Citations

Mayo Clinic

Clear

3480 citation(s) found for "Xu, Sarah C".

Safety and efficacy of AZD0120, a BCMA/CD19 dual-targeting CAR T-cell therapy, in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: Preliminary Results from the DURGA-1 Phase 1b/2 study
Gaballa, Mahmoud , Gregory, Tara, Costa, Luciano da Fontoura , Costello, Caitlin , Goldsmith, Scott , Hansen, Doris, Kumar, Shaji , Ramakrishnan, Aravind , Shaikh, Hira , Hong, Meiyue Grace, Wang, Steven , Cheung, Patricia , Dhakal, Binod , Shaikh, Hira , Richard, Shambavi , Chhabra, Saurabh , Anderson, Larry D. , Costa, Luciano, Hansen, Doris K. , Rajeeve, Sridevi , Battiwalla, Minoo , Nooka, Ajay K. , Hong, Meiyue Grace, Li, Liang , Dhakal, Binod

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 269-269

10.1182/blood-2025-269 Get It

Abstract Introduction: Multiple myeloma (MM) accounts for nearly 20% of all hematologic cancers in the US and remains a substantial clinical burden, with patients (pts) requiring multiple lines of therapy (LOT). While advances such as BCMA-directed CAR T-cell therapy have improved outcomes, challenges persist, including disease relapse, treatment toxicities (CRS, ICANS, and non-ICANS neurotoxicities), and access. AZD0120 (formerly GC012F) is a first-in-class autologous BCMA/CD19 dual-targeting CAR T-cell therapy using the FasTCAR rapid manufacturing platform that preserves the naive and central memory T-cell phenotypes with marked in vivo proliferative capacity. Phase 1 investigator-initiated trials in China demonstrated deep, durable responses and a favorable safety profile following single-infusion AZD0120 in newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM) (Du J, et al. EHA 2024 and ASCO 2023). Here, we report for the first time preliminary phase 1b results from DURGA-1, an ongoing phase 1b/2 clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of AZD0120 in pts with RRMM. Methods: This open-label, single-arm, US-based, multicenter study (NCT05850234) evaluated the safety/tolerability of 2 dose levels (DL) of AZD0120 in pts with RRMM along with preliminary efficacy. Eligible ptswere aged ≥18 y with RRMM (3+ prior LOT [pLOT] including a proteasome inhibitor, immunomodulatory drug, and anti-CD38 antibody), ECOG PS 0–1, and documented evidence of progressive disease. Exposure to BCMA-directed therapy ≥6 mo with best response of PR or better was permitted. Pts underwent lymphodepletion followed by a single infusion of AZD0120. Pts in DL1 received 1x105 cells/kg; DL2 received 3x105 cells/kg. Dose escalation and recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) were determined by a safety review committee. Phase 1b primary objectives included safety/tolerability and RP2D determination; secondary objectives included efficacy, cellular kinetics (CK), and pharmacodynamics. Results: As of data cutoff (DCO) on 18 July 2025, a total of 25 pts received infusion of AZD0120 (n=12 DL1; n=13 DL2). The median age was 64 y (range 44–78), median pLOT was 4 (range 3–7), 72% were triple-class refractory, 20% had prior BCMA CAR T-cell therapy, 4% had prior teclistamab, 28% had high-risk cytogenetic features [del(13q), del(17p13), t(4;14), t(14;16), amp(1q)], and 8% had extramedullary plasmacytomas. The median time from apheresis to release was 14 d (range 10–30). Median time from apheresis to infusion was 28 d (range 19–44) with 5 pts receiving bridging therapy. Median follow-up was 1.4 mo (range 0–19.3). No dose-limiting toxicities were reported for either dose. The most common treatment-emergent AEs (TEAEs, any grade) were CRS (64%), neutrophil count decreased (56%), and anemia (32%). The most common grade ≥3 TEAEs were neutrophil count decreased (52%), lymphocyte count decreased (32%), and white blood cell count decreased (32%). CRS was reported in 75% of pts at DL1 (all grade 1) and 54% at DL2 (46% grade 1; 8% grade 2), with no cases of grade ≥3 CRS. Median time to CRS onset (DL1/DL2) was 9 d (range 2–11), with a median duration of 2 d (range 1–4); 12 pts (48%) received tocilizumab for CRS management and 12% received dexamethasone. No cases of ICANS, related non-ICANS neurotoxicity, IEC-colitis, or secondary primary malignancies have been reported. There have been no deaths. For efficacy-evaluable patients (n=15), ORR was 100% (33% sCR, 47% VGPR, 20% PR). CR rates in evaluable pts were 30% in DL1 (n=10) and 40% in DL2 (n=5); median time to response was 0.9 mo for both DLs (range 0.9–1.9 DL1; 0.6–1.8 DL2). All MRD-evaluable pts (n=5 DL1; n=3 DL2; DCO 01 July 2025) were MRD-negative by NGS at a sensitivity of 10-5. Three pts in DL1 with ≥12 mo follow-up maintained MRD negativity. Consistent with robust in vivo expansion, CK analysis from 16 evaluable pts (DCO 12 June 2025) demonstrated a median Tmax of 13 d post-infusion with a median Cmax of 85,266 copies/mg gDNA. Median persistence was 42 d (range 13–273). Updated clinical data with additional follow-up will be presented. Conclusion: Preliminary phase 1b results demonstrated AZD0120 was well tolerated, with a low incidence of serious AEs, no grade ≥3 CRS, and no ICANS. FasTCAR-manufactured AZD0120 had expectedin vivo expansion, which may have resulted in the predictable CRS profile. A single infusion of AZD0120 achieved early, deep responses with 100% MRD negativity from 4L+ triple-class‒exposed pts with RRMM.
Outpatient (OP) use of lisocabtagene maraleucel (liso-cel) in patients (Pts) with relapsed or refractory (R/R) large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL): Real-world data from the CIBMTR registry
Lunning, Matthew A. , Rao, Uttam K. , Lin, Yi , Crombie, Jennifer L. , Isufi, Iris, Bernasconi, David, Roy, Debasmita, Pasquini, Marcelo C. , Hunter, Bradley D. , Patel, Krish , Sdrimas, Konstantinos , Battiwalla, Minoo , Ibrahimi, Sami , Ahmed, Sairah , Frigault, Matthew J.

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 5482-5482

10.1182/blood-2025-5482 Get It

Abstract Introduction: Liso-cel, an autologous, CD19-directed CAR T cell product, has demonstrated consistent efficacy in a broad population of pts with B-cell malignancies, including R/R LBCL. Its well-established safety profile has made OP delivery commonplace. This, combined with recent changes to postinfusion monitoring requirements, offers pts the potential for greater access to care. Here, we describe real-world safety and effectiveness outcomes for pts with R/R LBCL who received liso-cel as standard of care (SOC) therapy in the inpatient (IP) or OP setting. Methods: This was an observational study of pts in the US with R/R LBCL who received commercial liso-cel as second-line (2L) or later treatment (tx) in the IP or OP setting between 02/2021 and 02/2025 and had ≥1 postinfusion assessment reported in the Center for International Blood & Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR). Safety outcomes included rates of AEs of special interest and nonrelapse mortality (NRM). Postinfusion hospitalizations in the OP group were also assessed. Effectiveness outcomes included ORR, CR rate, duration of response (DOR), PFS, and OS. All results are reported descriptively. Results: Of 1116 eligible pts, 34% (n=375) were intended for OP tx, as reported to the CIBMTR, including 82 of 195 (42%) pts who received liso-cel as 2L tx. Among pts treated in the IP vs OP setting, median (range) age was 71.5 y (21.5–91.2) and 69.8 y (25.0–86.1), respectively, and most pts were male (59% and 61%). Proportions of pts with high-grade B-cell lymphoma (16% and 12%), ≥2 extranodal involvement sites (26% and 26%), and secondary CNS involvement (5% and 4%) were similar for the IP and OP groups, respectively. In contrast, 48% vs 37% of pts in the IP vs OP groups, respectively, had elevated LDH before infusion and 10% vs 3% had ECOG PS ≥2. One or more comorbidities were reported for 72% and 65% (including cardiac, 36% and 32%; pulmonary, 30% and 26%; active infections requiring ongoing tx, 6% and 3%) of pts in the IP and OP groups, respectively. Median (range) number of prior lines of therapy was 3 (1–13) in the IP group and 3 (1–16) in the OP group. Use of bridging therapy was reported in 65% of the IP group and 62% of the OP group. Median (95% CI) follow-up for this study was 12.7 mo (12.5–13) in the IP group and 12.6 mo (12.4–12.8) in the OP group. Safety was similar in both settings; any-grade CRS was reported in 52% of IP vs 49% of OP setting pts, with low rates of grade 2 CRS (15% vs 11%) and grade ≥3 CRS (3% vs 2%) in both groups. Any-grade immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) rates were also similar in pts in the IP vs OP setting (28% vs 23%), with low rates of grade 2 ICANS (5% vs 4%) and grade ≥3 ICANS (10% vs 8%). Prolonged cytopenia (grade 4 thrombocytopenia and/or neutropenia at 30 d after infusion) was reported in 12% and 14% in the IP and OP groups; clinically significant infections at any time after infusion occurred in 48% of IP and 42% of OP setting pts. In the IP and OP groups, 37% and 30% of pts died, most commonly due to PD (25% and 21%) and the NRM rates at 12 mo were 7.1 (95% CI, 5.2–9.4) and 4.1 (95% CI, 2.2–6.8). Among OP setting pts, 46% were not hospitalized after infusion; of those hospitalized after OP infusion, median (IQR) time to hospitalization was 5 d (3-8) and duration of stay was 5 d (3-9). Response rates were high in both the IP (ORR, 80% [95% CI, 77–83]; CR rate, 70% [95% CI, 66–73]) and OP setting (ORR, 83% [95% CI, 79–87]; CR rate, 74% [95% CI, 69–79]). At ~12 mo follow-up, median (95% CI) DOR was not reached (NR; NR–NR) in either group with 12-mo DOR rates of 59% (95% CI, 54–63) and 63% (95% CI, 56–69), respectively. Median (95% CI) PFS was 11.8 mo (8.8–NR) in the IP group vs NR (NR–NR) in the OP group, with 12-mo PFS rates of 49% (95% CI, 45–53) and 56% (95% CI, 50–61), respectively. Median (95% CI) OS was NR (NR–NR) in both groups with 12-mo OS rates of 65% (95% CI, 61–68) in the IP group and 74% (95% CI, 68–78) in the OP group. Conclusions: These results continue to demonstrate that one-time tx with liso-cel results in deep, clinically meaningful efficacy in the SOC setting across a broad population of pts with R/R LBCL. Despite the few differences reported in baseline characteristics, outcomes were consistent among pts treated in the IP and OP care settings. The well-established safety profile of liso-cel is conducive to OP tx, allowing ~50% of pts to remain out of the hospital postinfusion.
Mismatching of unrelated donors beyond a single HLA-locus does not adversely impact outcomes at one year following transplantation: Results from the NMDP sponsored ACCESS study
Bo‐Subait, Stephanie, Logan, Brent R. , Smith, Sarah , Leckrone, Erin , Stefanski, Heather, Malmberg, Craig, Modi, Dipenkumar , Meade, Javier Bolaños, Rao, Uttam K. , Milner, Jordan , Jamieson, Katarzyna , Carrum, George, Kosuri, Satyajit, Cook, Rachel J. , Ballen, Karen K. , Loren, Alison W. , Arai, Sally , Choi, Sung Won , Shaw, Bronwen E. , Larkin, Karilyn , Malki, Monzr M. Al , Auletta, Jeffery J. , Spellman, Stephen R. , Askar, Medhat , Cusatis, Rachel , Shaffer, Brian C. , Khimani, Farhad , Gooptu, Mahasweta , Hamadani, Mehdi , Maiers, Martin , Stanek, Joseph , Abboud, Ramzi , Dholaria, Bhagirathbhai , Hogan, William J. , Reshef, Ran , Qayed, Muna , Broglie, Larisa , Devine, Steven M. , Jiménez, Antonio

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 936-936

10.1182/blood-2025-936 Get It

Abstract Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) remains inaccessible to many patients, particularly those of non-European ancestry, due to the limited availability of matched unrelated donors (URD). While single-HLA mismatched donors (7/8) often yield acceptable outcomes, URD HCT mismatched at ≥ 2 HLA alleles (<7/8) has historically been associated with poor survival and prohibitive toxicity. Post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) has improved outcomes following mismatched unrelated donor (MMUD) HCT, potentially enabling less stringent donor matching. Whether the degree of donor-recipient HLA disparity remains prognostic after MMUD HCT when PTCy is used is unknown. The ACCESS trial (NCT04904588) was conducted by the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research Clinical Research Organization and prospectively evaluated PTCy-based graft versus host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis in adult recipients of 4–7/8 (HLA-A, -B, -C and -DRB1) MMUD peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) from donors age ≤35 years old following either myeloablative (MAC) or reduced intensity/non-myeloablative (RIC/NMA) conditioning. This analysis focused on all adult recipients of <7/8 grafts enrolled on the study across both conditioning strata, with descriptive comparison to patients who received 7/8 MMUD PBSC grafts. The primary endpoint was 1-year overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints included primary graft failure (PGF), non-relapse mortality (NRM), relapse, acute and chronic GVHD, and GVHD-free relapse-free survival (GRFS). A total of 268 adults received MMUD PBSC grafts: 85 with <7/8 matches (MAC: n=23; RIC/NMA: n=62) and 183 with 7/8 matches (MAC: n=52; RIC/NMA: n=131). Among <7/8 recipients, median age was 57 years old (range, 24–78), 49% were male, with diagnoses of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (55%), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) (15%), and lymphoma (14%). HLA mismatch distribution in the <7/8 group was 6/8 in 82%, 5/8 in 14%, and 4/8 in 4%. Most received fludarabine/melphalan (44%) or myeloablative busulfan/fludarabine (21%). Median CD34+ cell dose was 5.5 ×10^6/recipient kg (range: 3.2-8.0) and 75% of grafts were cryopreserved prior to infusion. Median donor age was 25.8 (range: 18.7-35.7) in the 7/8 group and 25.0 (range: 18.3-34.8) in the <7/8 group. The <7/8 cohort was racially and ethnically diverse, with 61% identifying as other than non-Hispanic white. The 7/8 cohort had a median age of 63 years old (range, 20–79), with 52% male. Disease distribution, conditioning intensity, and infused cell doses were similar to the <7/8 group. A smaller proportion of grafts were cryopreserved (61%), and 47% of patients identified as other than non-Hispanic White. One-year OS for <7/8 recipients was 86% (95% CI: 76–92%), compared to 79% (95% CI: 72–84%) in 7/8 recipients. One-year incidence of relapse was 23% (95% CI: 14–33%) in the <7/8 group and 17% (95% CI: 12–23%) in 7/8 recipients; NRM was 8% (95% CI: 4–16%) and 14% (95% CI: 9–19%), respectively. GRFS was 55% (95% CI: 43–65%) for <7/8 and 51% (95% CI: 44–58%) for 7/8 recipients. PGF occurred in 8% (95% CI: 3–18%) of <7/8 RIC recipients and 3% (95% CI: 1–8%) of 7/8 RIC recipients; no MAC recipients had PGF. At 6 months post-HCT, grade II–IV acute GVHD occurred in 34% (95% CI: 24–44%) of <7/8 patients and 39% (95% CI: 32–46%) of 7/8; grade III–IV acute GVHD was observed in 7% (95% CI: 3–14%) and 8% (95% CI: 5–13%), respectively. Moderate to severe chronic GVHD (NIH consensus criteria) at one year occurred in 8% (95% CI: 3–15%) of <7/8 recipients and 11% (95% CI: 7–16%) of 7/8 recipients. When grouped by conditioning intensity, 1-year outcomes within the <7/8 cohort were: OS 91% after MAC and 84% after RIC/NMA; relapse in 32% after MAC and 20% after RIC/NMA, respectively; GRFS was 53% for MAC and 55% for RIC/NMA; and NRM remained low at 9% after MAC and 8% after RIC/NMA. In this cohort of adult recipients of <7/8 MMUD PBSC grafts with PTCy-based GVHD prophylaxis enrolled on the ACCESS study, 1-year OS exceeded 80% and was comparable to 7/8 recipients. Relapse, NRM, and GVHD rates were similarly favorable and consistent with outcomes reported in 7/8 donor recipients. These findings support extending suitable MMUD match considerations to include 4-6/8 in the context of PTCy, potentially enabling near-universal donor access, while allowing for optimization of other non-HLA donor factors.
Pirtobrutinib in post-cbtki CLL/SLL: Final update from the Phase 1/2 BRUIN study with more than 5 years follow-up
Wierda, William, Brown, Jennifer, Ghia, Paolo, Roeker, Lindsey, Patel, Krish, Eyre, Toby, Munir, Talha, Lech-Maranda, Ewa, Lamanna, Nicole, Tam, Constantine, Seymour, John, Tessoulin, Benoit, Shah, Nirav, Ujjani, Chaitra, Fakhri, Bita, Coombs, Catherine, Flinn, Ian, Patel, Manish, Nasta, Sunita Dwivedy, Cohen, Jonathon, Alencar, Alvaro, Cheah, Chan, Ma, Shuo, Rhodes, Joanna, Jagadeesh, Deepa, Zinzani, Pier Luigi, Österborg, Anders, Izutsu, Koji, Fukuhara, Noriko, Tsai, Donald, Abada, Paolo, Balbas, Minna, Li, Jian, Wang, Ying (denise), Jurczak, Wojciech, Woyach, Jennifer, Fakhri, Bita , Fakhri, Bita , Wierda, William, Brown, Jennifer, Ghia, Paolo, Roeker, Lindsey, Patel, Krish, Eyre, Toby, Munir, Talha, Lech-Maranda, Ewa, Lamanna, Nicole, Tam, Constantine, Seymour, John, Tessoulin, Benoit, Shah, Nirav, Ujjani, Chaitra, Coombs, Catherine, Flinn, Ian, Patel, Manish, Nasta, Sunita Dwivedy, Cohen, Jonathon, Alencar, Alvaro, Cheah, Chan, Ma, Shuo, Rhodes, Joanna, Jagadeesh, Deepa, Zinzani, Pier Luigi, Österborg, Anders, Izutsu, Koji, Fukuhara, Noriko, Tsai, Donald, Abada, Paolo, Balbas, Minna, Li, Jian, Wang, Ying (denise), Jurczak, Wojciech, Woyach, Jennifer

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 2115-2115

10.1182/blood-2025-2115 Get It

Abstract Background: Covalent Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (cBTKi) have dramatically changed the treatment (tx) landscape of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), especially in the first-line setting. However, cBTKi resistance or intolerance eventually occurs. Pirtobrutinib is a highly selective, non-covalent BTKi that inhibits BTK with low nM potency throughout the daily dosing interval. Pirtobrutinib demonstrated safety and efficacy in the phase 1/2 BRUIN study among patients (pts) with R/R CLL/SLL, including pts previously treated with a BTKi. Pirtobrutinib is approved for treating CLL in adults in the EU after prior tx with a BTKi, and in the USA for adults with CLL/SLL who have received at least 2 prior lines of therapy, including a BTKi and a BCL-2i. Here, we report the final results from the phase 1/2 BRUIN study (NCT03740529) with more than 5 years (yrs) follow-up (f/u), focusing on efficacy and safety of pirtobrutinib in pts with CLL/SLL in the post-cBTKi setting. Methods: Pts with prior cBTKi-exposed CLL/SLL were eligible for tx with pirtobrutinib. Endpoints included overall response rate (ORR) per 2018 iwCLL criteria, ORR including partial response with lymphocytosis (PR-L), duration of response (DOR), and progression-free survival (PFS), assessed by independent review committee (IRC; presented herein) and investigator, overall survival (OS), and safety. Data cut was 27 January 2025, providing a median study f/u of 34.1 months (mos; range, 0.5-69.8). Results: Among the 282 pts with CLL/SLL who were cBTKi-exposed and treated with pirtobrutinib, of which 84.4% (238/282) received 200 mg as the starting dose, the median age was 69 yrs (range, 36-88). The median number of prior therapies was 4 (range, 1-11), with 45.4% of pts having received prior BCL2i, and 77.0% having discontinued prior cBTKi due to progressive disease (PD), 19.5% due to toxicity, and 3.5% due to other reasons/missing. High-risk features were frequent: unmutated IGHV in 85.8% (193/225), mutated TP53 in 40.4% (99/245), and del(17p) in 29.2% (59/202). The ORR was 72.3% (95% CI, 66.7-77.5). ORR including PR-L was 81.6% (95% CI, 76.5-85.9), which was consistent across subgroups including BCL2i-exposed (80.5%; 95% CI, 72.5-86.9), BCL2i-naive (82.5%; 95% CI, 75.5-88.1), unmutated IGHV (82.9%; 95% CI, 6.8-87.9), del(17p) (88.1%; 95% CI, 77.1-95.1), and prior cBTKi discontinuation due to PD (79.7%; 95% CI, 73.8, 84.9) or toxicity (87.5%; 95% CI, 76.8-94.4). The median DOR was 18.4 mos (95% CI, 14.82-20.27), with 36-mos DOR rate of 28.0% (21.6-34.7). The median PFS was 18.7 mos (95% CI, 16.6-21.8) among all pts and the 36-mos PFS rate was 25.0% (95% CI, 19.4-31.0) with 44 mos of f/u. Further, the median PFS was 22.3 mos (95% CI, 19.3-27.6) for BCL2i-naive pts, and 15.9 mos (95% CI, 13.6-17.5) for BCL2i-exposed pts; 16.6 mos (95% CI, 13.8-19.4) among those who discontinued prior cBTKi therapy due to PD, and not estimable (NE) (95% CI, 25.2-NE) in those who discontinued due to toxicity. Among all pts with CLL/SLL, with a median f/u of 46.5 mos, the median OS was NE (95% CI, 47.8-NE), with the 36-mos OS rate of 62.0% (95% CI, 55.8-67.7). Median time on pirtobrutinib was 20.0 mos (range, 0.2-69.8), and 43 (15.2%) pts were still on tx at data cutoff. The most frequent TEAEs, regardless of attribution, were fatigue (38.7%), neutropenia/neutrophil count decreased (35.8%), diarrhea (30.5%), cough (29.8%), COVID-19 (28.4%), and contusion (27.7%). The most frequent grade ≥3 TEAEs were infection (36.5%) and neutropenia/neutrophil count decreased (29.8%). Low rates of grade ≥3 TEAE of hypertension (5.3%), hemorrhage/hematoma (2.5%), and atrial fibrillation/flutter (2.1%) were observed. Grade 5 TEAEs, regardless of attribution, occurred in 35 (12.4%) pts. Overall, 11 (3.9%) pts had a TRAE leading to a dose reduction, and 9 (3.2%) pts had a TRAE leading to pirtobrutinib discontinuation. Conclusion: In heavily pretreated R/R post-cBTKi CLL/SLL pts, pirtobrutinib continues to show favorable and durable efficacy. Pirtobrutinib is well-tolerated, with low rates of hypertension, hemorrhage/hematoma, and atrial fibrillation/flutter, which can be frequently observed with cBTKi. Additionally, dose reductions/discontinuations due to pirtobrutinib TRAEs were low. No new pirtobrutinib safety signals were identified with more than 5 yrs of f/u.
Impact of prior venetoclax use on mortality in CLL patients treated with pirtobrutinib: A propensity-matched cohort study
Chandani, Kanishka Uttam, Tated, Ritu C., Monick, Sarah, Futela, Pragyat, Joshi, Dhruvi, Gopu, Sooraj Srirangadhamu, Thukral, Jatin, Quintanilla, Diana Zamora, Kondapally, Apoorva, Hilal, Talal, Chandani, Kanishka Uttam, Tated, Ritu C., Monick, Sarah, Futela, Pragyat, Joshi, Dhruvi, Gopu, Sooraj Srirangadhamu, Thukral, Jatin, Quintanilla, Diana Zamora, Kondapally, Apoorva, Hilal, Talal

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 2135-2135

10.1182/blood-2025-2135 Get It

Abstract Background Pirtobrutinib is a highly selective, non-covalent Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) approved for patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory (R/R) chronic lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL) who have previously received a covalent BTKi (cBTKi) and a BCL-2 inhibitor such as venetoclax. Pirtobrutinib monotherapy has demonstrated a median duration of response of 12.2 months in the BRUIN trial. Pirtobrutinib is increasingly being used as a second-line therapy after failure of a cBTK inhibitor without prior BCL-2 inhibitor exposure. We aim to characterize short-term survival outcomes and adverse events of pirtobrutinib in venetoclax-naïve versus venetoclax-exposed pts with R/R CLL. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using TriNetX Global Collaborative Network, comprising data from 152 healthcare organizations. Adults (≥18 years) with R/R CLL who received pirtobrutinib after venetoclax were classified into the “V+P” cohort. Pts who received pirtobrutinib without prior venetoclax exposure were included in the “P” cohort. 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed, and the cohorts were balanced for gender and age. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality (ACM). Secondary outcomes assessed were anemia, neutropenia, sepsis, neutropenic fever, tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). Kaplan-Meier analysis and risk analysis were used to assess outcomes at 6 months and 1 year. Results We identified 200 pts in V+P and 172 pts in P, with 149 matched pts in each group after PSM. The mean age of pts in V+P and P was 72.4 +/- 8.6 years and 72.7 +/- 10.5 years, respectively. 6-month ACM was 15.5% in V+P, and 12.7% in P. However, the odds ratio of ACM at 6 months, in pts in V+P when compared to P was 1.259 (95% CI 0.654 to 2.425, p = 0.490) and was not statistically significant. At 6 months, the odds ratios of the secondary outcomes in the V+P pts were higher when compared to P pts, but were not statistically significant; anemia 1.614 (95% CI 0.617 to 4.225, p = 0.327), neutropenia 1.445 (95% CI 0.599 to 3.486, p = 0.411), sepsis 1.196 (95% CI 0.477 to 2.998, p = 0.703), neutropenic fever 1.353 (95% CI 0.573 to 3.195, p = 0.490), TLS 1.180 (95% CI 0.474 to 2.939, p = 0.722), and MACCE 1.046 (95% CI 0.541 to 2.024, p = 0.893). 1 year ACM was 18.75% in V+P vs. 10.55% in P (OR 1.96; 95% CI 1.03-3.71; p=0.038) and was statistically significant. However, the secondary outcomes were clinically significant but statistically insignificant in V+P pts when compared to P pts- anemia 1.614 (95% CI 0.617 to 4.225, p = 0.327), neutropenia 1.269 (95% CI 0.568 to 2.834, p = 0.561), sepsis 1.077 (95% CI 0.438 to 2.650, p = 0.872), neutropenic fever 1.24 (95% CI 0.589 to 2.607, p = 0.571), TLS 1.180 (95% CI 0.474 to 2.939, p = 0.722), and MACCE 1.338 (95% CI 0.724 to 2.472, p = 0.352). Conclusion Pirtobrutinib use in venetoclax-exposed pts was associated with a statistically significant higher odds of all-cause mortality at 1 year, which was not present at 6 months. Although adverse event rates of anemia, neutropenia, TLS, sepsis, and neutropenic fever were numerically higher in the venetoclax-exposed cohort, these differences did not reach statistical significance. These findings suggest early survival benefit of pirtobrutinib in venetoclax-naïve patients and aligns with existing evidence supporting its role as a second-line therapy following covalent BTK inhibitor failure, including results from the BRUIN trial. Prospective studies are needed to validate these preliminary observations.
A randomized phase II study of daratumumab, lenalidomide, ixazomib, and dexamethasone in transplant-ineligible or deferred patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: Alliance Foundation Trial 41 (AFT-41)
Yee, Andrew, O'Donnell, Elizabeth, Nadeem, Omar, Nelson, Garth, Wildes, Tanya, Buck, Tondre, Tuchman, Sascha, Ghimire, Krishna, Sinclair, Sarah, Stewart, Catherine, Richardson, Paul, Usmani, Saad, Raje, Noopur, Yee, Andrew, O'Donnell, Elizabeth, Nadeem, Omar, Nelson, Garth, Wildes, Tanya, Buck, Tondre, Tuchman, Sascha, Ghimire, Krishna, Sinclair, Sarah, Stewart, Catherine, Richardson, Paul, Usmani, Saad, Raje, Noopur

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 4053-4053

10.1182/blood-2025-4053 Get It

Abstract Introduction The treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) has rapidly evolved. Quadruplet induction combining an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, lenalidomide, a proteasome inhibitor, and dexamethasone has become a standard of care. In this prospective randomized phase 2 trial, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of induction with a four-drug combination of daratumumab (Dara), lenalidomide (R), ixazomib (I), and dexamethasone (d) (Dara-RId) in older, transplant ineligible or deferred patients, followed by maintenance with Dara RI versus R for up to 2 years. We hypothesized that this quadruplet would offer improved tolerability with less peripheral neuropathy in this older population as well as the convenience of largely oral therapy. Herein, we present the initial results of the induction phase of the study. Methods Transplant-ineligible or deferred patients with NDMM were eligible to participate. This was a multicenter trial sponsored by the Alliance Foundation Trials, LLC, AFT-41 (NCT04009109). Each cycle of treatment was 28 days. All patients received 12 cycles of induction therapy with daratumumab 1800 mg subcutaneously on the conventional schedule, lenalidomide 15 mg orally (po) on days 1-21, ixazomib 4 mg po on days 1, 8, 15, and dexamethasone weekly. After 12 cycles, patients received maintenance based on prior randomization (1:1) to Dara-RI or R for up to 2 years. In maintenance, R was reduced to 10 mg and I was reduced to 3 mg. Randomization assignment occurred prior to starting induction. Stratification was based on presence of high-risk features defined as ISS stage III or high-risk FISH cytogenetics (del 17, t (14;16), t (14;20), t (4;14), del (1p), or gain (1q)). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR) and adverse events. Results We enrolled 79 patients across 7 sites from October 2020 until December 2023. Accrual was affected by the COVID19 pandemic, leading to early closure to accrual in December 2023. Median age was 74 years (range 63-86); ≥75 years of age (45.6%); female (59.5%); white (83.5%), African American (7.6%), Asian (1.3%), and Hispanic ethnicity (6.3%). Additional baseline characteristics included ISS staging I (41.8%), II (35.4%), and III (22.8%) with high-risk features in 37% by ISS stage III and/or high-risk FISH. The 12-month PFS was 92% (95% confidence interval [CI] 86.1-98.4%). The ORR (≥ partial response [PR]) during induction was 92.4% (PR 22.8%; very good partial response [VGPR] 46.8%; complete response 15.2%; stringent complete response 7.6%). Notable grade ≥3 adverse events included neutropenia (16.5%), infections (11.4%), anemia (10.1%), thrombocytopenia (8.9%), and syncope (7.6%). There was no grade ≥3 peripheral neuropathy (grade 1, 15%; grade 2, 14%). No treatment-related mortality was reported. Sixty-one patients went on to maintenance therapy and seven patients discontinued treatment for adverse events during induction (8.9%). Conclusions Dara-RId therapy in NDMM appears to be efficacious with an ORR of 92.4%; VGPR or better of 69.6% and 12-month PFS of 92%. The combination was generally tolerated well with manageable toxicity, despite 45.6% of patients being ≥75, offering the convenience of an oral proteasome inhibitor, ixazomib, that minimizes the risk of peripheral neuropathy for older, transplant-ineligible or deferred patients. Follow-up is ongoing to determine the benefit of maintenance with Dara-RI v. R alone in this population. Support: AFT, Celgene, Janssen, Takeda.
Pirtobrutinib in Relapsed/Refractory (R/R) Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL): Final update from the Phase 1/2 BRUIN study
Cohen, Jonathon B. , Shah, Nirav N. , Ujjani, Chaitra S. , Kim, Won Seog , Alencar, Alvaro J. , Lewis, David , Woyach, Jennifer A. , Maddocks, Kami J. , Seymour, John F. , Nagai, Hirokazu, Vose, Julie, Fakhri, Bita , Hoffmann, Marc , Hernandez‐Ilizaliturri, Francisco J. , Kumar, Anita , Munir, Talha, Tsai, Donald E. , Abada, Paolo, Balbas, Minna, Eyre, Toby A. , Fakhri, Bita , Wang, Michael , Jurczak, Wojciech , Zinzani, Pier Luigi , Cheah, Chan Y. , Koh, Youngil , Nasta, Sunita , Flinn, Ian W. , Tessoulin, Benoit , Ma, Shuo , Patel, Krish , Wang, Yucai , Rhodes, Joanna , Tam, Constantine S. , Hoffmann, Marc, Zelenetz, Andrew D. , Li, Jian , Wang, Ying , Roeker, Lindsey E.

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 665-665

10.1182/blood-2025-665 Get It

Abstract Background: Despite the efficacy of covalent Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (cBTKi) in R/R MCL, patients (pts) ultimately discontinue treatment due to intolerance or development of resistance and disease relapse. Pirtobrutinib is a highly selective, non-covalent BTKi that inhibits BTK with low nM potency throughout the daily dosing interval. Pirtobrutinib was safe and effective in the phase 1/2 BRUIN study in pts with R/R B-cell malignancies, including those previously treated with a BTKi. Pirtobrutinib is approved in the EU for adults with R/R MCL after prior treatment with a BTKi (EMA Conditional Approval, Oct 2023), and in the USA for adults with R/R MCL after ≥ 2 lines of systemic therapy, including a BTKi (FDA Accelerated Approval, Jan 2023).Here, we report the final results from the phase 1/2 BRUIN study (NCT03740529), with a follow-up period of up to 5 yrs, focusing on the efficacy and safety of pirtobrutinib in all R/R MCL pts. Methods: Pts with R/R MCL who received ≥1 prior lines of therapy (including BTKi) were eligible for treatment with pirtobrutinib monotherapy. Key endpoints included overall response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR) and progression-free survival (PFS), all assessed by independent review committee (IRC) per Lugano 2014 criteria (presented here) and investigator, overall survival (OS), and safety. Pts were included across the range of doses evaluated in dose escalation and expansion (25-300 mg/day). A data cutoff on 27 January 2025 was utilized, with a median study follow-up of 17.5 months (range, 0.5-69.6). Results: Among the 166 pts with R/R MCL, 153 (92%) received the pirtobrutinib approved dose of 200 mg/day, 152 (92%) had received prior cBTKi, of which 128 (84.2%) discontinued any prior cBTKi due to progressive disease (PD), and 15 (9.9%) due to toxicity. The cBTKi-pre-treated pts had a median age of 70 yrs (range, 46-88), 52% had intermediate-risk and 28.3% had high-risk sMIPI scores. The median number of prior lines of therapy was 3 (range 1-9), with most pts having received a prior anti-CD20 antibody (96.7%) and chemotherapy (90.1%). Additional prior therapies included hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (21.7%; 19.7% auto and 4.6% allo), BCL-2 inhibitor (15.8%), CAR-T cell therapy (8.6%). As of the data cutoff, 11 (7.2%) pts who received a prior cBTKi and 6 (42.9%) cBTKi naïve pts remained on treatment. The cBTKi pre-treated pts had an ORR of 49.3% (95% CI, 41.1-57.6), including 15.8% complete responses (CR) (n=24) and 33.6% partial responses (PR) (n=51). The 75 responding pretreated pts had a median DOR of 21.6 months (95% CI, 9.2-27.2) at a median follow-up of 24 months. The ORR among 128 pts who had discontinued any prior cBTKi due to PD and 15 pts who discontinued due to toxicity was 43.0% and 93.3%, respectively. The median PFS and OS for cBTKi pre-treated pts were 5.6 months (95% CI, 5.3-9.2) and 23.9 months (95% CI, 17.3-51.5), respectively. Fourteen pts (9.2%) were censored for PFS due to subsequent anticancer therapy without documented PD, including 8 pts who received CAR-T. The cBTKi naïve pts (n=14) had an ORR of 85.7% (95% CI, 57.2-98.2), including 50.0% CR (n=7) and 35.7% PR (n=5). The 12 responding naïve pts had a median DOR of 42.7 months (95% CI, 25.8-NE) at a median follow-up of 43 months. The median PFS and OS in the cBTKi naïve pts were 44.6 months (95% CI, 16.7-NE) and not reached (95% CI, 33.5-NE), respectively. Among all R/R MCL pts (n=166), the most frequent treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE), regardless of attribution, were fatigue (31.9%), diarrhea (22.9%), anemia (18.1%), and dyspnea (18.1%). The most common Grade ≥3 TEAE was neutropenia/neutrophil count decreased (13.3%), and the rate of Grade ≥3 infections was 21.1%. Grade ≥3 hemorrhage/hematoma (2.4%) and all-grade atrial fibrillation/flutter (3.6%) were infrequent. In total, 13 (7.8%) pts had a fatal TEAE, with 4 (2.4%) classified as infections. Overall, 8 pts (4.8%) had treatment-related AE leading to dose reductions, and 6 (3.6%) had treatment-related AE leading to pirtobrutinib discontinuation. Conclusion: Pirtobrutinib continues to demonstrate efficacy in pts with heavily pre-treated R/R MCL including both those who previously received a cBTKi and those who were BTKi-naïve. The safety profile of pirtobrutinib remained favorable with a low-rate of dose reductions/discontinuations due to drug-related toxicity. No new safety signals were identified after up to 5 yrs of follow-up.
Prospera (ABNL-MARRO 002): A randomized phase 2 study of pacritinib vs. hydroxyurea in patients with advanced proliferative chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML)
Mo, Qianxing, Buckley, Sarah , Sallman, David A. , Patnaik, Mrinal M. , Padron, Eric , Xie, Zhuoer , Lancet, Jeffrey E. , Savona, Michael R. , Komrokji, Rami S. , Wiseman, Daniel H.

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 3873-3873

10.1182/blood-2025-3873 Get It

Abstract Background and Significance: Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a clonal hematopoietic malignancy with overlapping dysplastic and proliferative features, a high risk of leukemic transformation, and no disease-modifying therapies. Patients with proliferative CMML often present with symptomatic monocytosis, leukocytosis, splenomegaly, and systemic inflammation, which contribute to shortened survival and impaired quality of life. Hydroxyurea (HU), the standard cytoreductive agent, provides transient control of leukocytosis but has no known disease modifying properties. In the phase 3 DACOTA trial (Itzykson et al., JCO 2022), decitabine modestly delayed leukemic transformation compared to HU but did not improve event-free or overall survival and was associated with increased early mortality. HU achieved a clinical benefit rate (CBR) of approximately 15% (excluding stable disease), highlighting the urgent need for safer and more effective therapies. Pacritinib is a potent and selective multikinase inhibitor with a kinome profile that targets key mediators of clonal proliferation and inflammatory signaling relevant to CMML. It inhibits JAK2 (IC₅₀ = 6 nM) and IRAK1 (IC₅₀ = 13.6 nM)—critical drivers of cytokine-mediated growth and monocytic skewing—while sparing JAK1, potentially reducing myelosuppressive toxicity. Pacritinib also inhibits CSF1R (IC₅₀= 39.5 nM) which is involved in monocytic differentiation. Preclinical models demonstrate that dual inhibition of JAK2 and IRAK1 suppresses CMML colony formation and prolongs survival in xenografts. Furthermore, CSF1R inhibition may reduce monocyte-lineage bias in leukemic clones. Clinically, pacritinib is FDA-approved for intermediate- or high-risk myelofibrosis with severe thrombocytopenia (platelets <50 × 10⁹/L) based on evidence of significant spleen volume and symptom reduction with limited hematologic toxicity. These mechanistic and clinical data provide a strong rationale for evaluating pacritinib in advanced proliferative CMML, a setting characterized by both cytokine-driven proliferation and treatment-limiting cytopenias. Study Design and Methods PROSPERA (NCT07033598) is a collaborative multicenter, open-label, randomized phase 2 trial. Sixty-six patients with WHO-defined CMML-1 or CMML-2 will be enrolled. Eligible patients must have proliferative features (WBC ≥13 × 10⁹/L) and advanced disease as defined by ≥5 cm palpable splenomegaly, symptom burden (Myeloproliferative Neoplasm-Symptom Assessment Form Total Symptom Score MPNSAF-TSS ≥20), or thrombocytopenia (platelets <100 × 10⁹/L). Prior JAK inhibitor therapy is not allowed. The trial will be conducted at approximately six sites across the United States and United Kingdom, with enrollment anticipated to begin by the end of 2025. Participants will be randomized 2:1 to receive either pacritinib (200 mg orally twice daily) or HU (dosed as per investigator discretion) for 48 weeks. Patients in the HU arm may cross over to pacritinib at Week 24 if, in the opinion of the treating physician, they are not deriving clinical benefit (after assessment of the primary endpoint). Randomization will be stratified by prior cytoreductive therapy (none vs. prior HU or hypomethylating agents). The primary endpoint is CBR at Week 24, defined by modified IWG MDS/MPN criteria incorporating hematologic improvement, spleen volume reduction, and symptom response. Secondary endpoints include CBR at any time, duration of response, event-free survival, leukemia-free survival, and overall survival. Correlative studies will assess treatment-related changes in clonal dynamics, cytokine signaling, and hematopoietic composition using longitudinal peripheral blood and bone marrow sampling. Single-cell transcriptomic and immunophenotypic profiling will be employed to characterize pacritinib's impact on both the malignant clone and the surrounding immune microenvironment.
Upstream integration of implementation planning in clinical trials through the blood and marrow transplant clinical trials network
DeSalvo, Anna M. , Ragon, Brittany Knick , Hamilton, Betty K. , Borogovac, Azra , Horowitz, Mary, Khera, Nandita , Keyzner, Alla , Efebera, Yvonne A. , Horwitz, Mitchell E. , Wall, Sarah, Stewart, Valerie , Heuer, Mykala, Bhatt, Neel S. , Juckett, Mark , Devine, Steven M. , Dandoy, Christopher E. , Plastaras, John Peter , Wall, Sarah , Heuer, Mykala, Molfenter, Todd

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 7913-7913

10.1182/blood-2025-7913 Get It

Abstract Background: Dissemination and implementation science (D+I) efforts often begin after clinical trial (CT) efficacy data are available. However, delaying this work limits opportunities to identify barriers and facilitators that can enhance adoption of evidence-based practices. Integrating D+I during trial development, activation, and conduct supports more timely, effective, and scalable implementation. The Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network (BMT CTN) includes >125 centers, conducting transplant and cellular therapy (TCT) trials with practice-changing potential, with >17,000 patients enrolled since 2001. Data from Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) provides a way to measure real-world adoption. With this comprehensive structure in place, the BMT CTN launched a D+I Committee that established a D+I process to better understand uptake of CT findings and to leverage that information to promote adoption. Methods: Informed by established D+I frameworks, a structured, cyclical process to integrate implementation considerations spanning the CT lifecycle was developed. A multidisciplinary team including experts in D+I, clinicians, and investigators iteratively refined the proposed D+I algorithm. The process begins upstream when a trial concept is approved to move forward, it is shared with the D+I Committee for initial assessment. This includes a landscape review for studies in development using CIBMTR data, literature, and expert experience. The Committee then reviews the developing protocol with the BMT CTN protocol team to proactively identify implementation barriers and facilitators to implementation in real-world settings and outline plans for dissemination. The Committee also provides recommendations for integrating relevant implementation data collection and analyses within the protocol. After study completion, both clinical efficacy and implementation outcomes are analyzed, followed by active dissemination. Additional assessment using surveys, qualitative methods, and CIBMTR data occurs after dissemination to understand adoption. Insights gathered also inform further refinement of the process. Tools and templates are in development to build capacity and ensure consistency for Committee members. Results: To date, the Committee has published three peer-reviewed articles addressing implementation implications of three BMT CTN trials (PMC7735536, PMC8578257, PMC9364468) and a fourth is in press. Using the designed D+I process flow, a current effort used a survey sent to US CIBMTR centers, to evaluate factors influencing the implementation of results of the BMT CTN 1703 trial of post-transplant cyclophosphamide as graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis and assessed dissemination and adoption considerations for the upcoming BMT CTN 2203 CT of ruxolitinib as GvHD prophylaxis. CIBMTR data is being analyzed to demonstrate practice patterns before, during, and after BMT CTN 1703 study completion. This effort has allowed for further refinement of the BMT CTN D+I process flow and has highlighted critical opportunities for incorporating dissemination and implementation objectives and endpoints into BMT CTN protocols. We also used the process to guide a review of severe aplastic anemia treatment gaps and ongoing studies. This review underscored how proactive transplant and non-transplant stakeholder engagement and early implementation planning, core elements of this process, can bridge evidence to practice and advance access to care. A complementary survey on current practice patterns in severe aplastic anemia is ongoing. Conclusions: With the existing structure of the BMT CTN and associated practice registry of the CIBMTR, the BMT CTN D+I Committee developed a systematic process to build D+I considerations into trial workflows to increase real-world impact. This process aims to ensure that barriers to uptake of trial results can be identified and addressed appropriately, improving care quality for patients undergoing TCT.
Retrieval-Augmented GPT-4 Improves NCCN-Concordant Lymphoma Treatment Recommendations
Yost, Connor , Monick, Sarah, Tripathi, Nikita , Palumbo, Peter, Kumar, Yash, Ertz-Archambault, Natalie , Galamaga, Robert , Yost, Connor , Loaiza‐Bonilla, Arturo , Palumbo, Peter, Leyfman, Yan , Kumar, Yash

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 7914-7914

10.1182/blood-2025-7914 Get It

Abstract While the use of NCCN guidelines is essential in lymphoma care, adherence among oncologists remains highly variable. Real-world concordance ranges from 65–80% overall, dropping to as low as 11–46% for certain lymphoma subtypes. Although 88% of clinicians report using NCCN guidelines for Hodgkin lymphoma, adherence to PET-adapted approaches is inconsistent. This gap highlights a critical need for tools that support guideline-concordant care.Large language models (LLMs) such as GPT–4 promise decision support, yet hallucinations and divergence from evidence-based care remain obstacles. We assessed whether retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) with National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines improves GPT–4 performance in lymphoma treatment recommendation tasks. To address this, we developed a RAG-enhanced GPT-4 agent (RAG-GPT) by indexing the 2025 NCCN Lymphoma Guidelines into a vector database. Fifty clinical vignettes spanning diverse lymphoma subtypes were compiled from published case reports; this sample provides 80 % power (α = 0.05) to detect a mean score difference of ≥ 0.18 on the modified Generative AI Performance Score (mG-PS). Guideline concordance was assessed based on NCCN guidelines and clinical judgment reflecting real-world oncological decision-making. Scores were normalized between -1.0 and 1.0 for consistent evaluation. Readability and rationale clarity were rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Baseline GPT-4 and RAG-GPT generated treatment plans via standardized prompts. An oncologist scored all outputs with mG-PS, which rates NCCN concordance (0.0–1.0) and penalizes hallucinations (-0.25 to –1.0). RAG-GPT achieved a higher mean mG-PS (0.32) than baseline GPT–4 (0.10) (t(98)=-2.11, p=0.038; mean score difference ΔmG-PS=0.22). Importantly, RAG-GPT eliminated severe hallucinations, reinforcing confidence in the safety of its treatment reccomendations. Fully concordant “gold-standard” plans were produced in 46 % of vignettes with RAG-GPT versus 22 % with baseline. Readability scores favored RAG-GPT modestly without statistical significance. Lymphoma's bimodal age distribution, heterogeneity, and lack of standardized treatment algorithms, coupled with regimen toxicity and the need to account for patient frailty and comorbidities, create complex clinical scenarios that constrain LLM applicability for nuanced decision-making. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, particularly relapsed/refractory, transformed disease, or rare subtypes, lacks a defined standard of care, leading reviewers to rely on clinical judgment or published case series beyond NCCN guidelines. This underscores a key limitation of LLM-supported tools: their performance is highly dependent on the presence of clear algorithmic consensus within a given disease. Linking GPT-4 to NCCN guidelines via RAG significantly improved treatment accuracy and reduced hallucination severity in lymphoma, though performance remained lower than prior RAG studies in cancers like breast and CNS suggesting a greater impact on hallucination reduction than on retrieval of a consistent gold standard regimen. These findings support continued development and prospective validation of guideline-anchored LLMs for clinical use.