Citations

Abstract Background Liver surgery carries a high risk of complications due to the complex interplay of patient-related factors, disease characteristics, and liver function. Expertise is essential for healthcare professionals managing hepatobiliary patients. This European consensus provides evidence-based guidance on selected aspects of peri- and postoperative care. Methods A modified Delphi process was used to achieve consensus, with a 70% agreement threshold. The expert panel comprised hepatobiliary surgeons, anaesthetists, hepatologists, a specialist nurse, and a physiotherapist. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases. Six topics were addressed: thromboprophylaxis; perioperative antibiotics; prehabilitation/nutrition/mobilization; bile leak including bilioenteric anastomosis leaks; post-hepatectomy haemorrhage; and post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). Evidence appraisal and statement development followed Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network methodology. A patient representative reviewed the guideline. Results Searching the literature yielded 204 included publications from an initial 6514. Thirty-two statements were formulated with a median evidence level of 2. Evidence strength varied by topic with noticeably lower evidence levels in complex surgery settings and less prevalent conditions. In some topics, study heterogeneity and specific inclusion criteria resulted in conditional recommendations, despite high-level evidence. Notably, the weakest evidence was found for perioperative thromboprophylaxis and PHLF management. Strong recommendations were formulated for prehabilitation, early postoperative mobilization, and avoidance of routine drain use. Several evidence gaps warranting multicentre studies were identified. Conclusion Optimizing peri- and postoperative care after liver resection remains challenging. Standardizing key practices and addressing evidence gaps through collaborative research are vital to improve outcomes.

Background: Splanchnic venous thrombosis (SVT) is a potentially severe and frequently underdiagnosed complication following splenectomy in patients with hematologic diseases. Despite its clinical importance, no standardized, evidence-based guidelines currently exist to inform perioperative prevention, diagnosis, or treatment in this population. Materials and Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines to estimate the incidence and risk factors for SVT after splenectomy in patients with hematologic diseases. Twenty-eight observational studies comprising 5025 patients were included. Risk factor data were analyzed using random-effects models. In parallel, an international Delphi consensus process was performed involving 35 experts (hematologists and surgeons) from 14 countries. Experts were assigned to five domain-specific groups and developed clinical statements on prophylaxis, diagnosis, and management of SVT. Consensus was defined as ≥80% agreement, and recommendations were graded using the GRADE framework. Results: The pooled incidence of SVT after splenectomy was 11.4%, with higher rates in studies using routine imaging (20.7%) and those conducted at single centers (15.1%). Splenic size and weight were significant risk factors, while age, BMI, and platelet count were not. Disease-specific risk was highest in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms, lymphoma, and thalassemia. The Delphi process generated 25 consensus statements, 14 of which were classified as strong recommendations. Key guidance included perioperative vaccination, individualized thromboprophylaxis with BMI-adjusted low molecular weight heparin, selective Doppler-based screening in high-risk patients, and stepwise anticoagulation regimens based on thrombus burden and clinical evolution. Conclusion: This study presents the first international consensus-based guidelines for managing SVT after splenectomy in patients with hematologic disease. Developed through systematic evidence synthesis and expert consensus, these recommendations provide a practical framework rather than definitive standards of care and support individualized prevention, detection, and treatment strategies in this high-risk population.

Importance The choice of induction agent during rapid sequence intubation (RSI) of critically ill adults may affect clinical outcomes. Although ketamine and etomidate are frequently used for RSI, their comparative effectiveness remains controversial. Objective To compare the safety of etomidate vs ketamine for emergency RSI in critically ill adults. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study used a target trial emulation with observational data collected between March 1, 2022, and April 30, 2024, from 18 emergency departments across Brazil, with data from the Brazilian Airway Registry Cooperation. Adults who underwent RSI and received either etomidate or ketamine as a sole hypnotic agent were included; those with preintubation cardiac arrest or immediate postintubation transfer were excluded. Exposure Administration of etomidate or ketamine as the induction agent for RSI. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was 28-day in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included 7-day in-hospital mortality, first-attempt intubation success, and major adverse events (new hemodynamic instability, severe hypoxemia, and cardiac arrest) within 30 minutes after intubation. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to adjust for confounding. Risk ratios (RRs) and risk differences (RDs) with 95% CIs were used to compare outcomes between groups. Results Among 1810 patients (median age, 64 years [IQR, 50-74 years]; 1048 men [57.9%]), 514 received ketamine and 1296 received etomidate. The median shock index was higher in the ketamine group than the etomidate group (0.81 [IQR, 0.65-1.01] vs 0.76 [IQR, 0.59-0.99]), and preintubation vasopressor use was more common in the ketamine group than the etomidate group (191 of 514 [37.2%] vs 391 of 1296 [30.2%]). Weighted 28-day mortality was higher with etomidate than ketamine (60.5% [95% CI, 57.2%-63.8%] vs 54.4% [95% CI, 45.0%-63.9%]; RR, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.03-1.27]; RD, 7.6% [95% CI, 2.0%-13.3%]). Seven-day mortality was also higher with etomidate than ketamine (35.2% [95% CI, 32.0%-38.3%] vs 30.1% [95% CI, 23.5%-36.7%]; RR, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.04-1.35]). New hemodynamic instability within 30 minutes after intubation was more frequent with ketamine (24.2% [95% CI, 20.4%-28.0%] vs 18.9% [95% CI, 16.7%-21.0%]; RR, 0.78 [0.64-0.95]). There were no statistically significant differences in the other secondary outcomes. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study of critically ill adults undergoing RSI, etomidate use was associated with higher in-hospital mortality at 7 and 28 days compared with ketamine. These findings highlight the need for definitive randomized clinical trials to compare both agents.

ABSTRACT Background This post hoc analysis examined the reduction in monthly headache days ( MHDs ) by frequency category shifts and associated improvements following eptinezumab treatment. Methods The DELIVER trial evaluated eptinezumab in adults with migraine for whom 2–4 previous preventive treatments failed. During a 24‐week, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled period followed by a 48‐week extension period, participants received IV eptinezumab 100 mg, 300 mg, or placebo every 12 weeks, with all receiving eptinezumab beginning Week 25 (dose‐blinded). Participants were categorized by MHD frequency: > 14, 8–14, 4 to < 8, 1 to < 4, 0. MHD category shifts were evaluated in the total population and several subgroups (including participants with > 14 baseline MHDs and early ≥ 50% responders). In participants reporting < 8 MHDs after all doses, the associated changes in headache intensity and disease status were evaluated. Results Of randomized participants, 88% (782/890) completed the trial. The percentage of participants randomized initially to eptinezumab who reported < 4 MHDs was 23% (138/592) over Weeks 1–12 and 47% (236/498) over Weeks 61–72; 9% reported 0 MHDs after the final dose. Of participants randomized initially to eptinezumab who shifted from ≥ 8 MHDs at baseline to < 8 over Weeks 1–12, 71% (170/241) reported < 8 MHDs for the rest of the trial; of those who shifted from > 14 to < 8 MHDs, 66% (49/74) reported < 8 MHDs for the rest of the trial. Reduction to < 8 MHDs was associated with robust improvements in headache intensity and disease burden. Conclusions Eptinezumab was associated with sustained reduction in MHD category, with some achieving headache/migraine freedom in patients with a history of preventive treatments that failed. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT04418765; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04418765 ) and EudraCT (identifier: 2019‐004497‐25; https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr‐search/search?query=2019‐004497‐25 )

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 &gt;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 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 Introduction: Indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM) is a clonal mast cell disease driven by the KIT D816V mutation in ~95% of cases and is associated with symptoms of mast cell activation and tissue infiltration. It can cause chronic, debilitating symptoms − including life-threatening anaphylaxis and impaired bone health. While historically most patients have relied on symptom-directed best supportive care (BSC) therapies, avapritinib is used as a new standard of care targeting KIT D816V, the primary driver for SM. Avapritinib is an oral, potent, selective KIT D816V inhibitor, and the first and only approved targeted therapy for adult patients with ISM in the USA and the EU. Approval was based on results from the phase 2 PIONEER trial. Here, we present the findings from ~3.5-year long-term follow-up. Methods: Adults with centrally confirmed ISM and uncontrolled moderate-to-severe symptoms who completed the randomized dose-finding (Part 1), or randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled (Part 2) portions of PIONEER (NCT03731260) rolled over to the open-label, long-term extension (Part 3). This cumulative analysis includes patients who initiated avapritinib at the recommended dose of 25 mg once daily (QD) in either Parts 1, 2, or 3. All patients received BSC. Per investigator discretion and based on disease burden, dose titration up to 50 mg QD of avapritinib was permitted in Part 3. Long-term efficacy was assessed by measuring changes in symptoms and QoL, using the ISM-Symptom Assessment Form (ISM-SAF; ©2018 Blueprint Medicines, a Sanofi Company) and the Mastocytosis Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (MC-QoL). Safety was also assessed. Results: Overall, 226 patients initiated avapritinib 25mg QD across Parts 1, 2, and 3. This longer-term analysis is inclusive of 65 patients who dose titrated from 25 mg to 50 mg QD in Part 3. Median (range) treatment duration was 40.0 months (0.7‒67.2) as of February 21, 2025. Longer-term efficacy data with ~3.5 years of follow-up demonstrated sustained disease-related symptom improvements. The mean change (standard deviation [SD]) in total symptom score (TSS, per ISM-SAF), was −19.80 (19.81) at Week 144 (Month 33) and −20.43 (20.57) at Week 168 (Month 39) from a baseline of 48.08 (19.47). Additionally, avapritinib-treated patients demonstrated durable improvement in their most severe symptoms (mean change [SD] from baseline of −3.35 [3.02] at Month 33 and −3.47 [3.19] at Month 39) per ISM-SAF. Sustained responses were observed across all individual symptom domains (0–30) with mean changes (SD) at Month 33 and Month 39 of −3.77 (5.52) and −3.84 (6.05) for the gastrointestinal domain, −8.21 (7.70) and −8.20 (7.85) for the skin domain, and −4.66 (6.24) and −4.87 (6.51) for the neurocognitive domain. The mean percent change (SD) in MC-QoL was −34.67 (40.16) at Month 33 and −40.72 (33.24) at Month 39 from a baseline of 54.24 (18.32). Treatment with avapritinib was well tolerated, and its safety profile was similar to the previously reported placebo-controlled portion. Most treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were Grades 1–2, and 7% of patients experienced Grade ≥3 TRAEs of which diarrhea, neutrophil count decrease, and weight increase occurred in &gt;1 patient. No Grade ≥3 TRAEs of increase in transaminases were observed. Edema (peripheral and periorbital), the most frequently reported TRAE, was mostly Grade 1 and occurred most frequently during the first 3–4 months of treatment. Three patients (1%) experienced serious adverse events assessed as treatment related. However, none led to treatment discontinuation and no trends were observed. After approximately 3.5 years of follow-up, low rates of treatment discontinuations (n=7, 3%) due to TRAEs were observed. Conclusion: Longer follow-up of patients with ISM treated on the PIONEER trial, including some on avapritinib for up to 5 years, demonstrates that prolonged avapritinib therapy continues to be effective and well tolerated. Additional prospective analyses will be needed to determine effects of selective KIT D816V-inhibition on anaphylaxis. These data support a favorable benefit-risk profile of avapritinib as a chronic treatment for adult patients with ISM.

Abstract Background: Systemic mastocytosis (SM) comprises a spectrum of subtypes characterized by neoplastic mast cell (MC) infiltration of tissues and release of MC mediators. Non-advanced SM (NonAdvSM), including indolent SM (ISM), smoldering SM (SSM), and bone marrow mastocytosis (BMM) subtypes, is the most prevalent form of SM. NonAdvSM can be associated with debilitating symptomology which can significantly impair quality of life. The gain-of-function somatic KIT c.2447 C&gt;T (p.D816V) mutation is found in up to 95% of patients with SM. Bezuclastinib (CGT9486) is an oral, potent, and selective type 1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor with activity against KIT D816V. Results from Summit (NCT05186753) Part 1 informed the recommended phase 2 dose (100 mg QD bezuclastinib) for Part 2. We report topline results from the 24-week assessment of Summit Part 2. Methods: Summit is a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo (PBO)-controlled Phase 2 trial of bezuclastinib in patients with NonAdvSM who had inadequate symptom control despite best supportive care (BSC) medications. The primary endpoint was 24-week mean change from baseline in Mastocytosis Symptom Severity Daily Diary (MS2D2) total symptom score (TSS) (range 0–110), which is a fit-for-purpose patient-reported outcome measure of NonAdvSM symptom severity. Key secondary endpoints included the proportion of patients with ≥50% reduction in serum tryptase, KIT p.D816V variant allele frequency (VAF), bone marrow (BM) MC burden, and MS2D2 TSS, ≥30% TSS reduction. Patients were randomized 2:1 to receive 100mg QD bezuclastinib + BSC or PBO + BSC. Results: As of May 22, 2025, 179 patients were enrolled in Part 2: 119 were randomized to receive bezuclastinib and 60 to placebo. Patients enrolled were representative of the NonAdvSM population with moderate to severe symptoms. Median age (range) was 51 (23-78) years; 65.9% female; mean (SD) baseline MS2D2 TSS 55.6 (19.8); 82% of patients had ISM, 11% had BMM, and 7% had smoldering SSM. At baseline, median (range) KIT p.D816V VAF in whole blood, BM MC burden, and serum tryptase was 0.25% (0-34%), 10% (1-75%), and 40 (6-692) ng/mL, respectively. Bezuclastinib demonstrated statistically significant superiority to placebo on all primary and key secondary endpoints. At Week 24, bezuclastinib led to significantly greater symptom improvement vs placebo (LS mean [95% CI] MS2D2 TSS change: –24.3 [–27.6 to –21.1] vs –15.4 [–19.6 to –11.2]; placebo-adjusted difference: –8.9 points; P=0.0002). A ≥50% reduction in serum tryptase was achieved in 87.4% of bezuclastinib-treated patients vs 0% on placebo (P&lt;0.0001). Significantly more patients receiving bezuclastinib achieved ≥50% reductions in KIT D816V VAF, serum tryptase, BM MCs (P&lt;0.0001), MS2D2 TSS (P=0.01), and ≥30% reduction in MS2D2 TSS (P=0.0004). Most treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were low grade (gr; 70% Gr 1) and reversible. The most common TEAEs (≥10%) in any treatment group and occurring in greater frequency in the bezuclastinib arm were hair color changes (69.5% vs 5.0%), altered taste (23.7% vs 0%), nausea (22.0% vs 13.3%), increased ALT/AST (22.0% vs 6.6%), headache (17.8% vs 11.7%), alopecia (11.9% vs 3.3%), and increased ALP (10.2% vs 3.3%). TEAEs (≥10%) that occurred more often in the placebo group were diarrhea (13% vs 18%), dizziness (10% vs 12%), fatigue (7% vs 12%), and arthralgia (6% vs 15%). ALT/AST elevations ≥Gr 3 were experienced by 5.9% of patients. The only hepatic adverse events (AEs) reported were transient lab abnormalities; none required hospitalization. Treatment-related AEs requiring dose reductions occurred in 11% of patients receiving bezuclastinib. All discontinuations (5.9%) due to treatment-related AEs were due to transaminase elevations; all fully resolved. Conclusions: At 24-weeks, bezuclastinib 100 mg QD demonstrated statistically and clinically significant improvements in symptom burden and biomarkers of disease vs placebo in patients with NonAdvSM. The treatment was generally well-tolerated and effective across a population that is representative of the real-world NonAdvSM population, including SSM. These results support the use of bezuclastinib to reduce SM burden and symptoms in pts with NonAdvSM, and a potentially disease-modifying impact.

Abstract Background Translocation of chromosomes 4 and 14 (t(4;14)) results in overexpression of MMSET and has been associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients (pts) with multiple myeloma (MM). KTX-1001 is a first-in-class, potent, and selective oral inhibitor of MMSET (also known as NSD2) developed as the first investigational therapy to directly target the high-risk t(4;14) translocation, a key molecular driver in MM. KTX-1001 binds to and inhibits the catalytic SET domain of MMSET, thereby suppressing the deposition of dimethylated histone H3 lysine 36 (H3K36me2), leading to downregulation of oncogenic histone modifications and epigenetic reprogramming of malignant plasma cells. Preclinically, KTX-1001 synergistically inhibited cell viability in MM cell lines when combined with a proteasome inhibitor (PI), immunomodulatory drug (IMiD), or cereblon E3 ligase modulator (CELMoD™). Preliminary findings were previously reported from the initial cohort of 18 pts enrolled in a first-in-human phase 1 trial evaluating KTX-1001 in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM; NCT05651932; Bories et al. Blood. 2024;144[Suppl 1]:3370). Here, we present updated results from this study. Methods RRMM pts who received ≥3 prior therapies, including PI, IMiD and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody (anti-CD38 mAb), received oral KTX-1001 across 9 dose levels using a 3+3 dose-escalation design. Primary objective was to determine the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Secondary objectives included pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics (PD), and primary efficacy. The dose expansion phase has been initiated to evaluate KTX-1001 in combination with either carfilzomib or the investigational CELMoD™ mezigdomide in t(4;14) RRMM pts. Results As of 13 June 2025, 40 pts have been treated in the monotherapy dose-escalation phase. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was exceeded due to dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) in 2 pts: two Grade (Gr) 4 thrombocytopenia and one Gr 3 epistaxis. Backfill at selected dose levels is ongoing to further characterize safety profile and refine dose optimization. The median time from initial MM diagnosis was 8 years (range:2-20) with a median of 6.5 prior lines of therapy (range: 3-25). This included stem cell transplant (70%), BCMA CAR-T (42.5%), and non-CAR-T BCMA targeted drugs such as antibody-drug conjugates and bispecific antibodies (57.5%). The median age was69 years (range:50-83); 21 were female and 19 were male. Extra-medullary disease was present in 13 (32.5%) pts. Nineteen (47.5%) pts had t(4;14) translocation, 5 (12.5%) had 1q21 gain and 4 (10%) had deletion 17p. A total of 16 (40%) pts have shown a treatment response according to IMWG criteria or have achieved stable disease: 1 VGPR (10+ months), 1 PR (4+ months), 2 MR (3+ and 12 months), 12 SD (2-20+ months). KTX-1001 has demonstrated a favorable tolerability profile. Grade 3 or higher treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were reported in 31 (77.5%) pts. The most frequent (≥20% pts) Gr 3/4 TEAEs were thrombocytopenia in 12 pts (30%; grade 4 in 8 [20%]), neutropenia in 12 pts (30%; febrile neutropenia in 2 [5%]), anemia in 10 (25%) pts. Gr 3 infections were observed in 5 (12.5%) pts and fatigue in 5 (10%) pts. The main reason for treatment discontinuation was progressive disease (57.5%), other pts discontinued due to physician decision (5%), consent withdrawal (5%), and one pt due to adverse event. Twelve (30%) pts remain on treatment. At Cycle 1 Day 15, drug exposure and steady-state concentrations of KTX-1001 increased with dose. A dose-dependent reduction in H3K36me2, the primary PD marker of KTX-1001 activity, was observed in peripheral blood at Cycle 2 Day 1 and beyond, which plateaued above dose-level 4. Paired bone marrow samples further confirmed on-target PD effects, with a marked reduction in H3K36me2 levels in MM cells at Cycle 2 Day 1 with observed anti-MM effect of reduced proliferation of MM cells with concomitant increased proliferation in immune cells in pts achieving clinical benefit. ConclusionsKTX-1001 is a novel agent showing tolerable safety profile in RRMM and demonstrating promising single agent activity in heavily pretreated, triple class refractory RRMM including those with high-risk features. KTX is currently evaluated in ongoing study in combination with carfilzomib and the investigational CELMoD™ mezigdomide in t(4;14) RRMM pts.