Incidence Of Cytokine Release Syndrome Research Articles

Efficacy and safety of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy in the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma: a systematic-review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

BackgroundMultiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant tumor originating from plasma cells in the bone marrow. The existing treatment methods can prolong the survival time of patients, but they still face the problems of myeloma relapse and refractory disease. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy is a new cellular immunotherapy that can target and recognize antigens and kill tumor cells but the efficacy and safety data varied in different studies. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to understand its efficacy and safety.MethodsLiterature published from January 2015 to November 2021 was obtained by searching the keywords “CAR-T”, “CAR-T Cell”, and “Multiple Myeloma” by computer using the Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane library databases according to the PICOS (Participants, Interventions, Comparisons, Outcomes, Study type) criteria. The quality of the literature was assessed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tool for prevalence studies. The complete response rate, the incidence of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) above grade 3, and the overall incidence of adverse reactions were used as the outcome indicators. The pooled rates were performed and analyzed using the R language toolkit.ResultsA total of 10 studies including 353 study cases were included. Meta-analysis showed that the pooled complete response rate of CAR-T therapy in the treatment of MM was 0.55, 95% confidence interval (CI): (0.50, 0.60), the pooled incidence of CRS was 0.55, 95% CI: (0.50, 0.60), and the pooled incidence of serious adverse reactions was 0.92, 95% CI: (0.88, 0.95). Subgroup analysis was performed based on antigen types or costimulatory molecules, and there was no significant difference in the efficacy of CAR-T and the incidence of CRS between the two subgroups (P>0.05).ConclusionsAs a new immunotherapy strategy with great potential, CAR-T has a significant effect in the treatment of MM, but its safety needs to be further improved. The types of costimulatory molecules and CAR-T antigens can affect its efficacy and safety.

Cytokine Release Syndrome during Antithymocyte Globulin/Anti-T Lymphocyte Globulin Serotherapy for Graft-versus-Host Disease Prophylaxis before Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Incidence and Early Clinical Impact According to American Society of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Grading Criteria

Antithymocyte globulin (ATG)/anti-T lymphocyte globulin (ATLG) aids graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis in HLA-matched related and unrelated donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Its use is frequently accompanied by systemic infusion reactions attributable to cytokine release syndrome (CRS). However, detailed data on ATG/ATLG-induced CRS and its correlation with clinical outcome parameters are lacking. This study aimed to analyze the incidence, characteristics, risk factors, and early clinical impact of CRS during ATG/ATLG administration before allogeneic HSCT according to the American Society of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) CRS grading criteria. This retrospective single-center analysis included consecutive recipients of allogeneic HSCT treated with ATG/ATLG as GVHD prophylaxis at the Medical University of Vienna between January 1, 2014, and August 15, 2021. Multivariate regression models were used to explore risk factors for CRS and its association with clinical outcomes (acute GVHD grade II-IV, clinically significant cytomegalovirus infection, nonrelapse mortality, and overall survival) at 6 months after HSCT. A total of 284 patients (median age, 54 years; interquartile range [IQR], 45 to 61 years; 120 females, 164 males) were included in the study. ATLG was used in 222 patients (78%); ATG, in 62 (22%). One hundred sixty-six patients (58%) developed CRS grade ≥1 during ATG/ATLG administration. CRS was mostly mild, with 92% of the cases CRS grade 1-2. Thirteen patients (5%) developed CRS grade 3, and 1 patient had CRS grade 4. No CRS-related death (grade 5) occurred. Patients with CRS showed a pronounced systemic inflammatory response as measured by inflammatory markers C-reactive protein, IL-6, and procalcitonin. In multivariate analysis, lymphoma as the underlying disease, high ATLG dose of 60 mg/kg, and body weight were significantly associated with CRS. Patients with CRS grade ≥1 had a higher 6-month incidence of acute GVHD II-IV compared with patients without CRS (24% versus 14%; P=.04). This effect remained statistically significant only for CRS grade 3-4 (subdistribution hazard ratio, 3.70; 95% confidence interval, 1.58 to 8.68; P < .01) after adjusting for relevant confounders. Other clinical outcome parameters were not affected by the occurrence of CRS. In our cohort, CRS defined by ASTCT grading was a frequent but mostly mild complication following ATG/ATLG administration for GVHD prophylaxis. Our data suggest a possible interaction of (higher-grade) CRS with an increased risk for developing acute GVHD. Further studies to corroborate this finding are warranted, as it could inform the investigation of additional prophylactic interventions, such as IL-6 blockade, in this setting.

Cytokine Release Syndrome Following Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Haploidentical Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation with Post-Transplantation Cyclophosphamide

Post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) is a safe and efficacious graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) prophylaxis following hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) from a haploidentical (haplo) donor. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is a common complication of this platform. Early fever post-haplo-HCT using bone marrow grafts is associated with higher CD3+ cell dose and CRS. However, the impact of CD3+ and CD34+ cell dose on CRS post-haplo-HCT using peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) grafts is unknown. Our goals were to evaluate the incidence of CRS following PBSC transplantation (PBSCT) and to identify factors that can be modified to prevent the development of severe CRS in this setting. In 271 patients, we investigated factors associated with the development of CRS following haplo-PBSCT and examined the impact of CRS on clinical outcomes. Ninety-three percent of the patients developed CRS of any grade post-haplo-PBSCT. In multivariate analysis, severe CRS (grade 3-4 versus grade 0-1) was associated with higher nonrelapse mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 6.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.68 to 15.39; P < .001), worse 1-year overall survival (HR, 3.40; 95% CI, 1.63 to 7.08; P=.005), and worse disease-free survival (HR, 4.02; 95% CI, 1.99 to 8.08; P < .001). Moderate to severe CRS (grade 2-4) did not impact 1-year relapse or acute GVHD (grade II-IV and III-IV) at 100 days (P=.71 and .19, respectively). Importantly, higher CD3+ cell dose, but not CD34+ cell dose, predicted a higher incidence of grade 2-4 CRS (HR, 1.20; 95% CI,1.07 to 1.36; P=.003) and grade 3-4 CRS (HR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.86; P=.022). Both older age (HR, 8.57; 95% CI, 1.73 to 42.36; P < .001) and non-total body irradiation-based reduced-intensity conditioning with fludarabine/melphalan (HR, 15.38; 955 CI, 2.06 to 114.67; P < .001) were predictive of grade 3-4 CRS. Overall, we observed that severe CRS (grade 3-4) negatively affected transplantation outcome, and that higher CD3 cell dose was associated with the development of any grade CRS and severe CRS.

A Preliminary Study on the Safety and Efficacy of a Novel Human BCMA-Targeting CAR-T Therapy in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma

IntroductionMultiple myeloma is a hematological malignancy that is prone to be companied by bone marrow destruction, renal impairment and extramedullary infiltration. Current treatments include proteasome inhibitor, immunomodulatory drug, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and monoclonal antibody targeted therapies. However, it is still clinically incurable. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a new immune targeted therapeutic strategy. It is reported better clinical efficacy for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (r/r MM) treatment has been achieved by immunotherapies targeted B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA). Therefore, it is important to investigate the treatment of a novel human BCMA-specific CAR-T therapy for r/r MM.ObjectiveThe objective of this clinical study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the novel human BCMA-targeting CAR-T therapy in patients with r/r MM, especially patients who relapsed from prior CAR-T therapy.MethodThis work is a clinical study registered and investigated by our center. CD3+ T cells were negatively selected from patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells, activated and modified by lentivirus to produce anti-BCMA CAR-T cells. The cells were administrated intravenously to patients after expanding for 7-13 days in vitro. 24 patients had enrolled in this study, with 13 males and 11 females. The median age was 53 years old (range,41-75), and patients with cytogenetically high risk factors accounting for 41.66% (10/24). 50% (12/24) was infiltrated with extramedullary lesions. 16.6% (4/24) of them had relapsed from other CAR-T therapies before this enrollment. 50% (12/24) had been previously conducted autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), whereas 4.16% (1/24) with allogeneic HSCT. Patients with the expression of BCMA in the plasma cells higher than 30%, accounted for 25% (6/24). 2-3 days after being administered the lymphodepleting chemotherapy regimen, CAR-T cells were infused intravenously. The indicators of patients' condition were detected, including inflammatory cytokine concentration, serum protein levels, CAR-T cell number copies, and the proportion of plasma cells by bone marrow biopsy. The improvement of patients, the occurrence of adverse reactions, the incidence and grade of cytokine release syndrome (CRS), was analyzed and evaluated.ResultAll patients received infusions of CAR-T positive cells at the average dose of 9.45×10 6/kg (5-17.5) and the median injection day is the 10th day (8th-13th day) after cell isolation. After infusion, 100% (24/24) of the patients had fever lasting for 48 hours, with 37.5% (9/24) of them showing low blood pressure and being treated with drug. Heart rate increase was found in 45.8% (11/24). Nausea, diarrhea and transient consciousness disorder occurred in 50% (12/24), 33.3% (8/24), and 12.5% (3/24) of them, respectively. 16.6% (4/24) was administrated with dexamethasone to relieve symptoms, with the total dose less than 20 mg, while nobody was treated with IL-6 receptor antagonist. CAR-T cells had expanded in all patients, reaching the peak at the 4th day after infusion (Figure). The levels of IL-6, IL-8 and IFN-γ in peripheral blood also increased significantly. The incidence of CRS is 100%, of which grade I, II and III is 62.5%, 33.3% and 4.2%, respectively. 2 patients showed grade I CRES, constituting 8.3% (2/24). All patients were assessed for the efficacy of CAR-T cells 2 weeks after infusion. ORR was 100%, with 4.2% (1/24) MR, 8.3% (2/24) PR, 62.5% (15/24) VGPR and 25% (6/24) CR. 18 patients were treated for more than 1 month, with 11.1% (2/18) PR, 44.4% (8/18) VGPR, 11.1% (2/18) CR, and 33.3% (6/18) sCR. 16 patients were infused before more than 2 months, with 25% (4/16) VGPR, 12.5% (2/16) CR, 50% (8/16) sCR, and 12.5% (2/16) PD. 6 patents were administrated more than 3 months ago, with 1 developing deep remission to sCR from VGPR. The others remain the same condition.ConclusionThe novel human BCMA targeted CAR-T cell therapy of this study showed safety and efficacy in the treatment of r/r MM patients with extramedullary infiltration, high-risk cytogenetical factors as well as relapse with prior BCMA CAR exposures. Deep remission can be achieved. However, more observation need to be conducted. The CAR-T treatment of BCMA target still cannot prevent the disease progress of a small numbers of patients. The control after CAR-T therapy needs more investigation. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

A Phase 2/3 Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Open-Label, Multi-Center Trial of Lenzilumab to Improve the Safety and Efficacy of CAR-T Cell Therapy in Adults with Relapsed or Refractory Large B-Cell Lymphoma (The SHIELD Study)

Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common aggressive sub-type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma(Liu, et al. Am J Hematol 2019). All three approved CD19-directed CAR-T therapies (axicabtagene ciloleucel, tisagenlecleucel, lisocabtagene maraleucel) are associated with toxicities, including cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) that can be severe, resulting in non-relapse mortality, ICU admission, and significant non-drug related health resource utilization which represent barriers to access and adoption (Nabhan, et al. J Clin. Pathway 2017). Studies have shown that early elevation of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) levels 1-day post CAR-T infusion correlates with severe ICANS (Rossi, et al. EMA Workshop 2016), which is a negative prognostic factor for overall survival (Karschnia, et al. Blood 2019). It has been proposed that upon contact with the tumor, CAR-Ts produce GM-CSF, which serves as a communication conduit between the specific immune response of CAR-T and the off-target inflammatory cascade produced by myeloid lineage cells, causing myeloid cells to expand and promote the production of other downstream proinflammatory chemokines (MCP-1, IL-8, IP-10), cytokines (IL-1, IL-6), and other markers of systemic inflammation (CRP, Ferritin) (Sterner, et al. Blood 2019). Moreover, IL-6 is predominately released by tumor cells in a contact-independent manner (Barrett et al. Blood 2016), which helps explain why the prophylactic administration of tocilizumab is not effective in reducing the overall incidence of CRS or ICANS, as this cytokine is downstream in the inflammatory cascade. Further, the prophylactic use of tocilizumab has been shown to increase the incidence of all-grades and grade >3 ICANS (Locke, et al. Blood 2017). Lenzilumab is a novel Humaneered ® monoclonal antibody that neutralizes GM-CSF and has demonstrated potential to reduce the hyper-immune mediated cytokine storm induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection and significantly improve the likelihood of survival without ventilation in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, as reported in the LIVE-AIR phase 3 study (Temesgen, et al. medRxiv 2021). Methods: Eligible patients are adults (≥ 18 y) with relapsed or refractory DLBCL or are chemorefractory. Prior therapy must have included an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody and an anthracycline-containing regimen. Patients will undergo leukapheresis and may receive optional corticosteroid bridging therapy. Patients will then receive lymphodepleting chemotherapy on Days ‒3 to ‒5 followed by infusion of lenzilumab on Day 0, 6-hrs prior to CAR-T infusion. Approximately 40 accredited sites across the U.S. certified to administer the three commercially available CAR-Ts have been engaged to participate in this 2-part study. In Part 1, all patients will receive lenzilumab 1800mg via a single 2-hour infusion prior to CAR-T administration. The objective of Part 1 is to evaluate the optimal regimen and assess whether a second dose of lenzilumab post-CAR-T infusion is required. A translational assessment of GM-CSF axis suppression, levels of CAR-T cells in blood, other inflammatory markers and lenzilumab PK/PD will be evaluated, along with the incidence and severity of CRS and ICANS, objective response rates (ORR) and rates of complete response (CR) by Day 28 to select the optimal regimen to carry forward into Part 2. The objective of Part 2 is to confirm whether lenzilumab can improve the toxicity and tolerance of CAR-T while maintaining or improving efficacy and durability of response. Up to 250 patients will be randomized 1:1 to receive lenzilumab or placebo with CAR-T per standard of care. The primary endpoint of the study is incidence of grade >2 CRS and/or ICANS by Day 28, with a key secondary endpoint of CR at 6-months in patients without grade ≥ 2 CRS and/or ICANS at Day 28 (Toxicity-free CR). This design and sample size yields 90% power to detect a 50% reduction in the primary outcome measure. Secondary endpoints include incidence of all grades and grade >3 CRS and/or ICANS, respectively; ORR and CR at 1, 3, 6, 12 months; durability of CR; progression-free survival, overall survival and health related quality of life using validated patient reported outcome measures. In addition, the study will explore the CRS and ICANS grading criteria that have been utilized with each of the approved CAR-Ts. DisclosuresKenderian: Humanigen, Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Durrant: Humanigen, Inc.: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Divested equity in a private or publicly-traded company in the past 24 months. Chappell: Humanigen Inc.: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Divested equity in a private or publicly-traded company in the past 24 months. Ahmed: Humanigen Inc.: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Kilcoyne: Humanigen, Inc.: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company.

Secondary Humanized CAR T Cells Salvage Therapy Improves Survival of R/R DLBCL Patients Failed to Murine CD19-CAR T Cells Therapy

Background: The Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has shown very promising future in relapsed/refractory diffused large B cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL) patients resisted to second-line chemotherapy and failed to auto hematopoietic cell transplantation. Trials with murine CD19-CAR T-cell therapy have shown only 40%-54% complete remission (CR) rate in patients with R/R DLBCL. However, 30%-60% of patients with previous CR relapse within 1 year. It is critical to develop new strategies to improve survival of R/R DLBCL patients failed to murine CD19-CAR T cells therapy. Forty-two R/R DLBCL patients failed to murine CD19-CAR T cells therapy who accepted secondary humanized CAR T cells salvage therapy in our center were recruited to this studyAim: 1. Investigate the effect and safety of Secondary humanized CAR T cells salvage therapy in R/R DLBCL patients failed to murine CD19-CAR T cells therapy. 2. Analyze the influence factor of curative effect of secondary humanized CAR T cells, to predict the outcome of treatment.Method: We retrospectively analyzed 42 cases treated with secondary humanized CAR T cells salvage therapy after failing to murine CD19-CAR T cells therapy in our center, enrolled from 05/01/2018 to 05/01/2020. According to the new result of tumor immunohistochemical analysis, five patients still chose to target CD19, twenty-one targeted CD20, and sixteen targeted CD22. Pretreatment regimen before infusion of CAR T cells were chemotherapy comprising fludarabine (three doses of 30 mg/m2 daily) and cyclophosphamide (three doses of 300mg/m2 daily). The T-cells with specific CAR expression in peripheral blood were dynamically detected by flow cytometry. After CAR T-cells infusion, PET-CT were performed every 3 months to evaluate the state of disease. Patients were followed up till 06/15/2021Results: The incidence of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was 84%, of which 22% was severe CRS (≥grade 3), as the incidence of immune effector cells associated neurologic toxicity (ICANS) was 7.14%, of which 2.83% was severe ICANS. The incidence of target organ damage was 12%. The rate of treatment-related mortality was 7%. In 3 months, complete remission rate was 26.2%, partial remission rate (PR) was 33.3% and the overall response rate (ORR) was 59.5%. Ten patients (26.2%) remained in complete remission at the cutoff date. The median of progression-free survival (PFS) length was 4.42 months (95%CI: 1.87-6.02). The median of overall survival (OS) length was 9.24 months (95%CI: 4.44-~). The 1-year overall survival rate was 38.1%. We also found high level of LDH, heavy tumor burden, no less than 4 IPI score, and double expression of MYC and BCL2 were risk factors of OS, PFS and CR. The patients who had achieved CR or PR after murine CD19-CAR T cells therapy had a favorable OS and PFS. The longer the patients had PFS during murine CD19-CAR T cells therapy, the longer PFS and OS during humanized CAR T cells therapy.Conclusion: 1. Secondary humanized CAR T cells salvage therapy improves survival of R/R DLBCL patients failed to murine CD19-CAR T cells therapy. 2. The incidence of severe CRS and treatment-related causality were relatively low. 3. The patients who got better curative effect during murine CAR T cells therapy prone to a longer survival time.Keywords: Secondary humanized CAR T cells therapy, murine CAR T cells therapy, R/R DLBCL, CRS, ICANS. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Prophylactic Corticosteroid Use with Axicabtagene Ciloleucel (Axi-Cel) in Patients (Pts) with Relapsed/Refractory Large B-Cell Lymphoma (R/R LBCL): One-Year Follow-up of ZUMA-1 Cohort 6 (C6)

Prophylactic Corticosteroid Use with Axicabtagene Ciloleucel (Axi-Cel) in Patients (Pts) with Relapsed/Refractory Large B-Cell Lymphoma (R/R LBCL): One-Year Follow-up of ZUMA-1 Cohort 6 (C6)

Efficacy and Safety of Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel in Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: CARTITUDE-1 Subgroup Analysis

Efficacy and Safety of Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel in Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: CARTITUDE-1 Subgroup Analysis

Relmacabtagene Autoleucel CD19 CART Therapy for Adults with Heavily-Pretreated Relapsed/Refractory Large B-Cell Lymphoma in China

IntroductionPrognosis for relapsed and refractory large B-cell lymphoma (r/r LBCL) is poor, and treatment remains challenging. Relmacabtagene autoleucel (relma-cel) is a CD19-directed 4-1BB/CD3z chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) product manufactured in China. RELIANCE study is the first CAR-T study with CD19 as target that got IND approved by the authority in China. Initial findings of the pivotal Phase 2 single-arm, multicenter RELIANCE trial demonstrated high response rates and low rates of CAR-T-associated toxicity with relma-cel treatment in heavily pretreated patients (pts) with r/r LBCL (NCT04089215; Ying et al. Cancer Med 2020;10:999-1011). Long-term follow-up data for the RELIANCE study are presented.Materials & MethodsFifty-nine adults (age ≥18 years) with heavily pretreated (≥2 prior therapies), measurable and histologically confirmed r/r LBCL were randomized to receive lymphodepletion chemotherapy (LDC: fludarabine 25 mg/m 2 + cyclophosphamide 250 mg/m 2 daily×3) followed by a single infusion of autologous CAR+ T cells at a dose of 100×10 6 or 150×10 6. Pts were evaluated for efficacy using Lugano criteria and for toxicity using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.03 and for cytokine release syndrome (CRS) using Lee et al. (Blood 2014;124(2):188-95). Primary endpoint was 3-month objective response rate (ORR); key secondary endpoints included complete response rate (CRR) at 3 months, duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) profile. The data cutoff date was December 31, 2020.ResultsAt the time of analysis, all 59 pts (median age 56.0 years, range 18-75 years) were at least 15 months post-treatment with relma-cel (7 pts completed trial, 34 pts on study, 18 pts withdrew). Among the modified intent-to-treat (mITT) population of 58 efficacy-evaluable pts, best ORR was 77.6%, with a best CRR of 51.7%; ORR and CRR at 3-month-postdose landmark were 60.3% and 44.8%, respectively. With a median follow-up of 17.9 months (range 0.3-25.6 months), median PFS (mITT) was 7.0 months (95% CI 4.8-not reached [NR]). Median PFS was NR (95% CI 8.8 months-NR) for pts with compete response (CR) at 3 months, the 6-, 12-, 18- and 24-month PFS rates were 80.8%, 69.2%, 69.2% and 69.2%, respectively (Figure). PFS was associated with objective response or CR at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months (log-rank test, p≤0.002). Median OS was NR (95% CI NR-NR) for both the mITT population and pts with CR at 3 months (12-month OS rate, 76.8% and 92.3%, respectively). Median DOR was NR (95% CI 4.9 months-NR) for the mITT population and (95% CI 8.0 months-NR) for pts with CR at 3 months. Levels of CAR-T cells declined to below the level of quantification (BLQ) in 41 (69.5%) pts, among whom nearly 40% had sustained response. Median time from documentation of CAR-T BLQ to disease progression was 6.1 months (95% CI 1.8-NR). Treatment-related TEAEs were reported in 93.2% of pts and were primarily grade 1-2 (89.8% pts); 54.2% of pts had grade ≥3 TEAEs. Pyrexia was the most common TEAE, reported in 59.3% of pts (all grade 1-2). The most common grade ≥3 treatment-related TEAEs were neutrophil count decrease (30.5%) and white blood cell (WBC) count decrease (13.6%). Presence of cytopenia at day 29 (78.0%) was significantly associated with WBC count after LDC, change in serum albumin between days 1 and 4 and serum interleukin 8 after LDC (p<0.05). The incidence of CRS and neurotoxicity (NT) was 47.5% and 20.3%, respectively, both primarily grade 1-2. There were no CRS- or NT-related deaths. Occurrence of grade ≥2 CRS or NT (11.9% and 6.8%, respectively) was significantly associated with fold-change of platelet count on day 4 compared with baseline and day 1 absolute neutrophil count (p<0.03). There were no treatment-related deaths.ConclusionsThese are the first data of long-term follow-up CD19 CAR-T study with IND approval in China reported. With nearly 18 months of median follow-up, the RELIANCE pivotal registered study demonstrated durable responses, high rates of OS and PFS, and no new safety profile found in r/r LBCL pts. Based on these data, relma-cel is undergoing approval in China. Figure: Kaplan-Meier estimates of (A) PFS and (B) OS by 3-month tumor responsePR, partial response [Display omitted] DisclosuresZhang: JW Therapeutics: Current Employment. Yang: JW Therapeutics: Current Employment. Zhou: JW Therapeutics: Current Employment. Zheng: JW Therapeutics: Current Employment.

Evolution in Resource Utilization for Unique Toxicities Related to Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy from 2017 to 2020: A Database Review

Introduction:Chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy (CAR-T) is a novel treatment that utilizes T cells by augmenting them using vector viruses to add antigens to target cancer cells. In 2017, FDA approved CD-19 CAR-T for relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients ≤ 26yr old. Unique toxicities associated with CAR-T therapy include cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-related neurotoxicity (ICANS). Lower-grade CRS and ICANS are managed with tocilizumab, an interleukin-6 antagonist, and steroids. Management of higher-grade CRS and ICANS requires intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Our understanding and management of CRS and ICANS continue to evolve. In this analysis, we conducted a retrospective review using the Vizient database® to investigate toxicity incidence and resource utilization among patients admitted for CAR-T therapy between 2017 and 2020.Methods:We used The Vizient® CDB database to analyze admissions for CAR-T infusion for patients over 18 years of age receiving FDA approved CD19 CAR-T axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) and tisangenlecleucel (tisa-cel) between 2017 to 2020. We compared patients who received CAR-T between October 2017 and March 2018 (group 1) to those who received CAR-T therapy between October 2019 and March 2020 (group 2). Due to the lack of diagnosis code for CRS or ICANS until 2021, surrogates billing codes such as fever, sepsis, dyspnea were used for CRS. In regards to ICANS, we used codes for febrile seizure, febrile convulsions, altered mental status, somnolence, and stupor. In addition, other adverse events such as weakness and nausea were also collected.Results:Eighty-one institutions had performed CAR-T in the period 2017 through 2020. The 2017-2018 period (group 1) included 215 patients, with a median age of 59 (49-68) years, while the CAR-T recipients in 2019-2020 (group 2) had 655 patients with a median age of 62 (52-69) years. Tisa-cel and Axi-cel was administered to 31% (n= 67) and 69% (n= 148) in group 1 and 26% (182) and 74% (n= 517) of group 2 patients respectively. The incidence of sepsis in group 1 was 18% vs. 13% in group 2, with an absolute difference of -5.8% (P value=0.04). Fever and dyspnea were the most common presentations of CRS present in 44.2% and 49% in group 1 and 35% and 28% in group 2, respectively. The incidence of fever decreased by 8.2% (p=0.02) in group 2 compared to group 1. The incidence of hypoxia was 24.7% vs. 20.5%, and the incidence of hypotension was 32.1% and 33.8% in groups 1 and 2, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p=0.64 and 0.19). The incidence of neurotoxicity decreased slightly in group 2 compared to group 1, but it was not statistically significant (P= 2723). Overall ICU utilization was 24.7 and 24.6% in both groups (p=0.9). The 30 days mortality in groups 1 and 2 was 6% vs. 3.7%. Tocilizumab utilization decreased by 20%, and dexamethasone or equivalent steroid usage decreased by 70% in group 2 compared to group 1. (Table 1)Conclusions:The incidence of CRS and ICANS among recipients of CAR-T remains high, with up to one-fourth of the patients requiring ICU, which has remained static. However, the general use of tocilizumab and steroids has decreased by 20% and 70%, respectively, possibly due to the implementation of consensus grading and operation protocols that may have increased awareness and judicious early interventions. [Display omitted] DisclosuresMahmoudjafari: Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Omeros: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; GSK: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Evolution and Proliferation of CD7 CAR-T Cells Compared to CD19 CAR-T Cells Therapies for Acute Leukemia

BackgroundIn October 2020, we began the clinical trials of CD7 CAR-T treatment for CD7-positive hematological malignancies at our center. We found that the proliferation profile and evolution of CD7 CAR-T cells within 1-month following infusion into patients were quite different from those of CD19 CAR-T cells. From these data, we reasoned that the time to occurrence of CAR-T-cell-related side effects might also differ between the two cellular therapies. Here, we systematically compared the proliferation and CAR-T-cell-related side effects of CD7 CAR-T cells to these of CD19 CAR-T cells.Patients and MethodsFrom October 2020 to June 2021, a total of 30 patients (24 male, 6 female) including 22 with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), 3 with T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL), and 5 with mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) received autologous CD7 CAR-T cells manufactured by the SenlangBio company (https://clinicaltrials.gov NCT04572308, NCT04796441 and NCT04938115). The median follow-up time was 116 days (range: 15-221days). On Day 30, 25/30 patients (83.3%) achieved complete remission (CR)/CR with incomplete blood recovery (CRi). From December 2017 to June 2021, 45 B-ALL patients (19 male, 26 female) received CD19 CAR-T cells, also manufactured by SenlangBio (NCT04792593 and NCT04546893). The median follow-up time was 351 days (range: 15-1110days). On Day 30, 43/45 patients (95.6%) achieved CR/CRi.The median infused CD7 CAR-T cell dose was 1×10 6/kg (range: 0.5-2×10 6/kg), and the median infused CD19 CAR-T cell dose was 3×10 5/kg (range: 0.2-10×10 5/kg). The CD7 or CD19 CAR-T cell ratio in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLC) and the CD7 or CD19 B-lymphocyte percentage in PBLC samples from patients were analyzed on days 0, 4, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 30 following CAR-T cell infusion using flow cytometry.ResultsThe presence of CD7 CAR-T cells in the PBLC samples were gradually detected following CD7 CAR-T cell infusion. The CD7 CAR-T cell ratio in PBLC increased significantly on Day 10. CD7 CAR-T cell peak appeared on Day 21 with a peak of 39.14% (range: 0.04%-74.58%), and was still detectable on Day 30 with a high CD7 CAR-T ratio of 7.5% (1.15%-70.41%). The ratio of CD19 CAR-T cells in patient PBLC samples showed a significant increase on Day 7 following infusion, and the CAR-T cell peak appeared on Day 10 with a peak of 14.71% (range: 0.11%-89.33%), and then quickly decreased to 0.23% (range: 0%-82.88%) on Day 21 (Figure 1). As the CAR-T cells increased, the proportion of target cells decreases significantly (Figure 2). However, the rate of decrease of CD19 cells differed from that of CD7 cells.CAR-T cell proliferation is also associated with CAR-T-cell-related adverse effects including cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). Observing the adverse effects after CD7 CAR-T infusion, we found that fever (incidence rate of 83.8%) occurred on the first 1-3 days following infusion, with a body temperature among patients of about 38°C. After patients' body temperature dropped to approximately normal levels, fever occurred again on Day 10-21 (incidence rate of 77.4%), and a higher temperature of 38-40°C was observed. The adverse event profile coincided with the proliferation of CD7 CAR-T cells we observed. Among the 30 cases, 5 had Grade 2 CRS, 2 had CRS of Grade ≥3, and 1 patient had Grade 3 ICANS. Fever following CD19 CAR-T infusion consisted mainly on Day 7-14 after the infusion (incidence rate of 86.6%), followed by a gradual drop of body temperature to normal after Day 14. Among the 45 patients, 5 had Grade 2 CRS, 5 had CRS of Grade ≥3 and 7 had Grade ≥3 ICANS.ConclusionsIn this clinical study, we found that the proliferation and evolution of CD7 CAR-T cells are distinct from that of C19 CAR-T cells. CD7 CAR-T cells began to proliferate significantly later following patient infusion and persisted longer compared to CD19 CAR-T cells. We found that patients experienced two rounds of fever, appearing on Day 1-3 and Day 10-21 following CD7 CAR-T infusion, which required more attention and prevention compared to the fever experienced by patients infused with CD19 CAR-T cells. However, the incidence of CRS and ICANS did not increase following CD7 CAR-T infusion. More patients and long-term observation are needed to confirm these results and to improve clinical management of patients treated with CAR-T cellular therapies. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Coagulopathy Following Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy in R/R Adult B Cell Malignancies: A Single Center Experience

Background. Immunotherapy with chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T cells) is a new therapeutic approach approved for patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) B-lymphoproliferative malignancies. Specific toxicities have been described following CAR-T cells therapy, mainly cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). Coagulation disorders have been described in patients experiencing CRS. However, data is scarce regarding such consequences.Methods. We retrospectively evaluated patients treated with CAR T-cells for R/R B-cell lymphoma in our tertiary hospital between 2019, January 1 st and 2021, March 1 st. Post-infusion coagulation disorders were assessed, as well as factors associated with such anomalies using a multivariate logistic regression model.Results. During the study period, 64 patients received CAR T-cell therapy for R/R diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (n=52, 81%), transformed follicular lymphoma (n=9, 14%) and mantel cell lymphoma (n=3, 5%).The median follow-up was 7.98 months (IQR 4.24; 12.39). All patients had a normal coagulation panel at CAR-T cells infusion. The incidence of CRS was 92% (n=59; grade 3-4 n=2, 3%) and ICANS 38% (n=24; grade 3-4 n=7; 11%). We observed a decrease in fibrinogen level in all patients (grade 3-4 n=44, 69%), occurring at day 11 (median) post-infusion, prolonged prothrombin time (PT) in 27 patients (42%, grade 3-4 n=0), at day 4 (median), and thrombocytopenia in 62 patients (97%, grade 3-4 n=46, 72%) at day 1 (median).By multivariate analysis, fibrinogen below 2 g/L after CAR-T cells infusion was independently associated with CRS grade 2 or greater (OR 58.4; 95%CI [5.8-4212.8] p = 0.009), ICANS grade 2 or greater (OR 2.36; 95%CI [2.2-80.6] p = 0.007) and day-0 lymphocyte count (OR 0.32 per 0.1 G/L; 95%CI [0.10-0.89] p = 0.037). However, it was not associated with comorbidities, disease history, tumor burden, CAR product, or outcomes.Furthermore, by the end of the study, 5 patients (8%) did not recover a normal fibrinogen level and 41 (64%) did not recover a normal platelet count. Others recovered a normal fibrinogen level within a median of 69 days, a normal platelet count within a median of 15 days, and a normal PT within in a median of 7 days. Interestingly, no significant thrombotic or hemorrhagic events were recorded for those patients.Conclusion. A high incidence of asymptomatic coagulation disorders was observed after CAR-T cell therapy, notably prolonged hypofibrinogenemia. Further studies should focus on the mechanisms involved in such abnormalities. DisclosuresLamure: Janssen: Other: miscellaneous support , Research Funding; Gilead: Other: miscellaneous support ; Roche: Other: miscellaneous support ; Abbvie: Other: miscellaneous support ; Sanofi: Other: miscellaneous support ; Novartis: Other: miscellaneous support ; Pfizer: Other: miscellaneous support ; Actelion: Other: miscellaneous support . Paul: NOVARTIS: Other: BOARD; SERVIER: Other: BOARD. Tchernonog: JANSSEN: Consultancy; ABBVIE: Consultancy; ASTRAZENECA: Consultancy. Herbaux: Takeda: Honoraria, Research Funding; Abbvie: Honoraria, Research Funding; Roche: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria. Cartron: Roche, Celgene-BMS: Consultancy; Danofi, Gilead, Novartis, Jansen, Roche, Celgene-BMS, Abbvie, Takeda: Honoraria.

Safety and Cost Effectiveness of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy in the Outpatient Setting

IntroductionSince the commercial approval of chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapies, administration and toxicity monitoring have largely been in an inpatient setting due to the risk of significant toxicities such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity in the first 30 days. Administration in the outpatient setting can be safe and cost-effective. Here we report the cost savings and adverse events of CAR-T in an outpatient setting as compared to the inpatient setting.MethodsCost differences of the commercial CD19 CAR-T axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) and tisangenlecleucel (tisa-cel) among inpatient and outpatient settings in 2020 were investigated using the Vizient Database®. Cost analysis for both settings was done for the initial 30 days post-CAR-T infusion. There were no billing codes for CRS and neurotoxicity till 2021. Clinical surrogates such as fever, hypotension, hypoxia, sepsis were used for CRS while febrile convulsion not otherwise specified (NOS), febrile seizure NOS, altered mental status, somnolence, stupor, and coma were used for neurotoxicity. ICD 10 codes for adverse effects were also used.ResultsIn 2017-2020, there were 81 organizations in the database that performed CAR-T procedures. In 2020, there were 1369 inpatient and 71 outpatient encounters, which were analyzed for cost and adverse events. (Table 1) The incidence of CRS was 43.2% (n=592) and 40.8% (n=29) in inpatient and outpatient groups, while that of neurotoxicity was 37.3% (n=511) and 29.6% (n=21) respectively. For cost analysis, we included the 16 centers (22% of all centers) that offered both inpatient and outpatient administration in 2020. Median inpatient cost was $397,610 ($346,550-$650,749) and median outpatient group cost was $243,050 ($204,344-$408,467). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was run between inpatient and outpatient cases was found to be significant (P<0.0001). (Table 2) (Figure 1) (Figure 2)ConclusionAs the field of CAR-T therapy continues to grow, outpatient programs are likely to increase. Incidence of adverse effects was lower in the outpatient group, likely patient selection effect. This data suggests that outpatient CAR-T therapy is feasible cost-effective and has the potential to grow and improve value. While it appears to be an attractive option, there is a need for more studies on patient selection and creating a robust outpatient infrastructure is needed. [Display omitted] DisclosuresMahmoudjafari: Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Omeros: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; GSK: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. McGuirk: EcoR1 Capital: Consultancy; Novartis: Research Funding; Fresenius Biotech: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Astelllas Pharma: Research Funding; Bellicum Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Kite/ Gilead: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: travel accommodations, expense, Kite a Gilead company, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Gamida Cell: Research Funding; Magenta Therapeutics: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Juno Therapeutics: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Allovir: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Pluristem Therapeutics: Research Funding.

Bispecific T-Cell Engager Antibodies in Multiple Myeloma- a Systematic Review of Phase 1 Clinical Trials

IntroductionOne of the emerging targeted strategies for treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) is the use of robust immune responses via T cell activation against tumor cells. B-Cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA), a cell surface protein, remains a potential target for therapeutic interventions. Recently, bispecific T cell engager therapy, targeting BCMA and CD3 antigens on plasma and T cells respectively, have shown promising results in preclinical and early clinical studies in the context of relapsed/refractory myeloma (RRMM). We conducted a systematic review of phase 1 trials to report the efficacy and safety of Bispecific T-Cell Engager antibodies for MM.Methodology:We systematically searched multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Clinicaltrials.gov. We also searched major conferences for oral or poster presentations. MeSH terms and keywords for MM and bispecific antibodies were utilized. We included all original studies reported in English language published from 1990 until June 2021. The primary database search yielded 390 articles. After excluding review articles, duplicates, irrelevant articles, and non-human studies, six phase 1 clinical trials were included to evaluate the efficacy and safety outcomes.Results:A total of 253 patients were identified from the six phase 1 studies, among whom 247 were evaluable for response, while the safely analysis involved all the patients. A study conducted by Krishan et al. (n= 40) stated an overall response rate (ORR) of 65% among patients receiving subcutaneous (SQ) teclistamab with a median of five prior therapies, 30% and 58% of the responders had a complete response (CR) and very good partial response (VGPR), respectively. A similar ORR of 63% was reported in 28 patients with a median of 5.5 prior therapies receiving SQ talquetamab by Berdeja et al. Cohen et al reported an ORR of 51.7% in patients receiving IV BFCR4350A at doses ≥3.6/20mg (Partial response (PR):17.2% and CR: 10.3%). SQ elranatamab achieved an ORR of 75% in 17 patients who received doses ≥215 μg/kg. Madduri et al. evaluated REGN5458 monotherapy with dose escalation from 3 to 96 mg among 45 patients and reported an ORR of 60% at the highest dose levels. ORR of 31% was reported in 42 patients receiving IV BI836909/AMG 420 by Topp et al. The median time to response (TTP) was 1 month in the majority of the studies. (Table 1)The most common grade three or higher hematological toxicities were neutropenia and anemia, while among non-hematological toxicities, infections were the most common. The incidence of cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity varied from 24% to 74% and 2 % to 20%, respectively. (Table 3)Conclusion:The early clinical data of Bispecific T-Cell Engager therapy in heavily pretreated RRMM patients shows promising results regarding its efficacy and safety profile. It represents a whole new horizon of targeted approach towards RRMM. Phase II / III studies are being conducted to evaluate this potential treatment approach in patients with MM. [Display omitted] DisclosuresAnwer: GlaxoSmithKline: Research Funding; BMS / Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Allogene Therapeutics: Research Funding; Janssen pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Research Funding.

A Propensity Score-Matched Comparison of Axi-Cel and Tisa-Cel for Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in Real-Life: A Lysa Study from the Descar-T Registry

A Propensity Score-Matched Comparison of Axi-Cel and Tisa-Cel for Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in Real-Life: A Lysa Study from the Descar-T Registry

Analysis of Outcomes and Predictors of Response in Patients with Relapsed Mantle Cell Lymphoma Treated with Brexucabtagene Autoleucel

Analysis of Outcomes and Predictors of Response in Patients with Relapsed Mantle Cell Lymphoma Treated with Brexucabtagene Autoleucel

A Single-Arm, Open-Label, Pilot Study of the JAK1 Selective Inhibitor Itacitinib for the Prophylaxis of Graft-Versus-Host Disease and Cytokine Release Syndrome in T-Cell Replete Haploidentical Peripheral Blood Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Introduction:Haploidentical peripheral blood allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (PB haplo-HCT) can be complicated by graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Acute GVHD rates are higher with PB grafts compared with bone marrow, affecting 35-45% of patients and outcomes are poor in steroid refractory cases. Severe CRS occurs in 10-15% of patients receiving PB haplo-HCT and is associated with high non-relapse mortality and dismal one year overall survival between 25-30%. As interferon-γ and IL-6 are important mediators in both acute GVHD and CRS, we hypothesized that JAK1 inhibition with itacitinib could prevent these toxicities without impairing engraftment. Here we report the clinical outcomes from our pilot study of itacitinib with haplo-HCT (NCT03755414).Methods:Patients with AML, ALL, or NHL in remission undergoing PB haplo-HCT were treated with itacitinib 200 mg/day on days -3 through +100, followed by a taper. Myeloablative and reduced intensity conditioning were allowed. GVHD prophylaxis was tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and post-transplant cyclophosphamide. Primary outcomes were incidence of primary graft failure and incidence of grade III-IV acute GVHD. Secondary outcomes included incidence and severity of CRS (graded by Lee criteria). Peripheral blood and serum samples were banked prior to conditioning and on days -1, 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, 60, 100, end of treatment, and time of diagnosis of acute GVHD. Matched control samples were collected from patients undergoing haplo-HCT off clinical trials. Correlative studies include flow cytometry (FACS) with five 28-color panels for cellular subsets, mass cytometry (CyTOF) with 40-colors for intracellular signaling events, single cell RNA sequencing, and serum cytokine and chemokine measurements.Results:Twenty of a planned 20 patients completed enrollment and underwent haplo-HCT between 11/2019 and 3/2021. Median age at transplant was 49 (21-74). Diagnoses were AML (13), ALL (5) and NHL (2). Median follow up is 319 days, with 18/20 beyond 180 days. There were no cases of engraftment failure with short median times to neutrophil (14 days, range 12-20) and platelet (14 days, range 7-54) engraftment (historical 16 and 25 days, respectively). There were no cases of grade III-IV acute GVHD. The incidence of grade II acute GVHD on day 100 was 15%. Two patients developed grade I-II skin acute GVHD during itacitinib taper and responded to resumption of a higher dose. There were no cases of extensive chronic GVHD. There were no cases of severe CRS (historical rate 17%), with 90% of patients having grade 1 CRS and 10% having no CRS. Furthermore, no anti-IL6R or steroid therapy was used. Overall survival at day 180 was 90% (95% CI 75-100%) by Kaplan-Meier estimate. Incidence of relapse at 180 days was 5.5% (95% CI 0-15.6%). Refined GVHD and relapse-free survival at 180 days was 83% (95% CI 68-100%). All patients had full donor engraftment and >95% chimerism at day 100.FACS and CyTOF have been performed and analyzed for the day 28 time point from 14 patients and four controls. Flow cytometry revealed no difference in cell subset numbers between controls and patient samples. CyTOF revealed differences in intracellular signaling molecules between itacitinib and control patients - including higher Ki-67, pNF-κB, and Caspase3 in controls. Phospho-Stat1 and pStat3 were lower CD4 T subsets. FACS and CyTOF at remaining time points, single cell RNA sequencing, and serum cytokine and chemokine measurements are underway and will be presented at the ASH 2021 meeting.Conclusions:Itacitinib with PB haplo-HCT was safe with no engraftment failure and prompt engraftment. Rates of acute and chronic GVHD were low, without increased risk of relapse or transplant related mortality. Severe CRS was not seen in this trial, and no anti-IL6 or steroid therapy was used. Flow cytometry demonstrated comparable immune reconstitution in terms of cell lineage and number between treated patients and controls. Mass cytometry revealed lower Ki-67, pNF-κB, and caspase3 levels, among other markers, which suggest lower immune cell activity, proliferation, and apoptosis. An extension cohort of 20 additional patients is enrolling. Multi-platform correlative studies are underway, comparing samples from haplo-HCT patients treated with and without itacitinib. [Display omitted] DisclosuresUy: Astellas: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy; Agios: Consultancy; Jazz: Consultancy; Genentech: Consultancy; AbbVie: Consultancy; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy; Macrogenics: Research Funding. Ghobadi: Atara: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Wugen: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Kite, a Gilead Company: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Jacoby: Abbvie: Research Funding; Jazz: Research Funding. Pusic: Syndax: Other: Advisory Board. Schroeder: Equillium Inc: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; Sanofi Genzyme: Honoraria.

A Phase II Trial of Anakinra for the Prevention of CAR-T Cell Mediated Neurotoxicity

A Phase II Trial of Anakinra for the Prevention of CAR-T Cell Mediated Neurotoxicity

Ascorbate Deficiency Is Associated with Severity of Cytokine Release Syndrome Following Therapy with Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cells

The therapy of hematologic malignancies has been revolutionized by the development of therapies using chimeric antigen receptor modified T-cells (CAR-T). However, CAR-T cell therapy is often associated with cytokine release syndrome (CRS), characterized by fevers, hypotension, and hypoxia, as well as immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). Severe cases of CRS can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Although disease features such as tumor burden may predict for more severe CRS and ICANS, other clinical features and biomarkers predictive of CRS and ICANS remain lacking, with the exception of measurements of serum cytokines following cell infusion (PMID: 27076371, PMID: 24553386). Experimental models have implicated elaboration of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 and IL-6 by monocytes in the pathogenesis of CRS and ICANS (PMID: 29808007, PMID: 29808005). Accordingly, the severity and duration of CRS and ICANS can be mitigated in part by IL-6 receptor blockade with tocilizumab and treatment with corticosteroids such as dexamethasone. Recent work has implicated ascorbate in the regulation of the activity of TET enzymes in hematopoietic cells (PMID: 28825709, PMID: 28823558). Given that TET2 deficiency has been associated with increased elaboration of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-1 by macrophages (PMID 3026882, PMID: 28104796, PMID: 28636844), we reasoned that ascorbate deficiency might predict for more pronounced cytokine release in patients leading to more severe CRS or ICANS.We identified 13 patients receiving CAR-T cell therapy for hematologic malignancies at the University of Texas Southwestern. Plasma specimens were collected from patients at baseline prior to receipt of lymphodepleting chemotherapy and/or at two weeks following CAR-T cell infusion. Given the poor reliability of clinical ascorbate measurements due to oxidation, we used an optimized protocol incorporating a C13-labeled ascorbate internal standard to obtain highly precise serum measurements using liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry. The incidence and severity of CRS and ICANS was classified using standardized grading criteria as per the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy.We measured serum ascorbate in 7 baseline and 12 post CAR-T cell infusion specimens obtained from 13 patients, with a median age of 65 (range 53 to 77). The cohort included eight patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and two patients with mantle cell lymphoma receiving CD19-targeted CAR-T cells, as well as three patients with multiple myeloma receiving BCMA-targeted CAR-T cells. Eight patients developed grade one CRS, three patients developed grade two CRS, and two patients did not develop CRS. One patient developed grade one ICANS, one developed grade two ICANS, and one developed grade three ICANS. Eight patients received dexamethasone for CRS or ICANS, and eight patients received tocilizumab. Five patients only received one dose of tocilizumab, while two received two doses and one received three doses.Taking all pre- and post-CAR-T cell infusion ascorbate measurements into account, a significant correlation was found between having low serum ascorbate levels and a higher maximal grade of CRS or ICANS (Figure 1A, r 2=-0.64, p=0.0039). Post-infusion ascorbate measurements also demonstrated a significant correlation between low serum ascorbate levels and higher maximal CRS or ICANS (Figure 1B, r 2=-0.78, p=0.0035), while there was no correlation between pre-infusion ascorbate measurements and CRS or ICANS. Finally, we noted a significant decrease in serum ascorbate levels when comparing pre-infusion to post-infusion specimens (Figure 1C, p=0.048), including five paired specimens. There was no significant correlation between serum ascorbate levels and the number of doses of tocilizumab or dexamethasone administered.Low serum ascorbate levels may be associated with an increased risk for developing severe CRS and ICANS following CAR-T cell therapy. Although follow-up studies with a larger cohort of patient are necessary to substantiate this correlation, these data provide preliminary evidence that serum ascorbate levels may serve as a useful biomarker to predict severity of CRS and ICANS. Furthermore, they suggest ascorbate supplementation as a promising future strategy to mitigate these common complications of CAR-T cell therapy. [Display omitted] DisclosuresKansagra: Alynylam, Celgene/BMS, Cota Health, GSK, Janssen, Karyopharm, Oncopeptide, Pfizer, Takeda, Sanofi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Anderson: Celgene, BMS, Janssen, GSK, Karyopharm, Oncopeptides, Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Awan: Abbvie: Consultancy; Dava Oncology: Consultancy; Johnson and Johnson: Consultancy; Incyte: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Astrazeneca: Consultancy; ADCT therapeutics: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Beigene: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy; Gilead sciences: Consultancy; Cardinal Health: Consultancy; Verastem: Consultancy; MEI Pharma: Consultancy; Karyopharm: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Kite pharma: Consultancy; Genentech: Consultancy. Madanat: Stem line pharmaceutical: Honoraria; Blue Print Pharmaceutical: Honoraria; Onc Live: Honoraria; Geron Pharmaceutical: Consultancy. Patel: Agios: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; PVI: Honoraria; Celgene-BMS: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Sweetenham: EMA Wellness: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

A Multicenter Analysis of Outcomes, Toxicities, and Patterns of Use with Commercial Axicabtagene Ciloleucel and Tisagenlecleucel for Relapsed/Refractory Aggressive B-Cell Lymphomas

A Multicenter Analysis of Outcomes, Toxicities, and Patterns of Use with Commercial Axicabtagene Ciloleucel and Tisagenlecleucel for Relapsed/Refractory Aggressive B-Cell Lymphomas