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Martin, Thomas G.

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9133-9813

A5059086219 | I180670191

Mayo Clinic

University of California, San Francisco

Citations 26

Earlier use of ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) is associated with better immune fitness and stronger immune effects as shown by correlative analysis of peripheral blood and the bone marrow tumor microenvironment (TME) from the CARTITUDE-4 study

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 92-92

10.1182/blood-2025-92

Abstract Introduction: Cilta-cel is approved in the US and the EU for the treatment of patients (pts) with lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma (MM) after ≥1 prior line of therapy (pLOT), including a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent based on the CARTITUDE-1 (CART-1, NCT03548207) and CARTITUDE-4 (CART-4, NCT04181827) studies. Cilta-cel led to deep and durable responses and significant survival benefit in pts with relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM) after ≥3 pLOT in CART-1. In CART-4, cilta-cel led to a significant overall survival benefit with a higher proportion of pts achieving deep, sustained minimal residual disease negativity vs standard of care in pts with lenalidomide-refractory MM after 1–3 pLOT. We investigated the mechanism of action of cilta-cel by correlating biomarkers from peripheral blood and the bone marrow TME with progression-free survival (PFS) and number of pLOT in pts with RRMM from CART-1 and CART-4. Methods: Biomarker analyses were performed using peripheral blood and bone marrow aspirates (BMAs) collected in both CART-1 and CART-4 studies. Immunophenotyping by flow cytometry was performed using peripheral blood at baseline/time of apheresis in samples from both studies. Immune fitness at baseline was assessed in pts by pLOT and in association with PFS. Gene set enrichment scores were derived from RNA sequencing data of the TME using BMAs. Mixed-effects models were used to identify signatures/pathways modulated over time (day [D] 28 and at 6 months [mo] post infusion vs screening) and in association with PFS and pLOT. Results: In total, 176 CART-4 and 97 CART-1 pts received cilta-cel as study treatment. Immunophenotyping data were available from 248 peripheral blood samples (1 pLOT, n=56; 2 pLOT, n=61; ≥3 pLOT, n=131). At apheresis, CD4+ naïve T cells (%) were higher in pts with 1 or 2 pLOT, compared with those with ≥3 pLOT, while no difference was found in pts with ≥3 pLOT with further breakdown (i.e., 3–4 vs 5–6 vs ≥7 pLOT). Further, higher baseline levels of CD4+ naïve T cells were associated with longer PFS. These data suggest that the negative impact on peripheral immune fitness with the addition of LOT may plateau when pts have received ≥3 pLOT. TME gene expression data were available from 148 BMA samples (screening, n=50; D28, n=50; 6 mo, n=48) from CART-4. Analyses of gene expression signatures suggest depletion of B cells and antibodies at D28 post cilta-cel infusion, with partial recovery at 6 mo. This was corroborated in parallel by flow cytometry and immunoglobulin quantification. Further, elevated expression of genes associated with myeloid cells, including tumor-associated macrophages (TAM, likely M1), and of genes associated with cytotoxic T cells were also observed at D28. Elevated expression of genes associated with B-cell receptors, T-cell differentiation and activation, and cytokine signaling pathways were found at both D28 and 6 mo. Pts with longer PFS (>18 mo) had higher levels of M1 TAM at D28, while those with shorter PFS had higher levels of regulatory T cells and more suppressed interferon pathway genes at 6 mo, suggesting that relapse may be associated with a more suppressive immune response. In pts with fewer pLOT, more profound B-cell depletion on D28, better recovery at 6 mo, and elevated B-cell receptor signaling were inferred from gene expression data. Pts with 1 pLOT also demonstrated higher elevation of M1 TAM expression on D28 from screening as compared with pts with 3 pLOT, similar to what was observed in pts with longer PFS. Conclusions: Correlative biomarker data suggest that longer PFS is associated with better immune fitness at baseline and stronger immune responses post cilta-cel infusion, as observed in peripheral blood and within the TME of pts with RRMM in CART-1 and CART-4. The peripheral immune fitness was more pronounced in pts with 1 and 2 pLOT vs 3 pLOT and beyond, where deterioration plateaued. This suggests the impact of T-cell immune fitness on PFS may be limited beyond the third LOT. Importantly, other covariates, including factors within the immune TME and tumor burden, may play a significant role in balancing this compromised intrinsic T-cell immune fitness at apheresis, thereby contributing to PFS durability after 3 pLOT. Overall, these results support increased benefits in treating pts with MM with cilta-cel in earlier LOTs.
Long-Term (≥5-Year) Remission and Survival After Treatment With Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel in CARTITUDE-1 Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Journal of Clinical Oncology | June 3, 2025 | Volume: 43 | Issue: 25 | Pages: 2766-2771

10.1200/jco-25-00760 | PMID 40459151

CARTITUDE-1 evaluated ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) in patients with heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). We describe overall survival (OS), ≥5-year progression-free outcomes, associated biomarkers, and safety, with a median study follow-up of 61.3 months. For the 97 treated patients, median OS was 60.7 months (95% CI, 41.9 to not estimable). One third (32/97) of patients remain alive and progression-free for ≥5 years after a single cilta-cel infusion, without maintenance treatment. Twelve of these patients treated at a single center underwent serial minimal residual disease (MRD) and positron emission tomography-computed tomography assessments, and all (100%) were MRD-negative (at least 10 −5 threshold) and imaging-negative at year 5 or later after cilta-cel. Baseline characteristics, including the presence of high-risk cytogenetics and extramedullary disease, were generally comparable for the 32 patients who were progression-free for ≥5 years versus patients who had progressive disease by year 5. A trend of lower baseline tumor burden, higher fraction of naïve T-cells in the cilta-cel drug product, higher T cell-to-neutrophil ratio, higher hemoglobin and platelets at baseline, and higher effector-to-target ratio were associated with ≥5-year progression-free status. The safety profile of cilta-cel remained consistent with previous reports. To our knowledge, our data provide the first evidence that cilta-cel is potentially curative in patients with RRMM.
Universal driving restrictions beyond 4 weeks appear unnecessary following CAR-T therapy in multiple myeloma

Blood Advances | March 15, 2025 | Volume: 9 | Issue: 9 | Pages: 2336-2340

10.1182/bloodadvances.2025016131 | PMID 40088469

Outcomes of Frailty Subgroups Treated with Teclistamab in the Real-World: An International Myeloma Foundation Study Database Analysis

Blood | December 6, 2024 | Volume: 144 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 704-704

10.1182/blood-2024-200877

Introduction: Frailty is known to be an important risk factor for adverse outcomes in multiple myeloma (MM) and is often under-represented in clinical trials. Frail patients are known to have increased toxicity, high rates of treatment discontinuation rates and decreased efficacy including worse overall survival in MM. Teclistamab (TEC) is a bispecific BCMA-CD3 directed T-cell antibody (BsAb) that was approved based upon the pivotal MajesTEC-1 study showing high overall response rates in patients with R/R MM. In MajesTEC-1, the median age was 63, and patients with ECOG ≥ 2 were excluded, suggesting that the vast majority of patients in the trial were fit. There is a paucity of data both in clinical trials as well as in the real-world regarding the outcomes of patients, particularly frail patients, with BsAb. This data is needed to both understand current outcomes of frail patients as well as devise strategies for future optimization with BsAb treatment. We performed a retrospective analysis utilizing the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) immunotherapy database with the objective of understanding the outcomes of older adults (age ≥ 70) including frail patients treated in the real-world with teclistamab. Methods: Data was collected from 7 individual academic sites for patients aged ≥ 70 years treated with teclistamab in the real-world. Data collected include patient demographics, disease characteristics, as well as efficacy and toxicity associated with teclistamab. Frailty score was retrospectively calculated using the simplified/IFM frailty index which includes chronological age, ECOG PS and Charlson Comorbidity Index categorizing the patients into fit (score 0-1) or frail (≥ score 2). Fisher's exact tests were performed to evaluate differences in outcomes between fit and frail patients. Results: A total of 81 pts were included in our total cohort. The median age was 76 year (range 70-91). Among them, 44 (54%) were > age 75 and 23 (28%) > age 80. Twenty-eight (35%) patients had an ECOG performance status of ≥2. Using the simplified/IFM frailty index, 22 (27%) were classified as fit and 59 (73%) were frail. In the frail subgroup, a high proportion of patients (42%) would be classified as ultra frail (frailty score of ≥3). Selected baseline patient and disease characteristics are as follows: high risk cytogenetics including 1q gain/amp (fit 67% vs frail 43%), median prior lines (fit 7 vs frail 5), triple class refractory (fit 81% vs frail 88%), CrCl <30 (fit 5% vs frail 15%). For patients hospitalized for step-up dosing, median number of hospital days was 8 both in the fit and frail group. All grade CRS was noted in 12 (55%) fit and 28 (47%) frail patients. Among the fit patients, only 1 of the 12 patients (8%) had grade 2 CRS, whereas 8 of 28 (29%) frail patients had grade 2 (p-value=0.23). ICANS was reported in 2 (9%) fit patients and 8 (14%) frail patients (p=0.72). The majority of ICANS was grade 1 in both groups, but among the frail group, there was one grade 3 and two grade 4 ICANS cases reported. Infections were reported in 10 (45%) fit patients and 35 (59%) frail patients (p=0.32), with 2 (9%) and 14 (23%) being grade≥3 (p-value=0.21). IVIG was administered in most patients (fit 50% vs frail 58%, p=0.62). Grade 3/4 neutropenia was reported in 10 (45%) fit patients and 19 (32%) frail patients (p=0.30). The overall dosing interval was changed in 32% of fit patient and 34% of frail patients (p=1.00). The overall response rate was 50% for fit patients versus 66% for frail patient (p=0.61). The type of responses noted in the fit patient were as follows: sCR/CR 18%, VGPR 27%, PR/MR 5%, SD 18%, PD/NE 32% and for frail patients : sCR/CR 18%, VGPR 43%, PR/MR 9%, SD 5%, PD/NE 25%. The median follow-up time was 13.1 months. 12-month PFS for fit pts was 47.6% (95% CI 25.7% - 66.7%) and for frail pts 42.4% (29.0% - 55.3%). 12-months OS for fit pts was 64.9% (95% CI 39.9% - 81.6%) and for frail 61.5% (47.0% -73.1%). Conclusions: This is the first real-world study to evaluate the outcomes of teclistamab in frail older adults. With regards to toxicity, frail older adults showed a trend towards higher rates of ≥ grade 2 CRS, ≥ grade 2 ICANS as well as ≥3 grade infections. Efficacy was maintained in both fit and frail older adults similar to the MajesTEC-1 study. Our study highlights that BCMA BsAb can be safely utilized in older adults including frail older adults; however, additional proactive supportive care may be required to further optimize outcomes.
Real-World Evaluation of Teclistamab for the Treatment of Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM)

Blood | December 1, 2023 | Volume: 142 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 3347-3347

10.1182/blood-2023-190793

Introduction: Teclistamab (TEC) is a bispecific BCMA-CD3 directed T-cell antibody (BsAb), recently approved by EMA and FDA. Approval was based on the MajesTEC-1 study showing high overall response rates (≥PR in 63.0%) in heavily pretreated patients with relapsed multiple myeloma (RRMM). Few reports have described Real-World experience despite that TEC can induce unique side effects including cytokine release syndrome (CRS), neurotoxicity (ICANS) and a high incidence of infection (MajesTEC-1: incidence 76.4%; ≥Gr3: 44.8%). Thus, we performed a Real-World analysis of TEC therapy from 7 International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) associated MM academic centers. Methods: Patients treated with standard-of-care TEC were included. Data was collected until 7/28/2023. Results: 103 pts were included; median age 63 (range 33-91y); 15 pts. (14.5%) >75 yrs; 56.5% were male, 71.8% Caucasian, 11.6% Hispanic, and 12.6% Asian. Pts received a median of 6 PLT (range 1-16); 75% were triple-class-refractory (n=41/52 (79%), 30/85 (35%) had high-risk cytogenetics/FISH and 32/80 (40%) had 1q21 gain. At least 57/76 (75%) of pts would not have been eligible for MajesTEC-1 (mostly from prior BCMA (n=28 CAR-T, n=14 ADC; n=3 BsAb; n=5 CAR-T+ADC). 14 pts had CrCl <30ml/min with 2 on HD. Median number of hospital days was 8 (n= 72) but 31 patients were treated entirely as outpatients (Mayo clinic (MN, AZ, FL)). CRS was seen in 52 (50.4%) (all grade 1: except 6 Gr2, 1 Gr4), generally resolved within 24 hrs and was managed with tocilizumab alone (n= 27) or dex alone (n=9) or dex+toci (n=12). CRS was more common with inpatient (56.9%) vs outpatient (35.4%) TEC Rx. CrCl <30 ml, did not appear to alter the incidence or severity of CRS (50%; 1 Gr4). ICANS was infrequent (n=5; 4.85%), 1 pt with Gr 4-Sz requiring HD-steroids and TEC discontinuation). Infections were common, seen in 54 (52.4%) of patients, the majority were viral URI or CMV reactivation (n=26; 3 pts receiving CMV Rx, 1 pt with CMV organ disease). IVIG was given in 43/67 (64%) pts. The overall response rate for evaluable patients (n=82) was 63%; (sCR/CR 14; VGPR 23; PR 15; MR 2, SD 14; PD 14). In evaluable pts treated with prior BCMA (n=43), the ORR was 53% (sCR/CR 4; VGPR 14; PR 5; 1 MR; SD 10; PD 9). The most common reason for treatment discontinuation was PD (26.2%). 14 pts have died by the time of data cut-off (7/28/23), with the most common cause of death being disease progression. Conclusions: In this Real-World evaluation of TEC, a high ORR was seen, similar to the MajesTEC-1 study. Responses were rapid and are expected to deepen over time (median f/u 5m). CRS rates were similar to MajesTEC-1 and no new toxicity signal was noted. The rates of infection appear low but may be related to short follow-up. Details regarding the incidence and types of infection and the global use of IVIG will be described. With longer follow-up, additional efficacy/toxicity data will be presented.
Efficacy Outcomes and Characteristics of Patients with Multiple Myeloma (MM) Who Achieved Sustained Minimal Residual Disease Negativity after Treatment with Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel (cilta-cel) in CARTITUDE-1

Blood | November 28, 2022 | Volume: 140 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 4652-4654

10.1182/blood-2022-159141

Abstract CT186: Pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of a novel IKZF1/3 degrader, CFT7455, enables significant potency advantage over other IKZF1/3 degraders in models of multiple myeloma (MM) and the results of the initial treatment cohort from a first-in-human (

Cancer Research | June 15, 2022 | Volume: 82 | Issue: 12_Supplement | Pages: CT186-CT186

10.1158/1538-7445.am2022-ct186

Abstract Introduction: CFT7455 is a highly potent and novel Ikaros Family Zinc Finger Protein 1/3 (IKZF1/3) degrader. In xenograft models, CFT7455 has more potent IKZF1/3 degradation compared to other degraders. Early observations from the FIH clinical trial (NCT04756726) along with supporting translational studies are presented here. Methods: Pre-clinical studies comparing CFT7455 and CC-92480 in both in vitro and xenograft models were performed. The pre-clinical studies’ results coincided with observations from the on-going clinical trial. The clinical trial is an open-label, Phase 1/2, multi-center, FIH study in heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory (R/R) MM and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) patients evaluating safety, tolerability, and PK of CFT7455. Eligible MM patients are R/R to therapy and are not candidates for regimens known to provide clinical benefit. A starting dose of 50 μg QD 21 days on/7 days off (21/7) in 28-day cycles was administered. Results: CFT7455 and CC-92480 showed similar cereblon binding profiles and in vitro IKZF1/3 degradation kinetics, translating into sub-nanomolar GI50 values in proliferation assays across a panel of MM cell lines. In the NCI-H929 xenograft model, 100 μg/kg/day of CFT7455 resulted in durable tumor regressions, while 1000 μg/kg/day of CC-92480 gave tumor stasis. Similar results were seen in a systemic model of MM, MM1.S. Both compounds achieved >95% IKZF3 degradation in tumors 4h post dose. At 48h post dose, CFT7455 was more effective than CC-92480 in maintaining IKZF3 degradation (65% vs. 6% respectively). When levels of CFT7455 and CC-92480 in plasma and tumor were compared, CFT7455 concentrations were > DC80 in tumor 48h post dose, while CC-92480 levels were undetectable in tumor and plasma, demonstrating CFT7455 has longer exposure resulting in sustained IKZF1/3 degradation in pre-clinical models. In cohort A, 5 heavily pre-treated MM patients (pts) received single agent CFT7455. 4 pts have received at least 3 cycles, with 2 pts receiving 5 cycles. Neutropenia (grade 4) was observed in 3/5 pts without coincident fever or infection. Additionally, a 2-4 fold accumulation in plasma CFT7455 exposure at steady state was observed. Early pharmacodynamic (PD) data demonstrates deep persistent degradation of IKZF3 (~100%) and serum free light chain reduction (up to 72%) in response to treatment. Stable disease has been observed in 34 pts, suggesting clinical benefit. Conclusions: While CFT7455 showed clinical benefit at 50 ug with deep target degradation, neutropenia was dose limiting. PK/PD modeling suggests alternative dosing regimens may result in increased tolerability with preserved efficacy, and evaluation of them is underway. Updated results will be presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Sagar Lonial, Shambavi Richard, Jeffrey V Matous, Andrew J. Yee, Urvi Shah, Neha Mehta-Shah, Thomas Martin, Eli Muchtar, Sikander Ailawadhi, Paul G. Richardson, Manisha Bhutani, Samantha Perino, Jason Kirby, Roman V. Agafonov, Prasoon Chaturvedi, Bradley Class, Matthew Schnaderbeck, Michael R. Palmer, Cathleen Gorman, Oliver Schoenborn-Kellenberger, Amanda Hoerres, Stewart L. Fisher, Roy M. Pollock, Adam Crystal, Michelle Mahler, Jesus Bardeja. Pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of a novel IKZF1/3 degrader, CFT7455, enables significant potency advantage over other IKZF1/3 degraders in models of multiple myeloma (MM) and the results of the initial treatment cohort from a first-in-human (FIH) phase 1/2 study of CFT7455 in MM [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr CT186.
Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel, an Anti–B-cell Maturation Antigen Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy, for Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: CARTITUDE-1 2-Year Follow-Up

Journal of Clinical Oncology | June 4, 2022 | Volume: 41 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 1265-1274

10.1200/jco.22.00842 | PMID 35658469

PURPOSE CARTITUDE-1, a phase Ib/II study evaluating the safety and efficacy of ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) in heavily pretreated patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, yielded early, deep, and durable responses at 12 months. Here, we present updated results 2 years after last patient in (median follow-up [MFU] approximately 28 months), including analyses of high-risk patient subgroups. METHODS Eligible patients had relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, had received ≥ 3 prior lines of therapy or were double refractory to a proteasome inhibitor and immunomodulatory drug and had received prior proteasome inhibitor, immunomodulatory drug, and anti-CD38 therapy. Patients received a single cilta-cel infusion 5-7 days after lymphodepletion. Responses were assessed by an independent review committee. RESULTS At a MFU of 27.7 months (N = 97), the overall response rate was 97.9% (95% CI, 92.7 to 99.7); 82.5% (95% CI, 73.4 to 89.4) of patients achieved a stringent complete response. Median duration of response was not estimable. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were not reached; 27-month PFS and OS rates were 54.9% (95% CI, 44.0 to 64.6) and 70.4% (95% CI, 60.1 to 78.6), respectively. Overall response rates were high across all subgroups (95.1%-100%). Duration of response, PFS, and/or OS were shorter in patients with high-risk cytogenetics, International Staging System stage III, high tumor burden, or plasmacytomas. The safety profile was manageable with no new cilta-cel–related cytokine release syndrome and one new case of parkinsonism (day 914 after cilta-cel) since the last report. CONCLUSION At approximately 28 months MFU, patients treated with cilta-cel maintained deep and durable responses, observed in both standard and high-risk subgroups. The risk/benefit profile of cilta-cel remained favorable with longer follow-up.
Updated Results from CARTITUDE-1: Phase 1b/2Study of Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel, a B-Cell Maturation Antigen-Directed Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy, in Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Blood | November 23, 2021 | Volume: 138 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 549-549

10.1182/blood-2021-146060

Abstract Introduction: Ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel), a chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy with 2 B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) targeting single-domain antibodies, demonstrated early, deep, and durable responses in the phase 1b/2 CARTITUDE-1 study in patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who had been heavily pretreated (Berdeja, Lancet, 2021). After a median follow-up of 12.4 months, the overall response rate (ORR; as assessed by independent review committee) was 97%, with 67% of pts achieving stringent complete response (sCR). The 12-month progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 77% and 89%, respectively. Here, we report updated results from CARTITUDE-1 with longer duration of follow-up (median 18 months). Methods: Eligible pts had MM and received ≥3 prior therapies or were refractory to a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an immunomodulatory drug (IMiD), and had received a PI, IMiD, and an anti-CD38 antibody. After apheresis, bridging therapy was permitted. Pts received a single cilta-cel infusion (target dose 0.75×10 6 CAR+ viable T cells/kg; range 0.5-1.0×10 6) 5-7 days (d) after lymphodepletion (300 mg/m 2 cyclophosphamide, 30 mg/m 2 fludarabine daily for 3 d). Primary objectives were to characterize cilta-cel safety, confirm the recommended phase 2 dose (phase 1b), and evaluate cilta-cel efficacy (phase 2). Response was assessed per IMWG criteria by an independent review committee and minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity at 10 -5 by next-generation sequencing. In this combined phase 1b and phase 2 analysis, cytokine release syndrome (CRS; per Lee et al Blood 2014 grading criteria) and neurotoxicity (by CTCAE v5.0) were mapped to the ASTCT criteria for CRS and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity (ICANS), respectively. Results: As of Feb 11, 2021, 97 pts (58.8% male; median age 61.0 years [range 43-78]) received cilta-cel. Pts had received a median of 6 (range 3-18) prior lines of therapy; 83.5% were penta-drug exposed, 87.6% were triple-class refractory, 42.3% were penta-drug refractory, and 99.0% were refractory to last line of therapy. ORR was 97.9% (95% CI: 92.7-99.7); 80.4% of pts achieved sCR, and 94.8% achieved very good partial response or better (Figure). The median time to first response was 1 month (range 0.9-10.7), median time to best response was 2.6 months (range 0.9-15.2), and median time to complete response or better was 2.6 months (range 0.9-15.2). The median duration of response was 21.8 months (95% CI: 21.8-not estimable). Of 61 pts evaluable for MRD, 91.8% were MRD negative at the 10 -5 threshold; MRD 10 -5 negativity was sustained for ≥6 months in 44.3% (27/61) of pts and ≥12 months in 18% (11/61) of pts. The 18-month PFS and OS rates were 66.0% (95% CI: 54.9-75.0) and 80.9% (95% CI: 71.4-87.6), respectively. 18-month PFS rates in pts who achieved sustained MRD for ≥6 months and ≥12 months were 96.3% (95% CI: 76.5-99.5) and 100%, respectively. The most common grade 3/4 hematologic AEs in ≥25% of pts were neutropenia (94.8%), anemia (68.0%), leukopenia (60.8%), thrombocytopenia (59.8%), and lymphopenia (49.5%). There were no fatalities related to cytopenias, and no new safety signals with longer follow-up. CRS occurred in 94.8% of pts (mostly grade 1/2); median time to onset was 7 d (range 1-12), and CRS resolved within 14 d in 98.9% of pts. There was no new CAR T-cell neurotoxicity since the previous report. Post cilta-cel infusion, 21 deaths occurred during the study: 0 within first 30 d, 2 within 100 d, and 19 more than 100 d post infusion. Ten deaths were due to disease progression, 6 were treatment-related (as assessed by the investigator), and 5 were due to AEs unrelated to treatment. One patient was retreated with cilta-cel (for progressive disease) and had stable disease (per computerized algorithm) post-retreatment with no incidence of CAR T-cell neurotoxicity. Conclusions: At a longer median follow-up of 18 months, a single cilta-cel infusion led to early, deep, and durable responses in heavily pre-treated pts with MM. Follow-up is ongoing and updated data will be presented. Cilta-cel demonstrated a manageable safety profile with no new safety signals observed with longer follow-up. Further investigations of cilta-cel are ongoing in earlier lines of therapy (CARTITUDE-2 [NCT04133636], CARTITUDE-4 [NCT04181827], and CARTITUDE-5 [NCT04923893]) and in outpatient settings. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Martin: GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy; Janssen: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding. Usmani: Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; SkylineDX: Consultancy, Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen Oncology: Consultancy, Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; EdoPharma: Consultancy; Array BioPharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene/BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; GSK: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Abbvie: Consultancy. Berdeja: Lilly, Novartis: Research Funding; Poseida, Sanofi, Teva: Research Funding; GSK, Ichnos Sciences, Incyte: Research Funding; Bluebird bio, BMS, Celgene, CRISPR Therapeutics, Janssen, Kite Pharma, Legend Biotech, SecuraBio, Takeda: Consultancy; Celularity, CRISPR Therapeutics: Research Funding; Abbvie, Acetylon, Amgen: Research Funding; EMD Sorono, Genentech: Research Funding. Jakubowiak: Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; GSK: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Karyopharm: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbvie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gracell: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Cohen: Novartis: Research Funding; BMS/Celgene: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Genentech/Roche: Consultancy; Oncopeptides: Consultancy; AstraZeneca: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Research Funding. Hari: Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Karyopharm: Consultancy; Sanofi: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Oncopeptides: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Millenium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; GSK: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Adaptive Biotech: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Celgene-BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Avigan: Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Kite Pharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Juno: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Partner Tx: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Karyopharm: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Aviv MedTech Ltd: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Legend Biotech: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Chugai: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Consultancy; Parexcel: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Sanofi: Consultancy. Deol: Kite, a Gilead Company: Consultancy. Lesokhin: bristol myers squibb: Research Funding; Iteos: Consultancy; pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Behringer Ingelheim: Honoraria; Trillium Therapeutics: Consultancy; Serametrix, Inc: Patents & Royalties; Genetech: Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding. Munshi: Adaptive Biotechnology: Consultancy; Karyopharm: Consultancy; Oncopep: Consultancy, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Other: scientific founder, Patents & Royalties; Legend: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Abbvie: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy. O'Donnell: Onocopeptide: Consultancy; Karyopharm: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Bristol Myer Squibb: Consultancy; Adaptive: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy. Stewart: Oncopeptides: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; GSK: Honoraria; BMS: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Skyline diagnostics: Consultancy; Genomcs England: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Tempus Inc.: Current holder of individual stocks in a privately-held company, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; PikSci Inc.: Current holder of individual stocks in a privately-held company, Patents & Royalties; Sanofi Aventis: Honoraria. Schecter: Janssen: Current Employment, Current holder of stock options in a privately-held company. Goldberg: Janssen: Current Employment, Current holder of individual stocks in a privately-held company. Jackson: Janssen: Current Employment; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Consultancy. Yeh: Janssen: Current Employment. Banerjee: Janssen: Current Employment, Current holder of individual stocks in a privately-held company. Allred: Janssen: Current Employment, Current holder of individual stocks in a privately-held company, Current holder of stock options in a privately-held company. Zudaire: Janssen: Current Employment. Deraedt: Janssen: Current Employment. Olyslager: Janssen: Current Employment. Pacaud: Legend Biotech: Current Employment. Lin: Juno: Consultancy; Bluebird Bio: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy; Takeda: Research Funding; Kite, a Gilead Company: Consultancy, Research Funding; Vineti: Consultancy; Gamida Cell: Consultancy; Sorrento: Consultancy; Legend: Consultancy; Merck: Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding. Jagannath: Legend Biotech: Consultancy; Karyopharm Therapeutics: Consultancy; Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Sanofi: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy. OffLabel Disclosure: At the time of abstract submission, cilta-cel is being investigated for the treatment of multiple myeloma but is not yet approved.
Anakinra Targeting Cytokine Release Syndrome Associated with Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapies

Blood | November 23, 2021 | Volume: 138 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 2812-2812

10.1182/blood-2021-150592

Abstract Introduction: Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is a common toxicity associated with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies. Corticosteroids and steroid-sparing therapies such as tocilizumab, an interleukin-6 receptor antagonist, and anakinra, an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, have been used to reduce the incidence and severity of these toxicities. Preclinical and clinical case studies of anakinra, administered subcutaneously or intravenously at various doses, have shown promising results in the management of CRS and systemic inflammatory responses resembling hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)/macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). In CARTITUDE-1, CRS occurred in 95% of heavily pretreated patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) receiving ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel), a CAR T-cell therapy with 2 B-cell maturation antigen-targeting single-domain antibodies (Berdeja et al. Lancet 2021). Per protocol, tocilizumab was required to manage CRS with option to give steroids and/or anakinra per investigator discretion. Here, we report the institutional experiences of anakinra use in the management of CRS in patients who have received cilta-cel as part of the CARTITUDE-1 study. Methods: Eligible patients had MM and received ≥3 prior therapies or were refractory to a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and immunomodulatory drug (IMiD), and had received a PI, IMiD, and anti-CD38 antibody (Berdeja et al. Lancet 2021). After apheresis, bridging therapy was permitted. Patients received a single cilta-cel infusion (target dose: 0.75×10 6 CAR+ viable T cells/kg; range 0.5-1.0×10 6) 5-7 days after lymphodepletion (300 mg/m 2 cyclophosphamide, 30 mg/m 2 fludarabine daily for 3 days). Lee et al (Blood 2014) grading criteria for CRS were mapped to the ASTCT criteria for CRS. Post-hoc analysis of data revealed use of anakinra at some sites in patients who failed to respond to the initial management of CRS with tocilizumab +/- dexamethasone or in clinical settings where rise of ferritin and/or liver function tests were indicative for continued HLH/MAS-like manifestations (Kennedy et al. ASH 2020). Results: Of 97 patients in CARTITUDE-1, CRS occurred in 92 (95%) patients; 4% were grade 3/4. The median time to onset was 7 days (range 1-12) and median duration was 4 days (range 1-14). Supportive measures to treat CRS were administered to 91% of patients, most commonly tocilizumab (69%; 4 patients received ≥3 doses), corticosteroids (22%), and anakinra (18 patients, 19%). CRS resolved in 99% of patients. Anakinra was administered after initial tocilizumab and within the first 48 hours (range 0-6 days) of CRS onset for the majority of patients as part of effective management of CRS. Anakinra was administered at a dose of 100-200 mg every 8-12 hours over a median of 2.5 days (range 1-15 days). CRS uniformly resolved following anakinra use in CARTITUDE-1, apart from one patient who died from sepsis (grade 5 outcome) due to HLH/MAS considered related to treatment (Table). Conclusions: CRS events in cilta-cel-treated patients in CARTITUDE-1 were common, generally low-grade, and successfully managed with standard tocilizumab +/- dexamethasone. The use of anakinra should be considered in patients with persistent CRS/inflammatory symptoms despite tocilizumab use, and in particular in patients with HLH/MAS-like symptoms/phenotype occurring following CRS or in the absence of prior CRS. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Wong: Amgen: Consultancy; Genentech: Research Funding; Fortis: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; GloxoSmithKlein: Research Funding; Dren Biosciences: Consultancy; Caelum: Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding; Sanofi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Richard: Karyopharm, Janssen: Honoraria. Lin: Juno: Consultancy; Legend: Consultancy; Merck: Research Funding; Bluebird Bio: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sorrento: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Kite, a Gilead Company: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Gamida Cell: Consultancy; Vineti: Consultancy. Madduri: Janssen: Current Employment. Jackson: Janssen: Current Employment; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Consultancy. Zudaire: Janssen: Current Employment. Romanov: Janssen: Current Employment. Trigg: Janssen: Current Employment. Vogel: Janssen Global Services, LLC: Current Employment, Current holder of individual stocks in a privately-held company, Current holder of stock options in a privately-held company, Divested equity in a private or publicly-traded company in the past 24 months. Garrett: Legend Biotech USA: Current Employment. Nesheiwat: Legend Biotech USA: Current Employment. Martin: Oncopeptides: Consultancy; Sanofi: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy; Amgen: Research Funding. Jagannath: Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Legend Biotech: Consultancy; Karyopharm Therapeutics: Consultancy; Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Sanofi: Consultancy. OffLabel Disclosure: At the time of abstract submission, cilta-cel is being investigated for the treatment of multiple myeloma but is not yet approved