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Abstract Use of Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) has increased exponentially since their introduction in 2010. Over the years they have been used without any systematic oversight, there have been ongoing concerns related to inappropriate or incorrect dosing, incorrect duration, and non-adherence to the drugs leading to adverse patient outcomes. Several factors have been attributed to DOAC non-adherence such as presence or fear of adverse effects, affordability, lack of perceived benefit, or concerns for reversibility. These barriers impact both primary (first time prescription) and secondary adherence (longer term prescription). Poor adherence can lead to adverse outcomes such as stroke, death, and higher medical resource utilization hence increased cost to the patient and payors. This study was conducted as a quality improvement (QI) initiative to improve the adherence to the prescription DOACS. We included patients 18 years old, a diagnosis of Atrial fibrillation and flutter who had a primary care provider writing the prescription for chronic DOAC therapy. Patients with venous thrombosis, pregnancy or who were institutionalized were excluded. The charts were reviewed for primary and secondary adherence using Surescripts functionality which can provide baseline information about prescription fills from the participating pharmacies. In the preimplementation phase we identified 1030 patients meeting inclusion criteria associated with the pilot sites within Mayo Clinic practice in preceding 6 months. For this population, Surescripts data found that the rates of primary and secondary adherence to be 84% and 86% respectively. We then implemented a 6-month pilot where we created workflow for a pharmacy led DOAC management unit. Herein, once a DOAC prescription was made for patients meeting inclusion criteria, they would enter a registry where the pharmacy team would review the charts for primary adherence by utilizing Surescripts data. If adherent these patients would be marked for follow up in the secondary adherence phase. However, if non adherent, the team would initiate intervention including engagement with patient online services which was further escalated to phone calls by the pharmacy team. Once the barriers were identified several remediation approaches were incorporated in the process, these included education about DOACS, medicare education, social work assistance to even switching to warfarin if necessary. The same process was followed for secondary adherence management. In the intervention cohort, we had 411 patients during the pilot, for primary adherence 87.1% of patients were adherent at baseline and an additional 3.4% became adherent with interventions, while 9.5% remain nonadherent. The primary causes of nonadherence, amongst 9.5%, were cost (86%) while 1% were concerned about side effects and 3% were concerned about lack of perceived benefit. The inverntions lead to impoved adherence in most patients and very few patients were transitioned to warfarin. For secondary adherence 92% of the patients were adherent without any intervention, an additional 4% of patients benefited with the interventions of the DOAC management unit with approaches to address cost considerations, while another 4% remained nonadherent where cost remained the primary reason for nonadherence, other reasons being lack of perceived benefit and side effect concerns. In summary, with active intervention, in our patient population we were able to improve the primary adherence from 84% to 91% and secondary adherence from 86% to 96% . Cost remained the biggest barrier for adherence followed by concern for side effects and lack of perceived benefit. Our engaged team of pharmacy staff was able to manage those concerns with the education and cost mitigation strategies leading to improved adherence. Based on previously published literature even a 5% difference in adherence to DOACS can make a huge difference in population-based outcomes. Our work was able to demonstrate a positive impact of the intervention, highlighting the need for a well-managed DOAC unit especially for complex care populations.

Abstract Introduction Heterozygous germline pathogenic variants (PVs) in the 5' untranslated region of ANKRD26 cause inherited thrombocytopenia and predisposition to hematologic malignancy (HM). The estimated lifetime HM risk is ~10% based on families ascertained from an inherited thrombocytopenia cohort. However, the malignancy spectrum, molecular features, precursor states, and overall clinical outcomes remain poorly defined. Methods We established an international, multicenter cohort of individuals with ANKRD26-related thrombocytopenia diagnosed after undergoing genetic evaluation due to a personal and/or family history of thrombocytopenia and/or HM. Clinical, pathologic, and molecular data were collected for 27 individuals with germline ANKRD26 PVs from 21 unrelated families treated at 11 institutions across 5 countries. Statistical analyses were performed using R (v4.4.2). Results Patients were predominantly male (18/27) and white (25/27). Thrombocytopenia was typically identified in childhood (median age 10 years, range 0-48) with a genetic diagnosis made later (median age 53 years, range 2-80). The mean (+/- SD) pre-malignancy platelet count was 45 +/- 24 K/uL (range 5-87). ANKRD26 PVs observed in each family included: c.-126T>C (n=9), c.-128G>A (n=3), c.-134G>A (n=3), c.-116C>T (n=3), c.-118C>T (n=2), and c.-118C>A (n=1). Thirteen HMs were diagnosed in 11 of 27 (41%) patients, including myelodysplastic neoplasm/syndrome (MDS, n=5), acute myeloid leukemia (AML, n=3), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML, n=2), MDS/myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) overlap (n=2), and Langerhans cell histiocytosis (n=1). The median age at first HM diagnosis was 63 years (range 49-80). Recurrent somatic features in myeloid malignancies included complex karyotype (4/11, 36%) and TP53 mutations (5/10, 50%). Of the 3 patients with AML, 1 achieved a partial remission (PR) with venetoclax combined with cladribine, idarubicin, and cytarabine but relapsed, 1 achieved a PR with azacitidine but relapsed <100 days after haploidentical allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT), and 1 had primary refractory disease. Among 5 patients with MDS, 1 was refractory to decitabine, 1 underwent alloSCT but relapsed 2 years post-transplant, 1 remains in remission post-alloSCT with 1 year of follow-up, 1 is undergoing alloSCT evaluation, and 1 was lost to follow-up. Both patients with CML achieved durable major molecular remissions with imatinib. To better estimate HM risk, we assumed 100% penetrance of thrombocytopenia for ANKRD26 PV carriers and included family members with chronic thrombocytopenia who had not had germline genetic testing. In this expanded series (n=62), 16 individuals developed a HM (26%). Additional diagnoses included MDS with progression to AML (n=1), AML (n=1), CML (n=1), and leukemia of unknown type (n=2). Cumulative incidence of HM was 0% by age 40 years, 17% by age 60 years, and 60% by age 80 years. Somatic sequencing of peripheral blood was performed in 5 HM-unaffected ANKRD26 PV carriers. One individual was found to have clonal hematopoiesis driven by TET2 (c.1648C>T, p.Arg550*) with a variant allele frequency (VAF) of 9% at age 55. Bone marrow biopsy showed mild megakaryocytic atypia and 4% blasts without overt evidence of malignancy. To assess the prevalence of ANKRD26-related HM, we assessed the frequency of ANKRD26 PVs in 2 large MDS/AML cohorts. In the ARUP database (9662 AML, 6397 MDS), 2 individuals (0.01%) had an ANKRD26 PV with a VAF consistent with germline origin. In the MSK-IMPACT Heme Germline MDS/AML cohort (n = 284), no ANKRD26 P/LP variants were identified. Conclusions Germline ANKRD26 PVs underlie <1% of MDS/AML diagnoses but may represent a high-risk subtype characterized by complex karyotype, TP53 mutations, and high risk of relapse. Among our series, the incidence of HM was low early in life but increased substantially with age, reaching 60% by 80 years. This exceeds prior estimates, which were derived from individuals ascertained from thrombocytopenia-based registries. Together, our findings suggest that ANKRD26-associated HM may represent a high-risk clinical entity, and that age and family history should inform surveillance strategies. More studies are needed to define genetic and environmental modifiers of HM risk as well as precursor states to enable early detection and disease interception.

Abstract Background: The synergistic mechanisms of BCL-2 inhibitors and CD20-directed antibodies in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) often lead to deep and durable responses. Although the use of venetoclax-obinutuzumab (Ven-O) in the frontline setting (1L) for CLL/SLL has led to a paradigm shift in the disease management, there are limited data on its efficacy in the relapsed/refractory (R/R) setting. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of Ven-O in both 1L and R/R CLL among patients treated outside the context of clinical trials at our institution. Methods We used the Mayo Clinic CLL Database to identify patients with CLL who were treated with Ven-O, both in 1L and R/R settings. Patients seen at Mayo Clinic Rochester between 2017 and 2025 were included. Overall survival (OS) was calculated from date of Ven-O initiation until last known alive date. Event-free survival (EFS) was calculated from date of Ven-O initiation until the next line of treatment or last known alive date. Kaplan-Meier methods estimated EFS and OS rates at 1, 3, and 5 years. Cox proportional hazards models were used to explore the association between baseline factors and EFS and OS; results are reported as hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Finally, we compared the OS to the age- and sex-matched general population of the state of Minnesota. Results A total of 154 patients (91 1L, 63 R/R) were included in the study. The median age was 68 years (69 1L, 68 R/R), and 68% were male (64% 1L, 73% R/R). Overall, TP53 disruptions (either del17p by FISH or TP53 mutation) were noted in 22 (15%) patients (9% 1L, 23% R/R). CLL FISH findings demonstrated del11q in 24 (19%) patients (19% 1L, 18% R/R), del13q in 46 (36%) patients (36% 1L, 36% R/R), and trisomy 12 in 21 (16%) patients (16% 1L, 18% R/R). IGHV genes were unmutated in 95 (68%) patients (60% 1L, 80% R/R). The CLL-IPI risk score was high in 54 (51%) patients (51% 1L, 53% R/R) and very-high in 18 (17%) patients (8% 1L, 34% R/R). A total of 121 (89%) patients completed planned treatment (1 year of venetoclax in 73 [90%] 1L and 2 years of venetoclax in 48 [87%] R/R). Median follow-up for the entire cohort was 1.8 years (2.2 1L, 1.5 R/R). Neither median EFS nor OS was reached for the overall cohort or within the 1L and R/R subgroups. The 1, 3, and 5-year EFS estimates for the overall cohort were 91% (86-96%), 85% (78-92%), and 67% (51-89%), respectively; corresponding EFS values for the 1L subgroup were 95% (91-100%), 89% (82-98%), and 67% (47-95%), respectively; and for the R/R subgroup were 85% (76-95%), 77% (65-92%), and 77% (65-92%), respectively. The 1, 3, and 5-year OS estimates were 98% (95-100%), 95% (91-99%), and 88% (76%-100%), respectively; corresponding OS values for the 1L subgroup were 99% (96-100%), 97% (94-100%), and 97% (94-100%) and for the R/R subgroup were 96% (91-100%), 91% (82-100%), and 61% (27-100%), respectively. Univariable analyses showed that TP53 disruption was associated with shorter EFS (HR 3.8, 95%CI 1.4-10.2, p=0.01), although IGHV mutation status was not associated with shorter EFS. A higher level of serum beta-2 microglobulin (HR 1.27, 95%CI 1.01-1.59, p=0.04) and R/R status (HR 4.9, 95%CI 0.9-25.8, p=0.06) were associated with a shorter OS. Interestingly, TP53 mutation status and IGHV mutation status were not associated with inferior OS. There was no difference in the observed and expected OS for both the 1L (p-0.23) and R/R (p=0.14) Ven-O treated cohorts compared to the age- and sex-matched general population of the state of Minnesota. Conclusions Our study shows that Ven-O is a well-tolerated regimen with demonstration of durable treatment responses both in the 1L and R/R groups, when used outside the context of a clinical trial. To the best of our knowledge, these data for the first time demonstrate no difference in OS of patients treated with Ven-O compared to age- and sex-matched general population, in both the 1L and R/R settings.

Abstract Background Watchful waiting is a common option for pts with asymptomatic FL/MZL. Anti-tumor immunization may delay or even avoid subsequent need for more toxic therapies. EO is designed from non-self-protein sequences derived from gut bacteria, including 4 HLA-A2 CD8 T cell epitopes (synthetic mimic peptides), exhibiting molecular mimicry with specific epitopes on B cell markers (CD20, CD22, CD37, BAFF-receptor). EO also contains a CD4 helper epitope UCP2. EO expands pre-existing memory CD8 T cells recognizing non-self-epitopes from gut bacteria that cross-react with B cell antigens on tumor cells. Methods Cohort 2 (C2; planned accrual 25 pts) of EONHL1-20/SIDNEY includes HLA-A2+ pts with previously untreated FL/MZL not in need of treatment. Pts receive EO (300μg/peptide) SC with adjuvant Montanide, q2 weeks (w) x 4, then q4w, for 12 total doses. For antigen-specific immune responses, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were assayed by flow cytometry using EO-mimic or B cell peptide specific tetramers without in vitro stimulation. IFN-γ ELISPOT was used to evaluate response to UCP2 and anti-CD3. Primary endpoint is objective response rate (ORR) per Lugano 2014. A pre-defined futility boundary was applied (ORR uninteresting=5%/promising=20%). Finding at least 3 of 25 pts with ORR would meet criteria to continue development (chance of 13% and 90% for true ORR of 5% and 20%, respectively). Results As of July 2025, 22 pts had started EO. Median age 59 years (range 32-86); 9 female; 19 ECOG 0/3 ECOG 1; 19 FL/3 extranodal MZL (ENMZL); 3 Ann Arbor stage I-II/8 stage III/11 stage IV; FLIPI low risk 8/intermediate 8/high 6; FLIPI-2 low risk 12/intermediate 7/high 3; 19 GELF neg/3 pos. At a median follow-up for progression of 9.4 months, 9 pts completed EO, 4 stopped for progressive disease (PD), 2 due to PI/pt decision; 7 ongoing. Median treatment duration 38 w (range 4-39). Among 19 evaluable pts, best Lugano response was 3 complete (CR) and 6 partial responses (PR) (ORR 47% [95% CI 24%–71%]; CR-rate 16% [3%-40%]), 6 stable disease (SD), and 4 PD. ORR by PET-CT was 29% (n=14) w6, 39% (n=18) w19, 46% (n=13) w42; corresponding CR rates were 0%, 11%, 15%. Median time to response 17.1 w (range 5.3-41.1). Currently there are only 2 confirmed PD events in pts with prior PR/CR. Among 8 pts with an initial indeterminate response per LyRIC 2016 followed by a confirmatory scan, 4 pts did not have confirmed PD; a possible atypical response pattern rate of 50% on EO (occurring 5.3-41.9 w after start of EO). In 16 immune response evaluable pts, 88% and 81% had expansion of CD8 T cells specific for EO mimic and B cell target peptides, respectively. Expanded specific CD8 T cells had a memory phenotype dominated by effector memory (TEM) and central memory cells. At w5, 7 clinical responders and 7 non-responders were evaluable; more responders had a positive immune response against EO mimic (Chi-square p=0.025) and B cell target (p=0.047) peptides. Max expansion (response sum for 4 EO mimic or 4 B cell target peptides at a single timepoint w3-w8) of specific CD8 T cells (% of all peripheral CD8 T cells) was higher for responders than non-responders both for EO mimic (Mann Whitney p=0.018) and B cell target (p=0.017) peptides. Pts (4) with an initial indeterminate response (LyRIC 2016) had a higher max expansion of B cell target peptide specific CD8 T cells vs 4 pts with a typical progression pattern (Mann Whitney p=0.018) and vs all other 12 pts evaluable for immune response (p=0.029). There was no difference in CD4 T cell response to UCP2 in responders vs non-responders (induction or max immunity w3-w8). Anti-CD3 expansion of T cells indicating T cell intrinsic activation potential did not correlate with clinical response (baseline or max). The most common EO-related adverse events (AEs) were Gr (Grade) 1 (10 pts) and Gr 2 (6 pts) local administration site reactions. Other related AEs in >1 pt were Gr 1 headache (3 pts) and Gr 1-2 fatigue (3 pts). Asthenia lasting 2 days was the only related Gr 3 AE. There were 4 unrelated Gr 3 AEs (gastroenteritis, GI-hemorrhage, inguinal hernia, and syncope). There were no Gr 4-5 AE. ConclusionsEO has a favorable safety profile and is preliminary associated with an ORR of 47%, exceeding the pre-specified boundary for promising activity. The speed and level of expansion of both EO mimic and B cell target peptide specific CD8 memory T cells are associated with objective response. Results will be updated.

Abstract Introduction : Current standard of care for smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), an asymptomatic precursor of multiple myeloma (MM), is observation until progression to active MM. Increasing evidence suggests that patients (pts) with SMM at high risk for progression to active MM may benefit from early treatment (tx). In AQUILA, a phase 3 study in pts with high-risk SMM (NCT03301220), daratumumab (Dara) monotherapy significantly reduced risk of progression to active MM or death with a trend of extending overall survival (OS) vs active monitoring (ActMon), with no new safety concerns. Given the evolution in SMM risk stratification, a post hoc analysis was performed to assess outcomes using the IMWG 2020 and IMWG 2020 plus cytogenetic risk models to assess which AQUILA pts benefited most from Dara monotherapy. Safety and efficacy analysis by age and stem cell collection outcomes were also assessed. Methods: Eligible pts with a confirmed diagnosis (≤5 y) of high-risk SMM per IMWG 2014 criteria, defined as clonal bone marrow plasma cells (BMPC) ≥10% and ≥1 risk factor (IgA SMM, serum protein ≥30 g/dL, serum involved:uninvolved free light chain [I/U FLC] ratio ≥8 and <100, immunoparesis with reduction of 2 uninvolved Ig isotypes, and/or clonal BMPC >50% to <60%) at study entry, were randomized 1:1 to receive subcutaneous Dara or ActMon for 39 cycles, 36 months, or until confirmed disease progression (PD), whichever came first. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) assessed by independent review committee, defined as progression to active MM (based on IMWG SLiM-CRAB diagnostic criteria) or death. Secondary endpoints included time to first-line (1L) MM tx and OS. For this post hoc analysis, we assessed outcomes by age, IMWG 2020 high-risk SMM criteria (BMPC >20%, monoclonal spike >2 g/dL, serum FLC ratio >20; ≥2 factors=high risk; also known as the Mayo 2018 or the 20-2-20 criteria), and the IMWG 2020 plus cytogenetic criteria (IMWG 2020 criteria + presence of ≥1 high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities [t(4;14), t(14;16), +1q and/or del13q]; ≥3 factors=high risk). Results : Dara tx showed a PFS benefit across all IMWG 2020 risk subgroups (low: hazard ratio [HR], 0.59; intermediate: HR, 0.70), with the largest benefit in the high-risk subgroup, where the PD/death rate in the ActMon arm was ~1.6-fold that in the Dara arm (62.8% vs 37.5%; HR, 0.36). This benefit of Dara vs ActMon was preserved over time, with 5-year PFS rates of 78.2% vs 71.6%, 56.2% vs 42.9%, and 60.4% vs 23.6% in IMWG 2020 low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups, respectively. There was a positive trend favoring Dara for time to 1L MM treatment across all IMWG 2020 risk groups (low-risk HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.22–1.80; intermediate-risk HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.35–0.92; high-risk HR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.25–0.62). IMWG 2020 plus cytogenetic risk classification results will be available at the time of presentation. When comparing the younger (<65y HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.32–0.79) vs the older (≥65y, HR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.32–0.77) pt population, a PFS benefit was observed regardless of age. Similarity was also observed in TEAE incidence rate when looking into <65, 65 to <75, and ≥75 y subgroups (82.7%, 81.1%, and 87.5% with ActMon; 96.2%, 98.5%, and 95.2% with Dara); however, serious TEAEs were more frequently observed in older ActMon pts (12.2%, 18.9%, and 50.0% with ActMon; 24.8%, 35.8%, and 28.6% with Dara). Across all pts treated/monitored in AQUILA, 23 (11.9%) and 41 (20.9%) pts in the Dara and ActMon arms, respectively, received autologous stem cell transplant as part of their first tx after progressing to active MM, with very limited plerixafor use (Dara, 3 [1.6%] vs ActMon, 9 [4.6%]). Median (range) CD34+ cell yield was 5.0 (2–20)×106 cells/kg body weight among 22 pts in the Dara arm and 5.1 (2–21)×106 cells/kg body weight among 39 pts in the ActMon arm. Conclusions : In this analysis, pts with high-risk SMM from the phase 3 AQUILA study treated with Dara monotherapy experienced long-term PFS benefit across IMWG 2020 subgroups, with the most pronounced benefit in the high-risk subgroup. No notable differences in PFS or safety were observed across age subgroups. Early Dara tx for high-risk SMM did not have a detrimental impact on stem cell yield. Although mature OS analyses are forthcoming, overall, these results further support early intervention with Dara monotherapy vs ActMon among pts with high-risk SMM, regardless of risk stratification criteria used.

Abstract Background: Integrin αE (CD103) has been thought to mediate gut-homing Treg retention during GVHD by facilitating E-cadherin interaction on intestinal epithelial cells. However, only a small percentage of natural Tregs express CD103 in peripheral blood (PB). To leverage this mechanism and potentially enhance Treg therapeutic efficacy, we hypothesized that Tregs overexpressing CD103 (CD103high) would show improved gut-homing and GVHD mitigation. Methods: Murine CD4 Tregs were isolated from C57BL/6 (B6) mice via flow sorting and were retrovirally transduced with murine CD103 or truncated epidermal growth factor receptor as a control. Transduced Tregs were then tested in a murine acute GVHD model (B6 → BALB/c). Mouse organs, including small intestine (SI), colon, spleen, PB, axillary (aLN) and mesentric lymph nodes (mLN) were harvested on day 10 post-transplant and analyzed by flow cytometry, multiplex cytokine assay, histopathology, and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Ex vivo expanded Tregs were subjected to 13C-glucose tracing assay to evaluate glycolytic flux, TCA cycle, and lipid biosynthesis. Results: Despite comparable FoxP3 expression at the end of ex vivo expansion, CD103high Tregs had significantly higher in vitro suppression compared to control Tregs (54% vs. 33% at Treg:Tcon ratio of 1:8, p=0.004). Upon re-stimulation, CD103high Tregs demonstrated increased proliferation compared to control Tregs (3.8 vs 2.8 fold expansion, p <0.0001). Bulk RNA seq on ex vivo expanded CD103high showed upregulation of immuneregulatory and metabolic programs including GTPase signaling and oxidative stress control. These transcriptomic changes suggest that CD103 intrinsically promotes a regulatory phenotype, stress tolerance and metabolic fitness. In vivo, CD103highTregs significantly decreased the severity and mortality of GVHD, compared to control Tregs, as measured by clinical scores, weight loss, and survival (50% vs 0% on day +60, p<0.0001 for three independent experiments combined; n = 24/group). Day 20 histopathology revealed significantly improved colitis scores in mice treated with CD103high Tregs vs controls (9.5 vs. 14.6, p=0.02). While these findings could be partially attributed to CD103 gut-homing function, we observed that CD103high Treg absolute number and frequency were higher not only in the the GI organs and mLN, but also in the spleen, PB, and aLN with similar distribution ratios across different organs (~5-fold higher). In vivo CFSE suppression assay, where CFSE labeled donor T cells were cotransferred with Tregs into B6 Rag1ko mice, demonstrated enhanced suppressive function of CD103high Tregs in the spleen (p=0.02), an effect that could not be accounted for by the conventional gut-homing mechanism attributed to CD103. Plasma cytokine analysis showed significantly elevated IL-10 levels in mice treated with CD103high Tregs (p<0.0001), consistent with increased Treg number and frequency. 13C-glucose tracing assay showed lower palmitate levels in CD103high Tregs, indicating lower de novo lipid synthesis, while glycolysis and TCA cycle tracing were similar. Day 10 scRNA-seq on colon samples revealed seven distinct immune clusters. The neutrophil cluster was absent in CD103high Treg group, suggesting reduced inflammation. Donor-derived dendritic cells (DCs) upregulated genes such as Cstb, and Slamf7, while pro-inflammatory genes including Cd52 and Cd74 were downregulated. STAT5 signaling was upregulated, indicating reprograming of myeloid cells toward an immunoregulatory state. Colon epithelial cells from CD103high Treg-treated mice displayed enhanced stress tolerance, with increased oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid metabolism, and epithelial repair pathways. CellChat analysis revealed that CD103high Tregs reshaped the intestinal communication landscape, with DCs acting as key signaling hubs through interactions such as Ccl6–Ccr2 and Lgals3–Cd44. Enhanced DC-to-DC and DC-to-T cell communication suggest that CD103high Tregs promote a tolerogenic DC network that modulates downstream immune responses and supports epithelial recovery. Conclusion: Tregs overexpressing CD103 via retroviral transduction significantly improve overall survival and GVHD clinical scores in a murine transplant model. CD103High Tregs orchestrate broad remodeling of cell-cell communication across immune and stromal compartments, promoting an immunoregulatory microenvironment that underlies their protective effects in GVHD.

Abstract Introduction: Iron deficiency (ID) is a global epidemic with discrepant definitions of both ID and anemia in pregnancy. Iron requirements increase during pregnancy and deficiencies should be corrected to avoid adverse maternal-fetal outcomes. Current guidelines recommend only screening for ID during pregnancy in the presence of anemia despite the global epidemic of ID in reproductive-age females and availability of ferritin as a high-value biomarker. To address this unmet need and gap in care, we implemented a standardized approach to screening and treating ID in pregnancy. Methods: In March 2024 at the ASH Quality Improvement Training Institute, our multidisciplinary team with representatives from hematology, obstetrics, anesthesiology, and patient blood management developed a quality improvement (QI) initiative to standardize an approach to screening and treating ID in pregnancy. After local dissemination and education of the standardized care pathway via patient/provider handouts and divisional presentations, obstetric providers paired ferritin testing with two standard hemoglobin assessments in early (8-12 weeks gestation) and late (24-28 weeks gestation) pregnancy to minimize lab draws and optimize logistics. The process was facilitated by modifying prenatal order sets in the electronic medical record. ID was defined as a ferritin <50 mcg/L and anemia was defined as a hemoglobin <11 g/dL. If ID was present in early pregnancy, oral iron supplementation was offered; if ID was present in late pregnancy, an IV iron infusion (low molecular weight iron dextran, 1 gram) was offered regardless of anemia status. Results: Obstetric data were captured pre-intervention from January 2023 – February 2024 (n=2097 pregnancies) and post-intervention from March 2024 – June 2025 (n=2429 pregnancies). Ferritin screening rates improved from 10% (205/2097) to 63% (1534/2429). Of those ferritin tests, 66% demonstrated ID in the pre-intervention cohort and 69% demonstrated ID in the post-intervention cohort. Anemia rates by measured hemoglobin during pregnancy were 25% in both the pre-intervention and post-intervention cohorts despite 92% having documentation of prenatal vitamins containing iron (PNV). Iron dextran infusion rates improved from 0.9% (18/2097) to 21% (507/2429). Of those receiving IV iron dextran, 39% had documentation of both PNV as well as additional oral iron supplementation. Overall, the median hemoglobin improved from 10.7 to 11.8 g/dL in those receiving IV iron dextran. This included increases from 12.0 to 12.8 g/dL in those without anemia and from 11.2 to 12.1 g/dL in those with ferritin 30-50 mcg/L after IV iron. Prior to initiation of this QI project, 3.1% of pregnancies (65/2097) required a blood transfusion during admission for delivery. After initiation of this project, 2.7% of pregnancies (65/2429) required a blood transfusion, of which 46 did not receive IV iron and 33 did not have a ferritin checked. Conclusions: ID in pregnancy is underrecognized and undertreated. Through a multidisciplinary QI initiative, screening for ID improved from 10% to over 60% of pregnancies within one year of project initiation. Over the same period, there was a 20-fold increase in the number of IV iron dextran infusions resulting in an increase in median hemoglobin by over 1 g/dL and a signal for decreased transfusion requirements. This occurred despite almost universal supplementation with a PNV. This standardized approach to screening and treating ID was performed by the obstetrics teams and could be implemented within varied practice models. Given the potential implications for reevaluation of appropriate reference ranges and equitable prenatal care globally, additional studies are warranted to better characterize ID in pregnancy as well as clinical sequelae for both mothers and infants. Simultaneously, discussions are needed around current guidelines and recommendations for both screening and treating ID in pregnancy.

Abstract Background Single-agent R is a common 1st-line therapy for patients (pts) with FL, especially those with low-tumor burden advanced stage disease or comorbidities. EO is a therapeutic vaccine generated from non-self-protein sequences from gut bacteria, including 4 HLA-A2 CD8 T cell epitopes that mimic B cell-specific markers: CD20, CD22, CD37 and BAFF-receptor. EO also contains a CD4 helper epitope UCP2. EO expands pre-existing memory CD8 T cells recognizing non-self-protein sequences from gut bacteria which can cross-react with B cell antigens on tumor cells. The aim adding EO to R is to safely increase the depth and duration of responses. Methods Cohort 3 (C3) of trial EONHL1-20/SIDNEY includes pts with HLA-A2 and previously untreated low-tumor burden (GELF) FL grade 1-3A in need of treatment (per pt/treating physician). Pts receive EO (300μg/peptide) SC with adjuvant Montanide, q2 weeks (w) x 4, then q4w for a total of 12 doses, combined with R starting at w7 (375 mg/m2 IV q1w x4, then q8w x4). For immune responses blood mononuclear cells were assayed by flow cytometry and EO-mimic or B cell peptide specific tetramers without in vitro stimulation. The primary objective is to assess safety; secondary objectives include EO immunogenicity and preliminary efficacy. Results As of July 2025, the 6 planned pts had started EO. Median age was 66 years (range 46-73); 5 ECOG 0/1 ECOG 1; 1 Ann Arbor stage III/5 stage IV; FLIPI low risk 2/intermediate 2/high 2; FLIPI-2 low risk 2/intermediate 4. At median follow-up 10.6 months (mo) 4 pts completed and 2 are ongoing on EO. Median treatment duration was 43 w (range 2-43). Best response by Lugano in the 6 pts included 4 complete (CR) and 2 partial responses (PR). Median time to PR/CR was 17.1 w (range 6.0-18.0). Currently there is only 1 (not yet confirmed) progression at 20.5 mo. All 5 immune response evaluable pts had expansion of CD8 T cells specific for EO mimic and B cell target peptides during treatment; 4 of 5 had detectable expansions at w5 (1st testing time). Currently, the longest tested immune response is at w65 and positive for both EO mimic and B cell target peptides. Expanded specific CD8 T cells had a memory phenotype predominantly composed of effector memory (TEM) cells but also including central memory (TCM) and terminally differentiated effector memory CD8 T (TEMRA) cells. Across the 5 pts, the medians of max % (sum of specific CD8 T cells targeting either the 4 EO mimic peptides or the 4 B cell antigen epitopes at a specific timepoint) among all peripheral CD8 T cells were 0.71% (range 0.19-3.97) for EO mimic and 0.33% (0.20-1.30) for B cell target peptides. The most common EO-related adverse events (AEs) were local administration site reactions (erythema, pain, induration). These included Gr (Grade) 1 reactions in 3 pts, Gr 2 in 1 pt, and Gr 3 in 1 pt; latter being ulceration with EO-interruption at w10.1, and in context of a strong immune response against EO mimic [3.97% of all peripheral CD8 T cells at w5] and B cell target [1.30%] peptides, and CR from w16.7. Other EO related AEs were Gr 1 lymph node pain (1 pt), and related to both EO and R were Gr 2 urticaria (1 pt) and Gr 1 fatigue (1 pt). Only R related were Gr 2 infusion related reaction (3 pts), Gr 2 enterocolitis infection (1 pt), and in 1 pt each Gr 1 flushing, anemia, headache and diarrhea. There were no further Gr 3-4 AE and no death on treatment/follow-up. Complete B cell depletion was seen in 5 pts tested at w18 (R added w7); no recovery in the range of w30-65. Only 3 infections were reported, per above enterocolitis, and 2 cases of COVID-19 both resolved without sequalae. ConclusionsThe combination of EO with R has a predictable and manageable safety profile, with EO only adding local administration site reactions to the well-known R safety profile. In this feasibility cohort all evaluable pts developed a specific immune response against EO and B cell targets, and a Lugano objective response. The combination of EO and R is feasible and can be evaluated in further trials. Updated results will be presented at the meeting.

Abstract Nucleophosmin mutations are among the most common aberrations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We previously uncovered a novel pivotal role for mutant NPM1 (NPM1c) in the nucleus, where it binds chromatin at key self-renewal gene loci, such as HOXA/B and MEIS1, directly regulating oncogenic transcription. How NPM1c regulates the transcriptional activity of its chromatin targets remains unclear. To identify potential nuclear cooperating partners of NPM1c, we employed TurboID proximity labeling of NPM1c and wild-type NPM1 (NPM1wt). Mass spectrometric analysis revealed an enrichment of nucleoporins in the NPM1c interactome, with Nucleoporin 98 (NUP98) emerging as a top candidate. NUP98, a key component of the nuclear pore complex (NPC), has been established as a critical oncogenic player in AML as part of oncogenic fusion proteins. In these oncofusions the N-terminal FG (phenylalanine-glycine) repeat domain of NUP98 is preserved and fused to a diverse set of partner genes. NUP98-fusion partners are believed to mediate the chromatin binding specificity of the oncoprotein while the NUP98 FG repeats have been shown to form biomolecular condensates that enhance transcriptional output. Interestingly, wild-type NUP98 (NUP98wt) itself has been linked to gene regulatory functions during embryonic development and normal hematopoiesis. However, the role of NUP98wt in transcriptional regulation in the context of leukemia remains unresolved. To explore a potential cooperation between NUP98wt and NPM1c we first validated their interaction by co-immunoprecipitation assays. We next wanted to determine whether NUP98 and NPM1c are recruited to the same chromatin sites. To this end, we performed ChIP-seq in an NPM1c endogenous degrader cell line. These experiments revealed co-occupancy of NUP98 at NPM1c target genes and a significant reduction of NUP98 binding upon degradation of NPM1c. These findings suggest that NPM1c is required for the recruitment of NUP98 to key oncogenic target loci. To dissect the functional role of NUP98wt in NPM1c AML, we performed loss of function studies. CRISPR mediated knock-out of NUP98 in NPM1 mutant (OCI-AML3) cells resulted in a significant repression of NPM1c target genes, including HOXA/B and MEIS1. Given the essential nature of NUP98, we also engineered an endogenous NUP98 degrader system in OCI-AML3 and NPM1wt (MV4-11) cells to allow for the study of the effects of rapid protein depletion. Upon degradation of NUP98, OCI-AML3 cells exhibited robust myeloid differentiation (~70% increase in CD11b) and increased apoptosis (~50% increase in Annexin V+). MV411 cells on the other hand did not show the same differentiation phenotype. To characterize the immediate transcriptional consequences of NUP98 depletion, we performed nascent RNAseq after 1 and 3 hours of degradation. In the first hours of degradation we observed a rapid and significant repression of NPM1c target genes such as HOXA/B cluster genes, MEIS1, SMC4, TNRC18, SATB1/2 and UNCX, thus demonstrating the strong dependency of the NPM1c-driven transcriptional program on the presence of NUP98. In contrast, in MV4-11 cells, NUP98 loss had no effect on HOXA/MEIS1 expression, suggesting a leukemia subtype-specific role of NUP98wt. To delineate the domains of NUP98 required for its chromatin function, we performed a CRISPR gene tiling screen of full-length NUP98 (635 sgRNAs) and based on this we generated several domain-deletion mutants for rescue experiments in the NUP98-degrader cell lines. Retroviral overexpression of the N-terminal FG-repeat containing domains of NUP98 was sufficient to rescue cell viability and prevent the differentiation phenotype typically observed upon NUP98 degradation. Strikingly, gene expression analysis showed that the NUP98 FG-repeats were sufficient to restore the expression of HOXA10, MEIS1, and HOXB9 expression. Overall, our study identifies NUP98wt as a critical cofactor for NPM1c-driven oncogenic transcription. NPM1c recruits NUP98 to its chromatin targets, functionally substituting for an oncogenic fusion partner to concentrate transcriptional condensates at oncogenic loci. This establishes a previously unrecognized, subtype-specific dependency on NUP98wt in leukemogenesis.

Abstract B cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeted chimeric antigen receptor T (CART) cell therapies have emerged as a potentially curative treatment for multiple myeloma (MM). However, 50-70% of patients relapse within 3 years. The MM tumor microenvironment (TME) is highly immunosuppressive with an abundance of bone marrow (BM) cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which contribute to BCMA-CART cell failure. Therapeutic targeting of BM-CAFs has been beset by 1) an incomplete understanding of CAF interactions with CART cells and other BM cells and 2) toxicity risks due to prolonged depletion of healthy fibroblasts and inefficient drug delivery to the BM. To elucidate how BM-CAFs drive BCMA-CART resistance, we performed single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) of baseline BM aspirates from responders (R, n = 6) and non-responders (NR, n = 6) to BCMA-CART cell therapy. NR BMs were enriched for inhibitory CAFs (iCAFs) that highly express fibroblast activation protein (FAP). Spatial analyses of BM cells revealed greater iCAF-iCAF and iCAF-inhibitory macrophage interactions in NR. These findings suggest that FAP+ iCAFs in NR are abundant in the BM and exhibit significant interactions with immunosuppressive macrophages. Next, we sought to validate our scRNAseq data in preclinical models. Xenograft mice were intravenously (IV) engrafted with luciferase+ (luc+) BCMA+ OPM2 cells and/or patient-derived (pd) BM-CAFs (1x106 each). Following engraftment, mice received 1x106 BCMA-CART cells (IV). BCMA-CART cells eradicated tumors in mice engrafted with OPM2 cells, but not in mice engrafted with pdBM-CAFs and OPM2 cells (p<0.01). In NSG and humanized mice (NSG mice engrafted with human CD34+ cells in the first 48 hours of life), tumor growth was significantly accelerated in the presence of pdBM-CAFs (NSG: p<0.01; humanized: p<0.001). BCMA-CART, OPM2, and pdBM-CAF co-cultures also showed significant increases in immunosuppressive cytokines including IL-1Rα, IL-4 and IL-10 and inhibited CART cell proliferation compared to co-cultures without pdBM-CAFs (IL-1Rα, IL-10: p<0.01; IL-4: p<0.001; proliferation: p<0.05). To overcome CAF-mediated CART dysfunction, we engineered BCMA-CART cells to secrete molecules to target BM FAP+ iCAFs and remodel the MM-TME (STriKEs). We designed two BCMA-CART-STriKE strategies: 1) a tri-specific composed of IL-15, anti-FAP, and anti-CD16 molecules to activate innate immune cells to kill CAFs and 2) bi-specific anti-FAP, anti-SIRPα molecules linked to an antibody Fc region (Fc fusion) targeting the CD47/SIRPα axis to induce phagocytosis of FAP+ iCAFs. We hypothesized that BCMA-CART-STriKEs would surmount CAF-mediated immunosuppression without toxicity. We generated BCMA-CART-STriKEs from healthy human donor T cells. CAR expression, STriKE secretion, and binding were confirmed via flow cytometry. Co-cultures of BCMA-CART-STriKEs, donor-matched macrophages, OPM2 cells or BCMA+ MM1S cells, and pdBM-CAFs showed significantly higher OPM2 or MM1S killing (p<0.001), immune cell activation (p<0.01), and phagocytosis (p<0.05), compared to control BCMA-CART cells secreting IL-15 or Fc fusions targeting only FAP or only SIRPα. Next, we assessed BCMA-CART-STriKE efficacy in vivo. NOD-SCID-γ-/- (NSG) mice received 1x106 pdBM-CAFs and 1x106 luc+ OPM2 or luc+ MM1S cells via IV or subcutaneous (SQ) injection. Mice were randomized after confirming tumor engraftment (via bioluminescence imaging for IV or tumor caliper for SQ) and received IV treatment with 1x106 BCMA-CART-STriKEs (or controls) and 5x105 donor-matched macrophages or CD16+ immune cells. BCMA-CART-STriKE-treated mice achieved total tumor clearance. Treatment with BCMA-CART cells secreting IL-15 led to lethal weight loss despite tumor clearance while BCMA-CART cells secreting Fc fusions targeting only FAP or SIRPα failed to eradicate tumors. Lastly, we assessed the potential toxicities of BCMA-CART-STriKEs in humanized mice engrafted with OPM2 cells and pdBM-CAFs (1x106 each). CART cells expressing BCMA and FAP CARs (BCMA-FAP CART) served as a control. BCMA-FAP CART treatment resulted in significant toxicity and weight loss while BCMA-CART-STriKE treatment did not (p<0.01). In summary, we have identified iCAF interactions with immunosuppressive immune cells as key contributors to BCMA-CART cell failure and designed novel BCMA-CART-STriKEs that overcome this failure in MM preclinical models. These findings support the translation of BCMA-CART-STriKEs to a phase I clinical trial.