer time to progression (TTP) after initial RT could achieve durable responses with RT to a second solitary plasmacytoma in the absence of other myeloma-defining events (MDE). Multifocal lytic bone lesions were the most common MDE, occurring in 89% and 81% of patients with SBPmm and SBP, respectively. Patients with SBPmm had a median TTP of 15 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 14-21) compared to 43 months (95% CI, 34-55) for those with SBP (P&lt; .0001); 67% with SBPmm progressed within 2 years of diagnosis. Del(17p) and 1q+ (gain or amplification) were associated with shorter TTP to MM in SBPmm, with 2-year progression rates of 100% and 82%, respectively. We report significant differences in risk and modes of progression between SBP and SBPmm. Patients with SBPmm are at particularly high risk for early progression to MM, with most developing bone disease as the MDE. These findings support prospective studies incorporating frontline systemic therapy for SBPmm.
Review of the first on-body injector (OBI) for the subcutaneous delivery of an oncology drug: isatuximab in multiple myeloma
Ocio, E. M., Parmar, Gurdeep , Mateos, María-Victoria, Leleu, Xavier, Buck, Tondre T., Tan, Carlyn Rose, Curry, Nicole C., Quach, Hang, K, E, Bobin, Arthur, Mohty, Mohamad, Ailawadhi, Sikander, Ocio, Enrique M. , Ocio, Enrique M , Mateos, María‐Victoria , Leleu, Xavier , Buck, Tondre, Curry, Nicole C., Ling, Silvia , Quach, Hang , Elias, K. , Bobin, Arthur , Mohty, Mohamad , Ailawadhi, Sikander , Moreau, Philippe

Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery | April 13, 2026 | Volume: 23 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 1289-1303

10.1080/17425247.2026.2659263 Get It

Diagnosis and management of immune effector cell–associated enterocolitis after ciltacabtagene autoleucel
Lim, Kenneth J C , Lee, Hee Eun , Chen, Zongming Eric, Bledsoe, Adam C. , Parrondo, Ricardo , Chhabra, Saurabh , Dooley, Katharine , Corraes, Andre De Menezes Silva , Gertz, Morie A. , Hwa, Y., Stephens, Haily, Kapoor, Prashant , Tan, Melinda S.Y., Kourelis, Taxiarchis , Warsame, Rahma , Yadav, Udit , Wiedmeier-Nutor, Julia Erin, Geyer, Susan, Kumar, Shaji , Chowla, Navreet , Lin, Y., Bledsoe, Adam C , De Menezes Silva Corraes, Andre , Gertz, Morie A , Hwa, Lisa, Cook, Joselle M , Binder, Moritz , Bergsagel, P. Leif , Yadav, Udit , Wiedmeier-Nutor, Erin, Fonseca, Rafael , Kumar, Shaji K , Chowla, Navreet , Parrondo, Ricardo D , Chhabra, Saurabh , Lim, Kenneth J C , Stephens, H. J. B., Cook, Joselle , Binder, Moritz , Bergsagel, P. Leif , Geyer, Susan M. , Ailawadhi, Sikander , Fonseca, Rafaël

Blood Advances | April 10, 2026 | Volume: 10 | Issue: 13 | Pages: 4495-4507

10.1182/bloodadvances.2025018853 Get It

Abstract Immune effector cell–associated enterocolitis (IEC-EC) has been observed after ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel [Carvykti]) chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy. It is associated with dismal outcomes and is poorly characterized. Here, we examined its clinical features, risk factors, and proposed management strategies. Among the 229 consecutive patients who received cilta-cel at Mayo Clinic, 9 (3.9%) presented with a nonresolving, nonbloody, grade 3 diarrhea, often requiring prolonged total parenteral nutrition. Gastrointestinal coinfections were seen in most patients. Median time from CAR-T infusion to symptom onset was 85 days (range, 35-166), and there appeared to be a latency from symptom onset to endoscopic evaluation. Histopathology findings resembling a graft-versus-host disease pattern of mucosal injury were most seen on duodenal biopsies, whereas 2 cases had patterns akin to a T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (1 CD4+ and 1 CD8+). Independent associated factors for IEC-EC included high-risk disease as defined by the International Myeloma Society and International Myeloma Working Group, prolonged cytokine release syndrome, and antecedent delayed neurotoxicity. Response to first-line therapy comprising IV or oral corticosteroids, bile acid sequestrants, IV immunoglobulin, and antimicrobial-directed therapy was poor, with no durable responses. Biologic therapy appeared to induce durable responses in 3 of the 5 patients (2/2 vedolizumab; 1/3 infliximab); none of the responders had gastrointestinal coinfection. Early gastroenterology input for endoscopic evaluation with the inclusion of duodenal biopsy is a key component for diagnosis. Early institution of biologic therapy after failure of a short course of corticosteroids should be considered.
A phase 1/1b study of the BCMA-targeting bispecific T-cell engager pavurutamab for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma
Lee, Hans C. , Plattel, Wouter J. , Sborov, Douglas W, Lentzsch, Suzanne , Spencer, Andrew, Niesvizky, Rubén, Trudel, Suzanne , Vij, Ravi, Rasche, Leo , Talpes, Mihaela , Eggert, Tobias , Kapoor, Prashant , Ailawadhi, Sikander, Harrison, Simon J , Lentzsch, Suzanne , Minnema, Monique C , Rasche, Leo , Upreti, Vijay V , Xia, Qing , Lee, Hans C , Sborov, Douglas W. , Spencer, Andrew , Mollee, Peter , Vij, Ravi , Zhou, Di , Ailawadhi, Sikander

Blood | April 8, 2026 | Volume: 148 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 199-212

10.1182/blood.2025032044 Get It

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.