Abstract Improved understanding of how chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and endogenous T‐cell phenotypes associate with progression‐free survival (PFS) is needed to individualize and improve immunotherapy outcomes in multiple myeloma (MM). We characterized and investigated the prognostic value of immune dynamics defined with multidimensional and computational flow cytometry in 258 bone marrow aspirates from 107 MM patients treated with idecabtagene vicleucel in the KarMMa trial. At screening, there was an association between longer PFS and increased percentages of PD1 + cytotoxic T cells and ICOS − TIGIT + Tregs. At Month 1 after infusion, the presence of >1% CAR‐T cells, a CD4/CD8 CAR‐T‐cell ratio >0.09, and greater abundance of non‐activated non‐cytolytic CAR‐T cells identified patients with longer PFS. Notably, 47 of the 115 endogenous T‐cell clusters were prognostic at the latest assessment performed after CAR‐T infusion. Lower percentages of ICOS + TIGIT − Tregs showed the strongest association with longer PFS. Altogether, this large dataset of dynamic immune profiling throughout treatment with anti‐B‐cell maturation antigen (anti‐BCMA) CAR‐T cells uncovered that the T‐cell composition prior to apheresis as well as CAR‐T and endogenous T‐cell phenotypes after infusion associates with PFS. These findings have potential for translation into routine laboratory practice for improved understanding of response and resistance to CAR‐T cells in relapsed/refractory MM.
Anti–B-cell Maturation Antigen Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Therapy bb21217 for Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Results from the Phase I CRB-402 Study
Abstract Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy enriched for a memory-like phenotype may persist and function longer than a nonenriched product, thereby improving duration of response (DOR). We conducted a phase I study with bb21217 (NCT03274219), an anti–B-cell maturation antigen CAR T-cell therapy manufactured in the presence of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor bb007 to enrich for T cells with a memory-like phenotype, in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (N = 72). No new safety concerns were raised with bb21217 therapy (three cases each of grade ≥3 cytokine release syndrome and grade ≥3 neurotoxicity were observed). The objective response rate was 69.4% and the median DOR was 23.8 (95% confidence interval, 16.8–34.8) months. Analysis of the drug product established an association between early memory phenotype and robust expansion and depth of response. Examination of baseline characteristics indicated that tumor burden and prior therapies influenced DOR. The data indicate that generation of CAR T cells early in a disease course when tumor burden is lower and source material exhibits a more naïve phenotype may maximize the clinical benefit potential of the drug product.
Patient perspectives and preferences for step-up dosing and treatment with teclistamab and talquetamab: Insights from a patient survey
Abstract Background Teclistamab (Tec) and Talquetamab (Tal) are the two first FDA approved bispecific antibodies (BsAb) for the treatment of patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Both Tec and Tal should be initiated with step-up dosing (SUD) in an inpatient (IP) setting to mitigate the risk of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), per US label. However, standard of care practice continues to evolve and more pts receive SUD as an outpatient (OP) to reduce healthcare resource utilization and improve pt convenience. While most real-world evidence has focused on clinical and safety outcomes of pts treated with Tec and Tal, pt experience associated with these novel BsAb therapies is relatively unexplored. Methods HealthTree Foundation, a multiple myeloma pt advocacy group which provides enrolled pts with information on treatments, community groups, and research participation, surveyed RRMM patients who have received Tec or Tal. Eligible pts who completed the treatment experience survey had at least 4 months of follow-up after starting BsAb. The survey was fielded from May 2024 through June 2025. Data collection followed IRB-exempt protocols with informed consent. Results A total of 32 patients (24 Tec, 8 Tal) completed the survey. The median age was 70 years, 50% were male, and 84% were white. Most pts (n=24; 75%) received SUD at their primary oncology clinic (n=19, 59% at an academic center; n=5, 16% at local community center), and 8 (25%) at an academic center which was not their primary oncology clinic. All pts who received SUD at an academic center that was not their primary oncology clinic later transitioned to their local community clinic post-SUD and reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their transition of care experience. Overall, most pts (n= 21; 66%) received their entire step-up dosing during a single hospitalization, while some (n=6; 19%) received all doses of the SUD during separate hospitalizations for each dose. About 13% (n=4) received all SUD in an OP setting, and 3% (n=1) received SUD in a hybrid setting (mix of IP and OP). Although 85% (n=27) of the pts received IP SUD, 66% (n=21) would have preferred IP SUD in one hospitalization, while the remaining 34% (n=11) would have preferred OP or hybrid SUD. Among pts who received IP SUD (n=27), almost a quarter reported a preference for either OP (n=4; 15%) or hybrid SUD (n=2; 7%) and 78% (n=21) preferred one IP hospitalization for SUD. The factors influencing their preference for the setting of SUD in this IP sub-group were feeling more secure with IP monitoring (78%), convenience (26%), less worry about staying near healthcare centers (15%), being able to stay with their local physician (11%), staying closer to home (7%), and lower costs to the pt (4%). Among pts receiving OP SUD (n=4), 75% (n=3) preferred fully OP SUD and 25% (n=1) preferred hybrid SUD because of convenience (n=2; 50%), lower cost to pt (n=1; 25%), flexible dosing schedule (n=1; 25%), and feeling of security with IP monitoring (n=1; 25%). All the pts receiving hybrid SUD (n=1) preferred fully OP SUD due to convenience. Although Tec and Tal are subcutaneous (SC) injections, when patients were asked to compare the options of BsAbs with comparable efficacy and safety profile, they favored SC injection (n= 22; 69%) over intravenous infusion (n = 3; 9%), while 22% (n=7) had no preference for mode of drug administration. The challenges that impacted pt experience with Tec or Tal were treatment side effects (Tal pts: n=6, 75%; Tec pts: n=9, 38%) and distance or travel time to the treatment facility (Tal pts: n=2, 25%; Tec pts: n=4; 17%). Other reasons included caring for others, continuing to work, cost and insurance, lack of caregiver/care partner, being away from home, unavailability of the therapy in community setting near home, and eligibility criteria. Conclusions Most pts in this study received SUD at their primary oncology clinic. While most pts received IP SUD and preferred a single planned IP visit, one third preferred OP or hybrid SUD due to convenience. As the field moves toward OP-only SUD, this study underscores the need to consider pt preferences. There is an unmet need for community clinics providing SUD options closer to pt homes.
A randomized phase II study of daratumumab, lenalidomide, ixazomib, and dexamethasone in transplant-ineligible or deferred patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: Alliance Foundation Trial 41 (AFT-41)
Abstract Introduction The treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) has rapidly evolved. Quadruplet induction combining an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, lenalidomide, a proteasome inhibitor, and dexamethasone has become a standard of care. In this prospective randomized phase 2 trial, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of induction with a four-drug combination of daratumumab (Dara), lenalidomide (R), ixazomib (I), and dexamethasone (d) (Dara-RId) in older, transplant ineligible or deferred patients, followed by maintenance with Dara RI versus R for up to 2 years. We hypothesized that this quadruplet would offer improved tolerability with less peripheral neuropathy in this older population as well as the convenience of largely oral therapy. Herein, we present the initial results of the induction phase of the study. Methods Transplant-ineligible or deferred patients with NDMM were eligible to participate. This was a multicenter trial sponsored by the Alliance Foundation Trials, LLC, AFT-41 (NCT04009109). Each cycle of treatment was 28 days. All patients received 12 cycles of induction therapy with daratumumab 1800 mg subcutaneously on the conventional schedule, lenalidomide 15 mg orally (po) on days 1-21, ixazomib 4 mg po on days 1, 8, 15, and dexamethasone weekly. After 12 cycles, patients received maintenance based on prior randomization (1:1) to Dara-RI or R for up to 2 years. In maintenance, R was reduced to 10 mg and I was reduced to 3 mg. Randomization assignment occurred prior to starting induction. Stratification was based on presence of high-risk features defined as ISS stage III or high-risk FISH cytogenetics (del 17, t (14;16), t (14;20), t (4;14), del (1p), or gain (1q)). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR) and adverse events. Results We enrolled 79 patients across 7 sites from October 2020 until December 2023. Accrual was affected by the COVID19 pandemic, leading to early closure to accrual in December 2023. Median age was 74 years (range 63-86); ≥75 years of age (45.6%); female (59.5%); white (83.5%), African American (7.6%), Asian (1.3%), and Hispanic ethnicity (6.3%). Additional baseline characteristics included ISS staging I (41.8%), II (35.4%), and III (22.8%) with high-risk features in 37% by ISS stage III and/or high-risk FISH. The 12-month PFS was 92% (95% confidence interval [CI] 86.1-98.4%). The ORR (≥ partial response [PR]) during induction was 92.4% (PR 22.8%; very good partial response [VGPR] 46.8%; complete response 15.2%; stringent complete response 7.6%). Notable grade ≥3 adverse events included neutropenia (16.5%), infections (11.4%), anemia (10.1%), thrombocytopenia (8.9%), and syncope (7.6%). There was no grade ≥3 peripheral neuropathy (grade 1, 15%; grade 2, 14%). No treatment-related mortality was reported. Sixty-one patients went on to maintenance therapy and seven patients discontinued treatment for adverse events during induction (8.9%). Conclusions Dara-RId therapy in NDMM appears to be efficacious with an ORR of 92.4%; VGPR or better of 69.6% and 12-month PFS of 92%. The combination was generally tolerated well with manageable toxicity, despite 45.6% of patients being ≥75, offering the convenience of an oral proteasome inhibitor, ixazomib, that minimizes the risk of peripheral neuropathy for older, transplant-ineligible or deferred patients. Follow-up is ongoing to determine the benefit of maintenance with Dara-RI v. R alone in this population. Support: AFT, Celgene, Janssen, Takeda.
International Myeloma Society/International Myeloma Working Group Consensus Recommendations on the Definition of High-Risk Multiple Myeloma
Despite significant improvements in survival of patients with multiple myeloma (MM), outcomes remain heterogeneous, and a significant proportion of patients experience suboptimal outcomes. Importantly, traditional prognostic factors based on data from patients treated with older therapies no longer capture prognosis accurately in the contemporary era of novel triplet or quadruplet therapies. Therefore, risk stratification requires refinement in the context of available and investigational treatment options in routine practice and clinical trials, respectively. The current identification of high-risk MM (HRMM) in routine practice is based on the Revised International Staging System, which stratifies patients using a combination of widely available serum biomarkers and chromosomal abnormalities assessed via fluorescence in situ hybridization. In recent years, a substantial body of evidence concerning additional clinical, biological, and molecular/genomic prognostic factors has accumulated, along with new MM risk stratification tools and consensus reports. The International Myeloma Society, along with the International Myeloma Working Group, convened an Expert Panel with the primary aim of revisiting the definition of HRMM and formulating a practical and data-driven consensus definition, based on new evidence from molecular/genomic assays, updated clinical data, and contemporary risk stratification concepts. The Panel proposes the following Consensus Genomic Staging (CGS) of HRMM which relies upon the presence of at least one of these abnormalities: (1) del(17p), with a cutoff of >20% clonal fraction, and/or TP53 mutation; (2) an IgH translocation including t(4;14), t(14;16), or t(14;20) along with 1q+ and/or del(1p32); (3) monoallelic del(1p32) along with 1q+ or biallelic del(1p32); or (4) β2 microglobulin ≥5.5 mg/L with normal creatinine (<1.2 mg/dL).
Long-Term (≥5-Year) Remission and Survival After Treatment With Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel in CARTITUDE-1 Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma
CARTITUDE-1 evaluated ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) in patients with heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). We describe overall survival (OS), ≥5-year progression-free outcomes, associated biomarkers, and safety, with a median study follow-up of 61.3 months. For the 97 treated patients, median OS was 60.7 months (95% CI, 41.9 to not estimable). One third (32/97) of patients remain alive and progression-free for ≥5 years after a single cilta-cel infusion, without maintenance treatment. Twelve of these patients treated at a single center underwent serial minimal residual disease (MRD) and positron emission tomography-computed tomography assessments, and all (100%) were MRD-negative (at least 10 −5 threshold) and imaging-negative at year 5 or later after cilta-cel. Baseline characteristics, including the presence of high-risk cytogenetics and extramedullary disease, were generally comparable for the 32 patients who were progression-free for ≥5 years versus patients who had progressive disease by year 5. A trend of lower baseline tumor burden, higher fraction of naïve T-cells in the cilta-cel drug product, higher T cell-to-neutrophil ratio, higher hemoglobin and platelets at baseline, and higher effector-to-target ratio were associated with ≥5-year progression-free status. The safety profile of cilta-cel remained consistent with previous reports. To our knowledge, our data provide the first evidence that cilta-cel is potentially curative in patients with RRMM.
Long-term (≥5 year) remission and survival after treatment with ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) in CARTITUDE-1 patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM).
7507 Background: CARTITUDE-1 evaluated cilta-cel in pts with heavily pretreated RRMM who historically have an expected median progression-free survival (PFS) of <6 months (mo) and median overall survival (OS) of ~1 year (y). At 33.4 mo median follow-up, median PFS was 34.9 mo, and median OS was not reached (36-mo OS rate, 62.9%; Lin et al, ASCO 2023). We report OS, ≥5 y progression-free outcomes, and safety with a median study follow-up of 60.3 mo. Methods: Pts in CARTITUDE-1 received a single cilta-cel infusion. Correlative analyses were performed utilizing drug product, baseline, and postinfusion samples. Pts are followed for progression, survival, and safety in a 15-y follow-up study, CARTinue (NCT05201781), with pt evaluations per local standard of care (reported annually at a minimum). Results: Of 97 pts treated, 32 (33.0%) remain alive and progression free for ≥5 y after cilta-cel, without further MM treatment. For these 32 pts, prior to enrollment in CARTITUDE-1, median time from start of last line of therapy (LOT) to progression was 4.0 mo (range, 0.7–48.6). Among the 32, median age was 60 y (range, 43–78), median number of prior LOT was 6.5 (range, 3–14), 23.3% had high risk cytogenetics, 12.5% had extramedullary disease (EMD), 90.6% were triple-class refractory, and 46.9% were penta-drug refractory. Baseline characteristics of pts who were progression free for ≥5 y, including those with high-risk cytogenetics and EMD, were comparable to pts with progressive disease (PD) within 5 y. Compared with pts who had PD within 5 y, biomarkers significantly associated with ≥5 y progression free status included a higher fraction of naïve T cells in the drug product, lower neutrophil to T cell ratio, higher hemoglobin and platelets at baseline, and higher effector-to-target ratio (Cmax to sBCMA at baseline). At Cmax, these pts also had significantly higher CD4 central memory CAR+ T cell subsets and CAR+ T cells that were positive for the activation markers CD38, CD25, and PD-1. Data were collected on a subset of pts from a single center where local serial MRD assessments were performed. All 12 pts at this center who were progression free for ≥5 y were MRD negative at 10 –6 and imaging negative by PET/CT yearly for 5 y. Overall, at 60.3 mo median follow-up in CARTITUDE-1 (N=97), median OS was 60.6 mo (95% CI, 41.9–NE). With continued follow-up, 3 additional pts reported a second primary malignancy (1 of which was acute myeloid leukemia; onset, 2.8 y after infusion). No new cases of movement and neurocognitive disorders were reported. Conclusions: The median OS for pts enrolled in CARTITUDE-1 was 5 y, and 33% of pts remain progression free for ≥5 y following a single cilta-cel infusion. These data provide the first evidence that cilta-cel is potentially curative in pts with RRMM. Clinical trial information: NCT03548207 , NCT05201781 .
Design and Methodological Considerations for Real World Data-Derived Progression-Free Survival in Multiple Myeloma
Introduction: Progression-free survival (PFS), a common endpoint used in multiple myeloma (MM) trials, is defined as the time to the earliest occurrence of disease progression or death. Disease progression in MM is determined by the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) Uniform Response Criteria based on imaging and biomarkers from blood, urine, and bone marrow biopsy testing. In clinical trials, IMWG-recommended assessments are protocol-based. However, in routine care, they are often performed and recorded differently based on a multitude of factors. Algorithms to ascertain progression events using routinely collected biomarker data are important to classify disease progression and align with trial-defined endpoints. The aim of this study was to construct and evaluate an optimized real-world Progression (rwP) algorithm using real-world data (RWD) and demonstrate how biomarker data are captured and used to derive endpoints in routine practice. Method: A cohort of 270 transplant ineligible newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) patients starting on lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Rd) and meeting select MAIA (NCT02252172) trial eligibility criteria were included from the nationwide Flatiron Health electronic health record-derived deidentified database from 2015 to 2023. A rwP algorithm was developed using key IMWG-recommended biomarkers, including serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP), urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP), and serum free light chains (FLCs). The initial baseline value for each biomarker was identified, if available, during either the pre-treatment period (45 days prior through 7 days after first line treatment (1L) start) or the on-treatment period (8 days after 1L start through 1L end). Available biomarkers were followed for disease assessment. If any subsequent lab value during 1L treatment was less than the initial baseline value, the subsequent “on-treatment baseline” value was adopted as the new lowest value; otherwise, the initial value was used as the “on-treatment baseline” value for assessing progression events. Three hierarchies, which describe the order of utilizing key IMWG-recommended biomarkers to define rwP events, were explored, including: i) strict hierarchy (SH) [SPEP > UPEP > FLCs], ii) partial hierarchy (PH) [SPEP = UPEP > FLCs], and iii) no hierarchy (NH) [SPEP = UPEP = FLCs]. The PH option closely resembles the IMWG criteria, with FLCs only used for rwP assessments when no measurable SPEP/UPEP are identified. The NH approach considers all available biomarkers equally and resembles how they are utilized in real-world clinical practice. The feasibility of requiring confirmatory events following the first suggestion of progression was also explored. Assays following the progression event up to the end of 1L were considered as confirmatory progression events if they met IMWG criteria. Results: We applied the rwP algorithm with each hierarchy to all eligible NDMM patients (N = 270). The SH, PH, and NH approaches respectively identified 106 (39.3%), 106 (39.3%), and 123 (45.6%) patients with progression events. Results from the SH and PH approach are consistent likely due to the rarity of UPEP usage in clinical practice. The NH approach captured more progression events because FLCs are used in the presence of measurable SPEP or UPEP, resulting in 73 progression events captured by FLCs in comparison to 32 from other approaches, potentially increasing false-positive capture due to the volatility of FLC results. Among the 106 PH-identified patients who progressed, 84 (79.2%) had IMWG-recommended tests following their progression event, and 74 (69.8%) had their progression confirmed before the end of 1L, with 35 (33.0%) receiving their confirmatory reading within 2 months after progression. These results suggest that requiring confirmatory testing as part of the rwP is feasible, though it may introduce false negatives for patients receiving clinical progression confirmation instead of getting confirmatory labs in routine clinical practice. Conclusion: We present a comprehensive assessment of important design choices for an rwP algorithm for NDMM, including a hierarchy of key assays and the inclusion of confirmatory testing. Further validation of the algorithm with health care provider assessments and the inclusion of bone marrow biopsy and imaging data is important for evaluating the performance of the algorithm in RWD.
Biological and Clinical Significance of Endogenous and Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T Cell Immune Profiling in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM) Patients
Background: Anti-BCMA CAR T cells are a new standard of care for the treatment of RRMM patients. Hence, it is paramount to identify determinants of response and resistance for individualized approaches. There is emerging data about the importance of depth of response in prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) and of genetic antigen escape in treatment resistance. By contrast, there is limited understanding of how patient' outcomes are shaped by immune fitness prior aphaeresis, and virtually no data about CAR T and endogenous profiles post infusion. Aim: Characterize immune dynamics and investigate its prognostic value in RRMM patients treated with CAR T cells. Methods: Immune profiling was performed using multidimensional and computational flow cytometry in 285 bone marrow aspirates from 120 RRMM patients enrolled in the KarMMa phase 2 trial. In total, 170 immune clusters were identified and systematically quantified in a pileup analysis of samples collected before and at months 1, 3, 6 and 12 after CAR T infusion. Immune scores were developed using cox regression with 10-fold cross-validation. Results: At baseline (n = 63), there were significant associations between the bone marrow immune composition and the number of prior lines of treatment, prior autologous transplant and staging. Namely, there were higher proportions of ICOS, PD1, TIGIT and TIM3 positive cells within the CD4+ and CD8+ T cell compartments from heavily pretreated patients and those with R-ISS 3. A baseline immune score defined by the percentages of GrzmB+HLADR+ cytotoxic NK cells, TIGIT+ Tregs, CD4+CD127+ICOS+ and CD4+CD25+CD127+TIGIT+, CD8+TIGIT+, CD8+GrzmB+HLADR+ and CD8+CD27+CD95+CD45RAloCD197lo T cells was associated with PFS. Patients with low vs high risk immune score at baseline had median PFS of 25 vs 6 months, respectively (p < .001). Interestingly, there were no significant associations between the baseline risk score and treatment or staging, suggesting potential complementarity of immune profiling with other prognostic factors. At month 1 after infusion (n = 55), the presence of >1% vs <1% CAR T cells was associated with longer PFS (medians of 20 vs 8 months, p = .002). In addition to the magnitude of CAR T persistence, it was interesting to observe increased percentages of CD8+ CAR T cells in patients with <5 prior lines of therapy, of CD4+HLADR+ and CD8+TEMRA CAR T cells in patients with R-ISS 1/2, as well as of PD1+TIM3+ CD4+ and CD8+ CAR T cells in patients with R-ISS 3. Moreover, the phenotype of CAR T cells was associated with PFS. Patients with low vs high risk immune score (ie, based on the percentages of CD4+CD57+, CD8+CD27-EM, CD8+PD1+TIM3+ and CD4+CD8+ CAR T cells) had median PFS not reached vs 11 months, respectively (p < .0001). Similarly to the above, there were no significant associations between the CAR T immune risk score and treatment or staging, suggesting potential complementarity of CAR T quantification and phenotyping post-infusion with other patient' characteristics. Next, we investigated endogenous T cell dynamics in 51 RRMM patients with paired samples prior and after CAR T infusion. There were significant differences in the frequencies of 30 immune clusters, including CD27+ naïve and EM CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, ICOS+ and TIGIT+ Tregs, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, as well as of CD25+CD127+ CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, an immune risk score defined at the latest available time point (n = 95) was associated with PFS (p < .0001). Patients with lower levels of GrzmB+ cytotoxic NK cells and of immunoregulatory HLADR- NK cells, as well as of CD4+CD27+CD95+CM, CD4+HLADR+, CD8+PD1+ and CD8+CD27-CD95+EM T cells showed a high risk score and a median PFS of 6 vs 20 months in patients with low risk immune score. Conclusions: This is one of the largest dynamic studies of immune profiling in a clinical trial investigating anti-BCMA CAR T cells in RRMM. Our results uncovered that patient' immune status is shaped by prior treatment and staging, and that the distribution of different NK, Treg, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells prior aphaeresis is associated with PFS. Furthermore, the phenotype of CAR T cells at month 1 after infusion may be as prognostic as its percentage. We also showed how treatment with CAR T cells modulates the bone marrow immune composition and how it may contribute to immune escape vs surveillance. Altogether, this study supports immune profiling for improved understanding of response and resistance to CAR T cells in RRMM.
First-in-Human Phase 1 Study of SAR442257 in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Background: SAR442257 (SAR'257) is a trispecific antibody that targets CD38, CD3 and CD28. Simultaneous CD3 and CD28 binding triggers T cell co-signaling, and additional CD38 recognition directs the T cells to CD38+ cancer cells such as multiple myeloma (MM) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). This is a first-in-human phase 1 study investigating the safety, efficacy, pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) profile of SAR'257 in patients (pts) with refractory and relapsed (rr) MM and rrNHL. Methods: This is a multicenter, international, open-label, dose-escalation study (NCT04401020) of SAR'257 in pts with rrMM refractory to standard-of-care (SOC) options, including anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies, and in pts rrNHL without any SOC options. SAR'257 was administered intravenously with lead-in doses (Day 1−5) in the first week, followed by twice weekly (BIW) or once weekly (QW) dosing; 11 target dose levels (TDLs) in pts with rrMM (9 TDLs: 0.06-11 µg/kg BIW; 2 TDLs: 18-27 µg/kg QW), and 2 TDLs in pts with rrNHL (2 µg/kg BIW and 4 µg/kg QW). Results: As of February 19, 2024, 47 pts (rrMM, n=40; rrNHL, n=7) received SAR'257. The median ages (years) were 64 (rrMM; range: 40−84) and 70 (rrNHL; range: 18−75). The median number of prior lines was 5 (range: 3−12) for rrMM and 5 (range: 2−7) for rrNHL cohort. In rrMM cohort, all (100%) pts had prior exposure to an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody (MAb) and were refractory to anti-CD38 and in rrNHL cohort all were anti-CD38 naïve. The median time from last anti-CD38 dose was 2.7 (range: 1−65) months for rrMM cohort. Safety analysis revealed that 68% (n=32) pts had treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs; 26 pts in rrMM and 6 pts in rrNHL); 21.3% pts (n=10) Grade (G) ≥3 TEAEs (7 in rrMM and 3 in rrNHL). Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was the most common TEAE, occurring in 52.5% of rrMM pts across all TDLs (n=21; G≥3 in 1 pt from 11 µg/kg BIW TDL) and in 57.1% of rrNHL pts (n=4; no G≥3) at the two TDLs tested. Repetitive CRS episodes (>1 episode) were more frequent at higher TDLs. Infusion-related reactions (IRRs; any G) were observed in 22.5% pts with rrMM (n=9; no G≥3) and in 28.5% pts with rrNHL (n=2; G≥3 in 1 pt). Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection/reactivation was reported in 17.5% (n=7; G≥3 in 4 pts) and 28.6% (n=2; no G≥3) pts with rrMM and rrNHL respectively. Further, 15% (n=6, G≥3 in 2 pts) from rrMM and 14.3% (n=1; G2 CMV reactivation) pts from rrNHL cohort reported cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection/reactivation. One case of immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) was reported (G4) in the rrNHL cohort. Four dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were observed in the rrMM cohort [1 at 4 µg/kg BIW (G3 hepatotoxicity); 1 at 11 µg/kg BIW (G5 CRS−EBV reactivation; and 2 at 27 µg/kg QW (G3 CMV infection reactivation and G3 febrile neutropenia in same pt)]. Three DLTs were observed in the rrNHL cohort (2 at 2 µg/kg BIW [G4 neutropenia and G4 thrombocytopenia; same pt] and 1 at 4 µg/kg QW [ICANS G4]). For pts with rrMM, the maximum plasma concentration of SAR'257 reached within or above the theoretical efficacious range (0.1−1nM; extrapolated from ex vivo models), starting at 8 µg/kg BIW and 18 µg/kg QW in the first treatment cycle. As of July 08, 2024, the overall response rate (ORR), defined as partial response (PR) or better, was 5% (n=2) in the rrMM cohort: 1 pt exhibited stringent complete response (duration of response [DOR]=8.1 months, on-going) and 1 showed a complete response (CR) at 27 µg/kg QW TDL. In rrNHL cohort, the ORR was 14.3%, 1 pt achieved PR (DOR=7.1 months) at 2 µg/kg BIW TDL. The disease control rate (stable disease or better for >8 weeks) was 60% (n=24) and 28.6% (n=2) in the rrMM and rrNHL cohorts respectively. For both cohorts exploratory biomarker analysis revealed that: (1) SAR'257 treatment activated peripheral blood T cells and reduced regulatory T cell numbers and CD4/CD8 ratio; (2) CD38 expression on plasma cells positively corelated with time since the last anti-CD38 MAb dose; (3) Among the pts experiencing CRS, the peak values of cytokines (Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and C-reactive protein) were significantly higher during the first cycle in comparison to subsequent cycles. Conclusion: This Phase 1 study of SAR'257 showed an anti-tumor response in a small number of pts from the rrMM and rrNHL cohorts. Due to safety concerns, in particular high rates of EBV and CMV reactivation and recurrent episodes of CRS in the higher dose levels, the study was terminated during dose escalation.