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Characterization of an immunodeficiency-associated EZH2 variant
Santos, Faustina Vitória Trindade dos , Beck, Lily, DeCurtis, Emily, Griffin, April M. , Balas, Maggie M. , Marchioni, Charlotte, Kumánovics, Attila , Jordan, Kimberly R. , Kirkpatrick, Charles H., Johnson, Aaron M. , Santos, Francisco Perez de los, Beck, Lily, Taylor, Matthew R.G.

No container title available | December 9, 2025 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available

10.64898/2025.12.08.692979 | PMID 41415419 Get It

Abstract Regulation of gene expression is central to the development of immune cells and their ability to respond to infection. As part of a clinical evaluation, we identified two sisters with recurrent infections, hypogammaglobulinemia, and memory B cell deficiency, diagnosed as common variable immunodeficiency. Whole exome sequencing identified a heterozygous variant (Leu50Ser, L50S) in a conserved region of EZH2, the catalytic subunit of the epigenetic gene repressor Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2). EZH2-catalyzed histone H3 lysine 27 methylation (H3K27me) in bulk was not overall significantly disrupted by this variant, in patient samples or cell lines expressing EZH2-L50S. EZH2-L50S protein is expressed similar to wild-type and can form PRC2. However, we find that specific genomic regions that normally have high wild-type levels of H3K27me3 are deficient in the L50S context, particularly around gene promoters. EZH2-L50S is still recruited to these sites, but is not as active. Using recombinant purified PRC2, we determine that L50S affects methylation of nucleosomes and disrupts allosteric stimulation that normally amplifies H3K27me3, consistent with the location of L50 in the allosteric regulatory region of PRC2. Thus, variation of EZH2 L50, occurring at low frequency in the population may interfere with normal B cell gene expression patterns, contributing to immunodeficiency. This study has implications for genetic variation in PRC2 in the general population.
(368) Insight into Removal of Penuma® (Himplant) Device
Lybbert, Daniel, Bernstein, Ari , Pinkhasov, Aaron , Wei, N, Helo, Sevann

The Journal of Sexual Medicine | December 9, 2025 | Volume: 22 | Issue: Supplement_4 | Pages: No page available

10.1093/jsxmed/qdaf320.363 Get It

Abstract Introduction The Penuma ® implant is a medical-grade silicone implant used in the cosmetic augmentation of the penis. Reportedly 3-11% of devices are being removed over time for reasons such as infection, pain, and dissatisfaction with the device. Objective Despite this, there remains a paucity of information demonstrating safe removal of this device. In this video, we outline intra-operative considerations to promote the safe removal of the Penuma device. Methods Sharp and blunt dissection to the level of the capsule is performed via the original incision line. The proximal end of the device is identified via sharp dissection through the capsule. The penis is then everted to expose the distal attachments of the implant, which are subsequently dissected. Superficial and sharp dissection to remove the mesh is performed. We avoid the use of cautery to prevent damage to the nearby neurovascular bundle. Once the mesh and all permanent material is removed, haemostasias is achieved. A drain may be placed. The incision is irrigated and closed in a multi-layer fashion. Results Here we demonstrate a safe and feasible method to surgically remove the Penuma (Himplant) device. Conclusions In conclusion, the Penuma ® implant is a medical-grade silicone implant used in the cosmetic augmentation of the penis that can be safely removed surgically in the event of infection, pain, or dissatisfaction with the device. Disclosure No
(358) Insight Into Office Based Vasovasostomy (Vasectomy Reversal)
Bernstein, Ari , Pinkhasov, Aaron , Wei, N, Helo, Sevann

The Journal of Sexual Medicine | December 9, 2025 | Volume: 22 | Issue: Supplement_4 | Pages: No page available

10.1093/jsxmed/qdaf320.353 Get It

Abstract Introduction Traditional vasectomy reversals are performed in the operating room under general anesthesia, which poses logistical, financial, and clinical drawbacks. A shift toward office-based vasectomy reversal under local anesthesia may address these limitations. Objective To demonstrate the feasibility and technical approach of performing microsurgical vasovasostomy in an office-based setting using local anesthesia, without compromising patient comfort or surgical technique. Methods In this video we outline a step-by-step microsurgical vasovasostomy in an office-based setting. Results Office-based vasovasostomy is technically feasible in the office-based setting. Conclusions Office-based microsurgical vasovasostomy is safe, feasible, and well tolerated in the office-based setting, offering multiple patient- and provider-centered advantages. Disclosure No
2026 American Society of Anesthesiologists Practice Guideline on Perioperative Pain Management Using Local and Regional Analgesia for Cardiothoracic Surgeries, Mastectomy, and Abdominal Surgeries
Joshi, Girish P. , Mariano, Edward R. , Elkassabany, Nabil , Napolitano, Lena M. , Schwartz, Gary , Wyatt-Thompson, Karla E., Burns, Anne, Agarkar, Madhulika, Marbella, Anne, Ramirez, Stephanie, Sullivan, Nancy , Bloschichak, Aaron , Uhl, Stacey , Domino, Karen B., Harbell, Monica, Mariano, Edward R , Harbell, Monica W. , Johnson, Rebecca L. , Li, Jinlei , Suresh, Santhanam , Wyatt, Karla , Ramirez, Stephanie, Sullivan, Nancy, Domino, Karen B.

Anesthesiology | December 9, 2025 | Volume: 144 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 19-43

10.1097/aln.0000000000005790 | PMID 41363869 Get It

This practice guideline addresses perioperative pain management using local and regional anesthesia for cardiothoracic, mastectomy, and abdominal surgery in adults and children. For adults, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (Schaumburg, Illinois) Task Force on Perioperative Pain Management strongly recommends fascial plane blocks to reduce pain and/or opioid requirements in the first 24 h postoperatively for open cardiothoracic, abdominal, retroperitoneal, and pelvic surgeries and mastectomy. Fascial plane blocks are also recommended in adults to reduce pain and/or opioid requirements after minimally invasive abdominal procedures. The Task Force conditionally recommends use of fascial plane blocks for minimally invasive cardiothoracic surgeries and open hernia repair to reduce pain in the first 24 h postoperatively. For children, the Task Force strongly recommends use of fascial plane blocks to reduce pain/and or opioid use after open cardiac or thoracic surgeries. Fascial plane blocks are conditionally recommended to reduce pain the first 24 h in children undergoing open hernia repair. Overall, data analysis for this practice guideline was limited by low methodologic quality, inconsistencies in outcome measurements, and small sample sizes from individual centers. Future research in regional anesthesia and analgesia needs to address these pervasive limitations.
Immune thrombocytopenia in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Leaf, Rebecca Karp , Mones, Jodi V. , Shenoy, Tushar , Warsame, Mohamed , Moreira, Marina Beltrami , Panch, Sandhya , Leavitt, Andrew D., Zon, Rebecca L. , Shahamatdar, Sahar , Lim, Tristan , Cui, Can , Jiang, Debbie , Kaunfer, Sarah Allison , Durai, Lavanya , Hoge, Steven T., Dias, Julie‐Alexia , Sha, Carrie , Holmes, Aaron , Easton, Neil , Corley, Elizabeth M. , Zhao, Ethan, Li, Xingyi , Spelman, Amy, Amos, Christina Briggs, Soebbing, Doris, Shabih, Maria, Jamison, Trevor , Liu, Bolun , Hussein, Guleid , Yadav, Sumeet K. , Meara, Alexa, Juras, Patrick K. , Heskel, Marina, Reynolds, Kerry L. , Kroll, Michael H. , Leaf, David E. , Leaf, Rebecca K , Beltrami-Moreira, Marina , Cui, Can , Jiang, Debbie , Kaunfer, Sarah A , Durai, Lavanya , Dias, Julie-Alexia , Holmes, Aaron N , Easton, Neela , Corley, Elizabeth M , Liu, Bolun , Yadav, Sumeet Kumar , Elsaid, Mohamed I , Suresh, Arvind , Huang, Jennifer J , Glezerman, Ilya G , Al-Samkari, Hanny , Kroll, Michael H , Leaf, David E , Leavitt, Andrew D. , Kendall, Ellen K. , Hoge, Steven T., Li, Xingyi, Amos, Christina Briggs, Owen, Dwight H , Meara, Alexa, Go, Ronald S. , Al‐Samkari, Hanny

Blood | December 8, 2025 | Volume: 147 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 1351-1364

10.1182/blood.2025031449 | PMID 41359796 Get It

Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitor–associated immune thrombocytopenia (ICI-ITP) has been described in case reports and small case series, but comprehensive data on its incidence, risk factors, clinical features, treatment, and outcomes are lacking. We reviewed medical records of all adults initiating ICI therapy between 2016 and 2023 at 29 US hospitals across 7 major cancer centers to identify patients with ICI-ITP. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors, and Cox modeling was performed to assess the association between ICI-ITP, its severity, and mortality. Among 86 467 patients, ICI-ITP occurred in 214 (0.25%). Independent risk factors included lower baseline platelet count, combination ICI therapy, stage IV cancer, and additional immune-related adverse events. ICI-ITP occurred at a median of 8 weeks (interquartile range [IQR], 4-18) after ICI initiation, with a median nadir platelet count of 41 × 109/L (IQR, 17 × 109/L to 64 × 109/L). Patients were treated with glucocorticoids (n = 106 [49.5%]), immune globulin (n = 39 [18.2%]), and thrombopoietin receptor agonists (n = 29 [13.6%]). Recovery occurred in 161 patients (75.2%) at a median of 2.3 weeks (IQR, 1.0-5.3). Of 76 patients rechallenged with ICIs, 23 (30.3%) developed recurrent ICI-ITP. ICI-ITP and its severity were associated with higher all-cause mortality, with a nearly threefold increase in risk among patients with severe ICI-ITP than those without ICI-ITP (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.96 [95% confidence interval, 2.14-4.08]). These findings establish ICI-ITP as a rare but clinically significant complication of ICI therapy, provide, to our knowledge, the first large-scale description of its risk factors and clinical course, and underscore the importance of timely recognition and management.
Intravenously administered LV-169 delivers a functional BCMA-CAR transgene to niche-resident T cells and leads to elimination of disseminated myeloma in MHC-deficient NSG mice
Nenavath, Gopal Naik, Gazi, Md Yeashin, Hawkes, Aaron, Gwilt, Collin, Chin, Chia-Hsuan , Kinney, Christian, Salimi, Hamid , Suwanmanee, Thipparat, Phung, Darren, Briercheck, Edward L. , Smith, Eric L. , Lin, Yi , Peng, Kah-Whye , Packiriswamy, Nandakumar , Carey, Timothy S. , Phung, Darren, Krotova, Karina Y. , Vandergaast, Rianna , Venugopal, Kartika , Smith, Eric

Blood | December 5, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 5896-5896

10.1182/blood-2025-5896 Get It

Abstract Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is a transformative treatment for hematologic malignancies. However, ex vivo autologous CAR T cell manufacturing presents substantial logistical and clinical challenges. Direct in vivo CAR-T cell engineering offers a new paradigm for CAR T delivery. We recently developed the CD3-targeted lentiviral vector LV-169 which can deliver a CAR transgene to resting niche-resident T cells in lymphoid tissues. LV169 is pseudotyped with a mix of chimeric and nonchimeric VSV-G proteins detargeted (blinded) from the natural LDL receptor and re-targeted to T cells through the display of a CD3-specific scFv. Here we demonstrate that LV169 can specifically deliver a functional aBCMA-CAR transgene to resting human T cells in PBMC cultures from the healthy volunteers and from multiple myeloma patients. For clinical translation, we selected an αBCMA-CAR construct comprising a fully human single heavy chain nanobody linked to 41BB and CD3z cytoplasmic signaling domains. Human T cells expressing this CAR construct have low tonic signaling and efficiently kill BCMA-positive myeloma target cells with similar or lower associated cytokine release compared to a clinically relevant benchmark BCMA-CAR. To further improve LV169 and to minimize CAR protein incorporation in the LV envelope which may lead undesirably to myeloma cell transduction, we placed the CAR transgene under a T-cell specific Lck promoter in reverse orientation relative to the 5' LTR. The transcriptional activity of the Lck promoter was comparable to that of a constitutive EF1a promoter in primary T cells and, in contrast to EF1a had minimal activity in a variety of other tested cell types including the HEK293T producer cell line and the THP-1 monocytic cell line. Western blotting confirmed the absence of CAR protein in LV particles (LVP) generated using the Lck promoter-driven reverse orientation construct. In contrast, high levels of CAR protein were detected in LVP generated using the parental EF1a promoter-driven construct. The LV-incorporated CAR protein mediated off-target gene delivery to BCMA-positive myeloma cells. The therapeutic efficacy of intravenously administered LV169 LV particles carrying BCMA-CAR constructs was tested in the OPM-2 human multiple myeloma xenograft model. NSG mice with knockout of MHC-I and MHC-II, and with advanced disseminated OPM-2-Luc tumors were engrafted with human PBMC one week prior to intravenous LV169-BCMA-CAR administration. Mice were treated with single intravenous injection of LV169 at different doses 3 weeks after tumor engraftment. OPM-2-Luc tumor burden was monitored by regular luciferase imaging. All treated mice cleared their tumors within 28-days following LV administration and the rate of clearance was correlated to the LV particle dose. Even at the 4e8 dose level (by p24) tumors were completely cleared. Eighty four days post-treatment the treated mice remained tumor-free and resisted re-challenge with OPM-2 tumor cells. Circulating CAR-T cells, monitored by flow cytometry, became detectable by 14 dpi and peaked between 21-35 dpi. Following tumor clearance, the number of circulating CAR-T cells declined dramatically. The treatment was well tolerated and analysis of cytokines associated with CAR-T cell cytotoxicity confirmed the absence of a severe cytokine storm. IFNγ was the only cytokine which was elevated during the expansion period of CAR-T cells, while IL-2, IL-6, TNFα and GM-CSF were barely detectable. In summary the characteristics of our new developed LV169-based platform make it suitable for further clinical translation which is underway.
Defining functional high-risk multiple myeloma in the era of modern induction therapy
Paul, Barry, Tan, Carlyn , Geyer, Susan, Pederson, Levi , Schumacher, Peyton, Kennedy, Caroline, Semmel, Emily A., James, Shandra, Cleaves, Travis, Zanwar, Saurabh , Zonder, Jeffrey A. , Rubinstein, Samuel M. , Hashmi, Hamza , Bhutani, Manisha , Kennedy, C., James, Shandra, Schroeder, Mark A. , Martin, Thomas G. , Nooka, Ajay K. , D’Souza, Anita , Richard, Shambavi , Sperling, Adam S. , Rosenberg, Aaron , Usmani, Saad Z.

Blood | December 5, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 4014-4014

10.1182/blood-2025-4014 Get It

Abstract Background: Treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) has advanced dramatically over the past decade with median overall survival (OS) for newly diagnosed MM patients (pts) now exceeding 10 years. However, outcomes in pts with high-risk disease remain poor. While most pts with high-risk disease are identified through baseline cytogenetic risk stratification, presence of extramedullary disease, or R-ISS stage, there is also a population of pts who may or may not have these traditional high-risk factors who relapse earlier than expected and have similarly poor outcomes. These pts are often delineated as “functional high-risk,” but a standardized definition of this population in the era of modern myeloma therapy is lacking. Methods: Using the ASH Research Collaborative (ASH RC) Data Hub, we retrospectively searched 7,249 pts across 10 participating institutions for those with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) treated with a triplet or quadruplet induction regimen (with or without autologous stem cell transplant) who had response data available. We evaluated duration of response from first line therapy (PD1) on post-PD1 clinical outcomes such as: time to next treatment (TTNT), time to subsequent progression and/or death (PFS2), and OS. We also analyzed characteristics of those who did vs. did not progress at prespecified time points of interest (12-, 18-, 24-, and 36-months) from the start of induction. We utilized recursive partitioning analyses to iteratively explore all possible cutpoints and identify which one(s) provide the greatest differentiation in the risk of subsequent progression and/or death. Results: We identified 1,305 pts who met the eligibility criteria. Of these, 264 had PD1 data including 201 who had response follow-up (f/u) after PD1. Median f/u after PD1 in this population was 3.2 years, and median PFS2 f/u after PD1 (n=201) was 4.4 years. Months to PD1 was significantly associated with PFS2 (p=0.038). All prespecified time points examined showed inferior PFS2 compared to those with PD1 >36 mos, although each subgroup was not statistically significant, likely due to limited numbers in each group: PD1 <12 mos HR=1.44 (n=43; 95% CI: 0.90 – 2.30; p=0.126), PD1 12-24 mos HR=1.65 (n=30; 95% CI: 0.95 – 2.85; p=0.073), and PD1 24-36 mos HR=1.58 (n=52; 95% CI: 0.98 – 2.53; p=0.059). Similarly, timing of PD1 was also associated with OS post-PD1; pts with PD1 <12 mos had significantly lower OS compared to those with PD1 >36 mos (HR=2.35, 95% CI: 1.27 – 4.32; p=0.006). Our recursive partitioning analysis identified 30-months at the cutoff that produced the greatest differential in outcomes between those above vs. below the landmark. Approximately 23% of the pts analyzed had PD1 within 30 mos, and these pts had significantly lower OS compared to those with PD1 ≥30 mos (HR=1.99, 95% CI: 1.21 – 3.27; p=0.006). Similarly, pts who progressed within 30 mos of starting 1L therapy (n=98) had significantly shorter PFS2 (median=12.5 mos vs 22.8 mos; HR=1.55, 95% CI: 1.09 – 2.20; p=0.014) than those who did not (n=103). Those pts who progressed within 30 mos were more likely to have a higher R-ISS stage at diagnosis (p=0.048), but were not more likely to have high-risk cytogenetics (p=0.66) compared to pts with PD1 ≥30 mos. Interestingly, receiving SCT as part of 1L therapy was not significantly associated with improved PFS2 (HR=0.89, 95% CI: 0.62 – 1.29; 0.54) but was significantly associated with improved OS (HR=0.53, 95% CI: 0.31 – 0.90; 0.018) by univariate analysis. Conclusion: Our study is the first to use a large, multicenter, cohort to evaluate the definition of functional high-risk MM in the era of novel induction therapies. Our data suggest that pts who progress within 30 mos of induction on triplet or quadruplet regimens (irrespective of whether they underwent stem cell transplant) have poorer outcomes than those who progress at 30 mos or later, and that progression prior to 30 mos represents functional high-risk disease. These pts represent a clear unmet medical need, and additional focus should be taken to identify them early with the goal of designing trials to optimize their subsequent therapies.
A Phase II multicenter study of minimal residual disease-guided, time-limited acalabrutinib + obinutuzumab for the initial treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Thompson, Meghan, Mato, Anthony, Palomba, Lia, Leslie, Lori, Derkach, Andriy, Nemirovsky, David, Islam, Prioty, Geyer, Mark, Caron, Philip, Goldberg, Aaron, Kumar, Anita, Moskowitz, Alison, Lue, Jennifer, Owens, Colette, Salles, Gilles, Stein, Eytan, Steiner, Raphael, Torka, Pallawi, Dahncke, Lori, Ordona, Emily, Meem, Mashiyate, Hutzler, Claire, Harris, Miranda, Shah, Monica, Karnam, Megha, Nogan, Lauren, Maloney, Caitlin, Shah, Anmol, Nyima, Tenzin, Dorsey, Colleen, Doyle, Kate, Howgate-Klingaman, Jennifer, Brutus, Jamila, Tyznar, Dianna, Lincke, Anna, Wray, Rick, Feldman, Tatyana, Zelenetz, Andrew, Roeker, Lindsey, Thompson, Meghan, Mato, Anthony, Palomba, Lia, Leslie, Lori, Derkach, Andriy, Nemirovsky, David, Islam, Prioty, Geyer, Mark, Caron, Philip, Goldberg, Aaron, Kumar, Anita, Moskowitz, Alison, Lue, Jennifer, Owens, Colette, Salles, Gilles , Stein, Eytan, Steiner, Raphael, Torka, Pallawi, Dahncke, Lori, Ordona, Emily, Meem, Mashiyate, Hutzler, Claire, Harris, Miranda, Shah, Monica, Karnam, Megha, Nogan, Lauren, Maloney, Caitlin, Shah, Anmol, Nyima, Tenzin, Dorsey, Colleen, Doyle, Kate, Howgate-Klingaman, Jennifer, Brutus, Jamila, Tyznar, Dianna, Lincke, Anna, Wray, Rick, Feldman, Tatyana, Zelenetz, Andrew, Roeker, Lindsey

Blood | December 5, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 5676-5676

10.1182/blood-2025-5676 Get It

Abstract Background: Advantages of covalent Bruton Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor (cBTKi) treatment (tx), as compared to BCL2 inhibitor (BCL2i) containing regimens, include ease of initial administration without a requirement for frequent laboratory monitoring, even in patients (pts) with bulky disease. However, limitations of cBTKi monotherapy include acquired resistance, cumulative toxicity and the financial burden associated with continuous administration. CLL pts treated on the E1912 study who discontinued (dc) ibrutinib for reasons other than progression of disease (PD) had a median progression free survival (PFS) of ~2.7 years from ibrutinib dc, suggesting that a time-limited cBTKi strategy may be feasible for some pts(Shanafelt et al. Blood Advances 2025). We hypothesized that acalabrutinib (acala) and obinutuzumab (O) could be administered as a time-limited initial tx for CLL with duration guided by minimal residual disease (MRD). Methods: This is an ongoing phase II, multicenter, investigator-initiated study of acala and O for previously untx pts with CLL/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) requiring tx per iwCLL 2018 criteria (NCT04722172). Pts with TP53 aberrancy are excluded. Pts receive acala 100 mg twice daily and O during 28-day cycles (C) 2-7. Undetectable MRD is defined with a 10-4 sensitivity in the peripheral blood (PB) by ClonoSeq next generation sequencing (uMRD4). Pts undergo MRD testing at C13; if uMRD4 at C13 with a complete response (CR) or partial response (PR), pts dc acala and enter tx free observation (TFO). If detectable MRD4 (dMRD4) at C13, pts continue acala until uMRD4, with repeat MRD testing occurring at C16, 19, 22 and 25. All pts dc acala after a maximum of 26C and enter TFO, even if dMRD4. If pts have PD meeting iwCLL criteria for tx during TFO, re-tx consists of acala + 6 cycles of O. Pts are followed for 13C of re-tx. Primary endpoint is 36-month PFS. Results: 55 pts initiated tx. Baseline characteristics include: median age 67, 64% male, 47% LN ≥ 5 cm, 73% IGHV unmutated. Best overall response rate (ORR) was 95% (CR: 4, PR: 48, SD: 0, PD: 1, unknown: 2). Best uMRD4 rate at any time during the study was 49% (n=27 pts, intention-to-treat, IIT). 5 pts dc tx prior to C13 MRD testing (2 pt decision, 2 AE, 1 due to PD after ~4C). At C13, 22 pts (40% of IIT) were uMRD4; 21 entered TFO after 13C and 1 pt had 19C tx prior to TFO. 28 pts had dMRD4 (51% ITT) at C13. Between C13 and 26, 2 pts became uMRD4 and entered TFO, 1 pt died (COVID-19), and 2 pts stopped acala for tx of other cancers. 21 pts completed 26C acala per protocol prior to entering TFO; 2 additional pts had PD at C25 and EOT. Median tx duration was 19C. In univariate analyses, age, del11q, del13q, IGHV mutational status and baseline LN ≥ 5 cm were not predictive of uMRD4 at C13. At a median follow-up of 38 months, the median PFS for the overall cohort is 42 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 37, not reached), with an estimated 36-month PFS of 69% (95% CI: 57%, 84%). At data cutoff, of 46 pts entering TFO, 29 pts remained in TFO without PD, 7 pts had PD during TFO but had not met iwCLL criteria for re-tx, and 10 pts had PD requiring tx (5 pts re-tx pe protocol, 5 came off study for non-protocol tx approach). The overall median TFO period (measured from acala dc to PD) was 25 months (95% CI: 21 – not reached, n=46 pts). 5 pts have initiated re-tx with acala + O (1 pt best response PR and uMRD4; 4 ongoing tx). Median time to re-tx was 18 months (range 6-34, n=5 pts). Conclusions: This study is proof-of-concept that cBTKi may be administered as a time-limited tx without the addition of a BCL2i. While the initial PFS is shorter than historical studies examining continuous cBTKi, of patients entering TFO after 1-2 years of acala, the median duration of TFO until PD is 25 months, and longer follow-up will provide re-tx outcomes. Potential advantages to MRD-guided, time-limited cBTKi tx include time off tx for pts, limiting acquired resistance, the ability to re-challenge with cBTKi at progression, and reserving BCL2i for third-line or later tx.
Long-term rusfertide treatment in polycythemia vera: Initial results from the phase 2 THRIVE extension study
Pemmaraju, Naveen , Ritchie, Ellen K. , Palmer, Jeanne , Oubre, D., Vosganian, Gregory, Gupta, Suneel , Oyuela, Pedro, Khanna, Sarita, Molina, Arturo , Kremyanskaya, Marina , Kuykendall, Andrew , Gotlib, Jason , Gerds, Aaron T. , Nath, Uttam Kumar

Blood | December 5, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 3810-3810

10.1182/blood-2025-3810 Get It

Abstract Background: Polycythemia vera (PV) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by red blood cell overproduction. In the phase 2 REVIVE study (NCT04057040), rusfertide was superior to placebo in achieving hematocrit (Hct) levels <45% and reducing or eliminating the need for therapeutic phlebotomy (PHL) in patients (pts) with PV who were PHL dependent prior to study entry (Kremyanskaya M, et al. N Engl J Med. 2024;390(8):723-35). During the open-label extension portion of REVIVE (Part 3), combining rusfertide and PHL with or without cytoreductive therapy (CRT) controlled erythrocytosis, provided long-term control of Hct, and was associated with a greater than 8-fold reduction in the estimated annual PHL rate (Gerds AT, et al. Blood. 2024;144(Suppl. 1):4559). Pts who participated in REVIVE Part 3 were eligible to transition to the open-label phase 2 THRIVE extension study (NCT06033586) and receive up to 2 additional years of rusfertide treatment. Our objective is to present initial results describing the long-term durability of response and safety profile of rusfertide in pts with PV who participated in REVIVE and transitioned to THRIVE. Methods Pts with PV who participated in REVIVE, completed ≥12 months of rusfertide therapy, and had an end-of-treatment visit were eligible to transition to THRIVE. Pts who enrolled in THRIVE continued to receive subcutaneous rusfertide once weekly with or without CRT. Median Hct and the number of PHLs each pt received were assessed in all pts who received ≥1 dose of rusfertide and had ≥1 efficacy assessment on study. Safety data were also collected, including treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs), serious adverse events (SAEs), non-PV malignancies, and thromboembolic events (TEs). New-onset AEs (ie, AEs that were reported in THRIVE but not REVIVE) were also recorded. Results: Forty-six/58 pts (79%) who enrolled in Part 3 of REVIVE transitioned to THRIVE. At the data cutoff date (27 May 2025), 44 of the 46 pts (96%) who enrolled in THRIVE remained on study. Median (range) age was 58 (27-77), and the majority were male (74%). More than half (57%) had high-risk PV; 54% of pts were on concurrent CRT. Median (range) treatment duration in THRIVE was 48 (22-66) weeks; median (range) treatment duration in REVIVE and THRIVE combined was 198 (154-267) weeks, or 3.8 (3.0-5.1) years. At baseline, mean (standard deviation [SD]) Hct was 42.3% (3.7) in THRIVE. At Week 60, mean (SD) Hct was 43.0% (4.2). In addition, mean hemoglobin and erythrocyte levels remained stable throughout THRIVE. Prior to study entry in REVIVE, the mean (SD) annualized PHL rate (ie, PHL/year) for the 46 pts who eventually rolled over to THRIVE was 9.2 (5.2) PHL/year. The mean (SD) annualized PHL rate during REVIVE Part 3 and THRIVE was 0.6 (0.8) and 0.7 (1.1) PHL/year, respectively. Overall, the most common AEs in the pts who participated in REVIVE and THRIVE were Grade 1-2 injection site reactions (87%), fatigue (59%), COVID-19 (50%), pruritus (44%), arthralgia (39%), dizziness (35%), anemia (30%), paresthesia (28%), headache (26%), abdominal pain and nausea (24% each), and diarrhea, dyspnea, and upper respiratory tract infection (22% each). In THRIVE, the most common new-onset AEs were anemia (20%) and fatigue (15%). Twelve pts (26%) had a prior history of non-PV cancer. Six pts (13%) had a new-onset cancer event, including basal cell carcinoma (n=3; 7%), squamous cell carcinoma (n=2, 4%), non-invasive bladder cancer (n=1, 2%), and multiple myeloma (n=1; 2%). Of these 6 pts, 5 (83%) had a prior history of non-PV cancer. Nine pts (20%) had a history of TEs prior to enrolling in REVIVE. One patient with cardiovascular risk factors and a TE prior to enrollment in REVIVE had a new-onset TE of cerebrovascular accident in THRIVE. Overall, there were no TEs in pts with low-risk PV in either REVIVE or THRIVE. Conclusions: After transitioning to THRIVE, continued treatment with rusfertide with or without CRT demonstrated consistent, long-term Hct control with reduced therapeutic PHLs compared to baseline. With a median of 3.8 years of treatment, rusfertide's safety profile was consistent with prior observations. Support Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc.
Phase II study of reparixin in patients with myelofibrosis. myeloproliferative neoplasms research consortium (MPN-RC) 120 trial
Kremyanskaya, Marina , Bhave, Rupali , Mead‐Harvey, Carolyn , Johnson, Kathryn, Yu, Ashley , Hoffman, R, Gerds, Aaron T. , Kuykendall, Andrew , Wang, Eunice S. , Kosiorek, Heidi , Dueck, Amylou C. , Migliaccio, Anna Ritá , Mesa, Ruben A. , Mascarenhas, John

Blood | December 5, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 3829-3829

10.1182/blood-2025-3829 Get It

Abstract Background/rationale Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) and post-polycythemia vera/essential thrombocythemia (Post-PV/ET MF) (collectively termed MF) are chronic hematopoietic malignancies with progressive bone marrow collagen fibrosis, peripheral cytopenias, extramedullary hematopoiesis, splenomegaly, debilitating constitutional symptoms and heightened risk of transformation to acute leukemia. The only currently approved therapies for MF are JAK inhibitors (JAKi) which can provide significant improvements in splenomegaly and systemic symptoms but do not fundamentally change the pathogenesis of the disease. As a result, additional non-JAKi therapies for patients with MF after JAKi failure represent an important translational focus. Reparixin is a novel, potent and specific inhibitor of the chemokine CXCL8 (IL)-8. IL-8 is a member of a class of cytokines involved in leukocyte recruitment and activation in tissues. There are two known types of CXCL8 receptors – CXCR1 and CXCR2, which are expressed in neutrophils (Baggiolini M, Adv Immunol 1994). IL-8/CXCR1/2 signaling has been shown to be a key mediator of inflammatory signaling in MF patients. Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells from patients with MF are enriched for a CXCL8/CXCR2 gene signature and display enhanced proliferation and fitness in response to an exogenous CXCL8 ligand in vitro. Genetic deletion or a small molecule inhibitor of CXCR2 in MF mouse adoptive transfer models ameliorates fibrosis, extends overall survival and improves hematologic parameters (Dunbar A, Blood 2023). This pre-clinical data validates targeting this pathway in clinical investigations. Study design This is an open-label, phase II study assessing the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of reparixin in patients with Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System (DIPSS) intermediate-2, or high-risk PMF, post ET/PV MF either after prior treatment with, or those who are ineligible for treatment with a JAKi. Patients will receive oral reparixin 1200 mg three times daily on a four-week cycle for a core study period of 24 weeks. Patients who achieve at least clinical improvement (CI) or stable disease (SD) with one grade improvement in bone marrow fibrosis by International Working Group-Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Research and Treatment (IWG-MRT) criteria at the Cycle 7 response assessment may continue receiving reparixin until loss of response, disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, patients/physician withdrawal, or termination of study by sponsor. The study monitors both efficacy and toxicity using a Bayesian Optimal Phase 2 (BOP2) design. If response is observed in at least one patient out of 10 and safety is confirmed at the interim analysis, the trial will proceed to full enrollment of 26 patients. If more than three responses are observed in the total cohort, then a signal of activity is confirmed. Primary Objective: To estimate the efficacy of reparixin treatment in DIPSS intermediate-2 or high-risk subjects with PMF, post PV-MF, or post ET-MF. Secondary Objectives: To assess the efficacy of reparixin as determined by response assessment using IWG-MRT/ELN criteria at the end of Cycle 6 and Cycle 12. To assess the change in bone marrow fibrosis grade at the end of Cycle 6 and Cycle 12 with reparixin. To assess the safety of reparixin as measured by the adverse event profile of Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0. To assess spleen volume reduction by imaging after Cycle 6 and Cycle 12 as compared to baseline spleen volume. Key Exploratory Objectives: To evaluate changes in quality of life and patient-reported outcomes To conduct correlative studies to measure biomarkers of reparixin activity, such as Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) levels, bone marrow microvessel density, megakaryocyte number and peripheral blood CD34+ cell number, and patients with and without IL-8 secretion. Key inclusion criteria: Have a pathologically confirmed diagnosis of PMF, post-ET-MF, or post-PV-MF as per the WHO diagnostic criteria with intermediate-2 or higher risk disease by DIPSS Be refractory/resistant to or intolerant of/inappropriate for JAKi therapy Have adequate liver and kidney function Platelet count ≥ 25 x 109/L Bone marrow and peripheral blood blast count < 10% ANC ≥ 1000 mm3. MPN Research Consortium (MPN-RC) 120 is currently enrolling patients through the MPN-RC clinical sites throughout the United States. Clinical Trial Identifier NCT05835466