Citations

SummaryIn individuals with high‐count monoclonal B‐cell lymphocytosis (MBL), we investigated if lymphadenopathy or splenomegaly found by imaging was associated with shorter time to first chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) therapy (TTFT) and overall survival (OS). Individuals with MBL seen at Mayo Clinic (2002–2019) were retrospectively divided into three cohorts based on imaging studies within 1 year of diagnosis: no imaging studies (Cohort A); imaging with no evidence of lymphadenopathy/splenomegaly (Cohort B); imaging with evidence of lymphadenopathy/splenomegaly (Cohort C). We compared baseline characteristics, TTFT and OS across the MBL cohorts to a cohort of individuals with small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). A total of 1078 patients were included: 640 with MBL and 438 with SLL. Compared to Cohort B, individuals in Cohort C were more likely to have unmutated immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (IGHV) (43% vs. 25% p = 0.016), high‐risk fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) (del17p and del11q in 15% vs. 4%, p = 0.038) and higher expression of CD38 (31% vs. 16%; p = 0.011). After adjusting for sex and CLL‐International Prognostic Index (IPI), lymphadenopathy/splenomegaly was associated with a shorter TTFT (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–4.04, p = 0.042) but not OS (HR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.62–1.92, p = 0.775). Lymphadenopathy/splenomegaly on imaging in individuals with high‐count MBL is associated with a more unfavourable risk profile and shorter time to first CLL‐directed therapy.

Abstract Motivation Efforts to address health disparities are often limited by the lack of robust computational tools for inferring genetic ancestry by calculating an individual’s genetic similarity to continental groups. We have already shown that a preferred alternative to self-described race is using ancestry-informative markers (AIMs) that can be classified into ancestral components and used to estimate their similarity to those of known populations to identify continental groups. However, real-world genomic data can present challenges, including limited availability of germline DNA, a small number of AIMs for each sample, and the use of different variant calling software, limiting the application of existing solutions. Results Here, we describe a novel supervised machine-learning tool AncestryGeni, which infers genetic ancestry for samples with even a hundred markers and is applicable to any genomic data, including whole exome sequencing (WES) and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data. Applying AncestryGeni to a real-world genomic dataset obtained from the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) CoMMpass study, we show that it is more accurate than the commonly used FastNGSadmix when using nonstandard genomic material. We also demonstrate that when using AncestryGeni, the tumor-derived sequence obtained from WES and RNA-Seq can be a robust data source to accurately estimate an individual’s genetic similarity to a continental group. Availability and implementation AncestryGeni pipeline is available at https://github.com/eelhaik/AncestryGeni/tree/main.

Despite significant improvements in survival of patients with multiple myeloma (MM), outcomes remain heterogeneous, and a significant proportion of patients experience suboptimal outcomes. Importantly, traditional prognostic factors based on data from patients treated with older therapies no longer capture prognosis accurately in the contemporary era of novel triplet or quadruplet therapies. Therefore, risk stratification requires refinement in the context of available and investigational treatment options in routine practice and clinical trials, respectively. The current identification of high-risk MM (HRMM) in routine practice is based on the Revised International Staging System, which stratifies patients using a combination of widely available serum biomarkers and chromosomal abnormalities assessed via fluorescence in situ hybridization. In recent years, a substantial body of evidence concerning additional clinical, biological, and molecular/genomic prognostic factors has accumulated, along with new MM risk stratification tools and consensus reports. The International Myeloma Society, along with the International Myeloma Working Group, convened an Expert Panel with the primary aim of revisiting the definition of HRMM and formulating a practical and data-driven consensus definition, based on new evidence from molecular/genomic assays, updated clinical data, and contemporary risk stratification concepts. The Panel proposes the following Consensus Genomic Staging (CGS) of HRMM which relies upon the presence of at least one of these abnormalities: (1) del(17p), with a cutoff of >20% clonal fraction, and/or TP53 mutation; (2) an IgH translocation including t(4;14), t(14;16), or t(14;20) along with 1q+ and/or del(1p32); (3) monoallelic del(1p32) along with 1q+ or biallelic del(1p32); or (4) β2 microglobulin ≥5.5 mg/L with normal creatinine (<1.2 mg/dL).

Abstract Allogeneic stem cell transplant (ASCT) remains the only curative option in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). We retrospectively analyzed 138 CMML patients who underwent ASCT at the Mayo Clinic. Patients who transitioned to ASCT while in chronic phase (Group A) displayed superior post-transplant survival (PTS), compared to those in whom ASCT was performed after blast transformation (BT; Group B) (median 95 vs. 16 months; p=0.01). In Group A, PTS was superior in patients with <5% bone marrow (BM) blasts at time of ASCT (median 164 vs. 13.5 months; p=0.01). Other predictors of superior PTS included day-100 BM blast <5% or normal cytogenetics (median 164 vs 18 months; p=0.01) or presence of chronic graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD; median 164 vs. 26 months; p=0.01). Pre-ASCT hypomethylating agent exposure (HR=2.03; p=0.03), and receiving more than one line of pre-ASCT chemotherapy (p=0.01) predicted inferior PTS. In multivariable analysis, predictors of superior GVHD-free and relapse-free survival (GRFS) included the use myeloablative conditioning and the absence of morphologically or cytogenetically apparent disease at day-100. The use of post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) was associated with higher cumulative incidence of relapse (p=0.02) and numerically inferior PTS (p=0.1). Group B patients also appeared to benefit from achieving BM blast <5% at time of ASCT (p=0.4) as well as at day-100 (p=0.01), in terms of PTS, while full chimerism and normal cytogenetics at day-100 were associated with superior GRFS. These observations support the value of ASCT in CMML, especially if performed prior to BT and in the presence of <5% BM blasts at time of ASCT. Additionally, the observed detrimental impact of PTCy requires additional studies to confirm and investigate the underlying mechanisms.

CARTITUDE-1 evaluated ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) in patients with heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). We describe overall survival (OS), ≥5-year progression-free outcomes, associated biomarkers, and safety, with a median study follow-up of 61.3 months. For the 97 treated patients, median OS was 60.7 months (95% CI, 41.9 to not estimable). One third (32/97) of patients remain alive and progression-free for ≥5 years after a single cilta-cel infusion, without maintenance treatment. Twelve of these patients treated at a single center underwent serial minimal residual disease (MRD) and positron emission tomography-computed tomography assessments, and all (100%) were MRD-negative (at least 10 −5 threshold) and imaging-negative at year 5 or later after cilta-cel. Baseline characteristics, including the presence of high-risk cytogenetics and extramedullary disease, were generally comparable for the 32 patients who were progression-free for ≥5 years versus patients who had progressive disease by year 5. A trend of lower baseline tumor burden, higher fraction of naïve T-cells in the cilta-cel drug product, higher T cell-to-neutrophil ratio, higher hemoglobin and platelets at baseline, and higher effector-to-target ratio were associated with ≥5-year progression-free status. The safety profile of cilta-cel remained consistent with previous reports. To our knowledge, our data provide the first evidence that cilta-cel is potentially curative in patients with RRMM.

Background: The objective of this research article is to compare endoscopic treatment versus shunting procedures for failed endoscopic third ventriculostomies (ETVs) in pediatric patients with hydrocephalus. Methods: We did a systematic review based on preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines on Studies involving pediatric patients (aged 0–18 years) diagnosed with hydrocephalus, reporting on the use of repeat ETV (Re-ETV) or Ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS) as a treatment option following failed ETV. Comparative studies, including randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and any prospective studies, are included. Studies published in the English language conducted between 2001 and 2023 are included. Results: Forty articles were selected for full-text review. Out of which nine articles that clearly addressed the topic of Re-ETV and/or VPS placement after failure of primary ETV were deemed suitable for analysis. A data set of 663 patients was analyzed. Re-ETV was done in 220 patients (33.18%) and VPS Placement was done in 443 patients (66.81%). The primary ETV failure rates ranged from 16.6 to 60.89%. There was a higher failure rate of Re-ETV (74.98%) compared to VPS (22.26%) indicating that VPS is generally more successful as a secondary intervention. The presence of hemorrhage during primary ETV suggested more benefit from VPS placement rather than Re-ETV (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our systematic review suggests that VPS placement is the more prevalent choice after primary ETV failure, likely due to its higher overall success rate and the nature of complications. The wide variability in failure rates and follow-up durations suggests that treatment outcomes can differ greatly between patients and studies. Decisions regarding secondary interventions should be individualized, considering patient-specific factors such as age, complications, and timing of intervention.

6008 Background: ATC patients present with advanced, often surgically unresectable disease with historically dismal prognosis. Median PFS and OS of DT without pembrolizumab were 6.7 and 13.5 months, respectively, in the ROAR trial. Neoadjuvant DTP achieved locoregional control without radical surgery in a retrospective series of BRAF m-ATC patients, providing rationale to evaluate efficacy and safety in a phase 2 prospective trial. Methods: In this single-arm multicenter phase 2 trial, patients with BRAF m-ATC stage IVB/IVC were enrolled in 5 US centers. Following a 3-6 week run-in with D (150 mg BID) and T (2 mg daily), P (200 mg Q3W) was added, with restaging every three (21-day) cycles. Post-operatively, patients continued P (or DTP) with radiotherapy or transitioned directly to adjuvant DTP (up to 26 cycles). Primary endpoints included R0/R1 resection rate (historically 5%) and overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints included RECIST 1.1 response after DTP and progression-free survival (PFS). Results: Between 9/2021-1/2025, 42 patients were enrolled; 36 are included in the current analysis (3 not evaluable, 3 pending surgery) (Table). Patients received median 4 (range: 2-7) neoadjuvant DTP cycles, with 26 (72%) achieving radiographic PR/CR. 30 patients (83%) had surgery after neoadjuvant DTP, achieving R0/R1 resection in 29/30 (97%). Mean surgical morbidity score (0-4 scale, 4=unresectable) improved from 3.3 to 1.6 after DTP (p<0.01). Complete ATC pathologic response occurred in 20/30 patients (67%), while 10/30 (33%) had residual ATC in the surgical specimen. Postoperatively, 11/30 (37%) received adjuvant neck radiation, and 28/36 (78%) completed a median of 11 (range: 1-26) adjuvant DTP cycles. With median follow up 18 months, 15/36 (42%) patients died. Median OS was 20 months (95% CI: 12.6-NR); 1- and 2-year OS were 71% and 48%. Complete pathologic responders had better 2-year OS than those with residual ATC (69% vs. 22%, p=0.02). Median PFS was 13.9 months (95% CI, 7.5-NR); 1- and 2-year PFS were 57% and 36%. Grade 5 adverse events occurred in 8 patients (22%), including one possible (duodenal perforation), one probable (kidney injury with sepsis), and 6 unlikely/unrelated treatment-related deaths. Conclusions: Neoadjuvant DTP enables surgical resection in BRAF m-ATC compared with historical controls, and leads to improved PFS and OS. This approach should now be considered a standard of care for BRAF m-ATC. Clinical trial information: NCT04675710 . Total N=36 Age (y), median (range) 67 (46-86) Stage IVB/IVC, n (%) 15 (42%)/21 (58%) Best RECIST response neoadjuvant phase, n (%) CR 2 (6%) PR 24 (67%) SD 6 (17%) PD 4 (11%) Percent change target lesion diameter, mean (95% CI) -44% (-54%, -34%) Surgical morbidity score change, mean (95% CI) -1.7 (-2.1, -1.3)