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134 citation(s) found for "Usmani, A".

International Myeloma Working Group Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Management of Solitary Plasmacytomas
Kumar, Shaji , Rajkumar, S. Vincent , Chng, Wee Joo , Engelhardt, Monika, Gonsalves, Wilson, Hungria, Vânia , Hillengaß, Jens , Jevremovic, Dragan, Lonial, Sagar, Elias, K. , Manier, Salomon , Martin, T, Mateos, María‐Victoria , Mian, Hira , Munshi, Nikhil C. , Rasche, Leo , Sborov, Douglas W. , Kastritis, Efstathios , Kumar, Shaji K , Rajkumar, S Vincent , Chng, Wee Joo , Costa, Luciano J , Hungria, Vania , Hillengass, Jens , Katodritou, Eirini , Kristinsson, Sigurdur Y , Ludwig, Heinz , McCarthy, Phillip , Mai, Elias K , Manier, Salomon , Mateos, María-Victoria , Mian, Hira , Mikhael, Joseph R , Moreau, Philippe , Munshi, Nikhil C , Paiva, Bruno , Pawlyn, Charlotte , Rasche, Leo , Richter, Joshua , San-Miguel, Jesus , Sborov, Douglas W , Usmani, Saad , Dimopoulos, Meletios A , Zamagni, Elena , Kastritis, Efstathios , Costa, Luciano J. , Engelhardt, Monika , Gonsalves, Wilson I. , Jevremović, Dragan , Katodritou, Eirini , Lonial, Sagar , Ludwig, Heinz , McCarthy, Philip L. , Mıkhael, Joseph , Moreau, Philippe , Paiva, Bruno , Pawlyn, Charlotte , Richter, Joshua , Miguel, Jesús F. San , Usmani, Saad Z. , Dimopoulos, Meletios Α. , Zamagni, Elena

Journal of Clinical Oncology | July 22, 2026 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available

10.1200/jco-26-00410 | PMID 42485589 Get It

Solitary plasmacytomas (SPs) are rare localized tumors of clonal plasma cells, either in the bone (solitary bone plasmacytoma) or in soft tissue/extraosseous (extramedullary) with either no or with minimal bone marrow (BM) infiltration (<10% clonal plasma cells by immunohistochemistry) and no evidence of systemic involvement or myeloma defining events. Approximately 50% of SPs will progress to symptomatic myeloma within 5 years after initial definitive local radiotherapy. Increased availability of improved diagnostic and monitoring tools has increased the sensitivity of detection of additional lesions and marrow involvement and has implications for the follow-up strategy after treatment. Thus, the definitions and requirements for the diagnosis and follow-up of SPs are evolving. The diagnosis of SP requires the careful exclusion of multiple myeloma (MM) that would require systemic therapy, by using all the available methods to detect systemic disease (advanced imaging, sensitive BM assessment methods, blood and urine tests). Local radiotherapy remains the mainstay of therapy, and despite the availability of innovative drugs for MM, the clinical benefit of systemic therapy currently remains poorly defined. The International Myeloma Working Group provides here updated recommendations for the diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, and response assessment of patients with SPs, incorporating recent data and advances in diagnostic tools.
A75-20 Analysis of Data From a Prospective Medicare Approved Clinical Trial Registry Indicates That Use of Maintenance Extracorporeal Photopheresis Is Independently Associated With Enhanced Survival of Lung Allograft Recipients Who Have Developed Life-Thre
Despotis, G J, Hachem, R R, Hage, C A, Walia, R, Goldberg, H J, Patel, M, Reynolds, J M, Klesney-Tait, J, Arcasoy, S M, Naik, C, Simone, N De, Usmani, A, Girgis, R E, Cordova, F C, Keller, B C, Nunley, D R, Javanbakht, A, Patil, J M, Morrell, M R, Lendermon, E A, Huang, H J, Pelaez, A, Emtiazjoo, A, Wille, K M, Chan, K M, Yung, G, Baz, M A, Aryal, S, Banez-Sese, G, Vedantham, S, Derfler, C, Commean, P, Berman, K, Atkinson, A, Atkinson, J J, Prokudin, A, Betensley, A D, Byers, D E, Despotis, G. J., Hachem, Ramsey R. , Hage, C A, Walia, Rajat , Reynolds, J.M., Klesney‐Tait, Julia , Arcasoy, S M, Naik, C., Girgis, Reda E. , Cordova, F C, Keller, Brian C. , Nunley, D R, Patil, Jagadish , Morrell, M R, Lendermon, Elizabeth A. , Huang, H J, Emtiazjoo, A.M., Wille, Keith , Chan, K.M., Yung, G, Baz, Maher A. , Aryal, S, Banez‐Sese, Grace, Vedantham, Suresh , Berman, Keith, Prokudin, A, Betensley, Alan D. , Byers, Derek E.

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine | June 22, 2026 | Volume: 212 | Issue: Supplement_2 | Pages: No page available

10.1093/ajrccm/aamag286.333 Get It

Abstract Rationale This Registry was designed to prospectively evaluate the efficacy of extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) to arrest the rate of FEV1 decline (FEV1 decline) and prolong survival in lung allograft recipients with Bronchiolitis Obliterans refractory to standard of care therapy. Methods After IRB approval, 258 lung transplant recipients were enrolled from 20 US lung transplant centers. Subjects were assigned to ECP treatment (ECPRx) (i.e., 24 procedures over 6 months) at or a few months after enrollment based on spirometric criteria. Maintenance ECPRx (mECP) was at the discretion of managing clinicians. Rate of FEV1 decline in mL/month (FEV1 decline) was compared between 6 months prior to and 6 & 12 months after ECPRx initiation using linear mixed effects models. Time 0 for survival was set as the start of ECPRx for generation of Kaplan-Meier curves. Hazard Ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (lower-upper) were generated using Cox Proportional Hazards Regression to characterize significant (p &lt; 0.05) independent associations of mECP and/or any other covariates (i.e., demographic, operative, enrollment site, spirometric ) and survival. Results An 89% (78%-96%) decrease in the FEV1 decline was observed 12 months after ECPRx initiation in 191 participants assigned to ECPRx. FEV1 decline (-164 mL/month: 144-185) was greater (p &lt; 0.001) in participants who expired within six months of Time 0 (n = 28) vs participants (-111 mL/month: 101-120) who died six months after Time 0 (n = 77). Of 159 participants who survived for at least six months after ECPRx initiation, 40 participants without mECP, who had up to 24 ECPRx (ECPRx: n = 19), had a lower survival HR: 2.43(1.75-3.4) (p &lt; 0.001) relative to 119 participants who received mECP (ECPRx: n = 86)(see Figure). The response to ECPRx (% Change in FEV1 decline prior to and 6 months after 1st ECP) was similar between subcohorts (No mECP: -81 decrease vs mECP: -85%, p = 0.3). The association of mECP persisted after multivariate adjustment HR 1.8 (1.8-2.7)(p = 0.002) using significant covariates: FEV1 HR 0.37 (0.3-0.5), FEV1 decline HR 0.001 (0.001-0.04), Male Gender HR 2.4 (1.7-3.4); Reflux Disease HR 1.8 (1.2-2.8); Coronary Disease HR 1.8 (1.2-2.7). Conclusions This analysis indicates that mECP is independently associated with enhanced survival most likely due to attenuation of relapse six months after ECP initiation based on similar initial response to ECPRx. A risk-adjusted, control cohort is being pursued to facilitate submission of a scientifically rigorous petition to CMS to expand the ECP National Coverage Decision to include BOS predicated on CMS 2024 scientific guidelines. This abstract is funded by: Therakos Inc
Genomic Features Do Not Account for Differences in Multiple Myeloma Risk by Ancestry
Maclachlan, Kylee , Papadimitriou, Marios , Blaney, Patrick , Baughn, Linda B. , Shekarkhand, Tala , Poos, Alexandra M. , Ziccheddu, Bachisio , Tang, Hongwei , Yan, Huihuang , Diamond, Benjamin , Zhang, Yanming , Cimera, Robert , Hultcrantz, Malin , Mailankody, Sham , Hassoun, Hani , Tan, Carlyn , Brown, Elizabeth , Winterkorn, Lara , Steinsnyder, Zoe , Vaksman, Zalman , Korde, Neha , Weinhold, Niels , Maclachlan, Kylee , Tang, Hongwei , Dogan, Ahmet , Gagler, Dylan , Boyle, Eileen M , Hultcrantz, Malin , Mailankody, Sham , Hassoun, Hani , Shah, Urvi A , Tan, Carlyn R , Brown, Elizabeth E , Winterkorn, Lara , Chu, Timothy , Steinsnyder, Zoe , Vaksman, Zalman , Davies, Faith E , Korde, Neha , Landgren, C Ola , Raab, Marc S , Lesokhin, Alexander M , Robine, Nicolas , Weinhold, Niels , Usmani, Saad , Maura, Francesco , Morgan, Gareth J , Baughn, Linda B , Diamond, Benjamin T , Blaney, Patrick , Poos, Alexandra M. , Doǧan, Ahmet , Boyle, Eileen M. , Shah, Urvi A. , Davies, Faith E. , Landgren, Ola , Raab, Marc S. , Lesokhin, Alexander M. , Usmani, Saad Z. , Maura, Francesco , Morgan, Gareth J.

Blood Cancer Discovery | June 12, 2026 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: OF1-OF17

10.1158/2643-3230.bcd-25-0259 | PMID 42284538 Get It

Abstract Studies have reported conflicting findings regarding the contribution of germline variants or somatic genomic drivers to racial disparities in multiple myeloma. To comprehensively investigate somatic drivers in relation to inherited genetics in multiple myeloma, we combined newly sequenced whole-genome sequencing data with publicly available datasets (total n = 1,286). Overall, we did not identify germline or somatic genomic differences that explain the different risk of developing multiple myeloma between patients with genetic similarity to African (AFR) or European (EUR) reference populations. A difference in the detectability and timing of APOBEC-associated and germinal center mutational activity was observed. Integrating epidemiologic data and mutational signature-based temporal estimates, we challenge the assumption that individuals in the AFR group develop multiple myeloma at a younger age. Finally, we demonstrate that, with equal access to efficacious therapies, patients in the AFR and EUR groups have equivalent clinical outcomes. Significance: Multiple myeloma is reported to occur at higher rates in individuals who self-identify as non-Hispanic Black. In this large dataset, genomic drivers occur at the same rate among ancestry groups, except for APOBEC mutagenesis. With equivalent therapy, clinical outcomes did not differ for patients grouped by genetic ancestry similarity.
Age and frailty analyses of transplant-ineligible (TIE) patients (pts) with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) in the phase 3 MAIA and CEPHEUS trials of daratumumab + lenalidomide-dexamethasone (Rd) and bortezomib-Rd (VRd).
Venner, Christopher P., Zweegman, Sonja, Kumar, Shaji, Facon, Thierry, Perrot, Aurore, Moreau, Philippe, NS, Raje, Hulin, Cyrille, Hungria, Vania, Cohen, Yaël , Goldschmidt, H, Wang, George C., Bolyard, Kasey, Lopez-Masi, Lorena, Loi, Matteo, Borgsten, Fredrik, Rowe, Melissa, Bahlis, Nizar Jacques J., Usmani, Saad Z., Zweegman, Sonja , Kumar, Shaji , Facon, Thierry T.F. , Perrot, Aurore , Moreau, Philippe , Hulin, Cyrille , Basu, Supratik , Goldschmidt, Hartmut , Bahlis, Nizar Jacques , Usmani, Saad Z.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 7569-7569

10.1200/jco.2026.44.16_suppl.7569 Get It

7569 Background: MAIA and CEPHEUS trials demonstrated that daratumumab (Dara) with standard of care (SOC) VRd or Rd significantly improved clinical outcomes versus SOC in TIE NDMM. Here we describe efficacy and safety in TIE pts from both trials by age and baseline (BL) frailty using the latest data cuts. Methods: Pts were randomized 1:1 to DRd (n=368) or Rd (n=369) in MAIA and 1:1 to DVRd (n=144) or VRd (n=145) in CEPHEUS. Progression-free survival (PFS), complete response or better (≥CR), overall MRD negativity (neg) at 10 -5 with ≥CR, sustained MRD neg with ≥CR (confirmed MRD neg ≥12 ± 1 months [mo] apart without MRD positivity in between), and safety were assessed by age (<70, 70–<75, or ≥75 years [y]) and BL frailty (assessed by IFM simplified frailty score: 0–1, non-frail; ≥2, frail). Results: Median follow-up was 64.5 mo in MAIA and 76.0 mo in CEPHEUS. In MAIA, 155 (21%) pts were <70 y, 261 (35%) 70–<75 y, and 321 (44%) ≥75 y; 341 (46%) pts were frail, 88.0 % of whom were ≥70 y. In CEPHEUS TIE pts, 70 (24%) pts were <70 y, 133 (46%) 70–<75 y, and 86 (30%) ≥75 y; 83 (29%) pts were frail, 86% of whom were ≥70 y. DRd or DVRd improved PFS, MRD neg rates, sustained MRD neg rates, and ≥CR rates vs Rd or VRd arms across age and frailty subgroups in both trials (Table). Safety was consistent with established individual drug profiles, and adverse event rates were generally comparable across treatment arms and subgroups within both trials. Additional data on patient-specific factors relevant to these subgroups will be presented. Conclusions: Dara-based regimens improved efficacy outcomes across subgroups in MAIA and CEPHEUS trials, reinforcing Dara-based regimens as SOC in TIE NDMM regardless of age or frailty. These data offer clinically relevant insights to help guide treatment selection for TIE pts. Clinical trial information: NCT03652064 ; NCT02252172 . PFS, hazard ratio (95% CI) ≥CR rate, % MRD neg with ≥CR (10 -5 ) rate, % Sustained MRD neg with ≥CR (10 -5 ) rate, % Age/ Frailty status MAIA* CEPHEUS** MAIA* CEPHEUS ** MAIA* CEPHEUS** MAIA* CEPHEUS ** <70 y 0.35 (0.21–0.56) 0.60 (0.31–1.18) 56.4 vs 31.2 85.7 vs 68.6 35.9 vs 11.7 74.3 vs 42.9 25.6 vs 3.9 62.9 vs 28.6 70–<75 y 0.64 (0.45–0.89) 0.60 (0.37–0.99) 56.2 vs 31.3 77.9 vs 69.2 36.2 vs 12.2 55.9 vs 47.7 20.8 vs 5.3 45.6 vs 38.5 ≥75 y 0.59 (0.44–0.79) 0.46 (0.22–0.94) 44.4 vs 28.6 80.5 vs 44.4 26.9 vs 9.9 58.5 vs 26.7 13.8 vs 3.1 43.9 vs 15.6 Frail 0.64 (0.48–0.85) 0.62 (0.32–1.18) 44.8 vs 33.1 72.9 vs 54.3 25.6 vs 13.0 56.3 vs 34.3 15.7 vs 4.1 39.6 vs 17.1 Non-frail 0.48 (0.36–0.64) 0.51 (0.34–0.78) 56.6 vs 27.5 84.4 vs 63.6 37.8 vs 9.5 63.5 vs 41.8 21.4 vs 4.0 54.2 vs 32.7 *MAIA: DRd vs Rd; **CEPHEUS: DVRd vs VRd.
Treatment of Multiple Myeloma: ASCO Living Guideline, Version 2026.1.1
Banerjee, Rahul , Cheung, Matthew C. , Derman, Benjamin, Messersmith, Hans , Bhella, Sita, Chmielewski, Cynthia, Ebraheem, Mohammad, Kennedy, C. Todd , Kumar, Shaji , Langerak, Alan, Mian, Hira , Seth, Rahul, Subramanian, Latha, Wildes, Tanya M., Zanwar, Saurabh , Zhuo, Ying, Derman, Benjamin A , Al Hadidi, Samer , Ebraheem, Mohammad S , Kennedy, C Todd , Kumar, Shaji K , Lipe, Brea , Mian, Hira , Riva, Eloisa , Usmani, Saad , Wildes, Tanya , Zanwar, Saurabh S , Hicks, Lisa K. , Messersmith, Hans , Banerjee, Rahul , Derman, Benjamin A. , Chmielewski, Cynthia, Langerak, Alan, Seth, Rahul, Usmani, Saad Z. , Wildes, Tanya M.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 20, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 22 | Pages: No page available

10.1200/jco-26-01139 | PMID 42160714 Get It

This guideline has been updated. This ASCO Living Guideline is reviewed on an eight-week cycle. Please see the online dynamic version for the latest updates. Living guidelines are developed for selected topic areas with rapidly evolving evidence that drives frequent change in recommended clinical practice. Living guidelines are updated on a regular schedule by a standing expert panel that systematically reviews the health literature on a continuous basis, as described in the ASCO Guidelines Methodology Manual . ASCO Living Guidelines follow the ASCO Conflict of Interest Policy Implementation for Clinical Practice Guidelines . Living Guidelines and updates are not intended to substitute for independent professional judgment of the treating clinician and do not account for individual variation among patients. See appendix for disclaimers and other important information ( Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 ). Updates are published regularly and can be found on the ASCO Publications website .
Solitary plasmacytoma of bone (SPB): Randomized phase III trial to evaluate treatment with adjuvant systemic treatment and zoledronic acid (ZA) versus zoledronic acid after definitive radiation treatment (Alliance A061402)
Sborov, Douglas, Mahindra, Anuj, Suman, Vera J. , Manasanch, Elisabet, Kapoor, Prashant , Kovacsovics, Tibor, Rodriguez, Cesar, Parsons, Benjamin, Najera, Jose, Goldman, Lyle, Carlisle, Destin, Wen, Yujia, Dinner, Shira, Galinsky, Ilene, Kennedy, LeAnne , Omel, James, McCarthy, Philip, Usmani, Saad, Richardson, Paul G. , Suman, Vera , Sborov, Douglas W. , Manasanch, Elisabet E. , Rodriguez, Cesar, Parsons, Benjamin, Najera, Jose Eugenio, Galinsky, Ilene , Usmani, Saad Z. , Richardson, Paul Gerard Guy

No container title available | May 6, 2026 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available

10.21203/rs.3.rs-9453152/v1 Get It

Abstract Solitary plasmacytoma of bone (SPB) is a localized plasma cell neoplasm associated with a substantial risk of progression to multiple myeloma (MM), yet the role of adjuvant systemic therapy following definitive radiation therapy (RT) remains undefined. We conducted a randomized phase III trial (Alliance A061402) to evaluate whether the addition of systemic therapy with ixazomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (IXA-LEN-DEX) to zoledronic acid (ZA) improves outcomes compared with ZA alone in patients with SPB and minimal (< 10%) bone marrow plasma cell involvement following RT. Patients were randomized to receive six 28-day cycles of IXA-LEN-DEX-ZA or ZA alone. The primary endpoint was time to progression (TTP) to MM. The study was closed early due to poor accrual after enrolling 11 patients (IXA-LEN-DEX-ZA, n = 5; ZA, n = 6). All patients completed RT and planned treatment without dose reductions. The combination regimen was well tolerated, with limited grade ≥ 3 toxicities, including hypophosphatemia and lymphopenia. At follow-up extending beyond 4 years, the 1- and 4-year progression rates to MM in the IXA-LEN-DEX-ZA arm were 0% and 33%, respectively, compared with 37.5% and 58.3% at 1 and 2 years in the ZA-alone arm. Although underpowered, these findings demonstrate the feasibility and tolerability of an all-oral adjuvant systemic regimen in SPB and provide prospective data supporting further investigation of systemic strategies to delay progression to MM.
Infections in patients receiving daratumumab for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: a pooled analysis of MAIA and ALCYONE
Bahlis, Nizar J. , Facon, Thierry, San-Miguel, Jesus, Usmani, Saad Z., Dimopoulos, Meletios-Athanasios A., Moreau, Philippe, Manier, Salomon , NS, Raje, Orlowski, Robert Z. , Goldschmidt, H, Hulin, Cyrille, Weisel, K, Leleu, Xavier, Plesner, Torben , Jakubowiak, Andrzej J, Cook, Gordon, Quach, H, Venner, Christopher P., Cavo, M, Ngo, Mai, Bolyard, Kasey, Carson, R, Borgsten, Fredrik, Mateos, María‐Victoria , Kumar, Shaji , Miguel, Jesús F. San , Bahlis, Nizar Jacques , San-Miguel, Jesus , Zweegman, Sonja , Perrot, Aurore , Manier, Salomon , Orlowski, Robert Z. , Goldschmidt, Hartmut , Mohty, Mohamad , Leleu, Xavier , Cook, Gordon , Quach, Hang , Mateos, María-Victoria , Kumar, Shaji K , Facon, Thierry T.F. , Usmani, Saad Z. , Dimopoulos, Meletios A , Moreau, Philippe , Chari, Ajai , Goldschmidt, Hartmut , Basu, Supratik , Hulin, Cyrille , Weisel, Katja C , Mohty, Mohamad , Leleu, Xavier , Jakubowiak, Andrzej , Cook, Gordon , Quach, Hang , Cavo, M., Carson, Robin

Blood Advances | May 5, 2026 | Volume: 10 | Issue: 13 | Pages: 4541-4550

10.1182/bloodadvances.2025019323 | PMID 42085642 Get It

Abstract Both the phase 3 MAIA and ALCYONE studies demonstrated significant survival benefit with the addition of daratumumab to standard-of-care Rd (Revlimid [lenalidomide] and dexamethasone; D-Rd) or to VMP (Velcade [bortezomib], melphalan, and prednisone; D-VMP), respectively, vs Rd or VMP alone in transplant-ineligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). Patients with NDMM are highly susceptible to infection; therefore, gaining a greater understanding of infection incidence may help to mitigate future risk. We conducted a pooled analysis of infection incidence, timing, and management strategies from MAIA and ALCYONE. The median (range) age of the pooled population was 72 (40-93) years. Incidence was higher with D-Rd/D-VMP vs Rd/VMP for grade 3/4 (36.9% vs 22.4%) and grade 5 (3.0% vs 1.5%) infections; however, exposure-adjusted incidence rates were generally comparable between groups. Any-grade infections led to the discontinuation of study treatment in ∼2% of patients across treatment groups. Of the timing intervals explored, the highest incidence of grade 3/4 infection occurred within the first 6-month interval of study treatment initiation in both groups. Median time to the first onset of grade 3/4 infections (per Kaplan-Meier estimates) was 83.3 months and not estimable in the D-Rd/D-VMP and Rd/VMP groups, respectively. Although the rates of D-Rd/D-VMP treatment discontinuation due to infection remained low in MAIA and ALCYONE, clinicians should remain vigilant about infections throughout treatment and follow local guidelines and International Myeloma Working Group recommendations to minimize the risk of infection. These trials were registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT02252172 (MAIA) and NCT02195479 (ALCYONE).
Abstract 94: Liquid biopsy profiling of the tumor microenvironment to determine response to immunotherapy regimens across solid tumors.
Brown, Erin L. , Zhang, W., Hashmi, Ayesha , Olelewe, Chibuzor, Viswanathan, Anushka , Kang, Minji , Jeon, Hyun Soo , Avagyan, Susanna , Bergsagel, Matteo , Schwab, Janella C. , Sachs, Chloe M., Qaium, Faridi , Bacchiocchi, Antonella , Cai, Qingyuan , Gentles, Andrew J. , Graham, Rondell, Orme, Jacob J. , Sznol, Mario, Halaban, Ruth, Chen, D., Newman, Aaron M. , Chaudhuri., Aadel A., Zhang, Wubing , Usmani, Abul , Earland, Noah , Chauhan, Pradeep S. , Steen, Chloé Beate , Alahi, Irfan , Semenkovich, Nicholas P. , Harris, Peter K , Lucas, Peter C. , Fields, Ryan C. , Mansfield, Aaron S. , Halaban, Ruth , Chaudhuri, Aadel A.

Cancer Research | April 3, 2026 | Volume: 86 | Issue: 7_Supplement | Pages: 94-94

10.1158/1538-7445.am2026-94 Get It

Abstract Background: Spatial cellular ecosystems in the tumor microenvironment (TME) form dynamic signaling hubs that critically influence cancer disease progression and response to therapy, including response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, tumor sampling bias and the impracticality of acquiring serial tumor biopsies have made it challenging to profile the TME clinically. To address this challenge, we developed Liquid EcoTyper, a multi-analyte AI framework to quantify TME spatial cellular ecosystems—termed spatial ecotypes (SEs)—noninvasively from cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation data. Methods: In previous work, we discovered nine spatial ecotypes, including SEs associated with ICI response (e.g., SE7 with benefit, SE4 with resistance), and quantified them from 1,249 bulk tumor RNA-seq profiles of melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and bladder cancer (BC) patients (Cancer Res (2025) 85 (8_Supplement_1): 153). Here we trained Liquid EcoTyper, an interpretable deep learning model, to transfer SE profiling to cell-free DNA using CpG methylation profiles. Performance was quantified using simulated and real data, including methylation profiles (EM-seq) of plasma cfDNA paired with tumor biopsy-derived SE levels determined by EM-seq (n=20 pairs) or 10x Visium (n=15 pairs). Clinical outcome prediction was evaluated using pretreatment plasma from patients treated with ICI alone (n=78 melanoma pts), chemotherapy and ICI (n=25 NSCLC pts), and enfortumab vedotin and ICI (n=10 localized muscle-invasive BC (MIBC) pts). Tumor mutational burden (TMB), tumor PD-L1, or circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) were profiled as a comparator where possible. Results: We observed striking concordance between plasma-derived SE levels and tumor biopsy-confirmed SE levels from the same patients, demonstrating that liquid biopsy analysis of cfDNA methylomes can recapitulate TME spatial biology. Underscoring specificity, no reliable SE signal was detectable from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In pre-ICI plasma, liquid SE levels were significantly associated with ICI-based response (SE7) versus resistance (SE4) in patients with melanoma, NSCLC, and MIBC, with a mean cross-cancer area under the curve (AUC) of 0.87 for SE7 (range 0.8-0.97) and 0.81 for SE4 (range 0.76-0.85)—far surpassing TMB, tumor PD-L1, and ctDNA in evaluable patients, both in binary analyses of response and multivariable models of survival. Our results also showed potential to predict pathologic complete response in the neoadjuvant setting. Conclusion: Liquid EcoTyper is a scalable noninvasive AI-based framework for spatiotemporal assessment of the TME. By enabling TME-informed risk stratification without surgical biopsies, Liquid EcoTyper has potential to enable more precise and actionable decision making in patients with solid tumors. Citation Format: Erin L. Brown, Wubing Zhang, Abul Usmani, Noah Earland, Ayesha Hashmi, Chibuzor Olelewe, Anushka Viswanathan, Pradeep S. Chauhan, Minji Kang, Chloé B. Steen, Hyun Soo Jeon, Susanna Avagyan, Irfan Alahi, Nicholas P. Semenkovich, Matteo Bergsagel, Janella C. Schwab, Chloe M. Sachs, Faridi Qaium, Peter K. Harris, Antonella Bacchiocchi, Qingyuan Cai, Andrew J. Gentles, Rondell P. Graham, Peter C. Lucas, Ryan C. Fields, Jacob J. Orme, Aaron S. Mansfield, Mario Sznol, Ruth Halaban, David Y. Chen, Aaron M. Newman, Aadel A. Chaudhuri. Liquid biopsy profiling of the tumor microenvironment to determine response to immunotherapy regimens across solid tumors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 94.
Early mortality with bispecific antibody therapy in RRMM: an IMWG immunotherapy database real-world analysis
Tan, Carlyn Rose, Usmani, Saad Z., Derkach, Andriy , Corraes, Andre De Menezes Silva, Parrondo, Ricardo , Ailawadhi, S., Asoori, Sireesha, Dave, Mrugakshi, Popat, Rakesh, Morjaria, Oliver, Hajek, Roman , Htut, Myo , Kastritis, Efstathios, Dimopoulos, M A, Martínez-López, Joaquín, Nagarajan, Chandramouli, Bal, Susan, Costa, Luciano J., Einsele, Hermann, Steinbrunn, Torsten, Riedhammer, Christine , Banerjee, Rahul, Chng, Wee Joo, Tso, Allison CY, Lin, Yi, Martin, Tom, Mian, Hira, Martínez‐López, Joaquín , Mian, Hira , Tan, Carlyn R , de Meneze Silva Corraes, Andre, Mihalyova, Jana , Visram, Alissa , Kastritis, Efstathios , Martinez-Lopez, Joaquin , Nagarajan, Chandramouli , Bal, Susan , Costa, Luciano J , Waldschmidt, Johannes M , Banerjee, Rahul , Tso, Allison , Martin, Thomas , Mian, Hira , Parrondo, Ricardo D , Derkach, Andriy , Usmani, Saad Z. , Corraes, Andre De Menezes Silva , Ailawadhi, Sikander , Popat, Rakesh , Hájek, Roman , Janakiram, Murali , Visram, Alissa , Kastritis, Efstathios , Dimopoulos, Meletios Α. , Nagarajan, Chandramouli , Bal, Susan , Costa, Luciano J. , Steinbrunn, Torsten , Banerjee, Rahul , Chng, Wee Joo

Blood Advances | February 24, 2026 | Volume: 10 | Issue: 9 | Pages: 2937-2946

10.1182/bloodadvances.2025019231 | PMID 41734378 Get It

Abstract Recent therapeutic advances, including bispecific antibodies (bsAbs), have improved outcomes for patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). However, early mortality (EM) remains a significant challenge, even in the era of novel immunotherapies. We conducted a multicenter, retrospective analysis of real-world patients with RRMM treated with commercial bsAbs to evaluate the incidence and causes of EM. Between May 2022 and June 2025, a total of 441 patients were treated across 7 countries. EM, defined as death within 12 months of therapy initiation, occurred in 148 patients (34%), with a median time from bsAb initiation to death of 2.87 months (interquartile range, 1.38-6.85). The leading cause of EM was progressive disease (72%), followed by infection (13%); regardless of the cause of death, 82% had active disease at the time of death. Our findings highlight that despite encouraging efficacy, EM remains high among real-world bsAb recipients, emphasizing the need for improved disease control strategies and supportive care interventions.
Feasibility of decentralized real-world monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 booster vaccines and COVID-19 outcomes in myeloma
Wood, William A, Kumar, Shaji K, Semmel, Emily, James, Shandra, Chung, David J., Rosenberg, Aaron S., Zonder, Jeffrey A. , Rubinstein, Samuel M., D'Souza, A, Martin, Thomas, Chari, Ajai, Vij, Ravi, Nooka, Ajay K., Anderson, Kenneth C., NEUBERG, D, Torres, Kathleen, Weiss, Brendan M. , Pederson, Levi , Geyer, Susan, Usmani, Saad Z., Wood, William A. , D’Souza, Anita , Rosenberg, Aaron S. , Wood, William A , Kumar, Shaji K , Chung, David J , Rosenberg, Aaron , D'Souza, Anita , Pederson, Levi D , Derkach, Andriy , Kumar, Shaji , Semmel, Emily A., Schroeder, Mark A. , Rubinstein, Samuel M. , Martin, Thomas, Nooka, Ajay K. , Anderson, Kenneth C., Neuberg, Donna , Richard, Shambavi , Torres, Kathleen, Derkach, Andriy , Usmani, Saad Z.

Blood Advances | February 24, 2026 | Volume: 10 | Issue: 9 | Pages: 3094-3102

10.1182/bloodadvances.2025018963 | PMID 41734388 Get It

Abstract Patients with multiple myeloma have an elevated risk of severe complications from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19) infection. To demonstrate proof of concept for a pandemic preparedness and response network, the American Society of Hematology Research Collaborative Multiple Myeloma Program developed a prospective, decentralized study within a site-based provider network. In the COVID-19 outcomes in myeloma and the impact of vaccines (COSMIC) study, patients provided consent, permitted electronic health record data collection, completed patient-reported outcomes at baseline, day 30, and day 180 through an electronic study portal, and were compensated for participation. Clinicians at participating sites facilitated study recruitment and shared best practices monthly to accelerate study execution. The COSMIC study rapidly consented 201 patients from 8 participating sites over 4 months (22 January 2024 through 17 May 2024). Consented participants were 30 to 93 years old, with a median age of 67; 46% were female, 69% were non-Hispanic White, 17% were non-Hispanic Black, and 8% were Hispanic/Latino. Patient-reported data completion was 97% at baseline, 81% at 1 month, and 79% at 6 months. At baseline, 55% of patients reported a history of COVID-19 infection and had received a median of 4 SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. For all patients, there were an additional 18 COVID-19 infections and 57 vaccines received during the 6-month observation period. There were no significant differences in health-related quality of life over time or by history of COVID-19 infection. COSMIC demonstrates the feasibility of an innovative evidence generation strategy to drive rapid accrual of patients to address an evolving area of need. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT05831787.