Novel role of 18F- FDG PET/CT in rhinosinonasal mucormycosis in the era of covid-19 infection

Objectives: In the Covid-19 era, there was a surge in the cases of a life-threatening infection of rhinosinonasal mucormycosis. Mucormycosis, popularly known as black fungus, is an infection caused by mycetes mucorales, an aseptate hyphae. Presently, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are commonly used imaging modalities for the management of patients with rhinosinonasal mucormycosis. The present study was aimed to evaluate the role of 18F- FDG PET/CT in the detection of recurrent or residual disease in post-surgical or post antifungal therapy in these patients for further management. Method(s): A total of 10 patients were included in this pilot study of Covid-19 positive patients and histologically proven mucormycosis (by KOH mount). 18F- FDG PET/CT was performed to assess the disease status in 6 postoperative/ post debridement patients and response to antifungal therapy in 4 patients, at an interval of 40 (range = 27-66) days post intervention. Result(s): The mean age of the patients was 45.0 +/- 11.65 years. The male: female ratio was 9:1. The common clinical presentation was ipsilateral facial or orbital pain and swelling. Covid-19 infection was positive in all the patients except one who had CT finding with HRCT score of 10/25 and hence was considered as post Covid-19 infection. Six out of 10 patients were diabetic on oral hypoglycaemic agents or insulin. All patients had a baseline CT/MRI for staging the initial extent of the disease. Surgical debridement was done in 6 out of the 10 patients followed by antifungal therapy (Liposomal Amphotericin B and Pozaconazole). Remaining four patients were treated with antifungal therapy. PET/CTwas performed after an average of 40 days of surgical/medical intervention, in whom clinical symptoms persisted or worsened even on antifungal therapy. 18F-FDG PET/CT showed metabolically active residual disease in all the patients with a mean SUVmax of 9.78 +/- 4.03. Conclusion(s): In the era of ongoing Covid-19 infection, black fungus has been a debilitating disease with high mortality and morbidity. Present study demonstrated that 18F-FDG PET/CT can be an efficient imaging tool for an early surgical/ medical treatment response assessment and restaging.

Cilta-Cel Efficacy and Safety in Patients with Progressive Multiple Myeloma after Exposure to Non-Cellular Anti-BCMA Immunotherapy

Introduction: CARTITUDE-2 (NCT04133636) is a phase 2, multicohort study evaluating cilta-cel, an anti-BCMA CAR-T therapy, in several multiple myeloma (MM) patient (pt) populations. Objective(s): To report updated results with longer follow-up on cohort C pts with previous exposure to a non-cellular anti- BCMA immunotherapy. Method(s): Cohort C pts had progressive MM after treatment (tx) with a proteasome inhibitor, immunomodulatory drug, anti-CD38 antibody, and non-cellular BCMA-targeting agent. A single cilta-cel infusion (target dose 0.75x106 CAR+ viable T cells/kg) was administered 5-7 days post lymphodepletion. Primary endpoint was minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity at 10-5. Secondary endpoints included overall response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR), and adverse events (AEs). Result(s): As of June 1, 2022, 20 pts (13 ADC exposed;7 BsAb exposed) were treated with cilta-cel;4 pts did not receive cilta-cel due to either low cellular yield (n=2, 1 in each group) or death due to progressive disease (PD) prior to dosing (n=2, 1 in each group) and 6 pts received anti-BCMA tx as their last line of therapy (n=4 ADC, n=2 BsAb). During prior anti-BCMA tx, best responses included VGPR (ADC: 2 pts;BsAb: 1 pt), sCR (ADC: 1 pt), and CR (BsAb: 1 pt);the rest had best response of stable disease or PD (1 pt not evaluable). Baseline characteristics are presented in Figure 1A. Median time from last anti- BCMA agent to cilta-cel infusion was 195 d;median administered dose of cilta-cel was 0.65x106 CAR+ viable T cells/kg. At a median follow-up of 18.0 mo, 7/10 evaluable pts (70%) were MRD negative at 10-5 (ADC: 5/7 [71.4%], BsAb: 2/3 [66.7%]). ORR: full cohort, 60%;ADC, 61.5%;BsAb, 57.1% (Figure 1B). Median DOR: full cohort, 12.8 mo;ADC, 12.8 mo;BsAb, 8.2 mo. Median PFS: full cohort, 9.1 mo;ADC, 9.5 mo;BsAb, 5.3 mo. Cilta-cel responders had a shorter median duration of last anti- BCMA agent exposure (29.5 d) compared with non-responders (63.5 d). Responders also had a longer median time from last anti-BCMA tx exposure to apheresis (161.0 d) than non-responders (56.5 d). Most common AEs were hematologic. CRS: n=12 (60%;all Gr1/2), median time to onset 7.5 d, median duration 6.0 d. ICANS: n=4 (20%, 2 Gr3/4), median time to onset 9.0 d, median duration 7.0 d. No patient had movement or neurocognitive tx emergent AE/parkinsonism. There were 12 deaths (PD: 8;COVID-19 pneumonia: 2 [not tx related];subarachnoid hemorrhage: 1 [not tx related];C. difficile colitis: 1 [tx related]). (Figure Presented)(Figure Presented)Conclusions: Pts with heavily pretreated MM and previous exposure to a non-cellular anti-BCMA therapy had favorable responses to cilta-cel. However, depth and DOR appear lower than that seen in anti-BCMA-naive pts treated with cilta-cel (at 27.7 mo, median DOR was not reached in heavily pre-treated but anti-BCMA naive CARTITUDE-1 pts). These data may inform tx plans, including sequencing and washout period between BCMA-targeting agentsCopyright © 2023 American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy

Post-Transplantation Cyclophosphamide for the Prevention of Graft-Versus-Host Disease Should Not Limit Transplantation for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in People with Trisomy 21

Introduction: Use of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in patients with trisomy 21 (+21) is infrequent given concerns about increased toxicity with cytotoxic chemotherapy.1 Due to increasing evidence of benefit from post-HCT cyclophosphamide (PTCy) for graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis and lack of prior descriptions in patients with +21,2-4 we report on 2 patients with +21 and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who underwent HCT with PTCy. Method(s): Retrospective data were collected from 2 patients with ALL and +21 who underwent allogeneic HCT with PTCybased GVHD prophylaxis from 2019 to 2021. Data collected included age, disease risk, HCT-CI, GVHD incidence, and survival. Result(s): Patient 1 is a 22-year-old male and patient 2 a 25-year-old female. Both had Ph-negative, B-cell ALL. Patient 1 had ETV6/RUNX1 rearrangement, del 12p, gain of X, and he had recurrence of measurable residual disease (MRD) after initial MRD-negative CR with two lines of therapy pre-HCT. Patient 2 had normal cytogenetics and relapsed disease with 4 prior lines of therapy. Both achieved MRD-negativity pre-HCT. Both received fludarabine and melphalan conditioning, and patient 1 also received thiotepa 2.5 mg/kg. PTCy was given on days +3 and 4 at 50 mg/kg with sirolimus and tacrolimus for GVHD prophylaxis. Patient 1 had a haploidentical donor and received one dose of rabbit ATG (1 mg/kg) on day +5. Patient 2 had a matched unrelated donor. There was no significant delay in engraftment of ANC (day 16-19) or platelets (day 15-16). Patient 2 developed acute GVHD at day 30 (stage I skin, stage II GI) that resolved with steroids which were tapered off by day 96 without recurrence. Sirolimus stopped at day 79 (pt 1) and 103 (pt 2) and tacrolimus was stopped at day 274 (pt 1) and 469 (pt 2). Patient 1 developed a sirolimus-induced pericardial effusion at day 84 which did not recur after sirolimus discontinuation. Patient 2 developed moyamoya 8 months post-HCT during tacrolimus taper without other GVHD symptoms. Response to steroids was noted, so tacrolimus was restarted for residual neurological deficit. Neither patient developed chronic GVHD or left ventricular ejection fraction decline, and neither patient had disease relapse at follow-up of 30 and 16 months respectively. Patient 2 developed COVID pneumonia 16 months post-HCT and died while in CR. Patient 1 remains alive, in CR, and off immunosuppression nearly 3 years post HCT. Conclusion(s): Allogeneic HCT with PTCy at standard doses did not appear prohibitively toxic in patients with +21 when administered after reduced-intensity conditioning. In this case series, GVHD rates seemed consistent with larger series in patients without +21. Moyamoya development is associated with autoimmunity in patients with +21 and hence may have been GVHD-related5. Trisomy 21 should not be a barrier to patients otherwise eligible for HCT, even with PTCy prophylaxis.Copyright © 2023 American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy

PD11-04 Primary results of SOLTI-1503 PROMETEO phase 2 trial of Combination of Talimogene Laherparepvec (T-VEC) with Atezolizumab in patients with residual breast cancer after standard neoadjuvant multi-agent chemotherapy

Background: Residual disease (RD) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in early HER2- negative breast cancer (BC) remains an unmet medical need. However, no therapies to date have tested their activity directly in chemo-resistant RD. Here, we hypothesized that combining an oncolytic virus such as T-VEC with atezolizumab may offer clinical benefit in patients (pts) with RD after standard NAC. To our knowledge, PROMETEO is the first trial that examines the activity of immunotherapy in pts with RD prior to surgery. Method(s): PROMETEO (NCT03802604) is a singlearm, open-label, multicenter phase II trial. Women with triple-negative BC (TNBC) or hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative (HR+/HER2-) BC with baseline (i.e., before NAC) ki67 >= 20% were eligible. RD was confirmed with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showing a tumor diameter >= 10 mm and a core-biopsy detecting the presence of invasive cells. Before surgery, T-VEC was administered intratumorally on week 1 (106 pfu/mL), then in week 4 and every 2 weeks thereafter (108 pfu/mL) for 4 injections. Atezolizumab (840 mg) was administered intravenously every 2 weeks for 4 infusions, starting at week 4. Surgery was performed in < 3 weeks after completing the treatment. The primary objective was to evaluate the efficacy of the combination, measured by the rate of residual cancer burden (RCB) class 0/1 at surgery. Tumor samples collected at 5 timepoints (before NAC, during screening period, after first dose of T-VEC, after first dose of T-VEC and atezolizumab and at surgery) were mandatory to assess gene expression, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), immune cells PD-L1 IHC (SP142), tumor mutational burden (TMB) by FoundationOne and other translational endpoints. Result(s): Between Dec 2018 to Feb 2022, 28 pts were enrolled: 20 pts with HR+/HER2- disease and 8 pts with TNBC. Median age was 47 (range 31-71) and 71% of pts were premenopausal. At diagnosis before NAC, clinical stage II disease represented 60.7%, cN+ 60.7%, median Ki-67 was 37.5% (range 20%-95%), high TILs (>=10%) 37%, median TMB was 3 (0-19) and only 1 of 27 pts (3.7%) had a PD-L1-positive tumor. After NAC, mean tumor size by MRI was 28.3 mm (10-93). Two pts discontinued from the trial (1 withdrawal of consent and 1 COVID infection). The completion of 5 cycles of treatment was achieved by 73% of pts. The overall RCB-0/1 rate was 25% (7 of 28, 95% IC 10.7 - 44.9%), all with RCB 0 (pathologic complete response [pCR]). The pCR rate was 30% in HR+/HER2- disease and 12.5 % in TNBC. Radiological response by MRI was achieved by 3 of 28 pts (10.7%). Interestingly, none of the 7 pts with a pCR had radiological response (stable disease n=5, progressive disease [PD] n=2). Six pts (21.4%) had radiological PD and had RCB 2/3. Overall, 27 (96%) patients had at least one treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) of any grade. Most common grade 1 or 2 AEs were fever (11 pts, 39.3%), ALT increased (9 pts, 32.1%), AST increased (8 pts, 28.6%), arthralgia (6 pts, 21.4%) and anemia (6 pts, 21.4%). Grade 3 reversible neutropenia occurred in 1 patient. Across all pts, significant increases (p< 0.001) in TILs, immune genes and immune PDL1+ cells were observed after 1 dose of TVEC, 1 dose of the combination and at surgery. Intrinsic subtype changes at surgery occurred in 73.1% of cases, mostly (46.1%) Luminal A/B converting to Normal-like. At surgery, 19 of 26 (73.1%) of tumors were PDL1+. Conclusion(s): Two months of T-VEC in combination with atezolizumab induced a pCR in a subgroup of pts with chemoresistant HER2- breast cancer. This effect is probably related to the immune activation provoked by the combined treatment. Interestingly, a high discrepancy was observed between the presurgical radiological imaging and the actual surgical pathological report. Pre-operative window-ofopportunity trials in this context might provide important clues regarding the activity of novel treatment strategies.

Access to phototherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic

As the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many phototherapy centres stopped treating patients completely or limited services to very urgent patients only. As the duration of the pandemic became evident and owing to the need to offer alternatives to systemic immunosuppressive drugs for many patients with inflammatory skin disease, we adapted our service to treat increasing patient numbers. Offering treatment over extended hours and Saturday morning, and reorganizing waiting areas and the flow of how patients entered and exited the unit allowed social distancing. This also provided time for the cleaning of equipment between patients. A survey confirmed that patients felt very safe attending treatment. Our unit has also offered a home phototherapy service since 2016 - initially four units and expanded to eight in 2018. To allow continued access for our cohort of vulnerable, shielding patients, we drew up a compelling business case and submitted a funding application to the Trust's emergency COVID-19 budget, successfully obtaining funding for an additional 10 units. Our existing Waldman home units are no longer manufactured, but we were able to source three units from existing stock and seven additional Daavlin 7 Series units from Scott Medical. The home phototherapy service offers treatment for a wide range of inflammatory skin diseases, including psoriasis, eczema, urticaria, polymorphic light eruption, pruritus and pityriasis lichenoides chronicus. In 2020, despite staff redeployment and before the arrival of the new units, patients receiving home phototherapy included 16 patients with psoriasis who were shielding or could not travel to hospital. Eighty-one per cent of patients achieved clear or minimal residual disease activity within 30 exposures or less by the end of their course, which is comparable to our hospital-based service. Rates of symptomatic erythema (E2) were 1% of total number of exposures delivered in this patient group with no episodes of E3 or E4. Our in-hospital erythema rate for 2020 was 2 2%. There were very high levels of patient satisfaction. This highlights the importance of home phototherapy and provides additional evidence that it is safe and effective. The expansion in our service brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic will allow us to extend this service to more patients in the future.

CARTITUDE-2 Cohort A: Updated Clinical Data and Biological Correlative Analyses of Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel (cilta-cel) in Lenalidomide-Refractory Patients With Progressive Multiple Myeloma (MM) After 1-3 Prior Lines of Therapy (LOT)

Context: CARTITUDE-2 (NCT04133636) Cohort A is assessing cilta-cel in lenalidomide-refractory patients with progressive MM after 1-3 prior LOT. Objective(s): To present updated results from CARTITUDE-2 Cohort A. Design(s): Phase 2, multicohort study. Patient(s): Lenalidomide-refractory patients with progressive MM after 1-3 prior LOT (PI and IMiD included) and no previous exposure to BCMA-targeting agents. Intervention(s): Single cilta-cel infusion (target dose 0.75x106 CAR+ viable T-cells/kg) after lymphodepletion Main Outcome Measure(s): Primary endpoint was minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity at 10-5. Management strategies were used to reduce risk of movement/neurocognitive adverse events (MNTs). Pharmacokinetics (PK) (Cmax/Tmax of CAR+T-cell transgene levels), cytokine release syndrome (CRS)-related cytokines over time, peak cytokine levels by response/CRS, association of cytokine levels with immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), and CAR+T-cell CD4/CD8 ratio by response/CRS/ICANS are being evaluated. Result(s): As of January 2022 (median follow-up [MFU] 17.1 months), 20 patients (65% male;median age 60 years;median 2 prior LOT;95% refractory to last LOT) received cilta-cel. Overall response rate was 95% (90% >=complete response;95% >=very good partial response). Median times to first and best response were 1.0 month and 2.6 months, respectively. All 16 MRD-evaluable patients achieved MRD negativity at 10-5. Median duration of response was not reached. At 12 months, event-free rate was 79% and progression-free survival rate was 75%. 95% of patients had CRS (gr3/4 10%);median time to onset was 7 days and median duration was 3 days. Neurotoxicity was reported in 30% of patients (5 gr1/2;1 gr3/4) and ICANS in 15% (all 3 gr1/2);1 patient had gr2 facial paralysis. No MNTs were observed. 1 death occurred due to COVID-19 (treatment-related), 2 due to progressive disease, and 1 due to sepsis (not treatment-related). Preliminary PK analyses showed peak CAR-T cell expansion at day 10.5;median persistence was 153.5 days. Conclusion(s): At MFU of 17.1 months, a single cilta-cel infusion resulted in deep and durable responses in lenalidomide-refractory MM patients with 1-3 prior LOT. We will present updated PK/cytokine/CAR-T subset analyses and clinical correlation to provide novel insights into biological correlates of efficacy/safety in this population. Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc.

DREAMM-9: PHASE I STUDY OF BELANTAMAB MAFODOTIN PLUS STANDARD OF CARE IN PATIENTS WITH TRANSPLANT-INELIGIBLE NEWLY DIAGNOSED MULTIPLE MYELOMA

Background: The bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (VRd) regimen is a standard of care for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). Belantamab mafodotin (belamaf) is a B-cell maturation antigen-binding antibody-drug conjugate that eliminates myeloma cells by a multimodal mechanism: direct cell kill and anti-myeloma tumor immune response. Belamaf has demonstrated deep and durable responses as a monotherapy in the DREAMM-2 study of patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Preclinical evidence of belamaf in combination with bortezomib or lenalidomide suggests enhanced anti-myeloma activity, providing rationale for this treatment combination. Aims: To evaluate the safety and tolerability of this combination in adult pts with transplant-ineligible (TI) NDMM and establish the recommended Phase III dose. Methods: DREAMM-9 (NCT04091126) is an ongoing Phase I, open-label, randomized study of belamaf + VRd. The belamaf dose cohorts currently being evaluated are Cohort 1 (1.9 mg/kg Q3/4W), Cohort 2 (1.4 mg/kg Q6/8W), Cohort 3 (1.9 mg/kg Q6/8W), Cohort 4 (1.0 mg/kg Q3/4W), and Cohort 5 (1.4 mg/kg Q3/4W). Belamaf is given with VRd Q3W until Cycle 8, and with Rd Q4W thereafter. After evaluation of safety data for Cohort 1, Cohorts 2-5 were opened in parallel and enrolled pts were randomized 1:1:1:1. Primary endpoint is safety. Secondary endpoints include efficacy, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK). Results: As of data cutoff (07 Dec 2021), 64 pts were analyzed across all cohorts. Median age (range) was 73.0 (51- 88) years, 55% were male, 80% were white, 8% had extramedullary disease, 59% were International Staging System stage II or III, 20% had amp1q, and 17% had high-risk cytogenetics (≥1 of: t(4;14), t(14;16), del17p). The median duration of follow-up varied: Cohort 1 (17.4 months [mo]), Cohort 2 (5.9 mo), Cohort 3 (6.1 mo), Cohort 4 (4.7 mo), Cohort 5 (5.8 mo). Median number of belamaf cycles were: Cohort 1 (6), Cohort 2 (3), Cohort 3 (3.5), Cohort 4 (4.5), and Cohort 5 (5). Most common adverse events (AEs) across cohorts included thrombocytopenia (49%), constipation (43%), diarrhea (32%), and peripheral sensory neuropathy (30%). AEs related to study treatment were experienced by 61 (97%) pts. Belamaf-related grade 3/4 AEs occurred in 24 (38%) pts. Belamaf dose reductions occurred in 11 (18%) pts, with dose delays in 10 (16%) pts. Three pts experienced a fatal severe AE (unrelated to study treatment);2 due to COVID-19 infection, 1 due to pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Early deep responses were observed;67-92% pts achieved ≥very good partial response (VGPR) (Table), with median time to VGPR of 2.1-2.9 months across cohorts. Of pts with ≥VGPR, 17 were minimal residual disease (MRD) negative, 10 in Cohort 1. As of data cutoff, 8-75% of pts achieved best response of complete response (CR) or stringent CR (sCR). Grade 3 corneal exam findings were reported in 25-58% of pts;grade 3 visual acuity changes were reported in 21-75% of pts. No grade 4 corneal exam findings or visual acuity changes were reported in pts receiving belamaf Q6/8W, compared with 0-17% and 0-8%, respectively, in the Q3/4W cohorts. Belamaf PK profile was similar to that in pts with RRMM, accounting for baseline characteristics. Image: Summary/Conclusion: Belamaf + VRd demonstrated high response rates in pts with TI NDMM, with a high rate of MRD negativity indicating deep responses. No new safety signals were observed relative to DREAMM-2. Study is ongoing to evaluate the safety and efficacy of variable dose intensities of belamaf in combination with VRd.

DARATUMUMAB CARFILZOMIB LENALIDOMIDE AND DEXAMETHASONE AS INDUCTION THERAPY IN HIGH-RISK TRANSPLANT ELIGIBLE NEWLY DIAGNOSED MYELOMA PATIENTS: RESULTS OF THE PHASE 2 STUDY IFM 2018-04

Background: High-risk (HR) cytogenetic is associated with poor outcome in transplant eligible (TE) newly diagnosed myeloma multiple myeloma (NDMM). The triplet combination carfilzomib lenalidomide and dexamethasone (KRD) plus transplantation demonstrated high efficacy with faorable safety profile in TE-NDMM patients (FORTE). The addition of daratumumab (Dara) to frontline therapy also improed response rate and progression free-surial in TE-NDMM patients (CASSIOPEIA, GRIFFIN). Double transplant also improed outcome of HR TE NDMM patients (EMN02, STAMINA). Aims: The phase 2 trial 2018-04 from the Intergroupe Francophone du Myelome (IFM) is ealuating an intensie strategy with Dara-KRD induction and consolidation plus double transplant in HR TE NDMM (NCT03606577). Methods: HR MM was defined by the presence of del17p, t(4;14) and/or t(14;16). Stategy includes Dara-KRD induction (6 cycles), autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), Dara-KRD consolidation (4 cycles), second ASCT, Dara-lenalidomide maintenance. The primary endpoint was the feasibility of this intensie strategy. Here, we report efficacy and safety analysis of Dara-KRD induction. Results: Fifty patients with preiously untreated NDMM were included from july 2019 to march 2021 in 11 IFM centers Median age was 57 (range 38 -65). ISS stage 3 was present in 12 (24%) patients. Based on inclusion criteria, all patients had HR cytogenetic, including 17p deletion (n=20, 40%), t(4;14) (n=26, 52%) or t(14;16) (n=10,20%). Forty-six patients completed Dara-KRD induction. Two patients discontinued treatment due to seere aderse eent (COVID-19 infection, n=1 ;drug-induced hepatitis, n=1) and 2 patients discontinued treatment due to disease progression. Grade 3-4 treatment related aderse eent (>5% of patients) were neutropenia (38%), anemia (14%), thrombocytopenia (8%), infection (6%), renal insufficiency (6%) and deep-ein thrombosis (6%). Two patients (6%) experienced stem-cell collection failure. Oerall response rate was 96%, including 92 % > ery good partial response. Among 37/46 ealuable patients post induction, Minimal Residual Disease negatiity rate (NGS, 10-5) was 62%. Summary/Conclusion: Dara-KRD as induction prior ASCT is safe and allows deep responses in TE NDMM patients with high-risk cytogenetic profile. IFM 2018-04 study is ongoing and longer follow-up is needed to ealuate safety and efficacy of the oerall strategy with Dara-KRD induction and consolidation plus double transplant in this subset of HR patients.

COVID-19 IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC MYELOID LEUKEMIA IN TREATMENT-FREE REMISSION: DISEASE SEVERITY AND IMPACT ON TFR STATUS

Background: Severe SARS-CoV-2 infections associated with high mortality rates are reported in a higher percentage of patients (pts) with hematologic malignancies compared to general population. In chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), pts with uncontrolled disease have a higher mortality risk. The impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on CML pts in treatment-free remission (TFR) has not been studied so far. In particular, as immune control of residual disease may be important for TFR, the concern is that the infection could induce loss of TFR. Aims: To evaluate the outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection in CML pts in TFR and assess any impact on maintenance of TFR. Methods: From March 2020 to December 2021, the CANDID study organized by the international CML Foundation has collected data on COVID-19 positive CML pts worldwide. Details on the registry were presented recently (Pagano ASH 2021). For this sub-analysis on pts in TFR additional information were collected including;molecular remission status (BCR::ABL1 ratios) before, during and after SARS-CoV-2 infection covering at least 6 months. For molecular analyses, BCR::ABL1 ratios were classified according to Cross et al (Leukemia 2015). In addition, ratios of 0% without indication of sensitivity were allocated as MR4 i.e. 0.01%IS. PCR outlier results were identified using the ROUT method by nonlinear regression with a maximum false discovery rate (FDR) of 1% (Motulsky et al 2006). Time to molecular relapse (MR) was measured from the date of COVID-19 diagnosis to the date of MR defined as loss of major molecular remission (MMR, BCR::ABL1 >0.1%IS) or the date of last molecular test. Molecular relapse-free survival (MRFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. The statistical difference between groups was performed using log-rank test. Results: By December 2021, 1050 COVID-19 positive CML pts were registered. 95 pts were in TFR at the time point of SARS-CoV-2 infection of which 89 (93.68%) recovered and 6 deceased (6.32%). Median age of TFR pts was 57 years, male were 51 (53.68%). Median time from CML diagnosis to reporting date was 13 years (range 3.7-27.0 years). TFR duration was 2.83 years in median (range 0.5 months - 10.1 years) including 19 pts with a duration < 1 year. From the 89 recovered TFR pts, 74 pts completed the 6-month follow up (83%), a further 6 pts with molecular follow-up of 3-5 months after COVID-19 diagnosis were still in TFR, 9 pts were lost to follow-up. Of 74 pts with complete reports, 69 pts remained in TFR (93%) and 5 pts lost TFR. For 71 pts, PCR results were obtained before, during and after infection. With the ROUT method 10 pts demonstrated outlier PCR tests, 61 pts demonstrated stable PCR results. There was no statistically significant difference in PCR results before and during/after infection (p>0.2). MRFS for these 71 pts 15 months after COVID-19 diagnosis was 86%. Probability of TFR loss was higher in pts with a TFR duration < 6 months compared to pts with TFR duration >6 months (27% vs 10%, Fig 1A). Additionally, there were no statistically differences in hospitalization rate (16% vs 23%, p=0.12) and severity of COVID-19 symptoms (12.6% vs 12%, p=0.87) comparing TFR and TKI treated pts. OS of COVID-19 positive TFR pts did not differ from COVID-19 positive pts on TKI therapy (HR 1.1, CI 0.47-2.54) (Fig 1B). Summary/Conclusion: In this sub-analysis of the CANDID study, CML pts in TFR had similar severity and survival to CML pts who were on TKI therapy and there was no evidence of an increased risk of TFR loss after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

DEPLETION AND RECOVERY OF NORMAL B-CELLS DURING AND AFTER TREATMENT WITH CHEMOIMMUNOTHERAPY, IBRUTINIB OR VENETOCLAX

Background: Infectious complications are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL). Therapeutic approaches that deplete CLL cells also affect normal B-cells. Optimal treatment would result in eradication of CLL cells and recovery of normal immune function. FLAIR (ISRCTN01844152) is a phase III trial for previously untreated CLL comparing ibrutinib plus rituximab (IR) with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab (FCR) and subsequently amended to also compare ibrutinib plus venetoclax (I+V) and ibrutinib alone (I) with FCR. Measurable residual disease (MRD) and normal B-cell levels were assessed at multiple timepoints. Aims: To assess the depletion of normal B-cells during treatment and recovery after end of treatment. Methods: Participants aged under 75 years with <20% TP53-deleted cells were initially randomised to FCR or IR and subsequently to FCR, IR, I+V or I with the IR arm closed after randomisation of 771 participants to FCR/IR. FCR was given for 6 cycles, while treatment in the IR, I and I+V arms continued for up to 6 years except in participants attaining <0.01% MRD who continued treatment for the time taken to achieved MRD <0.01% and then stopped if MRD remained <0.01%. Month (M) 24 was earliest permitted stopping point. MRD flow cytometry was performed according to ERIC guidelines (panel: CD19/5/20/43/79/81+ROR1, acquisition of 0.5-2.2 million cells, BD Biosciences Lyric). Additional analysis of normal B-cell subsets was performed in a cohort of >500 patients (panel: CD19 to identify B-cells, CD20/5/79b+ROR1 and CD3 to exclude CLL & contaminating cells, with CD27/ 38/IgD/IgM to characterise normal B-cell subsets using a Coulter Cytoflex LX). Results: Normal B-cells were undetectable during FCR treatment and only rarely detectable until 12 months after last FCR cycle. Circulating normal B-cells were reduced in number or undetectable in participants receiving ibrutinibcontaining regimens with greater depletion in the I+V and IR arms relative to I monotherapy. B-progenitors persist through FCR treatment but were depleted during I, I+R or I+V treatment. Normal B-cell levels at 24 and 36 months after randomisation, with time off-treatment if applicable, are shown in Figure 1. In the ibrutinib-containing arms (IR, I, and I+V), there was a trend towards fewer COVID-associated SAE at any time point for participants with detectable B-cells at 24M (4/181, 2.2%) compared to those with no detectable B-cells (14/344, 4.1%) and COVID-associated SAEs were not observed in FCR-treated participants who had recovered any level of normal B-cells by 24M (0/215). However, the data on COVID infections are limited and there was no apparent association between normal B-cell levels at 24M with the proportion of participants experiencing an infectious SAE overall. Assessment of normal B-cell subsets during ibrutinib-based treatment demonstrated a mix of naïve and memory B-cells. Serological response to COVID infection/vaccination in this cohort is currently being performed. Participants stopping I+V treatment at 24-30 months post-randomisation due to MRD eradication showed rapid recovery of normal naive B-cells within 6-12 months after end of treatment in the vast majority (>95%) of evaluable cases. Summary/Conclusion: Normal circulating B-cells are depleted during treatment with rituximab but can persist at a low level during I, IR or I+V treatment. Most patients in remission after treatment with FCR or I+V show recovery of normal B-cells at 12 months of stopping treatment.

IBRUTINIB PLUS VENETOCLAX IN PATIENTS WITH COMPLEX KARYOTYPE AND CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA

Background: In the largest study of Baliakas et al. (2019) the presence of at least 5 abnormalities, was associated with dismal clinical outcome, independently of the somatic hypermutation status and TP53 status. The presence of 3 or 4 aberrations is defined as clinically relevant in the absence of TP53. Studies by Kittai (2021) and Al-Sawaf (2020) showed the impact of karyotypic complexity on survival in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treated with ibrutinib or venetoclax. The complex karyotype (CK) is a topic that is being intensively researched, both in the aspect of increasing karyotypic complexity stratification and clonal evolution. Optimal therapy for patients with CLL has not yet been developed. The combination therapy of ibrutinib and venetoclax was superior to chlorambucil and obinutuzumab in terms of undetectable minimal residual disease (MRD) responses according to data from the GLOW trial (Tunir, 2021). The importance of achieving a complete response with undetectable MRD as the goal of therapy in CLL was proposed (Montserrat, 2005). Aims: The aim of our study is to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy with ibrutinib and venetoclax in combination for the patients with CLL and CK. Methods: This ambilinear observational study included patients with CLL with high genetic complexity (high-CK), defined as >=5 aberrations or CK (>=3 aberrations) in combination with a 17p deletion (CK+del17p). The first retrospective cohort included patients treated with ibrutinib monotherapy (Imono) to progression or intolerable toxicity since May 2015. The second prospective cohort included patients receiving ibrutinib in combination with venetoclax (IVen) since July 2019. Venetoclax therapy was started at the 3rd month of ibrutinib (from the escalation phase). Combination therapy was continued until a complete response, defined as three consecutive PET-CT-negative and MRD-negative results 3 months apart. If this criterion was not achieved at 24th month of therapy, venetoclax was discontinued and ibrutinib continued indefinitely. Results: Seventy-nine patients are included in the study. Twenty-nine patients in the first cohort and 50 patients in the second cohort. The characteristic is presented in Table. At the current follow-up periods, there were no significant differences in PFS and OS regarding a follow-up period <= 24 months (with the exception of death from COVID-19, since patients were not observed at parallel time intervals). In the group of patients treated with Imono, the majority of patients achieved partial remission or partial remission with lymphocytosis by 12 months. In 21 patients from Iven group, with a median follow-up of 7.4 months, a complete remission was achieved (72.4%);of these, 8 had unmeasurable MRD. Four patients did not complete the escalation period. There was a significant difference in the median MRD response achieved between 3 (log10>10) and 12 (log10<0,1) months in IVen group (p=0,03). In 2 patient from the IVen group progression of the disease was noted. Summary/Conclusion: Combination therapy with ibrutinib and venetoclax is an effective oral regimen for high-risk patients with complex karyotype disorders. PFS in both groups is currently not significantly different, which is obviously due to the short follow-up period. Patients receiving the IVen regimen achieve a significantly better response, which paves the way for allogeneic transplantation in these patients.

CILTACABTAGENE AUTOLEUCEL IN LENALIDOMIDE-REFRACTORY PATIENTS WITH PROGRESSIVE MULTIPLE MYELOMA AFTER 1-3 PRIOR LINES OF THERAPY: CARTITUDE-2 BIOLOGICAL CORRELATIVE ANALYSES AND UPDATED CLINICAL DATA

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).

TIME-LIMITED TREATMENT WITH ACALABRUTINIB PLUS OBINOTUZUMAB IN TREATMENT-NAÏVE CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA PATIENTS INDUCES DEEP REMISSIONS: EARLY RESULTS OF AN ONGOING PHASE 2 TRIAL

Background: The Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor acalabrutinib is approved for treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia(CLL). Acalabrutinib induces durable remissions in most CLL patients, which mostly are partial remissions (PR), and therefore treatment typically is given as long-term monotherapy. As a potential alternative we developed a time-limited regimen, combining acalabrutinib with obinutuzumab. Aims: Here, we report early results from 14 treatment-naïve patients with CLL who enrolled in this ongoing phase 2 trial (NCT04505254) since September, 2020 at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Methods: Patients and Study Design: Treatment-naïve CLL patients requiring therapy as per iwCLL criteria receive acalabrutinib 100 mg orally twice a day for 24 cycles, combined with monthly obinotuzumab for 6 doses, starting in cycle 3. The first dose of obinutuzumab is divided into 100 mg on day 1 and 900 mg on day 2 of cycle 3;1000 mg are given during subsequent cycles (cycles 4-8). Patients who do not achieve a complete remission (CR) after cycle 8 can receive an additional 6 monthly doses of obinotuzumab during cycles 9 -14. Treatment is discontinued after 24 cycles, and patients will be monitored. The primary objective is to determine the durability of remissions after treatment discontinuation, secondary objectives are to determine clinical and laboratory characteristics that predict for early versus late relapse after time-limited therapy. Results: The median age of the patients is 70 yrs (range, 40 -83 yrs), 14% had del17p or TP53 mutation, 43% had an unmutated IgHV and 71% advance stage disease (RAI stage III and IV). The median baseline absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) and b2 microglobulin at start of therapy were 39.2x109/L (range: 7.1 - 188.4 x 109/L) and 4.2 mg/L (range: 2.2 - 7.9 mg/L), respectively. After a median follow-up of 7 months (2 - 16 months), 13 (93%) of patients remain on study;one patient died (7%) due from complications from a presumed bacterial (COVID19-negative) pneumonia after 2 months on therapy. The estimated one-year PFS and OS for the cohort is 92.8 %. Seven patients were evaluable for response assessment after 8 months of therapy. No patient has yet discontinued therapy. All patients achieved a PR (one patient with undetectable minimal residual disease/U-MRD in the bone marrow), accounting for an overall responsonse rate of 100%. The median levels of bone marrow infiltration by CLL cells, quantified by flow cytometry, declined from 83.6% (range: 54.3 - 94.0 %) at baseline to 4.1% (range, 0.0 - 63.3%, n=7, p<0.05, see figure) after 6 cycles of combination treatment. Sixty-four percent of patients completed all doses of obinotuzumab, 50% requiered a dose reduction of acalabrutinib to 100 mg per day due to adverse events (AE). Grade 33 AE were observed in 4 patients (29%), which included decreased neutrophil counts (n=2), syncope (n=1), and grade 5 lung infection (COVID19 not detected, n=1). The most frequently reported non-serious related AE (3 2 patients) were anemia (n=5 [36%]), decreased platelets counts (n=3 [21%]), bruising (n=3 [21%]), limbs edema (n=2 [15%]) and headache (n=2 [15%]). All these events were grade 1. Importantly, no bleeding or atrial fibrillation events were observed. 3285 (Figure Presented ) Summary/Conclusion: Our preliminary data indicate that combination therapy of acalabrutinib plus obinotuzumab induces remissions with a major reduction in bone marrow disease after 6 months of combination therapy. Longer treatment and follow-up is warranted to determine the durability of responses after therapy discontinuation.

Patient Outcomes Following Salvage Lung Cancer Surgery Post Definitive Chemotherapy or Radiation

Introduction: Definitive chemoradiaotherapy (dCRT) is an option for patients with lung cancer who are medically inoperable or have unresectable locally advanced disease. The local recurrence rate after dCRT is 30% and the prognosis is poor. Salvage surgery, or surgical resection of recurrent disease following dCRT, is one therapeutic option, however, optimal therapy for locoregional recurrences or residual disease is controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of salvage lung resection. Methods: This is a single centre retrospective database review. Patients eligible for the study received definitive chemotherapy, radiation therapy or both followed by salvage pulmonary resection for local recurrence or residual disease. Patient characteristics and outcomes were examined. Results: Sixteen patients (11 male, 5 female) out of 201 that met the inclusion criteria treated between January 2017 and August 2020 were identified with a median follow-up time of 21 months (Q1, Q3 8-37.5). The median patient age was 68. All 16 patients received radiation, 7 of whom received less than 59 Gy and 9 received greater than 59 Gy. The rationale for dCRT varied as 6 patients had disease considered to be unresectable, 5 patients were originally considered to be medically inoperable, 4 patients had a preference for non-surgical management initially, and 1 patient pursued dCRT due to uncertainty of surgical options due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The median time from radiotherapy to surgery was 22 months (Q1, Q3 14.25-27.5). The extent of salvage resections differed as 5 patients had wedge resections, 4 had lobectomies, and 5 patients had more than one lobe resected. No pneumonectomies were preformed. Two resections were aborted in the operating room due to upstaging at the time of resection. The final pathology was 9 adenocarcinomas, 5 squamous cell carcinomas, 1 adenosquamous carcinoma and 1 non-malignant (nodular fibroblastic scarring with surrounding focal organizing pneumonia). Median procedure time was 3h10.5m. Adhesions were noted in 12 cases (75%). Ninety-day mortality was 0%. Overall survival at most recent follow-up was 75% (12 patients). Conclusions: Salvage pulmonary resection after dCRT can be performed with low morbidity and mortality rates and is a good option for treatment of recurrent or residual disease after dCRT. Keywords: Early stage lung cancer treatment, Salvage pulmonary resection, Definitive chemoradiaotherapy

A phase 1b study of blinatumomab with the anti-programmed cell death (PD)-1 antibody AMG 404 in adults with relapsed/refractory (R/R) B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Background: Preclinical data indicate that anti-PD-1 agents can facilitate activity of bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) molecules. Here we assess the combination of the anti-CD19 BiTE molecule blinatumomab with the anti-PD-1 antibody AMG 404 in adults with R/R ALL (NCT04524455). Methods: Eligible adults with R/R ALL (Ph+ disease included) received 2-5 treatment cycles. Each cycle was 42 days, consisting of 4 weeks of cIV blinatumomab and a 2-week treatment-free interval as per label. In Cohort 1, AMG 404 was dosed IV at 240 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W);first dose was Day (D) 11 of Cycle (C) 1. Primary endpoints were dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and other adverse events (AEs). Results: As of 20 Dec 2021, patients (pts) from Cohort 1 (n=8) had median age of 57 (range: 24-73) y, 6/ 8 male, 6/8 Caucasian, 1 with extramedullary disease (duodenum), 2 with prior blinatumomab, and a median of 5 (2-15) prior treatment lines. Two pts remain on study and 2 completed the study;4 pts discontinued the study due to death (n=3) or consent withdrawn (n=1). No DLTs were reported for the 3 evaluable pts. Of the 5 pts not evaluable for DLTs, in C1, 4 had disease progression and 1 an unrelated fatal pneumonia. Treatment-related grade (Gr) ≥3 and/or serious AEs in all 8 pts included cytokine release syndrome (CRS) (1 pt Gr 2, 1 pt Gr 1 and 3), Gr 3 increases in ALT and AST, Gr 3 fever, Gr 3-4 neutropenia, Gr 4 neutropenia/Gr 3-4 thrombocytopenia (same pt), Gr 2 sensorimotor polyneuropathy, Gr 3 hypertension, Gr 3 encephalopathy, and in 1 pt Gr 3-4 decreases in white blood cells, lymphocytes, and neutrophils. One pt developed Gr 3 SARS-COV-2 pneumonia on C2D25, resolving without clinical sequelae. C3 start was delayed by 12 days but protocol treatment resumed uneventfully. All 3 DLT-evaluable pts had a complete response (CR) or CR with partial hematologic recovery (CRh), 2/3 without measurable residual disease (MRD), within 2 cycles;the 3rd pt had an MRD response at the end of C3. Preliminary pharmacokinetic results for the combination of blinatumomab and AMG 404 demonstrated that their exposures were consistent with those observed for each as monotherapy and did not indicate any drug-drug interactions. To date, all samples tested for anti-blinatumomab antibodies have been negative. Conclusions: In this ongoing phase 1b study, the combination of blinatumomab with AMG 404 was tolerated with a manageable safety profile. No DLTs were reported. Enrollment continues in Cohort 2 in which AMG 404 is dosed Q4W at 480 mg starting on C1D1, 48 hours prior to blinatumomab.

Daratumumab carfilzomib lenalidomide and dexamethasone as induction therapy in high-risk, transplant-eligible patients with newly diagnosed myeloma: Results of the phase 2 study IFM 2018-04

Background: High-risk (HR) cytogenetic is associated with poor outcome in transplant eligible (TE) newly diagnosed myeloma multiple myeloma (NDMM). The triplet combination carfilzomib lenalidomide and dexamethasone (KRD) plus transplantation demonstrated high efficacy with favorable safety profile in TE-NDMM patients (FORTE). The addition of daratumumab (Dara) to frontline therapy also improved response rate and progression free-survival in TE-NDMM patients (CASSIOPEIA, GRIFFIN). Double transplant also improved outcome of HR TE NDMM patients (EMN02, STAMINA). The phase 2 trial 2018-04 from the Intergroupe Francophone du Myelome (IFM) is evaluating an intensive strategy with Dara-KRD induction and consolidation plus double transplant in HR TE NDMM (NCT03606577). Methods: HR MM was defined by the presence of del17p, t(4;14) and/or t(14;16). Stategy includes Dara-KRD induction (6 cycles), autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), Dara- KRD consolidation (4 cycles), second ASCT, Dara-lenalidomide maintenance. The primary endpoint was the feasibility of this intensive strategy. Here, we report efficacy and safety analysis of Dara-KRD induction. Results: Fifty patients with previously untreated NDMM were included from july 2019 to march 2021 in 11 IFM centers Median age was 57 (range 38 -65). ISS stage 3 was present in 12 (24%) patients. Based on inclusion criteria, all patients had HR cytogenetic, including 17p deletion (n = 20, 40%), t(4;14) (n = 26, 52%) or t(14;16) (n = 10,20%). Forty-six patients completed Dara-KRD induction. Two patients discontinued treatment due to severe adverse event (COVID-19 infection, n = 1 ;drug-induced hepatitis, n = 1) and 2 patients discontinued treatment due to disease progression. Grade 3-4 treatment related adverse event (> 5% of patients) were neutropenia (38%), anemia (14%), thrombocytopenia (8%), infection (6%), renal insufficiency (6%) and deep-vein thrombosis (6%). Two patients (6%) experienced stem-cell collection failure. Overall response rate was 96%, including 92 % > very good partial response. Among 37 (/46) evaluable patients post induction, Minimal Residual Disease negativity rate (NGS, 10-5) was 62%. Conclusions: Dara-KRD as induction prior ASCT is safe and allows deep responses in TE NDMM patients with high-risk cytogenetic profile. IFM 2018-04 study is ongoing and longer follow-up is needed to evaluate safety and efficacy of the overall strategy with Dara- KRD induction and consolidation plus double transplant in this subset of HR patients.

Treatment of Breast Disease During the Coronavirus Pandemic

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic peaked in New York City in Spring 2020. From March 20-May 4, all elective operations were suspended due to the number of hospitalized Covid-19 patients. In this study, we sought to describe patterns of care for surgical patients during this time. METHODS: An IRB approved retrospective review was performed of patients who presented to our hospital system from March-May 2020, diagnosed with breast cancer or atypia. RESULTS: We identified 75 patients with breast cancer and 19 patients with atypia. According to standard of care, 55/75 (73%) cancer patients would have undergone upfront surgery. 2/55 (4%) instead were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT), 34/55 (62%) with neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET), and 19/55 (34%) had no immediate treatment. 12/19 (63%) with no immediate treatment had DCIS only. 7 had invasive disease, and mean days from diagnosis to surgery was 63 days (range 47-79). One patient had a positive node. A total of 20/75 (27%) patients needed NCT based on advanced stage or molecular profile and had no delay in starting treatment. Of the 34 NET patients, 5 (14.7%) were treated for approximately 6 months and 24 (70.6%) were treated for approximately 6 weeks as a bridge to surgery only. Of the 34 patients who received NET, 5 (14.7%) had an apparent decrease in T stage: 3 patients with clinical T1 disease had no residual disease. 2 had clinical T2 and ultimately had pathological T1 disease. Of the 19 patients with atypia, 6 (31.6%) started chemoprevention preoperatively and 1 patient was already receiving it for a previous LCIS diagnosis. All underwent subsequent surgery and 1/19 (5.3%) patients was upstaged to DCIS. CONCLUSIONS: During the peak of Covid-19, with delay of surgery, we observed an increased utilization of NET when compared to usual treatment patterns, with no apparent adverse effects. While further studies are needed to validate our results, we may see more wide spread use of NET in the future to temporize patients as needed.

CARTITUDE-2 UPDATE: CILTACABTAGENE AUTOLEUCEL, A B-CELL MATURATION ANTIGEN-DIRECTED CHIMERIC ANTIGEN RECEPTOR T-CELL THERAPY, IN LENALIDOMIDEREFRACTORY PATIENTS WITH PROGRESSIVE MULTIPLE MYELOMA AFTER 1-3 PRIOR LINES OF THERAPY

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.

Application of CT pulmonary function imaging in convalescent COVID‑19 patients

Objective To explore the application value of CT pulmonary function imaging in patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‑19) in the convalescent phase. Methods The COVID‑19 patients who were clinically cured and discharged from Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology were prospectively collected from January to April 2020. Clinical pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and CT pulmonary function imaging were performed 3 months after discharge. The Philips IntelliSpace Portal image post‑processing workstation was used to obtain the paired inspiratory‑expiratory CT quantitative indexes of the whole lung, left lung, right lung and five lobes. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether residual lesions remain in inspiratory CT images: non‑residual lesion group and residual lesion group. The chi‑square test was used to compare the differences in the PFT results between groups;the Mann‑Whitney U test was used to compare the differences in PFT indexes [forced expiratory volume in the first second as percentage of predicted value (FEV1%), FEV1/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC), total lung capacity as percentage of predicted value (TLC%), FVC% ] and the differences in quantitative CT indexes [lung volume (LV), mean lung density (MLD), volume change in inspiratory phase and expiratory phase (∆ LV)] between groups. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between CT pulmonary function imaging and PFT indexes of convalescent COVID‑19 patients. Results Of the 90 patients with COVID‑19, 35 were males and 55 were females;45 were included in the non‑residual lesion group and 45 were included in the residual lesion group. Fifty‑three patients had clinical pulmonary dysfunction 3 months after discharge, including 22 patients in the non‑residual lesion group and 31 patients in the residual lesion group. In patients with residual disease, left lower lobe and right lower lobe LV, left lower lobe and right lower lobe ∆ LV in the inspiratory and expiratory phase were smaller than those without residual disease;whole lung, left lung, right lung, left upper lobe, left lower lobe and right lower lobe MLD in the inspiratory phase and left lower lobe and right lower lobe MLD in the expiratory phase were greater than those without residual disease (P<0.05). Since there was no significant difference in FEV1/FVC and FVC% between residual and non‑residual lesion groups (P>0.05), FEV1/FVC and FVC% of two groups were combined. Multiple linear regression analysis showed FEV1/FVC= 91.765-0.016×LVin‑right middle lobe+0.014×MLDex‑left lower lobe (R2 =0.200, P<0.001), FVC% =-184.122-0.358× MLDin‑right lung-0.024× ∆ LVleft upper lobe (R2 =0.261, P<0.001). There was significant difference in TLC% between residual and non‑residual lesion groups (P<0.05), so multiple linear regression analysis was performed both in the two groups. In the non‑residual lesion group, TLC% =80.645+0.031× (R2 =0.132, P<0.001);In the residual lesion group, TLC% =-110.237-0.163× LVex‑right lower lobe MLDin‑right upper lobe-0.098×MLDex‑left upper lobe -0.025×LVex‑right lower lobe (R2 =0.473, P<0.001). Conclusion CT pulmonary function imaging can quantitatively analyze the whole lung, unilateral lung and lobulated lung, thus reflecting the regional pulmonary function, providing more valuable diagnostic information for the assessment of ulmonar function in convalescent atients with COVID‑19