Citations

Showing 10 of 107901 citations.

“upfront use of blinatumomab in adolescents and adults with Philadelphia Chromosome–Negative B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A systematic review and proportional meta-analysis”
Fero, Henri , Gjika, Frenki , Faccin, Ester , Borré, Carla Isabel, Paparisto, Piro, Trako, Kristi, Alabbas, Fahad , Alsultan, Abdulrahman S. , Goyal, Abhishek

Mayo Clinic

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 6872-6872

10.1182/blood-2025-6872 Get It

Abstract Background: Philadelphia chromosome–negative (Ph–) ALL is a genetically heterogeneous entity defined by recurrent cytogenetic and molecular aberrations that shape its clinical trajectory and prognosis. Historically poor outcomes in adults prompted significant changes in therapeutic approaches over the past decade, resulting in improved survival. Currently, blinatumomab is a bispecific T-cell engager targeting CD19 in leukemic cells and CD3 on T Lymphocytes. It has shown significant results in relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). However, its role in the frontline treatment of Philadelphia chromosome–negative (Ph–) B-ALL, particularly in combination with chemotherapy, is continuously being explored. Objective: Our purpose is to evaluate the efficacy of blinatumomab-based frontline regimens in adolescents and adults with newly diagnosed Ph– B-ALL through a systematic review and meta-analysis of proportions. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane from inception through May 2025. Eligible studies included adolescents or adults with a cut off age of 15 years old, with newly diagnosed Ph– B-ALL where blinatumomab was used in the induction phase, consolidation phase, or both. Primary outcomes were complete remission (CR), measurable residual disease (MRD) negativity, and 3-year overall survival (OS). Random-effects proportional meta-analyses were conducted using logit or Freeman–Tukey transformations. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 for Randomized Controlled Trials and ROBINS-I for prospective trials. Subgroup analysis was performed, dividing subgroups by phase of Blinatumomab utilization; either induction, consolidation or both. To tackle heterogeneity in the MRD pooled results, we conducted a Meta-regression to evaluate the link between different treatment phases and sample sizes. Results: Thirteen studies (n = 878 patients) met the inclusion criteria. The pooled CR rate after induction-phase blinatumomab was 78% (95% CI: 71–85%; I² = 21.2%). The pooled MRD negativity rate was highest in the induction-only group, at 90% (95% CI: 83%–95%), with no significant heterogeneity (I² = 0%). The consolidation group showed a pooled MRD negativity rate of 88% (95% CI: 75%–96%), though heterogeneity was substantial (I² = 74.2%, p = 0.0087). For patients treated during both induction and consolidation, the pooled MRD negativity rate was 89% (95% CI: 82%–94%), also with no observed heterogeneity (I² = 0%). The overall pooled MRD negativity rate across all ten studies was 89% (95% CI: 84%–93%), using a random-effects model with Freeman–Tukey double arcsine transformation. A meta-analysis of four studies reporting 3-year overall survival (OS) following frontline blinatumomab-based therapy was performed, stratified by treatment phase. In the consolidation subgroup, the pooled 3-year OS was 83% (95% CI: 76%–88%), with no heterogeneity (I² = 0%, p = 0.4032). In contrast, for patients treated during both induction and consolidation, the pooled 3-year OS was 52% (95% CI: 22%–81%), with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 88.6%, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Blinatumomab-based regimens in the frontline setting are associated with high MRD clearance and complete remission rates, particularly when used during induction or consolidation. However, the predominance of non-randomized studies, small sample sizes, and heterogeneity in MRD assessment limit definitive conclusions. Prospective randomized trials are needed to clarify the optimal integration of blinatumomab in frontline Ph– B-ALL therapy.
Incidence and outcomes of Clostridioides difficile infection in BCMA and CD19 CAR-T cell therapy.
Shah, Raj, Tom, Fady El, Mahadevia, Himil, Vojjala, Nikhil, Kassem, Jad, Patel, Kalan, Shah, Raj, Tom, Fady El, Mahadevia, Himil, Vojjala, Nikhil, Kassem, Jad, Patel, Kalan

Mayo Clinic

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 7678-7678

10.1182/blood-2025-7678 Get It

Abstract Background: Clostridioidesdifficile infection (CDI) represents a significant infectious complication in both Chimeric Antigen Receptor(CAR) T-cell therapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. We sought to investigate the incidence and outcomesof CDI among various CAR-T therapy products. Methods: This retrospective study used the 2022 National Inpatient Sample Database to identify and include adult patients with a primary diagnosis of four hematologic malignancies (Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), Multiple Myeloma (MM), Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). In this cohort, we isolated patients who developed CDI using ICD-10 codes. Subgroup analysis was performed based on the type of CAR-T cell therapy and HSCT recipients. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for CDI and mortality. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 8,739 patients with CDI were identified among 507,559 patients with four hematologic malignancies, representing an overall incidence of 1.72%. Patients receiving CAR-T cell therapy (5% vs 2%, p<0.05), bone marrow transplant (BMT, 3% vs 2%, p<0.05), and those with a history of BMT (6% vs 2%, p<0.05) were at significantly higher risk for CDI. Among individual CAR-T products, the incidence was: for CD19-directed CAR-T, Brexu-cel 5%, Axi-cel 6%, Tisa-cel 5%, and Liso-cel 3%; for BCMA-directed CAR-T, Ide-cel 4% and Cilta-cel 5%. There was no significant difference in CDI rates between these individual CAR-T products. Among CAR-T recipients by cancer type, CDI incidence was NHL 5%, MM 4%, ALL 7%, and AML 5% (p=0.79). Multivariate regression identified history of HSCT (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.09–4.08), cytokine release syndrome (OR 1.7; 1.26–2.52), protein-energy malnutrition (OR 2.08; 1.83–2.36), graft versus host disease (OR 2.52; 2.02–3.15), and female sex (OR 1.23; 1.10–1.38) as significant independent risk factors for CDI (all p<0.05). Overall mortality in those with CDI was 6% compared to 5% without, and mortality increased substantially to 36% in those requiring surgical intervention for CDI. Conclusion: In patients with hematologic malignancies, identifying risk factors and rates of CDI in CAR-T cell therapy is essential for prompt recognition and effective management. Future research on optimizing CDI screening protocol and prevention strategies can help reduce mortality and morbidity in this immunocompromised population.
Post-transplant cyclophosphamide significantly reduces early non-relapse mortality following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Wolf, Emily, Melody, Megan, Tsalatsanis, Athanasios, Khatib, Suhaib El, Vanegas, Yenny Moreno, Velez-Tirado, Annette, Rahman, Zaid Abdel, Gococo-Benore, Denise, Foran, James, Ayala, Ernesto, Iqbal, Madiha, Parrondo, Ricardo, Ailawadhi, Sikander, Murthy, Hemant, Roy, Vivek, Kharfan-Dabaja, Mohamed, Wolf, Emily, Melody, Megan, Tsalatsanis, Athanasios, Khatib, Suhaib El, Vanegas, Yenny Moreno, Velez-Tirado, Annette, Rahman, Zaid Abdel, Gococo-Benore, Denise, Foran, James, Ayala, Ernesto, Iqbal, Madiha, Parrondo, Ricardo, Ailawadhi, Sikander, Murthy, Hemant, Roy, Vivek, Kharfan-Dabaja, Mohamed

Mayo Clinic

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 7820-7820

10.1182/blood-2025-7820 Get It

Abstract Introduction Survival following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) has improved over the last several decades. Implementation of reduced-intensity conditioning and improvement in graft selection, graft vs. host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis and treatment, and infection disease management, among others, have contributed to reducing non-relapse mortality (NRM). The use of post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) for GVHD prophylaxis, in particular, has been associated with reduced incidence of acute and chronic GVHD in both HLA-matched related and matched unrelated donor allografts. In this study, we aim to determine prognostic factors for NRM (including early NRM defined as within 100 days post-transplantation), disease-related mortality (DRM), and overall survival (OS) in a large cohort of patients following allo-HCT. Methods Patients who received consecutive allo-HCT at our institution from 2009-2023 were included. Clinical data were collected from retrospective reviews of the electronic medical records. Patient- and transplant-related variables were compared between patients who died and those who were alive at 100 days post allo-HCT. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify prognostic associations between risk factors and OS. Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate OS. Log-rank test was used to compare OS between groups. Statistical significance was set to < 0.05. Results A total of 536 patients (male=285, 53%) were included. Median age at time of allo-HCT was 59 (range, 19-75) years. Most patients were White/Caucasian (n=232, 86%). The most common diagnoses included acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (n=110, 41%), myelodysplastic syndrome (n=52, 19.2%), myelofibrosis (n=23, 9%), B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) (n=22, 8.1%), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n=21, 8%), and chronic myeloid leukemia (n=10, 4%). The median follow-up for survivors was 4.2 (range, 1.1-14.4) years. A total of 80 (14.9%) patients died within 100 days with most deaths attributed to NRM (n=61, 76%). Specific causes of death included infection/sepsis in 22 (27.5%) patients, GVHD in 10 (12.5%), respiratory failure in 9 (11.2%), multiorgan failure in 5 (6.3%), graft failure in 5 (6.3%), and other causes in 10 (12.5%). Progressive disease was the cause of death in 19 (23.8%) patients. Male gender (HR=1.92; p= 0.006), remission status other than CR1 or CR2 for acute leukemia patients (HR=8.44; p<0.0001), non- PTCy strategies (HR=2.4; p= 0.0006), and earlier year of transplantation (HR=1.12; p=< 0.001) were associated with increased risk of mortality at 100 days on univariate analysis. Only use of TBI (HR=2.56, p=0.048) and earlier year of transplantation (HR=1.2; p=0.001) were associated with increased risk of DRM at 100 days post-allografting on univariate analysis. Pertaining to risk of NRM at 100 days, male gender (HR=1.89; p=0.02), diagnosis other than acute leukemia (HR=2.27; p=0.004), non-PTCy strategies (HR=2.44; p=0.003), and earlier year of transplantation (HR=1.1; p=0.004) were adversely associated with NRM. On multivariate analysis, only earlier year of transplantation was found to be associated with increased risk of DRM at 100 days (HR 1.15; p=0.049). Male gender (HR=1.78; p=0.035), diagnosis other than acute leukemia (HR=2.38; p=0.003), and non-PTCy strategies (HR=2.2; p=0.032), were associated with increased risk of NRM at 100 days. Conclusion Non-relapse mortality (NRM) accounted for most deaths within the first 100 days of allo-HCT, primarily due to infection/sepsis and GVHD. Factors associated with increased NRM included male gender and diagnoses other than acute leukemia. Significantly, post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) was the only treatment strategy modification that decreased 100-day NRM and improved survival, independent of the transplantation year.
Standardizing lines of treatment (LOT) in multiple myeloma: Real-world validation of an automated rule-based algorithm
Pérez, Patricia Alejandra Flores, Capdevila, Juan Pablo, Bórquez, Karla Mariana Castro, Bennion, Samuel, Hydren, Jay, Galbuchi, Giovanni, Jensen, Rachel, Barnes, Mason, Esparza, Jael Antonio Liñán, Quiroz, Felipe Flores, Ahlstrom, Jennifer, Auclair, Daniel, Banerjee, Rahul, Landgren, Ola, Coffey, David, Abdallah, Nadine, Shah, Urvi, Voorhees, Peter, Sborov, Douglas, Hultcrantz, Malin, Martinez, Jorge Arturo Hurtado, Pérez, Patricia Alejandra Flores, Capdevila, Juan Pablo, Bórquez, Karla Mariana Castro, Bennion, Samuel, Hydren, Jay, Galbuchi, Giovanni, Jensen, Rachel, Barnes, Mason, Esparza, Jael Antonio Liñán, Quiroz, Felipe Flores, Ahlstrom, Jennifer, Auclair, Daniel, Banerjee, Rahul, Landgren, Ola, Coffey, David, Abdallah, Nadine, Shah, Urvi, Voorhees, Peter, Sborov, Douglas, Hultcrantz, Malin, Martinez, Jorge Arturo Hurtado

Mayo Clinic

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 8154-8154

10.1182/blood-2025-8154 Get It

Abstract Background Accurate reconstruction of electronic health record (EHR) treatment sequences is essential for leveraging real-world data (RWD) in clinical research and trial-eligibility platforms in multiple myeloma (MM). However, inconsistencies in RWD treatment documentation and the complexity of line-of-treatment (LOT) assignments in MM hinder reproducibility and limit comparisons against published trials. To address these limitations, we developed HEAL-MM, an automated rule-based algorithm that systematically parses structured medication data to calculate LOTs and segment treatment into standardized, clinically meaningful phases. The algorithm is designed to be interpretable, adaptable to evolving therapeutic frameworks, and compatible with widely adopted EHR data standards. Here, we report its real-world validation against expert-adjudicated treatment sequences to assess concordance, identify edge-case failure points, and support RWD integration. Methods A stratified cohort of 100 MM patients (9,136 structured treatment events) was curated from 114 unique healthcare systems compiled from the multi-institutional HealthTree Foundation harmonized registry. Cohort selection was randomized to ensure coverage across diagnostic eras (pre-2010, 2015–2020, 2022–2025) and treatment exposures, including CAR T-cell therapies, bispecific antibodies, and anti-CD38-based regimens. HEAL-MM sequenced MM regimens chronologically and applied predefined logic rules to identify LOT transitions, the initiation of a new therapeutic course based on drug changes, treatment gaps, and procedural anchors such as stem cell transplant or CAR T. Within each LOT, the algorithm segments and labels therapy into phases, clinically distinct intervals (e.g., induction and maintenance) using rule-based clinical logic. Outputs were benchmarked against expert-labeled adjudications. Concordance was evaluated using concordance index (C-index), stratified by patient, LOT depth and diagnostic era. Results: HEAL-MM demonstrated high concordance with expert-labeled treatment sequences: 0.94 for LOT identification, 0.98 for treatment phase segmentation, and 0.96 for phase label assignment. Achieving complete agreement with all expert annotations in 90% of patients for LOT assignment, 94% for the number of treatment phases identified, 77% for the specific labels applied to each phase, and 75% across all three dimensions simultaneously. Among discordant patients, the absolute difference in final LOT count was 0.5 ± 0.9. Performance was highest in early lines (LOTs 1–3; C-index: 0.97), with seven patients showing discrepancies at this stage. Concordance declined in later lines (LOT ≥4; C-index: 0.87), where 50% of the discordant cases (n=4) were attributable to misclassifications in earlier LOTs, such as medication restarts following >3-month gaps, demonstrating the compounding effect of early errors on longitudinal accuracy. Temporal stratification revealed improved accuracy in post-2020 cases (C-index: 0.94) compared to 2015–2020 cohorts (0.91), reflecting the increasing adoption of structured treatment standards and EHR data quality improvements. To assess HEAL-MM performance at clinically significant junctures, we analyzed treatment transitions that initiated a new LOT or marked a change in phase, achieving C-indices of 0.97 for LOT transitions, 0.97 for treatment phase shifts, and 0.94 for phase label assignment. Conclusions: HEAL-MM provides a validated, scalable solution for standardizing MM treatment structures in RWD environments, as it accurately detects the exact treatment entry of a new LOT 97% of the time. This rule-based framework enables reproducible LOT and phase assignment across heterogeneous EHR systems, supporting real-time cohort identification across institutions and EHR platforms. The algorithm's modular design allows for continuous integration of novel therapeutic categories and evolving treatment logic. While the algorithm maintained high fidelity overall, early-stage misclassifications consistent with increased heterogeneity and documentation ambiguity occasionally propagated downstream, underscoring the compounding effect of upstream errors in longitudinal reconstruction. With its generalizable structure and compatibility with industry-standard data models, HEAL-MM lays the foundation for structured treatment reconstruction in MM across RWD infrastructure and serves as a transferable blueprint for other hematologic malignancies.
Multicenter real-world outcomes in limited stage (LS) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) treated with abbreviated immunochemotherapy
Cherng, Hua-Jay, Gerber, Drew, Nze, Chijioke, Bhayani, Shahzeem, Russler-Germain, David, Alnughmush, Ahmed, Hampel, Paul, Kille, Kelsey, Wallace, Danielle, Qualls, David, Merryman, Reid, Brooks, Jaden, Bock, Allison, Ramirez, Juan, Zhang, Yumeng, Chavez, Julio, Granger, Katelynn, Antel, Katherine, Duarte, Cassandra, Major, Ajay, Ma, Sirui, Spinner, Michael, Mackay, Alyssa, Hu, Bei, Rai, Manoj, Spurgeon, Stephen, Lee, Benjamin, Doh, Jean, Brem, Elizabeth, Altomare, Nicole, Karmali, Reem, Ryan, Robert, Tiger, Yun Kyoung, Carter, Jordan, Landsburg, Daniel, Thiruvengadam, Swetha, Skarbnik, Alan, Choi, Yun, Bond, David, Samaeekia, Ravand, Ma, Helen, Tolu, Seda, Amengual, Jennifer, Herrera, Alex, Pro, Barbara, Qualls, David , Qualls, David A , Cherng, Hua-Jay, Gerber, Drew, Nze, Chijioke, Bhayani, Shahzeem, Russler-Germain, David, Alnughmush, Ahmed, Hampel, Paul, Kille, Kelsey, Wallace, Danielle, Merryman, Reid, Brooks, Jaden, Bock, Allison, Ramirez, Juan, Zhang, Yumeng, Chavez, Julio, Granger, Katelynn, Antel, Katherine, Duarte, Cassandra, Major, Ajay, Ma, Sirui, Spinner, Michael, Mackay, Alyssa, Hu, Bei, Rai, Manoj, Spurgeon, Stephen, Lee, Benjamin, Doh, Jean, Brem, Elizabeth, Altomare, Nicole, Karmali, Reem, Ryan, Robert, Tiger, Yun Kyoung, Carter, Jordan, Landsburg, Daniel, Thiruvengadam, Swetha, Skarbnik, Alan, Choi, Yun, Bond, David, Samaeekia, Ravand, Ma, Helen, Tolu, Seda, Amengual, Jennifer, Herrera, Alex, Pro, Barbara

Mayo Clinic

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 471-471

10.1182/blood-2025-471 Get It

Abstract Background: For LS-DLBCL, clinical trials (FLYER, LYSA/GOELAMS 02-03, LYSA LNH09-1B, S1001) have shown that 4 cycles of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (RCHOP4) without radiation (RT) leads to durable remissions in >90% of cases. However, only patients (pts) with non-bulky disease and/or international prognostic index (IPI) of 0 and complete metabolic response (CMR) on interim positron emission tomography (PET) scan, if performed, were eligible for RCHOP4 alone in these studies. Outcomes in trial-ineligible LS-DLBCL and the appropriate real-world candidates for RCHOP4 are still undefined. Methods: We conducted a multicenter retrospective study of adult pts with stage I/II DLBCL of any tumor bulk, IPI and with or without B-symptoms diagnosed after 2011 and treated with RCHOP4 +/- 2 cycles R from 21 U.S. centers. Pts with PMBCL, PTLD or receiving non-standard dose RCHOP for cycle (C) 1 or planned consolidative RT were excluded. The primary endpoint was PFS from C1 by Kaplan-Meier method, not counting indolent lymphoma relapse. Event free survival (EFS) was time to next therapy without progression (including unplanned RT for non-CR), progression or death. A competing risks analysis of non-relapse mortality (NRM) vs. DLBCL progression was performed. Results: The characteristics of the 428 pts were: median age 60 (18-88), 60% male, 11% Hispanic and 4% non-Hispanic Black, 62% stage I, 15% elevated LDH, 3% ECOG PS>1, 5% tumor bulk >7cm, 9% had B-symptoms and median Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was 4 (2-12). IPI was 0, 1 and 2-3 in 42%, 46% and 12% and stage-modified IPI (smIPI) was 0, 1, 2 and 3-4 in 25%, 48%, 21% and 6% of pts. 66% had nodal (59% head/neck, 11% pelvic, 9% multiple above diaphragm, 7% abdominal) and 46% extranodal sites (37% head/neck, 20% gastric/intestinal, 9% spleen, 8% skin/soft tissue); 6% had transformed/concurrent FL/MZL or grade 3B FL, 33% (138/408) were non-GCB cell of origin (COO), 25% (90/357) double expressor (DEL) and 0.5% (2/379) double-hit. 13% had completely resected disease, 97% staging PET and 47% bone marrow biopsy. Median diagnosis to treatment interval was 30 days (IQR 20-43), 6% had dose reductions after C1, 77% had an interim PET (iPET) after C2 (33%) or C3 (67%), 15% received 2 additional cycles R and 4% CNS prophylaxis. CMR rates by iPET were 83% after C2 and 94% after C3, and 95% by end-of-treatment PET. iPET PMR was more likely if smIPI>2 or bulky disease. Median follow-up time was 2.7 years. There were 32 progression events: 14 occurred at the primary site and 17 at distant sites (1 unknown), and 12 occurred after 2 years. Another 11 pts received unplanned RT after RCHOP4 for non-CR. There were 24 deaths, 12 without prior progression. Cause of death was DLBCL in 7 and non-DLBCL in 17 cases (6 infection, 2 ILD, 2 heart failure, 2 second cancer, 1 seizure, 4 unknown). EFS, PFS and OS rates were 88%, 90% and 96% at 3 years. By univariable Cox regression, Black race, elevated LDH, smIPI>2, DEL, increasing CCI, multiple subdiaphragmatic nodal sites and iPET PMR were associated with worse PFS. Non-significant variables of note included COO, extranodal sites, complete resection, missing bone marrow biopsy, missing iPET and additional cycles R. By multivariable analysis (including age>60, stage, ECOG PS>1, elevated LDH, bulky disease, CCI, B-symptoms and DEL), ECOG PS>1 (HR 3.95 p=0.050), CCI (HR 1.29 p=0.003) and DEL (HR 2.02 p=0.069) were associated with worse PFS. Cumulative incidence of DLBCL progression and NRM were 8% and 2% at 3 years. Competing risk analysis by univariable models found that age>60, ECOG PS>1, smIPI>2, elevated LDH, CCI and bulky disease were associated with NRM, while DEL and B-symptoms were associated with DLBCL progression.Conclusion: Presented is the largest retrospective cohort of LS-DLBCL treated uniformly with RCHOP4 to date. Despite modest follow-up time and lack of an “intention-to-treat“ population, this study shows that abbreviated RCHOP4 leads to excellent outcomes in the real-world, albeit with continuous risk of late relapse. smIPI risk factors were associated with worse PFS, though this may in part be driven by risk of non-lymphoma death. As pts with advanced age, poor performance status or comorbidities may benefit from reduced treatment exposure, RCHOP4 should still be considered for these and other “trial-ineligible” pts, particularly if other high-risk features (iPET PMR, DEL or B-symptoms) are absent.
Prognostic significance of cell-of-origin, gene expression profiles, and frontline therapy in predicting secondary CNS lymphoma in newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Falade, Ayo, Mwangi, Raphael, Okcu, Izel, Ravindra, Aditya, Pradeep, Aishwarya, Hampel, Paul, Zanwar, Saurabh, Khan, Muhammad Azeem, Vodicka, Prokop, Klanova, Magdalena, Masar, Michal, Nedved, Adrienne, Khurana, Arushi, Durani, Urshila, Paludo, Jonas, Andrade-Gonzalez, Xavier, Thanarajasingam, Gita, Bennani, N. Nora, Thompson, Carrie, Hricko, Samuel, Janikova, Andrea, Wang, Yucai, Johnston, Patrick, Ivana, Micallef, Novak, Anne, King, Rebecca, Maurer, Matthew, Witzig, Thomas, Ansell, Stephen, Mou, Eric, Habermann, Thomas, Nowakowski, Grzegorz, Bisneto, Jose Villasboas, Trneny, Marek, Cerhan, James, Abeykoon, Jithma, Okcu, Izel , Falade, Ayo, Mwangi, Raphael, Ravindra, Aditya, Pradeep, Aishwarya, Hampel, Paul, Zanwar, Saurabh, Khan, Muhammad Azeem, Vodicka, Prokop, Klanova, Magdalena, Masar, Michal, Nedved, Adrienne, Khurana, Arushi, Durani, Urshila, Paludo, Jonas, Andrade-Gonzalez, Xavier, Thanarajasingam, Gita, Bennani, N. Nora, Thompson, Carrie, Hricko, Samuel, Janikova, Andrea, Wang, Yucai, Johnston, Patrick, Ivana, Micallef, Novak, Anne, King, Rebecca, Maurer, Matthew, Witzig, Thomas, Ansell, Stephen, Mou, Eric, Habermann, Thomas, Nowakowski, Grzegorz, Bisneto, Jose Villasboas, Trneny, Marek, Cerhan, James, Abeykoon, Jithma

Mayo Clinic

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 473-473

10.1182/blood-2025-473 Get It

Abstract Background Secondary central nervous system lymphoma (SCNSL) is a rare but significant complication, affecting approximately 2–10% of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), often leading to poor outcomes. The CNS-International Prognostic Index (CNS-IPI) remains a widely adopted tool for estimating CNS relapse risk; however, recent advances in molecular profiling and evolving treatment paradigms have challenged the adequacy of CNS-IPI alone in guiding risk assessment. This study evaluates the prognostic relevance of CNS-IPI in conjunction with molecular and clinical factors, specifically cell-of-origin (COO), gene expression, and frontline treatment regimens. The aim is to refine risk stratification and identify patients at highest risk for SCNSL. Method Building on our previous study, we analyzed data from patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL between 2002 and 2023, enrolled in the Mayo Clinic/University of Iowa Lymphoma Molecular Epidemiology Resource. Patients with primary CNS lymphoma, CNS involvement at diagnosis, or who received CNS-directed therapy were excluded. COO was determined using the Hans algorithm and/or Nanostring profiling. Multivariate cause-specific Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for predictors of CNS relapse that were measured at the time of initial DLBCL diagnosis. Cumulative incidence with competing risks and cause-specific Cox models were used to analyze relapse risk. Result We included 2137 patients in our analysis, median age at diagnosis was 63 (IQR 53-72), with 41.6% (n=890) females. The albumin level was below normal in 32.5% (n=350), 64.0% (n=1367) had CNS-IPI of intermediate/high, 37.5% (n=586) had non-germinal center B-cell (GCB) COO, and 14.5% (n=309) were double expressor positive. At a median follow-up of 83 months (IQR 42 -143), 82 (3.8%) SCNSL relapses were observed; the 3 and 5 yrs cumulative incidence for SCNSL from time of DLBCL diagnosis were 3.7% (95% CI 3.0-4.7) and 3.8% (95% CI 3.1-4.8) respectively. In models accounting for death as a competing risk, the 5-year cumulative SCNSL incidence estimate for patients with a CNS-IPI low was 1.5% (95% CI 0.8-2.7), Intermediate was 4.9% (95% CI 3.7-6.4), and high was 6.1% (95% CI 3.8-9.6). The 5-year cumulative SCNSL incidence estimate for patients with non-GCB COO was 5.2% (95% CI 3.6-7.4) compared to 2.4% (95% CI 1.6-3.6; p=0.001) for GCB patients, and the 5-year cumulative SCNSL incidence for double expressor positive patients was 8.6% (95% 5.8-12.6) compared to 1.5% (95% CI 0.8-2.7; p<0.001) for double expressor negative patients. In a multivariable model (including CNS-IPI, COO, double expressor, treatment group, extranodal involvement, and albumin group), CNS-IPI intermediate (HR 2.85 [1.58-5.14]; p<0.001) and high (HR 4.31 [2.15-8.65]; p<0.001), non-GCB COO (HR 2.36 [1.37-4.06]; p=0.002], double expressor (HR 5.56 [2.88-10.73]; p<0.001), and below normal albumin (HR 1.89 [1.02-3.50]; p=0.042) were independently associated with increased risk of SCNSL. The majority of the SCNSL relapse occurred within the first 2 years after DLBCL diagnosis; 81.7% (n=67), with only 6.1% (n=5) occurring after 5 years. For patients who developed SCNSL, the median OS from the time of SCNSL diagnosis was 24 months (95% CI 17-34), with 5 years OS of 31% (95% CI 22-43). These findings are being validated using an external, international cohort, and final analysis will be presented at the time of presentation at ASH. Conclusion In this large, prospectively followed cohort with long-term follow-up data, SCNSL remains a rare but devastating complication of DLBCL, with a 5-year cumulative incidence of 3.8% and it is associated with very poor long-term survival. While CNS-IPI remains a strong predictor of SCNSL risk, our study identifies non-GCB COO and double expressor phenotype as independent, additive molecular risk factors. These findings suggest that current risk stratification tools may underestimate the risk of CNS relapse in molecularly defined high-risk subgroups. Considering the poor outcomes linked to SCNSL and the absence of a connection with frontline treatment types, future research should aim to enhance risk prediction models through molecular profiling and explore prophylactic strategies to reduce the likelihood of SCNSL.
Golcadomide (GOLCA), a potential, first-in-class, oral CELMoD™ agent, plus R-CHOP in patients (Pts) with previously untreated aggressive B-cell lymphoma (a-BCL): 24-month efficacy Results
Nowakowski, Grzegorz, Hoffmann, Marc, Munoz, Javier, Westin, Jason, Garcia-Sancho, Alejandro Martin, Kwiatek, Michal, Jurczak, Wojciech, Bouzani, Maria, Moustafa, Muhamad Alhaj, Sudhindra, Akshay, Gkasiamis, Argyrios, Patel, Arpankumar, Boucaud, Floriane, Perna, Serena, Vassilakopoulos, Theodoros, Nowakowski, Grzegorz, Hoffmann, Marc, Munoz, Javier, Westin, Jason, Garcia-Sancho, Alejandro Martin, Kwiatek, Michal, Jurczak, Wojciech, Bouzani, Maria, Moustafa, Muhamad Alhaj, Sudhindra, Akshay, Gkasiamis, Argyrios, Patel, Arpankumar, Boucaud, Floriane, Perna, Serena, Vassilakopoulos, Theodoros

Mayo Clinic

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 476-476

10.1182/blood-2025-476 Get It

Abstract Introduction Nearly 60% of pts with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are cured with first-line chemoimmunotherapy; ~40% will relapse or have refractory disease, mostly pts with high International Prognostic Index (IPI) scores of 3–5. Pts with IPI scores of 1–2 with bulky disease and/or very high LDH levels have also been identified as a high risk (HR) population (Maurer et al, ASH 2023, #4512). GOLCA is a potential, first-in-class, oral CELMoD agent designed for the treatment (Tx) of lymphoma, with preferential distribution to lymphoid organs and enhanced activity in lymphoma cell lines. GOLCA drives the closed, active conformation of cereblon to induce rapid and deep degradation of Ikaros and Aiolos, leading to direct cell killing (agnostic of cell of origin [COO]) and immunomodulatory activity. CC-220-DLBCL-001 (NCT04884035) is an ongoing Phase 1b, open-label, multicenter trial to assess safety and preliminary efficacy of GOLCA+R-CHOP in previously untreated a-BCL. GOLCA+R-CHOP demonstrated a manageable safety profile and encouraging efficacy with high end of Tx (EOT) complete metabolic response (CMR) and minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity rates (Amzallag et al, ASH 2024, #579). We report efficacy results with median follow-up (f/u) of 24 mos, including 24-mo progression-free survival (PFS) rates. Methods Pts aged ≥18 years with ECOG PS ≤2, IPI 0–5 (Part 1) and IPI 2–5 (Part 2), and previously untreated a-BCL with measurable disease were included. Pts were treated with GOLCA+R-CHOP for 6 cycles of 21 days (D) or until disease progression/unacceptable toxicity/study withdrawal. In dose escalation, GOLCA dose levels were 0.2mg D1–7, 0.4mg D1–7 (recommended Ph 2 dose), or 0.4mg D1–10. In dose expansion, pts were randomized 1:1 to R-CHOP+GOLCA 0.2 or 0.4mg. Primary endpoint was safety of GOLCA at 0.4mg (cutoff 23 Sep 2024); efficacy (cutoff 12 May 2025) was a secondary endpoint. HR pts were defined as: IPI 1-2 with HR features (≥1 lesion with maximum diameter ≥7 cm and/or screening LDH >1.3×ULN) or IPI 3–5. Results At cutoff, 78 pts were treated with GOLCA+R-CHOP (n=35 at 0.2mg D1–7, n=37 at 0.4mg D1–7, n=6 at 0.4mg D1–10). Baseline characteristics were described previously. Sixty-five pts (83%) completed Tx, and 72 (92%) entered the f/u period (61 [78%] ongoing). Tx was discontinued in 17% of pts, primarily due to progressive disease (3%) and adverse events (AEs; 6%). Median relative dose intensity for GOLCA and CHO components was high (97%–99%), indicating uncompromised delivery of curative standard-of-care (SOC) Tx. Seventy-two pts were efficacy evaluable (n=34 at 0.2mg D1–7, n=33 at 0.4mg D1–7). At 0.4mg, EOT CMR rate was 88% (29/33); all 29 pts were alive and progression free at cutoff. In HR pts at 0.4mg, EOT CMR rate was 89% (25/28) and was similar in pts with GCB (16/17 [94%]) and non-GCB/ABC (9/11 [82%]) phenotypes. Of pts treated with 0.4mg with available ctDNA data, 90% achieved MRD negativity (undetectable ctDNA by PhasED-Seq assay) at EOT. All pts still in f/u at time of data cutoff had reached the 24-mo efficacy assessment. At median f/u of 24 mos (range, 0.7–34.4), the 24-mo PFS rate was 79% in both 0.4mg and HR 0.4mg pts and consistent in pts with GCB (88%) and non-GCB/ABC (73%) phenotypes. The 24-mo OS at 0.4mg was 85.3% overall and 86.2% in HR pts. Pts treated at 0.4mg D1–7 and D1–10 had comparable exposure to GOLCA (no pt completed the 10-day schedule). In pooled D1–7 and D1–10 schedules, 24-mo PFS was 82% in overall and HR populations. Grade 3/4 Tx-emergent AEs (TEAEs) in the safety population were mainly hematologic and occurred in 91% of pts (neutropenia [87%], an on-target side effect of GOLCA; thrombocytopenia [42%]; anemia [36%]; febrile neutropenia [22%]); neutrophil nadir and recovery occurred in a predictable fashion. Serious TEAEs occurred in 36 pts (46%). Non-hematologic AEs (fatigue, rash, GI disorders) were infrequent and mostly low grade. Conclusions GOLCA (0.4mg) +R-CHOP resulted in a high rate of durable CMRs, irrespective of COO, and promising 24-mo PFS in the overall and HR populations. GOLCA+R-CHOP demonstrated a predictable and manageable safety profile with low rates of non-hematologic AEs; addition of GOLCA to R-CHOP did not compromise SOC delivery. These data continue to show that GOLCA 0.4mg, when added to SOC Tx, has a potential to cure more previously untreated pts with HR LBCL and support the ongoing Phase 3 trial, GOLSEEK-1, in this population (NCT06356129).
Golcadomide (GOLCA), a potential, first-in-class, oral CELMoD™ agent, ± rituximab (R) in patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL): Phase 1/2 study extended follow-up Results
Hoffmann, Marc, Chavez, Julio, Westin, Jason, Jørgensen, Judit, Munoz, Javier, Carpio, Cecilia, Perini, Guilherme, Bachy, Emmanuel, Campbell, Victoria, Riley, Caroline Hasselbalch, Morschhauser, Franck, Morillo, Daniel, Akyol, Alev, Moucheron, Berengere De, Pourdehnad, Michael, Sudhindra, Akshay, Carrancio, Soraya, Voetsch, Jessica, Yang, Gang, Perna, Serena, Michot, Jean-Marie, Hoffmann, Marc, Chavez, Julio, Westin, Jason, Jørgensen, Judit, Munoz, Javier, Carpio, Cecilia, Perini, Guilherme, Bachy, Emmanuel, Campbell, Victoria, Riley, Caroline Hasselbalch, Morschhauser, Franck, Morillo, Daniel, Akyol, Alev, Moucheron, Berengere De, Pourdehnad, Michael, Sudhindra, Akshay, Carrancio, Soraya, Voetsch, Jessica, Yang, Gang, Perna, Serena, Michot, Jean-Marie

Mayo Clinic

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 479-479

10.1182/blood-2025-479 Get It

Abstract Introduction Approximately 40% of patients with DLBCL will experience relapse after initial treatment with standard-of-care chemo-immunotherapy. Effective treatment options are limited for patients who experience first-line treatment failure, particularly for those with R/R disease following CAR T-cell therapy or those not able to receive CAR T-cell therapy (Sehn et al, N Engl J Med. 2021). GOLCA is a potential, first-in-class, oral CELMoD agent designed for the treatment of lymphoma, with preferential distribution to lymphoid organs and enhanced activity in lymphoma cell lines. GOLCA drives the closed, active conformation of cereblon to induce rapid and deep degradation of Ikaros and Aiolos, leading to direct cell killing (agnostic of cell of origin) and immunomodulatory activity. In the two-part, multicenter, first-in-human Phase 1/2 study (CC-99282-NHL-001; NCT03930953), GOLCA was well tolerated and effective in patients with R/R DLBCL (Bachy et al, ICML 2025, #148). Here, we provide longer follow-up in patients with R/R DLBCL from Part B of the study. Methods Patients with R/R DLBCL and disease progression after ≥ 2 lines of therapy or transplant-ineligible patients after ≥ 1 line of therapy were included in the study. Patients received GOLCA monotherapy orally, once daily at different dosing schedules in Part A. In Part B, GOLCA was dosed at 0.2 or 0.4 mg (14 days on/14 days off) ± R. Total GOLCA treatment duration was up to 2 years or until progressive disease (PD)/unacceptable toxicity. Primary objectives included safety and recommended Phase 2 dose determination. Results As of April 3, 2025, a total of 77 patients with R/R DLBCL were enrolled in Part B Cohort C (GOLCA 0.2 mg + R, n = 39; GOLCA 0.4 mg + R, n = 38). Median age was 66 years (range, 20–86). Patients were heavily pre-treated; median number of prior treatments was 4 (range, 1–11), 55% of pts had prior CAR T-cell therapy, 38% had prior bispecific antibody treatment, and 44% were refractory to last treatment. Ten patients (13%) were ongoing, 4 completed 2 y of treatment, and 63 (82%) had discontinued treatment, mostly due to PD (n = 48 [62%]). The most common any-grade (G) treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) in the 0.2- and 0.4-mg cohorts, respectively, were neutropenia (54% and 84%), an on-target side effect of GOLCA, and anemia (44% and 45%). G3/4 neutropenia was reported in 49% of patients with 0.2 mg and 79% with 0.4 mg, and febrile neutropenia (FN) in 5% and 16%, respectively. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was used in 81% and 88% of patients with neutropenia and 50% and 100% of patients with FN in the 0.2-mg and 0.4-mg cohorts. Dose interruptions (mainly due to infections/neutropenia) occurred in 49% and 53% of patients and discontinuations due to AEs occurred in 10% and 3% with 0.2 and 0.4 mg. One G5 pneumonia was considered related to study treatment (0.2 mg). The median follow-up was 11.8 months (range, 3.1–35.1) with 0.2 mg and 16.2 months (range, 3.8–31.4) with 0.4 mg. The overall response rate (ORR) in efficacy evaluable patients was 34% (complete response rate [CRR], 20%) with 0.2 mg (n = 35) and 58% with 0.4 mg (n = 36), including a CRR of 44% with this dose. In patients with prior T-cell–redirecting treatment, the ORR was 33% (CRR, 22%) with 0.2 mg (n = 18) and 56% (CRR, 38%) with 0.4 mg (n = 16). Seven of 35 (0.2 mg) and 14 of 36 (0.4 mg) patients experienced durable response > 12 months. The median time to response with both 0.2 and 0.4 mg was 1.8 months. In patients with durable responses (remained in response [CR or partial response] for more than two consecutive efficacy assessments) to GOLCA, circulating tumor DNA reduction from baseline continues to deepen over time. Response was similar across clones/tumor variants. Conclusions With additional follow-up, GOLCA + R continued to demonstrate a predictable and manageable safety profile, with no new safety signals observed at longer follow-up. Durable responses were shown in heavily pretreated patients with R/R DLBCL, including those with prior T-cell–redirecting therapy. GOLCA + R induced a decrease in circulating tumor DNA across tumor variants. These data support the ongoing development of GOLCA + R in patients with R/R non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
A phase 2 study of canakinumab in patient with myelofibrosis: Results from part 1
Kuykendall, Andrew, Roy, Rupali, Yacoub, Abdulraheem, Kremyanskaya, Marina, Gerds, Aaron, Paquette, Ronald, Palmer, Jeanne, Johnson, Kathryn, Kosiorek, Heidi, Dueck, Amylou, Mead-Harvey, Carolyn, Yu, Ashley, Komrokji, Rami, Rampal, Raajit, Mesa, Ruben, Hoffman, Ronald, Mascarenhas, John, Kuykendall, Andrew, Roy, Rupali, Yacoub, Abdulraheem, Kremyanskaya, Marina, Gerds, Aaron, Paquette, Ronald, Palmer, Jeanne, Johnson, Kathryn, Kosiorek, Heidi, Dueck, Amylou, Mead-Harvey, Carolyn, Yu, Ashley, Komrokji, Rami, Rampal, Raajit, Mesa, Ruben, Hoffman, Ronald, Mascarenhas, John

Mayo Clinic

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 483-483

10.1182/blood-2025-483 Get It

Abstract Introduction Myelofibrosis (MF) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) for which the only approved therapies are JAK inhibitors which improve splenomegaly and disease-related symptoms. Inflammatory pathways beyond JAK-STAT are critical in the pathobiology of MF and contribute to patients' clinical manifestations. IL-1β is a master regulator of inflammation which is overexpressed in MPNs, preferentially supports the MPN mutant stem cell, and interacts with key cytokines that are implicated in fibrogenesis, inflammatory symptoms, and disease progression. Knockout of IL-1β in MPN mouse models led to an abrogated clinical phenotype, while pharmacologic inhibition of IL-1β resulted in reduction of reticulin fibrosis and osteosclerosis. Canakinumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds to and neutralizes IL-1β. It is approved for rare inflammatory disorders with a safety profile that has been extensively studied in the CANTOS trial that assessed cardiovascular outcomes in high-risk patients (pts). Based upon these data, we designed a phase 2 study of canakinumab in pts with MF. Methods NCT05467800 is a Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Research Consortium (MPN-RC) ongoing open-label, 2-part, phase 2 study of canakinumab in pts with MF. Part 1 enrolled pts with MF previously treated with or ineligible to receive a JAK inhibitor. Canakinumab was given subcutaneously at a dose of 200mg on day 1 of 21-day cycles. Primary response assessment occurred at week 24 following cycle 8. Responding pts could continue to receive canakinumab. Eligible pts had platelets >25 x109/L and a need for MF-directed therapy defined as ≥ 1 of the following: hemoglobin <10 g/dL, transfusion dependency, splenomegaly palpated ≥ 5cm below left costal margin, and/or MPN-SAF version 4.0 TSS ≥ 10. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR) including CR, PR, or CI after 8 cycles (24 weeks). A Bayesian optimal phase 2 (BOP2) design was used with an interim analysis performed after 10 pts. Results In part 1, 14 pts were enrolled and 13 were treated. One pt discontinued prior to starting treatment due to rapidly progressive disease. Enrollment onto part 1 has closed with 2 pts remaining on treatment. Median age was 70 y (range: 55-83). Eleven (84.6%) pts had received prior ruxolitinib. Median hemoglobin was 8.2 g/dL (range: 5.7-13.2), median platelet count was 114 x 109/L (range: 21-484), and median WBC was 9.7 x 109/L (range: 2.4-71.4). Five (38.5%) pts were transfusion dependent. Median MF-SAF TSS at baseline was 15 (range: 4-46). Median spleen volume at baseline was 1522 cm3 (range: 362cm3-2997cm3). Pts received a median of 9 cycles (range: 2-19). Three (23%) pts responded at week 24, achieving a CI-symptom response (TSS50). Six (46%) pts experienced progression of disease due to spleen volume increase. Median hemoglobin was 8.2 g/dL at baseline, 7.9 g/dL at week 12, and 9.0 g/dL at week 24. Median platelet count was 114 x 109/L at baseline, 98 x 109/L at week 12, and 183 x 109/L at week 24. Median MF-SAF TSS declined from 15 at baseline to 10 at week 12 and 9 at week 24. Eleven (85%) pts exhibited symptom improvement during treatment (MF-SAF TSS percent change from baseline range -20% to -85%). In pts with baseline hsCRP ≥ 1.0 (n = 8), canakinumab led to a reduction at week 24 (or EOT if prior to week 24) in 5/8 (62.5%) with a median decrease in CRP of 37%. The most common adverse events (AEs) were anemia and thrombocytopenia and often attributed to underlying disease. Non-hematologic grade ≥ 3 AEs occurred in 3 pts and were deemed unrelated to canakinumab, except for one grade 3 increase in bilirubin that was possibly related per the treating physician. Conclusion The IL-1β inhibitor, canakinumab, resulted in consistent symptom improvement and exhibited beneficial impact on cytopenias in pts with R/R MF while demonstrating a manageable toxicity profile. Consistent with pre-clinical data, inhibition of IL-1β had little impact on splenomegaly, an observation that was likely enhanced by frequent JAK inhibitor discontinuation prior to study start. Given the encouraging impact on MF symptoms, blood counts and reassuring safety profile, the study was amended to enroll pts on a stable dose of a JAK inhibitor (ruxolitinib, fedratinib, momelotinib, or pacritinib) who have the potential to benefit from additional therapy. Part 2 is currently enrolling at multiple sites and updated clinical and correlative data will be presented at the meeting.
Real world outcomes of bispecific T-cell engagers in plasma cell leukemia
Gaballa, Mahmoud, Julian, Kelley, Afrough, Aimaz, Hansen, Doris, Goel, Utkarsh, Corraes, Andre De Menezes Silva, Dima, Danai, Rana, Masooma, Hosoya, Hitomi, Mikkilineni, Lekha, Fogel, Lindsay, Raza, Shahzad, Banerjee, Rahul, Zanwar, Saurabh, Pasvolsky, Oren, Sannareddy, Aishwarya, Borogovac, Azra, Davis, James, Green, Kimberly, Biran, Noa, Herr, Megan, Shune, Leyla, Bhurtel, Evguenia, Atrash, Shebli, Ferreri, Christopher, Richards, Tiffany, Abid, Muhammad Bilal, Bal, Susan, Ali, Hossam M., Ye, J Christine, Richard, Shambavi, Kaur, Gurbakhash, Shain, Kenneth, Puglianini, Omar Alexis Castaneda, Rossi, Adriana, Anderson, Larry, Voorhees, Peter, Khouri, Jack, Sidana, Surbhi, Portuguese, Andrew, Janakiram, Murali, Lee, Hans, Lin, Yi, Grajales-Cruz, Ariel, Patel, Krina, Sborov, Douglas, Sidana, Surbhi , Hosoya, Hitomi , Davis, James A. , Ali, Hossam M. , Sidana, Surbhi , Davis, James A , Hosoya, Hitomi , Ali, Hossam M , Sannareddy, Aishwarya , Gaballa, Mahmoud, Julian, Kelley, Afrough, Aimaz, Hansen, Doris, Goel, Utkarsh, Corraes, Andre De Menezes Silva, Dima, Danai, Rana, Masooma, Mikkilineni, Lekha, Fogel, Lindsay, Raza, Shahzad, Banerjee, Rahul, Zanwar, Saurabh, Pasvolsky, Oren, Borogovac, Azra, Davis, James, Green, Kimberly, Biran, Noa, Herr, Megan, Shune, Leyla, Bhurtel, Evguenia, Atrash, Shebli, Ferreri, Christopher, Richards, Tiffany, Abid, Muhammad Bilal, Bal, Susan, Ali, Hossam M., Ye, J Christine, Richard, Shambavi, Kaur, Gurbakhash, Shain, Kenneth, Puglianini, Omar Alexis Castaneda, Rossi, Adriana, Anderson, Larry, Voorhees, Peter, Khouri, Jack, Portuguese, Andrew, Janakiram, Murali, Lee, Hans, Lin, Yi, Grajales-Cruz, Ariel, Patel, Krina, Sborov, Douglas

Mayo Clinic

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 823-823

10.1182/blood-2025-823 Get It

Abstract Background Patients (pts) with plasma cell leukemia (PCL) were excluded from key trials, so we assessed their outcomes with standard of care bispecific antibodies (BsAbs). Methods Our multicenter retrospective US Myeloma consortium study included PCL pts treated with BsAbs. PCL was defined as ≥5% circulating plasma cells, including primary PCL, secondary PCL, historical PCL, and active PCL within 30 days of BsAb initiation. Endpoints were toxicity rates, overall response (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Results Our study involved 122 PCL pts from 15 US centers with: 27% primary PCL, 65% secondary PCL, 51% active PCL, 53% women, median age of 65 years (range 31-83), 77% white, 15% black, 60% high-risk cytogenetics, 45% high bone marrow burden (≥50% plasma cells), 5% CNS myelomatosis, and 20% EMD. Median prior lines of therapy (tx) were 6 (IQR 5-9), 94% triple-refractory, 57% penta-refractory, 73% prior transplant, and 57% prior BCMA tx (70% in talquetamab group, 41% in BCMA BsAb group). Treatments included 4 cohorts: 37% teclistamab, 11% elranatamab, 42% talquetamab definitive tx, and 11% talquetamab bridge to CAR-T. BsAb was used either as monotherapy (94%) or in combination (6%) with other agents. CRS grade (G) 1 was 41%, G2 14.8%, G3 2.5%, and G4 1.6%, while ICANS G1 was 8.2%, G2 7.4%, G3 3.3%, and G4 1.6%. Infections occurred in 34% and median hospitalization was 10 days (IQR 8-15). Of 110 evaluable pts, ORR was 54.5%, with 24.5% CR, 13.6% VGPR, and 16.4% PR. The ORR was 60.8% for talquetamab definitive tx (21.6% CR, 23.5% VGPR, 15.7% PR), 46.2% for elranatamab (38.5% CR, 7.7% PR), and 33.3% for teclistamab (20% CR, 4.4% VGPR, 8.9% PR). Talquetamab bridge to CAR-T in 12 evaluable pts had a pre-CAR-T day 30 ORR of 58.3% (16.7% CR, 8.3% VGPR, 33.3% PR). With a median follow-up of 8.3 months (mo), the median (m) PFS was 3.2 mo, and mOS was 9.2 mo, with similar outcomes between primary vs. secondary PCL (p=0.37 for PFS, p=0.18 for OS). Talquetamab definitive tx had better outcomes with a mPFS of 5.5 mo, mOS of 11.5 mo, 10-mo PFS of 31.2%, and 10-mo OS of 55.7%, and further improved when used as a bridge to CAR-T, with unreached mPFS, unreached mOS, 10-mo PFS of 53.8%, and 10-mo OS of 62.7%. BCMA BsAbs had inferior outcomes, with teclistamab yielding a mPFS of 1.2 mo, mOS of 8.1 mo, 10-mo PFS of 15.3%, and 10-mo OS of 44.3%, while elranatamab showed a mPFS of 1.6 mo and mOS of 3.6 mo (p=0.007 for PFS, p=0.023 for OS). In BCMA naive pts, BCMA BsAbs' outcomes remained inferior to talquetamab with a mPFS of 1.2 mo and mOS of 3.4 mo (p=0.003, 0.001). Sixty pts with active PCL had a poor mPFS (1.6 vs. 4.4 mo, p=0.036) and mOS (5.3 vs. 10.7 mo, p=0.004) compared to pts with only historical PCL. However, in active PCL, talquetamab definitive tx (n=29) showed superior outcomes with a mPFS of 6.9 mo and mOS of 12.2 mo (p=0.003, 0.012). Talquetamab bridge to CAR-T (n=3) showed a mPFS of 3.2 mo and mOS of 5.2 mo. BCMA BsAbs had inferior outcomes: teclistamab with a mPFS of 0.7 mo and mOS of 1.4 mo, while elranatamab showed a mPFS of 1.0 mo and mOS of 3.1 mo (p=0.003, 0.012). In BCMA naive pts, BCMA BsAbs' efficacy remained poor with a mPFS of 0.7 mo and mOS of 1.4 mo (p=0.006, 0.002). While in pts with only historical PCL (without active PCL), BCMA BsAbs in BCMA naive pts led to similar outcomes with a mPFS of 5.2 mo and mOS of 8.5 mo, compared to a mPFS of 3.7 mo and mOS of 10.4 mo with talquetamab (p=0.90, 0.86). Multivariable analysis (MVA) associated active PCL with worse PFS (p=0.035, HR=1.93, CI 1.05-3.55) and OS (p=0.017, HR=2.3, CI 1.16-4.60), talquetamab with improved PFS (p=0.009, HR=0.41, CI 0.21-0.81) and OS (p=0.012, HR=0.40, CI 0.19-0.82), and talquetamab bridge to CAR-T with improved PFS (p=0.042, HR 0.28, CI 0.08-0.95) without reaching statistical significance for OS (p=0.11, HR 0.29, HR 0.07-1.3). MVA results remained similar when the talquetamab bridge to CAR-T cohort was excluded. Conclusions Despite PCL's poor prognosis, talquetamab was superior to BCMA BsAbs in active PCL, with a mPFS of 6.9 mo and mOS of 12.2 mo, aligning with the broader cohort. BCMA BsAbs had poor efficacy in active PCL, even in BCMA naive pts, with a mPFS of 0.7 mo and mOS of 1.4 mo. In historical PCL without active PCL, BCMA BsAbs in BCMA-naive pts showed comparable outcomes to talquetamab. In the overall cohort, talquetamab bridge to CAR-T improved PFS without reaching significance for OS benefit in MVA.