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 4999: Multi-omics insights into the molecular signature and prognosis of hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Abstract Approximately two-thirds of hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC) are diagnosed in advanced stage, with the worst prognosis among head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). Identifying biomarkers for high-risk patients who need aggressive treatment is crucial. We present mutational, transcriptomic and proteomic studies of 103 Chinese HPSCC patients, observing a higher prevalence and poorer prognosis in males comparing to females. Genes in estrogen response pathways are up-regulated and proteins phosphorylated by protein kinase C (PKC) and Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are aberrantly regulated. We identify aberrant copy number regions including SOX2 (3q26.33), FGFR (8p11.23), CCND1 (11q13.3), CDKN2A/2B (9p21.3), and MYC (8q24.21). HPV status combined with highly mutated genes as predictive markers was assessed, including SYNE1 in HPV(-), MUC4 in HPV(+) patients. We confirm the presence of four known gene expression (GE) subtypes of HNSCC in our HPSCC cohort and present the genomic alterations, patient characteristics and survival status of each subtype. A predictive model involving clinical factors and transcriptomic expression of six genes was established and cross-site validated. The findings open new opportunities for stratifying high-risk patients and molecular targets for novel therapeutic strategies. Citation Format: Yanxin Ren, Wei Xiong, Chun Feng, Dan Yu, Xiaoyan Wang, Qing Yang, Siting Yu, Hongjiang Zhang, Bangyun Huo, Honglu Jiang, Zuli Li, Junlin Wang, Yu-Xiong Su, Ping Yang, Yong Liao, Qi Zhong, Junwen Wang. Multi-omics insights into the molecular signature and prognosis of hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 4999.
Peripheral Iridectomy With Goniosynechialysis and Goniotomy vs Trabeculectomy for Advanced PACG
ImportanceThe safety and effectiveness of combining surgical peripheral iridectomy (SPI) with goniosynechialysis (GSL) and goniotomy (GT) vs trabeculectomy for intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction remains unknown.ObjectiveTo investigate the safety and effectiveness at 1 year of SPI + GSL + GT vs trabeculectomy in advanced primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) without cataract.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis noninferiority randomized clinical trial was conducted at 8 tertiary eye centers in China. A total of 88 Chinese patients (88 eyes) with advanced PACG without cataract were enrolled from January 2022 to July 2023. Data were analyzed from August 2024 to September 2024. Mean (SD) patient age was 60.3 (7.3) years, and 52 patients (59.1%) were female. Forty-three patients were randomized to SPI + GSL + GT and 45 were randomized to trabeculectomy; 86 patients (97.7%) completed the 12-month follow-up.InterventionsParticipants were randomized 1:1 to receive SPI + GSL + GT or trabeculectomy.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was IOP at 12 months (noninferior margin: 4 mm Hg). Secondary outcomes included surgical success (IOP: 5-18 mm Hg, ≥20% reduction from baseline, with or without antiglaucoma medications); postoperative complications and interventions, including bleb massage, suture lysis, or releasable sutures; and number of antiglaucomatous medications prescribed.ResultsAt 12 months, the SPI + GSL + GT group had a mean (SD) IOP of 15.6 (4.0) mm Hg vs 14.9 (4.2) mm Hg in the trabeculectomy group (difference, 0.5 mm Hg; 95% CI, −1.2 to 2.2; P = .55), which was within the 4-mm Hg noninferiority margin. Qualified success rates were 38 of 43 participants (88.4%) for SPI + GSL + GT and 42 of 45 participants (93.3%) for trabeculectomy (difference, −5.0%; 95% CI, −19.6% to 8.5%; P = .48). However, complete success rates were lower in the SPI + GSL + GT group (26 participants [60.5%]) vs the trabeculectomy group (37 participants [82.2%]; difference, −21.8%; 95% CI, −40.2% to −2.4%; P = .03). Postoperative complications were present for 8 participants (18.6%) in the SPI + GSL + GT group vs 9 participants (20.0%) in the trabeculectomy group (difference, −1.4%; 95% CI, −17.9% to 15.1%; P = .71). Postoperative interventions were lower in the SPI + GSL + GT group (3 participants [7.0%] vs 25 participants [55.6%]; difference, 48.6%; 95% CI, 32.2%-65.0%; P < .001). Median (IQR) numbers of medications used decreased from 2 (0-3) to 0 (0-1) in the SPI + GSL + GT group and from 2 (2-3) to 0 (0-0) in the trabeculectomy group (difference, −0.81; 95% CI, −1.36 to −0.26; P = .004).Conclusions and RelevanceIn this randomized clinical trial among patients with advanced PACG without cataract, SPI + GSL + GT demonstrated noninferiority (4-mm Hg margin) to trabeculectomy for IOP at 12 months, with fewer interventions (including bleb massage, suture lysis, or releasable sutures) but no difference in postoperative medication use. This suggests SPI + GSL + GT as a potential alternative to trabeculectomy for similar cases, pending validation in larger sample sizes with smaller noninferiority margins.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05163951
Two-Year Outcomes of Phacogoniotomy vs Phacotrabeculectomy for Advanced Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma With Cataract
ImportanceIntraocular pressure (IOP) reduction with phacogoniotomy (phacoemulsification plus goniosynechialysis plus goniotomy) was not less than that of phacotrabeculectomy for advanced primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) with cataract at 1-year follow-up, but longer-term outcomes are needed.ObjectiveTo investigate if phacogoniotomy is noninferior to phacotrabeculectomy for advanced PACG with cataract at 2 years.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis multicenter, noninferiority, randomized clinical trial took place in 7 ophthalmology centers in China. The trial started May 31, 2021, and 2-year follow-up ended May 31, 2024. Included in this analysis were patients with advanced PACG and cataract. Study data were analyzed from September 2024 to January 2025.InterventionsRandom assignment (1:1) to phacogoniotomy or phacotrabeculectomy.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome measure was reduction in IOP from baseline to the 2-year visit with a noninferiority margin of 4 mm Hg.ResultsA total of 124 participants (124 eyes) were randomized (mean [SD] age, 66.4 [8.6] years; 67 female [54.0%]), 65 (52.4%) to the phacogoniotomy group and 59 (47.6%) to the phacotrabeculectomy group. A total of 59 patients (90.7%) in the phacogoniotomy group and 52 patients (88.1%) in the phacotrabeculectomy group completed 2-year visits. All participants were Chinese. Mean (SD) IOP reduction was −25.6 (10.2) mm Hg and −24.7 (9.4) mm Hg in the phacogoniotomy and phacotrabeculectomy groups, respectively, and the upper boundary of the CI for difference in change between groups was lower than the 4-mm Hg noninferiority margin (mean difference, −0.5 mm Hg; 97.5% CI, −1.7 mm Hg to 0.8 mm Hg; P = .42). The mean difference for complete success for phacogoniotomy vs phacotrabeculectomy was −6.7% (95% CI, −21.4% to 8.8%; P = .47) and for qualified success was 1.4% (95% CI, −11.0% to 14.3%, P = .30). Median (IQR) number of antiglaucomatous medication was 0 (0) vs 0 (0; Hodges-Lehmann estimate of location shift, 0; 95% CI, 0; P =.12) with phacogoniotomy vs phacotrabeculectomy, respectively (mean difference, 0.13; 95% CI, −0.36 to 0.63; P = .60).Conclusions and RelevanceMean IOP reduction with phacogoniotomy was noninferior to phacotrabeculectomy for advanced PACG and cataract at 2-year follow-up with no differences detected in complete or qualified success or mean number of antiglaucomatous medications. These findings support phacogoniotomy as an alternative to phacotrabeculectomy for patients with advanced PACG and cataract.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04878458
Inflammatory bowel disease‐associated serrated lesions with dysplasia are frequently associated with advanced neoplasia: supporting a unified classification approach
AimsInflammatory bowel disease (IBD)‐associated serrated lesions are categorized into three distinct subtypes: traditional serrated adenoma (TSA)‐like lesion, sessile serrated lesion (SSL)‐like lesion, and serrated lesion, not otherwise specified (NOS). Although the risk of neoplastic progression of serrated lesions without dysplasia has not been shown to exceed that of sporadic cases, the clinicopathologic features of the three serrated subtypes with dysplasia remain poorly understood in the context of IBD.Methods and ResultsWe analysed 87 serrated lesions with dysplasia (collectively referred to as serrated dysplasia) identified endoscopically in 58 IBD patients, including 51 (59%) TSA‐like dysplasia, 24 (28%) SSL‐like dysplasia, and 12 (14%) serrated dysplasia NOS. Inclusion criteria required all three serrated subtypes to show morphologic evidence of dysplasia and to be located within areas of colitis. We also compared the clinicopathologic features of serrated dysplasia with those of 239 conventional (adenomatous) dysplastic lesions from 149 IBD patients. The cohort included 39 (67%) men and 19 (33%) women, with a mean age of 54 years and a mean IBD duration of 20 years. Most patients had ulcerative colitis (n = 41; 71%) and pancolitis (n = 48; 83%). The majority of serrated lesions with dysplasia had a polypoid or visible endoscopic appearance (n = 73; 84%), with a mean size of 1.4 cm, and were found in the left colon (n = 66; 76%). Most lesions (n = 73; 84%) demonstrated low‐grade dysplasia at the time of biopsy diagnosis, whereas high‐grade dysplasia (HGD) was identified in the remaining 14 (16%) lesions. SSL‐like dysplasia was more frequently associated with ulcerative colitis (94%) compared to TSA‐like dysplasia (67%) and serrated dysplasia NOS (56%) (P = 0.042). Although only seven (12%) patients had a concurrent history of primary sclerosing cholangitis, it was exclusively identified in the TSA‐like dysplasia group (19% versus 0% in both the SSL‐like dysplasia group and the serrated dysplasia NOS group; P = 0.017). Serrated dysplasia NOS more commonly demonstrated HGD at the time of biopsy diagnosis (42%) compared to TSA‐like dysplasia (12%) and SSL‐like dysplasia (13%) (P = 0.022). Serrated dysplasia NOS was also more frequently associated with synchronous and/or metachronous nonconventional dysplasia (60%) compared to TSA‐like dysplasia (16%) and SSL‐like dysplasia (9%) (P = 0.037). Serrated dysplasia, regardless of subtype, was associated with high rates of advanced neoplasia (HGD or colorectal cancer) at the previous biopsy site or in the same colonic segment during follow‐up. Within a mean follow‐up time of 13 months, advanced neoplasia was detected in 50% of the TSA‐like dysplasia group, 67% of the SSL‐like dysplasia group, and 100% of the serrated dysplasia NOS group (P = 0.622). Moreover, at least one‐third of patients in each group (58% in the TSA‐like dysplasia group, 44% in the SSL‐like dysplasia group, and 33% in the serrated dysplasia NOS group; P = 0.332) developed synchronous/metachronous dysplasia, with at least 50% of these lesions progressing to advanced neoplasia within a mean follow‐up time of 11 months (P = 1.000). The serrated dysplasia group showed nearly six times the incidence of advanced neoplasia upon follow‐up (59%) compared to the conventional dysplasia group (10%) (P < 0.001).ConclusionTSA‐like dysplasia, SSL‐like dysplasia, and serrated dysplasia NOS show distinct clinicopathologic features. However, all three serrated subtypes were associated with high rates of advanced neoplasia (50%–100%) during follow‐up, suggesting that these lesions could potentially be combined into one diagnostic category, such as serrated dysplasia.
ImportanceMyeloperoxidase is one of the most abundant peroxidase enzymes in activated myeloid cells. Myeloperoxidase inhibitors may have a clinical benefit in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by slowing neurodegeneration via reduced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.ObjectiveTo determine the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of verdiperstat, a selective myeloperoxidase inhibitor, in ALS.Design, Settings, and ParticipantsVerdiperstat was tested as a regimen of the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial, a multicenter, double-blind, perpetual platform design, randomized clinical trial, with sharing of trial infrastructure and placebo data across multiple regimens. The study was conducted at 54 ALS referral centers across the US from July 2020 to April 2022. Adult participants with a diagnosis of clinically possible, probable, laboratory-supported probable, or definite ALS defined by the revised El Escorial criteria were randomized to verdiperstat or regimen-specific placebo. An additional group of participants concurrently randomized to placebo from other regimens was included in the analyses.InterventionsEligible participants were randomized in a 3:1 ratio to receive oral verdiperstat, 600 mg, twice daily or matching placebo for a planned placebo-controlled duration of 24 weeks.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary efficacy outcome was change from baseline through week 24 in disease severity, as measured by a joint model of ALS Functional Rating Scale–Revised and survival, with the treatment effect quantified by the disease rate ratio (DRR), with DRR less than 1 indicating a slowing in disease progression of verdiperstat relative to placebo.ResultsA total of 167 participants (mean [SD] age, 58.5 [11.4] years; 59 [35.3%] female; 108 [64.6%] male) were randomized to either verdiperstat (126 [75.4%]) or to placebo (41 [25.6%]). Among the participants randomized to the verdiperstat regimen, 130 (78%) completed the trial. The estimated DRR was 0.98 (95% credible interval, 0.77-1.24; posterior probability = 0.57 for slowing of disease progression [DRR &lt;1]). Verdiperstat was estimated to slow progression by 2% vs placebo (95% credible interval, −23% to 24%; posterior probability 0.57). Verdiperstat was overall safe and well tolerated. Common adverse events in the verdiperstat group were nausea, insomnia, and elevated thyrotropin levels.Conclusions and RelevanceResults demonstrate that treatment with verdiperstat was unlikely to alter disease progression in ALS.Trial RegistrationClinical Trial Identifiers: NCT04297683 and NCT04436510
ImportanceAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease. The sigma-1 (σ1) receptor emerged as a target for intervention.ObjectiveTo determine the effects of pridopidine, a σ1-receptor agonist, in ALS.Design, Settings, and ParticipantsPridopidine was tested as a regimen of the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial, a phase 2/3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, platform trial. The study was conducted at 54 sites in the US from January 2021 to July 2022 (final follow-up, July 14, 2022). A total of 163 participants with ALS were randomized to receive pridopidine or placebo. An additional 122 concurrently randomized participants were assigned to receive placebo in other regimens and included in the analyses.InterventionsEligible participants were randomized 3:1 to receive oral pridopidine 45 mg twice daily (n = 121) or matching oral placebo (n = 42) for a planned duration of 24 weeks.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary efficacy outcome was change from baseline through week 24 in ALS disease severity, analyzed using a bayesian shared parameter model, which has components for function (Revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale [ALSFRS-R]) and survival that were linked through an integrated estimate of treatment-dependent disease slowing across these 2 components. This was denoted as the disease rate ratio (DRR), with DRR less than 1 indicating a slowing in disease progression on pridopidine relative to placebo. There were 5 key secondary end points: time to 2-point or greater reduction in ALSFRS-R total score among participants with bulbar dysfunction at baseline, rate of decline in slow vital capacity among participants with bulbar dysfunction at baseline, percentage of participants with no worsening in the ALSFRS-R bulbar domain score, time to 1-point or greater change in the ALSFRS-R bulbar domain score, and time to death or permanent assisted ventilation.ResultsAmong 162 patients (mean age, 57.5 years; 35% female) who were randomized to receive the pridopidine regimen and included in the primary efficacy analysis, 136 (84%) completed the trial. In the primary analysis comparing pridopidine vs the combined placebo groups, there was no significant difference between pridopidine and placebo in the primary end point (DRR, 0.99 [95% credible interval, 0.80-1.21]; probability of DRR &lt;1, 0.55) and no differences were seen in the components of ALSFRS-R or survival. There was no benefit of pridopidine on the secondary end points. In the safety dataset (pridopidine, n = 121; placebo, n = 163), the most common adverse events were falls (28.1% vs 29.3%, respectively) and muscular weakness (24.0% vs 31.7%, respectively).Conclusions and RelevanceIn this 24-week study, pridopidine did not impact the progression of ALS.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT04297683, NCT04615923
Efficacy and Safety of Zilucoplan in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Importance The etiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurodegenerative disease, is unknown. However, neuroinflammation and complement activation may play a role in disease progression. Objective To determine the effects of zilucoplan, an inhibitor of complement C5, in individuals with ALS. Design, Setting, and Participants Zilucoplan was tested as regimen A of the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial, a phase 2 to 3 multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled perpetual platform clinical trial with sharing of trial infrastructure and placebo data across multiple regimens. Regimen A was conducted from August 17, 2020, to May 4, 2022. A total of 162 participants were randomized to receive zilucoplan (122 [75.3%]) or regimen-specific placebo (40 [24.7%]). An additional 124 concurrently randomized participants were randomized to receive placebo in other regimens. Interventions Eligible participants were randomized in a 3:1 ratio to receive zilucoplan or matching placebo within strata of edaravone and/or riluzole use for a planned duration of 24 weeks. Active drug (zilucoplan, 0.3 mg/kg) and placebo were provided for daily subcutaneous dosing. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary end point was change in disease severity from baseline through 24 weeks as measured by the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale–Revised (ALSFRS-R) total score and survival, analyzed using a bayesian shared-parameter model and reported as disease rate ratio (DRR; &lt;1 indicating treatment benefit). The study included prespecified rules for early stopping for futility. Outcome analyses were performed in the full analysis set comparing the zilucoplan group with the total shared placebo group (n = 164). Results Among the 162 participants who were randomized (mean [SD] age, 59.6 [11.3]; 99 [61.1%] male), 115 (71.0%) completed the trial. The estimated DRR common to ALSFRS-R and survival was 1.08 (95% credible interval, 0.87-1.31; posterior probability of superiority, 0.24). The trial was stopped early for futility. No unexpected treatment-related risks were identified. Conclusions and Relevance In this randomized clinical trial of zilucoplan in ALS, treatment did not alter disease progression. The adaptive platform design of the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial made it possible to test a new investigational product with efficient use of time and resources. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04297683
Importance Bioenergetic failure has been proposed as a driver of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). CNM-Au8 is a suspension of gold nanocrystals that catalyzes the conversion of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydride into NAD + , resulting in an increase of cellular adenosine triphosphate production. Objective To determine the effects of CNM-Au8 on ALS disease progression. Design, Setting, and Participants CNM-Au8 was tested as a regimen of the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial, a phase 2/3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind platform trial. The study was conducted at 54 sites in the US from July 2020 to March 2022 (final follow-up, March 17, 2022). A total of 161 participants with ALS were randomized to receive CNM-Au8 (n = 120) or regimen-specific placebo (n = 41). Data from 123 concurrently randomized placebo participants in other regimens were combined for analyses. Interventions Eligible participants were randomized in a 3:3:2 ratio to receive CNM-Au8 60 mg daily (n = 61), CNM-Au8 30 mg daily (n = 59), or matching placebo (n = 41) for 24 weeks. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary efficacy outcome was change from baseline through week 24 in ALS disease severity measured by a bayesian shared parameter model of function (based on the Revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale) and survival, which provided an estimate of the rate of disease progression measured by the disease rate ratio (DRR), with a DRR of less than 1 indicating treatment benefit. Secondary end points included a Combined Assessment of Function and Survival using a joint-rank test, rate of decline in slow vital capacity (percent predicted), and survival free of permanent assisted ventilation. Results Among 161 participants who were randomized within the CNM-Au8 regimen (mean age, 58.4 years; 61 [37.9%] female), 145 (90%) completed the trial. In the primary analysis comparing the combined CNM-Au8 dosage groups vs the combined placebo groups, the primary end point (DRR, 0.97 [95% credible interval, 0.783-1.175]; posterior probability of DRR &lt;1, 0.65) and the 3 secondary end points suggested no benefit or harm of CNM-Au8. In the active (n = 120) vs placebo (n = 163) groups, the most common adverse events were diarrhea (23 [19%] vs 12 [7%]), nausea (17 [14.2%] vs 14 [8.6%]), fatigue (12 [10.8%] vs 30 [18.4%]), and muscular weakness (24 [20%] vs 45 [27.6%]). Conclusions and Relevance No benefit of CNM-Au8 on ALS disease progression was observed at 24 weeks. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT04297683 , NCT04414345
Long-Term Remission and Survival in Patients with Rituximab-Refractory/Relapsed B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma after Treatment with U16 (CD20 CAR-T cells)
Background : Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets CD20 and can significantly improve the prognosis of patients with CD20-positive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). Nonetheless, a significant number of patients experience disease progression or relapse post-rituximab therapy. CD19-chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in B-NHL treatment. However, few studies have focused on the efficacy and safety of CD20 CAR-T cells in rituximab-refractory/relapsed (R/R) B-NHL patients, particularly those treated with rituximab for a short time. Here, we conducted a prospective study, aimed to assess the long-term remission and survival in patients with rituximab-R/R B-NHL after treatment with U16 (CD20 CAR-T cells). Methods : This first-in-human study is an open-label, single center investigator-initiated trial (IIT) to determine the safety and efficacy of CD20 CAR-T in R/R B-NHL after previous rituximab treatment failure (no. ChiCTR2000036350). CD20 CAR-T was administered at a target dose of 1.0×107 CAR-T cells/kg after a 3-day conditioning chemotherapy with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide. The primary objective was to assess the safety and tolerability of CD20 CAR-T. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) were graded according to ASTCT 2019 criteria. The secondary objectives were to evaluate efficacy and pharmacokinetics (PK). Response was assessed per Lugano 2014 criteria. Results:A total of 16 patients with R/R B-NHL were enrolled.The median age was 49 years (range, 28-66). Median number of prior lines of therapy was 3 (range, 2-5). All patients had received rituximab therapy; of these, 9 had done so within the 3 months before CAR-T infusion. CRS occurred in all patients, with 11 patients (68.75%) experiencing grade 1 or 2 CRS and 5 patients (31.25%) experiencing grade 3 CRS. No patient developed grade 4 CRS , and only one patient had ICANS.The most common grade 3 or higher adverse events observed after infusion included leukopenia (93.3%), anemia (40%) and thrombocytopenia (60%). An overall response rate of 100% was observed among enrolled patients, with 11 patients (68.75%) achieving complete remission(CR) and 5 patients (32.25%) achieving partial remission(PR) within 3 months. The median follow-up time was 11.7 months(range 0.69-47.47). The median overall survival was not reached, and the median progression-free survival was 14.5 months. 9 patients remained CR or PR for 12 months, with 7 of them continuing in CR for up to 24 months. The pharmacokinetics of CD20 CAR-T cells were assessed using quantitative PCR to determine the expansion and persistence ability. Peak CAR amplification were detected 7-14 days after infusin. Patients 1, 2 and 4 achieved long-term remission, and persistent positive CAR-T cell copy numbers were detected for 15 months, 30 months and 26 months, respectively. However, patients 7, 8 and 12 relapsed within 3 months, and the CAR-T cell copies of all three patients were reduced to fewer than 1×103 copies/μg of DNA within 3 months. The qPCR results indicated that the maintenance of efficacy was closely related to the persistence of CAR-T cells. Notably, patients who received rituximab less than 3 months before CAR-T infusion had a poorer prognosis, with higher relapse rates (77.8% vs. 28.6%) and shorter progression-free survival, regardless of the degree of response. Conclusion : Long-term follow-up demonstrated that CD20 CAR-T therapy can produce a deep and durable response with a favorable safety profile in patients with rituximab-refractory/relapsed B-NHL. Notably, patients who had received rituximab within 3 months had a poorer prognosis.