Retrospective, Observational Analysis on the Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Variant Omicron in Hospitalized Immunocompromised Patients in a German Hospital Network-The VISAGE Study.

AIMS: Endemic SARS-CoV-2 infections still burden the healthcare system and represent a considerable threat to vulnerable patient cohorts, in particular immunocompromised (IC) patients. This study aimed to analyze the in-hospital outcome of IC patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection in Germany. METHODS: This retrospective, observational study, analyzed administrative data from inpatient cases (n = 146,324) in 84 German Helios hospitals between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022 with regard to in-hospital outcome and health care burden in IC patients during the first 12 months of Omicron dominance. As the primary objective, in-hospital outcomes of patients with COVID-19-related severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) were analyzed by comparing patients with (n = 2037) and without IC diagnoses (n = 14,772). Secondary analyses were conducted on IC patients with (n = 2037) and without COVID-19-related SARI (n = 129,515). A severe in-hospital outcome as a composite endpoint was defined per the WHO definition if one of the following criteria were met: intensive care unit (ICU) treatment, mechanical ventilation (MV), or in-hospital death. RESULTS: In total, 12% of COVID-related SARI cases were IC patients, accounting for 15% of ICU admissions, 15% of MV use, and 16% of deaths, resulting in a higher prevalence of severe in-hospital courses in IC patients developing COVID-19-related SARI compared to non-IC patients (Odds Ratio, OR = 1.4, p < 0.001), based on higher in-hospital mortality (OR = 1.4, p < 0.001), increased need for ICU treatment (OR = 1.3, p < 0.001) and mechanical ventilation (OR = 1.2, p < 0.001). Among IC patients, COVID-19-related SARI profoundly increased the risk for severe courses (OR = 4.0, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the vulnerability of IC patients to severe COVID-19. The persistently high prevalence of severe outcomes in these patients in the Omicron era emphasizes the necessity for continuous in-hospital risk assessment and monitoring of IC patients.

Microbiological risk factors, ICU survival, and 1-year survival in hematological patients with pneumonia requiring invasive mechanical ventilation.

PURPOSE: To identify pathogenic microorganisms and microbiological risk factors causing high morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation due to pneumonia. METHODS: A retrospective single-center study was performed at the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Department of Internal Medicine at Heidelberg University Hospital (Germany) including 246 consecutive patients with hematological malignancies requiring invasive mechanical ventilation due to pneumonia from 08/2004 to 07/2016. Microbiological and radiological data were collected and statistically analyzed for risk factors for ICU and 1-year mortality. RESULTS: ICU and 1-year mortality were 63.0% (155/246) and 81.0% (196/242), respectively. Pneumonia causing pathogens were identified in 143 (58.1%) patients, multimicrobial infections were present in 51 (20.7%) patients. Fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens were detected in 89 (36.2%), 55 (22.4%) and 41 (16.7%) patients, respectively. Human herpesviruses were concomitantly reactivated in 85 (34.6%) patients. As significant microbiological risk factors for ICU mortality probable invasive Aspergillus disease with positive serum-Galactomannan (odds ratio 3.1 (1.2-8.0), p = 0.021,) and pulmonary Cytomegalovirus reactivation at intubation (odds ratio 5.3 (1.1-26.8), p = 0.043,) were identified. 1-year mortality was not significantly associated with type of infection. Of interest, 19 patients had infections with various respiratory viruses and Aspergillus spp. superinfections and experienced high ICU and 1-year mortality of 78.9% (15/19) and 89.5% (17/19), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with hematological malignancies requiring invasive mechanical ventilation due to pneumonia showed high ICU and 1-year mortality. Pulmonary Aspergillosis and pulmonary reactivation of Cytomegalovirus at intubation were significantly associated with negative outcome.

Retrospective study on pomalidomide-PACE as a salvage regimen in aggressive relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma.

OBJECTIVES: Despite major advances in treatment options for multiple myeloma (MM), patients refractory to the main drug classes and those with aggressive, especially extramedullary disease, still face a dismal outcome. For these patients, effective therapeutic options are urgently warranted. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we report on the safety and efficacy of the intensive combination regimen of pomalidomide plus cisplatin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide (Pom-PACE) in patients with relapsed refractory MM (RRMM) or plasma cell leukemia (PCL). A study population of 20 consecutive patients treated with Pom-PACE at two academic centers was included for analysis. All patients had to have a confirmed relapse according to International Myeloma Working Group criteria and adequate organ function prior to the start of therapy. Data were collected by reviewing medical charts. Exploratory analyses were performed with regard to efficacy and safety. RESULTS: Patients were heavily pretreated with a median number of four prior therapies (range: 1-10). All patients were exposed to immunomodulators, proteasome inhibitors, and alkylating agents, 80% were double-class refractory, 40% were triple-class refractory. Extramedullary MM or PCL were present in 15 patients (75%). Overall response rate (ORR) was 68%, with 31% achieving at least a very good partial response. Responses were achieved rapidly with an ORR of 64% after one cycle. Median progression-free survival was 8.9 months (0.92-not reached [NR]) and median overall survival was 11.8 months (3-40.6). Pom-PACE was associated with significant toxicity. All evaluable patients experienced Grade 4 hematological toxicity. However, no treatment related mortality was observed. CONCLUSION: Pomalidomide-PACE was able to induce rapid responses in heavily pretreated, aggressive RRMM with a manageable toxicity profile and therefore offers an effective salvage regimen and a potential bridging strategy to further treatment options such as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy.

Resolving therapy resistance mechanisms in multiple myeloma by multiomics subclone analysis.

Intratumor heterogeneity as a clinical challenge becomes most evident after several treatment lines, when multidrug-resistant subclones accumulate. To address this challenge, the characterization of resistance mechanisms at the subclonal level is key to identify common vulnerabilities. In this study, we integrate whole-genome sequencing, single-cell (sc) transcriptomics (scRNA sequencing), and chromatin accessibility (scATAC sequencing) together with mitochondrial DNA mutations to define subclonal architecture and evolution for longitudinal samples from 15 patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. We assess transcriptomic and epigenomic changes to resolve the multifactorial nature of therapy resistance and relate it to the parallel occurrence of different mechanisms: (1) preexisting epigenetic profiles of subclones associated with survival advantages, (2) converging phenotypic adaptation of genetically distinct subclones, and (3) subclone-specific interactions of myeloma and bone marrow microenvironment cells. Our study showcases how an integrative multiomics analysis can be applied to track and characterize distinct multidrug-resistant subclones over time for the identification of molecular targets against them.

Impact of novel agent therapies on immune cell subsets and infectious complications in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

Introduction: Infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Methods: To examine the effects of modern second-generation novel agent therapy on immune cell subsets, in particular CD4+-T-cells, and infectious complications in patients with relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM), we conducted a prospective cohort study in 112 RRMM patients. Results: Substantially decreased CD4+-T-cells <200/µl before initiation of relapse therapy were detected in 27.7% of patients and were associated with a higher number of previous lines of therapy. Relapse therapy with carfilzomib or pomalidomide showed a significant further decrease of CD4+-T-cells. All novel agents led to a significant decrease of B-cell counts. Overall, infections were frequent with 21.3% of patients requiring antibacterial therapy within the first 3 months of relapse therapy, 5.6% requiring hospitalization. However, in the setting of standard antimicrobial prophylaxis in RRMM patients with very low CD4+-T-cells, no significant association of CD4+T-cell count and an increased risk of infection could be detected. Discussion: Our findings imply that reduced CD4+-T-cell numbers and infections are common in patients with RRMM. We also demonstrate an association with the number of previous therapies and certain substances suggesting an increased need for personalized prophylaxis strategies for opportunistic infections in this patient cohort.

Molecular epidemiology and disease severity of influenza virus infection in patients with haematological disorders.

Influenza virus infection is a common cause of self-limiting respiratory tract infection (RTI), however immunocompromised patients are at an increased risk for a severe course of disease or fatal outcome. We therefore aimed to gain a better understanding of the molecular epidemiology of influenza viruses from patients with haematological disorders and their impact on the clinical course of disease. Molecular analysis using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of nasopharyngeal swabs was performed for influenza virus in haematological patients at the Heidelberg University Hospital. Clinical data was evaluated to identify associated risk factors. For phylogenetic analysis, the hemagglutinin (HA) gene was sequenced. Out of 159 influenza positive patients, 117 patients developed upper RTI (influenza A: n = 73; influenza B: n = 44). Lower RTI was observed in n = 42 patients (26%), n = 22/42 patients developed severe disease and n = 16/159 (10.1%) patients died. Risk factors for lower RTI were nosocomial infection (p = 0.02), viral shedding for ≥14 days (p = 0.018), IgG levels <6 g/dL (p = 0.046), bacterial/fungal co-infections (p < 0.001). Risk factors for fatal outcome were age ≥65 years (p = 0.032), bacterial/fungal (p≤0.001) co-infections and high viral load (p = 0.026). Sequencing of the HA gene (n = 115) revealed subtype A(H3N2) (n = 46), A(H1N1)pdm09 (n = 24), B/Victoria (n = 34), B/Yamagata (n = 11). There was no correlation between influenza (sub)type and lower RTI. Influenza infection in haematological patients is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, the risk for aggravating co-infections, prolonged viral shedding and nosocomial transmission emphasizing the need for infection control.

AGIHO guideline on evidence-based management of COVID-19 in cancer patients: 2022 update on vaccination, pharmacological prophylaxis and therapy in light of the omicron variants.

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and the associated infectious disease COVID-19 pose a significant challenge to healthcare systems worldwide. Patients with cancer have been identified as a high-risk population for severe infections, rendering prophylaxis and treatment strategies for these patients particularly important. Rapidly evolving clinical research, resulting in the recent advent of various vaccines and therapeutic agents against COVID-19, offers new options to improve care and protection of cancer patients. However, ongoing epidemiological changes and rise of new virus variants require repeated revisions and adaptations of prophylaxis and treatment strategies to meet these new challenges. Therefore, this guideline provides an update on evidence-based recommendations with regard to vaccination, pharmacological prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19 in cancer patients in light of the currently dominant omicron variants. It was developed by an expert panel of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society for Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) based on a critical review of the most recent available data.

A phase 2 clinical trial of combined BRAF/MEK inhibition for BRAFV600E-mutated multiple myeloma.

Activating BRAF mutations are found in a small subset of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, but prevalence increases in late-stage, refractory disease, and the mutations are associated with adverse outcome. This prospective single-arm, open-label, multicenter phase 2 trial assessed the efficacy and safety of combined BRAF/MEK inhibition, using encorafenib and binimetinib, in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) carrying a BRAFV600E mutation. Patients received 450 mg encorafenib once daily and binimetinib 45 mg twice daily. The primary end point was the overall response rate achieved within the first year after start of treatment according to International Myeloma Working Group criteria. Twelve RRMM patients with a median of 5 prior lines of therapy were enrolled. The overall response rate was 83.3%, with 10 patients achieving at least a partial response. The median progression-free survival was 5.6 months, and overall survival was 55% at 24 months. Emerging resistance to therapy was driven by RAS mutations and structural variants involving the BRAF locus. This is the first prospective clinical trial to demonstrate that combined BRAF/MEK inhibition is highly effective in patients with BRAFV600E-mutated RRMM, and it represents a successful targeted precision medicine approach in this disease. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02834364.

Parainfluenza virus infections in patients with hematological malignancies or stem cell transplantation: Analysis of clinical characteristics, nosocomial transmission and viral shedding.

To assess morbidity and mortality of parainfluenza virus (PIV) infections in immunocompromised patients, we analysed PIV infections in a hematology and stem cell transplantation (SCT) unit over the course of three years. Isolated PIV strains were characterized by sequence analysis and nosocomial transmission was assessed including phylogenetic analysis of viral strains. 109 cases of PIV infection were identified, 75 in the setting of SCT. PIV type 3 (n = 68) was the most frequent subtype. PIV lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) was observed in 47 patients (43%) with a mortality of 19%. Severe leukopenia, prior steroid therapy and presence of co-infections were significant risk factors for development of PIV-LRTI in multivariate analysis. Prolonged viral shedding was frequently observed with a median duration of 14 days and up to 79 days, especially in patients after allogeneic SCT and with LRTI. Nosocomial transmission occurred in 47 patients. Phylogenetic analysis of isolated PIV strains and combination with clinical data enabled the identification of seven separate clusters of nosocomial transmission. In conclusion, we observed significant morbidity and mortality of PIV infection in hematology and transplant patients. The clinical impact of co-infections, the possibility of long-term viral shedding and frequent nosocomial transmission should be taken into account when designing infection control strategies.

Cellular Immune Response after Vaccination in Patients with Cancer-Review on Past and Present Experiences.

Patients with cancer are at particular risk for infection but also have diminished vaccine responses, usually quantified by the level of specific antibodies. Nonetheless, vaccines are specifically recommended in this vulnerable patient group. Here, we discuss the cellular part of the vaccine response in patients with cancer. We summarize the experience with vaccines prior to and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in different subgroups, and we discuss why, especially in patients with cancer, T cells may be the more reliable correlate of protection. Finally, we provide a brief outlook on options to improve the cellular response to vaccines.

Comprehensive genomic analysis of refractory multiple myeloma reveals a complex mutational landscape associated with drug resistance and novel therapeutic vulnerabilities.

The outcomes of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) refractory to immunomodulatory agents (IMiDs) and proteasome inhibitors (PIs) remain poor. In this study, we performed whole genome and transcriptome sequencing of 39 heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM) patients to identify mechanisms of resistance and potential therapeutic targets. We observed a high mutational load and indications of increased genomic instability. Recurrently mutated genes in RRMM, which had not been previously reported or only observed at a lower frequency in newly diagnosed MM, included NRAS, BRAF, TP53, SLC4A7, MLLT4, EWSR1, HCFC2, and COPS3. We found multiple genomic regions with bi-allelic events affecting tumor suppressor genes and demonstrated a significant adverse impact of bi-allelic TP53 alterations on survival. With regard to potentially resistance conferring mutations, recurrently mutated gene networks included genes with relevance for PI and IMiD activity; the latter particularly affecting members of the Cereblon and the COP9 signalosome complex. We observed a major impact of signatures associated with exposure to melphalan or impaired DNA double-strand break homologous recombination repair in RRMM. The latter coincided with mutations in genes associated with PARP inhibitor sensitivity in 49% of RRMM patients; a finding with potential therapeutic implications. In conclusion, this comprehensive genomic characterization revealed a complex mutational and structural landscape in RRMM and highlights potential implications for therapeutic strategies.

Subclone-specific microenvironmental impact and drug response in refractory multiple myeloma revealed by single-cell transcriptomics.

Virtually all patients with multiple myeloma become unresponsive to treatment over time. Relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) is accompanied by the clonal evolution of myeloma cells with heterogeneous genomic aberrations and profound changes of the bone marrow microenvironment (BME). However, the molecular mechanisms that drive drug resistance remain elusive. Here, we analyze the heterogeneous tumor cell population and its complex interaction network with the BME of 20 RRMM patients by single cell RNA-sequencing before/after treatment. Subclones with chromosome 1q-gain express a specific transcriptomic signature and frequently expand during treatment. Furthermore, RRMM cells shape an immune suppressive BME by upregulation of inflammatory cytokines and close interaction with the myeloid compartment. It is characterized by the accumulation of PD1+ γδ T-cells and tumor-associated macrophages as well as the depletion of hematopoietic progenitors. Thus, our study resolves transcriptional features of subclones in RRMM and mechanisms of microenvironmental reprogramming with implications for clinical decision-making.

Carfilzomib, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone Followed by Salvage Autologous Stem Cell Transplant with or without Maintenance for Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma.

Salvage high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDCT/ASCT) is a treatment option for relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). No data are available on salvage HDCT/ASCT following re-induction treatment with state-of-the-art triplet regimens. We retrospectively report on 44 patients receiving salvage HDCT/ASCT following re-induction with carfilzomib/lenalidomide/dexamethasone (KRd). All patients received frontline HDCT/ASCT with median time to progression (TTP1) of 2.9 (1.2-13.5) years, enabling paired comparison of frontline and salvage HDCT/ASCT. After re-induction and before salvage transplant, 25/44 patients (57%) attained ≥ very good partial response (VGPR), which increased to 34/44 (77%) at best response after salvage HDCT/ASCT. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 23.3 months from salvage HDCT/ASCT. Patients with ≥ VGPR at the time of salvage HDCT/ASCT and those receiving maintenance treatment post salvage HDCT/ASCT had significantly superior PFS (hazard ratio (HR) 0.19, p = 0.001 and HR 0.20, p = 0.009). In patients achieving at least an equal depth of response before salvage HDCT/ASCT as before frontline HDCT/ASCT, PFS after salvage HDCT/ASCT was comparable to the frontline situation (p = 0.3). This is the first report of state-of-the-art triplet re-induction and salvage HDCT/ASCT for RRMM after frontline transplantation. Deep remissions achieved with KRd translate into prolonged PFS following salvage HDCT/ASCT and are enhanced by maintenance treatment.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis or Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor Support in Multiple Myeloma Patients Undergoing Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation.

We compare, in this manuscript, antibiotic prophylaxis versus granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) support as anti-infective strategies, in patients with multiple myeloma (MM), undergoing high-dose therapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (HDT/ASCT). At our institution, antibiotic prophylaxis after HDT/ASCT in MM was stopped in January 2017 and replaced by G-CSF support in March 2017. Consecutive MM patients who received HDT/ASCT between March 2016 and July 2018 were included in this single-center retrospective analysis. In total, 298 patients and 353 individual cases of HDT/ASCT were evaluated. In multivariate analyses, G-CSF support was associated with a significantly shortened duration of severe leukopenia < 1/nL (p < 0.001, hazard ratio (HR) = 16.22), and hospitalization (estimate = -0.19, p < 0.001) compared to antibiotic prophylaxis. Rates of febrile neutropenia, need of antimicrobial therapy, transfer to intensive care unit, and death, were similar between the two groups. Furthermore, antibiotic prophylaxis was associated with a significantly increased risk for the development of multidrug resistant bacteria especially vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium compared to G-CSF support (odds ratio (OR) = 17.38, p = 0.01). Stop of antibiotic prophylaxis as an anti-infective strategy was associated with a reduction in overall resistance rates of bacterial isolates. These results indicate that G-CSF support should be the preferred option in MM patients undergoing HDT/ASCT.

[Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in cancer patients]. / Impfung gegen SARS-CoV-2 bei Krebspatienten.

Patients with cancer are at an increased risk to suffer severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, specific preventative measures including COVID-19 vaccines are especially important. Both anticancer therapies and the underlying malignancy itself can lead to significant immunosuppression posing a particular challenge for vaccination strategies in these patients. At the moment, four COVID-19 vaccines are European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved in Germany: two mRNA and two viral vector-based vaccines. All four vaccines show excellent protection against severe COVID-19. Their mechanism of action relies on the induction of the production of virus-specific proteins by human cells and the following activation of a specific adaptive immune response. Vaccination against COVID-19 has been prioritized for cancer patients and medical personnel in Germany. Regarding timing of vaccination, vaccination prior to initiation of anticancer therapy seems ideal in newly diagnosed disease. However, due to the significant risk of severe COVID-19 in cancer patients, vaccination is also strongly recommended for patients already undergoing anticancer therapy. In these patients, immune response might be reduced. In two particular patient cohorts, namely stem cell transplant recipients and patients treated with B­cell depleting agents, an interval of several months following therapy is recommended because otherwise the response to vaccination will most likely be severely reduced. Preliminary data suggest only low rates of seroconversion following a single shot of vaccine in cancer patients. Therefore, on the long run, repeat vaccination regimens might be preferable in cancer patients.

2021 update of the AGIHO guideline on evidence-based management of COVID-19 in patients with cancer regarding diagnostics, viral shedding, vaccination and therapy.

The worldwide spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the associated infectious coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has posed a unique challenge to medical staff, patients and their families. Patients with cancer, particularly those with haematologic malignancies, have been identified to be at high risk to develop severe COVID-19. Since publication of our previous guideline on evidence-based management of COVID-19 in patients with cancer, research efforts have continued and new relevant data has come to light, maybe most importantly in the field of vaccination studies. Therefore, an update of our guideline on several clinically important topics is warranted. Here, we provide a concise update of evidence-based recommendations for rapid diagnostics, viral shedding, vaccination and therapy of COVID-19 in patients with cancer. This guideline update was prepared by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society for Haematology and Medical Oncology by critically reviewing the currently available data on these topics applying evidence-based medicine criteria.

HDP-101, an Anti-BCMA Antibody-Drug Conjugate, Safely Delivers Amanitin to Induce Cell Death in Proliferating and Resting Multiple Myeloma Cells.

Despite major treatment advances in recent years, patients with multiple myeloma inevitably relapse. The RNA polymerase II complex has been identified as a promising therapeutic target in both proliferating and dormant cancer cells. Alpha-amanitin, a toxin so far without clinical application due to high liver toxicity, specifically inhibits this complex. Here, we describe the development of HDP-101, an anti-B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) antibody conjugated with an amanitin derivative. HDP-101 displayed high efficacy against both proliferating and resting myeloma cells in vitro, sparing BCMA-negative cells. In subcutaneous and disseminated murine xenograft models, HDP-101 induced tumor regression at low doses, including durable complete remissions after a single intravenous dose. In cynomolgus monkeys, HDP-101 was well tolerated with a promising therapeutic index. In conclusion, HDP-101 safely and selectively delivers amanitin to myeloma cells and provides a novel therapeutic approach to overcome drug resistance in this disease.

Evidence-based management of COVID-19 in cancer patients: Guideline by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society for Haematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO).

Since its first detection in China in late 2019 the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the associated infectious disease COVID-19 continue to have a major impact on global healthcare and clinical practice. Cancer patients, in particular those with haematological malignancies, seem to be at an increased risk for a severe course of infection. Deliberations to avoid or defer potentially immunosuppressive therapies in these patients need to be balanced against the overarching goal of providing optimal antineoplastic treatment. This poses a unique challenge to treating physicians. This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations regarding prevention, diagnostics and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 as well as strategies towards safe antineoplastic care during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was prepared by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society for Haematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) by critically reviewing the currently available data on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 in cancer patients applying evidence-based medicine criteria.

B-cell maturation antigen-specific chimeric antigen receptor T cells for multiple myeloma: Clinical experience and future perspectives.

Despite major advances in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), it remains a largely incurable disease with long-term control often dependent on continuous therapy. More effective, better tolerated treatments are therefore required to achieve durable remissions and to improve the quality of life of MM patients. Adoptive immunotherapy employing T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) is currently among the most promising treatment approaches in cancer. Within the target portfolio for MM immunotherapy, B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is among the most widely studied target antigens. BCMA is consistently expressed on MM cells and, importantly, is not expressed in critical healthy tissue. For this reason, it is an ideal target for MM immunotherapy. Several clinical trials evaluating different BCMA-targeting CAR constructs have been initiated and early results are very promising. However, in this rapidly developing clinical landscape, the ultimate role of BCMA-specific CAR-T cell therapy remains unclear. In this review, we will summarize currently available clinical data on BCMA-directed CAR-T cells and discuss potential future perspective for this promising treatment approach in MM.

Response-adapted lenalidomide maintenance in newly diagnosed myeloma: results from the phase III GMMG-MM5 trial.

The MM5 trial aimed at demonstrating a progression-free survival (PFS) difference in continued vs. response-adapted (in case of complete response, CR) lenalidomide (LEN) maintenance therapy (MT) in newly diagnosed, transplant-eligible multiple myeloma (MM). Patients were equally randomized to receive induction therapy with PAd (bortezomib/doxorubicin/dexamethasone) or VCD (bortezomib/cyclophosphamide/dexamethasone), high-dose melphalan and autologous blood stem cell transplantation, and LEN consolidation, followed by either LEN MT for a fixed duration of 2 years (LEN-2Y) or until achievement of CR (LEN-CR, intention-to-treat population n = 502): arms A1:PAd + LEN-2Y (n = 125), B1:PAd + LEN-CR (n = 126), A2:VCD + LEN-2Y (n = 126), B2:VCD + LEN-CR (n = 125). In the LEN-CR group (B1 + B2), n = 88/17.5% patients did not start or discontinued LEN MT due to CR. There was no PFS (p = 0.60, primary endpoint) nor overall survival (OS) (p = 0.15) difference between the four study arms. On pooled LEN MT strategies, OS (hazard ratio, hazard ratio [HR] = 1.42, p = 0.03) but not PFS (HR = 1.15, p = 0.20) was shorter in LEN-CR (B1 + B2) vs. LEN-2Y (A1 + A2) groups. PFS was shortened on landmark analyses from the start of LEN MT in patients being in CR in the LEN-CR group (LEN-CR vs. LEN-2Y, HR = 1.84, p = 0.02). OS from first progression was shortened in the LEN-CR vs. LEN-2Y group (HR = 1.60, p = 0.01). LEN MT should be applied beyond CR for at least 2 years.