Salvage Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation Research Articles

Health-related quality of life and quality-adjusted progression free survival for carfilzomib and dexamethasone maintenance following salvage autologous stem-cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma: a randomized phase 2 trial by the Nordic Myeloma Study Group

BackgroundDecisions regarding maintenance therapy in patients with multiple myeloma should be based on both treatment efficacy and health-related quality of life (HRQL) consequences. In the CARFI trial, patients with first relapse of multiple myeloma underwent salvage autologous stem cell transplantation (salvage ASCT) before randomization to carfilzomib-dexamethasone maintenance therapy (Kd) or observation. The primary clinical endpoint was time to progression, which was extended by 8 months by Kd. The aim of this paper is to present the all HRQL endpoints of the CARFI trial including the HRQL effect of Kd maintenance therapy relative to observation. The primary HRQL endpoint was assessed by EORTC QLQ-C30 Summary score (QLQ-C30-sum) at 8 months follow-up. A key secondary HRQL endpoint was quality-adjusted progression-free-survival (QAPFS).MethodsHRQL was assessed with EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-MY20 and FACT/GOG-Ntx at randomization and every second month during follow-up. HRQL data were analyzed with linear mixed effect models until 8 months follow-up. QAPFS per individual was calculated by multiplying progression-free survival (PFS) by two quality-adjustment metrics, the QLQ-C30-sum and EORTC Quality of Life Utility Measure-Core 10 dimensions (QLU-C10D). The QAPFS per treatment group was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. P < 0.05 was used for statistical significance, and a between-group minimal important difference of 10 points was interpreted as clinically relevant for the QLQ-C30-sum.Results168 patients were randomized. HRQL questionnaire compliance was 93%. For the QLQ-C30-sum, the difference of 4.62 points (95% confidence interval (CI) -8.9: -0.4, p = 0.032) was not clinically relevant. PFS was 19.3 months for the Kd maintenance group and 16.8 months for the observation group; difference = 2.5 months (95% CI 0.5; 4.5). QAPFS based on the QLQ-C30-sum for the Kd maintenance group was 18.0 months (95% CI 16.4; 19.6) and for the observation group 15.0 months (95% CI 13.5; 16.5); difference = 3.0 months (95% CI 0.8–5.3). QAPFS based on the QLU-C10D for the Kd maintenance group was 17.5 months (95% CI 15.9; 19.2) and 14.0 months (95% CI 12.4; 15.5) for the observation group; difference = 3.5 months (95% CI 1.1–5.9).ConclusionsKd maintenance therapy after salvage ASCT did not adversely affect overall HRQL, but adjustment for HRQL reduced the PFS compared to unadjusted PFS. PFS of maintenance therapy should be quality-adjusted to balance the benefits and HRQL impact.

Safety and efficacy of a new high-dose regimen of panobinostat, gemcitabine, busulfan, and melphalan for 1st or 2nd salvage ASCT for refractory/relapsed or high-risk myeloma: Matched-pair comparisons with concurrent control cohorts.

Improvement of autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) for myeloma is needed. Building on our prior work, we prospectively evaluated panobinostat and gemcitabine/busulfan/melphalan (GemBuMel) with ASCT in this population. Patients aged 18-65 years with relapsed/refractory or high-risk myeloma and adequate end-organ function were eligible. Treatment included panobinostat (20 mg/day, days -9 to -2) and GemBuMel (days -8 to -2). Patients were enrolled in 1st (ASCT-1) or 2nd ASCT (ASCT-2) cohorts. We compared their outcomes with all our other concurrent ASCT patients who met eligibility criteria but received melphalan or BuMel off study, matched for age, prior therapy lines, high-risk cytogenetics, and response at ASCT. We enrolled 80 patients, 48 and 32 in the ASCT-1 and ASCT-2 cohorts, respectively; in these two cohorts, high-risk cytogenetics were noted in 33 and 15 patients, respectively; unresponsive disease in 12 and 11 patients, respectively, after a median of 2 and 3 therapy lines, respectively. Transplant-related mortality (TRM) occurred in two ASCT-2 patients. One-year PFS rates were 69% (ASCT-1) and 72% (ASCT-2); 1-year OS rates were 79% (ASCT-1) and 84% (ASCT-2). Minimal residual disease negativity improved after ASCT-1 (8.5%-23%, p < .0001) and ASCT-2 (34%-55%, p = .02), which correlated with improved outcomes. Trial patients and controls (N = 371) had similar TRM and post-ASCT maintenance. Trial patients had better PFS after either a 1st (p = .02) or a 2nd ASCT (p = .04) than matched-paired control patients. In conclusion, panobinostat/GemBuMel is effective for relapsed/refractory or high-risk myeloma patients, with better PFS than concurrent matched controls receiving melphalan or BuMel.

Case report: pomalidomide as maintenance after salvage autologous stem cell transplantation in a patient with relapsed multiple myeloma

Currently, lenalidomide is the only immunomodulatory drug (IMiD) approved for maintenance therapy in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who have received high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). The maintenance with lenalidomide showed an advantage over placebo or observation for both progression-free and overall survival in a series of phase 3 randomized trials. Salvage ASCT can be performed after disease relapse in case of a long-term response after the first transplantation or if this option has not been performed before. Pomalidomide is a third-generation IMiD approved for the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, which is efficient in patients with resistance to lenalidomide and proteasome inhibitors. Structurally, lenalidomide and pomalidomide are similar, and therefore the latter can also be considered as a drug for maintenance, however, there are no relevant phase 3 randomized trials. In this article, we present a clinical case of a 60-year-old patient with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who progressed after 2 lines of induction therapy, which included lenalidomide and two proteasome inhibitors (bortezomib, ixazomib). The use of Pd combination (pomalidomide, dexamethasone) made it possible to achieve a repeated response and implement of salvage ASCT. The second ASCT was carried out only 12 months later after the first due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Subsequent long-term maintenance therapy with pomalidomide resulted in a complete response and minimal residual disease negativity. The resulting response has persisted at the time of this writing for over 2 years. To discuss the presented clinical case, the data of the French phase 2 IFM 2013-01 study were used, in which patients with failed first-line transplantation in case of relapse received PCd (pomalidomide, cyclophosphamide, dexamethasone) induction, salvage ASCT, and maintenance by Pd until disease progression. Pomalidomide may be an acceptable substitute for lenalidomide in patients with prior intolerance or refractory to this IMiD.

Salvage Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation after the Development of tMDS or AML in Multiple Myeloma Patients

Multiple Myeloma (MM) patients are often treated with high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for disease control. Lenalidomide is typically used as maintenance but results in an estimated 3.3% chance of developing a therapy-related myeloid neoplasm (TMN) typically myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). This complication is often devastating with a median survival for those with a TMN of just 13 months. Over the past 6 years, 4 patients with multiple myeloma who developed a TMN were treated with a salvage ASCT using banked stem cells collected prior to their initial ASCT and before lenalidomide maintenance. None of these patients qualified for an allogeneic transplant. Melphalan 140 - 200 mg/m2 was used as conditioning prior to infusion of the peripheral blood stem cells, resulting in successful MDS/AML disease control. Case 1 = 61-year-old man with MM initially treated with CyBorD then transplanted in 2010. Post transplant treatment included lenalidomide maintenance, followed by a variety of salvage regimens over the next 7 years including thalidomide, carfilzomib, daratumumab and pomalidomide. He developed cytopenias evaluated by bone marrow biopsy in May 2017. This showed tMDS (Karyotype 47-48, XY, der (5)t(5:20)(q11.1;q11.1), +19, der(21:22)(q10:q10),+2~3mar[cp11]/46-48,idem,-der(5),+20[cp5]/46,XY[4]. FISH confirmed deletion 5q in 76% and loss of chromosome 5 in 6.5% of cells. NGS showed a frame shift mutation of TP53 at a variant allele frequency of 92.5%. He underwent a second ASCT in Aug 2017 and recovered normal hematopoiesis within three weeks. Unfortunately, he developed an aggressive relapse of his multiple myeloma 9 months later and succumbed from refractory multiple myeloma 14 months after the salvage transplant, without evidence of MDS. Case 2 = 72-year-old man with MM initially treated with CyBorD then an ASCT in May 2015. Lenalidomide maintenance was continued until October 2017 when he developed severe thrombocytopenia and circulating blasts. A bone marrow biopsy showed tMDS EB-1. Cytogenetics 46, XY t(3:21) (q26.2,q22) [18]/46, XY[2]. He received a second ASCT after melphalan 140 mg/m2 in Oct 2017 followed by recovery of normal blood counts. Bone marrow biopsy showed complete remission. He remains in remission from both the multiple myeloma and MDS almost 6 years later without any further therapy. Case 3 = 65-year-old man with MM treated with bortezomib + dexamethasone followed by ASCT in Aug 2012. He received maintenance lenalidomide for 4 years but then progressed. In Jan 2018 he developed pancytopenia and bone marrow biopsy demonstrated MDS with ringed sideroblasts. Cytogenetics were normal but NGS showed mutations of ASXL1, RUNX1, SF3B1, SETBP1 and DNMT3A. He underwent a second ASCT using his banked stem cells after melphalan 140 mg/m2 in Jan 2018 followed by full hematopoietic recovery. A repeat bone marrow biopsy in March 2022 showed persistent MDS harboring ASXL1, SF3B1, and DNMT3A mutations, but no detectable RUNX1 or SETBP1 abnormalities. His multiple myeloma remains in remission &amp;gt;5 years later. He receives only intermittent erythropoietin to maintain a Hgb of 11. Case 4 = 58-year-old man with MM initially treated with CyBorD followed by an ASCT in May 2014. He received lenalidomide maintenance but relapsed multiple times after 4 years ultimately complicated by renal failure requiring permanent dialysis. In March 2022 he developed pancytopenia. Bone marrow biopsy showed 15% blasts harboring del(5q), del(17p) and trisomy 8 by FISH. NGS demonstrated a mutation of ASXL1, and a copy number loss of TP53. Six months of decitabine did not improve his blood counts. In Dec 2022 he underwent a second ASCT after melphalan 140 mg/m2. A repeat bone marrow biopsy in Feb 2023 showed a complete morphological remission with a normal NGS. He is off all treatment 8 months post-transplant other than erythropoeitic support due to ongoing dialysis-dependent renal failure. The development of TMN is an uncommon but devastating event in patients with multiple myeloma after ASCT and lenalidomide maintenance. These patients responded well to a salvage ASCT using banked stem cells. This approach was well tolerated and provided durable hematopoietic recovery. Second ASCT using banked autologous stem cells should be considered in such patients who are not otherwise candidates for allogeneic transplantation.

Salvage Autologous Stem Cell Transplant for the Treatment of First Relapse Multiple Myeloma: Evidence of Its Clinical Role from a Multicenter Italian Study

Background: Salvage autologous stem cell transplant (sASCT) has been indicated as possible therapeutic option at first (1 st) relapse, alternative to continuous treatment with novel agent combinations in selected Multiple Myeloma (MM) patients (pts). Particularly, MM pts who are eligible for a transplant procedure at the time of relapse and who have prolonged progression free survival (PFS) after the 1 st ASCT - i.e. at least 36 or 18 months, respectively, with or without Lenalidomide (Len) maintenance - are those who could benefit most from sASCT. There are limited data regarding the frequency of choice for sASCT in the current therapeutic scenario and the outcome of sASCT when incorporating novel Len-based triplets KRd (Carfilzomib-Lenalidomide-Dexamethasone) and DaraRd (Daratumumab-Lenalidomide-Dexamethasone) as induction regimens before sASCT. Aims: To explore the real-life use, efficacy, and outcome of sASCT preceded by novel agent-based re-induction therapy in a population of unselected Len-sensitive MM population in the 1 st relapse. Patients and methods: We planned a retrospective multicenter study, approved by local ethic committees, aimed at identifying MM Len-sensitive pts in the 1 st relapse addressed to sASCT. On a final cohort of 663 MM pts addressed in 22 Italian centers to Len-based triplets salvage therapy from 2017 to December 2022, sASCT after Len-based re-induction was the therapy of choice for 123 pts (18.6%), while the remaining 540 pts (81,4%) were addressed to continuous Len-based triplets until progression or unacceptable toxicity. The rate of pts addressed to sASCT at the time of the 1 st relapse was distributed as follows: 81 pts out of 512 pts (15.8%) received sASCT in the time window 2017-2019, 42 pts out 151 (27.8%) between 2020-2022 (p=0.001). Table 1 summarizes patients' characteristics and treatment history details. In our series 1 st ASCT was performed without Len maintenance. All pts entering the analysis received re-induction treatment before sASCT as well as continuous therapy with DaraRd or KRd according to standard schedule and doses. sASCT consisted of Melphalan 200 mg/m 2 as a conditioning regimen followed by infusion of ≥2*10 6 CD34* cells per kg body weight. The option to perform maintenance therapy following sASCT was chosen by the attending physician. The response was assessed according to IMWG criteria. Compared with pts treated with continuous Len-based triplets, those addressed to sASCT were younger (62 vs 68 years, p&amp;lt;0.001), with a longer time from diagnosis (3.9 vs 2.5 years, p&amp;lt;0.001), and they received a higher rate of prior ASCT (80.5% vs 53.8%, p&amp;lt;0.001). Regarding the sASCT program, KRd was the most common choice for the re-induction phase (102 pts, 82.9%), DaraRd was used in the remaining 21 pts (17.1%). The median number of cycles before sASCT was 6 (range 4-10), and maintenance after transplant was performed only in 18 pts (14.9%). sASCT was associated with an overall response rate (ORR) of 94.3% (116 pts), with 78% (96 pts) of very good partial response or better (≥VGPR), and 35.5% (43 pts) of CR. No case of transplant-related mortality was documented. After a median follow-up of 33.6 months (IQR 21.3-51.8), the median PFS of pts addressed to sASCT was 36.6 months, with 24-month PFS of 75% (95%CI 65-82%)(Figure 1). When a multivariableCox regression model was carried out including 1 st ASCT, the best response to 1 st line therapy and ≥36 months PFS after 1 st line therapy, as well as the number of re-induction KRd/DaraRd cycles as covariates, only PFS ≥36 months after 1 st-line therapy retained an independent statistically significant association with a reduced progression/death risk after sASCT (HR=0.5, 95%CI; 0.2-1.0, p=0.049). The median overall survival (OS) was not yet reached with a 2-year OS of 89% (95%CI: 81-93%). Conclusions: This study on 663 consecutive MM cases in the first relapse showed that salvage transplants retained a significant role in the current clinical management of MM, accounting for around 19% of selected salvage strategies. The incorporation of the highly active combinations KRd and DaraRd used as re-induction regimens before sASCT was associated with a significantly high rate of deep and long-lasting response, representing a possible alternative strategy to continuous therapy with Len-based triplets. The major benefit of Len-based triplets followed by sASCT was related to prolonged remission after first-line therapy.

Autologous Stem Cell Transplant in Fit Patients with Late Relapsed Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma That Responded to Salvage Chemotherapy

Background: The new standard of care for fit patients with refractory or early relapse of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy. However, for patients with a relapse ≥12 months after completing frontline therapy, salvage chemotherapy followed by high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) remains the standard of care. There is a need to characterize such patients and their survival in view of the recent shift in treatment paradigm. Methods: Patients with DLBCL that relapsed ≥12 months after R-CHOP or R-CHOP-like frontline therapy who underwent salvage therapy and ASCT at Mayo Clinic or University of Iowa between 07/2000 and 4/2020 were identified from institutional lymphoma and transplant databases. Clinical characteristics, treatment information, and outcome data were abstracted. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) from the time of ASCT were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models. Statistical analyses were performed in JMP v15. Results: A total of 158 patients with late relapsed DLBCL who underwent salvage chemotherapy and ASCT were identified. Baseline characteristics at relapse/ASCT are shown in Table 1. Median time from frontline therapy completion to 1st relapse was 26.4 months (range 12.0-152.4). Median age at relapse was 63 years (range 19-77), and 96 (61%) patients were male. A minority (3; 3%) had ECOG PS ≥2. 43 (52%) patients had an elevated serum LDH level, 70 (65%) had advanced stage disease, and 12 (11%) had &amp;gt;1 extranodal involvement. Median line of salvage therapy was 1 (range 1-3), and 17 (11%) patients required &amp;gt;1 line of salvage therapy. Best response before ASCT was complete response (CR) in 97 (61%) and partial response (PR) in 61 (39%). Median age at ASCT was 64 years (range 19-78). Median follow-up after ASCT was 91.5 months (95% CI 74.0-103.3). Median PFS and OS were 54.5 (95% CI 31.9-77.8) and 99.8 (95% CI 60.3-144.5) months, respectively. The 2-year PFS and OS rates were 64% (95% CI 56-71) and 81% (95% CI 74-87), respectively. No statistically significant difference in PFS was seen based on age at ASCT, sex, serum LDH, stage, or extranodal site involvement of &amp;gt;1 at relapse (Table 2). However, patients who required &amp;gt; 1 line of salvage therapy, compared to those requiring 1 line of salvage therapy, had significantly inferior PFS (median 6.1 vs 61.8 months, P &amp;lt;0.0001) and OS (17.8 vs 111.7 months, P &amp;lt;0.0004). There was no statistically significant difference in survival in patients who achieved CR vs PR prior to ASCT, with a median PFS of 61.8 vs 37.8 months( P=0.21) and a median OS of 111.7 vs 78.3 months ( P=0.62). Patients who achieved CR after 1 line of salvage therapy had the most favorable PFS and OS, with a median PFS of 65.6 vs 45.4 vs 6.1 vs 7.6 months ( P=0.0004) and a median OS of 133.0 vs 88.9 vs 24.2 vs 17.6 months ( P=0.004) in patients achieving CR after 1 line of salvage therapy vs PR after 1 line of salvage therapy vs CR after &amp;gt;1 line of salvage therapy vs PR after &amp;gt;1 line of salvage therapy, respectively (Table 2). In multivariate Cox regression models adjusted for age at ASCT and sex, patients requiring &amp;gt; 1 line of salvage therapy, compared to those who required 1 line of salvage therapy, had significantly inferior PFS with a hazard ratio (HR) of 3.25 (95% CI 1.82-5.78, P &amp;lt;0.0001) and OS with a HR of 3.50 (95% CI 1.86-6.60, P=0.0001). However, there remained no significant difference in survival based on response status (CR vs PR) with a HR for PFS 0.78 (95% CI 0.52-1.17, P=0.23) and OS 0.93 (95% CI 0.58-1.47, P=0.74). Conclusions: Survival after ASCT was excellent in patients with late relapsed DLBCL achieving CR after 1 line of salvage chemotherapy. Favorable survival outcomes were seen in patients who achieved PR after 1 line of salvage therapy. These data support the current clinical practice of ASCT consolidation in these patients. However, post-ASCT survival was poor in patients who required more than 1 line of salvage chemotherapy, despite achieving a satisfactory response to subsequent lines of salvage therapy. Alternative treatment strategies such as CAR-T therapy should be considered in such patients.

Predictive Score for Utilization of Second Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Multiple Myeloma

Introduction: Salvage autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is an effective and feasible treatment option for patients with relapsed multiple myeloma (MM). It is standard practice to collect stem cells adequate for two transplants for ASCT eligible patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). Apheresis is an expensive procedure with the added risk of complications from central venous access such as bleeding, infection and, granulocyte colony stimulating factor administration. However, the rate of utilization of second ASCT is not known. Methods: We conducted a single institution, retrospective study of 511 consecutive patients with NDMM who underwent ASCT to identify factors predictive of receiving second ASCT. Patients received ASCT as front-line therapy between 1/1/2015-2/13/2019. Demographic and disease characteristics were summarized using median and range for continuous variables, and frequency and percentages were calculated for categorical variables. The cumulative incidence of second ASCT was estimated using the Fine and Gray method, and competing risk regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratios for risk of second ASCT. Analyses were performed using Stata version 18 (StataCorp, College Station, TX), and all statistical tests were two-sided with a type 1 error of &amp;lt;0.05 indicating statistical significance. All estimates were reported with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: At a median follow-up was 4.7 years, 25 out of 511 patients received a second ASCT. The cumulative incidence rate at 5 years was 2.6% (95% CI 1.4-4.4%) (Figure 1).Age at diagnosis, age at first ASCT and Charlson comorbidity index (CMI) were significantly associated with the risk of second ASCT in univariable analysis (UVA). In multivariable analysis (MVA) age at first ASCT was the only factor that was statistically significantly associated with the likelihood of a second ASCT. We devised a predictive score for utilization of second ASCT using hazard ratios for each of the three significant factors noted in the UVA. Scoring was done as follows: age &amp;lt;65 years - 1 point, &amp;gt;65 years - 7 points; 1 point for CMI 0-1, 2 points for CMI 2 or higher; serum creatinine &amp;lt;/=1.2 - 1 point, &amp;gt;1.2 - 3 points. Based on the total score, patients are grouped into low (&amp;lt;=3), medium (4-6) and high (7+) likelihood categories, with cumulative incidence rates of receiving second ASCT at 4.0% (95% CI: 1.3-9.1%), 3.4% (95% CI 1.4-7.0%) and 0.6% (95% CI 0.1-3.1%) respectively. Patients older than 65 years were 87% less likely to receive a second ASCT compared with those younger than 65 years (HR=0.13, 95% CI 0.02-0.98). Conclusion: Using this predictive score, goal of stem cell collection for patients with MM could be determined more efficiently. This could avoid extra days of apheresis, chemo mobilization, hospitalizations and need for stem cell storage at least for patients with a low likelihood of second ASCT, translating into cost effective utilization of resources. We plan to validate this score prospectively in a larger group of patients with NDMM undergoing ASCT in the future.

Ixazomib-Based Consolidation and Maintenance Prolongs Progression-Free Survival after Salvage Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (sASCT): Results from Interim Analysis of UK-MRA Myeloma XII (ACCoRD)

Introduction: sASCT in multiple myeloma (MM) induces superior durability of response over non-transplant consolidation 1. Currently there is no prospective evidence for post-sASCT consolidation and maintenance. This is important given that most patients relapsing after first ASCT (ASCT1) are lenalidomide refractory (Len-Ref) following maintenance. The role of a proteasome inhibitor (PI) containing post-sASCT consolidation and maintenance strategy is explored in UK-MRA Myeloma XII (ACCoRD) trial using the second-generation oral PI, ixazomib. The results of a planned interim analysis (IA) of efficacy and safety are presented here. Patients and Methods: ACCoRD enrolled patients who relapsed, requiring treatment more than 12m after ASCT1, delivering an oral PI/IMID re-induction regimen (ixazomib, thalidomide and dexamethasone; ITD) prior to randomization between sASCT conditioned with high-dose melphalan (HDM) vs. ixazomib-augmented ( iMel). The second randomization between observation (standard of care in sASCT; OBS) and post-transplant ITD consolidation and ixazomib maintenance (CON/MAINT), was conducted at D100 post-sASCT. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Responses were assessed in accordance with IMWG criteria with MRD defined by the limit of the multi-parameter flow assay (&amp;lt;10 -5). All patients underwent genetic risk categorization by a central laboratory with high-risk (HiR) classified as presence of t(4;14), t(14;16), t(14;20), del(17p) or gain(1q) and ultra-high risk (UHiR) the presence of more than one lesion. Pre-planned subgroup analysis included: genetic risk status (SR/HiR/UHiR) and previous treatment received (PI exposure/Len-Ref). Results: ACCoRD recruited between March 2017 and June 2022, with database lock for IA in May 2023. 496 patients were enrolled and 206 patients randomized in this comparison (103 CON/MAINT, 103 OBS). Median age was 62.5y (range 34, 78) with 35.7% patients &amp;gt;65y. The median observed TTP from ASCT1 was 32m (range 2, 212), with 12.5% patients relapsing after lenalidomide maintenance (Len-Ref). The proportion of patients with an ASCT1 TTP &amp;lt;18m, 18-24m and &amp;gt;24m was 13.5%, 15.1% and 71.5%, respectively. Of those with complete genetic results at trial entry, 58.3% had standard risk, 31.1% had HiR and 10.7% had UHiR disease. 61.5% of patients were PI-exposed. The median time from sASCT to CON/MAINT was 4.3m (3.4, 6.7). The ORR following sASCT was 83.3%, with ³VGPR in 50.5% and MRD negative in 19.5%. After median follow-up of 27.3m (IQR 13.1, 38.4), 139 patients had progressed or died (CON/MAINT 62, OBS 77). ITT analysis showed CON/MAINT was associated with longer PFS than OBS (HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.38, 0.76, median PFS CON/MAINT 21m vs. OBS 13m, p=0.0004, Figure 1A). Subgroup analyses (Figure 1B) suggested that there were similar benefits for PFS in terms of baseline characteristics: age, sex, ISS and performance status. There was similar benefit for patients by previous treatment received (PI/Len). However, patients with the shortest remission after ASCT1 achieved the greatest benefit with CON/MAINT (p=0.023). Patients achieving poor response (&amp;lt;VGPR) after ITD re-induction benefitted most from CON/MAINT (P=0.008). 45 patients had a PFS2 event (18 CON/MAINT, 27 OBS). CON/MAINT showed a non-significant improvement with longer PFS2 than OBS (HR 0.56, 95%CI 0.30, 1.01, median PFS2 CON/MAINT NR vs. OBS 44m, p=0.055). 25 patients have died (9 CON/MAINT, 16 OBS). Similarly, CON/MAINT showed a non-significant improvement with longer overall survival (OS) than OBS (HR 0.48, 95%CI 0.21, 1.09, 3y OS: CON/MAINT 81.9% vs. OBS 70.4%). Interpretation of PFS2 and OS are limited by short follow-up and will be updated at final analysis. CON/MAINT was well tolerated with no significant additional toxicity. 87.4% of patients on the CON/MAINT arm completed CON treatment. For those who completed CON, MAINT was administered for median 15 cycles (range 1, 57). The most common grade 3+ adverse events in CON/MAINT were upper respiratory infection (6.8% of patients) thrombocytopenia (5.8%), lung infections (2.9%), lymphopenia (2.9%) and neutropenia (2.9%). Conclusion: This IA demonstrates a clear advantage in durability of response when sASCT is followed by consolidation and maintenance which is consistent across subgroups. The impact on PFS2, OS and quality of life remains to be clarified. 1.Cook G, et al The Lancet Oncology 15(8), 874-885.

Daratumumab-Based Maintenance in Patients with Relapsed Multiple Myeloma after Salvage Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Introduction: Maintenance therapy is considered standard of care after upfront autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HCT) for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM). However, there is paucity of data on the use of maintenance after a salvage auto-HCT, whether first or second. Aim: We designed a clinical trial for relapsed MM patients who underwent salvage auto-HCT after disease relapse to receive post-transplant maintenance with daratumumab (dara), with the addition of pomalidomide (pom) in a later amendment. Methods: We hypothesized that maintenance therapy with dara +/- pom will improve the progression-free survival (PFS) after a salvage auto-HCT. Patients with prior exposure to dara or pom were included, but patients refractory to either drug were excluded. The trial was planned to enroll a total of 56 patients. Patients received dara SQ weekly for weeks 1-8, every 2 weeks for weeks 9-24, and monthly from week 25 until progression. Pom was given at 2 mg PO from day 1-21 every 28 days. Patients received herpes zoster prophylaxis for the duration of the trial. The primary endpoint of this phase II trial was PFS. Disease response was assessed according to the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) uniform response criteria. Minimal residual disease (MRD) was measured by multiparametric flow cytometry (10 -5) in the bone marrow at day 90-180 after transplant. Results: The trial was terminated due to poor accrual after 13/56 patients were enrolled between May 2019 and August 2022. Median age at salvage auto-HCT was 64 (range: 43-76) years, and 7 patients (54%) were male. Median prior lines of treatment was 2 (range: 2-4). Six patients (46%) had a prior auto-HCT, and 7 (54%) had a hematopoietic stem cell comorbidity index (HCT-CI) of &amp;gt;3. Median time from diagnosis to salvage auto-HCT was 58.3 (range 7.6-132) months. Five patients (38%) had high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities (1q+ in all 5). Eight (61%) patients received melphalan alone, 4 (31%) received busulfan/melphalan, and 1 (8%) received gemcitabine/busulfan/melphalan/panobinostat as their conditioning regimen (Table 1). Three patients (23%) started maintenance with dara alone, while the remaining 10 (77%) patients received dara + pom. At study entry, 6 patients (46%) had a complete response (CR), 4 (31%) in very good partial response (VGPR), 2 (15%) in partial response (PR), and 1 (8%) had stable disease (SD). At day 100 post maintenance, 9 (69%) were in CR, while 1 (8%) each had VGPR, PR, SD and progressive disease (PD), respectively. For the 12 patients that did not progress at day 100, best response to dara +/- pom maintenance was CR in 10 (83%), and VGPR and SD in 1 (8%) each. With a median follow up of 26.1 months (range: 14.2-37.7) from the start of maintenance, 3 patients had progressed but there are no deaths so far. Median PFS from the date of auto-HCT was not reached, and from start of maintenance 28.5 (95% CI 26.3-NA) months. 2-year PFS was 92% (Figure 1). Most common adverse events were neutropenia (n=11, 84%; none grade&amp;gt;3), grade 1-2 fatigue (n=6, 46%), and grade ≤3 bacterial infection, grade ≤3 viral infection, grade 1-2 diarrhea and grade 1 thrombocytopenia (n=5, 38% each). Conclusion: Maintenance therapy with dara, with or without pom, is safe and feasible after a salvage auto-HCT for MM, with 83% achieving a CR. After a median follow up exceeding 2 years, the median PFS was 28.5 months. The trial was terminated due to poor accrual.

Risk and Response Adapted Approach for Treatment of Myeloma: Pushing Autologous Transplant Down the Hierarchy

Background &amp; Significance: In current recommendations, consolidative autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is essential in management of NDMM. The IFM 2009 Trial showed that RVd followed by ASCT with 1-year lenalidomide maintenance was associated with a better PFS vs. RVd with 1-year lenalidomide maintenance alone (Attal M et al, NEJM 2017). A longer follow up (8 years) of IFM trial concluded that a delayed transplant (in 2 nd line) had no impact on the PFS2 (Perrot A et al, Blood 2020). We evaluated the merit of frontline ASCT (CR1) vs. post salvage ASCT (CR2) in light of indefinite maintenance therapy post novel triplet/quadruplet induction. Material &amp; Methods: We conducted this retrospective analysis, of symptomatic myeloma patients who underwent ASCT at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Centre, Delhi between April 2017 and October 2022. Patients were segregated into 2 cohorts; a) ASCT CR1- who received 4 to 6 cycles of RVd (+/- Anti CD38 antibody) induction followed by transplant and indefinite maintenance and b) ASCT CR2- patients who relapsed after 4-6 cycles of RVd induction+maintenance then salvaged with 2 to 6 cycles of novel agent-based therapy (Carfilzomib/ Pomalidomide/ Daratumumab) followed by ASCT and indefinite maintenance. Patient characteristics were balanced for age, gender, ISS, RISS and high risk cytogenetics (Del p53, t(4;14), t (14;16), 1qGain, 1pDel, 13qDel). Response was assessed as per IMWG criteria. PFS was defined as the time from induction/salvage to progression on next line of therapy or death. Results: Of 161 patients included, we compared outcomes of ASCT CR 1 (N=122) to ASCT CR-2 (N=39). All patients received maintenance (PI/IMID or in combination) post ASCT. Significant patients in ASCT-CR2 received novel salvage therapy (Carfilzomib/ Pomalidomide/ Daratumumab) (CR1-14 % vs CR2-100%, p value- &amp;lt;0.01). 86% patients in ASCT CR1 received RVd. Both groups were substantially exposed to Lenalidomide. Median time from diagnosis to transplant was 5.9 months (range 4-12) in ASCT- CR1 group and 29.5 months (range 18-64) in ASCT CR2 group (p value- 0.004). After a median follow up of 44 months for ASCT CR1 vs. ASCT CR2, the ORR (97% vs. 95.4%, p=0.88) and CR (85% vs. 78%, p=0.67), respectively. 42.6% patients in ASCT CR1 and 38.4% patients in ASCT CR2 relapsed (p value- 0.4%). The median PFS for both groups (ASCT CR1 and ASCT CR2) were similar 45 months and 43 months, respectively, (p value- 1.09). The 1-, 3- and 5-year PFS showed a similar trend across cohorts (CR-1: 95%, 59.1%, 39.7% and CR-2: 84%, 57.1%, 41.3%). Patients with high-risk cytogenetics in ASCT CR 1 (N=50) had a better median PFS (25 months) compared to ASCT CR2 (N=16, median PFS=17.9 months, p=0.059), fig:1 though statistically insignificant. Table:1 No difference in PFS for standard risk noted (p=0.38). On regression analysis, factors predictive of progression were: ISS stage III (univariate only), high-risk cytogenetics, IMID based maintenance therapy. We noted better PFS in patients receiving &amp;gt;24 months of maintenance. Depth of response prior to transplant, Melphalan dosage and remission (CR1 vs CR2) did not predict progression. Conclusion: In the light of above findings, does transplant decision need re-sequencing? Our findings are not in agreement with the hypothesis that exposure to novel agents in relapsed/refractory settings leads to resistant clone selection under stress. The pattern of relapse in standard risk myeloma remains same across lines of therapy. Excellent response rates are observed with novel agents at relapse therefore delaying transplant appears reasonable in standard risk. High-risk myeloma represents a unique subset where patients experience early/aggressive relapse indicating that current therapy offers little modification of kinetics or natural history of disease. Changing treatment paradigm based on disease risk and response appears pragmatic. Myeloma is the disease of elderly with plethora at hand, its time to individualize.

Stem Cell Utilization in the Era of Novel Therapies for Multiple Myeloma

Introduction: Stem cell collection is recommended for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) deemed eligible for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Standard practice at most institutions is to collect an adequate number of stem cells for at least 2 ASCTs, but the benefit of maintaining extra stem cells in storage for future use beyond an initial ASCT warrants re-evaluation in the current era of novel therapies and evolving MM clinical practice. To address this, we reviewed the utilization rates and indications for the use of stored stem cells (SSC) at our institution. Methods: We conducted a single-center, retrospective study of 1470 patients with NDMM who collected sufficient stem cells for at least 2 ASCTs and underwent at least one ASCT at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center between January 2007 and December 2022. From this cohort, we assessed rates of stem cell utilization for second, non-tandem (salvage) ASCT and/or stem cell boost over time and determined progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) from the time of salvage ASCT using the Cox proportional hazard model. Results: The median patient age atinitial ASCT was 61 years (range 24-81), with 58% male, 25% International Staging System stage III, and 42% (542/1283) with at least one high-risk cytogenetic alteration. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, either with or without plerixafor, was used for stem cell mobilization in 70% (834/1193) of patients, with the remaining patients undergoing chemotherapy-based mobilization, including high-dose cyclophosphamide (15%) or other multiagent chemotherapy regimens (15%). The median total CD34 + cell collection yield was 10.3 × 10 6/kg (interquartile range, IQR, 8-13). During the entire study period, SSC were used for 14.6% (214/1470) of patients, with 11.2% (n=165) for a salvage ASCT and 2.1% (n=31) for a stem cell boost. Seven patients received both a salvage ASCT and a boost. An additional 25 patients had upfront tandem ASCT (none since 2015) and were excluded from this analysis. Notably, from 2019 to 2022, the annual utilization of salvage ASCT increased compared to pre-2019 levels (median=21, range 11-27 vs. pre-2019 median=7, range 4-12), as did stem cell boosts (median=4, range 1-6 vs. pre-2019 median=1, range 0-3), despite a decline in numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic (Figure 1). The median age at SSC use was 61 years (range 29-78). The median number of prior lines of therapy (LOT) before the use of SSC was 4 (IQR: 2-7) for salvage ASCT and 6 (IQR: 1-6.5) for boosts. The median infused stem cell dose (CD34+ cells/kg) was 4.4 × 10 6 (range 3.2-5.7) for salvage ASCT and 3.1 × 10 6 (range 2.2-3.6) for boosts. The median PFS after salvage ASCT was 16 months (95% confidence interval, CI, 12-21), and the median OS was 37 months (95% CI 29 - 53). On multivariable analyses, receipt of fewer lines of therapy was the sole favorable prognostic factor for PFS and OS. Among patients with ≤ 3 prior LOT, the median PFS after salvage ASCT was 32 months (95% CI 22-42), while those with &amp;gt; 3 LOT had a median PFS of 8.0 months (95% CI 5.8-12) (Figure 2). Post-treatment therapy after salvage ASCT or stem cell boost most commonly included various MM triplet regimens, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, and bispecific T-cell engagers. Conclusion: While overall rates of SSC utilization at our institution remain low, rates have increased in recent years, as both salvage ASCT and stem cell boosts provide effective platforms for treating disease and treatment-related refractory cytopenias as a bridge to next therapy for patients with advanced MM. Ultimately, institutional practices for stem cell collection and storage require optimizing the balance of clinical utility with resource allocation and costs of maintaining SSC.

Incidence of Secondary Primary Malignancies after Long-Term Follow up of Multiple Myeloma Patients Treated with Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation - Report from Croatian Cooperative Group for Hematologic Malignancies (KroHem)

Background: Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) after induction treatment is standard of care for multiple myeloma (MM) for the last 30 years. Two transplantations up-front (so-called tandem transplant) were standard of care for all MM patients. With the use of new antimyeloma agents (such as proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulators and especially monoclonal antibodies) this approach has changed and tandem transplant is now reserved mainly for patients with high-risk disease, defined by revised international staging system (R-ISS). There have been reports which cast further doubts on the value of the more aggressive tandem ASCT approach, as well as reports suggesting higher incidence of secondary primary malignancies (SPM) after high dose therapy and ASCT. Aims: To describe long-term outcomes of MM patients treated with ASCT (single, delayed, and tandem) and the rate of secondary primary malignancies. Methods: a retrospective analysis of outcomes of 577 MM patients who underwent 865 ASCT procedures between 1993 and 2017 was performed. Data were collected from 3 transplant centres and 9 other haematological centres in which MM patients were treated pre- and post-transplant. During that period treatment strategies changed significantly from single to tandem to salvage second ASCT. Results: there were 577 patients included. Median age at first transplant was 58 years (range 22 - 74). There were 295 female and 282 male patients. 346 patients received VAD (vincristine, doxorubicin, dexamethasone) and 231 received bortezomib and/or thalidomide (PI/IMiD) based regiments as induction therapy. All patients received high dose melphalan for pretransplant conditioning, 32 in combination with total body irradiation. Tandem ASCT (defined as second transplantation performed within 6 months after the first) was performed in 226 patients, single ASCT in 262 and salvage second (after relapse and/or progression) in 89 patients. Median overall survival (OS) for the entire group is 81.9 months and median progression free survival (PFS) 38.9 months. Tandem ASCT in comparison to single and second salvage transplantation resulted in statistically significant better OS (115 vs. 83 vs. 67 months respectively, p &amp;lt; 0.0001) and PFS (48 vs. 32. vs. 28 months respectively, p &amp;lt; 0.0001). There was no difference in outcomes regarding type of induction therapy, VAD vs. PI/IMiD based: median OS was 83 vs. 80 months, respectively (p=0.39) and median PFS was 39 vs. 38 months, respectively (p=0.15). 17.6% percent of patients who were treated with tandem ASCT are progression-free more than 10 years after the procedure while 10-year OS is 31.9%. 51 patients (8.8%) developed secondary malignancies (SPM). Most common SPM were lung carcinoma (10 patients), colorectal carcinoma (7 patients), myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukaemia (6 patients), breast carcinoma (4 patients) and melanoma (4 patients). Of those 19 died due to SPM (3% of the entire patient group). There was no correlation between number of ASCT and SPM (p=0.87). Conclusion: in our group of patients tandem ASCT resulted in superior OS and PFS in comparison to single and/or salvage ASCT. Interestingly, we did not observe benefit of new drugs (PI/IMiD) in induction therapy regarding outcomes. This peculiar result might be due to rather late availability of these drugs in front line settings (bortezomib and thalidomide since 2015) and time period taken for analysis (up to 2018). SPM rate was similar to other reports and did not show significant correlation with number of ASCT. More than 15% of patients treated with tandem ASCT experienced very prolonged PFS and almost 32% had OS longer than 10 years.

Outcomes of patients with primary refractory multiple myeloma in the era of triplet and quadruplet induction therapy

AbstractPatients with multiple myeloma (MM) who do not respond to initial therapy have worse outcomes than primary responders, and effective treatments are lacking in this population. However, the outcomes of primary refractory disease in the modern treatment era have not yet been studied. We reviewed patients with MM treated with triplet/quadruplet therapy at our institution to assess the incidence of primary refractory disease and the impact of salvage therapies in this population. We identified 1127 patients, of whom 1086 were evaluated for hematologic responses after 4 to 6 cycles. Of these, 93.3% (1013) had evidence of response, whereas 6.7% (73) had primary refractory disease. With a median overall survival (OS) of 51.3 months, patients with primary refractory disease had an increased risk of shorter survival in univariable and multivariable analyses (hazard ratio [HR], 3.5 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.5-4.9]; HR, 4.3 [95% CI, 2.6-6.9], respectively). In the subgroup analysis of patients with primary refractory disease, those who received second-line autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) had increased second progression-free survival (20.9 vs 8.1 months; P < .01) and second OS (74.7 vs 31.3 months; P = .02) compared with patients who did not. We conclude that early progression remains a significant factor for shorter OS in the current era, and salvage ASCT could be the most beneficial option for this population.

Are dynamic or fixed FDG‐PET measures of disease of greater prognostic value in patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma undergoing autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation?

Positron emission tomography (PET) response assessment using the Deauville score has prognostic utility in relapsed/refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) undergoing autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT). Improved predictive methods are required to identify patients with poor outcomes who may be better considered for other salvage options. We investigated the prognostic value of mean tumour volume (MTV) and maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) at pre-salvage and pre-ASCT time-points, and the quantitative changes between scans (∆MTV and ∆SUVmax). One hundred and twenty-five patients with R/R DLBCL underwent salvage immunochemotherapy and ASCT: 80 patients had pre-salvage PET and 90 had pre-ASCT PET available. With a median follow-up of 5.6 years, 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 52% and 65%, respectively. For patients with PET-positive residual disease after salvage therapy, pre-ASCT MTV was a significant negative prognosticator for PFS (HR1.19 per 100 ml, p< 0.001) and OS (HR1.78 per 100 ml, p< 0.001). Similarly, pre-ASCT SUVmax was negatively associated with PFS (HR1.08, p< 0.001) and OS (HR1.08, p< 0.001). Notably, pre-salvage MTV and SUVmax and ∆MTV and ∆SUVmax were not associated with PFS or OS. In conclusion, pre-ASCT MTV and SUVmax appear to be of greater predictive value than the degree of response. Potential application may exist for PET-directed management of R/R DLBCL patients.

Non-interventional Study Evaluating the Mobilization of Stem Cells by Plerixafor Before Salvage Autologous Stem Cell Transplant in Relapsed Multiple Myeloma (IFM-2015-03)

IntroductionDespite the implementation of new therapeutic agents, management of relapsed multiple myeloma (MM) remains a challenge. Salvage autologous hematopoietic cell transplant (AHCT) remains a valid therapeutic option for eligible patients who achieve prolonged response after a first AHCT. However, a second graft is not always available, and these patients may need a second mobilization.Patients and MethodsThis prospective, non-interventional, multicenter study aimed to collect data on the feasibility of salvage AHCT using a plerixafor-based hematopoietic cell mobilization in relapsed MM, according to the plerixafor label in France. Adult patients with relapsed MM eligible for a second AHCT and mobilized using granulocyte- colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and plerixafor were included.ResultsOf the 23 patients, 17 achieved a successful hematopoietic cell mobilization and 13 were able to proceed to a second AHCT. Median age was 62.9 years (min–max 51–71). Ten patients (77%) were male. Eleven (85%) received AHCT as a third-line treatment or more. Median time between first and second AHCT was 5.4 years (range, 2.6–16.3). Among 18 evaluable patients, mobilization was successful for 17 (94%) of them [95% CI 84–100], with no reported side effects. Among the 13 patients who underwent salvage AHCT, the median time to engraftment was 14 days (min–max 11–29). One-year progression-free and overall survival were 88.9% [95% CI 43.3–98.4] and 100%, respectively.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that plerixafor allows safe and efficient mobilization in relapsed MM patients who are candidates for a salvage AHCT.Trial RegistrationNCT02439476 Registered 8 May 2015, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02439476.

The impact of current therapeutic options on the health-related quality of life of patients with relapse/refractory multiple myeloma: a systematic review of clinical studies.

Patients with relapse and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) have a high disease burden with poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) which worsens with each additional relapse. We aimed to review the impact of triplet, doublet, monotherapies, and salvage autologous stem cell transplantation on the HRQoL of RRMM patients. We performed a comprehensive literature search of Medline/PubMed, Wiley Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, and Clinicaltrials.gov to identify clinical studies in RRMM patients with HRQoL as an outcome measure. The ISOQoL and CONSORT-PRO extension guidelines were used to assess the quality of HRQoL reporting. We synthesized the result using a qualitative analysis. A total of 10,245 RRMM patients enrolled in 28 eligible studies received either a triplet, doublet regimen, monotherapy, or salvage autologous stem cell transplantation. The EORTC QLQ-C30 was the most used questionnaire, and compliance with HRQoL reporting standards is generally poor among studies without an additional HRQoL publication. Most of the current therapeutic options are at best able to maintain HRQoL at baseline but not improve it. The methodological and reporting heterogeneity among the studies complicates generalizations. Many of the current treatment regimens for RRMM have demonstrated clinical effectiveness in trials. Unlike newly diagnosed MM, these regimens are less likely to result in significant improvement in HRQoL in RRMM. This should be communicated to patients before initiating therapies. Individualized therapeutic approach for RRMM should be chosen based on a shared decision-making process that aligns clinical efficacy with patients' treatment priorities and HRQoL.

Anti-PD1 Consolidation in Patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma at High Risk of Relapse after Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation: A Multicenter Real-Life Study.

(1) Background: Consolidation therapy is an emerging strategy for patients with relapsed/refractory (RR) Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) at high risk of failing salvage autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). (2) Objectives: To assess the safety and effectiveness of PD1-blockade consolidation for these high-risk patients. (3) Design: Multi-center retrospective analysis. (4) Methods: We identified 26 patients given anti-PD1 consolidation, from June 2016 to May 2020. (5) Results: Patients displayed the following risk factors: refractory disease (69%), relapse < 12 months from upfront therapy (15%), ≥2 lines of salvage therapy (73%), extranodal disease (65%). Nineteen patients (73%) had ≥3 of these factors. In addition, 16 patients (61%) also displayed PET-positive (Deauville ≥ 4) disease before ASCT. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), never graded > 3, occurred in 12 patients (46.15%) and mainly included skin rashes (41.7%), transaminitis (33.3%), and thyroid hypofunction (25%). Patients completed a median of 13 courses (range 6−30). At a median follow-up of 25.8 months post-ASCT, the median progression-free (PFS) was 42.6 months, with a 2-year PFS and overall survival rates of 79% and 87%, respectively. (6) Conclusions: Post-ASCT consolidation with anti-PD1 is feasible and effective. Further studies are warranted to define the optimal treatment length and patients’ subsets more likely to benefit from this approach.

Impact of Maintenance Therapy after Salvage Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Relapsed Multiple Myeloma

Background: Salvage autologous stem cell transplantations (ASCT) in the setting of relapsed multiple myeloma have historically been an important therapeutic option. There have not been any comparative studies looking at this approach in the era of novel therapeutic agents such as monoclonal antibodies and emerging immunotherapies. It is important to have a real world benchmark when understanding the landscape of potential treatments in this space. Maintenance therapy post frontline autologous stem cell transplantation has become standard of care due to the important improvement in progression free survival (PFS) as well as overall survival (OS). However, little is known about the impact of maintenance post-salvage transplant. The objectives of this study are to define PFS and OS for salvage transplants with or without maintenance and describe the outcomes by types of maintenance utilized in this setting. Secondly, to redefine the optimal duration of remission post-first transplant in the maintenance era that would justify a second autologous transplant. Historically, in the pre-maintenance era, 24 months was demonstrated as an optimal remission post first transplant to gain benefit from a second salvage transplant. Methods: This is a Canadian multicentre retrospective study utilizing the Canadian Myeloma Research Group Database, a national database with input from 16 Canadian centres hosting over 8700 patients. All patients included in the study had undergone a salvage ASCT between Jan 2012 to Dec 2021 at any line of treatment. Results: Three hundred and fifty-two patients met eligibility for inclusion in this analysis. Baseline characteristics are portrayed in table 1. The median PFS (mPFS) for patients undergoing salvage transplant with (n= 179) and without (n=173) maintenance were 42.1 (34.8-53.6) and 24.2 (20.7-28.1) months respectively. The mOS was 101m (97.6-NYR) in the maintenance group and NYR (53.7-NYR) in the no maintenance group. In patients who received any type of maintenance post ASCT1 (n=169) and had a duration of response greater than 36m to the first transplant, the salvage transplant without maintenance (n=54) provided a mPFS of 17.3m (15.2-35). In a similar group that had greater than 36m response and received maintenance after ASCT1 (n=92), the addition of maintenance after the salvage transplants significantly improved the mPFS to 34.8m (26.5-51, p=<0.01). Patients that received maintenance post ASCT1 and had less than 36m PFS represent a higher risk group. In these patients, a salvage transplant without post salvage maintenance (n=10), yielded a mPFS of 9.9m (8.5-NYR). The addition of post salvage maintenance, however, significantly improved outcomes for this group as well (n=13) to a mPFS of 29.1(14.6-NYR). The most common type of maintenance post-salvage was imid based (55.9%), followed by PI based (30.2%) and then PI+imid (7.8%). Overall response rates for salvage transplants with or without maintenance therapy were 94.1% and 89.9% respectively and > VGPR were 75.3% and 67.6% respectively. The mPFS based on type of maintenance therapy are portrayed in figure 1. There was no statistically significant difference in OS based on types of maintenance therapy. Further analyses are pending and will be presented. Conclusion: Salvage transplants followed by maintenance therapy in the first relapse space provide a meaningful duration of remission and this remains a good treatment option particularly in those with a long remission after their first ASCT. As novel immunotherapies such as CAR-T and bispecific antibodies move into earlier lines of treatment, this data could serve as an important real world benchmark when evaluating the landscape for these therapies. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Limited Long-Term Benefit of Upfront Autologous Stem Cell Transplant on Survival in Severe Renal Impairment in Multiple Myeloma in Novel Drug Era, a Retrospective Multi-Center Study in China

Background Renal impairment (RI) is a common complication of multiple myeloma (MM) affecting approximately 20%-30% of the patients at diagnosis. The presence of severe RI is associated with an increased risk of early death and poor prognosis in myeloma. The impact of autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) on outcome in severe RI patients remains controversial. Therefore, we performed a retrospective real-world analysis to clarify the effect of ASCT on the survival of MM patients with severe RI. Methods Clinical data of 337 MM patients with severe RI at diagnosis were collected from three centers in China from April 2004 to January 2020. Severe RI was defined as an increase creatinine ＞177 umol/L (or 2mg/L) or an estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤40 ml/min/1.73 m2 using the simplified modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) formula. RI caused by other confirmed pathological diagnosis except for tubular nephropathy was excluded. We excluded patients underwent salvage ASCT (6 cases), patients older than 65 years (107 cases), and traditional introduction therapy (2 cases). At last, there were 232 cases for analysis, containing 59 cases received ASCT. All enrolled patients were treated with novel-agent introduction. Patients were divided into the ASCT group and the non-ASCT group. Hematological and renal response were assessed based on the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) criteria. Results The median age for all patients at diagnosis was 55 years old (range: 37-65 years old). 37% presented with free light chain myeloma. There were 4 patients underwent double-ASCT in the ASCT group. All dialysis patients in ASCT group were off dialysis after induction therapy. Baseline profiles between ASCT and non-ASCT group were matched in sex, M-protein isotype, ISS stage, and induction therapy. More patients were on dialysis at diagnosis in non-ASCT group (34.7% vs 19.3%, P=0.04). There were 59/159 patients presented unfavorable cytogenetic abnormality (del(17p), t(4;14), t(14;16)), including 40 cases (34.2%) in non-ASCT group and 19 cases (41.3%) in ASCT group (P=0.47). The 1q amplification presented 21.4% in non-ASCT group and 22.2% in ASCT group (P=0.56). In terms of hematological response, at least VGPR accounts for 88.1% in the ASCT group and 50.3% in the non-ASCT group (P<0.001). The overall renal response was significantly higher in the ASCT group than that in the non-ASCT group (94.9% vs 54.3%, P<0.001). There was the similar tendency for at least renal PR between ASCT and non-ASCT groups (88.1% vs 41.3%, P<0.001). The transplant-related mortality (within 3 months after ASCT) was 6.8%. Early mortality within 1 year was 6.7% in the ASCT group and 19.8% in the non-ASCT group (P=0.002). The median follow-up for all patients was 37.6 months (range: 1-157 months) and the median overall survival (OS) was 49.5 months (95% CI：42-57 months). In the ASCT group, the median OS was much longer than ASCT group (57.3 months vs 42.8 months, P =0.052). But there was no difference in PFS between the two groups (36.9 months vs 26.5 , p=0.348). As the log-rank test didn't hold the proportional hazards assumption, it would have low power. We use the two-stage landmark analysis to further determine the effect of ASCT on survival. In landmark analysis, 3-year PFS rate in ASCT group was significantly higher (54.0% vs 41.9%, P=0.024). Within 5-year follow-up, OS was significantly longer in the ASCT group than that in non-ASCT group (OR=0.61, 95%CI: 0.39-0.97, P=0.04). Beyond the 5-year time point, OS was similar between the two groups (OR=1.59, 95%CI: 0.60-4.20, P=0.35). In univariate analysis, at least renal MR, at least hematological VGPR, PLT＞100×109/L, and BMPC ≥60% were correlated with longer OS. In multivariate analysis, at least renal MR (HR=0.61, 95%CI: 0.39-0.96, P=0.031), at least hematological VGPR (HR=0.41, 95%CI: 0.27-0.63, P<0.001), and PLT＞100×109/L (HR=0.43, 95%CI: 0.28-0.66, P<0.001) were independent predictor of OS. Although upfront ASCT could remarkably prolong OS in severe RI myeloma, it was not confirmed in multivariate analysis. Conclusions In the novel agent era, role of upfront ASCT in myeloma with severe RI remains uncertain. In our analysis, it seems the benefit of the OS from novel-drug induction and upfront ASCT was observed in the first 5-year, but the long-term survival benefit was limited. Instead, deep hematological response and renal recovery was strong predictors for OS.

Impact of autologous stem cell transplantation on survival outcomes in patients with peripheral T cell lymphoma

Data about the timing of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in peripheral T cell lymphoma (PTCL) are conflicting. We aimed to investigate the impact of the sequence of ASCT on the survival outcomes in patients with PTCL. Analyzes were performed retrospectively in a total of 81 patients, 16 of whom underwent upfront ASCT and 12 received salvage ASCT. In univariate analysis, upfront ASCT reduced the risk of progression and death by 77% (Hazard ratio (HR): 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.09–0.60) (p = 0.003) and by 84% (HR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.5–0.55) (p = 0.003), respectively. However, in multivariate analysis, only salvage ASCT predicted a more favorable progression-free and overall survival (HR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.06–0.48, p = 0.001 and HR: 0.20, %95 GA: 0.06–0.62, p = 0.005, respectively). In conclusion, regardless of first-line therapy, patients have more favorable outcomes if they receive salvage ASCT. Upfront ASCT does not add clinically significant benefit to survival outcomes.