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Biran, Noa

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0693-4202

Mayo Clinic

Hackensack University Medical Center

Citations 28

Enhancing the safety of ciltacabtagene autoleucel in relapsed multiple myeloma (MM): Identification of potentially modifiable risk-factors associated with delayed neurotoxicity and non-relapse mortality
Sidana, Surbhi , Reid, Brett M. , Peres, Lauren C. , Gaballa, Mahmoud , Afrough, Aimaz , Ferreri, Christopher, Varga, Cindy , Rana, Masooma , Hosoya, Hitomi , Mikkilineni, Lekha , Hovanky, Vanna, Zanwar, Saurabh , Kalariya, Nilesh, Mikulski, Damian , Wagner, Charlotte , Cahoon, Christopher, Avila, Gabriel De, Gordillo, Christian , Goel, Utkarsh , Sannareddy, Aishwarya , Cassano, Raffaella Cassano , Midha, Shonali , Gonzalez, Rebecca , Hassan, Hamza , Purvey, Sneha , Green, Kimberly , Liu, Hien , Khouri, Jack , Bal, Susan , Freeman, Ciara L. , Shune, Leyla , Shain, Kenneth H. , Alsina, Melissa , Sborov, Douglas W. , Dahiya, Saurabh , Miklos, David B., Voorhees, Peter M. , Anderson, Larry , Costa, Luciano da Fontoura , Biran, Noa , Kumar, Shaji , Lin, Yi, Patel, Krina K. , Davis, James A. , Sidana, Surbhi , Davis, James A , Hosoya, Hitomi , Dima, Danai , Banerjee, Rahul , Pasvolsky, Oren , Dillard, Christen , Atrash, Shebli , Portuguese, Andrew J. , Wagner, Charlotte, Puglianini, Omar Castañeda , Zolotov, Eli , Grajales‐Cruz, Ariel , Kort, Jeries , Davis, James, Herr, Megan M. , Xie, Zhuoer , Hassan, Hamza, Geer, Marcus , Green, Kimberly, Perna, Fabiana , Nishihori, Taiga , Raza, Shahzad , Anwer, Faiz , Nadeem, Omar , Reshef, Ran , Baz, Rachid , Locke, Frederick L. , Miklos, David B. , Costa, Luciano, Biran, Noa , Hansen, Doris K.

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 1034-1034

10.1182/blood-2025-1034 Get It

Abstract Introduction: Ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) has shown high efficacy in relapsed MM, but further efforts are needed to mitigate non-ICANS delayed neurotoxicity (DNT) and non-relapse mortality (NRM). Identifying risk factors associated with DNT and NRM may help with risk mitigation by aiding the development of interventions for potentially modifiable risk factors and also help with clinical decision making. Methods: In this multi-center retrospective study from the US MM Immunotherapy Consortium, we evaluated 761 patients treated at 15 centers receiving standard of care cilta-cel for relapsed MM between May 2022 to December 2024. Risk factors for DNT, particularly Parkinsonism and NRM were evaluated in by univariable and multivariable analysis. Any NRM events occurring after disease progression were censored for NRM evaluation. Results: The median age of the cohort was 65 years old (range: 30-88), median prior lines of therapy (pLoT) were 5 (range: 1-23). Cilta-cel was used in earlier relapse (1-3 pLOT) in 16% (n=120) patients. High-risk cytogenetics [del 17p, t(14;16) or t(4;14)] were present in 39%, with extramedullary disease (EMD) in 27% and R-ISS stage III in 18% of patients, respectively. Majority of patients (86%) received bridging therapy with response to bridging (≥ partial response, PR) seen in 33% of patients, respectively. Median follow up was 10.1 months, with response rate of 92% and CR rate of 70%. DNT was seen in 10% (n=75) of patients, with distribution as follows: Parkinsonism in 2.9% (n=22), cranial nerve palsy in 4.6% (n=35) and other DNT in 2.4% (n=18), with some patients manifesting more than one type of DNT. Risk of DNT was higher in patients who did not respond to bridging therapy (Any DNT: 12% vs 6%; Parkinsonism: 5% vs 0.5%, both p<0.05) Of the 22 cases of Parkinsonism, 21 patients (95%) did not respond to bridging, even though they achieved a post CAR-T response with ORR of 91% and ≥ CR in 68%. Absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), a surrogate measure of CAR expansion was higher in patients who developed DNT, particularly Parkinsonism, including ALC at days 7,14,21,28 and as peak ALC in the first month post cilta-cel (p<0.05 for all). Median peak ALC for patients with vs without Parkinsonism was: 5.88 vs 1.17/uL (p<0.001). We evaluated risk of Parkinsonism with various thresholds of peak ALC expansion. Amongst patients who developed Parkinsonism vs. not, peak ALC was as follows, > 1000/uL: 100% vs 57%, > 2500/uL: 73% vs 19% and > 3000/uL: 68% vs 14% (all p<0.001). The absolute risk of Parkinsonism with ALC > 3000 vs ≤ 3000/uL was 12% vs 1%, p<0.001; for ALC 2500 vs ≤ 2500uL was 9% vs 1%, p<0.001. On multivariable analysis, peak ALC > 3000/uL (OR: 12.7, p<0.001) and non-response to bridging therapy (OR: 9.9, p=0.03) were independent risk factors for developing Parkinsonism after cilta-cel. After cilta-cel, 1 and 2 year NRM estimates were 9% and 10%, respectively. Amongst 63 (8%) patients experiencing NRM events, the most common cause of NRM was infectious complications (35, 56%), followed by acute immune-mediated adverse events (AEs) like CRS, ICANS, IEC-HS in 14 (22%), delayed immune mediated AEs like DNT and colitis in 6 (9.5%), second cancers in 5 (8%) and other causes in 3 (5%) patients, respectively. When evaluating the timing of NRM events, the risk of infection related mortality remained relatively stable in the first year, though immune mediated toxicty deaths were uncommon after 6 months, while SPMs were uncommon within the first 6 months. On multivariable analysis, non-response to bridging (HR 2.41, p=0.046), poor performance status ≥ 2, high-risk cytogenetics and age ≥ 70 years were independent predictors for NRM. Conclusion: In a large cohort of over 750 patients receiving cilta-cel, we identified potentially modifiable risk factors for Parkinsonism and NRM. Non-response to bridging therapy and peak ALC > 3000/uL were independent predictors of developing Parkinsonism. Peak ALC of > 2500/uL and > 3000/uL were associated with 9% and 12% absolute risk of Parkinsonism. This indicates that peak ALC of 2500/uL or 3000/uL in the first month after cilta-cel may be a potential biomarker to identify patients for pre-emptive interventions such as steroids that can suppress rapid CAR expansion and perhaps decrease the risk of Parkinsonism. In addition, we need to focus on effective bridging strategies to further decrease the risk of Parkinsonism, as well as NRM with cilta-cel.
Predictors of early relapse following ciltacabtagene autoleucel: Informing risk-adapted therapy in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma
Peres, Lauren C. , Zanwar, Saurabh , Richards, Alicia, Gaballa, Mahmoud , Afrough, Aimaz , Reid, Brett M. , Goel, Utkarsh , Sannareddy, Aishwarya , Ferreri, Christopher J. , Varga, Cindy , Hosoya, Hitomi , Mikkilineni, Lekha , Kalariya, Nilesh, Mikulski, Damian , Cahoon, Christopher, Cheng, Peter K.C. , Gordillo, Christian , Bhurtel, Jenny , Cassano, Raffaella Cassano , Midha, Shonali , Gonzalez, Rebecca , Purvey, Sneha , Green, Kimberly , Liu, Hien , Khouri, Jack , Bal, Susan, Freeman, Ciara L. , Shune, Leyla , Shain, Kenneth H. , Alsina, Melissa , Sborov, Douglas W. , Voorhees, Peter M. , Costa, Luciano da Fontoura , Biran, Noa , Kumar, Shaji , Lin, Yi, Sidana, Surbhi , Patel, Krina K. , Davis, James A. , Sidana, Surbhi , Davis, James A , Hosoya, Hitomi , Hansen, Doris K. , Dima, Danai , Puglianini, Omar Castañeda , Pasvolsky, Oren , Grajales‐Cruz, Ariel , Xie, Zhuoer , Dillard, Christen , Atrash, Shebli , Portuguese, Andrew J. , Wagner, Charlotte B , Zolotov, Eli , Kort, Jeries , Davis, James, Herr, Megan M. , Hassan, Hamza , Geer, Marcus , Green, Kimberly, Perna, Fabiana , Nishihori, Taiga , Raza, Shahzad , Anwer, Faiz , Bal, Susan , Nadeem, Omar , Banerjee, Rahul , Reshef, Ran , Baz, Rachid , Anderson, Larry D. , Costa, Luciano, Biran, Noa , Locke, Frederick L.

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 93-93

10.1182/blood-2025-93 Get It

Abstract Introduction Ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) has demonstrated unprecedented response rates and progression-free survival (PFS) in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), but a proportion of patients experience early relapse. Identifying these patients is essential to guide future therapeutic strategies, such as enhanced bridging therapy or consolidation, while avoiding overtreatment in those likely to achieve durable disease control. Methods We conducted a multi-center study of patients treated with cilta-cel at 15 U.S. academic centers. Outcomes were evaluated based on high-risk (HR) features, including functional HR disease (FHR; relapse within 18 months of first-line therapy initiation), true extramedullary disease (EMD), traditional HR cytogenetics as defined in CARTITUDE-1 [deletion 17p, t(4;14), t(14;16)], and a 2024 IMS-IMWG-adapted HR definition (deletion 17p; t(4;14) or t(14;16) with gain 1q or deletion 1p; and gain 1q with deletion 1p). Multivariable Cox regression was used to examine the association of HR features (FHR, adapted IMS-IMWG HR, and EMD, individually and collectively) with PFS while adjusting for baseline ferritin, prior BCMA, and ECOG performance status (PS ≥2). Among patients with ≥18 months of follow-up, we evaluated predictors of early relapse (≤18 months post infusion) using logistic regression. Results Our cohort included 598 patients treated with cilta-cel between 5/2022 and 12/2024 who had available data on all HR features. The median age was 65 years (range 33-83), and the median prior lines of therapy (pLOT) was 5 (range: 1-18, 84% with >3 pLOT); 8% had received prior BCMA-directed therapy, and 27% were penta-refractory. Most patients (88%) received bridging therapy and 30% achieved ≥ partial response. In our cohort, 33% (n=195) had FHR, 43% (n=258) had traditional HR cytogenetics, 42% (n=253) had adapted IMS-IMWG HR disease, and 11% (n=64) had EMD. Median follow up was 10.6 months (range 0.4-34.1). Overall response rate (ORR) and complete response (CR) rates were lower in patients with vs without HR features: FHR (ORR: 89% vs 94%, CR: 61% vs 75%), traditional HR (ORR: 90% vs 94%, CR: 65% vs 74%), adapted IMS-IMWG HR (ORR: 91% vs 94%, CR: 64% vs 75%) and EMD (ORR: 77% vs 94%, CR: 61% vs 71%). Corresponding 12-month PFS was also lower in patients with vs without HR features: FHR (55% vs 79%), traditional HR (63% vs 78%), adapted IMS-IMWG HR (61% vs 80%) and EMD (59% vs 73%). ORR, CR rate, and 12-month PFS in patients without any HR features compared to those with ≥1 HR feature were 96% vs 90%, 81% vs 64%, and 83% vs 65%, respectively. In multivariable models, each HR feature (FHR, adapted IMS-IMWG HR, and EMD) was independently associated with inferior PFS after adjusting for baseline ferritin, prior BCMA, and ECOG PS ≥ 2. However, because early relapse cannot always be identified a priori based on traditional risk factors, we sought to identify predictors of relapse within 18 months of cilta-cel in a subset of patients with ≥18 months of follow-up (N=247; infused by 12/2023). Notably, while FHR (OR=3.04, 95% CI=1.59-5.89) and adapted IMS-IMWG HR (OR=2.07, 95% CI=1.10-3.89) were independently associated with odds of relapse within 18 months, EMD was not (OR=0.90, 95% CI=0.32, 2.40) when accounting for prior BCMA, ECOG PS ≥ 2, and baseline ferritin. We also used a time-varying Cox model to examine each HR feature associated with PFS at two time periods, <18 and ≥18 months, while adjusting for baseline ferritin, ECOG PS, and prior BCMA. We confirmed that FHR and adapted IMS-IMWG HR were both associated with relapse <18 months (HR=2.05, 95% CI=1.48-2.83 and HR=1.56, 95% CI=1.11-2.19) but not in the ≥18-month time period (HR=0.70, 95% CI=0.19-2.59 and HR=0.76, 95% CI=0.24-2.40). The magnitude of the association for EMD with PFS was similar across both time periods (<18 months HR=1.67, 95% CI=1.09-2.57 and ≥18 months HR=2.17, 95% CI=0.45-10.40). Conclusion While cilta-cel leads to high response rates and durable PFS in RRMM, a subset of patients with FHR and adapted IMS-IMWG HR remains at increased risk for early relapse. In this large multi-center cohort, we describe PFS outcomes across high-risk subgroups and identify key predictors of relapse within 18 months of cilta-cel. These findings inform risk-adapted therapeutic strategies and interventional trials, including bridging, consolidation, or maintenance approaches, to improve outcomes in the highest-risk RRMM patients.
Subsequent primary malignancies after CAR-T therapy: A study from the US multiple myeloma immunotherapy consortium
Biran, Noa , Roney, Patrick , Ahn, Jaeil, Tan, Melinda, Sidana, Surbhi , DeJarnette, Shaun, Afrough, Aimaz , Gaballa, Mahmoud , Khouri, Jack , Goel, Utkarsh , Zanwar, Saurabh , Gordillo, Christian , Cassano, Raffaella Cassano , Bhurtel, Jenny , Shune, Leyla , Freeman, Ciara L. , Davis, James A. , Green, Kimberly M , Mikkilineni, Lekha , Hosoya, Hitomi , Sannareddy, Aishwarya , Patel, Krina K. , Sborov, Douglas W. , Cahoon, Christopher, Purvey, Sneha , Ferreri, Christopher, Sidana, Surbhi , Davis, James A , Hosoya, Hitomi , Zolotov, Eli , Rees, Matthew J. , Banerjee, Rahul , Dima, Danai , Pasvolsky, Oren , Raza, Shahzad , Anwer, Faiz , Lin, Yi , Atrash, Shebli , Reshef, Ran , Portuguese, Andrew J. , Kort, Jeries , Geer, Marcus , Xie, Zhuoer , Puglianini, Omar Castañeda , Hansen, Doris K. , Locke, Frederick L. , Nishihori, Taiga , Grajales‐Cruz, Ariel , Herr, Megan M. , Hassan, Hamza , Anderson, Larry D. , Khan, Adeel , Wagner, Charlotte B , Fortuna, Gliceida Galarza

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 5852-5852

10.1182/blood-2025-5852 Get It

Abstract Introduction: The CAR-T therapies ide-cel and cilta-cel are approved for patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, subtypes, and associated risk factors for subsequent primary malignancies (SPMs) in MM pts treated with CAR-T therapy in the real-world setting. Methods: A retrospective, multicenter observational cohort study was conducted of pts who received CAR-T therapy between May 2021 and Dec 2024 at 15 centers within the US Multiple Myeloma Immunotherapy Consortium. Logistic models were used for univariable analyses of invasive SPMs (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers). Variables significant at p < 0.10 were included as candidate variables in the multivariable analysis. Time to event endpoints were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Results: Of n=1460 CAR-T recipients, median follow-up from the time of CAR-T infusion for the entire cohort, ide-cel, and cilta-cel pts was 13.1, 16.9, and 10 months, respectively. A total of 55 invasive SPMs were noted in 53 pts (SPM incidence 3.6%). The incidence rate of SPMs was 4.55 per 1,000 person-years, based on 53 SPMs occurring over 11,646.14 person-years (calculated from CAR-T to the SPM diagnosis, death, or last follow-up). Baseline characteristics were similar for pts with no SPM versus SPM including: age at CAR-T (median 67 vs 65), female (36% vs 43%), Black (13% vs 16%), prior autologous transplant (87% vs 80%), lenalidomide for ≥2 years (31% vs 27%), high risk cytogenetics (23% vs 29%), and known clonal hematopoiesis (7.5% vs 9.9%). Differences were observed in baseline characteristics among pts with SPM versus no SPM for ≥2 prior alkylator lines of therapy (LOT) (82% vs 60%, p=0.002) and median prior LOT (6 vs 5, p=0.008). There was a trend for more patients with SPMs being age ≥70 (35% vs 37%, p=0.074). Of the 53 SPMs, 26 (49%) were myeloid (MDS or AML), 19 (35.8%) were solid, 7 (13.2%) were of T-cell origin, and 1 was a B-cell lymphoma. Of the T-cell SPMs, three were of T-LGL, though one of the T-LGL pts later developed an invasive CNS T-cell lymphoma (CAR-negative). There were four cases of confirmed CAR-positive T-cell SPMs (all pts treated with cilta-cel), of which two were indolent T-cell lymphoma of the GI tract and two were cutaneous PTCL. There was no difference in total incidence of SPMs among pts who received ide-cel (total=4.4%; myeloid=2.2%, T-cell=0.04%) versus cilta-cel (total=3%; myeloid=1.4%; T-cell=0.5%) (p=0.21). Median OS from the time of CAR-T therapy was 40.8 months for pts without SPM compared to 27.6 months for pts with SPM (p=0.4). Median OS did not differ by myeloid, solid, and T-cell subgroup: 26.4, 37.2, and 24 months, respectively (p=0.21). Median time from CAR-T cell to SPM was 12 months overall, and by subtypes of myeloid, solid, and T-cell was 13.2, 9.6, and 9.6 months, respectively (p=0.74). There was no difference in time to any SPM among pts receiving ide-cel versus cilta-cel (p=0.61). An earlier time to diagnosis of myeloid SPM was observed for cilta-cel versus ide-cel (4.8 vs 20.4 months; p=0.003). Median OS from the time of diagnosis of any SPM, myeloid, solid, or T-cell SPM was 9.6, 7.2, 15.6, and not reached in months, respectively (p=0.006), demonstrating that pts diagnosed with myeloid subtype SPM had inferior OS from the time of their SPM diagnosis compared to other subtypes. The cause of death of 4/11 myeloid SPM pts was the myeloid SPM itself. In univariable analysis for the entire cohort, age ≥70 (p=0.079), ≥5 prior LOT (p=0.012), and ≥2 prior alkylator LOT (p<0.001) were associated with higher risk for SPM. In multivariable analysis, ≥2 LOT containing alkylators was associated with higher risk of SPM (p=0.005). For the univariable analysis of the myeloid subgroup, ≥2 prior alkylator LOT (p=0.016) and ≥2 years of lenalidomide maintenance (p=0.063) were associated with higher risk of SPM. In multivariable analysis, ≥2 years of lenalidomide (p=0.065) was associated with a trend toward increased risk of myeloid SPM. Conclusions: With a median follow up of 13.1 months, the incidence of developing a SPM following CAR-T in pts with RRMM was 3.6%, of which approximately half were myeloid malignancies. There was no difference in SPM incidence when comparing the two CAR-T products. Pts treated with ≥2 alkylator LOT had a higher risk of SPM in multivariable analysis and may warrant additional monitoring for SPM development.
Delayed Neurotoxicity after CAR-T in Multiple Myeloma: Results from a Global IMWG Registry
Kumar, Anupama, Hashmi, Hamza , Corraes, Andre De Menezes Silva , Htut, Myo, Scheller, Lukas , Kadel, Sofie‐Katrin , Hájek, Roman , Martínez‐López, Joaquín , Biran, Noa , Abrahamsen, Ingerid Weum , Chen, Szu-Ying, Ng, Melissa , Harrison, Simon J, Costello, Caitlin , Matos, Isadora, Gupta, Sasha , Lin, Yi, Hajek, Roman , Martinez-Lopez, Joaquin , Abrahamsen, Ingerid Weum , Atallah‐Yunes, Suheil Albert , Rajeeve, Sridevi , Abdelhak, Ahmed , Htut, Myo , Rodríguez‐Otero, Paula , Parrondo, Ricardo D , Chhabra, Saurabh , Kortüm, K. Martin , Einsele, Hermann , Donk, Niels W.C.J. van de , Mihalyova, Jana , Larrea, Carlos Fernández de , Chen, Szu‐Ying , Patiño-Escobar, Bonell , Harrison, Simon J , Matos, Isadora, Crusoé, Edvan de Queiroz , Costa, Luciano J. , Wiita, Arun P. , Martin, Thomas G. , Chari, Ajai

Blood | December 6, 2024 | Volume: 144 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 4758-4758

10.1182/blood-2024-201783 Get It

Background Emerging evidence has demonstrated rare subacute to late neurological toxicities (NTs) after BCMA CAR T-cell therapy (CAR-T) in multiple myeloma (MM). These adverse events can be categorized as: 1) Parkinsonism (PD), 2) cranial nerve (CN) palsies, and 3) peripheral neuropathies/Guillan Barré syndrome (GBS). These toxicities can cause significant morbidity, but given their relative rarity in clinical trials, there is limited data regarding evaluation and treatment. To our knowledge, this is the largest and only global registry of delayed NTs after BCMA CAR-T. Methods We retrospectively established a registry of NTs via the Immune Therapy Working Committee of the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG). We gathered data pertaining to demographics, MM characteristics, MM response, NT signs/symptoms, diagnostic workup, and treatment. Result A total of 52 patients with delayed neurotoxicity were included from 14 institutions and 6 countries; 92% received ciltacel, 4% idecel, and 4% investigational CAR-T. Median age at CAR-T infusion was 65 years; 69% were male and 88% were Caucasian. Median bone marrow plasma cell (PC) burden was 15% prior to CAR-T (range 0-95%). Patients received a median of 4 prior lines of therapy (LOT), with 67% progressing on last LOT. Seventeen percent had pre-existing neurological diagnoses (including stroke, epilepsy, migraines). We identified sixteen cases of PD (94% with movement disorder, 69% with cognitive impairment, 75% with personality changes), occurring at a median of 26 days (range: 15-87) after CAR-T. Ninety four percent had CRS (grade (G)1 50%, G2 38%, G3 6%, G4 0%), while 19% had ICANS (G1 13%, G2 6%, G3-G4 0%). Median peak absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) was 9.5 x 109/L, peak C-reactive protein (CRP) 60.9 mg/L, and peak ferritin 1893.5 ug/L within the first 30 days. Concurrently, 3 upper respiratory infections (URIs) and 2 low-level HHV7 in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were detected. A median of 73% of T-cells in the CSF were CAR-T, based on a flow cytometry assay. Ten patients received steroids (median 19 days after symptoms, 70% partial response, 20% no response, 10% unknown), 2 received intrathecal (IT) methotrexate-based therapy (median 32 days after symptoms, 1 with no response, 1 unknown), 5 received intravenous (IV) cyclophosphamide (median 31 days after symptoms, 40% full response, 20% partial response, 40% no response), 4 received high-dose IVIG ≥1g/kg for one or more dose (50% partial response, 50% no response), and 6 received dopamine agonists. There were 37 CN palsies (76% CN7, 15% CN6, 7% CN5, 2% CN3), occurring at a median of 37.5 days (range: 7-482) after CAR-T. Eighty one percent had CRS (G1 68%, G2 14%, G3-G4 0%); 11% had G1 ICANS (G2-G4 0%). Median peak ALC was 4.1 x 109/L, CRP 25.4 mg/L, and ferritin 543 ug/L within the first 30 days. We identified 2 concurrent URIs, 4 CMV viremia (50% with viral load >1500 IU/mL), 1 HHV6 viremia, and 1 HSV in the CSF. Thirty-two (86%) received steroids for a median duration of 12 days, 50% with full response, 3% with no response, and 47% with partial response (of which 43% had later full recovery without further intervention). One received IT methotrexate and another received IV cyclophosphamide without response. Thirteen (41%) received IVIG, of which 38% was high-dose IVIG. Four patients with CN palsies developed peripheral neuropathy/GBS. Eight patients (15%) in this cohort were not heavily pre-treated (≤1 prior LOT); 7 developed CN palsies (6 after ciltacel, 1 after investigational CAR-T) and 1 PD (after idecel). These patients had median <5% PC; none had extramedullary disease. Median ALC was 4.14 x 109/L, CRP 33 mg/L, and ferritin 448.5 ug/L within the first 30 days. Conclusions Delayed NT requires prompt recognition, evaluation for alternative causes, and treatment. In our cohort, the majority of patients were male and Caucasian, suggesting that sex and race may impact the likelihood of developing NT. Individuals with PDs had greater inflammatory response (CRS, ALC, CRP, ferritin) compared to those with CN palsies. CN palsies responded to steroids and/or IVIG, whereas PD had at best partial response to steroids, prompting additional therapy. These toxicities notably did occur in less heavily pre-treated patients, perhaps driven by immune fitness and greater circulating T-cells rather than MM burden. At the time of the annual meeting, data will be updated with additional NTs from less heavily pre-treated patients.
The Mydrug Platform Trial: Efficacy and Safety of Daratumumab, Ixazomib, Pomalidomide, and Dexamethasone in Patients with Functionally High-Risk Multiple Myeloma
Kumar, Shaji , Biran, Noa , Ye, Jing Christine, Zonder, Jeffrey A. , Syed, Umar , Yesil, Jennifer, Woolley, Karen, Mulligan, George, Hofmeister, Craig C. , Kaur, Gurbakhash , Cho, Hearn Jay

Blood | November 29, 2022 | Volume: 140 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 4434-4435

10.1182/blood-2022-163737 Get It

Myeloma developing regimens using genomics (MyDRUG) trial: Results from the RAS mutation targeting arm.
Kumar, Shaji , Biran, Noa , Hultcrantz, Malin , Vij, Ravi , Ye, Jing Christine, Zonder, Jeffrey A. , DiLello, Lauren, Yesil, Jen, Bianchi, Giada , Richter, Joshua , Cho, Hearn Jay

Journal of Clinical Oncology | June 6, 2022 | Volume: 40 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 8055-8055

10.1200/jco.2022.40.16_suppl.8055 Get It

8055 Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by somatic mutations involving cancer-associated genes. The most commonly mutated genes are N- and K-Ras, which increase in prevalence as the disease progresses. Case reports and retrospective data suggest efficacy of targeting the MAPK pathway in N/K-Ras mutated MM. The MyDRUG trial was initiated to explore the efficacy of specific molecularly-targeted therapies in combination with standard therapies in MM. Methods: MyDRUG (NCT03732703) is a genomically-guided umbrella trial for patients with functional high-risk MM, defined as early relapse following primary therapy (3 years for transplant with maintenance, 18 months without), with specific genetic abnormalities. Subjects undergo molecular profiling of their MM cells and are assigned to a targeted arm if a variant allele frequency (VAF) over 25% is identified. The targeted mutated genes and respective agents (approved for non-MM indications and with a known phase 2 dose) are: KRAS/NRAS/BRAF (cobimetinib), FGFR3 (enasidenib), IDH (erdafitinib), CDKN2C (abemaciclib), t(11;14) (venetoclax). Patients receive the investigational drug for 2 cycles as a single agent followed by addition of an active MM combination (ixazomib, pomalidomide and dexamethasone, IPd). Limited dose escalation was performed with the single agent followed by dose assessment in combination with IPd. Here we present the results of the dose escalation portion of C1 arm exploring cobimetinib in patients with N/K-RAS or BRAF mutations. Cobimetinib was administered at 40 mg daily in combination with standard doses of IPd. Results: Eleven subjects with BRAF/RAS mutations were screened between August 2019 and October 2020, with 4 screen failures. Seven were enrolled, 5 males, median age 65 years, and median time from diagnosis of 30 months. N-RAS, K-RAS or BRAF mutations were seen in 4, 2, and 1 subject(s), respectively, with VAF ranging from 33-93%. Median number of prior lines of therapy was 1 (1-3), 3 patients had extramedullary disease, and 1 patient had high risk cytogenetics. Median duration of therapy was 12 months. One patient was not evaluable for dose limiting toxicity. All but 1 patient had at least one cycle delayed due to adverse events (AEs), but no dose reductions were required. No dose limiting toxicities were observed across the cycles, either during single agent therapy (Cycles 1-2) or in combination with IPd (Cycles 3 and 4). Six patients responded to therapy (4 PR, 2 VGPR). One patient was not response evaluable. Fatigue was the most common non-hematological AE followed by diarrhea. Conclusions: Here we report on the feasibility of genomically-guided, precision medicine therapy in K/N-RAS/BRAF-mutated MM. The MEK inhibitor cobimetinib in combination with IPd appears safe in functionally high-risk patients. Ongoing study will provide more information regarding the efficacy of this approach. Clinical trial information: NCT03732703.
Overall survival with oral selinexor plus low‐dose dexamethasone versus real‐world therapy in triple‐class‐refractory multiple myeloma
Richardson, Paul G. , Chari, Ajai , Dingli, David , Wei, Lee‐Jen, Biran, Noa , Reichmann, William M. , Li, Lingling , Tang, Shijie , Saint‐Martin, Jean‐Richard, Joshi, Anita, Kauffman, Michael , Shah, Jatin J., Shacham, Sharon, Chari, Ajai , Dingli, David , Richardson, Paul Gerard Guy , Jagannath, Sundar , Vogl, Dan T. , Dimopoulos, Meletios Α. , Moreau, Philippe , Richter, Joshua , Siegel, David S. , Lonial, Sagar

eJHaem | November 25, 2020 | Volume: 2 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 48-55

10.1002/jha2.120 Get It

AbstractTriple‐class‐refractory multiple myeloma (MM) describes MM refractory to proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, and anti‐CD38 monoclonal antibodies. In the Phase IIb STORM study (NCT02336815), oral selinexor plus low‐dose dexamethasone (Sel‐dex) demonstrated a 26.2% overall response rate in triple‐class‐refractory MM. Here, we compare overall survival (OS) of 122 patients with triple‐class‐refractory MM who received Sel‐dex in STORM Part 2 with that of 64 similar patients treated with other available therapies in a Flatiron Health Analytic Database (FHAD) cohort. OS from the date that the patients’ MM became triple‐class‐refractory was longer in STORM versus FHAD, with an unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 0.43 (P = .0002; adjusted HR 0.35 [P = .011]). In a subset analysis of highly resistant patients receiving further therapies after their MM first became at least triple‐class‐refractory (i.e., who received Sel‐dex in STORM,n = 64, and non‐Sel‐dex in FHAD,n = 36), the OS was significantly longer in STORM with an unadjusted HR of 0.52 (P = .0331; adjusted HR 0.33 [P = .041]). Within the limits of this analysis, the OS of patients with at least triple‐class‐refractory MM was significantly better with Sel‐dex versus available therapies, suggesting that Sel‐dex may be associated with a meaningful OS benefit in these patients.
Clinical features associated with COVID-19 outcome in multiple myeloma: first results from the International Myeloma Society data set
Chari, Ajai , Samur, Mehmet , Martínez‐López, Joaquín , Cook, Gordon , Biran, Noa , Yong, Kwee , Hungria, Vânia , Engelhardt, Monika , Feria, Ana García, Oliva, Stefania , Gozzetti, Alessandro , Rosenbaum, Cara A. , Kumar, Shaji , Stadtmauer, Edward A. , Beksaç, Meral , Mateos, María‐Victoria , Moreau, Philippe , Miguel, Jesús F. San , Munshi, Nikhil C. , Martinez-Lopez, Joaquin , Martinez-Lopez, Joaquin , Moreau, Philippe , Chari, Ajai , San-Miguel, Jesus , Hungria, Vania , Martinez-Lopez, Joaquin , Gozzetti, Alessandro , Beksac, Meral , Cook, Gordon , Oliva, Stefania , Yong, Kwee , Samur, Mehmet K , Gay, Francesca , Oostvogels, Rimke , Einsele, Hermann , Weisel, Katja C , Anderson, Kenneth C. , Avet‐Loiseau, Hervé

Blood | November 6, 2020 | Volume: 136 | Issue: 26 | Pages: 3033-3040

10.1182/blood.2020008150 Get It

Abstract The primary cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) is an infection. Therefore, there is great concern about susceptibility to the outcome of COVID-19–infected patients with MM. This retrospective study describes the baseline characteristics and outcome data of COVID-19 infection in 650 patients with plasma cell disorders, collected by the International Myeloma Society to understand the initial challenges faced by myeloma patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyses were performed for hospitalized MM patients. Among hospitalized patients, the median age was 69 years, and nearly all patients (96%) had MM. Approximately 36% were recently diagnosed (2019-2020), and 54% of patients were receiving first-line therapy. Thirty-three percent of patients have died, with significant geographic variability, ranging from 27% to 57% of hospitalized patients. Univariate analysis identified age, International Staging System stage 3 (ISS3), high-risk disease, renal disease, suboptimal myeloma control (active or progressive disease), and 1 or more comorbidities as risk factors for higher rates of death. Neither history of transplant, including within a year of COVID-19 diagnosis, nor other anti-MM treatments were associated with outcomes. Multivariate analysis found that only age, high-risk MM, renal disease, and suboptimal MM control remained independent predictors of adverse outcome with COVID-19 infection. The management of MM in the era of COVID-19 requires careful consideration of patient- and disease-related factors to decrease the risk of acquiring COVID-19 infection, while not compromising disease control through appropriate MM treatment. This study provides initial data to develop recommendations for the management of MM patients with COVID-19 infection.
The effect that β-lactam antibiotics have on progression free and overall survival in multiple myeloma patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation.
McKenna, Marshall, Feinman, Rena , Vesole, David H. , Goldberg, Stuart L. , Vélez, Miguel González , Wang, Jun Chih, McKiernan, Phyllis , Donato, Michèle L. , Paleoudis, Elli Gourna , Biran, Noa , Ahn, Jaeil , Wang, Shuqi , Suero‐Abreu, Giselle Alexandra , Rehman, Abdul , Siegel, David S.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 25, 2020 | Volume: 38 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: e20518-e20518

10.1200/jco.2020.38.15_suppl.e20518 Get It

e20518 Background: Gut microbiome dysbiosis is correlated with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in allogeneic stem cell transplant (allo-SCT) patients. In the allo-SCT population, antibiotics have been associated with increased risk for GVHD mortality and relapse due to loss of gut obligate anaerobes . It has been shown that antibiotics may negatively impact the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors for patients with solid tumors. Based on these studies, we performed a retrospective analysis to determine if antibiotic treatment affects outcomes of multiple myeloma (MM) patients after autologous SCT (ASCT). Methods: This is a single institution retrospective study at Hackensack University Medical Center. A list of consecutive MM patients treated from 1/2012 to 12/2015 was obtained and an electronic medical record review of the first 217 who received ASCT was performed. Baseline characteristics, treatment history, transplant course and antibiotic treatment (including β-lactams, fluoroquinolones, macrolides, metronidazole, and vancomycin) were reviewed. Prophylactic antibiotics were excluded. Response was defined using the IMWG criteria. Median progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Log rank tests were used to compare the difference in survival between stratified groups. The LASSO cox regression analysis method was used for multivariate analyses of PFS and OS. Results: Of the 217 patients, 205 patients were available for analysis. Median age at ASCT was 61. β-lactams were associated with decreased median PFS (1.95 vs 4.77 years (yrs), p < 0.01) and decreased median OS (7.51 vs 13.45 yrs, p = 0.01). Multivariate analysis adjusting for lasso-selected age, gender, complete remission (CR) after ASCT, and ISS demonstrated independent progression risk associated with β-lactam use (HR = 2.00, 95% CI, 1.28–3.12, p < 0.01). β-lactams were associated with worse OS in multivariate analysis adjusting for lasso-selected age, gender, CR after ASCT and high risk cytogenetics (HR = 1.89, 95% CI, 1.07–3.40, p = 0.03). Conclusions: In this preliminary study, β-lactams predicted for decreased PFS and OS compared to patients who did not receive β-lactams in MM patients undergoing ASCT. The study was limited by its retrospective nature but demonstrates one of the first evaluations of antibiotic effect on the ASCT population in MM. Prospective studies evaluating the impact of antimicrobials on patient outcomes and the gut microbiome are ongoing.