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Ravindran, Aishwarya

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4503-440X

Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic

Citations 83

Mutational landscape of adult xanthogranuloma
Borré, Carla Isabel, Poleksic, Mia, Valinotti, Julio Sartori, Medina, Aldo Acosta, Gruber, Lucinda , Dasari, Surendra , Abeykoon, Jithma P. , Khan, Muhammad Azeem, Rech, Karen L. , Yi, Dongni , Tobin, W. Oliver , Young, Jason R. , Koster, Matthew J. , Shah, Meera , Bennani, N. Nora , Moustafa, Muhamad Alhaj , Hilal, Talal , Vassallo, Robert , Witzig, Thomas E. , Ravindran, Aishwarya , Goyal, Gaurav , Go, Ronald S.

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 7339-7339

10.1182/blood-2025-7339 Get It

Abstract Background Adult xanthogranuloma (AXG) is a rare clonal histiocytic neoplasm (HN) with a poorly defined mutational landscape. Clinically and immunophenotypically, AXG can resemble other HNs such as Erdheim-Chester Disease (ECD) which frequently harbor MAPK pathway alterations and carry BRAF V600E mutations in close to 50% of cases. However, due to the rarity of AXG, the prevalence of the BRAF V600E mutation and the broader mutational landscape is not well known. In this study, we characterize the mutational profile of AXG. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with AXG at our institution between January 1, 2016, and July 15, 2025. The study was approved by the institutional review board. To ensure inclusion of true AXG cases, only patients with a confirmed histopathologic diagnosis and without multisystemic involvement or characteristic imaging findings of ECD, such as symmetric long bone osteosclerosis, were included. BRAF alterations were identified by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and/or next-generation sequencing (NGS). We also performed an extensive literature review of mutational studies in AXG and included cases that underwent comprehensive NGS. Results Seventeen patients with AXG were identified. The median age at diagnosis was 40 years (range: 18–75 years). Out of the 17 patients, 11 (65%) reported the face as the primary site of disease, and 11 (65%) had solitary lesions. Of the 17 patients, 13 (76%) underwent BRAF V600E IHC staining, and none tested positive. Twelve (71%) patients had tissue samples analyzed via NGS, and none exhibited the BRAF V600E mutation. Eight of the 12 (67%) patients with NGS testing harbored other alterations involving the MAPK pathway. These included BRAF fusions (n=3), KRAS mutations (n=2), and individual cases with TRAF7 mutation, ALK1 fusion and FGFR1 fusion. One patient was found to have a mutation in WRN, which is not previously reported in AXG. Three patients had no identifiable pathogenic alterations on NGS. Ten patients were monitored without treatment, 2 underwent surgical resections and 3 received chemotherapy (1 had a complete response [CR], 2 achieved a partial response). One patient with FGFR1 fusion was treated with pemigatinib and achieved a CR for over 3 years. One patient with TRAF mutation obtained a CR after treatment with rituximab. We also identified 51 cases of AXG with adequate mutational testing reported in the literature, which reported findings similar to ours. In a retrospective study from France involving 29 patients, MAPK alterations were observed in 55% of cases: however, only 10% harbored BRAF V600E mutations (1). Another analysis of 270 patients with various HN subtypes included 13 individuals with AXG, none had BRAF mutations. MAP2K1 mutations were seen in 31% of patients (2). Taken together, across a combined cohort of 68 AXG patients, the most common alterations were: KRAS mutations (16%), fusions (14%), MAP2K1 mutations (7%) and BRAF V600E (6%). Among fusions, the most involved gene was BRAF (50%), and GAB2 was the most common fusion partner (n=2). In total, 59% of patients had MAPK alterations. These findings collectively underscore the diverse mutational landscape of AXG and highlight the rarity of BRAF V600E mutations relative to closely related HNs. Conclusion We present a series of AXG cases with mutational profiling, from our institution and the published literature. We demonstrate that MAPK alterations are frequently observed in AXG and are driven by heterogeneous mutations. In contrast to other HNs where BRAF V600E mutations are common, we identified no such mutations in our cohort and found only rare cases in the literature. Our institutional data, along with findings from the existing literature, suggest that AXG may have a distinct molecular profile compared to other HNs. A deeper understanding of its mutational landscape may offer insights into disease biology and identify therapeutic targets. ReferencesAnnabi E, Mahévas T, Chasset et al. Clinical, Histopathologic, and Molecular Features and Treatment of Multiple Xanthogranuloma in Adults. JAMA Dermatol. 2025;161(7):765-768. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2025.0886.Durham BH, Lopez Rodrigo E, Picarsic J, et al. Activating mutations in CSF1R and additional receptor tyrosine kinases in histiocytic neoplasms. Nat Med. 2019;25(12):1839-1842. doi:10.1038/s41591-019-0653-6
Evolving insights and changes in survival of erdheim-chester disease over time
Poleksic, Mia, Spears, Grant M. , Borré, Carla Isabel, Shukla, Brinda H, Fitzgerald, Jacquelyn, Khan, Muhammad Azeem , Bhambhvani, Pradeep, Sen, Mitali , Bailey, Lucy , Sokolowski, Daniel, Valinotti, Julio Sartori, Medina, Aldo Acosta, Gruber, Lucinda , Dasari, Surendra , Abeykoon, Jithma P. , Yi, Dongni , Shukla, Brinda H, Fitzgerald, Jacquelyn, Morlote, Diana M. , Saha, Aditi , Sokolowski, Daniel, Tobin, W. Oliver , Young, Jason R. , Koster, Matthew J. , Shah, Meera , Bennani, N. Nora , Moustafa, Muhamad Alhaj , Hilal, Talal , Vassallo, Robert , Rech, Karen L. , Witzig, Thomas E. , Ravindran, Aishwarya , Go, Ronald S. , Goyal, Gaurav

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 2990-2990

10.1182/blood-2025-2990 Get It

Abstract Background:Erdheim-Chester Disease (ECD) is a rare, incurable histiocytic neoplasm. Since its recognition in 1930, our understanding of ECD's pathophysiology has evolved. The identification of its clonal nature after 2015 established ECD as a cancer, prompting increased disease awareness and treatment advances. Targeted therapies show promising responses, but changes in ECD mortality over time have not been extensively documented. Methods:A multi-institutional retrospective cohort study analyzed adults with ECD consecutively seen at Mayo Clinic MN, AZ, and FL and the University of Alabama at Birmingham between 2007 and 2024. Clinical and prognostic data were abstracted. Overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared to expected survival using U.S. Census data, based on age at diagnosis (by calendar year), date of diagnosis, and sex. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated by dividing the number of observed deaths in the study population by the expected number of deaths using U.S. population data. Risk of death was compared by date of diagnosis (pre- and post-2015) using Cox proportional hazards analysis. Statistical analysis was performed with R software. Results:A total of 159 ECD patients were included (median age 58 years [range 19-82], 65% male). Forty-nine patients were diagnosed between 1990-2014 and 110 between 2015-2024. Median follow-up for the entire cohort was 4.0 years (95% CI: 3.2-4.4). Median follow-up for those diagnosed between 1990-2014 was 10.4 years (CI: 3.2-16.8), compared to 3.5 years (CI: 3.0-4.2) for those diagnosed between 2015-2024. The 5-year overall survival rate was 80% (95% CI: 72-88). Patients with ECD had an increase in mortality over expected, with 28 deaths compared to an expected 11.2, an SMR of 2.5 (95% CI: 1.7-3.6, p<0.001). Of 17 patients with an identified cause of death, death was attributable to ECD in 11 (65%), secondary malignancy in 1 (7%), and unrelated causes in 5 (29%). Cause of death was unknown in 11 patients. Among deaths, 11 (39%) were treated with targeted therapy, 8 (29%) with chemotherapy, and 1 (4%) received both. One patient (4%) received steroids, 1 received immunomodulator and targeted therapy (4%), and 6 (21%) received no disease-directed therapy. Of the patients whose death was related to ECD, 10 (91%) had multisystem disease. For 49 patients diagnosed pre-2015, 14 deaths occurred during the follow-up, significantly higher than the expected 5.2 deaths based on U.S. population data (SMR of 2.7 [95% CI: 1.5-4.4, p=0.001]). Among those diagnosed between 2015 and 2024, 14 deaths occurred, compared to expected 6.1 (SMR of 2.3 [95% CI: 1.3-3.8, p=0.006]). In an age- and sex-adjusted Cox proportional hazards model, diagnosis after 2015 vs. diagnosis prior to 2015 yielded a hazard ratio of 0.59 (95% CI: 0.27-1.31, p=0.19). Conclusion:The mortality rate of ECD patients remains higher than the general population, despite advancements in disease recognition and development of targeted therapies. While our data suggest a possible trend toward improved survival among patients diagnosed after 2015, we did not find statistically significant evidence of decreased mortality compared to those diagnosed prior to 2015. Larger cohorts with longer follow-up periods are needed to draw definitive conclusions regarding mortality.
PD-L1 expression and response to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in malignant histiocytic neoplasms
Ravindran, Aishwarya , Jiang, Liuyan , Ruan, Gordon , Dasari, Surendra , Abeykoon, Jithma P. , Zanwar, Saurabh , Young, Jason R., Bach, Corrie R. , Ruan, Gordon J , Ravindran, Aishwarya , McConathy, Jonathan , Bennani, N. Nora , Go, Ronald S. , Goyal, Gaurav , Rech, Karen L.

Leukemia & Lymphoma | September 25, 2025 | Volume: 66 | Issue: 14 | Pages: 2675-2684

10.1080/10428194.2025.2561114 Get It

Cardiovascular degeneration in Erdheim-Chester disease: prevalence, burden, and outcomes
Tawfiq, R., Spears, Grant M. , Young, Jason R., Mahowald, Madeline , Tobin, W. Oliver , Patgunarajah, Ubenthira, Ruan, Gordon , Yi, Dongni , Zanwar, Saurabh , Gruber, Lucinda , Ravindran, Aishwarya , Sartori‐Valinotti, Julio C. , Vassallo, Robert , Ryu, Jay H. , Davidge‐Pitts, Caroline , Dasari, Surendra , Abeykoon, Jithma P. , Tawfiq, Reema K , Mahowald, Madeline K , Ruan, Gordon J , Acosta-Medina, Aldo A , Ravindran, Aishwarya , Shah, Mithun V , Bennani, N Nora , Moustafa, Muhamad Alhaj , Hilal, Talal , Sartori-Valinotti, J C , Vassallo, Robert , Ryu, Jay H , Witzig, T.E. , Goyal, Guarav , Abeykoon, Jithma P , Tobin, W Oliver , Rech, Karen L. , Koster, Matthew J. , Acosta‐Medina, Aldo A. , Shah, Meera , Bennani, N. Nora , Moustafa, Muhamad Alhaj , Hilal, Talal , Witzig, Thomas E. , Go, Ronald S. , Goyal, Gaurav

Blood Advances | August 28, 2025 | Volume: 9 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 5988-6000

10.1182/bloodadvances.2025016608 Get It

Abstract Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare systemic histiocytic neoplasm, with cardiac morbidities, including cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and cardiac conditions, playing a significant yet poorly understood role in the disease burden. This study evaluated the prevalence, characteristics, and prognosis of ECD in patients with (ECD-C) and without cardiac involvement (ECD-noC) and compared the burden of cardiac morbidities with matched controls. Patients diagnosed with ECD between 1990 and 2021 at a tertiary center were included, with cardiac involvement centrally assessed using radiographic studies. Cardiac morbidities were compared with a control group without ECD, matched for age, sex, body mass index, and smoking history. Among 104 patients with ECD, 39 (37%) had cardiac involvement. Patients with ECD-C had higher rates of hypertension (67% vs 46%), hyperlipidemia (67% vs 40%), heart failure (36% vs 8%), and pericardial effusion (28% vs 2%) than those with ECD-noC. Compared with the matched non-ECD cohort, patients with ECD had higher prevalence of coronary artery disease (20% vs 7%), heart failure (18% vs 4%), and antihypertensive drug use (55% vs 40%). Notably, patients with ECD-C had inferior progression-free survival (PFS) from frontline therapy compared with patients with ECD-noC (5-year PFS, 28.3% vs 70.5%). These findings highlight the burden of CV risk factors and cardiac conditions in ECD, even without a clinical diagnosis of ECD-C. Importantly, this cardiac morbidity burden is substantial for patients with ECD-C compared with ECD-noC. Our findings highlight the need for comprehensive cardiac risk assessment and management strategies to improve patient outcomes.
Current Perspectives on Mesenchymal Dendritic Cell Neoplasms of Lymphoid Tissue: Insights into Ontogeny, Updates on Classification, and Clinicopathologic Characteristics
Seth, Neha , Abeykoon, Jithma P. , Tessier, Steven , King, Rebecca L. , Ravindran, Aishwarya , Ravindran, Aishwarya , Goyal, Gaurav , Go, Ronald S.

Cancers | June 19, 2025 | Volume: 17 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 2055

10.3390/cancers17122055 Get It

Mesenchymal dendritic cell neoplasms represent a distinct category of hematologic malignancies that challenge traditional classifications of histiocytic and classical dendritic/Langerhans cell neoplasms. Historically grouped under the broader umbrella of dendritic cell neoplasms, these entities differ significantly in their ontogeny, histopathologic features, molecular alterations, and clinical behavior. They are categorized into three main subtypes including follicular dendritic cell sarcoma, fibroblastic reticular cell tumor, and EBV-positive inflammatory follicular dendritic cell sarcoma/fibroblastic reticular cell tumor. They originate from mesenchymal stromal cells, and genetic alterations activating the NF- κβ pathway are frequent in follicular dendritic cell sarcomas. Immunophenotypic characterization is critical to distinguish these from other hematologic malignancies including histiocytic and classical dendritic/Langerhans cell neoplasms and other solid (non-hematopoietic) cancers. This review recapitulates current knowledge on existing classifications, details their diverse ontogeny from classical dendritic cell neoplasms, and provides insights into their clinicopathologic characteristics to improve diagnostic accuracy. We detail two case studies that demonstrate the challenges involved in the histopathologic diagnosis of these rare tumors, necessitating a comprehensive workup. Integrating developmental biology into practical diagnostic algorithms is essential to improve recognition and classification of these underdiagnosed neoplasms, ultimately guiding timely management.
Approach to the Patient: From Endocrinopathy to the Diagnosis of a Histiocytic Disorder
Makras, Polyzois , Erickson, Dana , Davidge‐Pitts, Caroline , Allen, Carl E. , Abeykoon, Jithma P. , Siwakoti, Krishmita, Ravindran, Aishwarya , Gruber, Lucinda , Goyal, Gaurav , Ravindran, Aishwarya , Goyal, Guarav , Makras, Polyzois , Allen, Carl E , Diamond, Eli L. , McClain, Kenneth L. , Go, Ronald S. , Sotoudeh, Houman

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism | December 17, 2024 | Volume: 110 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 1756-1766

10.1210/clinem/dgae827 Get It

Abstract Endocrinopathies are frequently the initial presentation of histiocytic neoplasms, which are rare hematologic disorders affecting multiple organ systems. Langerhans cell histiocytosis and Erdheim–Chester disease are 2 such disorders known to infiltrate the hypothalamus and/or pituitary gland, leading to arginine vasopressin deficiency (AVP-D) and anterior pituitary dysfunction (APD) in 20% to 30% of cases, often as the first manifestation. Conversely, histiocytic disorders account for a notable proportion (10-15%) of all pituitary stalk lesions. The diagnosis of histiocytoses is often delayed in such cases due to the nonspecific presentation of endocrinopathies and pituitary involvement. Consequently, endocrinologists are at the frontline and uniquely positioned to achieve early diagnosis by recognizing the varied nonendocrine features of these disorders. This article provides an overview of the endocrine manifestations of histiocytic disorders and presents a simplified algorithm to guide the diagnostic workup in cases presenting with “idiopathic” AVP-D or APD. Such cases should be evaluated for histiocytic neoplasms with additional imaging studies and biopsies of suspected disease sites. If no disease site beyond the pituitary is identified, the risks and benefits of a pituitary stalk lesion biopsy must be carefully considered. While treatments of histiocytic neoplasms are highly efficacious, endocrinopathies are considered permanent and require long-term hormone replacement. It remains unclear whether early diagnosis and novel targeted therapies can reverse these endocrine disorders. Therefore, the role of the endocrinologist role is critical in the diagnosis and management of these rare diseases.
Efficacy of Targeted Agents and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients with Malignant Histiocytosis
Rodriguez-Rosario, Alanis Enid, Medina, Aldo Adrian Acosta, Ruan, Gordon , Zanwar, Saurabh , Abeykoon, Jithma P. , Bennani, N. Nora , Goyal, Gaurav , Ravindran, Aishwarya , Rech, Karen L. , Shah, Meera , Yi, Dongni , Go, Ronald S.

Blood | December 6, 2024 | Volume: 144 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 4563-4563

10.1182/blood-2024-204398 Get It

Introduction Malignant histiocytoses (MH), encompassing histiocytic sarcoma (HS), interdigitating dendritic cell sarcoma (IDCS), and Langerhans cell sarcoma (LCS), are a group of rare, hematologic neoplasms with diverse clinical presentations and poor outcomes. There are no established or effective treatments for patients with MH. The discovery of MAPK/ERK pathway mutations in non-malignant histiocytoses have revolutionized the treatment paradigm, but it is unknown whether novel treatments are efficacious for MH. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of targeted agents (TA) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in MH. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of MH patients seen at our two institutions. Only patients treated with TA and/or ICI were included. We captured the mutational status by next generation sequencing and PD-L1 expression level by immunohistochemistry, where available. We also conducted a systematic literature review using PubMed to identify additional cases of MH patients treated with TA and/or ICI. Responses were reported as complete (CR), partial (PR), or none (NR) using previously published criteria for histiocytic disorders. Results From our institutions, we identified 12 MH patients (7 HS; 4 LCS; 1 IDCS) who received 14 instances of these treatments including TA (n=9) and/or ICI (n=5). The median age at diagnosis was 55 years (range, 33-70) and 50% were males. TAs included BRAF inhibitor (vemurafenib [1]), MEK inhibitors (binimetinib [1], cobimetinib [2], trametinib [2]) and others (dasatinib [1], pazopanib [1], pexidartinib [1]), while ICIs were exclusively pembrolizumab (5). The median number of prior treatments for those who received TAs and ICIs were 4 and 2, respectively. Responses were observed in 44.4% (1 CR, 3 PRs, 5 NR) and 40% (2 CRs, 3 NRs) of patients who received TA and ICI, respectively. Only 1 patient (20%) treated with MEK inhibitor responded [DOCK8-BRAF; PR 5+ mos]. Other responders received dasatinib [PDFGRA-V608I; PR 2 mos], pexidartinib [PTPN11-A72T; PR 5 mos], and vemurafenib [BRAF-V600E; CR 10+ mos]. Two patients (40%) who received pembrolizumab responded (both CRs 12+ [10% PD-L1] and 44+ mos [40% PD-L1]). We identified 29 MH patients in the literature (27 HS; 2 LCS) treated with TAs (22) and/or ICIs (10). TAs included BRAF inhibitor only (vemurafenib [3], dabrafenib [3]), MEK inhibitor only (trametinib [5]), BRAF + MEK inhibitors (2), and others (apatinib, anlotimib, bevacizumab, daratumumab, dasatinib, imatinib, pazopanib, sorafenib, or combinations [9]), while ICIs included pembrolizumab (4), nivolumab (4), tislelizumab (1), and sintilimab (1). Responses were observed in 77% (7 CRs, 10 PRs, 5 NRs) and 100% (2 CRs, 8 PRs) of patients who received targeted agents and ICI, respectively. Most patients carrying BRAF (7/8; V600E, G596R, D594G, TRIM::BRAF) or MAP2K1 (3/3; C121S, F53I) mutations responded to treatments, irrespective of the number of mutations present. The median durations of response for ICI and targeted agents were 10.5 months (range: 1-36+) and 12+ months (range: 3-44+), respectively. After combining the datasets from our institutions and literature review, we analyzed the association between the extent of PD-L1 expression and response to ICI. Those who responded to ICI had higher PDL-1 expression (median 75% [range, 10-75] vs 25% [range, 1-30]; P=0.0097). Conclusion TAs and ICIs can be considered in the management of MH. The responses to ICI therapy may be associated with the degree of PDL1 expression
Efficacy of Small Molecule Kinase Inhibitors in Histiocytic Neoplasms with Non-BRAFV600E Mutations: Concordance of Pre-Clinical Predictions to Clinical Responses
Rodriguez-Rosario, Alanis Enid, Medina, Aldo Adrian Acosta, Ruan, Gordon , Zanwar, Saurabh , Abeykoon, Jithma P. , Bennani, N. Nora , Goyal, Gaurav , Ravindran, Aishwarya , Rech, Karen L. , Shah, Meera , Yi, Dongni , Go, Ronald S.

Blood | December 6, 2024 | Volume: 144 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 4564-4564

10.1182/blood-2024-205474 Get It

Introduction. Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD), Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) and Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) belong to a group of histiocytic neoplasms often driven by mutations in the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, most commonly in BRAF, MAP2K1 and K/NRAS. Currently, there are 2 drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of histiocytic neoplasms, cobimetinib and vemurafenib, both small molecule kinase inhibitors (SMKI) targeting mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK) and BRAF, respectively. BRAF mutations are functionally classified as RAS-independent - either monomers (class I) or dimers (class II) - and RAS-dependent (class III). MAP2K1 mutations are functionally classified as RAF-independent, RAF-regulated, or RAF-dependent. Preclinical studies suggest class I, but not classes II-III, BRAF mutations are sensitive to RAF monomer inhibitors (dabrafenib, encorafenib, vemurafenib) while classes I-II, but not class III, BRAF mutations are sensitive to MEK inhibitors (Yaeger R, Cancer Discovery 2019). In contrast, RAF-regulated MAP2K1 mutants have variable sensitivities to allosteric MEK inhibitors (binimetinib, cobimetinib, selumetinib, trametinib) while RAF-dependent and RAF-independent MAP2K1 mutations are resistant. KRAS mutations are generally resistant to MEK inhibitors (Johnson C, Cancer Discovery 2022). Our study described the clinical efficacy of commercially available SMKIs in patients with histiocytic neoplasms harboring non-BRAFV600E mutations and compared the findings with preclinical data. Methods. We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with histiocytic neoplasms who were treated with SMKI at Mayo Clinic. Only those who had adequate genomic testing and non-BRAFV600E mutations were included. Responses were categorized as complete (CR), partial (PR), or none (NR) based on established criteria. Results. We identified 31 non-BRAFV600E patients treated with SMKI (2 LCH; 20 ECD; 9 RDD). The median age at diagnosis was 61 years (range: 16-76) and 52% were females. The distribution of BRAF mutations was: class I (V600delinsRE [1]), class II (V495A [1], V471F [1], N486_P490del [2], GAB2-BRAF [1], UBR2-BRAF [1], RNF11-BRAF [1], UBTD2-BRAF [1]), and class III (G466E [1], D594A [1]). The only patient with class I mutation received cobimetinib and had PR. Among those with BRAF class II mutations, 2 received vemurafenib and had NR, while 9 received MEK inhibitors (binimetinib, cobimetinib, trametinib) and most responded (3 CRs, 5 PRs). The patient who had NR required dose reductions due to side effects. Both patients with class III mutation did not respond to cobimetinib. The median duration of responses was 19 months (range: 3+ to 45+) and 3 patients progressed subsequently. The distribution of MAP2K1 mutations was: RAF-independent (E102_103del [2]), RAF-regulated (I103N [1], K57T [1], Q56P [3], F53L [1], K57N [1]) and RAF-dependent (Y130C [1], D67N [1]). Both patients with RAF-independent mutations treated with cobimetinib had PRs. All patients with RAF-regulated mutations treated with allosteric MEK inhibitors responded (3 CRs, 5 PRs). Both patients with RAF-dependent mutations treated with cobimetinib responded (1 CR, 1 PR). The median duration of responses was 15 months (2 to 29+) with 3 patients progressing after treatment cessation due to intolerance. The distribution of RAS mutations was: NRAS (Q16R [1]) and KRAS (K117N [3], A146T [1], T581 [1], G13C [1], G12D [1]). Most patients treated with allosteric MEK inhibitors responded (3 CR, 4 PR, 1 NR). The median duration of response was 15 months (5 to 41) and 2 patients subsequently progressed, one of them after treatment cessation. Conclusions. Among patients with histiocytic neoplasms with non-BRAFV600E mutations receiving SMKI, our study found mixed patterns of concordance between pre-clinical predictions and clinical responses. There was concordance of efficacy in the setting of BRAF classes I-III and MAP2K1 RAF-regulated mutations. However, we found discordant findings in patients harboring RAF-dependent and RAF-independent MAP2K1 mutations as well as KRAS mutations as most responded to allosteric MEK inhibitors.
Subclassification of Erdheim-Chester Disease: Distinct Clinical and Molecular Findings between Classical and Non-Classical Forms
Ruan, Gordon , Davidge‐Pitts, Caroline , Gruber, Lucinda , Sartori‐Valinotti, Julio C. , Jiang, Liuyan , Ahmed, Asra, Abeykoon, Jithma P. , Yi, Dongni , Go, Ronald S. , Bennani, N. Nora , Shah, Meera , Rech, Karen L. , Ravindran, Aishwarya , Ryu, Jay H. , Vassallo, Robert , Koster, Matthew J. , Tobin, W. Oliver , Hilal, Talal , Moustafa, Muhamad Alhaj , Goyal, Gaurav

Blood | December 5, 2024 | Volume: 144 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 3181-3181

10.1182/blood-2024-193841 Get It

Background: Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) manifests as multi-organ infiltration of clonal histiocytes with mutations primarily in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. The revised classification of histiocytosis (2016) categorizes ECD with typical bilateral, symmetric osteosclerosis of the lower extremity long bones as classical (C) and as non-classical (NC) if otherwise. The clinical and biological significance of this classification is unclear. This study compared the clinical and genotypic findings of the 2 subtypes within a large cohort of ECD patients. Methods: We included patients seen at our institution since 1990 meeting the following criteria: A) had an ECD diagnosis based on the revised criteria by Haroche J, et al. (Blood 2020;135:1311-1318); B) completed whole-body imaging studies including long bones of the legs. Classification as C-ECD required symmetric osteosclerosis of the distal femur and/or proximal tibia/fibula. Results: A total of 145 patients were enrolled, comprising a male-to-female ratio of 2:1 (66.2% male). C-ECD was diagnosed in 77.2% of cases, and NC-ECD in 22.8%. The median age at diagnosis was similar with 58.5 years (range, 18-82) in C-ECD and 55 years (range, 20-81) in NC-ECD, (p=0.65). The most frequently affected systems included skeletal (81.4%), renal (60.0%), vascular (45.5%), cardiac (40.0%), central nervous (38.6%), sinus (37.2%), pulmonary (36.6%), and adrenal (32.4%). The numbers of organs involved were significantly higher in C-ECD compared to NC-ECD (median 5 vs 3, p<0.01). Higher rates of skeletal (100% vs. 18.2%, p<0.01), adrenal gland (37.5% vs. 15.2%, p=0.02), and sinus (44.6% vs. 12.1%, p<0.01) involvement were observed in C-ECD. Arginine vasopressin deficiency (AVP-D) was exclusively observed in C-ECD (20.7% vs. 0%, p<0.01). NC-ECD had a higher rate of cardiac involvement (69.7% vs. 31.3%, p<0.01). No significant differences were found in other systems. The overall median time between onset of the first symptoms/signs to diagnosis was 15 months with no significant difference between C-ECD and NC-ECD (17.5 vs. 12 months, p=0.18). The median time to diagnosis of ECD in patients with AVP-D was 38.5 months, compared to 12 months without AVP-D (p=0.09). Genetic testing was conducted in 86.2% of patients and B-Raf proto-oncogene (BRAF) alterations were identified in 59.2% of the tested cases. BRAFV600E was more prevalent in C-ECD (61.3% vs. 21.9%, p<0.01), whereas non-V600 mutations were more commonly found in NC-ECD (12.5% vs. 1.1%, p<0.01). There was no significant difference in the frequency of BRAF fusions. NC-ECD patients exhibited a higher rate of MAP2K1 mutations (25.0% vs. 5.4%, p<0.01). Other frequently mutated genes included KRAS (4.0%), NRAS (2.4%), and CSF1R (2.4%), although no significant difference was observed in their frequency between C-ECD and NC-ECD. Testicular involvement appeared to be more common in patients with MAP2K1 mutations (23.1% vs. 8%, p=0.08). Two patients with pathogenic CSF1R mutations both had central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Among C-ECD patients, BRAFV600E conferred a higher rate of CNS involvement (50.9% vs. 25%, p=0.01). No significant difference was observed in NC-ECD patients (71.4% vs 36%, p=0.09). Among NC-ECD cases, MAP2K1 mutations conferred a reduced risk of cardiac involvement (37.5% vs. 79.2%, p=0.03) and no such difference was observed in patients with C-ECD (40% vs 34.1%, p=0.79). The median numbers of organs involved in patients with BRAF, MAP2K1, and KRAS/NRAS mutations were 5, 3, and 3, respectively, with no significant difference. Conclusions: C-ECD affects more organs and more frequently involves bones, adrenal glands, and sinuses. AVP-D was exclusively observed in C-ECD. Conversely, NC-ECD showed a higher prevalence of cardiac involvement. BRAFV600E was more commonly identified in C-ECD, whereas non-V600 mutations and MAP2K1 mutations were more prevalent in NC-ECD. Among C-ECD patients, BRAFV600E was correlated with a greater likelihood of CNS involvement. Conversely, NC-ECD patients with MAP2K1 mutations had a reduced risk of cardiac involvement. This study highlights the distinct clinical and molecular features of C-ECD and NC-ECD, underscoring the importance of subclassifying ECD into classical and non-classical forms. Further studies are needed to explore differences in the clinical outcomes between the 2 forms.
High Prevalence of Concomitant Autoimmunity in Patients with Rosai-Dorfman Disease
Sen, Mitali , Ruan, Gordon , Reynolds, Samuel , Ali, Haadi, Yang, Xi , Abeykoon, Jithma P. , Salama, Hind , Ahmed, Asra, Morlote, Diana M. , Ravindran, Aishwarya , Shea, Lauren , Koster, Matthew J. , Cao, Xin-Xin , Go, Ronald S. , Goyal, Gaurav

Blood | December 5, 2024 | Volume: 144 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 3910-3910

10.1182/blood-2024-201817 Get It

Introduction: Autoimmunity in Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) has been reported in several case reports and small case series. The recent consensus RDD guidelines even classify “immune-related RDD” as a distinct entity, but little is known about the prevalence and patterns of autoimmune conditions in this rare disease. We conducted this study to evaluate a large cohort of patients with RDD for concomitant autoimmunity. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of cases diagnosed with RDD from five referral centers globally. Data pertaining to autoimmunity were captured in terms of serology and a clinical diagnosis of autoimmune disease (AID) and compared to previously reported prevalence of AID and autoimmunity in the general population and in patients with other lymphomas. Results: We included 157 patients diagnosed with RDD from 2003-2023. Median age at the time of RDD diagnosis was 48 years, IQR 35.5-60. This included 103 females (65.6%) and 54 male (34.4%). Racial distribution included 54 Black (34.4%), 52 White (33.1%), 40 Asian (25.5%), 7 Middle Eastern (4.5%) and 4 other (2.5%). 83 patients had multi-systemic disease (52.8%) and 74 had single organ involvement (47.2%). Most common organs involved were skin/subcutaneous tissue (78, 49.7%), lymph nodes (63, 40.1%), bone (54, 34.2%). Tissue next generation sequencing data was available for 100 patients (63.7 %) and showed KRAS mutation (19, 19 %), MAP2K/MEK (13, 13%), other mutations (27, 27 %), and no mutations (41, 41%). Mean ESR at diagnosis of RDD was 28.42 mm/Hr and mean CRP was 19.5 mg/L. In our cohort, 28 patients (17.8%) were diagnosed with an AID. 19 (67.8%) were diagnosed with the AID prior to the diagnosis of RDD. Most common AID was systemic lupus erythematosus (6, 21.4%), rheumatoid arthritis (5, 17.8%), autoimmune hemolytic anemia (3, 10.7%), polymyalgia rheumatica (2, 7.1%). AID was more common in female vs male (64.3% vs 35.7%, p 0.8) and were more commonly seen in patients with multisystem compared to single organ RDD (60.7% vs 39.3%, p 0.3). Mean ESR and CRP at the time of RDD diagnosis in patients with AID were 40.63 mm/Hr and 37.04 mg/L respectively. Autoimmune antibodies were tested in 90 patients (57.3%), of which 43 (47.8%) were positive for atleast one autoantibody which included 15 patients (16.7%) with AID and a positive autoantibody and 6 (6.6%) with AID and negative antibodies (p 0.01). Most common antibodies were ANA (29/83, 34.9%), 42.3% with a titer higher than 1:160. Other antibodies include RF (10/60, 16.67%), anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (3/19, 15.8%), double stranded DNA (6/56, 10.7%). Positive Antibodies were more common in female compared to male patients (72% vs 23%, p 0.04) and in patients from China compared to North America (45.7% vs 22.6%, p 0.007). Autoantibody positivity was common in multi-system vs single organ RDD (53.5% vs 46.5%, p 0.9). Mean ESR and CRP in this group of patients were 34.54 mm/Hr and 23.93 mg/L respectively. Median duration of follow up for our cohort was 32 months (IQR 14-65). Five-year survival was 93.4%. There were a total 8 deaths reported in the cohort, none of which were in patients with underlying AID. In a multivariable analysis, AID was associated with race (odds ratio [OR] for Middle Eastern compared with Chinese, OR 7, p=0.02) but other factors like organ involvement, mutational status, sex and age at diagnosis were not significant. Conclusions: Our study reveals a high prevalence of autoimmunity in RDD, both in terms of AID (17.8 %) and positive autoantibodies (47.8 %), which is much higher than the general population rates of approximately 3% and 16% respectively, and higher than patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 7.6% and 39%, respectively. There was a trend toward association of AID with multisystem RDD and among individuals from North America and Middle East compared to China, although auto-antibody positivity was more common in Chinese patients. Mean ESR and CRP at the time of diagnosis of RDD was higher in the patients who had AID. We did not find any statistically significant association between AID and autoantibody positivity with the underlying driver mutation. Nearly half of the patients with RDD who also had AID did not have a positive autoantibody, thereby implying the need of clinical evaluation for rheumatological symptoms rather than empiric serological testing. Overall, this study also highlights the need to explore the biological link between RDD and autoimmunity.