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48 citation(s) found for "Raza, Shahzad".

Efficacy and safety of talquetamab + teclistamab in patients with Relapsed/Refractory multiple myeloma and extramedullary disease: Updated Phase 2 results from the redirectt-1 study with extended follow-up
Kumar, Shaji, Mateos, María‐Victoria , Ye, J Christine, Magen, Hila , Trudel, Suzanne , Richter, Joshua R. , Chuah, Hun , Yoon, Dok Hyun, Matous, Jeffrey, Dachs, Laura Rosiñol, Onodera, Koichi , Maffucci, Carmela, Heuck, Christoph, Henninger, Todd, O’Rourke, Lisa, Thakkar, Payal, Festa, M, Zhou, Jiangxiu, Takamoto, Mikihiro, Pei, Lixia, Lu, Jiashen, Au, Nicholas T., Krevvata, Maria, Cohen, Yaël C. , Usmani, Saad Z. , Kumar, Shaji , Atrash, Shebli , Quach, Hang , Chu, Michael, Rodríguez‐Otero, Paula , Gatt, Moshe E. , Medvedova, Eva , Raza, Shahzad , Yoon, Dok Hyun , Ishida, Tadao , Scott, Emma , Zhang, Jing , Festa, Mariacristina, Huang, Lin , Lu, Jiashen

Mayo Clinic

Blood | December 5, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 698-698

10.1182/blood-2025-698 Get It

Abstract Introduction: Patients (pts) with soft tissue plasmacytomas noncontiguous with bone (true extramedullary disease [EMD]) have poor outcomes with standard therapies shown by low overall response rates (ORRs), which are not durable. Talquetamab (Tal; anti-GPRC5D×CD3) and teclistamab (Tec; anti-BCMA×CD3) are first-in-class bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) approved as monotherapies for triple-class exposed (TCE) relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Primary analysis from the RedirecTT-1 (NCT04586426) dedicated phase 2 EMD cohort (March 2025 data cut; median follow-up [mFU] 12.6 mo) showed Tal + Tec elicited an ORR of 78.9% (assessed by independent review committee) and a 12-mo progression-free survival (PFS) of 61.0%. Here, we report updated efficacy, using investigator assessment, and safety results from the phase 2 RedirecTT-1 EMD cohort with Tal + Tec. Importantly, we report EMD location and a novel analysis of tumor burden as a prognostic indicator of ORR. Methods: Pts had TCE RRMM and true EMD defined as ≥1 nonradiated soft tissue plasmacytoma noncontiguous with bone ≥2 cm in 1 dimension (with or without paramedullary plasmacytomas). Nonsecretory/oligosecretory disease was permitted. Prior CAR-T and non-BCMA/-GPRC5D BsAb therapies were permitted. Pts received Tal 0.8 mg/kg + Tec 3.0 mg/kg Q2W, preceded by step-up doses, with a permitted switch to monthly dosing at investigator's discretion after cycle 6 or after cycle 4 with confirmed ≥VGPR. Response was assessed per IMWG; EMD response was assessed by PET-CT or MRI whole-body scans. Tumor burden was assessed by total EMD tumor volume. Results: As of July 2025, 90 pts received Tal + Tec, with a median follow-up of 16.3 mo (range 0.5–23.7). Baseline characteristics were as previously reported; 39% had nonsecretory/oligosecretory disease, 20% had prior anti-BCMA CAR-T therapy, and 9% had prior BsAb therapy (all anti-FcRH5). The median number of plasmacytomas was 2 (range 1–7); 17 (18.9%), 29 (32.2%), and 74 (82.2%) pts, respectively, had ≥1 nodal, organ, or soft tissue EMD, while 11 (12.2%) also had ≥1 additional paramedullary plasmacytoma. Of 268 EMDs across all pts, 95 (35.4%) were nodal EMD, 77 (28.7%) were organ EMD (most commonly liver), and 64 (23.9%) were soft tissue EMD; 32 (11.9%) were paramedullary. Baseline EMD tumor volume was <25 cm2in 43 (47.8%) pts, 25–50 cm2 in 21 (23.3%) pts, and >50 cm2 in 26 (28.9%) pts. Per investigator assessment, ORR (95% CI) was 77.8% (67.8–85.9); 50.0% had a ≥CR. Median duration of response (DOR) was not estimable (NE; 12-mo DOR rate, 60.1%), 12-mo PFS was 55.6%, and median overall survival (OS) was NE (12-mo OS rate 73.8%). ORR was 90.7% (77.9–97.4; ≥CR 60.5%) in pts with EMD tumor volume <25 cm2, 66.7% (43.0–85.4; ≥CR 52.4%) for 25–50 cm2, and 65.4% (44.3–82.8; ≥CR 30.8%) for >50 cm2. Common adverse events (AEs) included CRS (77.8%; no grade [gr] 3/4) and neutropenia (72.2%; gr 3/4 62.2%). Taste changes (78.9%), non-rash skin AEs (68.9%), and nail AEs (55.6%) were all gr 1/2, and rash AEs (30.0%) were mostly gr 1/2. ICANS occurred in 11 (12.2%) pts (gr 3, 1.1%; gr 4, 1.1%). Infections occurred in 72 (80.0%) pts (gr 3/4 40.0%), most commonly upper respiratory tract infection (26.7%; gr 3/4 5.6%); IVIG was highly recommended to prevent and manage hypogammaglobulinemia and infection. Ten (11.1%) pts discontinued Tal + Tec due to treatment-emergent AEs (4 pts due to infections and 6 due to gr 5 AEs). Two pts discontinued Tal only due to AEs. In total, 11 (12.2%) pts had gr 5 AEs (6 due to infections), 6 of which were deemed to be drug related by investigators. Data will be updated with an additional 4 mo of follow-up for the presentation. Conclusions: With longer follow-up in pts with TCE RRMM with true EMD regardless of baseline tumor characteristics, Tal + Tec efficacy exceeded all approved therapies, including T-cell redirecting and cellular therapies, noting limitations of cross-study comparisons. Lower total EMD tumor volume was associated with a higher ORR but low pt numbers in each group and lack of statistical testing limits robust interpretation. The safety profile of Tal + Tec was generally consistent with each monotherapy; AEs were not exacerbated with the combination. These data continue to highlight the clinical benefit of the novel combination of Tal + Tec in pts with true EMD, a population with high disease burden and significant unmet need.
Optimal ferritin threshold to diagnose immune effector cell-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (IEC-HS) following CAR-T therapy in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM)
Lee, Jerry , Jensen, Alexandria , Hosoya, Hitomi , Zanwar, Saurabh , Gaballa, Mahmoud , Khouri, Jack , Goel, Utkarsh , Hovanky, Vanna, Rana, Masooma , Green, Kimberly M , Afrough, Aimaz , Anderson, Larry , Biran, Noa , Shune, Leyla , Ferreri, Christopher, Varga, Cindy , Voorhees, Peter M. , Sborov, Douglas W. , Freeman, Ciara L. , Cassano, Raffaella Cassano , Salva, Karla Feliciano, Peres, Lauren C. , Reid, Brett M. , Patel, Krina, Frank, Matthew J. , Hansen, Doris, Sidana, Surbhi , Shah, Nirali, Mikkilineni, Lekha , Davis, James A. , Sidana, Surbhi , Davis, James A , Hosoya, Hitomi , Pasvolsky, Oren , Dillard, Christen , Raza, Shahzad , Anwer, Faiz , Davis, James, Zolotov, Eli , Herr, Megan M. , Hassan, Hamza , Kort, Jeries , Atrash, Shebli , Fortuna, Gliceida Galarza , Julian, Kelley , Dima, Danai , Banerjee, Rahul , Portuguese, Andrew J. , Locke, Frederick L. , Puglianini, Omar Castañeda , Grajales‐Cruz, Ariel , Jain, Michael D. , Patel, Krina K. , Lin, Yi , Hansen, Doris K. , Shah, Nirali N

Mayo Clinic

Blood | December 5, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 717-717

10.1182/blood-2025-717 Get It

Abstract Background: IEC-HS is a potentially life-threatening complication following CAR-T therapy in RRMM. Reliable diagnostic biomarkers are needed to help expeditiously identify cases to initiate prompt treatment and supportive care. Serum ferritin, a routinely available laboratory parameter, is commonly elevated in IEC-HS and has been used to identify cases. However, ferritin can also be elevated in cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or secondary to baseline tumor-related inflammation. The optimal diagnostic threshold for post-CAR-T ferritin in IEC-HS in RRMM has not been previously established. Methods: This study used data from 15 centers within the US Multiple Myeloma Immunotherapy Consortium to identify the optimal post-CAR-T ferritin threshold to distinguish RRMM patients (pts) with and without a diagnosis of IEC-HS. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine the optimal threshold based on Youden's Index. The performance of the threshold was evaluated overall and stratified by CAR-T product (cilta-cel, ide-cel). Additional analyses included the temporal relationship of peak ferritin and IEC-HS diagnosis, the evaluation of IEC-HS criteria according to ferritin levels, comparison of IEC-HS criteria co-occurrence, and comprehensive baseline characteristic comparisons across ferritin strata. Results: Of 1502 RRMM CAR-T recipients (ide-cel, n=712; cilta-cel, n=790), 74 patients (4.9%) had a provider-determined diagnosis of IEC-HS. A post-CAR-T ferritin threshold of 7470 ng/mL was identified as optimal for distinguishing pts with and without IEC-HS (AUC 0.938). Sensitivity (0.904) and specificity (0.934) were both very high, indicating high discriminatory ability. Stratified ROC analyses showed near-identical optimal thresholds for cilta-cel (7450 ng/mL; sensitivity 0.885, specificity 0.936, AUC 0.94) and ide-cel (7470 ng/mL; sensitivity 0.952, specificity 0.933, AUC 0.95), indicating minimal impact of CAR-T product on ferritin's prognostic utility. Baseline pt characteristics (N=1,413) differed significantly by ferritin threshold. Pts above the ferritin threshold of 7470 (N=154) were younger (median 64 vs 67 years; p=0.004), more frequently male (65% vs 56%; p=0.043), had higher baseline ferritin (1,300 vs 187; p<0.001), higher ECOG at apheresis (p=0.001), more likely penta-refractory (p=0.016), had higher baseline bone marrow plasma cell burden (p<0.001), and had higher R-ISS scores (p<0.001). Evaluation of IEC-HS criteria (Hines et al, TCT 2023) demonstrated significantly higher rates of laboratory and clinical criteria, including hepatic transaminase elevation (43% vs 15%), hypofibrinogenemia (53% vs 0%), cytopenias (95% vs 81%), hypertriglyceridemia (43% vs 8%), ICANS (52% vs 23%), renal insufficiency (20% vs 0%), and soluble IL-2 receptor elevations (47% vs 4%), in pts with ferritin >7500 ng/mL compared to those with lower ferritin. Heatmap visualization revealed distinct patterns of co-occurring criteria in high- and low-ferritin groups. Assessment of the timing of peak ferritin and IEC-HS diagnosis among IEC-HS cases revealed a median difference of 0 days (IQR: -1, 0), suggesting simultaneous occurrence. Median time to max ferritin was 9 days (IQR 8,12) in IEC-HS pts compared to 8 days (IQR 5,10) in non-IEC-HS pts (Wilcoxon p<0.05). Conclusions: In this analysis of over 1500 patients, a post-CAR-T ferritin level of 7500 ng/mL robustly identifies RRMM pts with IEC-HS following either cilta-cel or ide-cel. Pts exceeding this threshold demonstrate marked enrichment in IEC-HS diagnostic criteria and significant differences in baseline characteristics, warranting further study of the role of ferritin in IEC-HS diagnosis and early intervention.
Real-world outcomes of immune effector cell-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (IEC-HS) following ide-cel and cilta-cel therapy in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma
Lee, Jerry , Jensen, Alexandria , Hosoya, Hitomi , Afrough, Aimaz , Zanwar, Saurabh , Gaballa, Mahmoud , Khouri, Jack , Goel, Utkarsh , Hovanky, Vanna, Rana, Masooma , Green, Kimberly M , Anderson, Larry , Biran, Noa , Shune, Leyla , Ferreri, Christopher, Varga, Cindy , Voorhees, Peter M. , Sborov, Douglas W. , Freeman, Ciara L. , Salva, Karla Feliciano, Cassano, Raffaella Cassano , Peres, Lauren C. , Reid, Brett M. , Patel, Krina, Frank, Matthew J. , Hansen, Doris, Sidana, Surbhi , Shah, Nirali, Mikkilineni, Lekha , Davis, James A. , Sidana, Surbhi , Davis, James A , Hosoya, Hitomi , Pasvolsky, Oren , Dillard, Christen , Raza, Shahzad , Anwer, Faiz , Davis, James P. , Zolotov, Eli , Herr, Megan M. , Hassan, Hamza , Kort, Jeries , Atrash, Shebli , Fortuna, Gliceida Galarza , Julian, Kelley , Dima, Danai , Portuguese, Andrew J. , Banerjee, Rahul , Puglianini, Omar Castañeda , Grajales‐Cruz, Ariel , Jain, Michael D. , Patel, Krina K. , Locke, Frederick L. , Lin, Yi , Hansen, Doris K. , Shah, Nirali N

Mayo Clinic

Blood | December 5, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 719-719

10.1182/blood-2025-719 Get It

Abstract Introduction: IEC-HS is an emerging and potentially life-threatening complication in multiple myeloma (MM) patients (pts) treated with CAR-T therapies. We conducted a retrospective, multi-institutional analysis to define the features and outcomes of IEC-HS after ide-cel or cilta-cel in the real-world setting. Methods: This study used data from 15 centers within the US Multiple Myeloma Immunotherapy Consortium for patients with relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM) who received commercial cilta-cel or ide-cel. IEC-HS was defined by each center based on diagnostic criteria (Hines et al, TCT 2023). Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox models were used for time-to-event outcomes while logistic regression was used for categorical outcomes. Results: Of 1502 RRMM pts who received either ide-cel (n=712) or cilta-cel (n=790), 74 patients (4.9%) had a provider-determined diagnosis of IEC-HS. Product-specific incidences were 2.9% for ide-cel and 6.7% for cilta-cel. The median time from CAR-T infusion to IEC-HS onset was 9.5 days (range 2-37 days). IEC-HS-related clinical findings (Hines et al, 2024) included cytopenias (95%), elevated soluble IL-2R levels (79%), fever (76%), elevated LDH (71%, median 1,800 U/L), hypofibrinogenemia (70%), hypertriglyceridemia (65%), ICANS (63%), hepatic transaminase elevation (56%), pulmonary involvement (46%), renal insufficiency (29%), hyperbilirubinemia (22%), and hemophagocytosis in bone marrow (6%). The median interval from peak CRS to IEC-HS onset was 4 days (IQR 1–6). Some variables, such as splenomegaly and coagulopathy, were not systematically collected. Nearly all pts received pharmacologic intervention: corticosteroids (94%, n=59), anakinra (76%, n=48), tocilizumab (71%, n=45), emapalumab (13%, n=8), ruxolitinib (16%, n=10), or etoposide (3%, n=2). Only one pt (2%) did not receive any IEC-HS therapy. Among those evaluable for outcomes, 58% (n=35) improved, 12% (n=7) developed further CAR-T-related complications (e.g., recurrent IEC-HS, delayed neurotoxicity), and 30% (n=18) had no therapeutic response and died. Compared to non-IEC-HS pts (n=1,428), those with IEC-HS were younger (median age 63 vs 66), male (61% vs 57%), and more frequently received cilta-cel (72% vs 52%, all p<0.01). They had higher rates of triple-class (81%) and penta-refractory (43%) disease, greater pre-treatment bone marrow plasma cell burden (40% vs 6%), and higher baseline ferritin (1058 vs 208 ng/mL). Prior autologous SCT was less common, and advanced R-ISS stage was more prevalent. IEC-HS was associated with dramatically worse PFS and OS: with cilta-cel, median PFS was 6.5 months (mo) with IEC-HS (vs 33.1 without); for ide-cel, 8.9 vs 11.4 mo. Median OS for cilta-cel IEC-HS pts was 9.6 mo (not reached in non-IEC-HS pts); for ide-cel IEC-HS, 19.6 mo (vs 40.8 mo). Multivariable analysis confirmed IEC-HS as an independent predictor of shorter PFS (HR 1.88, 95% CI 1.29–2.74, p=0.0011) and OS (HR 2.30, 95% CI 1.39–3.83, p=0.0013). Notably, IEC-HS was not associated with lower response rates – either best CR (63.9% vs 64.0%, p=0.71) or ORR (91.8% vs 90.9%, p=0.97). Cilta-cel pts had a higher probability of achieving a deep (CR) response, regardless of IEC-HS status. Grade > 3 CRS occurred in 14% (n=3/21) of ide-cel and 15% (n=8/52) of cilta-cel IEC-HS pts, versus 2% (n=12/691) and 2% (n=13/737) in non-IEC-HS pts, respectively. Any-grade ICANS was observed in 67% (n=14/21) of ide-cel and 55% (n=29/52) of cilta-cel IEC-HS cases, compared to 26% (n=179/690) and 20% (n=148/738) in non-IEC-HS. Grade ≥3 ICANS occurred in 29% (n=6/21) of ide-cel and 26% (n=14/52) of cilta-cel IEC-HS cases, relative to 4% (n=25/690) and 4% (n=27/738) in pts without IEC-HS. Severe infections were also more common: 71% (n=15/21) of ide-cel and 53% (n=28/52) of cilta-cel IEC-HS pts experienced at least one infection, compared to 31% (n=214/691) and 29% (n=217/737) in non-IEC-HS groups. Conclusions: IEC-HS is an uncommon but severe and early complication after CAR T-cell therapy for RRMM. Despite similar ORRs with or without IEC-HS, IEC-HS was associated with significantly worse PFS and OS for both ide-cel and cilta-cel. These findings support the need for vigilant monitoring and potential preemptive treatment strategies to better manage this syndrome.
Safety and efficacy of BCMA directed CAR-T therapy in older patients (Aged ≥ 75) with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM)
Jensen, Alexandria , Rana, Masooma , Peres, Lauren C. , Shune, Leyla , Reid, Brett M. , Abdallah, Nadine , Hosoya, Hitomi , Mikkilineni, Lekha , Cassano, Raffaella Cassano , Khouri, Jack , Ferreri, Christopher J. , Afrough, Aimaz , Biran, Noa , Purvey, Sneha , Hovanky, Vanna, Sborov, Douglas W. , Green, Kimberly , Freeman, Ciara Louise , Varga, Cindy , Goel, Utkarsh, Gaballa, Mahmoud , Zanwar, Saurabh , Dahiya, Saurabh , Alsina, Melissa , Lin, Yi, Voorhees, Peter M. , Patel, Krina, Sidana, Surbhi , Davis, James A. , Sidana, Surbhi , Davis, James A , Hosoya, Hitomi , Velayati, Arash , Dima, Danai , Pasvolsky, Oren , Portuguese, Andrew J. , Banerjee, Rahul , Fortuna, Gliceida Galarza , Julian, Kelley , Green, Kimberly, McGuirk, Joseph P. , Zolotov, Eli , Geer, Marcus , Puglianini, Omar Castañeda , Goel, Utkarsh , Anwer, Faiz , Raza, Shahzad , Dillard, Christen , Miklos, David B. , Davis, James P. , Herr, Megan M. , Reshef, Ran , Anderson, Larry D. , Patel, Krina K. , Hansen, Doris K.

Mayo Clinic

Blood | December 5, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 6375-6375

10.1182/blood-2025-6375 Get It

Abstract Background: Real-world data suggest that safety and efficacy of ide-cel and cilta-cel mirror data from pivotal trials, yet older adults remain underrepresented. We report outcomes of the largest cohort of RRMM patients aged ≥75 years receiving CAR-T and compare them with propensity-matched younger patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed RRMM patients receiving standard-of-care BCMA CAR-T at 15 centers from the US Myeloma Immunotherapy Consortium between May 2021 and December 2024. Patients ≥ 75 years were 2:1 propensity-matched to patients < 75 based on CAR-T product, sex, performance status, extramedullary disease, baseline ferritin, penta-refractory status, bridging therapy, prior autologous SCT and lines of therapy. Continuous outcomes were analyzed with multivariable linear regression, binary outcomes with logistic regression, and time-to-event endpoints with Cox proportional-hazards models. We estimated average treatment effects via G-computation, using cluster-robust standard errors to account for the matched sets. Results: After 2:1 propensity matching, the cohort included 194 patients ≥ 75 years (cilta-cel: 64 and ide-cel: 130) and 388 patients < 75 years (cilta-cel: 128, ide-cel: 260). Median ages were 78 (range: 75-90) for the older cohort vs 65 (range: 35-74) for the younger cohort. The older cohort had a higher frequency of t(14;16) (9% vs. 3%, p = 0.005), lower baseline ferritin (151 vs. 196 ng/mL, P = 0.046), and lower likelihood of prior ASCT (57% vs. 71%, P = 0.001). Median prior lines of therapy were 5. Median follow-up time for ≥ 75 and < 75 groups for cilta-cel was 11.5 and 11 months and for ide-cel was 16 and 24.3 months, respectively. ORR did not differ amongst the older vs younger patients: cilta-cel (97% vs. 97%) and ide-cel (90% vs. 88%).For patients ≥ 75 years, median PFS with cilta-cel was 28.7 months (95% CI: 13.3–NR) and with ide-cel was 16.4 months (95% CI: 12.1–22.4). In patients < 75 years, median PFS was not reached for cilta-cel but was 11.5 months (95% CI: 9.6–12.7) for ide-cel, reflecting inferior PFS with ide-cel in the younger group (HR 0.4, 95% CI 0.3–0.6). On sensitivity analysis by Cox proportional hazards model, we did not observe any statistically significant differences in PFS in older vs younger patients receiving cilta-cel, although older patients paradoxically had better PFS with ide-cel compared to their matched younger cohort. In the cilta-cel cohort, HR for PFS for older vs younger patients was 1.48 (95% CI:0.77-2.84; p=0.2) and in the ide-cel cohort it was 0.7 (95% CI: 0.5, 0.98; p=0.04). Median OS was reached only in the < 75-year ide-cel cohort at 40 months (95% CI: 32.5–43.5). Rates of CRS were similar, with any-grade (grade ≥3) CRS seen in 74% vs 78% (0% vs. 0.8%) of cilta-cel recipients and 86% vs. 87% (3.1% vs. 1.5%) of ide-cel recipients in the older vs younger groups, respectively. ICANS rates were 21% vs. 20% for cilta-cel (p = 0.79) and 29% vs 20% for ide-cel (p = 0.07), with similar rates of grade ≥ 3 ICANS. In the cilta-cel cohort, Parkinsonian delayed neurotoxicity (DNT) occurred in 3/62 (4.8%) older patients and 6/128 (4.7%) younger patients. Similarly, other non-Parkinsonian DNT rates were similar across age groups, with 6.4% vs 5.5% in older vs younger cilta-cel cohort and 0% vs 1% in the older vs younger ide-cel cohort. Rates of IEC-HS, and infections were comparable across the cohorts. There was no difference in hospital length of stay and ICU admission rate between products within either age cohort. The overall non-relapse mortality (NRM) was 6.7% for patients ≥ 75 years and 6.2% in patients < 75 years. For cilta-cel, NRM in older vs younger cohort was 9.4% vs 4.7% (p= 0.96) and for ide-cel it was 5.4% vs 6.9%, respectively (p= 0.65). Conclusion: Appropriately selected older adults (≥75 years) receiving CAR-T therapy for RRMM can derive a similar efficacy benefit with CAR-T as a propensity-matched younger cohort, without any increased signal of toxicity including CRS, ICANS or delayed NT. NRM was numerically greater, but not statistically significant, in older adults receiving cilta-cel. Median PFS with cilta-cel and ide-cel in older adults were 28.7 months and 16.4 months with median OS not reached and 40 months, respectively. Older adults, ≥75 years old, should not be excluded from CAR-T therapy solely due to advanced age. Overall, cilta-cel was not associated with worsened toxicities in older adults and may offer better PFS.
The real-world safety and efficacy of BCMA-directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in systemic AL amyloidosis
Rees, Matthew, Cassano, Raffaella Cassano, Tan, Melinda, Zolotov, Eli, Sidana, Surbhi, Dima, Danai, Kort, Jeries, Afrough, Aimaz, Gaballa, Mahmoud, Pasvolsky, Oren, Mikkilineni, Lekha, Khouri, Jack, Raza, Shahzad, Zanwar, Saurabh, Ferreri, Christopher, Khan, Adeel, Atrash, Shebli, Portuguese, Andrew, Hovanky, Vanna, Banerjee, Rahul, Freeman, Ciara Louise, Patel, Krina, Anderson, Larry, Puglianini, Omar Alexis Castaneda, Shune, Leyla, Biran, Noa, Hansen, Doris, Lin, Yi, Sidana, Surbhi , Sidana, Surbhi , Rees, Matthew, Cassano, Raffaella Cassano, Tan, Melinda, Zolotov, Eli, Dima, Danai, Kort, Jeries, Afrough, Aimaz, Gaballa, Mahmoud, Pasvolsky, Oren, Mikkilineni, Lekha, Khouri, Jack, Raza, Shahzad, Zanwar, Saurabh, Ferreri, Christopher, Khan, Adeel, Atrash, Shebli, Portuguese, Andrew, Hovanky, Vanna, Banerjee, Rahul, Freeman, Ciara Louise, Patel, Krina, Anderson, Larry, Puglianini, Omar Alexis Castaneda, Shune, Leyla, Biran, Noa, Hansen, Doris, Lin, Yi

Mayo Clinic

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 2181-2181

10.1182/blood-2025-2181 Get It

Abstract Introduction: Achieving rapid and deep hematological responses is essential for improving organ function and reducing early mortality in AL amyloidosis. While daratumumab has transformed the management of newly diagnosed disease, many daratumumab-treated patients will not clear amyloidogenic serum free light chains or will relapse. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a highly active modality in multiple myeloma, capable of inducing deep and durable remissions. Whether this strategy can be safely and effectively adopted in AL amyloidosis remains an important unanswered question. Methods: This multicenter retrospective study involved 8 US academic medical centers within the US Multiple Myeloma Immunotherapy Consortium. We included patients with systemic AL amyloidosis who received BCMA-targeted CAR T therapy to treat AL amyloidosis with concurrent myeloma to investigate the safety, and efficacy of this approach. Results: Between September 2021 and March 2025, we identified 33 patients with AL amyloidosis treated with CAR T (n=9 ide-cel, n=24 cilta-cel). The median age was 69-years (IQR: 60, 72); 48% were female. Most patients were kappa light-chain isotype (61%, n=20), 4 patients (13%) had the t(11;14) translocation. Although baseline plasma cell burden was unknown in 2 cases, all patients had a concurrent diagnosis of myeloma, and 88% of patients had ≥20% bone marrow plasma cells (BPMC) at diagnosis. The median number of prior lines was 6 (range: 3-13), all patients had previous anti-CD38 exposure, and 27 patients (82%) had received previous autologous stem cell transplant. Regarding organ involvement, 11 patients (33%) had cardiac, 9 (27%) renal, 8 (24%) gastrointestinal, 3 (9%) peripheral nerve and 1 (3%) autonomic nerve involvement. Five patients had AL amyloid deposition without known organ involvement. Prior to CAR T, cardiac staging was unavailable or unknown in 19 cases. Of the remaining 14 cases, 6 cases were European Modification of Mayo 2004 stage 3A with no stage 3B cases. Prior to lymphodepletion the median BMPC was 6% (IQR: 1, 20). The overall rate of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was 64% (Grade 1, G1: n=15, Grade 2, G2: n=4, Grade 3, G3: n=2), and immune cell associated neurological syndrome (ICANS) was 15% (G1: n=3, G3: n=2). The rate of CRS was 56% for ide-cel (G1: 33%, G2: 22%) and 67% for cilta-cel (G1: 50%, G2: 8%, G3: 8%). The median time to CRS onset was 1 day for ide-cel and 6 days for cilta-cel. The median duration of CRS was 1 day for ide-cel and 2 days for cilta-cel. The rate of ICANS was 11% for ide-cel (G1: n=1), and 16% for cilta-cel (G1: n=2, G3: n=2). There were no cases of non-ICANS neurotoxicity. Ten patients (30%) experienced infections (≥Grade 3 = 9%). The overall response rate (ORR) by AL amyloidosis response criteria (Palladini et al. 2012) was 91%, including n=5 very good partial responses (VGPRs) and n=24 complete responses (CRs). The ORR for ide-cel was 78% (n=6 CRs, n=1 VGPR), and for cilta-cel was 96% (n=18 CRs, n=4 VGPRs). Among responders, the median time to VGPR or better was 30 days (IQR: 29, 32). One cilta-cel recipient died of infection on day 17 prior to disease reassessment. At a median follow up of 17.8 months, the 12 and 18-month overall survival rates were 88% (95%CI: 76%-100%) and 83% (95%CI: 68%-100%), respectively. There were 5 deaths; 3 were related to underlying disease, 1 related to infection, and 1 unrelated. Seven patients were eligible for cardiac response assessment (NTproBNP>650 OR BNP>150) at the time of CAR T, and of those, three obtained a cardiac response (2 Cardiac PR, 1 Cardiac VGPR). Three patients were eligible for renal response assessment (>1g proteinuria/day) at the time of CAR T; of those, two obtained a renal PR. Conclusion: We demonstrate that commercial BCMA-targeted CAR T-cell therapy induces deep and rapid hematological responses in a cohort of heavily pretreated patients with AL amyloidosis. Although all patients exhibited overlapping features with concurrent multiple myeloma (≥10% plasma cells at diagnosis), CAR T-cell therapy was feasible to administer, with modest rates of CRS and only isolated cases of severe CRS or ICANS. Nearly all patients achieved a deep hematological response, which appeared to translate into meaningful organ improvement among those who were evaluable.
The real-world safety and efficacy of bispecific t-cell engager therapy in systemic AL amyloidosis
Rees, Matthew, Khouri, Jack, Grajales-Cruz, Ariel, Zanwar, Saurabh, Goel, Utkarsh, Midha, Shonali, Julian, Kelley, Puglianini, Omar Alexis Castaneda, Corraes, Andre De Menezes Silva, Raza, Shahzad, Davis, James, Green, Kimberly, Hansen, Doris, Banerjee, Rahul, Sidana, Surbhi, Patel, Krina, Bianchi, Giada, Sborov, Douglas, Lee, Sarah, Baz, Rachid, Anwer, Faiz, Mikkilineni, Lekha, Nadeem, Omar, Lin, Yi, Anderson, Larry, Sidana, Surbhi , Davis, James A. , Sidana, Surbhi , Davis, James A , Rees, Matthew, Khouri, Jack, Grajales-Cruz, Ariel, Zanwar, Saurabh, Goel, Utkarsh, Midha, Shonali, Julian, Kelley, Puglianini, Omar Alexis Castaneda, Corraes, Andre De Menezes Silva, Raza, Shahzad, Davis, James, Green, Kimberly, Hansen, Doris, Banerjee, Rahul, Patel, Krina, Bianchi, Giada, Sborov, Douglas, Lee, Sarah, Baz, Rachid, Anwer, Faiz, Mikkilineni, Lekha, Nadeem, Omar, Lin, Yi, Anderson, Larry

Mayo Clinic

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 2182-2182

10.1182/blood-2025-2182 Get It

Abstract Introduction: The attainment of rapid and deep hematologic responses is key to restoring organ function and reducing mortality in AL amyloidosis. Despite the introduction of anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies, ~50% of AL patients will respond sub optimally to 1st-line therapy, and many will relapse. Bispecific T-cell engagers (TCEs) have produced unprecedented outcomes in relapsed myeloma, and whether they can be safely applied to AL amyloidosis is a key clinical question. Methods: A multicenter retrospective study involving 9 US academic medical centers within the US Multiple Myeloma Immunotherapy Consortium. We included patients with systemic AL amyloidosis who received bispecific TCE therapy targeting either BCMA or GPRC5D to investigate the safety, and efficacy of this approach. Results: Between February 2023 and March 2025, we identified 29 patients with AL amyloidosis treated with TCEs (n=19 teclistamab, n=6 elranatamab, n=4 talquetamab). The median age was 72-years (IQR: 66, 75), with a female predominance (59%, n=17). Most patients had lambda light-chain isotype (59%, n=17), 31% (n=9) had t(11;14). Diagnostic bone marrow plasma cell (BMPC) burden was unknown in 6 cases, of the remaining cases 74% had ≥10% and 65% had ≥20% BMPCs. Ten patients (34%) had either ≥60% BMPCs at diagnosis or an involved FLC ratio >100 prior to TCE. The median number of prior lines was 5 (IQR: 4, 6), all patients had previous anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody exposure, 55% (n=16) had received an autologous stem cell transplant, and 28% (n=8) had received prior BCMA-directed therapy (n=4 antibody drug conjugates [ADCs], n=3 CAR T, n=1 ADC + TCE). Immediately prior to TCE therapy, 8% (n=2) were stage 3A and 19% (n=5) were stage 3B according to the European modification of the Mayo 2004 prognostic score. Staging was unknown in n=3 cases. Regarding organ involvement, 66% (n=19) had cardiac, 59% (n=17) had renal, 24% (n=7) had gastrointestinal (biopsy-proven), 10% (n=3) had peripheral nerve and 3% (n=1) had autonomic nerve involvement. The rate of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was 45% (Grade 1, G1: n=8, Grade 2, G2: n=5, Grade ≥3,G3+: n=0), and immune cell associated neurological syndrome (ICANS) was 14% (G1: n=3, G2: n=1, G3+: n=0). Seven patients (24%) received tocilizumab as treatment, a further one patient received prophylactic tocilizumab. One-third of the cohort experienced at least one infection (n=10), and 20 (n=6) experienced a ≥grade 3 infection. The overall response rate was 76% (n=22) by AL amyloidosis response criteria, including a 66% (n=19) complete response (CR), 7% (n=2) very good partial response (VGPR), and 3% (n=1) partial response (PR) rate. Two patients did not undergo disease reassessment; one due to an early treatment-emergent death, and one who was lost to follow-up before cycle 2. Among responders, the median time to a VGPR or better was 29 days (IQR: 18, 56). At a median follow up of 8.8 months, the 1-year overall survival rate was 77% (95%CI: 62%-95%). Of the 6 deaths which occurred, 3 occurred while on TCE therapy (VF arrest during step up not associated with CRS, cardiac failure, and infectious complication), and 3 deaths occurred off therapy (unknown, progressive disease, and as a complication of surgery). Of 14 patients eligible for cardiac response assessment at the time of TCE therapy (NTproBNP>650 OR BNP>150), 9 (64%) obtained a response (CarPR=4, CarVGPR=2, CarCR=3). Of 4 patients eligible for renal response assessment at the time of TCE initiation (>1g proteinuria/day), all 4 patients obtained a response (RenPR=1, RenVGPR=2, RenCR=1). Conclusion: This is the largest cohort of TCE therapy in AL amyloidosis. TCE therapy produced a high rate of rapid and deep haematological responses. Despite a high prevalence of cardiac and renal involvement, rates of CRS were low with no grade ≥3 events, however, infectious complications were frequent. Non-relapse mortality reflected our cohort's advanced disease and prior treatment, including 2 deaths (7%) unequivocally related to cardiac causes. Although follow-up was limited, there was a high rate of early organ responses, consistent with the deep hematological response rates observed. Although our cohort exhibited overlapping features with multiple myeloma, such as a high baseline plasma cell burden, the pattern of organ involvement was consistent with typical AL amyloid populations, supporting the broader application of this therapy in AL amyloidosis.
Major adverse cardiovascular events after teclistamab in relapsed refractory multiple myeloma: A multicenter study from the u.s. multiple myeloma immunotherapy consortium.
Zanwar, Saurabh , Goel, Utkarsh , Chao, Austin, Lien, Kyle, Mazzoni, Sandra , Khouri, Jack , Cassano, Raffaella Cassano , Addison, Daniel , Dominick, Anthony, Green, Kimberly M , Sborov, Douglas W. , Shetty, Sanath Kumar , Vazquez‐Martinez, Mariola , Avila, Gabriel De, Dixon, Ariel, Blue, Brandon , Freeman, Ciara L. , Ali, Hossam M. , Alomar, Mohammed , Alsina, Melissa , Shain, Kenneth H. , Davis, James A. , Davis, James A , Ali, Hossam M , Lee, Dae Hyun , Dima, Danai , Chao, Austin, Banerjee, Rahul , Williams, Louis S. , Anwer, Faiz , Lin, Yi , Cheng, Richard , Davis, James, Julian, Kelley , Shetty, Sanath, Locke, Frederick L. , Baz, Rachid , Puglianini, Omar Castañeda , Hansen, Doris K. , Grajales‐Cruz, Ariel , Raza, Shahzad

Mayo Clinic

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 4066-4066

10.1182/blood-2025-4066 Get It

Abstract Introduction: Teclistamab is the first FDA approved BCMA-directed bispecific antibody for the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). With BCMA-targeting CAR-T therapies, cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is a risk factor for cardiotoxicity. Teclistamab was associated with fatal cardiovascular adverse events (CVAEs) in a recent US pharmacovigilance database analysis, but this analysis was limited by reporting bias. Therefore, the aim of our study is to conduct a multicenter study to define the real-world incidence of CVAEs in RRMM patients treated with teclistamab. Method We performed a retrospective multi-center cohort study of patients receiving teclistamab at 5 medical centers. Baseline oncologic and cardiovascular characteristics (including vital sign and echocardiographic data) were collected. Baseline cardiovascular disease (CVD) was defined as presence of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, severe or symptomatic valvular heart disease, or stroke at baseline. CVAE was collected and categorized based on CTCAE v5.0 by each institution. Major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) was a composite outcome with any of the following: congestive heart failure, asymptomatic cardiomyopathy (interval LVEF drop >10% to resultant LVEF less than 50%), coronary artery disease requiring intervention, stroke or cardiovascular death. Arrhythmia was a composite outcome with any of the following: atrial tachyarrhythmia, ventricular tachyarrhythmia or bradyarrhythmia. Median follow-up was calculated through reverse Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to define the relation between MACE and survival. Cause of death was categorized as myeloma-related death or non-myeloma-related deaths (i.e. CRS, infection or cardiovascular death). Cause-specific Cox regression was performed to define relationship between MACE and cause of death. Results In a cohort of 219 patients treated with teclistamab with median follow-up of 20.1 months, 7.3% (N=16) developed MACE, 7.3% (N=16) developed arrhythmia and 12.8% (N=28) developing any MACE or arrhythmia. MACE occurred at a median of 4.5 days (IQR 2.25-15.75 days) after teclistamab step-up. The incidence of MACE was 16.4% in patients with baseline CVD versus 2.7% in those without baseline CVD (p<0.001). Patients who developed MACE had inferior ECOG performance status (PS) (PS >=2: 62.5% vs. 27.7%; p=0.008). Additionally, baseline hemoglobin level (9 vs 10g/dL; p=0.072) was numerically lower in MACE, compared to no MACE. There was no difference in age, sex, bone marrow (BM) plasma cell burden, ferritin, C-reactive protein or LDH levels between MACE vs. no MACE group. Patients who developed MACE had lower baseline diastolic blood pressure (67.7 vs 73.8mmHg; p=0.041) and numerically lower LVEF (51.4 vs 59.3%; p=0.059; baseline echocardiogram performed in 86% of all cohort). Patients who developed MACE had similar incidences of CRS (Grade >=2: 25.0 vs 16.7%; p=0.620) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity (ICANS) grade 2 or higher (12.5 vs 7.5%; p=0.812). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, MACE was independently associated with inferior overall survival (HR 2.72; 95% CI 1.41-5.25; p=0.003), after adjusting for baseline CVD, age, high BM burden, extramedullary disease, and plasma cell leukemia. In cause-specific multivariable Cox regression analysis, MACE was independently associated with non-myeloma-related death (HR: 10.77 95% CI 4.39- 26.41; p<0.001) but not with myeloma-related death (1.54; 95% CI 0.64- 3.70; p=0.336). Conclusion In conclusion, in this large, real-world multicenter study, we observed that MACE occurred in over 7% of patients following teclistamab for RRMM, typically within 2 weeks of initiation. MACE was significantly associated with increased non-myeloma-related mortality. In contrast to CAR-T therapy, CRS or ICANS were not associated with MACE, whereas majority of patients who developed MACE had ECOG PS >=2 or baseline cardiovascular disease. More studies are necessary to define mechanisms and strategies to reduce these MACE and improve survival. Patients with baseline cardiovascular disease or poor performance status may benefit from cardiovascular optimization before and during teclistamab therapy.
Identifying high-risk profiles and adverse prognoses in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma treated with bispecific antibodies: A real-world analysis of 943 treatment initiations
Zanwar, Saurabh , Hansen, Doris, Goel, Utkarsh , Afrough, Aimaz , Rana, Masooma , Davis, James A. , Sborov, Douglas W. , Bal, Susan, Shune, Leyla , Ferreri, Christopher J. , Biran, Noa , Hassan, Hamza , Khouri, Jack , Corraes, Andre De Menezes Silva , Cassano, Raffaella Cassano , Liang, Emily C. , Ali, Hossam M. , Varga, Cindy , Richards, Tiffany, Hosoya, Hitomi , Gaballa, Mahmoud , Green, Kimberly , Sannareddy, Aishwarya , Anderson, Larry J., Alsina, Melissa , Mikkilineni, Lekha , Krishnan, Amrita , Voorhees, Peter M. , Kumar, Shaji , Sidana, Surbhi , Patel, Krina K. , Dhakal, Binod , Lin, Yi, Costa, Luciano da Fontoura , Sidana, Surbhi , Davis, James A , Hosoya, Hitomi , Ali, Hossam M , Pasvolsky, Oren , Hansen, Doris K. , Portuguese, Andrew J. , Bal, Susan , Janakiram, Murali , Biran, Noa , Herr, Megan M. , Hassan, Hamza, Grajales‐Cruz, Ariel , Kort, Jeries , Atrash, Shebli , Puglianini, Omar Castañeda , Baz, Rachid , Zolotov, Eli , Dillard, Christen , Fortuna, Gliceida Galarza , Lee, Lisa K. , Julian, Kelley , Green, Kimberly, Anderson, Larry, Raza, Shahzad , Dima, Danai , Anwer, Faiz , Banerjee, Rahul , Locke, Frederick L. , Dhakal, Binod

Mayo Clinic

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 4069-4069

10.1182/blood-2025-4069 Get It

Abstract Introduction: Bispecific T-cell engagers (TCE) targeting BCMA (teclistamab, elranatamab) and GPRC5D (talquetamab) are important therapeutic options in relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM). However, data on the independent prognostic impact of individual cytogenetic abnormalities and functional high-risk MM on outcomes with TCEs remains limited. Methods We included RRMM patients treated with BCMA TCEs (teclistamab, elranatamab) and talquetamab across 15 centers in the US. Patients where TCEs were used only as bridging therapy to CAR-T were excluded. High-risk cytogenetic abnormalities (HRCA) included del(17p), t(4;14), t(14;16), 1q gain/amplification (1q21+), del(1p) before initiation of TCE. Functional high-risk disease (FHRMM) was defined as PFS <18 months with frontline therapy. Extramedullary disease (EMD) included visceral or soft tissue disease and excluded paraskeletal disease. Progression-free survival (PFS) was estimated from TCE initiation using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify predictors of PFS in the entire cohort and the subcohorts of BCMA TCEs and talquetamab (Talq). Results We analyzed 943 treatment initiations with TCEs in RRMM, comprising 577 BCMA-directed TCEs [teclistamab (n=436) and elranatamab (n=141)] and 366 talquetamab initiations. The median follow-up from TCE initiation was 13.4 months (95% CI: 12.5–14.2) and median age was 68 years (interquartile range 61-75 years). Two ore more HRCAs were noted in 30% of the cohort (34% in Talq vs. 28% in BCMA TCEs, p=0.04), EMD was present in 21% of patients (26% in Talq vs. 18% in BCMA TCEs, p=0.002), and 45.5% of patients had FHRMM (47% in Talq vs. 45% in BCMA TCE, p=0.54). The median prior lines of therapy was 6 (interquartile range: 5-8), with 92% being triple-class refractory (TCR); 60% received prior BCMA-directed therapy (85% in Talq vs. 45% in BCMA TCE, p<0.0001) and 45% had prior CAR-T in 45% (57% in Talq vs. 37% in BCMA TCE, p<0.001). The best overall response rate (ORR) was 67.1 % for the entire cohort (66.4% for BCMA cohort and 68.2% for Talq), with 32.5% patients achieving a ≥ complete response. The median PFS was 7.7 months (95% CI: 6.7–8.6) for the entire cohort, with a median PFS of 10.1 months (95% CI: 7.5-13.4) for teclistamab and 10.1 months (95% CI: 3.9-NR) for elranatamab. In the more heavily pretreated talq cohort, the median PFS was 6.4 months (95% CI: 5.1-7.5). In a univariate analysis (UVA), several HRCAs were associated with inferior PFS−del(17p) (HR 1.59), t(4;14) (HR 1.43), del(1p) (HR 1.54), and ≥2 HRCAs (HR 1.64), all p<0.01. Apart from HRCAs, adverse disease characteristics included FHRMM (HR 1.20) and EMD (HR 1.46); all p<0.05. Among laboratory markers, hemoglobin <9 g/dL (HR 2.10), platelet count <75 ×10⁹/L (HR 1.96), and elevated ferritin (≥600 ng/mL; HR 2.17) (all p<0.01) were prognostic for PFS. ECOG ≥2 (HR 1.62), prior BCMA-directed therapy (HR 1.56), and prior CAR-T (HR 1.44) (all p<0.001) were also associated with inferior PFS. In a multivariable analysis (MVA), prior BCMA therapy (HR 1.72, p<0.0001), ferritin >600 ng/mL (HR 1.68, p<0.0001), hemoglobin <9 g/dL (HR 1.53, p=0.001), ECOG PS ≥2 (HR 1.52, p=0.0009), del(17p) (HR 1.44, p=0.0034) and FHRMM (HR 1.26, p=0.047), were associated with inferior PFS. Within the talq cohort (n=366), EMD (HR 1.64), del(17p) (HR 1.42), del(1p) (HR 1.54), FHRMM (HR 1.34), ECOG ≥2 (HR 1.56), ferritin >600 (HR 1.88), hemoglobin <9 g/dL (HR 1.6), platelet count <75 ×10⁹/L (HR 1.36) and leukopenia <0.25 x 10⁹/L (HR 1.52) were adverse prognostic markers on UVA. A MVA confirmed the independent impact of ferritin >600 ng/mL (HR: 1.77), ECOG ≥2 (HR 1.61) and functional high-risk status (HR 1.52) on PFS, whereas del(17p) and EMD were trending toward significance. Within the BCMA TCE cohort (n=577), prior BCMA therapy (HR 1.9), ferritin >600 (HR 1.79), ECOG ≥2 (HR 1.55), Hb <9 g/dL (HR 1.54), and del(17p) (HR 1.52) were independently associated with inferior PFS on a MVA.Conclusions: In this large real-world cohort of TCE, outcomes varied by fitness, disease biology, and treatment history. The ECOG PS, elevated ferritin, functional high-risk status and del(17p) were consistently associated with inferior PFS. Prior BCMA exposure was an independent risk factor for inferior PFS in the BCMA TCE cohort, but not with talquetamab.
Enhancing the safety of ciltacabtagene autoleucel in relapsed multiple myeloma (MM): Identification of potentially modifiable risk-factors associated with delayed neurotoxicity and non-relapse mortality
Sidana, Surbhi , Reid, Brett M. , Peres, Lauren C. , Gaballa, Mahmoud , Afrough, Aimaz , Ferreri, Christopher, Varga, Cindy , Rana, Masooma , Hosoya, Hitomi , Mikkilineni, Lekha , Hovanky, Vanna, Zanwar, Saurabh , Kalariya, Nilesh, Mikulski, Damian , Wagner, Charlotte , Cahoon, Christopher, Avila, Gabriel De, Gordillo, Christian , Goel, Utkarsh , Sannareddy, Aishwarya , Cassano, Raffaella Cassano , Midha, Shonali , Gonzalez, Rebecca , Hassan, Hamza , Purvey, Sneha , Green, Kimberly , Liu, Hien , Khouri, Jack , Bal, Susan , Freeman, Ciara L. , Shune, Leyla , Shain, Kenneth H. , Alsina, Melissa , Sborov, Douglas W. , Dahiya, Saurabh , Miklos, David B., Voorhees, Peter M. , Anderson, Larry , Costa, Luciano da Fontoura , Biran, Noa , Kumar, Shaji , Lin, Yi, Patel, Krina K. , Davis, James A. , Sidana, Surbhi , Davis, James A , Hosoya, Hitomi , Dima, Danai , Banerjee, Rahul , Pasvolsky, Oren , Dillard, Christen , Atrash, Shebli , Portuguese, Andrew J. , Wagner, Charlotte, Puglianini, Omar Castañeda , Zolotov, Eli , Grajales‐Cruz, Ariel , Kort, Jeries , Davis, James, Herr, Megan M. , Xie, Zhuoer , Hassan, Hamza, Geer, Marcus , Green, Kimberly, Perna, Fabiana , Nishihori, Taiga , Raza, Shahzad , Anwer, Faiz , Nadeem, Omar , Reshef, Ran , Baz, Rachid , Locke, Frederick L. , Miklos, David B. , Costa, Luciano, Biran, Noa , Hansen, Doris K.

Mayo Clinic

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 1034-1034

10.1182/blood-2025-1034 Get It

Abstract Introduction: Ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) has shown high efficacy in relapsed MM, but further efforts are needed to mitigate non-ICANS delayed neurotoxicity (DNT) and non-relapse mortality (NRM). Identifying risk factors associated with DNT and NRM may help with risk mitigation by aiding the development of interventions for potentially modifiable risk factors and also help with clinical decision making. Methods: In this multi-center retrospective study from the US MM Immunotherapy Consortium, we evaluated 761 patients treated at 15 centers receiving standard of care cilta-cel for relapsed MM between May 2022 to December 2024. Risk factors for DNT, particularly Parkinsonism and NRM were evaluated in by univariable and multivariable analysis. Any NRM events occurring after disease progression were censored for NRM evaluation. Results: The median age of the cohort was 65 years old (range: 30-88), median prior lines of therapy (pLoT) were 5 (range: 1-23). Cilta-cel was used in earlier relapse (1-3 pLOT) in 16% (n=120) patients. High-risk cytogenetics [del 17p, t(14;16) or t(4;14)] were present in 39%, with extramedullary disease (EMD) in 27% and R-ISS stage III in 18% of patients, respectively. Majority of patients (86%) received bridging therapy with response to bridging (≥ partial response, PR) seen in 33% of patients, respectively. Median follow up was 10.1 months, with response rate of 92% and CR rate of 70%. DNT was seen in 10% (n=75) of patients, with distribution as follows: Parkinsonism in 2.9% (n=22), cranial nerve palsy in 4.6% (n=35) and other DNT in 2.4% (n=18), with some patients manifesting more than one type of DNT. Risk of DNT was higher in patients who did not respond to bridging therapy (Any DNT: 12% vs 6%; Parkinsonism: 5% vs 0.5%, both p<0.05) Of the 22 cases of Parkinsonism, 21 patients (95%) did not respond to bridging, even though they achieved a post CAR-T response with ORR of 91% and ≥ CR in 68%. Absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), a surrogate measure of CAR expansion was higher in patients who developed DNT, particularly Parkinsonism, including ALC at days 7,14,21,28 and as peak ALC in the first month post cilta-cel (p<0.05 for all). Median peak ALC for patients with vs without Parkinsonism was: 5.88 vs 1.17/uL (p<0.001). We evaluated risk of Parkinsonism with various thresholds of peak ALC expansion. Amongst patients who developed Parkinsonism vs. not, peak ALC was as follows, > 1000/uL: 100% vs 57%, > 2500/uL: 73% vs 19% and > 3000/uL: 68% vs 14% (all p<0.001). The absolute risk of Parkinsonism with ALC > 3000 vs ≤ 3000/uL was 12% vs 1%, p<0.001; for ALC 2500 vs ≤ 2500uL was 9% vs 1%, p<0.001. On multivariable analysis, peak ALC > 3000/uL (OR: 12.7, p<0.001) and non-response to bridging therapy (OR: 9.9, p=0.03) were independent risk factors for developing Parkinsonism after cilta-cel. After cilta-cel, 1 and 2 year NRM estimates were 9% and 10%, respectively. Amongst 63 (8%) patients experiencing NRM events, the most common cause of NRM was infectious complications (35, 56%), followed by acute immune-mediated adverse events (AEs) like CRS, ICANS, IEC-HS in 14 (22%), delayed immune mediated AEs like DNT and colitis in 6 (9.5%), second cancers in 5 (8%) and other causes in 3 (5%) patients, respectively. When evaluating the timing of NRM events, the risk of infection related mortality remained relatively stable in the first year, though immune mediated toxicty deaths were uncommon after 6 months, while SPMs were uncommon within the first 6 months. On multivariable analysis, non-response to bridging (HR 2.41, p=0.046), poor performance status ≥ 2, high-risk cytogenetics and age ≥ 70 years were independent predictors for NRM. Conclusion: In a large cohort of over 750 patients receiving cilta-cel, we identified potentially modifiable risk factors for Parkinsonism and NRM. Non-response to bridging therapy and peak ALC > 3000/uL were independent predictors of developing Parkinsonism. Peak ALC of > 2500/uL and > 3000/uL were associated with 9% and 12% absolute risk of Parkinsonism. This indicates that peak ALC of 2500/uL or 3000/uL in the first month after cilta-cel may be a potential biomarker to identify patients for pre-emptive interventions such as steroids that can suppress rapid CAR expansion and perhaps decrease the risk of Parkinsonism. In addition, we need to focus on effective bridging strategies to further decrease the risk of Parkinsonism, as well as NRM with cilta-cel.
Predictors of early relapse following ciltacabtagene autoleucel: Informing risk-adapted therapy in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma
Peres, Lauren C. , Zanwar, Saurabh , Richards, Alicia, Gaballa, Mahmoud , Afrough, Aimaz , Reid, Brett M. , Goel, Utkarsh , Sannareddy, Aishwarya , Ferreri, Christopher J. , Varga, Cindy , Hosoya, Hitomi , Mikkilineni, Lekha , Kalariya, Nilesh, Mikulski, Damian , Cahoon, Christopher, Cheng, Peter K.C. , Gordillo, Christian , Bhurtel, Jenny , Cassano, Raffaella Cassano , Midha, Shonali , Gonzalez, Rebecca , Purvey, Sneha , Green, Kimberly , Liu, Hien , Khouri, Jack , Bal, Susan, Freeman, Ciara L. , Shune, Leyla , Shain, Kenneth H. , Alsina, Melissa , Sborov, Douglas W. , Voorhees, Peter M. , Costa, Luciano da Fontoura , Biran, Noa , Kumar, Shaji , Lin, Yi, Sidana, Surbhi , Patel, Krina K. , Davis, James A. , Sidana, Surbhi , Davis, James A , Hosoya, Hitomi , Hansen, Doris K. , Dima, Danai , Puglianini, Omar Castañeda , Pasvolsky, Oren , Grajales‐Cruz, Ariel , Xie, Zhuoer , Dillard, Christen , Atrash, Shebli , Portuguese, Andrew J. , Wagner, Charlotte B , Zolotov, Eli , Kort, Jeries , Davis, James, Herr, Megan M. , Hassan, Hamza , Geer, Marcus , Green, Kimberly, Perna, Fabiana , Nishihori, Taiga , Raza, Shahzad , Anwer, Faiz , Bal, Susan , Nadeem, Omar , Banerjee, Rahul , Reshef, Ran , Baz, Rachid , Anderson, Larry D. , Costa, Luciano, Biran, Noa , Locke, Frederick L.

Mayo Clinic

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 93-93

10.1182/blood-2025-93 Get It

Abstract Introduction Ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) has demonstrated unprecedented response rates and progression-free survival (PFS) in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), but a proportion of patients experience early relapse. Identifying these patients is essential to guide future therapeutic strategies, such as enhanced bridging therapy or consolidation, while avoiding overtreatment in those likely to achieve durable disease control. Methods We conducted a multi-center study of patients treated with cilta-cel at 15 U.S. academic centers. Outcomes were evaluated based on high-risk (HR) features, including functional HR disease (FHR; relapse within 18 months of first-line therapy initiation), true extramedullary disease (EMD), traditional HR cytogenetics as defined in CARTITUDE-1 [deletion 17p, t(4;14), t(14;16)], and a 2024 IMS-IMWG-adapted HR definition (deletion 17p; t(4;14) or t(14;16) with gain 1q or deletion 1p; and gain 1q with deletion 1p). Multivariable Cox regression was used to examine the association of HR features (FHR, adapted IMS-IMWG HR, and EMD, individually and collectively) with PFS while adjusting for baseline ferritin, prior BCMA, and ECOG performance status (PS ≥2). Among patients with ≥18 months of follow-up, we evaluated predictors of early relapse (≤18 months post infusion) using logistic regression. Results Our cohort included 598 patients treated with cilta-cel between 5/2022 and 12/2024 who had available data on all HR features. The median age was 65 years (range 33-83), and the median prior lines of therapy (pLOT) was 5 (range: 1-18, 84% with >3 pLOT); 8% had received prior BCMA-directed therapy, and 27% were penta-refractory. Most patients (88%) received bridging therapy and 30% achieved ≥ partial response. In our cohort, 33% (n=195) had FHR, 43% (n=258) had traditional HR cytogenetics, 42% (n=253) had adapted IMS-IMWG HR disease, and 11% (n=64) had EMD. Median follow up was 10.6 months (range 0.4-34.1). Overall response rate (ORR) and complete response (CR) rates were lower in patients with vs without HR features: FHR (ORR: 89% vs 94%, CR: 61% vs 75%), traditional HR (ORR: 90% vs 94%, CR: 65% vs 74%), adapted IMS-IMWG HR (ORR: 91% vs 94%, CR: 64% vs 75%) and EMD (ORR: 77% vs 94%, CR: 61% vs 71%). Corresponding 12-month PFS was also lower in patients with vs without HR features: FHR (55% vs 79%), traditional HR (63% vs 78%), adapted IMS-IMWG HR (61% vs 80%) and EMD (59% vs 73%). ORR, CR rate, and 12-month PFS in patients without any HR features compared to those with ≥1 HR feature were 96% vs 90%, 81% vs 64%, and 83% vs 65%, respectively. In multivariable models, each HR feature (FHR, adapted IMS-IMWG HR, and EMD) was independently associated with inferior PFS after adjusting for baseline ferritin, prior BCMA, and ECOG PS ≥ 2. However, because early relapse cannot always be identified a priori based on traditional risk factors, we sought to identify predictors of relapse within 18 months of cilta-cel in a subset of patients with ≥18 months of follow-up (N=247; infused by 12/2023). Notably, while FHR (OR=3.04, 95% CI=1.59-5.89) and adapted IMS-IMWG HR (OR=2.07, 95% CI=1.10-3.89) were independently associated with odds of relapse within 18 months, EMD was not (OR=0.90, 95% CI=0.32, 2.40) when accounting for prior BCMA, ECOG PS ≥ 2, and baseline ferritin. We also used a time-varying Cox model to examine each HR feature associated with PFS at two time periods, <18 and ≥18 months, while adjusting for baseline ferritin, ECOG PS, and prior BCMA. We confirmed that FHR and adapted IMS-IMWG HR were both associated with relapse <18 months (HR=2.05, 95% CI=1.48-2.83 and HR=1.56, 95% CI=1.11-2.19) but not in the ≥18-month time period (HR=0.70, 95% CI=0.19-2.59 and HR=0.76, 95% CI=0.24-2.40). The magnitude of the association for EMD with PFS was similar across both time periods (<18 months HR=1.67, 95% CI=1.09-2.57 and ≥18 months HR=2.17, 95% CI=0.45-10.40). Conclusion While cilta-cel leads to high response rates and durable PFS in RRMM, a subset of patients with FHR and adapted IMS-IMWG HR remains at increased risk for early relapse. In this large multi-center cohort, we describe PFS outcomes across high-risk subgroups and identify key predictors of relapse within 18 months of cilta-cel. These findings inform risk-adapted therapeutic strategies and interventional trials, including bridging, consolidation, or maintenance approaches, to improve outcomes in the highest-risk RRMM patients.