Citations 90

A Calcineurin Inhibitor Free Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) Prophylaxis for Patients Undergoing Matched Related (MRD) and Matched Unrelated Donor (MUD) Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant (Allo-HCT)

Blood | November 23, 2021 | Volume: 138 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 3893-3893

10.1182/blood-2021-151845

Abstract Introduction Post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) and calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) based GVHD prophylaxis has shown lower rates of acute and chronic GVHD when compared with the traditional prophylaxis of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) and methotrexate (MTX) in matched donor (related and unrelated) allo-HCT. The combination of PTCy with sirolimus as a calcineurin inhibitor-free GVHD prophylaxis has shown promising results with cumulative rates of grade II-IV acute and chronic GVHD in the range of 15-27% and 20-27% respectively in patients undergoing matched and haploidentical allo-HCT. We report a single center, nonrandomized comparison of patients undergoing matched donor allo-HCT receiving PTCy in combination with sirolimus (PTCy/Siro) with those receiving the standard GVHD prophylaxis of tacrolimus and MTX (Tac/MTX). Methods One hundred and sixteen consecutive patients who had undergone a MRD or MUD allo-HCT between January 2018 to January 2021 and received either PTCy with sirolimus or tacrolimus with methotrexate as GVHD prophylaxis regimens were eligible for inclusion. The selection of PTCy with sirolimus or tacrolimus with methotrexate as GVHD prophylaxis regimen was based on physician choice. Primary endpoints were cumulative incidence of acute (grade II to IV) and chronic GVHD. Secondary endpoints were a) neutrophil and platelet engraftment; b) overall survival (OS); c) non-relapse mortality (NRM); d) relapse; e) clinical infections and f) time to immunosuppression (IS) withdrawal. Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate 1-year and 2-year freedom from long term adverse events, including chronic GVHD, relapse, NRM and OS. All tests were two-sided with alpha level set at 0.05 for statistical significance. Results Out of a total of 116 patients undergoing MRD and MUD allo-HCT, 29 received PTCy/Siro and 87 Tac/MTX. Baseline characteristics were similar between the two arms except patients in PTCy/Siro were younger with median of 48 (range: 24-69) years vs. 61 (range: 20-73) years (p=0.004) in Tac/MTX. There was difference in primary indication for allo-HCT between the two arms with non-hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) being the most common in PTCy/Siro and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in the Tac/MTX group. Patients receiving PTCy/Siro had a significantly higher median CD3 day 100 chimerism at 100 (90-100) vs. 90 (40-100) % (<0.001) and a significantly shorter median time to IS withdrawal at 138 (37-312) vs 232(66-1120) days for patients receiving Tac/MTX. There was no difference between the two arms for length of hospital stay and time to neutrophil engraftment, but PTCy/Siro had a significantly longer median time for platelet engraftment at 17.5 (12-74) vs.14 (11-38) days (p= 0.001). No significant difference was observed between the two arms for incidence of grade II to IV acute GVHD, grade III to IV acute GVHD, steroid refractory acute GVHD or clinical infections (Table 1). After a median follow up of 1.1 (range: 0-1.8) years, patients receiving PTCy/Siro were significantly less likely to have chronic GVHD with 2-year freedom from GVHD of 75% (95%CI: 58-98%) vs 20% (95%CI 10-40%), p=0.005 (Figure 1). There was no difference between the two arms for OS, disease relapse or non-relapse mortality (Table 2). Conclusion In this study, the combination of PTCy/Siro is associated with a significantly lower risk of chronic GVHD when compared against the traditional GVHD prophylaxis of CNI and methotrexate, despite significantly earlier IS withdrawal. Other long-term outcomes of interest remained comparable between the two arms. Chronic GVHD contributes to significant morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing allo-HCT. Newer strategies to limit the impact of chronic GVHD are needed. The results of our study warrant validation in a large, multicenter, randomized prospective trial. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Murthy: CRISPR Therapeutics: Research Funding. Foran: gamida: Honoraria; takeda: Research Funding; novartis: Honoraria; trillium: Research Funding; boehringer ingelheim: Research Funding; OncLive: Honoraria; abbvie: Research Funding; certara: Honoraria; sanofi aventis: Honoraria; syros: Honoraria; taiho: Honoraria; revolution medicine: Honoraria; bms: Honoraria; servier: Honoraria; pfizer: Honoraria; actinium: Research Funding; aptose: Research Funding; kura: Research Funding; h3bioscience: Research Funding; aprea: Research Funding; sellas: Research Funding; stemline: Research Funding.
Barriers to Enrollment in Clinical Trials in Patients with Aggressive B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma That Progressed after Anti-CD19 CART Cell Therapy

Blood | November 23, 2021 | Volume: 138 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 2527-2527

10.1182/blood-2021-146119

Abstract Background Patients (pts) with aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) progressing after anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T (CART) cell therapy have poor prognosis and may benefit from new therapy options through clinical trials. However, in a single center report, only 12% of such pts were treated in trials (Chow et al. Am J Hematol, 2019). Identifying the reasons for this low enrollment is needed to design future studies for this population. Here, we evaluated the eligibility criteria for recent landmark trials for relapsed/refractory aggressive B-cell NHL to learn what eligibility barriers are present. Methods Pts with aggressive B-cell NHL who received FDA-approved CART cell therapy at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Arizona, Florida) since 2018 and progressed after CART cell therapy were identified. The potential eligibility for the following key trials was evaluated: a) polatuzumab + bendamustine + rituximab, b) tafasitamab + lenalidomide, c) selinexor and d) loncastuximab. The eligibility for each trial was retrospectively assessed at the time of disease progression after CART cell therapy based on hemoglobin (Hb), absolute neutrophils count (ANC), platelet count (Plt), renal and liver function tests, ECOG performance status (PS), and central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Results Seventy-five pts had disease progression to axicabtagene ciloleucel (N=73, 97%) or tisagenlecleucel (N=2, 3%) and are included in this analysis. Median time to progression after CART was 2.1 months (IQR: 1.0 - 3.1). Thirteen (17%) pts were treated in clinical trials after progression following CART cell therapy, while 46 (61%) were treated off trials, and 16 (22%) pts never received any treatment after progression. At a median follow-up of 13.6 months (IQR: 9.1 - 26.7) from CART progression, the median overall survival (mOS) from CART progression was 5.8 months (95% CI 3.5 - 10.1) and 53 (71%) pts died. Thirty-eight pts (51%) did not meet eligibility criteria for any of the 4 recent landmark trials. Hematologic impairment was the most common barrier to inclusion of these patients in clinical trials: Hb < 9 g/dL n=23 (31%) or Hb < 10 g/dL n=36 (48%), ANC < 1.0 x 10 9/L n=19 (25%) or ANC < 1.5 x 10 9/L n=32 (43%), and Plt < 75 x 10 9/L n=30 (40%) or Plt < 90 x 10 9/L n=34 (45%). Renal (n=11, 15%) or liver dysfunction (n=5, 7%), CNS involvement (n=8, 11%) and ECOG PS > 2 (n=3, 4%) were less common reasons leading to exclusion from trials. Post CART trial ineligible pts had significantly shorter time to progression (median 1.7 months, IQR: 1.0 - 2.6 vs. 3.0 months IQR: 1.9 - 3.4, p < 0.01) and inferior overall response to CART (45% vs 67%, p = 0.06) compared to pts who met trial eligibility post CART. Baseline Hb (median Hb 9.5 g/dL, IQR: 8.5 - 10.5 vs. 10.9 g/dL, IQR: 9.7 - 12.2, p < 0.01) and Plt (median Plt 106 x 10 9/L IQR: 54 - 165 vs. 201 x 10 9/L IQR: 141 - 243, p < 0.01) were also significantly lower in pts ineligible for trials post CART. There were no significant differences between pts eligible or ineligible for trials with regards to age (median 59 vs. 60 years), number of prior therapies (median 3 vs. 3), prior autologous stem cell transplant (41% vs. 37%), bridging therapy (65% vs. 63%), baseline ANC (median 4,1 vs. 3,0 x10 9/L), or high-grade (grade ≥ 2) cytokine release syndrome (19% vs. 21%) or neurotoxicity (32%, vs. 42%), respectively. Survival after CART progression was significantly shorter (mOS 2.5 months, 95% CI: 1.6 - 5.1) for the 38 pts ineligible for trials compared to pts eligible for trials (mOS 10.6 months, 95% CI: 8.9 - NA), (p < 0.01). In the 59 pts who received therapy post CART progression, the mOS of pts treated on (n = 13) or off (n = 46) trials was 13.8 months (95% CI: 9.2 - NA) vs. 6.6 months (4.9 - 10.7), respectively (p = 0.047). Conclusion Approximately half of the pts (51%) with aggressive B-cell NHL progressing after CART cell therapy would have be excluded from landmark clinical trials. The current hematologic exclusion criteria are a major barrier to enrollment in clinical trials, which would exclude many pts who have disease progression within 3 months of CART cell therapy (ie, primary refractory disease), in whom cytopenia as a toxicity from therapy is prevalent. Given the known delayed hematologic recovery after CART cell therapy and the unmet need of pts progressing to CART cell therapy, the hematologic exclusion criteria should be adjusted to increase trial participation of this population, especially of those with primary refractory disease. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Munoz: Gilead/Kite Pharma, Kyowa, Bayer, Pharmacyclics/Janssen, Seattle Genetics, Acrotech/Aurobindo, Beigene, Verastem, AstraZeneca, Celgene/BMS, Genentech/Roche.: Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics/Abbvie, Bayer, Gilead/Kite Pharma, Pfizer, Janssen, Juno/Celgene, BMS, Kyowa, Alexion, Beigene, Fosunkite, Innovent, Seattle Genetics, Debiopharm, Karyopharm, Genmab, ADC Therapeutics, Epizyme, Beigene, Servier: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Millennium: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Portola: Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Gilead/Kite Pharma: Research Funding; Bayer: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Honoraria; Physicians' Education Resource: Honoraria; Targeted Oncology: Honoraria; OncView: Honoraria; Kyowa: Honoraria. Murthy: CRISPR Therapeutics: Research Funding. Maurer: Morphosys: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Nanostring: Research Funding; Kite Pharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Bennani: Purdue Pharma: Other: Advisory Board; Daichii Sankyo Inc: Other: Advisory Board; Kyowa Kirin: Other: Advisory Board; Vividion: Other: Advisory Board; Kymera: Other: Advisory Board; Verastem: Other: Advisory Board. Paludo: Karyopharm: Research Funding. Wang: Genentech: Research Funding; Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; MorphoSys: Research Funding; TG Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Eli Lilly: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; LOXO Oncology: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; InnoCare: Research Funding. Ansell: Bristol Myers Squibb, ADC Therapeutics, Seattle Genetics, Regeneron, Affimed, AI Therapeutics, Pfizer, Trillium and Takeda: Research Funding. Witzig: Karyopharm Therapeutics, Celgene/BMS, Incyte, Epizyme: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene/BMS, Acerta Pharma, Kura Oncology, Acrotech Biopharma, Karyopharm Therapeutics: Research Funding. Nowakowski: Celgene, NanoString Technologies, MorphoSys: Research Funding; Celgene, MorphoSys, Genentech, Selvita, Debiopharm Group, Kite/Gilead: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Lin: Vineti: Consultancy; Takeda: Research Funding; Sorrento: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Juno: Consultancy; Legend: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Bluebird Bio: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Gamida Cell: Consultancy; Kite, a Gilead Company: Consultancy, Research Funding.
New indications and platforms for CAR‐T therapy in lymphomas beyond DLBCL

eJHaem | November 23, 2021 | Volume: 3 | Issue: S1 | Pages: 11-23

10.1002/jha2.323 | PMID 34988550

AbstractCD19‐directed chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy (CAR‐T) represents a significant advancement for patients with relapsed/refractory large B‐cell lymphoma (LBCL). Long‐term follow‐up confirms durable remissions in nearly half of the patients, a population that was previously estimated to have a median survival of around 6 months with standard salvage therapy. This initial success of CAR‐T has led to significant expansion across other lymphoma histologies resulting in the recent regulatory approval of CAR‐T in mantle cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. Additionally, multiple novel platforms of CAR‐T therapy are under development to improve efficacy and limit toxicity such dual antigen targeting, allogeneic and natural killer CARs. In this review, we focus on the new indications of CAR‐T in lymphomas beyond LBCL as well as emerging platforms of CAR‐T therapy.
Post‐relapse survival in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia patients experiencing therapy failure following autologous transplantation

Hematological Oncology | November 11, 2021 | Volume: 40 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 49-57

10.1002/hon.2946 | PMID 34763367

Abstract Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare B‐cell lymphoproliferative malignancy. Autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto‐HCT) is considered in a subset of WM patients with relapsed disease. While registry data has shown a benefit for auto‐HCT in relapsed WM, there is a paucity of data on outcomes of patients relapsing after auto‐HCT. Eligibility criteria included adult patients with relapsed/refractory WM who underwent auto‐HCT between 2007 and 2017. The primary endpoint was post‐relapse overall survival (PR‐OS). Secondary endpoints were to identify factors prognostic of PR‐OS. Of the 48 patients with WM who underwent auto‐HCT, 22 (46%) experienced relapse following auto‐HCT. Median PR‐OS of relapsed WM patients after auto‐HCT ( n = 22) was not reached (NR) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.5 months‐NR). Among patients who relapsed <1 year versus ≥1 year from auto‐HCT, the median PR‐OS was 18.4 months (95%CI: 0.8‐NR) months and NR (95%CI: 17.5‐NR), respectively ( p = 0.06). Of note, disease status at the time of transplant, CR/VGPR versus partial remission did not appear to impact PR‐OS. The median PR‐OS was significantly longer in patients who received ibrutinib in the post‐transplant setting compared to those who did not (NR vs. 18.4 months, 95%CI: 9.1‐NR, p = 0.02). On univariable analysis, the presence of complex karyotype (RR = 4.87, 95% CI = 1.22–19.53) and a higher number of prior lines of therapy (RR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.23–2.67) were associated with a significantly higher risk of relapse. This is the only study to date that evaluated outcomes of WM patients who relapsed following auto‐HCT and provides a benchmark for future trials evaluating survival following auto‐HCT relapse.
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with leukemic involvement.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | June 2, 2021 | Volume: 39 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: e19552-e19552

10.1200/jco.2021.39.15_suppl.e19552

e19552 Background: Leukemic involvement (LI) in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (L-DLBCL) is very rare and has been sparsely reported. We report our experience with this entity in a large academic multi-center setting. Methods: Medical records of patients with DLBCL who received care at Mayo Clinic between 1/2003 and 6/2020 were reviewed. DLBCL patients with LI were identified. LI was defined as increased white blood cell counts and the presence of clonal B cells on peripheral blood flow-cytometry. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. Results: Twenty patients with L-DLBCL were identified with a median follow-up of 32.5 months (CI95%, 32.5-NR). Median age at initial diagnosis was 62 (45-80) years. 60% (12/20) were male; 90% (18/20) were Caucasian. Pathologically, 90% (18/20) had DLBCL and 10% (2/20) had high-grade B cell lymphoma (HGBCL) with intermediate features between DLBCL and Burkitt lymphoma. By Hans criteria, 58% (11/19) had germinal center B-cell DLBCL (GCB-DLBCL) and 42% (8/19) had non-germinal center B-cell DLBCL (non-GCB-DLBCL). 40% (8/20) had transformed DLBCL (t-DLBCL); 36% (5/14) had double-hit lymphoma (DHL) by FISH analysis. LI was present in 55% (11/20) at initial diagnosis and 45% (9/20) at relapse. Median WBC was 39.5/ul (range, 4.3-121) with median absolute lymphocyte count of 25 k/ul (range, 0.7-117). Immunophenotypically, the leukemic lymphoma cells expressed CD19, CD20, and CD79a. Bone marrow involvement and pancytopenia were documented in all patients with a median bone marrow cellularity of 80%. Other extranodal sites of involvement with LI included spleen (65%;13/20), liver (20%;4/20), breast and soft tissue (20%;4/20), bladder or kidneys (10%;2/20), skeleton (10%;2/20), and myocardium (5%;1/20). 65% (13/20) had B-symptoms. All patients had LDH elevation (UNL 222 U/L) with a median of 2125 U/L (range, 308-10,760). 45% (5/11) of patients with LI at initial diagnosis had CNS involvement on relapse/progression. All patients with LI at initial diagnosis received anthracycline-based chemoimmunotherapy with or without CNS prophylaxis. Patients with LI at relapse had had a median of 2 prior treatments (range, 1-5) before LI. Median overall survival (OS) for the whole group was 9 months (CI 95%; 5.8-11.8). There were no long-term survivors. Median progression free survival after LI was 4.7 months (CI95%; 0.8-7.6) in the newly diagnosed group and 3 months (CI95%; 0.9-20) in the relapsed group. 90% (18/20) died due to their progressive disease. Cell of origin, DHL status, or newly diagnosed vs. relapsed status did not have a significant impact on OS in patients with L-DLBCL. Conclusions: Leukemic involvement at any time during the course of DLBCL is associated with poor prognosis. It also appears to be a major risk factor for CNS relapse. It is most frequently associated with DHL and t-DLBCL. Novel therapeutic approaches at the time of initial therapy need to be developed for L-DLBCL.
Haploidentical Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation with Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide in Patients with Myelofibrosis: A Multi-Institutional Experience

Blood | November 4, 2020 | Volume: 136 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 33-34

10.1182/blood-2020-136622

Background: Primary and secondary [post-essential thrombocythemia (ET) or polycythemia vera (PV)] Myelofibrosis (MF) are clonal hematopoietic neoplasms marked by constitutive JAK-STAT activation, bone marrow fibrosis, cytopenias, and constitutional symptom burden. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is the only curative option in this disease. Median overall survival (OS) after JAK inhibitor (JAKi) discontinuation is poor, ranging from 6-24 months (Harrision et al. Ann Hematol. 2020). Haploidentical (Haplo)-HCT with post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) has improved donor availability, but data on post-HCT outcomes in MF remain scarce. Herein, we describe clinical outcomes of patients (pts) with MF who underwent haplo-HCT with PTCy. Methods: We conducted a multi-institutional study where we retrospectively reviewed charts to obtain pt, disease, and treatment characteristics of MF pts who underwent haplo-HCT from 2000 to 2019. Graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD), relapse, and non-relapse mortality (NRM) were described as cumulative incidences. OS and relapse free survival (RFS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate analyses were conducted with Cox or Fine and Gray regression. Results: Fifty-eight adult pts from 11 centers underwent haplo-HCT and were included in the analysis. Pt, disease, and HCT characteristics are listed in Table 1. Thirty-four (59%) pts were over 60 years of age at the time of HCT. Of the 53 pts in whom driver mutation data was available, JAK2 was reported in 34 (64%), CALR in 10 (19%), MPL in 4 (8%), and 5 (9%) were triple-negative. Twenty-two (38%) pts had HCT-CI ≥ 3. Median CD34+ cell dose was 6.81 (range: 2.3-28.6) x 106/kg. All pts received PTCy as a part of GVHD prophylaxis regimen. Median follow-up in this study was 28 (range: 3.3-75.7) months. Neutrophil and platelet engraftment was reported in 53 (91%) and 47 (81%) pts at a median time of 20 (range: 14-70) and 31 (range: 15-225) days, respectively. Five pts (9%) had graft failure. The cumulative incidences of all-grade acute and chronic GVHD were in 44% (95% CI: 31-56%) at 6 months and 31% (95% CI: 18-44%) at 2 years. Grade 3-4 acute GVHD was seen in 5 (9%) pts. Post-HCT relapse/disease persistence occurred in 12 (21%) pts with a median of 416 (range: 28-917) days. The 2-year estimates of OS, RFS, relapse and NRM were 69% (95% CI: 55-80%), 52% (95% CI: 37-65%), 21% (95% CI: 11-34%) and 27% (95% CI: 16-39%) respectively (Fig 1). On univariate analyses (Table 2), older age (HR 2.17, P=.012) and a higher HCT-CI (HR 1.4, P&lt;.001) was associated with higher NRM. Higher HCT-CI was also associated with higher all-cause mortality (HR 1.38, P=.003). Bone marrow as a graft source was associated with a higher risk of relapse (HR 5.04, P&lt;0.001, Fig 2), but did not significantly affect OS (HR 0.78, 95% CI: 0.18-3.46), RFS (HR 1.89, 95% CI: 0.71-5.02) or NRM (HR 0.58, 95% CI: 0.09-3.84). JAKi use prior to HCT, spleen size or type of driver mutation did not significantly affect outcomes. Conclusions: Based on this study, we conclude that haplo-HCT with PTCy is a valid option in pts with MF. The graft failure rates appear to be similar to those reported with sibling and unrelated donors. Older age, higher HCT-CI and bone marrow as graft source were associated with inferior outcomes. JAKi use prior to HCT or type of driver mutation did not significantly affect outcomes. Disclosures Grunwald: Trovagene: Consultancy; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy; Agios: Consultancy; Janssen: Research Funding; Cardinal Health: Consultancy; Incyte: Consultancy, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Forma Therapeutics: Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Incyte: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Incyte: Consultancy, Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Astellas: Consultancy; Genentech/Roche: Research Funding; Premier: Consultancy; Premier: Consultancy; Astellas: Consultancy; Premier: Consultancy; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Agios: Consultancy; Abbvie: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Trovagene: Consultancy; Trovagene: Consultancy; Abbvie: Consultancy; Abbvie: Consultancy; Agios: Consultancy; Forma Therapeutics: Research Funding; Forma Therapeutics: Research Funding; Astellas: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy; Cardinal Health: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Cardinal Health: Consultancy; Janssen: Research Funding; Genentech/Roche: Research Funding; Genentech/Roche: Research Funding. Dholaria:J&J: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Angiocrine: Research Funding; bms: Research Funding; Poseida: Research Funding. Abedin:Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria; Agios: Honoraria; Helsinn Healthcare: Honoraria; Pfizer: Research Funding; Helsinn Healthcare: Research Funding; Actinium Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Gupta:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy; Incyte: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bristol MyersSquibb: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sierra Oncology: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. DeZern:MEI: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Astex: Research Funding; Abbvie: Consultancy. Gerds:Sierra Oncology: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; CTI Biopharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; AstraZeneca/MedImmune: Consultancy; Incyte Corporation: Consultancy, Research Funding; Apexx Oncology: Consultancy; Roche/Genentech: Research Funding; Imago Biosciences: Research Funding; Gilead Sciences: Research Funding. Jain:Bristol Myer Squibb: Other: for advisory board participation; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria; CareDx: Other: Advisory Board.
Impact of Cell of Origin (COO) on Long Term Outcomes Post Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplant in Patients with Relapsed/ Refractory Chemotherapy Sensitive De-Novo Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)

Blood | November 4, 2020 | Volume: 136 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 42-43

10.1182/blood-2020-136332

Introduction The molecular basis for the clinical heterogeneity observed in DLBCL was initially elucidated with gene expression profiling, identifying three distinct subgroups with prognostic relevance based on COO namely activated B-cell like (ABC), germinal center B-cell like (GCB) and a type 3 subtype. Shortly afterwards the Han's algorithm was developed allowing for widespread applicability and correlation of gene expression with protein expression. GCB profile at diagnosis is generally associated with superior long term outcomes compared to non-GCB in patients treated with conventional chemo-immunotherapy. Patients with relapsed/refractory disease (R/R) after front-line therapy undergo salvage treatment and, upon demonstration of objective response, proceed with high dose therapy and autologous transplantation (auto-HCT). Whether COO by Han's algorithm retains its prognostic significance post auto-HCT in patients with R/R DLBCL is not well established. Methods A retrospective analysis was carried out using the Mayo database across all three sites. It included all patients between 18-75 years of age who were diagnosed with de-novo DLBCL and underwent first auto-HCT for R/R disease. Patients must have received salvage treatment and shown chemotherapy sensitive disease. Patients with transformed DLBCL or other variants and those who underwent auto-HCT in first complete remission for high risk disease were excluded. Patients who had less than a partial response at time of transplantation and still underwent auto-HCT were also excluded. Primary endpoints included overall survival (OS); relapse and relapse-free survival (RFS). Continuous variables were summarized as mean (standard deviation) and median (range). Categorical variables were reported as frequency (percentage). Continuous baseline variables were compared between GCB and non-GCB using Wilcoxon rank sum test and categorical baseline variables were compared with Chi-squared test. Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate 5 and 10-year rates of freedom from long-term events and draw corresponding survival curves. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to evaluate the impact of cell of origin on long-term survival after adjusting for baseline factors. All tests were two-sided with alpha level set at 0.05 for statistical significance. Results A total of 357 patients underwent auto-HCT between 2005 and 2018. Cell of origin was determined for 284 patients and these were included in the analysis. Median age was 61 (range: 19-78) years, and 64% patients were male. GCB and non-GCB patients did not differ significantly with regards to baseline factors (Table 1). During a median follow up of 1.7 years, 139 patients died, 151 had relapse and 175 either died or had relapse. Five year OS for GCB patients versus (vs) non-GCB was at 44% vs 64% (p=0.004) (Figure 1); relapse was at 67% vs 49% (p=0.012) and RFS was at 28% vs 50% (p=0.003). The difference between GCB and non-GCB groups remained statistically significant in multivariate analysis, with GCB patients 60% more likely to die and 50% more likely to experience relapse compared to non-GCB patients. The only other factor that retained significance in multivariate analysis for both endpoints was response at the time of transplant (Table 2A-C). Conclusions In this analysis, GCB DLBCL results in worse OS and higher relapse vs. non-GCB DLBCL following an auto-HCT. It is unclear if relapse/progression of GCB subtype after front-line therapy alters its natural history into a more aggressive disease. Disclosures Ansell: Trillium: Research Funding; ADC Therapeutics: Research Funding; Affimed: Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Research Funding; AI Therapeutics: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Regeneron: Research Funding. Foran:Xencor: Research Funding; Trillium: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Kura Oncology: Research Funding; Aptose: Research Funding; Aprea: Research Funding; Actinium: Research Funding; Boehringer Ingelheim: Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding; BMS: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Servier: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Revolution Medicine: Consultancy; H3Biosciences: Research Funding; Agios: Honoraria, Research Funding. Tun:Celgene: Research Funding; Mundipharma: Research Funding; Curis: Research Funding; TG Therapeutics: Research Funding; Acrotech: Research Funding; DTRM Biopharma: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding. Kharfan-Dabaja:Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy.
Efficacy of proteasome inhibitor‐based maintenance following autologous transplantation in multiple myeloma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

European Journal of Haematology | August 28, 2020 | Volume: 106 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 40-48

10.1111/ejh.13506 | PMID 32799387

AbstractIntroductionLenalidomide maintenance, commonly prescribed in the postautologous transplantation (AHCT) setting for multiple myeloma (MM), is associated with development of secondary primary malignancies (SPM). Proteasome inhibitor maintenance (PIM) has also been evaluated in MM. We conduct a systematic review/meta‐analysis to assess the efficacy of PIM in MM.MethodsPerforming a comprehensive search of the medical literature using PubMed/Medline and EMBASE on September 11, 2019, we extracted data on clinical outcomes related to benefits (OS, PFS, and depth of hematologic response [DOHR]) and harms (SPM and adverse events). 2144 references were identified; three studies were eligible for inclusion.ResultsA total of 1760 patients were included in the analysis; 507 patients received bortezomib and 395 received ixazomib maintenance. Control arms were either placebo (n = 261) or thalidomide (n = 358). PIM did not improve OS (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.73‐1.05, P = .15) but improved PFS (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.69‐0.86, P ≤ .00001) and DOHR (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.79‐0.98, P = .02) compared with control. There were no significant differences between PIM and control regarding SPM (p = NS) and ≥grade 3 peripheral neuropathy (PN) (p = NS).ConclusionsPIM following AHCT in MM improves PFS and DOHR without an increase in development of SPM or severe PN compared with placebo/thalidomide.
Efficacy of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT) in Sickle Cell Disease: Results of a Systematic Review/Meta-Analysis

Blood | November 14, 2019 | Volume: 134 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: 2106-2106

10.1182/blood-2019-124955

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited hemoglobinopathy which affects over 300,000 children born each year worldwide. In spite of improvement in supportive care in recent years, there is still a lack of effective treatment options. SCD leads to debilitating and cyclic episodes of erythrocyte sickling with progressive organ injury, contributing to lifetime morbidity and shortened life expectancy. Allogeneic HCT (allo-HCT) is a potentially curative therapy for SCD because engraftment is associated with resolution of the clinical phenotype of the disease and abrogation of its complications. Medical literature on allo-HCT for SCD is largely limited to children. Recent studies have evaluated the efficacy of allo-HCT in the adult population. Here, we conduct a systematic review/meta-analysis to assess the totality of evidence pertaining to the efficacy (or lack thereof) of allo-HCT in children and adults. Materials and methods: We performed a comprehensive search of the medical literature using PubMed/Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane library on July 3rd, 2019. We extracted data on clinical outcomes related to benefits (overall [OS] and disease free/event free survival [EFS/DFS]) and harms (non-relapse mortality [NRM] and graft failure [GF]), independently by two authors. Our search strategy identified 1001 references but only 30 studies (n= 1995 patients) were included in this systematic review/meta-analysis. We also performed a sub analysis on clinical outcomes for studies that included only pediatric patients (defined as <18 years) and those in patients ≥18 years of age. Results: Median age for patients enrolled in all the studies was at 10 years. Recurrent veno-occlusive crises represented the most common indication for allo-HCT followed by acute chest syndrome and stroke; nevertheless, most patients had more than one indication. Matched related donors (MRD) were the most common donor source (93%). Bone marrow was the most common source of hematopoietic stem cells (77%). Majority of patients underwent conditioning with myeloablative regimens (77%). Pooled OS rates (n=29 studies, 1681 patients) after allogeneic HCT was 95% (95%CI=93-96%) with low heterogeneity (I2=6.4%) among included studies (Figure 1). Pooled EFS/DFS rates (n=29 studies, 1894 patients) post-allografting was 90% (95%CI=87-93%) with moderate heterogeneity (I2=54%). Pooled NRM rates from 30 studies (1995 patients) was 4% (95%CI=2-6%) with low heterogeneity (I2=29.4%). Pooled GF rates from 28 studies (1851 patients) was 4% (95%CI=2-6%) with moderate heterogeneity (I2=55%). A subset analysis specifically for pediatric patients (n= 11 studies, 1009 patients, median age at 9.7 years) showed a pooled OS rate of 96% (95%CI=94-97%) with low heterogeneity (I2=0%); and for adult patients (n=3 studies, 51 patients, median age at 33.4 years) the pooled OS was 94% (95%CI=80-100%) with moderate heterogeneity (I2=52%). Pooled EFS/DFS for pediatric patients (n= 11 studies, 1009 patients) was at 89 %( 95%CI=84-93%) with moderate heterogeneity (I2=55.1%); and for adult patients (n=2 studies, 30 patients) was at 95% (95%CI=83-100%) with high heterogeneity (I2=96.5%). Pooled NRM from 10 studies with pediatric patients (281 patients) was at 6 % (95%CI=3-10%) with low heterogeneity (I2=0%); and from 3 studies with adult patients (51 patients) was at 1% (95%CI=0-7%) with low heterogeneity (I2=15.1%). Pooled GF from 10 studies with pediatric patients (281 patients) was at 3 % (95%CI=1-7%) with moderate heterogeneity (I2=40%); and from 2 studies with adult patients (30 patients) was at 5% (95%CI=0-17%) with high heterogeneity (I2=95.4%). Conclusions: The results of our systematic review/meta-analysis show excellent OS, EFS/DFS in children and adults undergoing allo-HCT with pooled OS rates exceeding 90%. The main limitation to offering an allo-HCT in SCD remains the availability of a suitable donor as 85% of patients meeting criteria do not have a MRD. We anticipate that with emergence of haploidentical transplantation the number of allo-HCT will increase in the future. GF remains a significant concern in this population and future studies should focus on novel immune suppression strategies to help reduce GF. Disclosures Kharfan-Dabaja: Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy.
Timeliness of Initial Therapy in Multiple Myeloma (MM): Trends and Factors Influencing Patient Care

Blood | October 14, 2019 | Volume: 132 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 4764-4764

10.1182/blood-2018-99-120127

Abstract Background: Therapeutic advancements have led to significant improvement in outcomes for MM patients. Revised diagnostic criteria from International Myeloma Working Group focus on initiating treatment before the onset of end-organ damage. Thus, timeliness of initial therapy can significantly improve patient morbidity and outcomes. Such an analysis has not been reported for MM. Methods: We analyzed patients diagnosed with MM between 2004-2015 from the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Patients who received systemic treatment any time within the first year of diagnosis were included; those treated later than one year were considered possibly initially diagnosed with smoldering myeloma and hence, excluded. Time to initial treatment was divided into centiles with the 4 centiles analyzed being 0-7 days, 8-18 days, 19-37 days and >37 days. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to compare sociodemographic and clinical factors influencing patient distribution across these timeliness categories and trends over time. Results: A total of 53,665 patients were included with 15,282 in 0-7 days, 12,462 in 8-18 days, 12,723 in 19-37 days and 13,198 in the >37 days treatment categories. Distribution across these centiles over time is shown in Figure. Univariate analyses showed a significant difference in distribution across the timeliness categories by year of diagnosis, patient age, gender, race/ethnicity, education level, insurance type, comorbidity score, treatment facility type, geographical location and distance to treating facility (all p<0.001) but no effect of income level. Multivariate analysis showed that there was a significantly higher likelihood of being in 4th centile (>37 days to treatment) for women (p<0.001), African Americans (p<0.001) or Hispanics (p=0.03; reference: Whites) or diagnosed in more recent years (p<0.001). Patients were less likely to be in the 4th centile if they were ≥80 years (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.81-0.98, p=0.02), had >0 Charlson comorbidity score (p<0.001), were uninsured (p=0.02) or had Medicaid (p=0.03) as compared to having private insurance, were in non-community treatment facilities or geographical location other than Northeast (p<0.001). Patient education, income level or distance from treating facility was no longer significant. Conclusions: Several factors were found to affect timeliness of treatment in MM. We noted relatively faster time to initial treatment in elderly, uninsured or those who were treated in academic/comprehensive cancer programs but a delay in treatment for women and racial/ethnic minorities among other factors. These factors need to be addressed for equitable access and treatment practices and to realize improved outcomes for all. Figure. Figure. Disclosures Ailawadhi: Amgen: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding.