Paludo, Jonas

e13893 Background: For individuals with CNS tumors who have experience difficulties with in-person (IP) evaluations due to disease-related neurologic disability or the costs associated with travel, telehealth (TH) offers a convenient and timely alternative for accessing specialized neuro-oncology care. We report our institution’s experience with telehealth utilization in neuro-oncology. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients who had at least one neuro-oncology telehealth visit between August 2021 and May 2024 at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Reasons for visits, outcomes of appointments, acute care utilization following visits was reviewed. Results: A total of 660 patients who had at least one TH visit between August 2021 and May 2024 were included in the analysis. Median age was 56 (range 20-98), 49% were female, and 92% were white. Most patients resided in the US Midwest (84%), followed by the South (8%), West (5%), Northeast (1%), and US Territories (< 1%). Less than two percent were international patients. The most common primary visit diagnosis was glioblastoma (GBM, 26%), followed by astrocytoma, IDH-mutant (17%), meningioma (17%), oligodendroglioma, IDH-mutant, 1p/19q codeleted (7%). Of 6657 visits reviewed, 2745 (41%) were conducted via TH. Telehealth visits served various purposes, including consultation for newly diagnosed tumors or abnormal MRIs (n = 26), second opinion for an established tumor diagnosis (n = 119), discussion about clinical trial participation (n = 108), tumor-related treatment discussions (n = 719), chemotherapy education (n = 161), new symptom assessment (n = 117), symptom management (n = 366), and tumor surveillance (n = 1694). Outcomes from telehealth visits included enrollment in clinical trials (n = 28), proceeding with tumor-directed surgery (n = 46), initiation of radiation therapy (n = 88), starting or changing systemic therapy (n = 377), continuing existing systemic therapy (n = 932), transition to supportive care (n = 45), tumor diagnostic workup (n = 28), continuation of tumor surveillance (n = 1254). Acute care utilization, defined as an emergency department visit or hospitalization within one month of an appointment, was the same following telehealth visits compared to in-person visits (6.9% for IP vs 5% for TH, p = 0.507). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that telehealth can effectively support all aspects of neuro-oncology care, ranging from initial diagnosis discussions to systemic therapy management and transitions to supportive care. Telehealth offers a convenient and accessible method of care delivery option for patients faced with neurologic illness. Additionally, THs do not lead to increased acute care utilization compared to IP evaluations.

9024 Background: Comprehensive hematology education during fellowship is essential for delivering high-quality healthcare. Variability in individual learning experiences can lead to trainee dissatisfaction and suboptimal clinical acumen. Fellowship programs must strive for a well-rounded and equitable educational experience for all fellows to prepare them for real-world practice in the increasingly dynamic field of hematology. Methods: Hematology fellows (n=30) at Mayo Clinic (Rochester) were invited to complete a survey about the inpatient Fellow Hematology Curriculum (FHC) during 2021-2022. Responses were recorded in a five-point Likert scale and free-text. Using the initial results, we implemented a structured inpatient hematology curriculum starting in 2022 and conducted a post-implementation survey in Spring 2024 to assess its success and sustainability. Results: The initial survey was completed by twenty fellows, with a response rate of 66%. All respondents agreed that the FHC could be improved. Only 45% agreed that structured education is adequately paired with clinical duties. In the open-ended responses, a structured curriculum covering a set list of topics was the most common recommendation given to improve the FHC. This prompted a longitudinal QI initiative to implement standardized rotation-specific lectures created by fellows and distributed to faculty and fellows prior to the associated 4-week rotations. Twelve fellows (40%) completed the post-implementation survey. Summary of key responses are shown in table 1. Although there remained high variability among consultants regarding their engagement in education, significant improvements were noted. Agreement that the curriculum has well-defined objectives for each rotation increased from 25% to 58%. Additionally, 83% of fellows agreed that structured education was effectively paired with clinical duties, up from 45%. Open-ended responses highlighted variability in consultants' utilization of the curriculum but reflected overall satisfaction. Conclusions: The need for a well-structured FHC was identified as a gap in equitable hematology education. This was addressed through a fellow led longitudinal QI project generating easily accessible educational material relevant to weekly themes on inpatient hematology services. The introduction of a structured and clinically relevant curriculum was well-received. Summary of survey responses. Pre-implementation Post-implementation Statement Agreed or strongly agreed (%) Agreed of strongly agreed (%) I know what topics and to what extent I’m expected to learn 25 67 The FHC has well-defined objectives for each rotation 25 55 There is high variability among consultants with engagement in education 95 75 Structured education is paired with clinical duties 45 83 I can easily locate lectures given by hematology consultants 5 42

9021 Background: Home call is an expected trainee responsibility in many hematology-oncology (HO) training programs although the specific duties and frequency vary. Home call is associated with sleep deprivation and burnout . The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) outlines that home call should not prevent adequate rest or personal time and that the clinical time spent must be counted toward duty hours. However, little is known about the educational value or impact of home call. We sought to analyze the volume, perceived value, and effects of oncology home call on HO fellows. Methods: We completed a review of the pager log of the outpatient/after hours oncology pager (OP) at a single 2059 bed tertiary medical center from 1/1/23-12/31/24. The HO fellow carries the OP afterhours and on weekends except for 7am-12pm on Saturday/Sunday. The pager receives all consult calls from the emergency department and inpatient teams requesting verbal communication (in addition to the electronic order), critical results, and outpatient patient calls on matters related to oncology (hematology not included). Patient calls are not triaged and are routed through the hospital operator directly to the OP. Overnight home call is maximum 3 times per week without a post call day. An optional survey was distributed to fellows in May 2024 to assess fellows’ experiences with the OP using a 5-point Likert scale and free response. Results: There were 80,672 and 87,605 oncology patient visits in 2023 and 2024 respectively at the analyzed institution. The OP received a total of 7,239 pages over the analyzed period. Fellows received a mean of 5.8 pages per weeknight call shift and 8.8 pages per weekend call shift. The survey response rate was 19/33 (42%) HO fellows. Respondents were 58% male and included first (42%), second (26%), and third year (32%) fellows. 89% of respondents reported that most pages overnight were from outpatients and 0 respondents felt that answering patient calls required a physician. Most fellows (79%) did not report educational value from holding the OP and 63% of fellows felt that holding the OP negatively impacted their performance at work the next day. For nights that received more than 3 calls, 95% fellows reported feeling not well rested. In addition, a majority of negative impact on their wellness including anxiety and inability to exercise or socialize when holding the OP. Conclusions: The results from our single-institution study indicate that home call could represent a major opportunity to improve the wellness of trainees without negatively impacting their education. More research is needed to understand what the primary contributors are for the negative experiences and perceptions while developing sustainable systems and approaches for efficiently handling oncology pager traffic.

7075 Background: Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL) is a rare, aggressive peripheral T-cell lymphoma arising primarily from γδ T-cells. It carries a poor prognosis and resists conventional chemotherapy. Most reports on HSTCL are case-based. This study comprehensively analyzes a large cohort, evaluating treatment strategies and survival outcomes. Methods: This retrospective study included patients (pts) with pathologically confirmed HSTCL diagnosed between 2000-2024, consecutively seen at Mayo Clinic MN. Clinical, pathological, genomic, and treatment-related data were extracted when available. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize baseline characteristics. Time-to-event analyses, including Kaplan-Meier estimates, median overall survival (OS), and survival time estimates were conducted from the date of diagnosis. Results: A total of 20 patients with newly diagnosed HSTCL were included, with a median age of 57 years (range: 35-71). The cohort was predominantly male (70%) and non-Hispanic (93%). Molecular data was available for five patients, revealing abnormalities in STAT5B, MLL3 deletion, TP53, EZH2, TERT, and NF1 E291D . The median follow-up was 27.6 months (m) with a median OS of 17.6 m (95% CI: 11.2 - NA). First-line treatment was anthracycline-based in 68% of pts and non-anthracycline-based in 32%, with higher response rates in the latter group (50% vs.83%). Although non-anthracycline regimens showed a trend toward improved 3-year OS (100% vs. 29%) the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.16). Achieving a complete response to first-line therapy was also associated with a trend towards a better 3-year OS compared to refractory disease (80% vs. 50%, p = 0.17). Most pts (79%) underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), primarily allogeneic, with only one receiving autologous HSCT. First-line therapy before HSCT was evenly distributed between anthracycline (55%) and non-anthracycline (45%) regimens. HSCT recipients had significantly higher 3-year OS than non-recipients (83% vs. 33%, p = 0.017). Notably, the patient with a TP53 mutation has remained in remission for over a year post-allogeneic HSCT. Conclusions: HSTCL predominantly affects younger pts, with nearly half dying within a year. Allogeneic HSCT, rarely used in other NHL subtypes, improved survival. Non-anthracycline regimens and achieving CR trended toward better outcomes. Our study, leveraging a sizable cohort, highlights the need for targeted research and novel therapies to improve HSTCL management. Summary of survival outcomes in HSTCL. Characteristics Median OS (y) 3-Year OS (95% CI) 1.48 [0.93- NA] 46% [0.26 - 0.81] Transplant Transplant NA [NA - NA] 83% [0.58 - 1.00] No Transplant 1.02 [0.93 - NA] 33% [0.07 - 1.00] Treatment Anthracycline Based 1.02 [0.36 - NA] 29% [0.11 - 0.73] Non-Anthracycline Based 4.61 [NA- NA] 100% [1.00 - 1.00]

7052 Background: Secondary central nervous system lymphoma (SCNSL) is a rare but serious complication that occurs in 2-10% of patients (pts) with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The CNS-International Prognostic Index (CNS-IPI) is a validated tool used to assess the risk of CNS relapse. However, with advancements in molecular profiling and treatments, the predictors of SCNSL, including the predictive ability of CNS-IPI combined with other molecular markers and treatment regimens, have become uncertain. This study evaluates new prognostic markers for CNS relapse in DLBCL, focusing on cell-of-origin (COO), gene rearrangements, and treatment types. Methods: DLBCL pts enrolled from 2002-2015 in the Mayo Clinic and University of Iowa Lymphoma Molecular Epidemiology Resource were prospectively followed for incidence of CNS relapse. Pts with primary CNS lymphoma or CNS involvement at diagnosis, and pts treated with high-dose methotrexate containing regimens were excluded. COO classification (GCB vs non-GCB) was determined using Hans algorithm and/or NanoString data. Multivariate Cox regression models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for predictors of SCNSL. Survival analysis was performed from time of DLBCL diagnosis using Cox proportional hazards model. Results: Among 1278 newly diagnosed DLBCL pts included (median age: 63 years; 43.6% female), SCNSL occurred in 46 (3.6%) pts. Pts with SCNSL were more likely to have intermediate/high CNS-IPI scores (80.4%) than pts without SCNSL (63.9%, p=0.02). The 3 yr SCNSL incidence was 0.016 (0.008-0.0033) in low CNS-IPI vs 0.043 (0.031-0.0060) in high CNS-IPI. Those with SCNSL were significantly more likely at baseline to have non-GCB COO (56.3% vs. 36.5%, p=0.02), and advanced stage (76.1% vs. 59.9%, p=0.03) compared to those without SCNSL. The incidence of SCNSL was not influenced by MYC, BCL2, or BCL6 rearrangements, nor by treatment with R-CHOP, R-EPOCH, or other immunochemotherapy regimens. MVA showed that intermediate CNS-IPI (HR 2.32, 95% CI 1.09-4.92, p=0.029), high CNS-IPI (HR 3.59, 95% CI 1.49-8.62, p=0.004), and non-GCB COO (HR 2.19, 95% CI 1.08-4.42, p=0.0029) were independently associated with increased SCNSL risk. After a median follow-up of 12 years (IQR 9–15), overall survival (OS) was 52.1% for the cohort, with OS significantly worse for SCNSL pts (17.4% vs. 53.4%, p<0.001). Conclusions: This large cohort with extensive follow-up highlights the role of COO as an additional prognostic factor for SCNSL while reinforcing CNS-IPI’s prognostic value. Non-GCB COO pts had a higher risk of SCNSL even when adjusted by CNS-IPI risk. Despite advancements in management, SCNSL pts continue to have poor outcomes. Strategies to reduce the incidence of CNS relapse in high-risk pts require further investigation. MER CNS relapse hazard ratios (95% CI). Characteristics Hazard Ratio 95% CI P-Value CNS-IPI Group 0-1 Low Ref Ref Ref 2-3 Intermediate 2.32 1.09 - 4.92 0.029 4+ High 3.59 1.49 - 8.62 0.004 Cell of Origin* GCB Ref Ref Ref non-GCB 2.19 1.08 - 4.42 0.029 Double Hit* non-DHL Ref Ref Ref DHL 1.08 0.14 - 8.3 0.941 Not Done/Missing 1.38 0.76 - 2.51 0.297 Double Expressor* Negative Ref Ref Ref Positive 2.36 0.71 - 7.85 0.162 Not Done/Missing 1.91 0.89 - 4.08 0.097 IC Group* R-CHOP R-EPOCH Ref 1.63 Ref 0.71 - 3.74 Ref 0.249 Other IC 1.18 0.57 - 2.46 0.660 Any EN Involvement* No Ref Ref Ref Yes 0.98 0.51 - 1.88 0.946 Albumin Group* >=Normal Ref Ref Ref <Normal 1.70 0.75 - 3.85 0.201 Head & Neck Involvement* No Ref Ref Ref Yes 0.35 0.048 - 2.63 0.310 *Adjusted by CNS-IPI risk group.

7032 Background: The impact of immune cell counts pre LD and during immune reconstitution on CAR T therapy outcomes is poorly understood. We investigated the association between CD4, CD8 and NK cell counts and CAR T therapy outcomes in patients with LBCL. Methods: Retrospective study of R/R LBCL patients who received CAR T cells between 2016-24 at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, were included in this analysis. Peripheral blood CD4, CD8 and NK counts were measured pre LD and at M1 post CAR T infusion. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the optimal cutoff for pre LD and M1 immune cells to predict patients who were alive and in remission at 6 months (M6) post CAR T infusion. Patients who progressed or were lost to follow up prior to day 30 were excluded from M1 ROC analysis. Results: Of 140 patients, 81 were alive and in remission at M6 (Group A), while 59 had relapse or death (Group B). Axicabtagene ciloleucel was the CAR T product given in 81% of patients (114/140). Median pre LD CD4 counts were significantly lower in Group B compared to group A (143 vs 280 cells/µL, p = 0.001). No significant difference was observed in median pre LD CD8 counts (205 vs 221 cells/µL, p = 0.8). ROC analysis identified an optimal pre LD CD4 count of 124.5 cells/µL for M6 alive+remission. Lower pre LD CD4 counts (<124.5) predicted worse progression free survival (PFS) in univariate (HR = 3.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.73–5.27, p< 0.01) and multivariable analysis (MVA) adjusted for IPI and the number of prior lines (aHR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.39–4.62, p< 0.01).Lower pre LD CD4 counts also predicted inferior overall survival (OS) in MVA (aHR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.08–4.77, p = 0.03). (Table 1) On day 30 landmark analysis, ROC identified M1 optimal CD4 count of ≥ 99.5 cells/µL to be associated with a trend toward superior PFS (P=0.09), but not OS (p=0.90) in MVA. Median pre LD NK cell counts were significantly lower in Group B (73 vs 98 cells/µL, p = 0.04). ROC analysis identified an optimal pre LD NK count of 151 cells/µL for M6 alive + remission. Lower pre LD NK counts (<151) predicted worse PFS, both on univariate (HR = 4.17, 95% CI: 1.29–13.47, p = 0.02) and MVA (aHR = 4.64, p< 0.01). The lower pre LD NK cell count group had worse OS in MVA (aHR = 5.69, 95% CI: 1.16–28.1, p = 0.01). (Table 1) On D30 landmark analysis, M1 NK cell count of ≥ 128.5 cells/µL was associated with a trend toward superior PFS (P=0.08), but not OS (p=0.30) in MVA. Conclusions: Pre LD CD4 and NK cell counts are significantly associated with PFS and OS post CAR T therapy in patients with R/R LBCL. Pre-treatment immune subset levels may identify patients at higher risk of relapse or death after CAR-T therapy. Groups Median PFS 2 Year PFS Median OS 2 Year OS CD4 ≥124.5 cells/µL (N=75) NR 58% 3.31 years 67% CD4 <124.5 cells/µL (N=30) 2.2 months 22% 1.59 years 45% NK ≥151 cells/µL (N=17) NR 77% NR 84% NK <151 cells/µL (N=82) 10.6 months 44% 3.31 years 62%

e19008 Background: Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is typically reversible in CAR-T therapy, while hyperinflammatory syndromes like macrophage activation-like syndrome (MAS-L) and high-grade immune effector cell-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (IEC-HS) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Early interventions are critical for improving outcomes. We aim to analyze clinical cytokine assays and cellular phenotypes early in hyperinflammatory syndromes to identify profiles for severe cases to inform management decisions. Methods: This study included 113 CAR-T patients (pt) (September 2019-March 2024) with cytokine profiles (CP) performed at the second tocilizumab dose or with suspected hyperinflammatory states (CP1), followed by assessments at 24 hours (CP24) and 48 hours (CP48). 52 pts consented to blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) cell immune phenotyping at pre-treatment (pre-LD) and day 1 for PB. Results: Among the 113 pts, CRS pts (N=74), when compared to MAS-L(N=19) & IEC-HS (N=20) at CP1, had lower levels of TNF (median in pg/mL; 31, 62.9, 47.7) , IL-18 (794, 1353, 2011), and MCP-1 (689, 2722, 2485.5). While MAS-L and IEC-HS had similar CP1 profiles, CP24 and CP48 differed between them: TNF & MCP-1 levels decreased in MAS-L but remained elevated or increased in IEC-HS. IL-18 was stable in MAS-L but increased steadily daily in IEC-HS. Infections were more frequent in IEC-HS (CRS: 43%; MAS-L: 58%; IEC-HS: 85%; p=0.002). Notably, patients who died with persistent E. faecium bacteremia had higher IL-18 in CP48. In the 52 pts with cell phenotypes available by flow, 33 had CRS, 18 MAS-L and 8 IEC-HS. The correlation between cell phenotypes and cytokine levels showed that elevated TNF at CP1 correlated with increased non-classical monocytes in pre-LD BM and higher NK and NK-T cells in pre-LD PB. Similarly, elevated IL-18 CP48 levels correlated with increased CD8 T-cells, NK-T cells, and intermediate monocytes in pre-LD PB, as well as increased NK cells at both pre-LD and day 1 (Table). Conclusions: We report distinct cytokine profiles in IEC-HS early in the inflammatory course post-CAR-T therapy. These elevated cytokines correlate with specific immune cell subsets, including BM-resident monocytes, intermediate monocytes with heightened cytokine trafficking and inflammatory capacity. This study demonstrates the feasibility for identifying potential biomarkers for early risk stratification and targeted interventions. Cytokine Sample source Immune cells R P value TNF CP1 BM pre-LD Non-classical monocytes (CD14loCD16+) 0.38 0.025 PB pre-LD Monocytes (All) 0.47 0.022 NK cells (CD56+CD16+) 0.34 0.024 NK-T cells (CD3+CD56+CD16-) 0.29 0.04 IL-18 CP48 PB pre-LD CD8+ T-cells 0.59 0.0093 NK-T cells (CD3+CD56+CD16-) 0.53 0.023 Intermediate monocytes (CD14+CD16+) 0.58 0.012 PB pre-LD NK cells (CD56+CD16+) 0.56 0.49 0.015 0.024

PURPOSE The combination of the Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib with bendamustine-rituximab for first-line treatment of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) prolonged progression-free survival (PFS), but without improvement in overall survival (OS), likely because of toxicity. Acalabrutinib was shown to be efficacious and less toxic than ibrutinib in a head-to-head trial in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and therefore might lead to better outcomes in MCL. METHODS Patients 65 years and older with previously untreated MCL received acalabrutinib (100 mg twice daily) or placebo (until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity), plus six cycles of bendamustine (90 mg/m 2 once daily; days 1 and 2) and rituximab (375 mg/m 2 as a single dose; day 1) followed by rituximab maintenance in responding patients for 2 years. Crossover to acalabrutinib at disease progression was permitted. The primary end point was PFS per the independent review committee; overall response rate and OS were secondary end points. RESULTS In total, 598 patients were randomly assigned, with 299 in each arm. At a median follow-up of 49.8 months using the reverse Kaplan-Meier method, the median PFS was 66.4 months in the acalabrutinib arm and 49.6 months in the placebo arm (hazard ratio [HR], 0.73 [95% CI, 0.57 to 0.94]; P = .0160). Benefit was seen across all subgroups, including those with high-risk features. Overall response/complete response rates were 91.0%/66.6% and 88.0%/53.5% in the acalabrutinib and placebo arms, respectively. OS was not significantly different (HR, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.65 to 1.13]; P = .27). Grade 3 or greater adverse events were reported in 88.9% and 88.2% in the acalabrutinib and placebo arms, respectively. CONCLUSION The combination of acalabrutinib with bendamustine-rituximab significantly improved PFS. Clinical benefit of acalabrutinib with bendamustine-rituximab was achieved with manageable toxicity.

ABSTRACT As the treatment paradigm for Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) continues to evolve, the debate surrounding the prioritization of depth of response versus disease control as therapeutic goals gains significant relevance. However, the impact of depth of response from fixed‐duration therapy on overall survival (OS) was unclear. This multicenter study evaluated the prognostic impact of depth of response using a landmark survival analysis. A total of 440 patients with WM treated with frontline fixed‐duration regimens were included. Attaining a major response (MaR) was associated with superior outcomes, including significantly longer OS. The estimated 5‐year PFS rates for patients with MaR at 6 months versus not were 50% versus 32%, respectively, p < 0.001, and the estimated 5‐year OS rates for patients with MaR at 6 months versus not were 89% versus 70%, respectively, p < 0.001. In a multivariable analysis, MaR at 6 months was independently associated with superior PFS (HR 0.66, p = 0.007) and OS (HR 0.28, p < 0.001). Similar results were seen when considering deeper responses (CR + VGPR vs. PR). Depth of response at 6 months is an important prognostic marker in WM and an independent predictor of PFS and OS. These results support its utilization as a suitable endpoint in clinical studies in WM.

Abstract Although social determinants of health (SDoH) investigations have shown limited analyses of socioeconomic and race-ethnic status on certain hematologic malignancies, the impact of factors beyond those across a fuller scope of hematologic cancers remains unknown. The Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), a tool for assessing varied US census–derived sociodemographic factors, allows for the specific quantification of SDoH in dynamic, regional contexts for their associations with hematologic malignancy inequities. To assess the summative influence of varied SDoH factors on hematologic malignancy outcomes and discern which SDoH factors contributed the largest associations toward disparities, 796 005 adults with hematologic malignancies between 1975 to 2017 were identified for this retrospective cohort study. Vulnerability in 15 SDoH factors was measured using composite and subcategory SVI scores geographically matched to patients. Regressions between SVI factors and follow-up time after diagnosis and survival period were performed. Increasing overall SVI correlated with significantly decreased surveillance period in 11 of 14 hematologic malignancies, with decreases upward of 33.4% (39.0-26.0 months for acute lymphocytic leukemia). Increasing SVI significantly associated with decreased survival period across 11 of 14 hematologic malignancies, with decreases upward of 47.2% (89.5-47.3 months for Hodgkin lymphoma). Socioeconomic status and housing and transportation vulnerabilities showed the largest magnitude of contributions, followed by minority language and household composition. Significant decreases in hematologic malignancy prognosis associate with increasing overall SDoH vulnerability in varied sociodemographic contexts in the United States. Furthermore, there are quantifiable differences in which types of SDoH contribute more to trends per malignancy type. These findings demonstrate specific SDoH targets for further research and policy initiatives to combat hematologic malignancy disparity more effectively.