Citations

Abstract Therapeutic options for Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) have expanded but improvements in overall-survival (OS) are difficult to interpret due to competing non–WM mortality. We conducted a large single-center retrospective study of 1,020 patients with WM to evaluate survival trends. Patients were stratified by era of active WM diagnosis using a two-era model (1996–2005 and post-2005) and a four-era model (pre-2001, 2001–2007, 2008–2013, and post-2013). OS did not differ significantly across eras in the overall cohort (p = 0.64 and p = 0.86 for the two- and four-era models). However, among patients aged < 65 years at the time of active WM diagnosis in the 2-era model, OS improved in the post-2006 era (median 18.8 vs 14.1 years, p = 0.018). Cause-specific-survival (CSS) improved across all eras, increasing from 15.6 years in 1996–2005 to 18.9 years post-2006 (p < 0.0001), and from 13.7 years pre-2001 to not reached in later periods in the four-era model (p < 0.0001). Competing-risk-analysis (CRA) demonstrated a reduction in WM-related mortality over time (p < 0.001). However, excess mortality persisted, with a standardized mortality ratio (SMR) of 2.79 (p < 0.001) among patients < 65 years compared with a matched U.S. population. Our findings highlight improvements in WM-specific survival, while gains in OS are observed in younger patients.

Abstract Genome sequencing of the heterogeneous primary mitochondrial disorders (PMD) frequently reveals variants of uncertain significance that require functional tests for diagnosis, and does not identify variants in all patients. We analyzed mitochondrial enzyme assays, blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE) with in-gel activity staining, complex I assembly blot, and select protein abundances in fibroblasts of a case series of 204 PMD patients divided into functional classes, in comparison to 51 controls and 53 differential diagnostic conditions. Overall, sensitivity and specificity for respiratory chain enzyme assays were 46% and 93% respectively, for BN-PAGE 40% and 98%, for complex I assembly assay 49% and 99%. The overall sensitivity of all tests was 76%, specificity 93%, with positive predictive value 96% and negative predictive value 67%. Categories with high sensitivity were isolated complex deficiencies, nuclear DNA-encoded mitochondrial protein synthesis defects, co-factor defects, and mitochondrial amino-acyl-tRNA synthetase conditions when aided by protein abundance. Mitochondrial DNA mutations and maintenance disorders showed poor sensitivities. Secondary dysfunctions were rare. A complete battery of functional tests showed strong diagnostic clinical utility in fibroblasts. One sentence summary A combination of four mitochondrial functional tests to identify or confirm suspected primary mitochondrial disease in fibroblasts had good sensitivity and excellent specificity, well beyond what was perceived using enzyme assays only.

ABSTRACT Primary plasma cell leukemia (pPCL) is a rare and aggressive plasma cell disorder with inferior outcomes compared with multiple myeloma (MM). However, studies describing outcomes after first progression and subsequent lines of therapy remain limited. We retrospectively analyzed 104 patients with pPCL who progressed after first‐line therapy treated at one comprehensive cancer center between 2006 and 2024. Clinical characteristics, treatments, time to next treatment (TTNT), and overall survival (OS) were assessed using Kaplan–Meier methods. All pPCL patients received novel agent–based induction. At the time of analysis, 63% had died; median OS was 39 months. High‐risk cytogenetics were present in 71%. The median TTNT after first‐line therapy was 10 months. Symptomatic progression occurred in 29% of patients and was associated with significantly inferior subsequent OS (13 vs. 34 months) compared with those experiencing asymptomatic biochemical progression. The TTNT progressively shortened with subsequent lines of therapy (3rd line: 6 months; 4th line: 4 months; 5th line: 3 months). Notable exceptions included pPCL patients with t (11;14) treated with anti‐BCL‐2‐based regimens, who achieved a median TTNT of 13 months. Additionally, 24 patients received anti‐BCMA CAR T‐cell therapy. With a median follow‐up of 21 months, their median TTNT was 32 months. pPCL is characterized by frequent disease progression and diminishing response duration with successive therapeutic lines. Symptomatic progression portends particularly poor outcomes. Anti‐BCL‐2‐based therapy in t (11;14) disease and anti‐BCMA CAR T‐cell therapy appear to provide more durable disease control and represent important advances for the management of progressed pPCL.

Background: Longitudinal assessments are increasingly common as a component of continuing certification programs offered by medical specialty boards. The goal of this study was to understand anesthesiologists’ utilization pattern, performance, and perception of the longitudinal assessment program administered by the American Board of Anesthesiology (Raleigh, North Carolina). Methods: The authors analyzed assessment usage and survey data from all anesthesiologists who participated in the Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology (MOCA) Minute from January 2018 to December 2019. Results: During the 24-month study period, 25,404 anesthesiologists completed all 120 questions assigned in at least 1 calendar year, collectively 5,801,160 responses to 1,646 unique questions. Participants were more likely to complete questions at the end of each quarter, with the highest frequency at the end of the year. Seventy-five percent of responses were first-time attempts, and 17% were first repeats. The median interval between original question presentation and first repeat was 314 days. The mean ± SD percent correct score was 68.3 ± 8.0% for first-time questions and 75.5 ± 12.6% for first repeats. The mean ± SD time to answer a first-time question was 26.8 ± 13.1 s, with shorter times for questions with correct than incorrect responses (25.0 ± 12.7 vs . 30.7 ± 13.3 s; time difference, −5.69 s; 95% CI, −5.71 to −5.66; P < 0.001). Of 5.11 million responses with ratings of relevance (88.2% of all responses analyzed), 4.86 million (95.2%) were felt to be somewhat or very relevant to practice. The percent correct scores were higher for responses with higher relevance and confidence ratings. For responses rated “not relevant,” “somewhat relevant,” and “very relevant,” the percent correct was 58.5%, 67.6%, and 77.0%, respectively; for responses rated as “unsure,” “somewhat confident,” and “very confident,” the percent correct was 53.6%, 67.9%, and 84.4%, respectively. Conclusions: MOCA Minute was generally used as designed. Evidence of learning was suggested by improved performance on repeat questions.

e19564 Background: Risk stratification in multiple myeloma (MM) relies on baseline staging systems and cytogenetic abnormalities, yet early relapse occurs in a subset of patients despite favorable risk features. Prior studies showed that clonal plasma cell S-phase assessed by flow cytometry using the plasma cell proliferation (PCPRO) assay at diagnosis and at autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) identifies biologically high-risk disease. The prognostic significance of clonal plasma cell S-phase following ASCT has not been well defined. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed MM patients who underwent ASCT within one year of diagnosis between January 1, 2013, and August 31, 2024. Patients without available post-ASCT clonal plasma cell S-phase assessment were excluded, yielding 150 evaluable patients. The proportion of clonal plasma cells in S-phase was determined by DNA content between G0/G1 and G2/M peaks and reported as a percentage. S-phase was assessed at the first post-ASCT marrow evaluation at day +60 (D45–75) and/or day +100 (D76–130), using the earlier assessment when both were available. Patients were classified as low (<2%) or high (≥2%) post-ASCT S-phase. Landmark progression-free survival (PFS) analyses were performed from the post-transplant assessment. Multivariable Cox models adjusted for cytogenetic risk, maintenance therapy, disease response at transplantation, International Staging System (ISS), and age. Results: Among 150 evaluable patients, 36 (24%) had high post-ASCT S-phase (≥2%) and 114 (76%) had low post-ASCT S-phase (<2%). Median age at ASCT was higher in the high S-phase group (64.5 vs 61.0 years; p=0.063), and advanced ISS stage (II/III) was more frequent (78% vs 57%; p=0.02). Cytogenetic risk, induction regimen, depth of response at transplantation, and maintenance therapy were similar between groups. Patients with high post-ASCT S-phase had significantly inferior PFS compared with those with low S-phase (median 17.0 vs 39.7 months; p=0.0003). On multivariable analysis, post-ASCT S-phase ≥2% remained independently associated with inferior PFS (HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.00–3.09; p=0.049). In an exploratory analysis among patients with paired S-phase assessments at the time of ASCT and post-ASCT, dynamic S-phase trajectories further stratified outcomes. Median PFS was longest in patients with persistently low S-phase (low→low; 39.7 months), intermediate in those converting from high to low S-phase (high→low; 27.2 months), and shortest in patients with newly emergent or persistently high post-ASCT S-phase (low→high: 15.0 months; high→high: 11.0 months) p=0.0019. Conclusions: Elevated proliferative activity of residual clonal plasma cells following ASCT identifies a biologically high-risk subset of MM patients with early relapse. Dynamic changes in post-ASCT S-phase further refine post-transplant risk stratification.

e15713 Background: Fruquintinib demonstrated overall survival benefit in heavily pretreated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in FRESCO and FRESCO-2. The FDA approved fruquintinib on Nov 8, 2023 for adult patients with mCRC after standard chemotherapy plus anti-VEGF therapy, with anti-EGFR therapy when appropriate (e.g., RAS wild-type). Observed geographic variation in post-approval uptake suggests potential disparities in the delivery of evidence-based medicine across U.S. regions. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using Epic Cosmos, a database of over 300 million patient records from over 1,500 hospitals nationwide. We identified adults with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with prior standard systemic therapy exposure and recorded fruquintinib exposure following FDA approval beginning Nov 8, 2023. Fruquintinib uptake was analyzed by U.S. Census region and state, expressed as the proportion of eligible mCRC patients receiving fruquintinib within each geography. Results: Among 116,116 pre-treated mCRC patients, 6,722 (5.79%) had recorded fruquintinib exposure during the post-approval period. Uptake varied nearly five-fold across states (2.27%–11.33%) (Table). High-uptake states were disproportionately concentrated in the central U.S./Midwest, whereas multiple low-uptake states were observed in the West and Northeast, suggesting broader regional variation beyond state-to-state differences. Conclusions: In a large national EHR-derived cohort of pre-treated mCRC patients after U.S. approval, fruquintinib uptake demonstrated substantial geographic variation. These findings raise concern for inequities in delivery of evidence-based later-line therapy and highlight the need to identify modifiable system- and site-level drivers (e.g., access, referral patterns, treatment infrastructure) to promote equitable adoption. Fruquintinib uptake among eligible metastatic colorectal cancer patients by U.S. state. Rank Geography Eligible mCRC (N) Fruquintinib uptake (%) Overall Overall 116,116 5.79 Top 1 Oklahoma 1,236 11.33 2 Kansas 1,312 10.75 3 Indiana 2,448 10.70 4 Missouri 1,521 9.47 5 Connecticut 2,208 9.24 Bottom 1 Washington 1,232 2.27 2 Nevada 441 2.72 3 Rhode Island 476 2.73 4 Tennessee 1490 2.82 5 Maine 614 2.93 Fruquintinib uptake is reported as the proportion of eligible pre-treated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients with recorded fruquintinib exposure following U.S. FDA approval. States are ranked by uptake percentage.

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

7514 Background: Iberdomide (Iber) is a CELMoD that binds with greater specificity & affinity to the cereblon protein of the E3 ligase complex than a traditional IMiD. Both transplant-eligible (TE) & ineligible (TIE) patients (pts) with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) are currently treated with quadruplet induction, consisting of an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, a proteasome inhibitor, an IMiD & dexamethasone (dex). We conducted a clinical trial (NCT05392946, IDEAL) to examine the efficacy of a novel finite-duration approach, using Iber, daratumumab, bortezomib & dex (Iber-DVd) quadruplet induction followed by Iber monotherapy maintenance. Methods: Both TE and TIE pts with NDMM were enrolled in this Phase 1 (3+3 design)/Phase 2 (single stage) trial. The primary goal was to assess the ≥complete response (CR) rate — utilizing the more sensitive serum MASS-FIX assay in lieu of serum immunofixation — during induction. Treatment involved twelve 28-day cycles of induction with Iber, given PO at the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D), days 1-21, daratumumab 1800mg SQ, weekly for 2 cycles, every other week during Cycles 3-6, & every 4 weeks thereafter, bortezomib 1.3 mg/m 2 SQ, weekly & dex 40 mg, weekly, followed by Iber monotherapy (24 cycles). Growth factor was not allowed during the dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) assessment period (Cycle 1). Results: Among 47 pts enrolled, 9 pts were in Phase 1 portion which assessed the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), with Iber starting at 1 mg/day dose, days 1-21 [Dose Level (DL) 1]. DLT (all grade 4 neutropenia) was noted in 3 pts, 2 at DL 1 & 1 at DL -1. This analysis includes 44 pts who received Iber at the RP2D (0.75 mg/day, days 1-21), including 6 pts from the Dose Confirmation Cohort (Phase 1, DL -1), dosed at MTD, & 38 pts in the Dose Expansion Cohort. The median age at registration was 65 years (range 36-86 years), & 23 pts (52.3%) were deemed high-risk. At data cut-off, pts had received a median of 15 cycles (range 3-36) of therapy. Overall response rate was 100%; ≥CR rate, 36.4% (95% CI: 22.4, 52.2) during induction & 52.3% (95% CI: 36.7, 67.5), overall, including the maintenance phase. The marrow flow-based (10 -5 ) MRD negative rate was 29.5% during induction & 47.7% overall. At a median follow-up (FU) 18.3 mos, 2 pts have died (one during FU due to progressive disease & the other on-treatment due to COVID-19). 12- (& 18-) month progression-free survival & overall survival rates were 91% (88%) & 97% (94%), respectively. Most common toxicities at RP2D were lymphopenia, neutropenia (leading 27% of pts to require pegfilgrastim support), rash, peripheral neuropathy, diarrhea, & infections. Cases of high-grade fatigue were low (<5%). Updated data will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions: Iber-DVd is an active and safe regimen for both TE and TIE pts with NDMM, leading to high response rates which improved over time, with nearly one-half of the pts achieving MRD negative state. Clinical trial information: NCT05392946 .