Chhabra, Saurabh

ABSTRACT The recently published BLAST clinical risk model for chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) and its molecular version (BLAST‐Mol) differentiate low, intermediate, and high‐risk groups. The objective of the current retrospective study was to examine the survival impact of allogeneic stem cell transplant (ASCT) in a consecutive series of Mayo Clinic patients ( n = 775; 68% males, median age 71 years) with CMML, overall and adjusted for baseline BLAST/BLAST‐Mol risk categories. At a median follow‐up of 77 months, 151 (20%) patients underwent ASCT. Overall survival (OS) was longer in the ASCT compared to the non‐ASCT cohorts (median 77 vs. 28 months; p < 0.01). The significant difference in OS between the ASCT and non‐ASCT cohorts was retained after adjusting for BLAST clinical risk groups: high‐risk (median 50 vs. 14 months; p < 0.01), intermediate‐risk (81 vs. 28 months; p < 0.01), and low‐risk (111 vs. 65 months; p = 0.04), respectively. The same was mostly the case when OS comparison was adjusted for BLAST‐Mol with respective p values of < 0.01, < 0.01, and 0.08, respectively. Time‐dependent cox models confirmed the favorable survival impact of ASCT in the BLAST/BLAST‐Mol high‐ and intermediate‐risk groups. The current study highlights the benefit of ASCT for BLAST/BLAST‐Mol high‐ and intermediate‐risk groups in CMML and its potential to overcome the adverse impact of some high risk cytogenetic or molecular abnormalities. These observations support the early use of ASCT in CMML, ideally before BT and regardless of genetic characteristics.

ABSTRACT Ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta‐cel) has demonstrated excellent efficacy and long‐term disease control in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). However, a proportion of patients experience early treatment failures. We investigated clinical factors associated with early progression or death (within 12 months) in patients with RRMM receiving standard‐of‐care cilta‐cel across the three Mayo clinic centers. Patients with a follow‐up of at least 12 months or progression or death within 12 months from infusion were included. Of the patients with early treatment failure ( n = 52), 69% had progressive disease and 31% had a non‐relapse mortality (NRM) event. In patients without early treatment failure ( n = 164), 13% of events were NRM. Among pretreatment factors, prior BCMA‐directed therapy, presence of extramedullary disease and a CAR‐HEMATOTOX score of ≥ 2 were independent predictors of early progression or death. The utilization of cilta‐cel in earlier lines of treatment (1–3 vs. 4 or more) demonstrated comparable PFS (12‐month PFS 73% vs. 77%, p = 0.94). Measurable residual disease positivity in the bone marrow at 3 months (11/197 patients) identified a small but high‐risk group with an increased risk of early treatment failure (OR 5.68; p = 0.012). Patients with less than a complete response on a FDG PET/CT at 3 months also had an increased risk of early treatment failure (OR 11.8; p < 0.0001). Our findings may help identify patients at high‐risk for early adverse outcomes despite receiving highly effective therapy, and support consideration of novel therapeutic strategies within a clinical trial setting.

ABSTRACT Hypomethylating agents (HMA) and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) have both demonstrated remissions in VEXAS; however, comparative data is lacking. We conducted a multicenter, retrospective analysis of 66 patients diagnosed with VEXAS syndrome treated with HMA ( n = 35) or alloHSCT ( n = 31). Baseline characteristics such as genetics, co‐morbidities, and performance status were balanced between the groups, except older age in the HMA group. Median follow‐up from therapy initiation was 18 months (95% CI: 11–26), and 14 (21%) deaths were reported (alloHSCT n = 3; HMA n = 11). Among all evaluable patients within the alloHSCT cohort, all patients achieved molecular remission, and a substantial proportion of patients discontinued glucocorticoids (58%). In contrast, HMA therapy was associated with lower but meaningful rates of molecular remission (22%) and glucocorticoid discontinuation (6%). In a real‐world setting, HMA therapy was associated with a high discontinuation rate related to toxicity or lack of response. On multivariable analysis adjusted for age and Charlson Comorbidity Index, alloHSCT was associated with improved overall survival (HR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.05–0.81; p = 0.024). This association remained consistent across multiple ancillary sensitivity analyses, including restriction to transplant‐eligible patients, patients aged ≤ 75 years, 1:1 matching, and propensity score‐based weighted analyses. Although limited by retrospective design, these findings suggest that alloHSCT remains an attractive and potentially curative strategy in selected patients with VEXAS. Prospective validation of these findings is warranted.

7543 Background: Delayed neurotoxicity (DNT) after ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) is associated with severe morbidity and mortality occurring in 10-15% of patients. A high post-infusion peak absolute lymphocyte count (ALCpeak ≥3x10 9 /L; ALC hi ) is correlated with an increased risk of DNT (25-30%). We previously examined prophylactic dexamethasone (PPX DEX) administered for 3 days when ALC hi was reached and found no reduction in ALC expansion, DNT incidence or severity. Here, we report the use of prophylactic cyclophosphamide (PPX CTX) on ALC kinetics and DNT. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients (pts) treated with cilta-cel at Mayo Clinic (09-12/2025; n =60). Pts with ALC hi received CTX 500 mg IV/PO once (n = 22). Outcomes and ALC kinetics including ALCpeak, ALC D28 (ALC D28 ), and area under the curve D1-D28 (ALC AUC ) were compared with PPX DEX cohort (12/2024-08/2025; n =50) and a historical cohort without PPX (04/2022-11/2024; n =116). Results: Pre-lymphodepletion (LD) demographics were similar across historical ALC hi , PPX DEX, and PPX CTX groups. Pre-LD CRP was higher in the historical ALC hi cohort; however, baseline ferritin, CRS, and ICANS, and disease burden did not differ significantly between groups. There were no statistically significant differences in time to ALCpeak or ALC kinetics among the 3 cohorts. Among pts with ALC < 3×10⁹/L treated during the PPX CTX study period, 2 developed cranial nerve palsy (IEC-CNP; 2/38, 5%). Both presented with unilateral facial nerve palsy and were treated with corticosteroids. One pt resolved symptoms by one month, while the second had persistent symptoms at 2 weeks and remains on follow-up. Among ALC hi patients in the PPX CTX cohort, DNT occurred in 4/22 pts (18%), including 1 case of IEC-CNP (5%) and 3 with parkinsonism (IEC-PKS, 14%). Within the PPX CTX cohort, baseline characteristics and post-infusion CRS or laboratory parameters did not differ between patients with and without DNT. Among patients who developed DNT, ALC kinetics were similar across PPX CTX, PPX DEX, and historical cohorts. PPX CTX was well tolerated, with 2 cases of grade 1 nausea reported. The incidence of DNT did not differ significantly between the PPX DEX (14/61, 23%) and PPX CTX (4/22, 18%) cohorts. However, DNT presentations in the PPX CTX cohort appeared milder and were responsive to treatment. Two of three patients (67%) presented with mild symptoms (one with dynamic dysphasia; second with flat affect) that responded to DEX. A third patient presented with typical parkinsonian features (hypomimia, bradykinesia, rigidity) and demonstrated clinical improvement following high-dose CTX. Conclusions: PPX CTX was well tolerated. While it did not significantly impact ALC expansion kinetics or DNT rates, first few cases of IEC-PKS suggest that the presentation may be milder and amenable to less toxic treatment. Larger cohorts are needed to refine optimal prophylactic strategies.

7508 Background: Data on response to BCMA-targeted therapies among BCMA-exposed pts with RRMM are limited. Outcomes after sequential/subsequent anti-BCMA bispecific T-cell engagers (Bs-TCE) are vital to evaluate. Etentamig is a next-generation differentiated BCMA x CD3 Bs-TCE composed of a bivalent BCMA-binding domain with a high-avidity, low-affinity CD3-binding domain potentially reducing cytokine release syndrome (CRS), and a silenced Fc tail for extended half-life and convenient monthly (Q4W) dosing. Phase 1 results of etentamig in RRMM showed robust efficacy and potential best-in-class safety. Methods: Arm B of the open-label, Phase 1b MOVISO study (NCT05650632) evaluated etentamig in pts with RRMM with ≥2 prior lines of therapy (PLT), including triple-class and prior BCMA exposure (antibody-drug conjugate [ADC] >30 days or CAR-T >6 months [mo] after last exposure). Primary safety endpoints were CRS and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS); efficacy endpoints included objective response rate (ORR; IMWG 2016), duration of response (DoR), and progression-free survival (PFS). Pts received etentamig (60 mg IV; no step-up dosing [SUD]) on Cycle 1 Day 1 and Q4W thereafter. Results: At cutoff (June 11, 2025), 41 prior BCMA-exposed pts (CAR-T, n=24; ADC, n=17) had been treated; 24 (57%) were male, 38 (93%) were White, median (mdn) (range) age was 68 (43–89) years, 37 (88%) had ECOG PS ≤1, and 34 (81%) were triple-class refractory. Mdn (range) PLT was 6 (3–15). For 21 (51%) pts, the last PLT was BCMA directed; 23 (56%) had previously responded to anti-BCMA therapy (17/24 [71%] for CAR-T and 6/17 [35%] for ADC). Mdn (range) time from last prior CAR-T or ADC to first dose of etentamig was 15 (1–30) and 4 (1–45) mo, respectively. Mdn (range) follow-up was 5.5 (0.2–17.1) mo. Despite no SUD, CRS and ICANS were reported in 24 (57%) and 3 (7%) pts, respectively; all G1/2 events, except 1 G3 ICANS. G3/4 neutropenia and infections were reported in 15 (36%) and 17 (41%) pts, respectively. Efficacy outcomes are detailed in the Table (NE, not estimable). For pts whose last PLT was BCMA directed, MRD negativity (clonoSEQ, 10 –5 ) was seen in 2/3 (67%) evaluable pts, along with robust peak activation and proliferation of CD8+ T cells. Conclusions: Pts treated with etentamig achieved durable responses; rates were higher in pts who received CAR-T as last line. No new safety signals were observed; only low-grade CRS was seen despite no SUD. Clinical trial information: NCT05650632 . All prior BCMA (N=41) Prior BCMA CAR-T (N=24) ORR, n/n (%) [95% CI] Overall 17/36 (47) [30–65] 11/22 (50) [28–72] BCMA-directed last PLT 11/19 (58) [34–80] 7/11 (64) [31–89] Mdn DoR, mo [95% CI], No. of pts Overall 13 [7–NE], N=17 13 [7–NE], N=11 BCMA-directed last PLT 13 [7–NE], N=11 13 [7–NE], N=7 Mdn PFS, mo [95% CI], No. of pts Overall 3.4 [3–11], N=41 8.3 [2–NE], N=24 BCMA-directed last PLT 9.4 [2–NE], N=21 9.4 [2–NE], N=12

Abstract Solitary bone plasmacytoma (SBP) and SBP with minimal marrow involvement (SBPmm) are treated similarly with definitive radiation therapy (RT) followed by observation. However, differences in the natural disease course after RT between the two, are not well described. We performed a multicenter study assessing outcomes after RT in 141 patients with SBP and 102 with SBPmm diagnosed between January 2010 and December 2024. About 92% of patients with SBPmm progressed to multiple myeloma (MM) vs 76% of those with SBP (P = .01). Among patients with SBP, 21% progressed with a second solitary bone lesion vs 4% with SBPmm (P&lt; .01). Patients with longer time to progression (TTP) after initial RT could achieve durable responses with RT to a second solitary plasmacytoma in the absence of other myeloma-defining events (MDE). Multifocal lytic bone lesions were the most common MDE, occurring in 89% and 81% of patients with SBPmm and SBP, respectively. Patients with SBPmm had a median TTP of 15 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 14-21) compared to 43 months (95% CI, 34-55) for those with SBP (P&lt; .0001); 67% with SBPmm progressed within 2 years of diagnosis. Del(17p) and 1q+ (gain or amplification) were associated with shorter TTP to MM in SBPmm, with 2-year progression rates of 100% and 82%, respectively. We report significant differences in risk and modes of progression between SBP and SBPmm. Patients with SBPmm are at particularly high risk for early progression to MM, with most developing bone disease as the MDE. These findings support prospective studies incorporating frontline systemic therapy for SBPmm.

Abstract Immune effector cell–associated enterocolitis (IEC-EC) has been observed after ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel [Carvykti]) chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy. It is associated with dismal outcomes and is poorly characterized. Here, we examined its clinical features, risk factors, and proposed management strategies. Among the 229 consecutive patients who received cilta-cel at Mayo Clinic, 9 (3.9%) presented with a nonresolving, nonbloody, grade 3 diarrhea, often requiring prolonged total parenteral nutrition. Gastrointestinal coinfections were seen in most patients. Median time from CAR-T infusion to symptom onset was 85 days (range, 35-166), and there appeared to be a latency from symptom onset to endoscopic evaluation. Histopathology findings resembling a graft-versus-host disease pattern of mucosal injury were most seen on duodenal biopsies, whereas 2 cases had patterns akin to a T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (1 CD4+ and 1 CD8+). Independent associated factors for IEC-EC included high-risk disease as defined by the International Myeloma Society and International Myeloma Working Group, prolonged cytokine release syndrome, and antecedent delayed neurotoxicity. Response to first-line therapy comprising IV or oral corticosteroids, bile acid sequestrants, IV immunoglobulin, and antimicrobial-directed therapy was poor, with no durable responses. Biologic therapy appeared to induce durable responses in 3 of the 5 patients (2/2 vedolizumab; 1/3 infliximab); none of the responders had gastrointestinal coinfection. Early gastroenterology input for endoscopic evaluation with the inclusion of duodenal biopsy is a key component for diagnosis. Early institution of biologic therapy after failure of a short course of corticosteroids should be considered.

Abstract Large Language Models (LLM) are being widely adopted into the medical field for their impressive ability to analyze and summarize large amounts of text data. These models enable clinicians and researchers to extract meaningful insights from complex datasets and may assist with decision making. Here we present our workflows and application of LLM for the interpretation and summarization of clinical data related to CAR-T cell therapy. Using an LLM (Gemini 2.5 pro) in the Google Cloud Computing (GCP) environment, two applications were developed to analyze CAR-T cell therapy clinical data: 1) extracting and summarizing CRS and ICANS event-related data to streamline the compliance team workflow, and 2) identifying features available at time of CAR-T infusion able to classify patients into high- or low-monitoring needs 14 days post CAR-T. Patient data (vitals, labs, hematology notes, and EKGs) were extracted from the electronic medical record (EMR) using Google BigQuery into SQL tables in GCP. For each application, relevant data fields were retrieved, formatted into JSON objects, and embedded in the LLM prompt for context-aware processing. Both applications have undergone iterative prompt engineering after analyzing the LLM output against ground truth data in the EMR. For the application extracting and summarizing CRS and ICANS events, the LLM was optimized on Mayo Clinic Rochester data. When compared to the IEC compliance database, the LLM achieved 100% accuracy and F1 score for CRS events, and 96% accuracy and 82% F1 score for ICANS events. The match rate for CRS and ICANS grades were 83% and 89% respectively. We applied the same LLM to Mayo Clinic Arizona (MCA) and Mayo Clinic Florida (MCF) cases, who document clinical notes and toxicity flowsheet differently, and achieved an accuracy (MCA: 93%, MCF:93%) and F1 score (MCA: 96%, MCF: 96%) for CRS and accuracy (MCA: 81%, MCF:82%) and F1 score (MCA: 76%, MCF: 75%) for ICANS. LLM was able to capture events missed by manual reviews. For most of the discrepancies where compliance team final adjudication is needed, LLM will be updated to flag discrepancies for review by the compliance team. For the application related to the monitoring needs 14 days post CAR-T, the LLM identified 5 categories predictive of high or low monitoring needs post CAR-T infusion (disease status, inflammatory and tumor burden markers, hematologic status, renal function and performance status). Our model achieved a sensitivity of 85.7%, specificity of 23.8%, and F1 score of 65.5% for our first cohort, compared with data extracted by the LLM from the EMR. For our second cohort, with demographics statistically similar to cohort 1 and using the same 5 categories, the LLM achieved a sensitivity of 83.3%, a specificity of 28.6%, and F1 score of 65.4%. Our workflow and applications of LLM’s provide examples and guidance to others interested in applying LLM’s for clinical and research applications. Citation Format: Emmanuel Contreras Guzman, Matthew Jankowski, Andre De Menezes Silva Corraes, Malvika Gupta, Monica L. Shaw, Madiha Iqbal, Talal Hilal, Saurabh Chhabra, Ricardo Daniel Parrondo, Jody K. Mclean, Kim R. Riester, Kayla Joseph, Melinda Tan, Holly Ross, Cleyonia Barnett, Sylvia Carter, Semy Girmay, Rachel Wolan, Milana Ramsey, Christian Downhour, Kristy Morgan, Shae Sibley, Erica Rushing, Lucy Holmes, Allison Burgstahler, Stephen M. Ansell, Hassan Alkhateeb, Matthew Hathcock, Ramona Bruno, Allison C. Rosenthal, Hemant Murthy, Patrick B. Johnston, Jonas Paludo, Yi Lin. Applications of large language models to CAR-T cell therapy clinical data using Google cloud computing [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 2740.

Abstract Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is a potentially curative treatment for many hematological malignancies, but graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a common complication. Low gut microbiome diversity is associated with higher GVHD risk and shorter survival in multiple studies. Recently, the BMT CTN 1703 clinical trial demonstrated superiority of a GVHD-prophylaxis regimen including post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) compared to the standard prophylaxis (tacrolimus and methotrexate, Tac/MTX) in terms of GVHD-free, relapse-free survival at one year among reduced intensity conditioning allo-HCT recipients. However, the effect of PTCy on the gut microbiome and its association with clinical outcome have not been described. Here, we report on a companion randomized clinical controlled trial (BMT CTN 1801), which collected 2575 longitudinal stool samples from 304 study participants. Samples were obtained up to weekly up to day 84 post allo-HCT and at less frequent intervals thereafter, up to 2 years. Microbiome diversity and absolute microbial load were lower in the PTCy group compared to the Tac/MTX group on days 14–28 post-HCT. However, diversity at the timepoint closest to neutrophil engraftment was not significantly associated with non-relapse mortality after one year or other clinical outcomes, contrary to expectations from previous studies. Microbial domination events, when a single species exceeds 30% relative abundance, were comparable across treatment arms and reflected both pathogen blooms as well as less severe disruptions of the microbial community. Clostridium scindens and secondary bile acid metabolism pathways were less prevalent in the PTCy arm than in the Tac/MTX arm post-HCT, yet presence of secondary bile acid metabolism pathways was associated with a lower risk of chronic GVHD. Given that PTCy was associated with a greater disruption of the microbiome as measured by diversity, absolute microbial abundance, and bile acid metabolism capability, but better clinical outcomes overall, these data suggest that the importance of the microbiome in modulating the host immune systems after allo-HCT is specific to different types of GVHD prophylaxis.