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Background & Aim: With larger accessibility and increased number of patients being treated with CART cell therapy, real-world toxicity continues to remain a significant challenge to its widespread adoption. We have previously shown that allogeneic umbilical cord blood derived (UCB) regulatory T cells (Tregs) can resolve uncontrolled inflammation and can treat acute and immune mediated lung injury in a xenogenic model as well as in patients suffering from COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome. The unique properties of UCB Tregs including: i) lack of plasticity when exposed to inflammatory micro-environments;ii) no requirement for HLA matching;iii) long shelf life of cryopreserved Tregs;and iv) immediate product availability for on demand treatment, makes them an attractive source for treating acute inflammatory syndromes. Therefore, we hypothesized that add-on therapy with UCB derived Tregs may resolve uncontrolled inflammation responsible for CART cell therapy associated toxicity. Methods, Results & Conclusion(s): UCB Tregs were added in 1:1 ratio to CART cells, where no interference in their ability to kill CD19+ Raji cells, was detected at different ratios : 8:1 (80.4% vs. 81.5%);4:1 (62.0% vs. 66.2%);2:1 (50.1% vs. 54.7%);1:1 (35.4% vs. 44.1%) (Fig 1A). In a xenogenic B cell lymphoma model, multiple injections of Tregs were administered after CART injection (Fig 1B), which did not impact distribution of CD8+ T effector cells (Fig 1C) or CART cells cells (Fig 1D) in different organs. No decline in the CAR T levels was observed in the Tregs recipients (Fig 1E). Specifically, no difference in tumor burden was detected between the two arms (Fig 2A). No tumor was detected in CART+Tregs in liver (Fig 2B) or bone marrow (Fig 2C). A corresponding decrease in multiple inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood was observed in CART+Tregs when compared to CART alone (Fig 2D). Here we show "proof of concept" for add-on therapy with Tregs to mitigate hyper-inflammatory state induced by CART cells without interference in their on-target anti-tumor activity. The timing of Tregs administration after CART cells have had sufficient time for forming synapse with tumor cells allows for preservation of their anti-tumor cytotoxicity, such that the infused Tregs home to the areas of tissue damage to bind to the resident antigen presenting cells which in turn collaborate with Tregs to resolve inflammation. Such differential distribution of cells allow for a Treg "cooling blanket" and lays ground for clinical study. [Figure presented]Copyright © 2023 International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy
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Introduction: Combination of daratumumab (Dara) and lenalidomide (Len) may enhance the function of teclistamab (Tec), potentially resulting in improved antimyeloma activity in a broader population. We present initial safety and efficacy data of Tec-Dara- Len combination in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) in a phase 1b study (MajesTEC-2;NCT04722146). Method(s): Eligible patients who received 1-3 prior lines of therapy (LOT), including a proteasome inhibitor and immune-modulatory drug, were given weekly doses of Tec (0.72-or- 1.5 mg/kg with step-up dosing) + Dara 1800 mg + Len 25 mg. Responses per International Myeloma Working Group criteria, adverse events (Aes) per CTCAE v5.0, and for cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) per ASTCT guidelines, were assessed. Result(s): 32 patients received Tec-Dara- Len (0.72 mg/kg, n = 13;1.5 mg/kg, n = 19). At data cut-off (11 July 2022), median follow-up (range) was 5.78 months (1.0-10.4) and median treatment duration was 4.98 months (0.10-10.35). Median age was 62 years (38-75);87.5% were male. Median prior LOT was 2 (1-3), 18.8% were refractory to Dara and 28.1% refractory to Len. CRS was most frequent AE (81.3% [n = 26], all grade 1/2), 95% occurred during cycle1. Median time to onset was 2 days (1-8), median duration was 2 days (1-22). No ICANS were reported. Frequent Aes (>=25.0% across both dose levels) were neutropenia (75.0% [n = 24];grade 3/4: 68.8% [n = 22]), fatigue (43.8% [n = 14];grade 3/4: 6.3% [n = 2]), diarrhoea (37.5% [n = 12];all grade 1/2), insomnia (31.3% [n = 10];grade 3/4: 3.1% [n = 1]), cough (28.1% [n = 9];all grade 1/2), hypophosphatemia (25.0% [n = 8];all grade 1/2), and pyrexia (25% [n = 8];grade 3/4: 6.3% [n = 2]). Febrile neutropenia frequency was 12.5% (n = 4). Infections occurred in 24 patients (75.0%;grade 3/4: 28.1% [n = 9]). Most common were upper respiratory infection (21.9% [n = 7]), COVID-19 (21.9% [n = 7]), and pneumonia (21.9% [n = 7]). Three (9.4%) had COVID-19 pneumonia. One (3.1%) discontinued due to COVID-19 infection and this patient subsequently died of this infection. Overall response rate (ORR, median follow-up) was 13/13 (8.61 months) at 0.72 mg/kg and 13/16 evaluable patients (less mature at 4.17 months) at 1.5 mg/kg. 12 patients attained very good/better partial response at 0.72 mg/kg dose, and response was not mature for 1.5 mg/kg group. Median time to first response was 1.0 month (0.7-2.0). Preliminary pharmacokinetic concentrations of Tec-Dara- Len were similar as seen with Tec monotherapy. Tec-Dara- Len- treatment led to proinflammatory cytokine production and T-cell activation. Conclusion(s): The combination of Tec-Dara- Len has no new safety signals beyond those seen with Tec or Dara-Len individually. Promising ORR supports the potential for this combination to have enhanced early disease control through the addition of Tec. These data warrant further investigation.
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Introduction: There are no effective treatments for non-active secondary progressive MS (SPMS), which is mediated by compartmentalized CNS inflammation, including activated microglia. We found that fully human anti-CD3 intranasal monoclonal antibody (Foralumab) suppressed disease in a chronic EAE model by dampening microglia and astrocyte inflammation. Nasal Foralumab does not enter the bloodstream or brain. A dose-finding study of nasal Foralumab in controls dosed at 10ug, 50ug and 250ug for 5 days found the drug to be safe with immune effects seen at 50ug. COVID patients dosed with 100ug of nasal Foralumab for 10 days was well-tolerated and exhibited positive effects on blood markers and lung inflammation. Objective(s): To determine if nasal Foralumab has a therapeutic effect on patients with non-active SPMS. Method(s): Two patients were identified with non-active SPMS and sustained clinical progression, despite use of approved DMT. EA1 is a 61-year-old male diagnosed for over 20 years and EA2 is a 42-year-old male diagnosed for 8 years, both last treated with ocrelizumab for 3 years. Treatment occurs in 3-week cycles with intranasal Foralumab 50ug/day administered 3x/week for 2 weeks with 1 week rest. Each cycle, clinical and neurological assessments are repeated, and imaging is repeated every 3 months. Result(s): EA1 has completed 6 months and EA2 has completed 3 months of treatment. To date, there have been no adverse reactions, local irritation, or laboratory abnormalities, and symptom progression has subsided. EA1 is feeling more stable, subjectively, and has noted improvement in lower extremity strength. EDSS, pyramidal motor score and T25FW have stabilized or improved. SDMT and 9HPT were stable during treatment. Microglial activation as measured by [F-18]PBR06 PET scan was significantly reduced 3 months after the start of nasal Foralumab, and this reduction was sustained after 7-week washout and at 6 months. Serum protein measurements of cytokines showed reduction of IFN-gamma, IL-18, IL-1s and IL-6 levels (Olink assay). Cellular immune studies showed increase in CD8 naive cells and decrease in CD8 effector cells, and alteration in gene expression as measured by single cell RNA sequencing. EA2 3-month laboratory and imaging results are pending and will be presented. Conclusion(s): Nasal Foralumab in non-active SPMS patients treated for at least 3 months reduced microglial activation, decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and had positive clinical effects.
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Background: Cohort A of the multicohort phase 2 CARTITUDE-2 (NCT04133636) study is assessing ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel), a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who received 1-3 prior lines of therapy (LOT) and were refractory to lenalidomide (len). This population is difficult to treat and has poor prognosis. Aims: To present updated results from CARTITUDE-2 Cohort A. Methods: All patients provided informed consent. Eligible patients had progressive MM after 1-3 prior LOT that included a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an immunomodulatory drug (IMiD). Patients were len-refractory and had no prior exposure to BCMA-targeting agents. Patients received a single cilta-cel infusion (target dose: 0.75×106 CAR+ viable T cells/kg) after lymphodepletion. Cilta-cel safety and efficacy were assessed. The primary endpoint was minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity at 10-5 by next generation sequencing. Patient management strategies were used to reduce the risk of movement and neurocognitive adverse events (MNTs). Other assessments included pharmacokinetic (PK) analyses (Cmax and Tmax of CAR+ T-cell transgene levels in blood), levels of cytokine release syndrome (CRS)-related cytokines (e.g., IL-6) over time, peak levels of cytokines by response and CRS, association of cytokine levels with immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), and CAR+ T cell CD4/CD8 ratio by response, CRS, and ICANS. Results: As of January 2022 (median follow-up: 17.1 months [range: 3.3-23.1]), cilta-cel was administered to 20 patients (male: 65%;median age: 60 years [range: 38-75]). Median number of prior LOT was 2 (range: 1-3);median time since MM diagnosis was 3.5 years (range: 0.7-8.0). 95% of patients were refractory to their last LOT;40% were triple-class refractory. Overall response rate was 95%, with 90% of patients achieving ≥complete response and 95% achieving ≥very good partial response. Median time to first response was 1.0 month (range: 0.7-3.3);median time to best response was 2.6 months (range: 0.9-13.6). All MRD-evaluable patients (n=16) achieved MRD negativity at 10-5. Median duration of response was not reached. The 12-month progression-free survival rate was 75% and the 12-month event-free rate was 79%. CRS occurred in 95% of patients (grade 3/4: 10%), with a median time to onset of 7 days (range: 5-9) and median duration of 3 days (range: 2-12). 30% of patients had neurotoxicity (5 grade 1/2 and 1 grade 3/4). ICANS occurred in 3 patients (15%;all grade 1/2);1 patient had facial paralysis (grade 2). No MNTs were observed. 1 death due to COVID-19 occurred and was assessed as treatment-related by the investigator;2 deaths due to progressive disease and 1 due to sepsis (not related to treatment) also occurred. Based on preliminary PK analyses of CAR transgene by qPCR, peak expansion of CAR-T cells occurred at day 10.5 (range: 8.7-42.9);median persistence was 153.5 days (range: 57.1-336.8). Summary/Conclusion: A single cilta-cel infusion led to deepening and durable responses at this longer follow-up (median 17.1 months) in patients with MM who had 1-3 prior LOT and were len-refractory. Follow-up is ongoing. We will present updated and detailed PK, cytokine, and CAR-T subset analyses as well as clinical correlation to provide novel insights into biological correlates of efficacy and safety in this difficult-to-treat patient population, which is being further evaluated in the CARTITUDE-4 study (NCT04181827;enrollment concluded).
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Background: Prognosis of r/r B-NHL is detrimental. Potentially curative therapeutic approaches, such as autologous stem cell transplantation and innovative CAR-T cell therapy, require maximum disease control to achieve optimal results. Glofitamab is a new bispecific antibody, with a unique 2:1 molecular configuration resulting in superior potency compared with other CD20xCD3 bispecific antibodies with a 1:1 format. Aims: Based on these encouraging results, we included 5 heavily pretreated patients in the early access program of Glofitamab, available in our country. Methods: We collected the data of 5 consecutive patients with r/r B-NHL, who were treated with Glofitamab in our department during the last 15 months. Results: Three men and 2 women, median age of 57 years (38-62), were resistant to 4 (n = 3) and 5 (n = 2) previous lines of treatment. The underlying lymphoma was Richter's transformation of CLL after allogeneic transplantation (alloHSCT), transformed follicular lymphoma (tFL), primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL), r/r diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) after CAR-T therapy and gray zone lymphoma (GZL) transformed to DLBCL. The median number of Glofitamab cycles administered was 3 (2-7). All 5 patients responded early to treatment, which became apparent immediately after the first dose of 2.5 mg. The patient with Richter's syndrome achieved metabolic remission after the 4th cycle and underwent second alloHSCT after the 7th cycle. Unfortunately, he passed away 8 months after alloHSCT due to disseminated atypical mycobacterial infection, remaining however disease free. The patient with tFL also achieved metabolic remission, but the drug was discontinued after the 7th cycle due to COVID-19 infection. He died two months after Glofitamab interruption due to disease progression and CMV encephalitis. The patient with PMBCL, responded partially after Glofitamab and had mediastinal radiotherapy as bridging therapy to CAR-T therapy. As the latter was delayed due to CMV reactivation and CMV enteritis, our patient deceased due to progressive disease. The patient with DLBCL after CAR-T therapy had initial clinical response after two Glofitamab cycles. Due to severe COVID-19, we decided to hold Glofitamab. COVID-19 and disease progression led to his death, a few weeks after COVID-19 diagnosis. Finally, the patient with transformed GZL had Glofitamab administered as bridging therapy prior to CAR-T treatment. After 3 cycles, while she was prepared to proceed to CAR-T therapy, she was diagnosed with invasive aspergillosis. She is currently been treated with antifungal agents, whereas disease is still active. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) occurred in 3 out of 5 patients. In all cases it was grade 1-2 and manifested at the first administration of the drug, after 4, 32 and 10 hours respectively, from infusion initiation. CRS was managed with antipyretics and steroids, whereas none patient required Intensive Care Unit support. Only one patient required tocilizumab. No Immune effector cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS) was observed. Summary/Conclusion: Glofitamab is effective in treating patients with r/r aggressive B-cell NHL. Efficacy makes it an appropriate bridging tool to autologous, alloHSCT or CAR-T therapy. Nevertheless, relapse remains a challenge for r/r disease. Adverse events, such as CRS, were generally manageable. Given the fact that it was administered to heavily pretreated patients, caution to opportunistic pathogens should be paid. Indeed, toxicity profile may be proven to be more favorable if the agent is being administered earlier in therapeutic algorithms.
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Background: Patients with relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma (R/R FL) often experience multiple relapses and require various lines of therapy. The ELARA and ZUMA-5 trials demonstrated high response rates along with acceptable safety profiles. We perform a phase 1b/2 single-center clinical trial of autologous point-of-care (POC) academic anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells for patients with R/R FL treated with at least 2 lines of systemic therapy (NCT02772198). Aims: To report outcomes of POC CAR T-cell therapy in patients with R/R FL. Methods: Adults with R/R FL underwent a single leukapheresis procedure. Fresh peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated, activated, and transduced with a gammaretrovirus encoding for a CD19 CAR (based on an FMC63-derived ScFv, a CD28 costimulatory domain, and a CD3-ζ signaling domain). Lymphodepletion included fludarabine 25 mg/m2 over 3 days (days-4 to-2) and cyclophosphamide 900 mg/m2 once (day-2), followed by infusion of 1×106/kg CAR T-cells in the inpatient setting. Primary endpoints were response (by PET-CT, per Lugano criteria) at day 28, best response, and safety. Secondary endpoints included overall survival, progression-free survival (PFS), and production feasibility. Last follow-up was as of 02/2022. Results: All 19 patients enrolled received CAR T-cell infusion in a median of 11 days (IQR 10-11) after leukapheresis. The median age was 61 years (IQR 52-66). Five (26%) patients had Karnofsky performance status < 90%. Disease stage at enrollment was III-IV in 16 (84%) patients. Two (11%) patients had bulky disease;8 (42%) had LDH > upper limit of normal;and 16 (84%) had Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index ≥ 3. Disease status at enrollment was progressive disease (n=14, 74%), stable disease (n=3, 16%), or partial response (PR;n=2, 11%). Twelve patients (64%) were refractory to last treatment. Disease grade at most recent lymph node biopsy was 1 (n=3, 16%), 2 (n=11, 58%), or 3a (n=5, 26%). The median time from FL diagnosis was 3.9 years (IQR 2.5-4.6). Sixteen (84%) patients had progression of disease within 24 months of initial therapy. The number of prior therapies was ≥ 4 in 6 (32%) patients;and 5 (26%) patients underwent prior autologous transplantation. Grade III-IV cytokine release and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndromes occurred in 1 (5%) and 4 (21%) patients, respectively. One patient was infected with COVID-19 on the 5th day following cell infusion and was admitted to the intensive care unit. One patient had grade 3 atrial fibrillation. Severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count <500/μL), thrombocytopenia (platelets <50K/μL) and anemia (hemoglobin <10g/dl) occurred in 15 (79%), 5 (26%), and 7 (37%) patients, respectively. No bleeding events or death were recorded following cell infusion. Response was evaluated in all patients. Overall response rate on day 28 was 84% (79% complete response [CR]). One patient with PR on day 28 achieved a CR after a year of follow-up. Three patients (16%) continued to progress following CAR infusion. All patients were alive at the last follow-up (median follow-up, 11.5 months [IQR 4-21]). One-year PFS was 74% (95% CI, 53-100). The median duration of response (DOR) was not reached (95% CI, 12.5-not reached). Estimated DOR at 1-year was 89% (95% CI, 71-100). Image: Summary/Conclusion: Point-of-Care anti-CD19 CAR T-cell therapy, performed following a very short production time, induced high CR rate with an acceptable safety profile in a cohort of patients with high-risk R/R FL.
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Background: Ide-cel, a BCMA directed CAR T-cell therapy, was FDA approved 3/26/2021 for the treatment of RRMM after 4 prior lines of therapy. We evaluated the real-world outcomes of patients treated with standard of care ide-cel under the commercial FDA label. Methods: Ten US academic centers contributed data to this effort independent of the manufacturer. As of 1/10/2022, 138 patients were leukapheresed with overall manufacturing failure in 6 (4%). 108 patients were infused ≥ 30 days prior to data-cut off and constitute the study population for this retrospective analysis. Results: Table describes the study population compared to the pivotal KarMMa-1 trial (Munshi et al, NEJM 2021). Patients in our study were less likely to have ECOG PS of 0/1 (77%) and more likely to be penta-refractory (41%). 67% of patients would not have met eligibility criteria for KarMMa. Common reasons for ineligibility (> 1 reason in 22% patients) were co-morbidities (28%), cytopenias (22%), prior therapy with alloSCT/ CAR-T/other BCMA therapy (19%), CNS myeloma/non-measurable disease/plasma cell leukemia (13%), and fitness (12%). 81% of patients received bridging therapy. Toxicity was comparable to that seen in KarMMa-1. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was seen in 82% (> grade 3: 4%) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) in 15% (> grade 3: 5%) of patients, respectively. Tocilizumab and steroids were used in 72% and 25% of patients, respectively. Infections were seen in 34% of patients. Day 30 response was evaluable in 104 patients. Response rates were: ≥ partial response, 83%;≥ very good partial response, 64%;and ≥ complete response (CR), 34%. 11% of patients have died by data cut-off, 7 due to disease progression and 5 due to other causes (1 grade 5 CRS, 1 hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, 1 progressive neurological weakness, 2 COVID-19). Conclusions: This multicenter retrospective study delineates the real-world outcomes of ide-cel CAR T-cell therapy for RRMM. Despite more patients being penta-refractory and less fit compared to the pivotal KarMMa trial, safety and 30-day responses in the real-world setting (overall response rate: 83%, CR: 34%) are comparable to the clinical trial population. Follow-up is ongoing and updated data will be presented.
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Fc effector function is one of the main mechanisms of action (MoA) for therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Quantitative measurement of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) is critically required for understanding the Fc function in mAb drug development. Despite the increasing interest and clinical success of the mAb therapeutic, it has been highly challenging to measure their ADCC activity in a reproducible and quantitative manner due to the lack of consistency in current methods that are based on primary PBMCs or NK cells and use tedious assay procedures. To improve ADCC assay precision so they can be validated as potency assay in cGMP laboratories, we developed reporter based ADCC bioassays using engineered effector cell line stably expressing a luciferase reporter and FcγRIIIa (V or F variant) to replace primary PBMC to overcome the assay variation. The ADCC reporter bioassays have been validated according to ICH guidelines by many laboratories and are demonstrated to be suitable for product release and stability studies in a quality-controlled environment. For early research and antibody characterization, we developed an improved PBMC ADCC assay using ADCC-prequalified PBMCs and engineered HiBiT target cells so they can measure the target specific lysis in ADCC. The PBMCs used in the study are isolated from prescreened blood donors and QC tested in ADCC assay. When HiBiT target cells are incubated with an antibody and PBMCs, HiBiT are released to the culture medium where it binds to LgBiT in the detection reagent to form a functional NanoBiT luciferase to generate luminescence signal. This new PBMC ADCC bioassay is simple, homogenous, highly sensitive, and gives a robust assay window. We demonstrate that it can quantitatively measure the potency for mAb drugs in cancer immunotherapy (e.g., rituximab, trastuzumab), and for anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike antibodies in antiviral drug development. Additionally, it shows antibody potency comparable with the ADCC reporter bioassay. In summary, the new PBMC ADCC bioassay using HiBiT target cells can be a valuable tool for early antibody discovery and characterization and also for method bridging study with ADCC reporter bioassay.
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Introduction: Ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) is a chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy expressing two B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeting, single-domain antibodies. The multicohort, open-label, phase 2 CARTITUDE-2 study (NCT04133636) is assessing cilta-cel in patients (pts) with multiple myeloma (MM) under various clinical settings and evaluating the suitability of outpatient administration. Updated results of CARTITUDE-2 cohort A are presented here. Methods: Cohort A pts had progressive MM after 1-3 prior lines of therapy (LOT;included proteasome inhibitor [PI] and immunomodulatory drug [IMiD]), were lenalidomide-refractory, and had no previous exposure to BCMA-targeting agents. A single cilta-cel infusion at a target dose of 0.75×106 CAR+ viable T cells/kg was given 5-7 d after start of lymphodepletion (cyclophosphamide [300 mg/m2] and fludarabine [30 mg/m2] for 3 d). The primary endpoint was minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity at 10-5 at any time point. Secondary endpoints were overall response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR), time and duration of MRD negativity, and incidence and severity of adverse events (AEs). Response was assessed per International Myeloma Working Group criteria and AEs were graded by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0 (cytokine release syndrome [CRS] and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome [ICANS] by American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy). Results: As of April 15, 2021 (median follow-up of 9.7 mo), 20 pts (65% men;median age 60 y [range 38-75]) received cilta-cel, with 1 pt treated in an outpatient setting. Pts had a median of 2 prior LOT (range 1-3);60% had 1-2 prior LOT and 40% had 3 prior LOT. All pts were exposed to a PI, IMiD, and dexamethasone;95% were exposed to alkylating agents and 65% to daratumumab. 95% of pts were refractory to last LOT;40% were triple-class refractory. ORR was 95% (95% CI 75.1-99.9);85% (95% CI 62.1-96.8) had ≥complete response (CR), and 95% (95% CI 75.1-99.9) had ≥very good partial response (Figure). Median time to first response was 1.0 mo (range 0.7-3.3) and median time to ≥CR was 2.6 mo (range 0.9-7.9). Median DOR was not reached;progression-free survival (PFS) at 6 mo was 90% (95% CI 65.6-97.4). Of 13 MRD-evaluable pts, 92.3% (95% CI 64.0-99.8) were MRD-negative at 10-5. Hematologic AEs (≥20% of pts) were neutropenia (95%;grade [gr] 3/4: 95%), thrombocytopenia (80%;gr 3/4: 35%), anemia (75%;gr 3/4: 45%), lymphopenia (65%;gr 3/4: 60%) and leukopenia (55%;gr 3/4: 55%). 95% of pts had CRS (gr 3/4: 10%);median time to onset was 7 d (range 5-9) and median duration was 4 d (range 2-11). Four pts (20%) had CAR-T neurotoxicity (all gr 1/2). Three pts (15%) had ICANS (all gr 1/2);median time to onset was 8 d (range 7-10) and median duration was 3 d (range 1-3). One pt had facial paralysis (gr 2) with time to onset of 29 d and duration of 51 d. No movement and neurocognitive treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were reported. One death due to COVID-19 was assessed as treatment-related. Safety was manageable in the pt treated in an outpatient setting. Conclusions: A single cilta-cel infusion led to early and deep responses in pts with MM who had 1-3 prior LOT and were lenalidomide-refractory. No movement and neurocognitive TEAEs occurred, suggesting successful implementation of monitoring and pt management strategies across phase 2/3 studies in the CARTITUDE program.
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Ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) is a chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy expressing two B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeting, singledomain antibodies. The multicohort, open-label, phase 2 CARTITUDE-2 study (NCT04133636) is evaluating ciltacel in patients (pts) with multiple myeloma (MM) in various clinical settings and assessing the suitability of outpatient administration. Updated results from CARTITUDE-2 cohort A are presented here. Cohort A pts had progressive MM after 1-3 prior lines of therapy (LOT;included proteasome inhibitor [PI] and immunomodulatory drug [IMiD]), were lenalidomide-refractory, and had no previous exposure to agents targeting BCMA. A single cilta-cel infusion at a target dose of 0.75 × 106 CAR+ viable T cells/kg was given 5-7 days after start of lymphodepletion (cyclophosphamide [300 mg/m2 ] and fludarabine [30 mg/m2 ] for 3 days). The primary endpoint was minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity at 10 -5 at any time point. Secondary endpoints were overall response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR), time and duration of MRD negativity and adverse events (AEs). Response was assessed by International Myeloma Working Group criteria and AEs were graded by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0 (cytokine release syndrome [CRS] and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome [ICANS] by American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy). As of April 15, 2021 (median follow-up 9.7 months), 20 pts (65% men;median age 60 years [range 38-75]) received ciltacel, with 1 pt treated in an outpatient setting. Pts had a median of two prior LOT (range 1-3);60% with 1-2 prior LOT and 40% with three prior LOT. All pts were exposed to a PI, IMiD and dexamethasone;95% were exposed to alkylating agents and 65% to daratumumab. 95% of pts were refractory to last LOT;40% were triple-class refractory. ORR was 95% (95% CI 75.1-99.9);85% (95% CI 62.1-96.8) had ≥complete response (CR), and 95% (95% CI 75.1-99.9) had ≥very good partial response. The median time to first response was 1.0 months (range 0.7-3.3) and the median time to ≥CR was 2.6 months (range 0.9-7.9). The median DOR was not reached;progression-free survival (PFS) at 6 months was 90% (95% CI 65.6-97.4). Of MRD-evaluable pts ( n = 13), 92.3% (95% CI 64.0-99.8) were MRD-negative at 10 -5 . Haematological AEs (≥20% of pts) were neutropenia (95%;grade [gr] 3/4: 95%), thrombocytopenia (80%;gr 3/4: 35%), anaemia (75%;gr 3/4: 45%), lymphopenia (65%;gr 3/4: 60%) and leukopenia (55%;gr 3/4: 55%). Ninety-five percent of pts had CRS (gr 3/4: 10%);median time to onset was 7 days (range 5-9) and median duration was 4 days (range 2-11). Four pts (20%) had CAR-T neurotoxicity (all gr 1/2). Three pts (15%) had ICANS (all gr 1/2);median time to onset was 8 days (range 7-10) and median duration was 3 days (range 1-3). One pt had facial paralysis (gr 2) with time to onset of 29 days and duration of 51 days. No movement and neurocognitive treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred. One death occurred due to COVID-19 (assessed as treatment-related). Safety was manageable in the pt treated in an outpatient setting. Lenalidomide-refractory pts with MM and 1-3 prior LOT showed early and deep responses with a single cilta-cel infusion. No movement and neurocognitive TEAEs were reported, suggesting utilisation of successful monitoring and pt management strategies across phase 2/3 studies in the CARTITUDE program.
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The immune system is the body’s defense against pathogens, which are complex living organisms found in many parts in the body including organs, tissues, cells, molecules, and proteins. When the immune system works properly, it can recognize and kill the abnormal cells and the infected cells. Otherwise, it can attack the body’s healthy cells even if there is no invader. Many researchers have developed immunotherapy (or cancer vaccines) and have used chemotherapy for cancer treatment that can kill fast-growing cancer cells or at least slow down tumor growth. However, chemotherapy drugs travel throughout the body and tend to kill both healthy cells and cancer cells. In this study, we consider the fact that chemotherapy can kill tumor cells and that the loss of the immune cells may at the same time stir up cancer growth. We present a dynamic time-delay tumor-immune model with the effects of chemotherapy drugs and autoimmune disease. The modeling results can be used to determine the progression of tumor cells in the human body with the effect of chemotherapy, autoimmune diseases, and time delays based on partial differential equations. It can also be used to predict when the tumor viruses’ free state can be reached as time progresses, as well as the state of the body’s healthy cells as time progresses. We also present a few numerical cases that illustrate that the model can be used to monitor the effects of chemotherapy drug treatment and the growth rate of tumor virus-infected cells and the autoimmune disease.
ABSTRACT
Background: Over a third of pts with 1L DLBCL do not respond to, or relapse after, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (R-CHOP;[Sarkozy and Sehn. Ann Lymphoma 2019]). Despite recent advances, pts with R/R NHL have limited curative options. Glofitamab (Glofit) is a novel, T-cell-engaging bispecific antibody with a 2:1 molecular configuration that allows bivalent binding to CD20 on B cells and monovalent binding to CD3 on T cells. Unlike other CD20xCD3 bispecific antibodies, this format uniquely enables combination with anti-CD20 antibodies, including rituximab. Glofit monotherapy induces high response rates in R/R B-cell NHL (Hutchings et al. J Clin Oncol 2021). We present results of the ongoing NP40126 study (NCT03467373), designed to assess the feasibility and safety of Glofit + R-CHOP in R/R NHL (dose-escalation phase) and 1L DLBCL (safety run-in phase). Methods: R/R NHL dose-escalation: Pts (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status [ECOG PS] 0-2) received increasing Glofit doses in separate cohorts (70µg, 1800µg, 10mg and 30mg) plus standard R-CHOP for 6-8 cycles (each 21-day). To mitigate CRS risk, R- or obinutuzumab (G)-CHOP was given in Cycle (C)1, with the aim of tumor debulking. Glofit was given from C2 onwards. For 70µg and 1800µg cohorts, fixed-dose Glofit was given on C2 Day (D)8 and onwards. For 10mg and 30mg cohorts, step-up dosing was used to further mitigate CRS risk (2.5mg C2D8, 10mg C2D15, target dose C3D8 and onwards). Optional Glofit maintenance was permitted (every 2 months for <2 years;dose-escalation phase only). 1L DLBCL safety run-in: Pts (ECOG PS 0-3) received Glofit 30mg plus standard R-CHOP for 6-8 cycles (each 21-day). Pts received R-CHOP in C1;Glofit step-up dosing began in C2 (2.5mg C2D8, 10mg C2D15, 30mg C3D8 and onwards). Response rates were assessed by PET-CT (Lugano criteria;[Cheson et al. J Clin Oncol 2014]). CRS events were graded by ASTCT criteria [Lee et al. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2019]. Results: R/R NHL dose-escalation: At data cut-off (June 10, 2021), 31 pts (23 follicular lymphoma [FL];6 transformed FL;1 marginal-zone lymphoma;1 mantle-cell lymphoma) had received Glofit with R/G-CHOP. Median age was 62 years, median prior lines of therapy was 2 (range: 1-5). In efficacy-evaluable pts (n=31), after a median 9.0 months' (range: 0-29) follow-up, the overall response rate (ORR) was 90% (n=28) and complete response rate (CRR) was 77% (n=24). Median duration of response was not reached. The Figure shows change in tumor size. Grade (Gr) ≥3 adverse events (AEs) occurred in 28 (90%) pts, serious AEs in 21 (68%) pts and CRS in 17 (55%) pts (mostly low grade;majority after the first 2.5mg Glofit dose;Table). One (3%) pt had a Gr 5 AE (COVID-19 pneumonia not related to study treatment). AEs led to Glofit dose modification/interruption in 2 (6%) pts and Glofit withdrawal in 1 (3%) pt. Neurologic AEs (NAEs) occurred in 20 (65%) pts: Gr 1-2 (16 pts, 52%);Gr 3 (4 pts, 13%). Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS)-like AEs were uncommon;a serious AE was reported in 1 pt only (Gr 3 epilepsy during the maintenance phase;resolved in 3 days). Neutropenia occurred in 24 (77%) pts. Median dose intensity was 100% for all R-CHOP components. 1L DLBCL safety run-in: At data cut-off, 13 pts were enrolled (safety population);of these, 4 pts received Glofit 30mg with R-CHOP and were efficacy-evaluable. Median age was 68 years, all pts had Ann Arbor Stage 3/4 disease. At interim assessment (C3), CRR was 100% (4/4). Of 13 pts, 1 (8%) had a CRS event (Gr 1 with fever only) after the first 2.5mg Glofit dose;no other CRS events observed. Gr ≥3 AEs occurred in 8 (62%) pts and Gr ≥3 AEs related to Glofit in 1 (8%) pt only. One (8%) pt had a serious AE and 1 (8%) pt had a Gr 5 AE (infusion-related reaction related to rituximab on C1D1). No AEs led to Glofit or R-CHOP dose interruptions. NAEs occurred in 3 (23%) pts (all Gr 1-2;none were ICANS-like). Neutropenia occurred in 6 (46%) pts. Median dose intensity was 10 % for all R-CHOP components. Conclusions: Initial data show that Glofit + R-CHOP has tolerable safety in R/R NHL and 1L DLBCL. R-CHOP dose intensity was maintained in all pts. The very low CRS rate and no neurotoxicity in 1L DLBCL may render Glofit particularly suitable for the outpatient setting without the need for hospitalization. Updated data, including end-of-treatment responses from the 1L DLBCL safety run-in phase, will be presented. [Formula presented] Disclosures: Ghosh: Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau;Gilead: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau;Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie Company: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau;AbbVie: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau;Karyopharma: Consultancy, Honoraria;AstraZeneca: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau;ADC Therapeutics: Consultancy, Honoraria;Adaptive Biotech: Consultancy, Honoraria;TG Therapeutics: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding;Genmab: Consultancy, Honoraria;Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau;Epizyme: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau;Incyte: Consultancy, Honoraria;Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau;Genentech: Research Funding. Townsend: Celgene (Bristol-Myers Squibb): Consultancy, Honoraria;F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd: Consultancy, Honoraria. Dickinson: Amgen: Honoraria;Celgene: Research Funding;Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau;Takeda: Research Funding;Gilead Sciences: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau;MSD: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau;Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria;Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria;Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: travel, accommodation, expenses, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Topp: Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding;Janssen: Consultancy;Universitatklinikum Wurzburg: Current Employment;Kite, a Gilead Company: Consultancy, Research Funding;Novartis: Consultancy;Roche: Consultancy, Research Funding;Gilead: Research Funding;Regeneron: Consultancy, Research Funding;Macrogeniecs: Research Funding;Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding. Santoro: Sandoz: Speakers Bureau;Eli-Lilly: Speakers Bureau;Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau;AstraZeneca: Speakers Bureau;Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau;Servier: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau;Celgene: Speakers Bureau;Amgen: Speakers Bureau;AbbVie: Speakers Bureau;Roche: Speakers Bureau;BMS: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau;Eisai: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau;Takeda: Speakers Bureau;Sanofi: Consultancy;Arqule: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau;Novartis: Speakers Bureau;Bayer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau;MSD: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Crump: Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Kyte/Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Epizyme: Research Funding;Roche: Research Funding. Morschhauser: Epizyme: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Genentech, Inc.: Consultancy;Genmab: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Roche: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau;BMS: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Chugai: Honoraria;Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Servier: Consultancy;AstraZenenca: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Gilead: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;F. Hoffmann-La Roch Ltd: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;AbbVie: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Janssen: Honoraria. Mehta: Kite/Gilead;Roche-Genetech;Celgene/BMS;Oncotartis;Innate Pharmaceuticals;Seattle Genetics;Incyte;Takeda;Fortyseven Inc/Gilead;TG Therapeutics;Merck;Juno Pharmaceuticals/BMS: Research Funding;Seattle Genetics;Incyte;TG Therapeutics: Consultancy;Seattle Genetics;Incyte;TG Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Panchal: F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd: Current Employment. Wu: F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Barrett: Roche Products Ltd: Current Employment;F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Humphrey: Roche: Current Employment, Current holder of individual stocks in a privately-held company, Current holder of stock options in a privately-held company. Qayum: F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Hutchings: Novartis: Research Funding;Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding;Incyte: Research Funding;Genentech: Honoraria, Research Funding;Celgene: Research Funding;Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding;Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding;Genmab: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. OffLabel Disclosure: Glofitamab is a full-length, humanized immunoglobulin G1 bispecific antibody with a 2:1 molecular format that facilitates bivalent binding to CD20 on B-cells, and monovalent binding to CD3 on T-cells. Glofitamab redirects T cells to engage and eliminate malignant B cells. Glofitamab is an investigational agent. Rituximab (Rituxan) is aCD20-directed cytolytic antibody indicated for the treatment of adult pts with: relapsed or refractory, low grade or follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL as a single agent;previously untreated follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL in combination with first-line chemotherapy (chemo) and, in pts achieving a CR or PR to a rituximab product in combination with chemo, as single-agent maintenance therapy;non-progressing (including stable disease), low-grade, CD20 positive, B-cell NHL as a single agent after first-line CVP chemo;previously untreated diffuse large B-cell, CD20-positive, NHL in combination with CHOP or other anthracycline-based chemo regimens;previously untreated and previously treated CD20-positive CLL in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: COVID-19 is a life-threatening disease leading to bilateral pneumonia and respiratory failure. The underlying reasons why a smaller percentage of patients present with severe pulmonary symptoms whereas the majority is only mildly affected, are to date not well understood. Methods: We analyzed immune cell dynamics in patients with mild (NIH Score 4+5) and severe (NIH Score 1-3) cases of SARS-CoV2 infection. Patients with mild courses presented with COVID-19 specific, mostly respiratory symptoms, however no one required treatment in the ICU, mechanical ventilation nor died due to COVID-19. Patients with a severe course of disease were treated in the ICU department of our hospital, all of them needed supplementary oxygen. Mortality rate of the cohort with severely ill patients was 33%. Results: Given that T cells play a critical role in the elimination of viral infections, we studied this lymphoid compartment in COVID-19 patients. Compared to healthy controls, patients with SARS-CoV2 infection presented increased T cell activation and proliferation and a decline of naive CD8 T-cells. Interestingly, activation markers on T cells were further enhanced in patients with severe courses of COVID-19 disease. Furthermore, the CD8 T-cell compartment in patients with mild COVID-19 exhibited a shift towards terminal differentiation. In contrast, severe cases showed an expansion of effector cells, which correlated with increased cell activation. To determine whether T-cells might be primed for homing to specific tissues during SARS-CoV-2 infection, we checked for particular chemokine receptors in our cohorts. We found the lung homing receptor CCR4 and the proinflammatory receptor CCR5 strongly upregulated on CD8 T-cells in patients with severe COVID-19 infection, mainly characterized by pulmonary failure and requirement of mechanical ventilation, however not in mild COVID-19 disease. Moreover, CD8 T-cells from patients with severe disease exhibited reduced CCR7 expression, pointing towards enhanced attracting to sites of inflammation and limited homing to secondary lymphoid organs. Further analysis revealed a linear relationship between CCR4 expression and CD8 T-cell activation and effector differentiation in patients with severe disease. Conclusion: Taken together, our data support the critical involvement of T cells in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV2 infection and link clinical severity to T-cell hyperactivation and altered migratory capacity.
ABSTRACT
Background: Glofit is a novel, CD20xCD3 T-cell-engaging bispecific antibody that provides monovalent binding to CD3 on T cells and bivalent binding to CD20 on B cells. As monotherapy, Glofit has shown promising response rates with manageable safety in R/R B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) patients (pts;[Carlo-Stella et al. EHA 2021]). Because of their distinct and complementary mechanism of action, there is a rationale for combining Glofit with the anti-CD79b-targeted antibody-drug conjugate, Pola. NP39488 (NCT03533283) is a Phase Ib/II, open-label, multicenter, dose-escalation (DE) and expansion study evaluating Glofit + Pola or atezolizumab in R/R B-NHL pts (Hutchings et al. ASH 2019). Here, we report preliminary safety and efficacy data for Glofit + Pola in pts with R/R DLBCL during DE and expansion at the recommended Phase II dose (RP2D). Methods: To mitigate the risk of cytokine release syndrome (CRS), a single 1000mg dose of obinutuzumab pre-treatment was administered on Cycle (C) 1 Day (D) 1 alongside step-up dosing (SUD) of Glofit on C1D8 and C1D15. Glofit was subsequently administered at the target dose from C2D1, every 3 weeks up to C12. Pola was administered at 1.8mg/kg on C1D2 and then on D1 of each subsequent cycle up to C6. The primary objective was to establish the RP2D of Glofit in combination with Pola. Results: As of June 10, 2021 (clinical cut-off date [CCOD]), 44 pts were treated with ≥1 cycle;median follow-up was 3.2 months (95% confidence interval: 1.4-3.5). In the first DE cohort, 7 pts had received Glofit at 2.5mg (C1D8)/10mg (C1D15)/10mg (C2D1 onwards) plus Pola. In the second DE cohort, 4 pts received the Glofit target dose of 30mg on C1D15 and this was established as the RP2D. During the expansion phase at RP2D, an additional 34 pts were treated with ≥1 cycle. Of 44 pts, 29 (66%) had histology of R/R DLBCL, 8 (18%) had R/R high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBCL;2 HGBCL not otherwise specified;5 double-hit DLBCL;1 triple-hit DLBCL) and 7 (16%) had R/R transformed follicular lymphoma. Pts (61% male) had a median age of 65.5 years (range: 29-82) and received a median of two prior lines (range: 1−5). Twenty-eight (64%) pts were refractory to their last therapy;2 pts had not been treated with Glofit at the CCOD. The most frequent adverse event (AE) was CRS (55%;23/42 pts): Grade (Gr) 1 (n=18);Gr 2 (n=7);no Gr ≥3 CRS events were observed (Lee et al. 2019 ASTCT criteria). Of the 7 pts with Gr 2 CRS, 5 were treated with tocilizumab and fluids for hypotension, and 4 pts were treated with low-flow oxygen due to hypoxia. None of the pts required vasopressors or intensive care unit admission. Gr >3 AEs occurred in 52% (n=23) of pts;most commonly, neutropenia (27%) and anemia (23%). For neurological AEs (NAEs), 13 events were reported in 13 patients (29.5%, 13/44 pts), all were limited to Gr 1−2. The most common NAEs were headache and (11%, 5/44 pts) and insomnia (4.5%, 2/44 pts). No immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome-like AEs were reported. Peripheral neuropathy due to Pola was reported in 5/44 pts (11%);all events were Gr 1. Serious AEs occurred in 22 pts (52%);none were CNS or neurological events. One pt experienced fatal COVID-19 pneumonia (not related). Study treatment was discontinued in 2 pts due to AEs (Gr 4 thrombocytopenia, and Gr 3 worsening of pre-existing renal impairment;both events were related to Glofit and Pola). At CCOD 33/44 pts were evaluable for interim (after 2 cycles, 1 target dose of Glofit) or primary (after 8 cycles) response;6/33 pts had experienced progressive disease and discontinued study treatment. Overall response (OR) rate for both dosing cohorts was 73% (24/33) and complete response (CR) rate, per investigator was 51.5% (17/33). Of 7 pts treated with 2.5/10/10mg SUD Glofit, OR and CR rates were both 86% (6/7);durable responses at ≥6 months post-end of treatment were observed. Of 26 pts treated with 2.5/10/30 mg SUD Glofit, OR rate was 73% (19/26) and CR rate was 46% (12/26);11.5% (3/26) pts had stable disease after 2 cycles of therapy. Duration of response and time on study by dosing cohort is shown in Figure. Biomarker and pharmacokinetic data will be provided. Conclusions: Glofit in combination with Pola showed tolerable safety and encouraging preliminary efficacy in R/R DLBCL pts. CRS and NAEs were limited to Gr 1 or 2, no new safety signals were detected for this combination, and the safety profile was consistent with that of the individual drugs. Updated data will be presented. [Formula presented] Disclosures: Hutchings: Genmab: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding;Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding;Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding;Celgene: Research Funding;Genentech: Honoraria, Research Funding;Incyte: Research Funding;Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding;Novartis: Research Funding. Sureda: Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Support for attending meetings and/or travel, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau;BMS/Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Support for attending meetings and/or travel, Speakers Bureau;Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau;Bluebird: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Roche: Other: Support for attending meetings and/or travel;GSK: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau;Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau;Mundipharma: Consultancy;MSD: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau;Kite, a Gilead Company: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau;Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau;Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Terol: Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel, Research Funding;Roche: Consultancy;BMS: Consultancy;Hospital Clinico Valencia: Current Employment;Abbvie: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel;Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel;Gilead: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel, Research Funding;Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel. Bosch Albareda: Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau;Gilead: Consultancy, Honoraria;Abbvie: Consultancy;AstraZeneca: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding;Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau;Takeda: Honoraria, Research Funding;Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding;Kite: Honoraria;Sanofi: Honoraria;Lilly: Honoraria. Corradini: KiowaKirin;Incyte;Daiichi Sankyo;Janssen;F. Hoffman-La Roche;Kite;Servier: Consultancy;AbbVie, ADC Theraputics, Amgen, Celgene, Daiichi Sankyo, Gilead/Kite, GSK, Incyte, Janssen, KyowaKirin, Nerviano Medical Science, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi, Takeda: Honoraria;Amgen;Takeda;AbbVie: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel and accommodations;Novartis;Gilead;Celgene: Consultancy, Other: Travel and accommodations;BMS: Other: Travel and accommodation;Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria;Incyte: Consultancy;AbbVie, ADC Theraputics, Amgen, Celgene, Daiichi Sankyo, Gilead/Kite, GSK, Incyte, Janssen, KyowaKirin, Nerviano Medical Science, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi, Takeda: Consultancy;Novartis, Janssen, Celgene, BMS, Takeda, Gilead/Kite, Amgen, AbbVie: Other: travel and accomodations. Larsen: Novartis: Consultancy;Gilead: Consultancy;Odense University Hospital, Denmark: Current Employment;Celgene: Consultancy;BMS: Consultancy. Rueda Dominguez: Hospital Regional Universitario de Malaga: Current Employment;Roch : Consultancy;Takeda: Consultancy;Gilead: Consultancy;Merck Serono: Consultancy;BMS: Consultancy;MSD: Consultancy. Panchal: F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd: Current Employment. Bottos: F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Carlile: F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company;AstraZeneca: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Ended employment in the past 24 months. Wang: F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd: Current Employment;Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China: Ended employment in the past 24 months. Filézac De L'Étang: F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Tandon: Roche Products Ltd: Current Employment, Current holder of individual stocks in a privately-held company. Sellam: Roche: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Gritti: Takeda: Consultancy;Roche: Consultancy;Kite Gilead: Consultancy;IQvia: Consultancy;Italfarmaco: Consultancy;Clinigen: Consultancy. OffLabel Disclosure: Glofitamab is a full-length, humanized immunoglobulin G1 bispecific antibody with a 2:1 molecular format that facilitates bivalent binding to CD20 on B-cells, and monovalent binding to CD3 on T-cells. Glofitamab redirects T cells to engage and eliminate malignant B cells. Glofitamab is an investigational agent. Polatuzumab vedotin (Polivy) is a CD79b-directed antibody-drug conjugate indicated in combination with bendamustine and a rituximab product for the treatment of adult pts with relapsed or refractory DLBCL, not otherwise specified, after at least two prior therapies.
ABSTRACT
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 includ 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. Disclosures: Kenderian: 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.