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Abstract Introduction: The prognosis of patients (pts) with histological transformation (HT) of Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) remains dismal with standard chemoimmunotherapy. CD19-targeted chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies (CAR-T) can lead to durable responses in relapsed/refractory (R/R) large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) and are approved in the second or third line settings. Pts with HT-WM were largely excluded from CAR-T trials. We previously reported high response rates in a series of 23 pts. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a larger cohort of pts with R/R HT-WM treated with CAR-T with a longer follow-up. Methods: We performed a multicenter retrospective study of pts with biopsy-proven transformed WM/lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma treated with CAR-T in the French DESCAR-T registry (NCT04328298), 4 centers from ECWM and 4 US centers. This study includes updated data from previously published cases (Durot et al, Blood, 2024). Responses were assessed according to the Lugano 2014 criteria. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) were graded according to the ASTCT 2019 consensus criteria. Hematological toxicity and infections were graded according to the NCI CTCAE (version 5.0). Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated from the date of CAR-T infusion and estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: 50 pts were included (39 from DESCAR-T centers, 7 from US centers and 4 from ECWM centers). Median age was 60 (range: 32-72) and 68 (range: 42-82) years at WM diagnosis and CAR-T infusion, respectively. MYD88L265P and CXCR4 mutations were present in 79% (23/29) and 15% (2/13) of patients with available data, respectively. The median time from WM to HT diagnosis was 5.3 years (range: 0-32). Median prior lines of therapy was 1 (range: 0-9) for WM and 2 for HT (range: 0-4). Twenty (40%) pts previously received a BTK inhibitor for WM or HT, 12 (24%) underwent prior autologous SCT and 1 pt allogeneic SCT. 40% of pts presented primary refractory disease and 44% were refractory to last treatment before CAR-T. 40 pts (80%) received bridging therapy, of whom 17 (44%) responded (7 complete responses (CR)). 35 (70%), 10 (20%), and 5 (10%) pts received axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel), tisagenlecleucel (tisa-cel), and lisocabtagene maraleucel (liso-cel), respectively. The best overall response rate (ORR) was 94%, with 44 (88%) pts reaching CR. With a median follow-up of 25.7 months (range: 1-69) from CAR-T infusion, the median PFS was 1.2 years (95% CI: 0.5-4.5) and median OS was 4.2 years (95% CI: 1.2-not reached). Median duration of response was 1.5 years (95% CI: 0.4-4.4), with a median of 4 years (95% CI: 1.5-NR) for pts still in CR at 6 months after CAR-T. 22 pts experienced relapse/progression after CAR-T, 19 related to LBCL and 3 to WM. Median survival after relapse was 7.9 months (95% CI: 3.8-25.3). At LBCL relapse after CAR-T, salvage therapy consisted of CD20xCD3 bispecific antibodies for 9 pts, lenalidomide +/- anti-CD20 or anti-CD19 antibody for 6 pts, and BTKi for 3 pts. Among 19 pts who died, 14 (74%) were due to progressive disease and 5 (26%) from infections. 37 (76%) pts experienced CRS, including 2 (4%) grade 3 events, and 22 (45%) had ICANS, with 2 (4%) ≥ grade 3 events. 17 (35%) pts presented infections, including 12 ≥ grade 3. 21 (43%) pts developed ≥ grade 3 prolonged cytopenias (ie, not resolved within 30 days post infusion). CNS involvement due to LBCL was present in 11 pts (22%) at the time of CAR-T. 6 of them had ICANS, with 1 grade 4. The best ORR was 91% (best CR 91%). Only 1 patient did not obtain a response, with stable disease at 1 month and progression at 3 months. The median PFS was 1.2 year (95% CI: 0.2-NR) and median OS was NR (95% CI: 0.5-NR). On univariate analysis, only elevated LDH was correlated with worse PFS (HR 2.5, p=0.04) and OS (HR 3.3, p=0.04). Other variables, including number of prior lines of therapy, MYD88 mutation status, primary refractory disease, refractory to last treatment, CNS involvement before CAR-T, response after bridging therapy and type of CAR-T received, were not associated with inferior PFS or OS. Conclusion: This cohort represents the largest series of pts with transformed WM treated with anti-CD19 CAR-T. We confirm the high efficacy previously reported with an acceptable safety profile, including for pts with CNS involvement due to LBCL at CAR-T infusion.

Abstract Introduction Blast transformation (BT) in CMML occurs in 15-30% of patients (pts) with a median overall survival (OS) <6 months (mo). While clonal evolution can be observed, biological mechanisms of BT remain unknown for many pts. Using paired samples from chronic phase (CP) and at BT, this study defines the cytogenetic and molecular landscape of BT-CMML. Methods BT-CMML pts from Mayo Clinic (n=153, 31%), MD Anderson (n=195, 40%), and 7 centers of the Groupe Francophone des Myélodysplasies (n=145, 29%) were included after IRB approval. ICC 2022 criteria defined CMML and AML. Pt data were collected at initial diagnosis or referral at CP and again at BT. Clonal dominance was inferred from a natural log-fold difference of mutation variant allele fractions (VAF). OS was censored at allogeneic stem cell transplant (alloSCT). Single-cell multiomic analyses used the Tapestri platform (Mission Bio). Statistics used R. Results Among 1,883 cases of CMML with a median follow up of 96 mo, 493 (26%) underwent BT. The median age at CP and BT was 69 and 71 years, respectively. BT-CMML pts were predominantly male (69%) and had proliferative CMML (53%) or CMML-1 (69%) in CP; 39% and 33% were considered high-risk by CPSS-Mol and BLAST-Mol criteria, respectively. The median time to BT was 16 mo (interquartile range 7-35 mo) and was not different in males vs females (p=0.60). Compared to their CP parameters (p<0.001 each), pts at BT had lower median hemoglobin (10.8 vs 9.2 g/dL) and platelets (100 vs 44 x109/L) but higher leukocytes (13.9 vs 16.3 x109/L), peripheral blasts (0% vs 14%), and bone marrow blasts (6% vs 32%). Blasts exhibited mostly monocytic (57%) or immature myeloid (40%) differentiation. Abnormal karyotypes (AK) were more prevalent at BT (25% vs 62%, p<0.001). Among 318 pts with paired karyotype data, 221 (69%) had a normal karyotype (NK) in CP, of which 123 (56%) remained normal at BT and 98 (44%) acquired new abnormalities. Conversely, 97 (31%) pts had an AK in CP, of which 67 (69%) acquired abnormalities or increased clonal metaphases (6%), 23 (24%) remained stable, and 7 (7%) reverted to a NK at BT. Overall, 46% acquired and 8% lost a clonal cytogenetic abnormality, while 46% remained unchanged. Numeric (37%) and structural (30%) changes were most common. Complex (12% vs 3%) and monosomal (5% vs 2%) karyotypes were more frequent at BT than in CP. Only 6 (2%) pts acquired an AML-defining rearrangement at BT. Mutational data were available for 248 paired cases. The number of somatic mutations was higher at BT (median 3 vs 4, p<0.001). Mutations in RUNX1 (27% vs 39%), NRAS (23% vs 33%), KRAS (11% vs 17%), FLT3 (6% vs 15%), NPM1 (0% vs 11%), IDH2 (5% vs 11%), and CEBPA (3% vs 10%) were more frequent at BT (all p<0.05). At BT, the average VAF of the dominant clone increased in 32%, decreased in 35%, and remained unchanged (delta ≤5%) in 33%. The most frequent dominant clones both in CP and at BT had mutations in TET2 (8% vs 4%) or co-dominant mutations involving SRSF2-TET2 (7% vs 3%). Mutational clonal evolution was observed in 72%, with mutations gained in 45% and lost from the dominant clone in 19%. The most gained mutations at BT were in NRAS (15%) and RUNX1 (13%). Single cell proteogenomic analyses in 4 selected CP and BT pts shed light on the impact of NRAS and RUNX1 mutations on clonal hierarchies and differentiation. Among 196 fully evaluable cases, a new cytogenetic and/or molecular aberration was uniquely gained in 106 (54%) cases and lost in 9 (5%), with 40 (20%) both gaining and losing a genetic alteration. Forty-one (21%) patients had no identifiable genetic change between CP and BT, suggesting driver alterations outside of that detected by routine analyses. Median OS was 31 mo from CMML diagnosis and 5.6 mo from BT. Compared to supportive care, treatment in CP did not prolong median time to BT (14 vs 17 mo, p=0.91) or OS (35 vs 29 mo, p=0.05), regardless of intensity. After BT, median OS was 1.2 mo with supportive care (n=83), 8.7 mo with a hypomethylating agent (HMA, n=39), 10 mo with HMA plus venetoclax (n=37), 7.8 mo with chemotherapy (n=91), and 31 mo in pts who underwent alloSCT (n=57). Conclusions In this large BT-CMML cohort, cytogenetic (46% gained, 8% lost) or mutational (45% gained, 19% lost) driver events were identified in 79% of pts, with 21% having no identifiable changes by conventional testing. Whole genome/transcriptome analyses are underway in this subgroup to identify novel drivers of BT.

Abstract Background Watchful waiting is a common option for pts with asymptomatic FL/MZL. Anti-tumor immunization may delay or even avoid subsequent need for more toxic therapies. EO is designed from non-self-protein sequences derived from gut bacteria, including 4 HLA-A2 CD8 T cell epitopes (synthetic mimic peptides), exhibiting molecular mimicry with specific epitopes on B cell markers (CD20, CD22, CD37, BAFF-receptor). EO also contains a CD4 helper epitope UCP2. EO expands pre-existing memory CD8 T cells recognizing non-self-epitopes from gut bacteria that cross-react with B cell antigens on tumor cells. Methods Cohort 2 (C2; planned accrual 25 pts) of EONHL1-20/SIDNEY includes HLA-A2+ pts with previously untreated FL/MZL not in need of treatment. Pts receive EO (300μg/peptide) SC with adjuvant Montanide, q2 weeks (w) x 4, then q4w, for 12 total doses. For antigen-specific immune responses, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were assayed by flow cytometry using EO-mimic or B cell peptide specific tetramers without in vitro stimulation. IFN-γ ELISPOT was used to evaluate response to UCP2 and anti-CD3. Primary endpoint is objective response rate (ORR) per Lugano 2014. A pre-defined futility boundary was applied (ORR uninteresting=5%/promising=20%). Finding at least 3 of 25 pts with ORR would meet criteria to continue development (chance of 13% and 90% for true ORR of 5% and 20%, respectively). Results As of July 2025, 22 pts had started EO. Median age 59 years (range 32-86); 9 female; 19 ECOG 0/3 ECOG 1; 19 FL/3 extranodal MZL (ENMZL); 3 Ann Arbor stage I-II/8 stage III/11 stage IV; FLIPI low risk 8/intermediate 8/high 6; FLIPI-2 low risk 12/intermediate 7/high 3; 19 GELF neg/3 pos. At a median follow-up for progression of 9.4 months, 9 pts completed EO, 4 stopped for progressive disease (PD), 2 due to PI/pt decision; 7 ongoing. Median treatment duration 38 w (range 4-39). Among 19 evaluable pts, best Lugano response was 3 complete (CR) and 6 partial responses (PR) (ORR 47% [95% CI 24%–71%]; CR-rate 16% [3%-40%]), 6 stable disease (SD), and 4 PD. ORR by PET-CT was 29% (n=14) w6, 39% (n=18) w19, 46% (n=13) w42; corresponding CR rates were 0%, 11%, 15%. Median time to response 17.1 w (range 5.3-41.1). Currently there are only 2 confirmed PD events in pts with prior PR/CR. Among 8 pts with an initial indeterminate response per LyRIC 2016 followed by a confirmatory scan, 4 pts did not have confirmed PD; a possible atypical response pattern rate of 50% on EO (occurring 5.3-41.9 w after start of EO). In 16 immune response evaluable pts, 88% and 81% had expansion of CD8 T cells specific for EO mimic and B cell target peptides, respectively. Expanded specific CD8 T cells had a memory phenotype dominated by effector memory (TEM) and central memory cells. At w5, 7 clinical responders and 7 non-responders were evaluable; more responders had a positive immune response against EO mimic (Chi-square p=0.025) and B cell target (p=0.047) peptides. Max expansion (response sum for 4 EO mimic or 4 B cell target peptides at a single timepoint w3-w8) of specific CD8 T cells (% of all peripheral CD8 T cells) was higher for responders than non-responders both for EO mimic (Mann Whitney p=0.018) and B cell target (p=0.017) peptides. Pts (4) with an initial indeterminate response (LyRIC 2016) had a higher max expansion of B cell target peptide specific CD8 T cells vs 4 pts with a typical progression pattern (Mann Whitney p=0.018) and vs all other 12 pts evaluable for immune response (p=0.029). There was no difference in CD4 T cell response to UCP2 in responders vs non-responders (induction or max immunity w3-w8). Anti-CD3 expansion of T cells indicating T cell intrinsic activation potential did not correlate with clinical response (baseline or max). The most common EO-related adverse events (AEs) were Gr (Grade) 1 (10 pts) and Gr 2 (6 pts) local administration site reactions. Other related AEs in >1 pt were Gr 1 headache (3 pts) and Gr 1-2 fatigue (3 pts). Asthenia lasting 2 days was the only related Gr 3 AE. There were 4 unrelated Gr 3 AEs (gastroenteritis, GI-hemorrhage, inguinal hernia, and syncope). There were no Gr 4-5 AE. ConclusionsEO has a favorable safety profile and is preliminary associated with an ORR of 47%, exceeding the pre-specified boundary for promising activity. The speed and level of expansion of both EO mimic and B cell target peptide specific CD8 memory T cells are associated with objective response. Results will be updated.

Abstract Background Single-agent R is a common 1st-line therapy for patients (pts) with FL, especially those with low-tumor burden advanced stage disease or comorbidities. EO is a therapeutic vaccine generated from non-self-protein sequences from gut bacteria, including 4 HLA-A2 CD8 T cell epitopes that mimic B cell-specific markers: CD20, CD22, CD37 and BAFF-receptor. EO also contains a CD4 helper epitope UCP2. EO expands pre-existing memory CD8 T cells recognizing non-self-protein sequences from gut bacteria which can cross-react with B cell antigens on tumor cells. The aim adding EO to R is to safely increase the depth and duration of responses. Methods Cohort 3 (C3) of trial EONHL1-20/SIDNEY includes pts with HLA-A2 and previously untreated low-tumor burden (GELF) FL grade 1-3A in need of treatment (per pt/treating physician). Pts receive EO (300μg/peptide) SC with adjuvant Montanide, q2 weeks (w) x 4, then q4w for a total of 12 doses, combined with R starting at w7 (375 mg/m2 IV q1w x4, then q8w x4). For immune responses blood mononuclear cells were assayed by flow cytometry and EO-mimic or B cell peptide specific tetramers without in vitro stimulation. The primary objective is to assess safety; secondary objectives include EO immunogenicity and preliminary efficacy. Results As of July 2025, the 6 planned pts had started EO. Median age was 66 years (range 46-73); 5 ECOG 0/1 ECOG 1; 1 Ann Arbor stage III/5 stage IV; FLIPI low risk 2/intermediate 2/high 2; FLIPI-2 low risk 2/intermediate 4. At median follow-up 10.6 months (mo) 4 pts completed and 2 are ongoing on EO. Median treatment duration was 43 w (range 2-43). Best response by Lugano in the 6 pts included 4 complete (CR) and 2 partial responses (PR). Median time to PR/CR was 17.1 w (range 6.0-18.0). Currently there is only 1 (not yet confirmed) progression at 20.5 mo. All 5 immune response evaluable pts had expansion of CD8 T cells specific for EO mimic and B cell target peptides during treatment; 4 of 5 had detectable expansions at w5 (1st testing time). Currently, the longest tested immune response is at w65 and positive for both EO mimic and B cell target peptides. Expanded specific CD8 T cells had a memory phenotype predominantly composed of effector memory (TEM) cells but also including central memory (TCM) and terminally differentiated effector memory CD8 T (TEMRA) cells. Across the 5 pts, the medians of max % (sum of specific CD8 T cells targeting either the 4 EO mimic peptides or the 4 B cell antigen epitopes at a specific timepoint) among all peripheral CD8 T cells were 0.71% (range 0.19-3.97) for EO mimic and 0.33% (0.20-1.30) for B cell target peptides. The most common EO-related adverse events (AEs) were local administration site reactions (erythema, pain, induration). These included Gr (Grade) 1 reactions in 3 pts, Gr 2 in 1 pt, and Gr 3 in 1 pt; latter being ulceration with EO-interruption at w10.1, and in context of a strong immune response against EO mimic [3.97% of all peripheral CD8 T cells at w5] and B cell target [1.30%] peptides, and CR from w16.7. Other EO related AEs were Gr 1 lymph node pain (1 pt), and related to both EO and R were Gr 2 urticaria (1 pt) and Gr 1 fatigue (1 pt). Only R related were Gr 2 infusion related reaction (3 pts), Gr 2 enterocolitis infection (1 pt), and in 1 pt each Gr 1 flushing, anemia, headache and diarrhea. There were no further Gr 3-4 AE and no death on treatment/follow-up. Complete B cell depletion was seen in 5 pts tested at w18 (R added w7); no recovery in the range of w30-65. Only 3 infections were reported, per above enterocolitis, and 2 cases of COVID-19 both resolved without sequalae. ConclusionsThe combination of EO with R has a predictable and manageable safety profile, with EO only adding local administration site reactions to the well-known R safety profile. In this feasibility cohort all evaluable pts developed a specific immune response against EO and B cell targets, and a Lugano objective response. The combination of EO and R is feasible and can be evaluated in further trials. Updated results will be presented at the meeting.

Abstract Background & aim: Myelodysplastic syndromes with isolated deletion of chromosome 5q (MDS-del(5q)) are associated with low-risk features and favorable prognosis. In contrast, TP53 multihit alterations, typically reflecting biallelic inactivation, are associated with high-risk features and adverse outcomes across MDS subtypes. Although current classification systems exclude MDS-del(5q) cases with TP53 multihit from low-risk categories, the prognostic significance of these alterations in this specific context remains unclear. Methods: We conducted an international, multicenter, retrospective study comparing MDS-del(5q) per 2017 WHO criteria with TP53 multihit alterations (MDS-del(5q) TP53 multihit) from 21 international institutions, to MDS with low blast counts with TP53 multihit alterations without isolated del(5q) (MDS-LB TP53 multihit) from the public data from the study of Bernard et al., Nat Med 2020. Clinical and biological data were collected at diagnosis. Genetic profiling included G-banding and NGS of myeloid genes. TP53 multihit was defined as >1 TP53 mutation or a single mutation with 17p deletion, copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity (LOH), or variant allele frequency (VAF) ≥50%. Patients were stratified as lower- or higher-risk based on IPSS-R and IPSS-M scores. Lower-risk included those with IPSS-R ≤3.5 points or very-low, low, or moderate-low IPSS-M, while higher-risk included those with IPSS-R >3.5 points or moderate-high, high, or very-high IPSS-M. Clinical, molecular features, overall survival (OS), and AML progression were compared between MDS-del(5q) TP53 multihit and MDS-LB TP53 multihit groups. Finally, outcomes between patients with likely biallelic TP53 multihit status, defined as harboring a single TP53 mutation accompanied by a co-occurring deletion/LOH of 17p or a TP53 VAF ≥50%, versus those considered less likely to be biallelic, thus still classified as multihit, defined as having >1 TP53 mutation but a combined VAF <50%, were compared in both MDS-del(5q) and MDS-LB groups. Statistical analysis was performed using R (version 4.2.2). Results: We included 113 patients with a median follow-up of 81.1 months (95% CI 74.9–NR). A total of 45 (39.8%) were MDS-del(5q) TP53 multihit, and 68 (60.2%) MDS-LB TP53 multihit. Compared to MDS-LB TP53 multihit, patients with MDS-del(5q) TP53 multihit had significantly higher platelet counts (209 ×10⁹/L vs. 77 ×10⁹/L) and were more frequently classified as lower-risk by both IPSS-R (75.4% vs. 9.8%) and IPSS-M (90.2% vs. 24.6%). The median number of mutations per patient, excluding TP53, was 1 in both groups, and only SF3B1 mutations were significantly more frequent in the MDS-del(5q) TP53 multihit group compared to MDS-LB TP53 multihit (20.5% vs. 2.9%; p<0.01). Regarding survival, MDS-del(5q) TP53 multihit patients showed an improved OS compared to MDS-LB TP53 multihit (median OS of 57.0 months (95%CI, 43.0–112.0) vs 14.0 months (95%CI, 8.6–19.0); p<0.01). Moreover, while the risk of progression to AML at 48 months were comparable between groups (34.9% for MDS-del(5q) TP53 multihit and 33.0% for MDS-LB TP53 multihit; p=0.8), a significant difference was observed in the timing of AML progression: median time to AML evolution of 31.7 months (IQR 23.4–55.3) in the MDS-del(5q) TP53 multihit group and 7.2 months (IQR 4.1–12.9) in the MDS-LB TP53 multihit group (p<0.01). Notably, no significant differences in outcomes were found between TP53 multihit and most likely biallelic cases in both MDS-del(5q) and MDS-LB cohorts. The impact of complex karyotype (CK) in MDS-LB TP53 multihit was also explored. MDS-LB TP53 multihitwith CK showed a significantly worse OS compared to MDS-LB TP53 multihitwithout CK (median OS of 10.0 months (95% CI 7.5–17.0) vs 40.0 months (95% CI 14.0–NA); respectively; p<0.001. However, the incidence of AML and median time to AML evolution were comparable between both groups. Finally, OS between MDS-LB TP53 multihit patients without CK and the MDS-del(5q) TP53 multihit cohort was compared. Median OS was significantly shorter in the former group (median of 40 months) compared to the latter (median of 61 months) (p <0.01) Conclusions: These findings underscore that, in contrast to other TP53-multihit MDS subtypes, MDS-del(5q) with TP53 multihit alterations constitute a clinically distinct entity with better outcomes, thereby warranting reconsideration of its place in current classification systems.

Abstract Introduction: Standardized reporting of clinical trials results for MDS is essential to improve clinical interpretation and cross-study comparison. However, reporting of patient characteristics, response criteria, and endpoints in publications is often inconsistent; there is no systemic analysis of MDS trial reporting available. We conducted a systematic review of published MDS trial manuscripts on behalf of the international consortium for MDS (icMDS) to assess variability in reporting practices. Methods We searched ClinicalTrials.gov to identify all clinical trials registered for adults (≥18 years) with MDS that reported results between 2015-2024. Clinical trials that included acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or MDS/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) were included if they enrolled ≥5 MDS patients. We excluded trials without an MDS cohort; non-therapeutic trials; trials focused on transplant interventions; or those which enrolled solid malignancies or other hematologic malignancies (chronic myeloid leukemia or lymphoid diseases). Finally, trials were required to have a manuscript available on Larvol, PubMed, or Google Scholar. Trials were categorized by disease risk (lower-risk [LR] vs. higher-risk [HR]) and trial phase (early phase [EP] vs. late phase [LP]). Results We identified 502 MDS trials on ClinicalTrials.gov, of which 351 did not meet inclusion criteria and 79 lacked a manuscript. A total of 72 trials (32 EP, 40 LP) with 80 publications (34 EP, 46 LP) were analyzed. Frequently reported baseline characteristics included age (100% EP, 100% LP), disease risk (74% EP, 74% LP), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (85% EP, 72% LP), prior treatments (71% EP, 67% LP), and RBC transfusion dependency (32% EP, 70% LP). Less frequently reported characteristics included blood counts (hemoglobin [Hb; 38% EP, 54% LP], platelet count [38% EP, 54% LP], neutrophil count [24% EP and LP]) and bone marrow blasts (29% EP, 43% LP). Although disease risk was widely reported, definitions varied: IPSS and IPSS-R were each reported in 54% of manuscripts, while IPSS-M appeared in only 3%. Cytogenetic risk was separately reported in 39% of manuscripts (38% EP, 39% LP), and mutational data in 45% (47% EP, 43% LP). Responses per IWG 2006 criteria were reported in 84% of manuscripts. The primary endpoint involved safety/tolerability in 85% of EP manuscripts, though definitions were variable; recommended phase 2 dose was the most common (26% of EP manuscripts). In LP trials, primary endpoints were risk-specific: transfusion independence (TI) in 77% of LR, overall response rate (ORR) in 28% of HR, and complete remission (CR) or overall survival (OS) in 22% of HR. In HR manuscripts, CR was reported in 100%, ORR in 73%, hematologic improvement (HI) in 48%, RBC-TI in 23%, and OS in 80%. However, seven different definitions were used for ORR: CR + marrow CR + partial remission + HI per IWG 2006 was most common (35%). Event-free survival was reported in 25%; progression-free survival and relapse-free survival in 13%; and leukemia-free survival in 5%. Early mortality rate was reported in 35% (18% EP, 56% LP) and transplant rate in 58% (50% EP, 67% LP). Only 47% of HR and 90% of LR manuscripts identified HI-eligible patients. In LR-MDS, RBC-TI was reported in 72% of manuscripts but used six definitions. The most common were RBC-TI ≥8 weeks at any time during treatment (24%), ≥8 weeks within 28 weeks of treatment (13%), ≥8 weeks with Hb increase ≥1.0 (4%), ≥12 weeks with Hb increase ≥1.5 (4%), and ≥16 weeks within 24 weeks of treatment (12%). The remainder did not report RBC-TI, did not define it, or used a custom definition not used in another trial. HI was reported in 80% of LR papers with most of those reporting HI using IWG 2006 criteria (90%). Conclusion Reporting of baseline characteristics, response criteria, and outcomes is inconsistent in MDS clinical trials, with wide variability in response definitions, including ORR and TI. This heterogeneity limits interpretability, hampers historical comparisons and may obscure efficacy signals. Our findings highlight the need for standardized reporting guidelines to ensure clarity and consistency in MDS trial publications. As a next phase of this effort, we will conduct a formal Delphi process among icMDS experts to establish consensus recommendations for minimal and optimal MDS clinical trial reporting in manuscripts by disease risk (LR/HR) and trial phase (EP/LP).

Abstract Introduction: Anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CART) therapy is feasible with an acceptable safety profile in older patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory (RR) large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) (Tun et al, AJH 2024). However, immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) is a frequent and challenging toxicity in older pts, and its characteristics and associated risk factors are not well defined. Methods: Seven centers participated in this retrospective study. Pts aged ≥65 years (yrs) with RR LBCL treated with a commercial CART product were included. Baseline characteristics, treatment, CART toxicity, and outcomes were collected. ICANS was graded by the ASTCT criteria in most pts. Cumulative incidences of ICANS were estimated using deaths/progressions as competing risks, and associations between incidences and variables were assessed by Gray's test. A 30-day landmark was set after infusion to reduce immortal time bias. Progression-free survival (PFS; time from the landmark to disease progression or death) and overall survival (OS; time from the landmark to death) were analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method. Statistical analyses were done in JMP v18. Results: A total of 224 pts were included. Median age at infusion was 71 yrs (range 65–89; ≥80 yrs, 12%. 142 (63%) were male and 27 (13%) had an ECOG PS scale of ≥2. The median HCT CI was 1 (range 0–6). LDH was elevated in 110 (51%) pts, 23 (19%) had bulky disease ≥7 cm, 176 (82%) had advanced-stage, and 145 (71%) had extranodal disease. Median number of prior treatments was 2 (range 1–8), and 44 (20%) had prior bendamustine. Prior stem cell therapy was done in 47 (21%) pts (autologous stem cell transplant [SCT], n = 45; allogeneic SCT, n=2). Axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) was most frequently used (58%; n=131) followed by lisocabtagene maraleucel (liso-cel) (16%, n=36) and tisagenlecleucel (tisa-cel) (25%, n=57). Median duration of ICANS was 6 days (interquartile range [IQR] 3–11; range 1–303). Median time to ICANS onset was 6 days (IQR 3.8–8.0; range 0–24). The 30-day cumulative incidence of all grade ICANS was 50.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 44.7–57.9) and grade ≥3 ICANS was 29.8% (95% CI 24.0–37.0). There was no significant difference in incidence of all grade (P=0.39) and grade ≥3 (P=0.49) ICANS as well as duration of ICANS (≥14 vs <14 days; P=0.08) according to the age groups (≥65–69 vs ≥70–74 vs ≥75–79 vs ≥80–89). In contrast, pts with an ECOG PS scale of ≥2 were associated with a higher incidence of all grade (30-day estimate, 66.7% vs 47.0%; P=0.02) and grade ≥3 ICANS (30-day estimate, 53.8% vs 25.6%; P=0.002). In addition, pts with an elevated LDH level had a higher incidence of grade ≥3 ICANS than those without (30-day estimate, 37.5% vs 18.8%;P=0.004). The incidence of ICANS varied among various CART products, with 30-day estimates of 64.9% vs 33.3% vs 29.8% (P<0.0001) for all grades and 40.1% vs 13.2% vs 18.0% (P=0.004) for grade ≥3 ICANS in pts treated with axi-cel vs tisa-cel vs liso-cel, respectively. A trend toward higher grade ≥3 ICANS was seen in pts treated with ≥3 prior lines than those treated with 2 or 1 (30-day estimate, 35.7% vs 28.1% vs 10.5%; P = 0.07). ICANS was managed with steroids in 47 (41%) pts, levetiracetam +/- other agents in 46 (40%) pts, biologic agents +/- other drugs in 15 (13%) pts, and supportive care in 6 (5%) pts. Median follow-up from the 30-day landmark post-infusion was 17.2 months (95% CI 14.2–22.4). Median PFS was 10.5 months (95% CI 5.7–18.2) and OS was 18.2 months (95% CI 13.3 vs 27.5). There was no difference in PFS and OS in pts who experienced ICANS vs no ICANS (median PFS 14.7 vs 10.1 months; P=0.65 and median OS 18.2 vs 24.7 months; P=0.49). However, there was a trend toward inferior PFS and OS in pts who experienced high-grade ICANS compared to those who had grade 0-2 ICANS (median PFS 9.2 vs 21.2; P=0.14 and median OS 11.7 =vs 22.9; P=0.39). Conclusions: This large study of older pts with RR LBCL demonstrated acceptable risks of ICANS, comparable to that in pivotal registration trials, with a relatively higher rate of grade ≥3 ICANS. The risks of ICANS were similar regardless of patient age, including those aged ≥80 yrs, but different among CART products. Similar to younger pts, high tumor burden disease and poor performance status at CART infusion were associated with higher risks of ICANS. A comprehensive neurologic and frailty assessment is warranted to identify suitable CART candidates.

Abstract Background Translocation of chromosomes 4 and 14 (t(4;14)) results in overexpression of MMSET and has been associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients (pts) with multiple myeloma (MM). KTX-1001 is a first-in-class, potent, and selective oral inhibitor of MMSET (also known as NSD2) developed as the first investigational therapy to directly target the high-risk t(4;14) translocation, a key molecular driver in MM. KTX-1001 binds to and inhibits the catalytic SET domain of MMSET, thereby suppressing the deposition of dimethylated histone H3 lysine 36 (H3K36me2), leading to downregulation of oncogenic histone modifications and epigenetic reprogramming of malignant plasma cells. Preclinically, KTX-1001 synergistically inhibited cell viability in MM cell lines when combined with a proteasome inhibitor (PI), immunomodulatory drug (IMiD), or cereblon E3 ligase modulator (CELMoD™). Preliminary findings were previously reported from the initial cohort of 18 pts enrolled in a first-in-human phase 1 trial evaluating KTX-1001 in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM; NCT05651932; Bories et al. Blood. 2024;144[Suppl 1]:3370). Here, we present updated results from this study. Methods RRMM pts who received ≥3 prior therapies, including PI, IMiD and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody (anti-CD38 mAb), received oral KTX-1001 across 9 dose levels using a 3+3 dose-escalation design. Primary objective was to determine the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Secondary objectives included pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics (PD), and primary efficacy. The dose expansion phase has been initiated to evaluate KTX-1001 in combination with either carfilzomib or the investigational CELMoD™ mezigdomide in t(4;14) RRMM pts. Results As of 13 June 2025, 40 pts have been treated in the monotherapy dose-escalation phase. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was exceeded due to dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) in 2 pts: two Grade (Gr) 4 thrombocytopenia and one Gr 3 epistaxis. Backfill at selected dose levels is ongoing to further characterize safety profile and refine dose optimization. The median time from initial MM diagnosis was 8 years (range:2-20) with a median of 6.5 prior lines of therapy (range: 3-25). This included stem cell transplant (70%), BCMA CAR-T (42.5%), and non-CAR-T BCMA targeted drugs such as antibody-drug conjugates and bispecific antibodies (57.5%). The median age was69 years (range:50-83); 21 were female and 19 were male. Extra-medullary disease was present in 13 (32.5%) pts. Nineteen (47.5%) pts had t(4;14) translocation, 5 (12.5%) had 1q21 gain and 4 (10%) had deletion 17p. A total of 16 (40%) pts have shown a treatment response according to IMWG criteria or have achieved stable disease: 1 VGPR (10+ months), 1 PR (4+ months), 2 MR (3+ and 12 months), 12 SD (2-20+ months). KTX-1001 has demonstrated a favorable tolerability profile. Grade 3 or higher treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were reported in 31 (77.5%) pts. The most frequent (≥20% pts) Gr 3/4 TEAEs were thrombocytopenia in 12 pts (30%; grade 4 in 8 [20%]), neutropenia in 12 pts (30%; febrile neutropenia in 2 [5%]), anemia in 10 (25%) pts. Gr 3 infections were observed in 5 (12.5%) pts and fatigue in 5 (10%) pts. The main reason for treatment discontinuation was progressive disease (57.5%), other pts discontinued due to physician decision (5%), consent withdrawal (5%), and one pt due to adverse event. Twelve (30%) pts remain on treatment. At Cycle 1 Day 15, drug exposure and steady-state concentrations of KTX-1001 increased with dose. A dose-dependent reduction in H3K36me2, the primary PD marker of KTX-1001 activity, was observed in peripheral blood at Cycle 2 Day 1 and beyond, which plateaued above dose-level 4. Paired bone marrow samples further confirmed on-target PD effects, with a marked reduction in H3K36me2 levels in MM cells at Cycle 2 Day 1 with observed anti-MM effect of reduced proliferation of MM cells with concomitant increased proliferation in immune cells in pts achieving clinical benefit. ConclusionsKTX-1001 is a novel agent showing tolerable safety profile in RRMM and demonstrating promising single agent activity in heavily pretreated, triple class refractory RRMM including those with high-risk features. KTX is currently evaluated in ongoing study in combination with carfilzomib and the investigational CELMoD™ mezigdomide in t(4;14) RRMM pts.

Abstract Background: Given a potential risk of extravasation with vesicants and irritants, central venous catheters (CVCs), such as port-a-cath or peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC), are commonly used for the administration of anthracycline-based chemotherapy. However, CVC placement can result in treatment delay, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), catheter malfunction, and added burdens (eg, financial, travel, etc), partly due to the need for regular flushing. Peripheral intravenous (PIV) access is often utilized in the academic setting with select frontline chemotherapy regimens. However, there is limited data reporting on the safety of PIV in this setting. This large, multicenter RWA evaluated the use and associated complications of PIV and CVC for administering CHOP- or ABVD-based chemotherapy in patients (pts) with lymphoma. Methods: We conducted a retrospective RWA across 8 U.S. centers among pts aged ≥18 years with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma who were consecutively treated with ABVD or CHOP-based anthracycline chemotherapy via PIV or CVC access between 2010-2024. Choice of catheter placement was at the discretion of the pt's treating physician. Detailed baseline and safety data were collected. The primary outcome was extravasation; secondary outcomes included infiltration, DVT, cellulitis, erythema, and pain. Standard definitions of extravasation and other complications were used (Jackson-Rose J. CJON 2017). Rates of complications were compared via Fischer exact testing. Results: A total of 1,414 pts were included in the analysis: 790 in each arm (ie, PIV vs CVC). Of these, 624 were unique to each group, while 166 pts received chemotherapy via both modalities (PIV and CVC during the treatment course). Overall, 78.9% of pts completed all treatment as planned via PIV. Median age was 63 years (IQR 45–75) in the PIV group and 61 years (IQR 40–73) in the CVC group. Male sex comprised 57% vs 51%, ECOG 0–1 performance status was 83% vs 76%, and advanced-stage disease (stage III/IV) was present in 51% vs 62%, respectively. Lymphoma subtypes were comparable: DLBCL/high-grade/B-cell NOS (54.5% vs 56.1%), Hodgkin lymphoma (27.2% vs 27.5%), T-cell lymphoma (12.4% vs 6.6%), and indolent/mantle cell lymphoma (5.6% vs 6.7%). Among those receiving chemotherapy via CVC, 78.5% were treated through a port-a-cath and 21.5% via PICC. CHOP-based and ABVD-based regimens were administered to 68% and 32% of PIV pts, and 69.6% and 30.4% of CVC pts, respectively. A total of 4,084 (PIV) vs 3,859 (CVC) treatment cycles were delivered, corresponding to 4,347 (PIV) vs 4,884 (CVC) anthracycline infusion days. There was 1 documented case of extravasation in the CVC group and 2 suspected cases in the PIV group (p=0.9); for PIV, this translates to a per pt risk of 0.3% (or 0.05% of infusion days). The two PIV cases involved elderly women with DLBCL receiving CHOP. Both developed localized symptoms post-infusion and were treated conservatively (DMSO/warm compresses or dexrazoxane/ice), with full symptom resolution within 1 week and 1 day, respectively. No tissue or vascular injury occurred. Additionally, there were no significant differences between the PIV and CVC groups in the rates of induration/swelling (1.8% vs 2.0%, p=0.85), phlebitis/cellulitis (2.4% vs 2.4%, p=0.9), venous thromboembolism (VTE; 1.4% vs 2.0%, p=0.32), or erythema (3.8% vs 5.1%, p=0.27). Pain or tenderness at the infusion site (8.5% vs 2.9%, p=0.001) and infiltration (1.4 vs 0.13%, p=0.006) were more frequent in the PIV group. Chronic vascular complications related to prior VTE was slightly lower in the PIV group (0.13% vs 0.9%, p=0.06), but not significant. Additional details from a propensity score-matched analysis will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions: This is the largest known analysis to date evaluating the safety of PIV access for anthracycline-based chemotherapy in >1,500 lymphoma pts over a recent 15-year period, representing >9,000 total treatments with CHOP or ABVD. PIV access was found to be safe and associated with a low rate of serious complications. Moreover, extravasation was rare and there was not a significant difference observed between PIV and CVC use. While PIV use was associated with higher rates of local pain/tenderness and infiltration, the events were uncommon and self-limited. Despite the widespread default to CVC placement in many centers, these findings support the selective use of PIV in appropriate pts as elucidated here.

PURPOSE Although most patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) can expect an indolent course, progressive lymphoma remains the primary cause of death during the first decade after diagnosis. Progression of disease within 24 months (POD24) of starting first-line (1L) immunochemotherapy defines a high-risk population with poor survival, but better risk stratification at diagnosis is needed. METHODS The FLIPI24 model was developed and internally validated to predict 24-month event rates using individual data from 4,485 patients treated with 1L immunochemotherapy from 10 observational cohorts of FL. Overall and cause-specific survival was further evaluated in FLIPI24 risk groups. External validation in the 1L immunochemotherapy setting was performed using the prospective observational Lymphoma Epidemiology of Outcomes (LEO) cohort (N = 565) and three randomized phase III trials (N = 3,192); extension to all patients with FL (any 1L therapy) was performed in the LEO cohort (N = 1,445) and its Molecular Epidemiology Resource subcohort (N = 1,074). RESULTS The FLIPI24 model uses age and four blood-based variables (hemoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase, beta-2 microglobulin, and WBC count). FLIPI24 showed consistent performance across validation and extension data sets, which was superior to existing prognostic tools. Across the four external immunochemotherapy validation data sets, patients with high-risk FLIPI24 (23%-32% of patients) had significantly higher 24-month event rates (22%-35%) and inferior 5-year overall survival (77%-83%) compared with patients with low-risk FLIPI24 (29%-31% of patients, 24-month event rates: 10%-12%; 5-year OS: 96%-97%). Results were consistent when evaluating lymphoma-related death and when extended to all patients with FL. CONCLUSION The FLIPI24 model robustly stratifies, at diagnosis, patients with FL at increased risk of lymphoma-related death versus patients with very low lymphoma-related mortality during the first decade after diagnosis. FLIPI24 can be used to enrich future clinical trial designs in newly diagnosed FL.