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Abstract Background Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) can progress from chronic phase to accelerated or blast phase (MPN-AP/BP), a transition with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. While some abnormalities have been described, the genomic and clonal drivers of transformation remain poorly defined. We characterized mutational and structural alterations in MPN-AP/BP, leveraging paired samples to trace clonal evolution. Methods We profiled 186 samples from 160 individuals, including 159 MPN-AP/BP and 27 chronic-phase MPN samples (26 MF, 1 PV), using targeted sequencing of a 588 gene panel (mean depth: 709x). Paired pre- and post-transformation samples were available for 26 patients (n= 52). A consensus pipeline was used to detect somatic mutations, copy number variations (CNVs), and copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity (cnLOH). Clinical cytogenetic data were integrated when available. Single-cell validation is ongoing. Results Genomic complexity was widespread: 99% of patients harbored ≥1 oncogenic mutation (median 4; range 1–10). In total, 859 mutations were identified, most commonly in JAK2 (68%), ASXL1 (28%), TET2 (26%), SRSF2 (24%), TP53 (22%), and RUNX1 (22%). 684 structural alterations were identified in 86% of patients (median 3; range 1-20), including arm-level (22.5%), segmental (>5 Mb; 60%), and focal (<2 Mb; 9%) alterations. Recurrent events included 9p cnLOH (16%), del(5q) (13%), del(17p) (10%), and focal deletion of 21q22.12 involving RUNX1 (10%). Complex karyotypes (≥3 abnormalities) were observed in 55% of patients. Biallelic mutations accounted for 21% (183/859) of mutations, affecting 58% of patients across 21 genes, most frequently JAK2 V617F (28%), TP53 (17%) and TET2 (14%). Patients with biallelic mutations in these genes had significantly higher blast percentages compared to those with monoallelic mutations (p<0.05), highlighting an association with aggressive disease. In 26 patients with longitudinal samples (chronic phase MPN and MPN-AP/BP), 87% (125/144) of mutations were already detectable during the chronic phase, on average more than 7 years prior to transformation. Only 11% (16/144) of mutations were newly acquired, including additional RUNX1 and TP53 hits, or structural changes that converted pre-existing JAK2 V617F and TP53 R248Q mutations from monoallelic to biallelic via 9p cnLOH or 17p loss, respectively. These findings suggest transformation is often driven by outgrowth of pre-existing high-risk clones, indicating that these clones likely have a competitive advantage and that the mutations within these clones have a cooperative biological interaction which underlies this competitive advantage. To investigate this hypothesis, we examined whether patterns of recurrent co-mutations were identifiable in this cohort. We identified recurrent co-occurring mutations in SRSF2-IDH2, ASXL1-SRSF2, and ASXL1-EZH2, which were enriched at transformation (p < 0.05; Fisher exact test). Importantly, presence of these co-mutations was consistently associated with a higher transformation risk in two independent cohorts of MF patients from Mayo Clinic (n= 405) and University of Florence (n= 518). Clonal architecture analysis revealed that these co-mutations frequently arose within the same malignant clone: 100% for SRSF2-IDH2, 80% for ASXL1-SRSF2, and 85% for ASXL1-EZH2, and are often within the dominant clone. Prior studies have demonstrated mechanistic interplay between SRSF2 and IDH2 (Yoshimi et al.), as well as ASXL1 and SRSF2 (Sui et al.) mutations in myeloid malignancies. We assessed functional synergy of ASXL1-EZH2 using a murine model and identified that dual deletion caused a rapidly fatal myeloid neoplasm with shorter survival than single-gene loss. These results reinforce that functional synergy emerges within a shared cellular context, supporting clonal co-dependence as a driver of progression. Single-cell RNA sequencing of ASXL1-EZH2 mutant cases is ongoing and will be presented. Conclusions Transformation to MPN-AP/BP is driven by gradual clonal remodeling and expansion of pre-existing high-risk abnormalities. Biallelic and multi-hit alterations in TP53, JAK2, TET2, and RUNX1 promote clonal dominance and blast progression. Recurrent co-mutations such as IDH2-SRSF2 and ASXL1-EZH2 arise within the same clone, exhibit functional synergy, and are linked to poor outcomes. These findings support the clinical utility of early clonal and co-mutational profiling to guide risk-adapted intervention.

Abstract Background and Significance: Polycythemia vera (PV) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm associated with pathologic erythrocytosis, most often driven by somatic mutations in the JAK2 gene. A key treatment goal is maintaining hematocrit (HCT) below 45% to reduce thromboembolic complications. Current standard of care for patients diagnosed with PV, including phlebotomy (PHL) and cytoreductive therapies (CRT), can be burdensome, may lead to intolerable adverse effects, and often are associated with symptoms of iron deficiency. DISC-3405 is an investigational, novel, humanized immunoglobulin (Ig)G1 monoclonal antibody that targets transmembrane serine protease 6 (TMPRSS6, also known as matriptase 2) to stimulate endogenous production of hepcidin, a peptide hormone secreted by hepatocytes and the key regulator of iron homeostasis. In a randomized, placebo-controlled study in healthy volunteers (DISC-3405-101), DISC-3405 administered subcutaneously at doses between 37.5-300 mg was well-tolerated, resulted in dose-dependent pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles, significantly increased hepcidin production with corresponding reductions in serum iron levels, and reduced HCT (Liu et al, EHA 2025, PS2207). DISC-3405 is being developed as a potential treatment for patients with PV requiring HCT reduction, regardless of baseline risk or concurrent CRT. Study Design and Methods: This is a multi-center, open-label, 52-week Phase 2 study enrolling up to 20 patients with PV in the United States to assess the safety, tolerability, PK, pharmacodynamics (PD), and therapeutic effect of DISC-3405 on PV disease control as evidenced by HCT reduction and PHL requirements. After an observation period of 4-12 weeks, participants will be treated and followed for 52 weeks and dosed up to 300 mg every 2 weeks. After 52 weeks, participants can continue in an optional 2-year continuation phase where long-term safety and efficacy will continue to be assessed. The main efficacy endpoints of the study include the proportion of participants achieving therapeutic response, defined as absence of PHL eligibility; number of PHLs during the treatment period; and proportion of participants with HCT values <45% throughout the study. PHL eligibility is defined as (1) HCT ≥45% and ≥3% (absolute change) of pre-treatment values or (2) HCT >48%. Eligible participants include adults 18 or older who meet the 2022 World Health Organization diagnostic criteria for PV. Clinically acceptable laboratory values include HCT <45% prior to Day 1 (dosing) or HCT <48% if followed by a PHL within 2 weeks prior to first dose of study drug, white blood cells 4000/μL to 20,000/μL (inclusive), and platelets 100,000/μL to 1,000,000/μL (inclusive). Participants should have at least 3 PHL in 26 weeks or 5 PHL in the 52 weeks prior to screening, and at least 1 PHL within 12 weeks prior to screening. Participants receiving CRT must have been on the therapy for at least 6 months and on a stable PV treatment regimen, including hydroxyurea, interferon, or ruxolitinib, for at least 2 months. Participants treated with only PHL must have stopped CRT 6 months before screening. Key exclusion criteria include participants that require PHL at HCT levels <45%, clinically significant thrombosis within 2 months prior to study treatment, active or chronic bleeding, estimated glomerular filtration rate of <30 mL/min/1.73 m2, and history of invasive malignancies within the last 5 years, except localized cured prostate cancer and cervical cancer, or other malignancies deemed acceptable in discussion with the Sponsor. The study will enroll participants from approximately 15-20 sites in the United States. Additional details can be found at https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06985147.

Abstract Introduction Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a myeloid neoplasm with overlapping features of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Blast transformation (BT) is a frequent complication of CMML with a 3-year risk of approximately 31%. MPN driver mutations (i.e., JAK2, CALR, MPL) are known to occur in CMML but their impact on overall survival (OS) or BT remains uncertain. Methods The current study was conducted under institutional review board approved minimum risk protocols that allowed retrospective collection and analysis of patient data. Diagnostic criteria were according to the International Consensus Classification (Blood 2022; 140:1200). For survival analysis, patients were censored at the time of allogeneic stem cell transplant (ASCT). All statistical analyses were conducted using JMP Pro 17.0.0 software (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA) and Bluesky Statistics Software (Worldwide Headquarters, Chicago, IL, USA). Results A total of 612 CMML patients were considered (median age 71 years; 68% males). MPN driver mutations (MPNMUT) were detected in 56 (9%) patients, including 43 (77%) with JAK2, 10 (18%) MPL, and 3 (5%) CALR. The median variant allele frequencies were 44% for JAK2 (range, 0.3–100%), 49% for MPL (range, 0.3–97%), and 50% for CALR (range, 20–80%). Age and sex distributions and CMML-1 vs. CMML-2 representation were similar between CMML patients with and without MPNMUT. On the other hand, CMML patients with MPNMUT were more likely to display higher hemoglobin level (p <0.01), platelet count (p <0.01), absolute neutrophil count (p = 0.02) and leukocytosis (≥13 ×109/L; p <0.01); they were also less likely to be red blood transfusion dependent (p <0.01), display platelet counts of <100 ×109/L (p <0.01) or abnormal karyotype (p= 0.03), present with severe anemia (p= 0.03) or harbor NRAS mutation (p = 0.02). Higher Mutational frequencies of SRSF2 (median 53% vs. 41%; p = 0.01), TP53 (median 8% vs. 2%; p = 0.02) and IDH2 (median 13% vs. 4%; p = 0.01) were noted in CMML patients with MPNMUT. During a median follow-up of 23 months (inter-quantile range 11-51 months) for all 612 CMML patients, 402 (67%) deaths, 118 (19%) BT and 108 (18%) ASCT were documented. Of these, 36 (9%) deaths, 18 (15%) BT and 13 (12%) ASCT occurred in patients with MPNMUT. Median OS for the entire group (N=612) was 32 months with 1-, 2- and 3-year OS rates of 78%, 58% and 47%, respectively. There was no significant difference in OS between CMML patients with or without MPNMUT (median 41 vs 31 months; p = 0.27). Thrombotic events were reported in 53 (9%) patients after diagnosis of CMML, including 48 venous and 5 arterial events. There was no significant difference in arterial (p = 0.10) or venous (p = 0.76) thrombosis-free survival between CMML patients with or without MPNMUT. Among all 612 patients with CMML, followed for a median of 18 months for living patients, 118 (19%) experienced BT, with 1-, 3-, and 5-year BT rates of 10.8%, 23.1%, and 31%, respectively. Cumulative incidence analysis function (CIF) was calculated in order to assess the BT-free survival while accounting for death as a competing risk; 3-year CIF was 30% for CMML patients with vs. 18% for those without MPNMUT (Gray's test; p = 0.01). This observation was confirmed in univariate analysis of time to BT (HR 1.7; p=0.03) as well as the corresponding multivariable analysis involving other mutations and clinical risk factors: MPNMUT (HR 1.8; 0.036), ASXL1MUT (HR 2.3; p<0.01), DNMT3AMUT (HR 2.6; p<0.01), CMML-2 vs. CMML-1 (HR 3.4; p<0.01), and leukocyte count ≥13 ×109/L (HR 2.0; p<0.01). SRSF2, IDH2, and TP53 mutations did not impact BT. Notably, the aforementioned risk factors for BT, including ASXL1MUT and DNMT3AMUT, were no longer significant when analysis was restricted to patients with MPNMUT. Conclusions The current study suggests a higher risk of BT in CMML patients with MPNMUT, independent of other molecular or clinical risk factors for BT. On the other hand, overall and thrombosis-free survival did not appear to be similarly influenced. The differential impact of previously recognized risk factors for BT in CMML (e.g., ASXL1MUT, DNMT3AMUT, CMML-2, CMML-MP), in the presence (lost significance) vs. absence (remained significant) of MPNMUT was intriguingly noted.

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: Indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM) is a clonal mast cell disease driven by the KIT D816V mutation in ~95% of cases and is associated with symptoms of mast cell activation and tissue infiltration. It can cause chronic, debilitating symptoms − including life-threatening anaphylaxis and impaired bone health. While historically most patients have relied on symptom-directed best supportive care (BSC) therapies, avapritinib is used as a new standard of care targeting KIT D816V, the primary driver for SM. Avapritinib is an oral, potent, selective KIT D816V inhibitor, and the first and only approved targeted therapy for adult patients with ISM in the USA and the EU. Approval was based on results from the phase 2 PIONEER trial. Here, we present the findings from ~3.5-year long-term follow-up. Methods: Adults with centrally confirmed ISM and uncontrolled moderate-to-severe symptoms who completed the randomized dose-finding (Part 1), or randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled (Part 2) portions of PIONEER (NCT03731260) rolled over to the open-label, long-term extension (Part 3). This cumulative analysis includes patients who initiated avapritinib at the recommended dose of 25 mg once daily (QD) in either Parts 1, 2, or 3. All patients received BSC. Per investigator discretion and based on disease burden, dose titration up to 50 mg QD of avapritinib was permitted in Part 3. Long-term efficacy was assessed by measuring changes in symptoms and QoL, using the ISM-Symptom Assessment Form (ISM-SAF; ©2018 Blueprint Medicines, a Sanofi Company) and the Mastocytosis Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (MC-QoL). Safety was also assessed. Results: Overall, 226 patients initiated avapritinib 25mg QD across Parts 1, 2, and 3. This longer-term analysis is inclusive of 65 patients who dose titrated from 25 mg to 50 mg QD in Part 3. Median (range) treatment duration was 40.0 months (0.7‒67.2) as of February 21, 2025. Longer-term efficacy data with ~3.5 years of follow-up demonstrated sustained disease-related symptom improvements. The mean change (standard deviation [SD]) in total symptom score (TSS, per ISM-SAF), was −19.80 (19.81) at Week 144 (Month 33) and −20.43 (20.57) at Week 168 (Month 39) from a baseline of 48.08 (19.47). Additionally, avapritinib-treated patients demonstrated durable improvement in their most severe symptoms (mean change [SD] from baseline of −3.35 [3.02] at Month 33 and −3.47 [3.19] at Month 39) per ISM-SAF. Sustained responses were observed across all individual symptom domains (0–30) with mean changes (SD) at Month 33 and Month 39 of −3.77 (5.52) and −3.84 (6.05) for the gastrointestinal domain, −8.21 (7.70) and −8.20 (7.85) for the skin domain, and −4.66 (6.24) and −4.87 (6.51) for the neurocognitive domain. The mean percent change (SD) in MC-QoL was −34.67 (40.16) at Month 33 and −40.72 (33.24) at Month 39 from a baseline of 54.24 (18.32). Treatment with avapritinib was well tolerated, and its safety profile was similar to the previously reported placebo-controlled portion. Most treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were Grades 1–2, and 7% of patients experienced Grade ≥3 TRAEs of which diarrhea, neutrophil count decrease, and weight increase occurred in >1 patient. No Grade ≥3 TRAEs of increase in transaminases were observed. Edema (peripheral and periorbital), the most frequently reported TRAE, was mostly Grade 1 and occurred most frequently during the first 3–4 months of treatment. Three patients (1%) experienced serious adverse events assessed as treatment related. However, none led to treatment discontinuation and no trends were observed. After approximately 3.5 years of follow-up, low rates of treatment discontinuations (n=7, 3%) due to TRAEs were observed. Conclusion: Longer follow-up of patients with ISM treated on the PIONEER trial, including some on avapritinib for up to 5 years, demonstrates that prolonged avapritinib therapy continues to be effective and well tolerated. Additional prospective analyses will be needed to determine effects of selective KIT D816V-inhibition on anaphylaxis. These data support a favorable benefit-risk profile of avapritinib as a chronic treatment for adult patients with ISM.

Abstract Background: Cryoprecipitate is indicated for bleeding patients with hypofibrinogenemia, typically when fibrinogen levels fall below 100–150 mg/dL. Despite established national transfusion guidelines, inappropriate use remains a persistent issue in clinical practice, especially in community hospitals where formal transfusion oversight may be limited. Unnecessary transfusions can expose patients to avoidable risks and contribute to increased healthcare costs. As part of a hospital-wide quality improvement initiative, we conducted a retrospective review of cryoprecipitate use at our institution to assess adherence to transfusion guidelines and identify areas for improvement. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of all cryoprecipitate transfusions at Landmark Medical Center, a 214-bed community hospital in Rhode Island, between January 2021 and June 2025. Transfusion episodes were identified through blood bank records. For each episode, we extracted the number of units ordered and administered, pre-transfusion fibrinogen levels, documented clinical indication in the electronic medical record (EMR), and any product wastage. Each transfusion was assessed based on institutional criteria aligned with national guidelines, which recommend cryoprecipitate only in cases of active bleeding with fibrinogen <100–150 mg/dL. Results: Twenty patients received cryoprecipitate in 23 transfusion episodes involving 32 units. Of these, 28 units were administered and 4 were wasted. The majority of patients were female (65%), and 40% were between ages 61 and 75. Only 10 of 23 episodes (43%) met established transfusion criteria. Nine episodes (39%) were given when fibrinogen levels ranged between 100–200 mg/dL, and two episodes (9%) occurred with levels >200 mg/dL. One transfusion was administered without a documented fibrinogen level. Additionally, 8 episodes (35%) lacked a clearly documented indication in the EMR. Three episodes (13%) involved product wastage, including one with no documentation and another where an order was placed but the unit was not administered. Conclusion: This review revealed that more than half of cryoprecipitate transfusions did not meet guideline-based criteria. The findings point to deficiencies in provider knowledge, inconsistent documentation, and limited transfusion oversight contributing to inappropriate use. These results highlight the need for targeted interventions, including: (1) provider education on transfusion thresholds, (2) EMR-based decision support requiring lab values prior to ordering, and (3) routine audits with feedback. Strengthening transfusion practices through structured quality improvement efforts can reduce unnecessary use, improve patient safety, and preserve limited blood product supplies for those who truly need them.

Abstract Background Etentamig is a second-generation B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) x CD3 bispecific antibody that has shown promising efficacy and a favorable safety profile in heavily pretreated patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Etentamig possesses a unique combination of 2 high-affinity BCMA binding domains, coupled to a low-affinity CD3 binding domain that have been shown to reduce the negative impact of soluble BCMA (sBCMA), decrease risk for cytokine release syndrome (CRS), and drive sustained T-cell activation with reduced immune exhaustion in preclinical models of MM (Blood 2023;142 [suppl 1]:4666). Here, we describe correlative biomarker analyses from Phase 1 (NCT03933735) and Phase 1b (NCT05650632) clinical trials of etentamig in RRMM designed to assess the impact of sBCMA on clinical response and pharmacodynamic changes in proinflammatory cytokines, and T-cell redistribution, activation, proliferation, and exhaustion. Methods Peripheral blood and serum samples from patients with RRMM enrolled in Phase 1 and Phase 1b open-label studies who received etentamig monotherapy were collected at baseline, on treatment, and at disease progression. The Phase 1b study consisted of dose-optimization (DO) and dose-expansion (DE) phases. During DO, patients received a single step-up dose (SUD) of intravenous etentamig (2 or 4 mg) on Cycle (C) 1 Day (D) 1, followed by the target dose of 60 mg on D4. In DE, based on DO findings, patients received the recommended etentamig SUD (2 mg) on C1D1, followed by 60 mg on D4 with modified dexamethasone predosing. Samples were analyzed by flow cytometry for immune cell populations, Luminex® for cytokines, and electrochemiluminescence for sBCMA. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells and bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMC) at baseline and on-treatment were subjected to single-cell Cellular Indexing of Transcriptomes and Epitopes sequencing (scCITEseq) and single-cell T-cell receptors (scTCR) / B-cell receptors clonality analyses. Results While baseline serum sBCMA levels did not correlate with clinical response to etentamig at the selected dose level of 60 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) with 2 mg SUD, a reduction in sBCMA levels over time was associated with best International Myeloma Working Group response. Etentamig treatment led to a rapid and transient increase of proinflammatory cytokines and promoted T-cell redistribution, activation, and proliferation. Maximum reduction in peak levels of CRS-related cytokines, including (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor–a), were observed in DE compared with DO and 60 mg Q4W without SUD. Peak induction levels of proinflammatory cytokines during C1 correlated with occurrence of CRS (≥Grade [G] 1) as well as clinical response across dose levels. A modified dexamethasone premedication schedule of 2 mg/60 mg Q4W cohort for C1 resulted in significantly reduced baseline levels of IL-6 and key macrophage-associated cytokine/chemokines (eg, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and macrophage inflammatory protein-3 beta). Incidence of CRS was lowest in the 2 mg/60 mg Q4W cohort (26% G1, 4% G2, 0% ≥G3). Higher T-cell to myeloma cell ratio in BMMCs at baseline correlated with better response to etentamig. scCITEseq and scTCR analysis revealed that at baseline, responders also had greater CD8+ T-cell cytotoxic activities, increased TCR clonality, and elevated inflammatory signatures in T-cells from both peripheral blood and bone marrow. Etentamig at a dosage of 60 mg Q4W resulted in significant clonal expansion of CD8+ effector T-cells and enhanced gene expression signatures related to activation and cytotoxicity in both CD8+ T effector and natural killer cells. Along treatment cycles, responders maintained their T-cell fitness, high clonality, and low T-cell exhaustion levels. Frequency of baseline CD4+ or CD8+ T-cell exhaustion (programmed cell death receptor 1+/ T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 +) did not impact clinical response at optimal dose level of 2 mg/60 mg Q4W etentamig. Conclusions Responses to etentamig were independent of baseline sBCMA levels and resulted in rapid and transient proinflammatory cytokine production that promoted robust T-cell redistribution, activation, and proliferation indicating that the optimal dose of etentamig (2 mg/60 mg Q4W) maximizes its clinical potential as a convenient, safe, and effective therapy for MM.

Abstract Background: Flow cytometry (FC) is widely utilized for the identification of measurable residual disease (MRD) in multiple myeloma (MM), providing an essential laboratory indicator for prognostic assessment and therapeutic management. Unfortunately, the high level of expertise required, long manual analysis time, and complexity of FC data files currently limit the offering of this testing to selected reference laboratories. Methods: We developed an artificial intelligence (AI) pipeline to automatically enhance unaltered FC files, minimizing the expertise and manual analysis time needed to detect MM MRD using the 2-tube Euroflow Consortium Panel (Cytognos). Raw FC files corresponding to 150 MRD-positive bone marrow samples (MRD < 5%, median = 0.0022%), and 39 MRD-negative samples were processed through our CCADDAS (Clustering and Classification of All events, Dimensionality reduction, Downsampling and Aberrancy Scaling) pipeline, deployed on a custom clinical-grade cloud environment (Biolegend). Automated processing steps included elimination of acquisition errors (FlowCut), state-of-the-art clustering (PARC), cluster-informed and density-based downsampling with preservation of low-event subsets, dimensionality reduction (UMAP), and cluster-based anomaly detection compared to negative controls (29 bone marrow aspirates). In addition, a deep neural network (DNN) trained on expert-defined subpopulations from negative controls was included for automatic gating of normal subsets (Tensorflow v2). AI-enhanced data files were analyzed using a general-purpose flow cytometry analysis software (Kaluza v 2.3, Beckman Coulter), and %MRD estimates were compared to reported results based on traditional expert analysis of original FC files. Results: Cluster-informed downsampling reduced the number of cells to be manually analyzed from 4.1 million to 196,761 cells per tube, on average (95% cellularity reduction); resulting in a smaller FC data file (from 203.2 MB to 20.5 MB; 90% data reduction). Importantly, low-level MRD events were adequately preserved after downsampling (median 88% and 77% retention, for 0.01-0.001% MRD and < 0.001% MRD, respectively). True number of events were accurately estimated on gated subsets using an “upsampling factor” parameter [observed # events x mean (upsampling factor)]. Gating of normal subsets was completely automated using a DNN classifier parameter. In 96% of positive cases, MRD was rapidly identified as immunoglobulin light chain-restricted plasma cells on a single pre-calculated UMAP plot (tube 2), after dual coloring for kappa and lambda. On the remainder 4% of positive cases, MRD was easily segregated from benign plasma cells using the AI-generated “aberrancy scale” parameter or other strategies. The use of AI-enhanced files reduced manual analysis time from 15.05 minutes (SD = 6.84) to 1.29 minutes (SD = 0.90) per case, on average (p < 0.0001) (91% reduction of manual analysis time). MM MRD was detected in all positive cases above limit of detection for our assay (≥0.0002%), with excellent quantitative correlation with conventional analysis on original FC files (linear regression slope = 0.9841, P < 0.0001). Conclusion: We introduce a largely unsupervised AI pipeline that transforms raw MM MRD FC data from the Euroflow Consortium panel into a markedly smaller, AI-annotated and software-agnostic FC file, including comparison to normal controls. This CCADDAS pipeline simplifies and accelerates detection of MM MRD in clinical diagnostics, reducing the number of cells analyzed by 95% and manual analysis time by 91%, without impacting test performance. Moreover, CCADDAS can be utilized for any laboratory-developed MM MRD assay, and its small-sized export is compatible with any clinical FC software, computing platform, and analysis strategy. Adoption of CCADDAS is likely to facilitate the implementation of MM MRD FC analysis by more clinical laboratories.

Abstract Background Central nervous system involvement in multiple myeloma (CNS-MM) is a rare but highly aggressive manifestation. Limited data exists regarding its incidence, biology, treatment patterns, and outcomes. A deeper understanding of the features unique to CNS-MM will help inform risk stratification and management strategies. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of CNS-MM patients at our institution between January 2000 and December 2023. We identified 305 MM patients with pathology-proven extramedullary disease (EMD). CNS involvement was defined as the presence of parenchymal (brain or spine) or leptomeningeal involvement by MM. Univariate analysis was performed to compare the clinical characteristics between EMD patients with and without CNS-MM. Results Out of 305 patients with EMD, we identified 22 patients with CNS-MM. Common symptoms prompting evaluation of CNS-MM were headaches (32%), numbness or tingling (32%), weakness (27%), confusion (23%), falls (23%), and visual disturbances (14%). Among these patients, 17 (77%) had detectable disease in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), 12 (55%) in the brain parenchyma, 4 (18%) in the spinal cord parenchyma and 6 (27%) in the leptomeninges. Of the CNS-MM patients, the median age at diagnosis of MM was 58.3 years and the median time to CNS-MM involvement was 16.2 months, with 3 (14%) patients having CNS involvement at diagnosis. The predictors of CNS-MM development were high-risk cytogenetics (OR 2.9, p=0.04) and presence of additional visceral organ involvement outside of the CNS (OR 3.4, p=0.03). EMD was multifocal in 20 CNS-MM patients (83%) and visceral organ involvement [most commonly lymphadenopathy (27%), solid organ (18%) and pleural fluid (14%)] was present in 14 (64%) of these patients, compared to 54% in EMD patients without CNS-MM. High-risk cytogenetics [del(17p), 1q gain/amplification, t(4;14), t(14;16), t(14;20)] were seen in 16 (73%) patients, most commonly 1q gain or amplification (40%), t(4;14) (23%), and del(17p) (18%). Five (23%) exhibited a double-hit profile. In comparison, 113 (40%) EMD patients without CNS-MM had high risk cytogenetics. The median overall survival (OS) from diagnosis of CNS-MM was 6 months (95%CI:1.26-36) compared to 15.6 months (95%CI: 12-18) from diagnosis of EMD in EMD patients without CNS-MM (p=0.05). Median OS from diagnosis of MM in the CNS-MM cohort was 36 months (95%CI: 22.8-NA) compared to 55.2 months (95%CI: 45.6-68.4) in EMD patients without CNS-MM (P=0.11). When excluding CAR-T or bispecific therapy recipients, median OS from diagnosis of MM for CNS-MM was 22 months versus 48 months in EMD patients without CNS-MM (P=0.02). Overall response rate in our CNS-MM cohort with first treatment for EMD was 32% compared to 48% in EMD patients without CNS-MM (p=0.04). In patients with CNS-MM, median progression-free survival (PFS) from CNS-MM diagnosis was 3.3 months (95%CI: 0.8-12) versus 3.9 months (95%CI: 3-5.1) in EMD patients without CNS involvement (p=0.2). Six (27%) CNS-MM patients received CAR-T; 3 received cilta-cel, 2 received ide-cel and one received a BCMA CAR-T on trial. Bispecific therapy was used in 4 (18%) patients, with 2 receiving Teclistamab and 2 Talquetamab. Three (14%) CNS-MM patients received both CAR-T and bispecific therapy. The median PFS on CAR-T therapy was 10.5 (95%CI: 5.6-NA) months and 12.7 (95%CI: 10.2-NA) months on bispecific therapy. The median OS from diagnosis of CNS-MM for patients who received CAR-T or bispecific therapy was 36 months (95%CI: 14.0-NA), compared to 1.2 months (95%CI: 0-14.4) for those who did not (p=0.002). Six (27%) patients with CNS-MM, all of whom had CSF involvement of disease, received intrathecal therapy; methotrexate in 3, cytarabine in 2, and one receiving both. Two of these patients demonstrated improvement in cerebrospinal fluid findings following intrathecal chemotherapy, in conjunction with other therapies. Patients who received intrathecal chemotherapy had a median OS measured from development of EMD of 10.8 (95%CI: 3.6-NA) months, compared to 15 months (95%CI: 4.8-NA) in those without IT chemotherapy (p=0.59). Conclusion Central nervous system involvement in MM is relatively uncommon and associated with dismal outcomes. High-risk cytogenetics and involvement of other visceral sites are associated with a higher risk of CNS involvement. Intrathecal therapy offers limited value and immune effector therapies represent efficacious options for treatment.

Abstract Background People of color (POC) and patients (pts) from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds often face financial, geographic, and systemic barriers, limiting access to advanced treatments (Tx). A survey was conducted to better understand how race and socioeconomic factors affect pt awareness of and access to bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies in the US. Methods This study used 30-minute online surveys (March-June 2024) of 1301 pts with RRMM across 7 countries. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and χ2 tests, with P<.01 for all comparisons unless specified; these are presented for the 305 US pts. Results The 305 US pts identified as White (n=227) or POC (n=78), which included Black/African American (n=42); Hispanic/Latino (n=24); and Asian, Pacific Islander, or Arab (n=12). Pts self-reported as having easy/very easy (n=92), neutral (n=117), or difficult/very difficult (n=96) financial burden, being employed (n=142) or not employed (n=163), and having ≤secondary (n=72) or >secondary education (n=232). In the US, more POC reported difficult/very difficult financial circumstances than White pts (47% v 26%). Fewer POC stated they were in remission (28% v 49%) or had consulted an MM specialist (41% v 59%, P=.028), even after adjusting for self-reported good financial circumstances. Among pts with neutral-very easy financial situations, stated remission rates were still lower for POC (n=41) v White pts (n=168) (34% v 59%, P=.026), as were MM specialist visits (41% v 66%, P=.022). Pts with >secondary education (n=232) and those who were employed (n=142) had higher stated remission rates than those with ≤secondary education (n=72) and those who were not employed (n=163) (47% v 32%, P=.025 and 66% v 24%, respectively). Physical burden was experienced by more POC v White pts (91% v 66%), even after adjusting for financial circumstances (90% v 65%, P=.011, for POC v White pts in neutral/very easy financial circumstances). POC and pts with difficult financial circumstances (including POC and White pts) perceived their Tx as less effective than expected across several measures, including emotional and mental health, overall impact on daily life, side effects, Tx costs, and the effect of Tx schedule on everyday life. Awareness of BsAbs and CAR-T was lower among POC v White pts (BsAb: 49% v 77%; CAR-T: 67% v 81%, P=.032), pts who were not employed v employed (BsAb: 63% v 77%, P=.015; CAR-T: 74% v 81%, P=.046), pts with ≤secondary v >secondary education (CAR-T only: 75% v 78%, P=.021), and those in difficult/very difficult v easy/very easy financial circumstances (BsAb: 54% v 90%; CAR-T: 64% v 90%). Among pts aware of BsAbs, 18% (n=39) reported that the Tx was offered by their physician. More employed v not employed pts were offered BsAbs (26% v 10%). There were non-statistically significant differences in the proportion offered BsAbs based on race (POC 8% v White pts 21%, P=.065), financial status (difficult/very difficult 15% v easy/very easy 23%, P=.288), or level of education (≤secondary education 15% v >secondary education 20%, P=.428). Among pts aware of CAR-T, 24% (n=56) reported that the Tx was offered by their physician. Fewer POC than White pts were offered CAR-T (6% v 29%), even after adjusting for financial status (10% v 32%, P=.04 for pts with good finances). Among those aware of CAR-T, fewer pts not employed v employed (12% v 37%), pts with ≤secondary v >secondary education (11% v 27%, P=.015), and pts with financial burden (difficult/very difficult 10% v easy/very easy 31%) were offered CAR-T. Overall, fewer POC received CAR-T than White pts (1.3% v 10.7%, P=.03). Additionally, more employed v not employed pts received CAR-T (15.2% v 2.5%) or BsAbs (23.5% v 4.4%). Conclusions Consistent with existing health equity inequalities (Chen et al, Int J Equity Health, 2025), POC and pts in poorer socioeconomic circumstances had less awareness of and access to BsAbs and CAR-T. To address these disparities, partnering with trusted messengers and pt advocacy groups supporting Black, Hispanic, and Asian pts and those with socioeconomic hardships can enhance healthcare infrastructure, support initiatives to help pts navigate advanced Tx options, and develop pt- and physician-targeted education. These strategies can improve awareness and promote Tx equity, ultimately ensuring that all pts with MM receive optimal care regardless of their socioeconomic status and race.