anti-CD30 Antibody-drug Conjugate Research Articles

16 (PB002) - Predicting response to naratuximab emtansine, an anti-CD37 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), in combination with rituximab in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), by analyzing the spatial arrangement of CD37 and CD20 positive cells using deep learning

Background: DLBCL is the most common type of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, accounting for 30–40% of cases. Despite improvements in survival with standard of care treatment, up to 40% of patients have relapsed and/or refractory (R/R) disease. A phase 2 study (NCT02564744) evaluated the efficacy of naratuximab emtansine, an anti-CD37 ADC, in combination with rituximab, in 80 patients with R/R DLBCL. We performed an exploratory analysis of the study to find pathology-based biomarkers predictive of response.

Treating iPSC-Derived β Cells with an Anti-CD30 Antibody-Drug Conjugate Eliminates the Risk of Teratoma Development upon Transplantation.

Insulin-producing cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are promising candidates for β cell replacement in type 1 diabetes. However, the risk of teratoma formation due to residual undifferentiated iPSCs contaminating the differentiated cells is still a critical concern for clinical application. Here, we hypothesized that pretreatment of iPSC-derived insulin-producing cells with an anti-CD30 antibody–drug conjugate could prevent in vivo teratoma formation by selectively killing residual undifferentiated cells. CD30 is expressed in all human iPSCs clones tested by flow cytometry (n = 7) but not in iPSC-derived β cells (iβs). Concordantly, anti-CD30 treatment in vitro for 24 h induced a dose-dependent cell death (up to 90%) in human iPSCs while it did not kill iβs nor had an impact on iβ identity and function, including capacity to secrete insulin in response to stimuli. In a model of teratoma assay associated with iβ transplantation, the pretreatment of cells with anti-CD30 for 24 h before the implantation into NOD-SCID mice completely eliminated teratoma development (0/10 vs. 8/8, p < 0.01). These findings suggest that short-term in vitro treatment with clinical-grade anti-CD30, targeting residual undifferentiated cells, eliminates the tumorigenicity of iPSC-derived β cells, potentially providing enhanced safety for iPSC-based β cell replacement therapy in clinical scenarios.

P368: A PHASE II STUDY OF INOTUZUMAB OZOGAMICIN FOR THE TREATMENT OF MEASURABLE RESIDUAL DISEASE-POSITIVE B-CELL ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA

Background: Persistence or re-emergence of measurable residual disease (MRD) in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is strongly associated with shorter relapse-free survival. Inotuzumab ozogamicin (INO) is an anti-CD22 antibody-drug conjugate with the potential to eradicate MRD in B-ALL. Aims: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of INO in clearing MRD in patients (pts) with persistent or recurrent MRD positivity after treatment with conventional chemotherapy. Methods: This is a single arm phase II trial of pts with B-ALL in complete remission (CR) who did not achieve MRD negativity (MRD-ve) or had MRD-positive (MRD+ve) relapse after at least 3 months (mos) from the start of frontline therapy (i.e. CR1) or 1 month from the start of any salvage therapy (i.e. ≥ CR2). Eligibility was defined by MRD+ve at ≥ 0.01%. MRD-ve was defined as undetectable MRD by flow cytometry at a minimum sensitivity of 10-4 for Philadelphia (Ph) negative (Ph-) B-ALL and undetectable MRD by both flow and PCR at 10-4 for Ph positive (Ph+) B-ALL. INO was given at a dose of 0.6 mg/m2 on D1 and 0.3 mg/m2 on D8 of C1 and 0.3 mg/m2 on D1 and 8 of subsequent cycles (up to 6 total cycles, given every 21-28 days) along with ursodiol prophylaxis. Pts with Ph+ ALL received concomitant TKI, the choice of which was decided by the treating physician. Results: Between 11/2018 and 1/2022, 20 pts with MRD+ve B-ALL, with a median age of 40 years (range, 19-68) were treated. Twelve pts (60%) had Ph+ B-ALL, 11 of whom received concurrent ponatinib and 1 dasatinib. Eight pts were Ph- (including 3 Ph-like ALL). Fourteen pts (70%) were in CR1, and 6 pts (30%) were in ≥ CR2 (3 in CR2, 2 in CR3 and 1 in CR4). Eleven pts (55%) had received prior blinatumomab (blina) and 4 pts (20%) had prior stem cell transplantation (SCT). The median BCR-ABL1 level in Ph+ B-ALL was 0.58% (range, 0.001-17.5%) and median MRD level by flow cytometry in Ph- B-ALL was 0.2% (range, 0.05-1.24%). Twelve pts (60%) became MRD-ve (responders), 10 after cycle 1 and 2 after cycle 2. In the Ph+ group, 6 pts (50%) responded; another 3 pts attained MMR as best response. Six of 8 (75%) Ph- pts responded. The median number of cycles were 3 (range, 1-6). Seven of 9 pts (78%) without prior blina exposure became MRD-ve, compared with 5/11 (45%) pts with prior blina exposure (p=0.22). Patient disposition is shown in Fig. 1A. Amongst the 12 responders, 5 pts were consolidated with ASCT after a median of 3 cycles (range, 1-3) of INO, all in MRD-ve CR pre-ASCT. Three responders (25%) relapsed (including 1 relapse after ASCT). At a median follow-up of 17 mos, 15 pts (75%) are alive, 8 of whom are in continued MRD-ve CR. The estimated 18 mos RFS and OS were 63% and 73% respectively, for the whole group (Fig. 1B), and the 18 mos OS was 87% and 55% for responders and non-responders, respectively. Outcomes were similar between pts with Ph+ ALL vs. Ph- ALL, prior blina exposure vs. no prior exposure, and pts in CR1 vs. ≥ CR2. INO was overall well-tolerated with no grade 4 non-hematological toxicities. Grade 3 non-hematological toxicities included elevated transaminases in 1 pt and veno-occlusive disease in 1 pt without history of prior ASCT. Ten pts (50%) had grade 3-4 hematological toxicities (primarily neutropenia). Image:Summary/Conclusion: Low-dose, fractionated INO is a well-tolerated option for MRD eradication in Ph+ and Ph- B-ALL pts, including in those with prior blina exposure.

P1152: RESULTS FROM A PHASE I PHARMACOKINETIC (PK) AND SAFETY STUDY OF TRPH-222, A NOVEL CD22-TARGETING ANTIBODY-DRUG CONJUGATE, IN PATIENTS WITH RELAPSED/REFRACTORY B-CELL NON-HODGKIN LYMPHOMA (R/R NHL)

Background: TRPH-222 is a novel antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) comprised of a humanized anti-CD22 monoclonal antibody and maytansine, a potent microtubule inhibitor, joined by a novel third-generation linker-conjugation technology (SMARTag®). This approach enables site-specific conjugation of the maytansine payload while tightly controlling drug:antibody ratio (DAR), resulting in a highly stable anti-CD22 ADC with a non-cleavable linker designed to widen the therapeutic window. Aims: The primary objectives of this first in human study are to determine the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics (PK) of TRPH-222 monotherapy in patients with R/R NHL. Methods: TRPH-222-100 is an open-label, multicenter study comprised of dose-escalation and dose-expansion stages. TRPH-222 was administered IV once every 3 weeks. 22 patients were enrolled in dose-escalating cohorts of TRPH-222 (0.6 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg) from DLBCL, FL, TFL, MCL and MZL histologies, and 10 patients in a dose-expansion cohort (7.5 mg/kg) focusing on DLBCL and FL histologies. Results: As of January 7, 2022, 32 NHL patients have been enrolled: 15 indolent (14 FL and 1 MZL) and 17 aggressive histologies (15 DLBCL, 1 TFL and 1 MCL). Patients had a median age of 64.5 years, a median of 4 prior lines of therapy including 7 patients receiving prior CAR-T treatment. Three DLTs occurred in 2 patients during the study and comprised Grade 3 and 4 transaminase elevations; one each at 4.2 and 10 mg/kg and one Grade 3 thrombocytopenia at 4.2 mg/kg. Treatment-related serious adverse events (AEs) occurred in 2 patients (6.3%), caused by thrombocytopenia and pyrexia (both at 7.5 mg/kg TRPH-222). AEs were more prevalent at doses ≥7.5 mg/kg and less prevalent at lower doses. There was a trend to higher grade AEs in patients with aggressive histologies, compared to indolent ones. The most frequent (≥ 5%) treatment-emergent related AEs (Grade ≥3) included thrombocytopenia (34%), neutropenia (22%), ALT/AST elevation (6%), dry eye (6%) and blurred vision (6%). Cytopenias were non-febrile, infrequent, asymptomatic and resolved without significant intervention. Ocular findings were consistent with known epithelial keratopathy of ADCs and were generally low grade and resolved to ≤ Grade 1 with dose interruptions and/or reductions. Overall, TRPH-222 demonstrated a favourable safety profile with most AEs being predominantly low grade, tolerable, easily managed and reversible. Preliminary efficacy results suggest evidence of anti-tumor activity, most notably in patients with R/R FL. Of the 13 response-evaluable FL patients, 4 complete responses (CR) and 2 partial responses (PR) were observed, with an overall response rate (ORR) of 46% and a complete response rate (CRR) of 31%. Four patients with metabolic CRs maintained these CRs for long periods off treatment; 3 patients remain in CR with responses maintained for up to 25 months. Responses were generally early, durable and CRs were maintained off-therapy. Beyond FL, CRs were also observed in 1 DLBCL patient and in 1 MCL patient. Summary/Conclusion: TRPH-222 was found to be well tolerated at higher dose levels than evaluated for other ADCs. TRPH-222 monotherapy resulted in robust and durable CRs in FL across dose levels where patients were able to discontinue TRPH-222 while remaining in remissions. Collectively, these characteristics of TRPH-222 are favorable for further development in the indolent lymphoma setting either as monotherapy or in combination with other anti-tumor agents in B-cell lymphoma patients.

Predicting response to naratuximab emtansine, an anti-CD37 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), in combination with rituximab in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), by analyzing the spatial arrangement of CD37 and CD20 positive cells using deep learning.

e19565 Background: DLBCL is the most common type of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, accounting for 30-40% of cases. Despite improvements in response and survival with standard of care treatment, up to 40% of patients have relapsed and/or refractory (R/R) disease. A phase 2 study (NCT02564744) evaluated the efficacy of naratuximab emtansine, an anti-CD37 ADC, in combination with rituximab, in 80 patients with R/R DLBCL. We performed an exploratory analysis of the study to find pathology-based biomarkers predictive of response. Deep learning (DL) models were used to extract spatial features from digitized slides stained with CD37 and CD20 and their predictive role was evaluated. Methods: A cohort of 47 DLBCL patients from the study were selected based on availability of CD20/CD37 IHC staining and were used for analysis. Patient characteristics of the analyzed cohort were similar to those of the full study cohort. Overall response rate (ORR) of the analyzed cohort was 44.7%, similar to the ORR of the full study cohort. For each patient, whole slide images (WSI) of two slides from a pre-treatment biopsy, one stained for CD20 and one for CD37, were analyzed. DL models were used to classify cells as positive or negative to the two markers and CD20/CD37 co-expression was analyzed. Over 140 spatial features were pre-defined based on drug mechanism of action and biological hypotheses, and were calculated for each patient using cell classifications. A repeated 5-fold cross-validation analysis was performed to identify features predictive of objective response. Results: Two spatial features related to the proximity of CD37 and CD20 positive cells, demonstrated a significant correlation with clinical outcome. Each feature identified patients in the cohort as having either a positive or a negative response. Feature performance was estimated using 2000 repetitions of 5-fold cross-validation. One feature classified on average 21% of patients as responders. Patients positive for this feature had an average ORR of 78% (95% CI 64%-82%), an increase of 34% in ORR relative to the original cohort (p &lt; 0.05). The second feature classified on average 35% of patients as positive. Patients positive for this feature had an average ORR of 67% (95% CI 62%-71%), an increase of 23% in ORR relative to the original cohort (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: DL analysis of the co-expression and spatial arrangement of CD37 and CD20 in pre-treatment biopsies of DLBCL patients could potentially be used as a predictive biomarker for a response to a combination treatment of anti-CD37 and anti-CD20 drugs in DLBCL, and may improve patient stratification for further clinical trials.

Brentuximab vedotin and association with event-free survival (EFS) in children with newly diagnosed high-risk Hodgkin lymphoma (HL): A report from the Children's Oncology Group phase 3 study AHOD1331 (NCT 02166463).

7504 Background: The anti-CD30 antibody drug conjugate, Brentuximab vedotin (Bv) is approved for adults with advanced stage HL but its use has not been established in children or adolescents. We compared the efficacy and safety of Bv with doxorubicin, vincristine, etoposide, prednisone and cyclophosphamide (Bv-AVE-PC) to the standard pediatric dose intensive regimen ABVE-PC, inclusive of bleomycin. Methods: This multicenter randomized, open-label phase 3 study enrolled patients 2-21 years (yrs) with previously untreated HL, stages IIB + bulk, IIIB, IVA, IVB. Patients were randomized to 5 cycles of either ABVE-PC or Bv-AVE-PC given every 21 days with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor support. Centrally reviewed PET-CT after 2 cycles (PET2) identified slow responding lesions (SRL) defined as Deauville score &gt; 3. Involved site radiotherapy (ISRT) was given to bulky mediastinal adenopathy and SRL. The primary objective was 3-year EFS; events include relapse/progression, second malignant neoplasm (SMN) or death. Final data cutoff was 31 December 2021. Results: 600 participants were enrolled across 151 institutions from March 2015 to August 2019; 587 were eligible. Median age was 15.6 yrs (range 3.4-21). Patient and disease characteristics were balanced across study arms. Histology was nodular sclerosing in 76.5%. Stage distribution: 20.6% IIB-bulk; 19.3% IIIB; 28.5% IVA; 31.7% IVB. At a median follow-up of 42.1 mos (0.1-80.9), 3-year EFS (95%CI) by intent-to-treat analyses was 82.5% (77.4, 86.5) with ABVE-PC and 92.1% (88.4, 94.7) with Bv-AVE-PC (HR 0.41 (0.25, 0.67), p = 0.0002). Median time to 1st event was 9.4 months for both arms but the range differs by arm (3.6-57.8 ABVE-PC; 1.3, 25.8 Bv-AVE-PC). Relapse rate was 17% following ABVE-PC and 7% with Bv-AVE-PC. One SMN is noted in each arm: thyroid cancer at 57.8 mos and acute myeloid leukemia at 20.3 mos. 3-year overall survival (95%CI) was 98.5% (96.0, 99.4) for ABVE-PC and 99.3% (97.3, 99.8) for Bv-AVE-PC (p = 0.38). PET2 SRL rates were comparable (ABVE-PC 19% vs. Bv-AVE-PC 18%, p = 0.8). As-treated ISRT receipt did not differ (ABVE-PC 55.7% vs. Bv-AVE-PC 52.7%, p = 0.69). No difference in grade 3/4 adverse events was observed; myelosuppression, reflected in a 32% incidence of &gt; grade 3 febrile neutropenia, did not differ by arm (p = 0.67). Only 19% of patients experienced &gt; grade 2 neuropathy by the Balis pediatric neuropathy scale, with no difference between arms (p = 0.86). Conclusions: Brentuximab vedotin with AVE-PC in a dose intensive regimen has superior efficacy to ABVE-PC for pediatric patients with high-risk HL. A 59% risk reduction in EFS was achieved with no increase in toxicity and with fewer patients receiving ISRT compared to prior pediatric trials for high-risk HL. Clinical trial information: 02166463.

Brentuximab vedotin and nivolumab alone and then combined with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone for frontline therapy of patients with primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma.

TPS7589 Background: Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBL) is a rare and distinct subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and affects primarily young adults. PMBL has a unique genomic profile that has similarities to classic Hodgkin lymphoma with CD30 expression and genomic alterations in the programmed T-cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) locus 9p24.1. The trial CheckMate-436, including relapsed/refractory PMBL patients treated with nivolumab (antibody that binds to immune checkpoint PD-1) and brentuximab vedotin ((BV) anti-CD30 antibody-drug conjugate) showed an overall response rate (ORR) of 73% and complete response rate (CRR) of 43% (Zinzani et al. JCO 2019). Although most PMBL patients can be cured with frontline chemoimmunotherapy with or without radiotherapy, the outcome of patients having rr-PMBL treated with intensive regimens is generally unfavorable. The discovery of new frontline regimens to decrease chemoresistance and toxicities represents an urgent unmet clinical need for PMBL patients. Methods: We are conducting a phase II, open-label, single-center clinical trial combining BV-Nivolumab alone and then combined with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (R-CHP) for patients with previously untreated PMBL Patients 18 years or older with previously untreated PMBL, stage I to stage IV disease are eligible. However, patients with an urgent need for cytoreductive treatment will be excluded. Patients will receive BV 1.8 mg/Kg IV and Nivolumab 240 mg flat dose IV day 1 for cycles 1 and 2, in a 21-day cycle. During cycles 3 and 4, R-CHP will be added to BV-Nivolumab. Patients who have achieved complete response (CR) at PET/CT before cycle 5 will receive 2 more cycles of BV-Nivolumab+R-CHP (cycle 5 and 6) and BV-Nivolumab only for cycles 7 and 8. In case of CR on PET/CT after cycle 8, therapy will be considered completed. Patients in PR on PET/CT before cycle 5 will receive 4 more cycles of BV-Nivolumab+R-CHP (cycles 5-8). The primary endpoint is CRR at the end of therapy (EOT). The maximum sample size for the PMBL cohort is 40 patients, with a target CRR at EOT of 70%. The null hypothesis is that the true CRR at EOT is 50%, and the alternative hypothesis is that the true CRR at EOT is 70%. The Simon’s optimal two-stage design controls the one-sided type I error rate at 0.06 and yields the power of 0.8. The secondary endpoints will include the response rate of BV-Nivolumab+R-CHP at the end of the immune lead-in, landmark survival outcomes, the safety of the combination, and patient-reported outcome. Exploratory analyses include assessing molecular response by sequencing cell-free DNA and Multiplexed ion beam imaging to analyze the tumor microenvironment. The trial is actively accruing at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and 2 out of 40 patients have been enrolled. Clinical trial information: NCT04745949.

Phase 3 randomized study of loncastuximab tesirine in combination with rituximab (Lonca-R) versus immunochemotherapy in patients with R/R DLBCL (LOTIS-5).

TPS7591 Background: Patients (pts) with refractory or relapsed (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) have poor outcomes with standard treatment. Loncastuximab tesirine (loncastuximab tesirine-lpyl; Lonca), an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) comprising a humanized anti-CD19 monoclonal antibody conjugated to a pyrrolobenzodiazepine dimer toxin, is approved in R/R DLBCL based on data from the phase 2 LOTIS-2 trial (Caimi et al. Lancet Oncol 2021). Rituximab (R) is part of standard immunochemotherapy for DLBCL, both as frontline therapy and in subsequent treatments. Preclinical evidence suggests that the addition of rituximab to anti-CD19 ADC therapy may result in prolonged tumor control (Ryan et al. Blood 2017). LOTIS-5 aims to evaluate Lonca-R vs. standard immunochemotherapy of R + gemcitabine + oxaliplatin (R-GemOx) in pts with R/R DLBCL. Methods: This is a phase 3 randomized open-label, two-part, two-arm multicenter study of Lonca-R in pts with R/R DLBCL (NCT04384484). A review of safety data from the nonrandomized safety run-in (Part 1), comparing the safety of Lonca-R to previous Lonca safety data, was completed in January 2022. The trial is now continuing to the randomized phase (Part 2). In Part 2, approximately 330 pts will be randomized 1:1 to receive Lonca-R or R-GemOx. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of Lonca-R versus R-GemOx. The primary endpoint is progression-free survival by independent central review (ICR). Secondary endpoints include overall survival, overall response rate (by ICR using 2014 Lugano classification), complete response rate by ICR, duration of response by ICR, frequency and severity of adverse events, changes from baseline in safety laboratory and clinical variables, concentration and pharmacokinetic parameters of Lonca (conjugated and total antibody and unconjugated warhead), immunogenicity, and changes in patient-reported outcomes. The time to event endpoints will be analyzed based on the intent-to-treat population using a stratified log-rank test. The dosing regimen for Lonca-R: Lonca at 0.15 mg/kg + rituximab at 375 mg/m2 every 3 weeks (Q3W) for 2 cycles and then Lonca at 0.075 mg/kg + rituximab at 375 mg/m2 Q3W for up to 6 cycles. The dose regimen of R-GemOx: rituximab at 375 mg/m2, gemcitabine at 1000 mg/m2 Gem, and oxaliplatin at 100 mg/m2 every 2 weeks for up to 8 cycles. Key inclusion criteria include age ≥18 years, pathologic diagnosis of DLBCL (including pts with DLBCL transformed from indolent lymphoma) or high-grade B-cell lymphoma with MYC and BCL2 and/or BCL6 rearrangements, ≥1 line of prior systemic therapy, not being a candidate for stem cell transplantation, and measurable disease per the 2014 Lugano classification. The randomized part of LOTIS-5 commenced in January 2022, and recruitment is ongoing. Funding: ADC Therapeutics SA; medical writing: CiTRUS Health Group. Clinical trial information: NCT04384484.

Neue Ansätze zur Behandlung des rezidivierten oder refraktären Hodgkin Lymphoms

BackgroundWhile classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is curable in most cases with risk-adapted first-line therapy, the treatment of patients with relapsed or primary refractory (r/r) HL in particular remains a challenge.MethodsThis review article discusses the currently available data on the safety and efficacy of newer therapeutic approaches for r/r HL from a practice-oriented perspective.ResultsIn patients suitable for intensified therapy, durable remission can be achieved in approximately 50% of cases with polychemotherapy-based salvage followed by high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). With the approval of targeted agents, even multiply relapsed, refractory, elderly, or multimorbid patients now have multiple treatment options. In addition to the anti-CD30 antibody–drug conjugate brentuximab vedotin (BV), the two anti-PD1 antibodies nivolumab and pembrolizumab are increasingly being used here as immune checkpoint inhibitors. The anti-PD1 antibodies are also used in earlier lines of therapy, e.g., significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS), was achieved with pembrolizumab in an international phase III trial compared to BV with comparable response rates. The therapeutic landscape of r/r HL is rapidly changing and additional promising targeted agents such as the antibody–drug conjugate camidanlumab tesirine, different checkpoint inhibitors, and anti-CD30 CAR T cells are currently being tested in trials.ConclusionsRational use of available therapeutic approaches is expected to improve the prognosis of patients with multiple r/r HL.

Resistance to PI3Kδ inhibitors in marginal zone lymphoma can be reverted by targeting the IL-6/PDGFRA axis.

PI3Kδ inhibitors are active in patients with lymphoid neoplasms and a first series of them have been approved for the treatment of multiple types of B-cell lymphoid tumors, including marginal zone lymphoma (MZL). The identification of the mechanisms underlying either primary or secondary resistance is fundamental to optimize the use of novel drugs. Here we present a model of secondary resistance to PI3Kδ inhibitors obtained by prolonged exposure of a splenic MZL cell line to idelalisib. The VL51 cell line was kept under continuous exposure to idelalisib. The study included detailed characterization of the model, pharmacological screens, silencing experiments, and validation experiments on multiple cell lines and on clinical specimens. VL51 developed resistance to idelalisib, copanlisib, duvelisib, and umbralisib. An integrative analysis of transcriptome and methylation data highlighted an enrichment of upregulated transcripts and low-methylated promoters in resistant cells, including IL-6/STAT3- and PDGFRA-related genes and surface CD19 expression, alongside the repression of the let-7 family of miRNA, and miR-125, miR-130, miR-193 and miR-20. The IL-6R blocking antibody tocilizumab, the STAT3 inhibitor stattic, the LIN28 inhibitor LIN1632, the PDGFR inhibitor masitinib and the anti-CD19 antibody drug conjugate loncastuximab tesirine were active compounds in the resistant cells as single agents and/or in combination with PI3Kδ inhibition. Findings were validated on additional in vitro lymphoma models and on clinical specimens. A novel model of resistance obtained from splenic MZL allowed the identification of therapeutic approaches able to improve the antitumor activity of PI3Kδ inhibitors in B-cell lymphoid tumors.

Efficacy of Different Immunological Approaches Targeting CD22 for the Treatment of Relapsed or Refractory Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Research Protocol

Introduction: Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have emerged as a promising immune-oncological approach to target cancer cells. mAbs have been seen to outperform traditional drug treatments in treating severe cancers despite their low relative cytotoxicity due to their high selectivity. CD22 is expressed in 60-90% of individuals with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL), and is rapidly internalized when bound to an antibody, making it an effective point of entry for cytotoxic agents. Epratuzumab is an anti-CD22 mAb, effective against B-ALL. Epratuzumab-SN-38 (Emab-SN-38) and Inotuzumab ozogamicin (InO) are promising anti-CD22 Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs). Methods: Epratuzumab, Inotuzumab, and Emab-SN38 treatments will be evaluated in vitro and in vivo. B lymphocytes collected from a 30-35-year-old R/R ALL patient will be purified and expanded. A cell culture assay will evaluate the treatments. Cells will be engrafted into humanized mice. Mice will be assorted into four treatment groups: saline (control), Epratuzumab, Inotuzumab, and Emab-SN-38. Quantitative flow cytometric analysis will be used to assess treatment effectiveness. Complete Response will be determined as ≅ zero human leukemic cells, Partial Response as ≤5% cells, and Remission as &gt;5% cells or with identifiable clinical signs. Mice will be followed for 6 months after the last dose of treatment to assess for relapse and survival rate. Results: It is expected that all three treatments will result in more significant results regarding tumour shrinkage and rate of cancer growth than saline. The ADCs are expected to perform better than unconjugated Epratuzumab. Relapse and Adverse Event rates are expected to be lowest in Epratuzumab-SN-38. Discussion: The comparison of the effectiveness of these treatments are expected to establish Emab-SN-38 as a potential treatment option and propel research into other cytotoxic agents which could be used in conjugation with Epratuzumab and other mAbs. Conclusion: ADCs combine the cytotoxicity of chemotherapy and the specificity of mAbs to treat R/R ALL. The ADCs are expected to outperform Epratuzumab in decreasing leukemic cell load given their potent targeted cytotoxicity. Emab-SN-38 is expected to be less toxic but as effective as Inotuzumab. These results could inform research on safer and more potent ADCs in treating R/R ALL via CD22.

Loncastuximab tesirine in relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a review of clinical data.

Loncastuximab tesirine-lpyl (ADC Therapeutics) is an anti-CD19 antibody-drug conjugate which consists of anti-CD19 antibody and cytotoxic alkylating agent, SG3199. Data from preclinical in vitro and animal studies demonstrated its selectivity and efficacy. The phase I LOTIS-1 study for relapsed, refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) demonstrated efficacy and a tolerable safety profile, with major adverse effects being neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, elevated liver enzymes, and fluid accumulation. Based on pharmacokinetics analysis in this study, a dose of 150 μg/kg every 3 weeks for cycles 1 and 2 followed by 75 μg/kg every 3 weeks until disease progression or intolerability was chosen for the phase II LOTIS-2 study. This study recruited relapsed, refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and confirmed similar safety profile. Overall response rate was 48.6% (24.1% complete response), and overall survival was 9.9 months. Due to its safety and efficacy reported in the above trials, loncastuximab tesirine was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of relapsed, refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Several clinical trials are ongoing to assess its safety and efficacy in NHL in various clinical settings.

Updates in hairy cell leukemia (HCL) and variant-type HCL (HCL-V): rationale for targeted treatments with a focus on ibrutinib.

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) and HCL-like disorders such as hairy cell leukemia variant (HCL-V) and splenic diffuse red pulp lymphoma (SDRPL) are rare indolent B-cell malignancies. Purine analogs (PNAs), alone or in association with rituximab (R), are the standard of care for HCL in the first-line setting. However, PNAs are toxic and patients may become resistant to these drugs. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies are needed. Several recent in vitro studies highlighted the importance of the interactions between HCL cells and their microenvironment, in particular with bone marrow stromal cells, endothelial cells, and the extracellular matrix. In these interactions, chemokine receptors and adhesion molecules play a major role. Moreover, the importance of signaling pathways, like BRAF, BCR, and CXCR4 has been underlined. Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a fundamental signal transmitter of BCR and CXCR4 in HCL. Preclinical and recent clinical data showed an efficacy of ibrutinib, a BTK inhibitor (BTKi), in HCL and HCL-V. These promising results joined those of other emerging drugs like BRAF or MEK inhibitors and anti-CD22 immunotoxins.Plain Language Summary Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors (BTKi) in hairy cell leukemia (HCL) and variant-type HCL The treatment of hairy cell leukemia (HCL) has changed significantly in recent years. In the first-line settings, treatment with purine analogs (PNAs) with or without anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies remains the gold standard in 2022. In relapsed/refractory HCL, other drugs are needed: BRAF inhibitors: vemurafenib monotherapy with or without rituximab or dabrafenib in combination with trametinib, an MEK inhibitor (MEKi), as well as the anti-CD22 antibody drug conjugate moxetumomab pasudotox.There are arguments for the use of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi). Ibrutinib was recently tested in a multisite phase 2 study in 37 patients with either HCL (28 patients: 76%) or HCL-V (nine patients: 24%) including two who were previously untreated. Patients received single-agent ibrutinib at 420 mg daily (24 patients) or 840 mg daily (13 patients) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The overall response rate (ORR) at 32 weeks was 24%, increasing to 36% at 48 weeks and reaching 54% at any time since starting ibrutinib. Seven patients achieved a complete response (CR) as the best response at any time on study, while 13 patients had a partial response (PR) and 10 patients had stable disease (SD). Interestingly, the response rate was not statistically different between HCL and HCL-V patients, suggesting that ibrutinib could be an option in both entities. The estimated 36-month progression-free survival (PFS) was 73% and the estimated 36-month overall survival (OS) was 85%, with no differences between HCL and HCL-V. The frequency of cardiovascular grade 1–2 adverse events (AEs) was 16% for atrial fibrillation; 3% for atrial flutter; 32% for hypertension; and 0%, 3%, and 11%, respectively, for grade ⩾ 3 AEs. Unlike in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), where the mechanism of action of ibrutinib is well known, the mechanism of action of ibrutinib in HCL appears to be unclear. No mutations were identified in patients with progressive disease, suggesting that the mechanisms of resistance could be different between HCL and CLL. The BTKi that are not yet approved are challenged by the new other targeted treatments.

Brentuximab-Induced Peripheral Neurotoxicity: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Manage an Emerging Challenge in Hodgkin Lymphoma Therapy.

Simple SummaryThis article highlights the importance of monitoring peripheral neurotoxicity in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) who receive brentuximab vedotin, with a particular focus on early recognition and multidisciplinary management of this type of toxicity. Brentuximab vedotin-induced neurotoxicity (BVIN) is the most common non-haematological complication and cause of dose-delay or early discontinuation of BV treatment. An accurate and prompt diagnosis in patients with HL is essential to optimise management of this potentially disabling complication.Brentuximab vedotin (BV) is an anti-CD30 antibody–drug conjugate approved to treat classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). BV-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (BVIN) is one of the greatest concerns for haematologists treating HL for several reasons. First, BVIN is highly frequent. Most patients receiving BV will experience some degree of BVIN, resulting in the primary reason for dose modification or discontinuation of HL therapy. Second, BV produces sensory, motor, and/or autonomic peripheral nerve dysfunction, which can present as severe, disabling forms of BVIN—predominantly motor—in some patients. Third, although largely reversible, BVIN may persist months or years after treatment and thereby become a major issue in HL survivorship. BVIN may, therefore, negatively affect the quality of life and work-life of often young patients with HL, in whom long-term survival is expected. Currently, the only strategy for BVIN includes dose adjustments and treatment discontinuation; however, this could interfere with LH therapy efficacy. In this setting, early recognition and adequate management of BVIN are critical in improving clinical outcomes. Careful neurologic monitoring may allow accurate diagnoses and gradation of ongoing forms of BVIN presentation. This review analysed current, available data on epidemiology, pathophysiology, patient- and treatment-related risk factors, clinical and neurophysiologic phenotypes, and management in patients with HL. Furthermore, this review specifically addresses limitations posed by BVIN assessments in clinical practice and provides skills and tools to improve neurologic assessments in these patients. Integrating this neurotoxic drug in clinical practice requires a multidisciplinary approach to avoid or minimise neurotoxicity burden in survivors of HL.

ICOS Is Widely Expressed in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma and Its Targeting Promotes Potent Killing of Malignant Cells

Background: Advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) remain an unmet medical need. Brentuximab vedotin (BV), an anti-CD30 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) linked to monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), do not deliver significant long-term improvements in patient outcomes. More recently, mogamulizumab and anti-KIR3DL2 provided encouraging results but new targeted therapies are needed. Inducible Co-Stimulator (ICOS), a T-cell costimulatory receptor involved in the development of CTCLs, arouses interest.Methods: We used immunohistochemistry to study ICOS expression in skin biopsies of 23 patients with early-stage mycosis fungoides (MF), 12 with transformed MF (TMF) and 17 with Sézary Syndrome (SS), at diagnosis or in relapse. Skin samples from 12 patients with B-cell lymphomas, 14 with CD30 + lymphoproliferative disease (LPD), 12 with primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T-cell lympho-proliferative disorder and 13 with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) were used as controls. ICOS expression by circulating Sézary cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in patients with SS was evaluated using flow cytometry and compared to healthy donors (HD) lymphocytes. In 5 patients with SS, we also analyzed concomitant biopsies from involved nodes.Then, we investigated the efficacy of anti-ICOS ADCs generated by coupling murine anti-ICOS 314.8 monoclonal antibodies with MMAE and pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD), in comparison to BV. We used ICOS + CTCL cell lines (MyLa, MJ and HUT78), murine xenograft models with MyLa and ICOS + Patient Derived Xenografts (PDXs) from patients with SS and AITL.In order to identify the best anti-ICOS clone that we should develop for a clinical trial, we evaluated the affinity of the antibody on the receptor, the internalization capacity of the antibody using pHAb Reactive Dyes kit (Promega®), and the ability of the antibody to act as an ADC using a secondary conjugate (Mab-ZAP kit, Advanced Targeting Systems®).Results: ICOS was highly expressed by the cutaneous atypical lymphocytic infiltrates in respectively 61%, 75% and 88% of patients with early-stage MF, TMF and SS, such as in all the involved nodes. Double staining experiments which were performed in both skin and lymph node revealed that ICOS expression appears mainly restricted to neoplastic CD4 + T-cells, with rare ICOS +CD8 + T-cells in the tumor micro-environment. ICOS expression by circulating Sézary cells was strong: 69 ± 7.3% versus 38.8 ± 7.1% of non-tumoral CD4 + cells (p<0.009; CI95%: 8.7-51.6); and 31 ± 3.2% of CD4+ cells in HD (p<0.0001; CI95%: 20.3-46.3). Percentages of ICOS + Tregs were significantly higher in patients with SS than in HD.In CTCL cell lines, we observed a significant dose-dependent decrease in cell viability in the presence of anti-ICOS-MMAE (IC50 = 8.2ng/mL) and anti-ICOS-PBD (IC50 = 1.2ng/mL) ADCs. In a mouse xenograft model (MyLa), anti-ICOS-MMAE ADCs provided a longer overall survival (OS) than BV (HR=15.2; CI95%: 3.2-71.1; p<0.0006). Finally, in ICOS + PDXs, anti-ICOS-MMAE ADCs significantly improved OS, and reduced the number of tumor cells in the blood, spleen, and bone marrow. No evidence of ADC toxicity was observed in treated mice.Among 8 different anti-ICOS clones, clone 314.8 had the best affinity on MyLa and MJ cell lines. Clones 53.3, 293.1, 92.17, 88.2 and 279.1 also had good affinity to receptor, whereas clones 145.1 and 121.4 had poor affinity. Using the internalization pHAb reactive dyes kit, we found that clones 314.8, 53.3, 92.17, 88.2 internalized significantly better and faster than the other ones. In order to verify if there is a correlation between internalization capacity and ADC effect, clones 53.3, 92.17 and 145.1 were coupled to MMAE. While anti-ICOS-53.3 and anti-ICOS-92.17 ADCs had similar efficacy to anti-ICOS-314.8 ADCs on MyLa, anti-ICOS 145.1 ADCs resulted in significantly lower cell death. Finally, all clones showed good ability to act as ADCs with Mab-ZAP, excluding clones 279.1, 145.1 and 121.4.Discussion: ICOS is a promising therapeutic target because it is expressed both by tumor T-cells and regulatory T-cells. We report for the first time the strong and frequent expression of ICOS in CTCLs, as well as the preclinical efficacy of anti-ICOS ADCs on CTCL cell line and PDXs. These results could be extended to the spectrum of follicular variant peripheral T-cell lymphomas.Conclusion: Collectively, our findings provide the preliminary basis for a therapeutic trial [Display omitted] DisclosuresLopez: Emergence Therapeutics: Current holder of individual stocks in a privately-held company. Bagot: Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Olive: ImCheck Therapeutics: Current holder of individual stocks in a privately-held company, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Emergence Therapeutics: Current holder of individual stocks in a privately-held company, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Alderaan Biotechnology: Current holder of individual stocks in a privately-held company, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Safety and Efficacy Profile of Autologous CD30.CAR-T-Cell Therapy in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (CHARIOT Trial)

Safety and Efficacy Profile of Autologous CD30.CAR-T-Cell Therapy in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (CHARIOT Trial)

Pacific: A Phase II Study of Brentuximab Vedotin and Nivolumab Alone and then Combined with Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin and Prednisone for Patients with Untreated Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Pacific: A Phase II Study of Brentuximab Vedotin and Nivolumab Alone and then Combined with Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin and Prednisone for Patients with Untreated Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Brentuximab Vedotin As Consolidation Therapy Following Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Children and Adolescents with Relapsed/Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Multi-Center Retrospective Analysis

Background:Although the prognosis for children with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is excellent, up to 25% of patients experience relapse and require salvage therapy. Event-free survival (EFS) for patients with relapsed or refractory disease (R/R) who require high-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is between 31-67% (Daw, 2011), and efforts to improve these outcomes are an area of urgent clinical need. Brentuximab vedotin (BV) is an anti-CD30 antibody-drug conjugate combined with monomethyl auristatin E. The phase III AETHERA study (NCT01100502) was a randomized, placebo-controlled trial that demonstrated consolidation with BV following ASCT for adults with R/R HL improved progression-free survival (PFS) in comparison to placebo (5-year PFS 59% vs. 41%) in patients identified as having a high-risk of post-ASCT progression (Moskowitz, 2015, 2018). However, there is limited data on post-ASCT BV consolidation in pediatric patients. Here, we report a retrospective multi-center study of BV as consolidation post-ASCT in pediatric patients with R/R HL.Patients and Methods:We performed a retrospective analysis of pediatric patients aged ≤ 21 years who received BV as consolidative therapy following ASCT for the treatment of relapsed/refractory HL. Data was collected on disease risk factors (refractory disease or relapse ≤ 12 months after frontline therapy, best response of partial remission or stable disease to salvage therapy, presence of extranodal involvement, presence of B symptoms, and number of systemic treatments pre-ASCT ≥ 2), treatment history, BV-related toxicity, and response to therapy. The primary endpoint was 3-year EFS. Events were defined as relapse, progression of disease, or death from any cause.Results:Seventy patients were identified from 14 academic centers. Eighteen received BV >90 days after ASCT and were excluded due to significant delay in initiation of BV. Of the remaining 52 patients, the median age at diagnosis was 15 years (range 4-21), and the median age at diagnosis of R/R disease was 16 years (range 8-22). Twenty-eight patients (54%) were male, 13 (25%) had B symptoms, 19 (37%) had extranodal disease. Six patients (12%) had primary refractory disease and 24 patients (47%) relapsed <12 months after frontline therapy. The median number of salvage regimens received pre-ASCT was 2 (range 1-7). Forty-two patients (81%) received BV as part of a pre-ASCT salvage regimen, 4 (8%) of whom did not receive BV in the regimen immediately prior to ASCT. Radiation therapy was used pre or post-ASCT in 16 patients (31%). Prior to ASCT, 40 patients (77%) were PET-negative (Deauville 1-3), 11 (21%) were PET-positive (Deauville 4-5), and response in 1 (2%) was unknown.The median time from ASCT to the start of BV consolidation was 52 days (range 30-90 days). The most frequent adverse events were peripheral neuropathy of any grade (sensory 19/52 [37%]; motor (14/52 [27%]), and cytopenias (grade 3 or 4: (25/52 [48%]), including neutropenia (13/52 [25%]), thrombocytopenia (7/52 [14%]), and anemia (5/52 [10%]). Three patients (6%) experienced infusion-related reactions. The median number of BV cycles completed post-ASCT was 12 (range 1-17), and 16 patients (31%) completed the full 16 cycles of BV. The most common reason for premature termination was adverse effects (22/36 [61%]). Additional reasons included: physician plan for shorter duration (4/36 [11%]), patient/family decision (3/36 [8%]), and progression (1/36 [3%]). Treatment was still ongoing in 3 patients and reason for premature termination was not reported for 17/36 patients (47%).With a median follow of 2.8 years (range 0.1 to 6.25 years) the three-year EFS was 92% [95%CI: 83-100]. Patients with 0-1 risk factors (15/52 [29%]) and ≥ 2 risk factors (37/52 [71%]), had a 3-year EFS of 100% and 90% [95%CI: 79-100], respectively. Fifty patients (96%) are alive with no evidence of disease, while 2 (4%) patients are alive with disease. No deaths have occurred.Conclusion:The use of post-ASCT BV consolidation for pediatric patients with R/R HL is associated with a favorable safety and tolerability profile. In this cohort, the combination of salvage therapy, HD-chemotherapy/ASCT, and BV consolidation resulted in extremely promising outcomes and warrants further investigation in a prospective pediatric trial. [Display omitted] DisclosuresLeger: Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Abbott Diagnostics: Research Funding. Roth: Merck: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy.

A Phase II Study of Inotuzumab Ozogamicin for the Treatment of Measurable Residual Disease-Positive B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

A Phase II Study of Inotuzumab Ozogamicin for the Treatment of Measurable Residual Disease-Positive B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Evaluating efficacy and safety of loncastuximab tesirine injection for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma

ABSTRACT Introduction Relapsed or refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has a poor prognosis. Several novel therapies have gained regulatory approval for treatment of DLBCL, however there is still a need for additional therapies to be added to the armamentarium. Loncastuximab tesirine-lpyl (ADC Therapeutics), an anti-CD19 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), was recently approved for the treatment of relapsed, refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Areas covered We review the design and pharmacologic characteristics of loncastuximab tesirine-lpyl, emphasizing on the significance of CD19 as an effective target as well as pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) as an effective payload. We review the key findings of the phase 1 LOTIS-1 and Phase 2 LOTIS-2 trials of loncastuximab in DLBCL, including efficacy and toxicity profile. Expert opinion Key findings in the early-phase trial support the efficacy of Loncastuximab in DLBCL, including in high-risk subgroups. The side effects have been tolerable even in elderly patients (≥75 years). Several ongoing clinical trials are currently evaluating the safety and efficacy of loncastuximab tesirine in a variety of NHL subtypes, as well as the study of combination strategies.