CAR T-cell therapy induces a high rate of prolonged remission in relapsed primary CNS lymphoma: Real-life results of the LOC network.

The prognosis of relapsed primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) remains dismal. CAR T-cells are a major contributor to systemic lymphomas, but their use in PCNSL is limited. From the LOC network database, we retrospectively selected PCNSL who had leukapheresis for CAR-T cells from the third line of treatment, and, as controls, PCNSL treated with any treatment, at least in the third line and considered not eligible for ASCT. Twenty-seven patients (median age: 68, median of three previous lines, including ASCT in 14/27) had leukapheresis, of whom 25 received CAR T-cells (tisa-cel: N = 16, axi-cel: N = 9) between 2020 and 2023. All but one received a bridging therapy. The median follow-up after leukapheresis was 20.8 months. The best response after CAR-T cells was complete response in 16 patients (64%). One-year progression-free survival from leukapheresis was 43% with a plateau afterward. One-year relapse-free survival was 79% for patients in complete or partial response at CAR T-cell infusion. The median overall survival was 21.2 months. Twenty-three patients experienced a cytokine release syndrome and 17/25 patients (68%) a neurotoxicity (five grade ≥3). The efficacy endpoints were significantly better in the CAR T-cell group than in the control group (N = 247) (median PFS: 3 months; median OS: 4.7 months; p < 0.001). This series represents the largest cohort of PCNSL treated with CAR T-cells reported worldwide. CAR T-cells are effective in relapsed PCNSL, with a high rate of long-term remission and a reassuring tolerance profile. The results seem clearly superior to those usually observed in this setting.

Age-related immune cell dynamics influence outcomes after allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation.

An efficient immunological reconstitution construes the pillar for the success of allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in haematological disorders. Factors influencing post-transplant immune recovery have been largely investigated across multiple cohorts issuing heterogeneous results. Differences in outcomes in adult and paediatric populations suggest an age-related contribution to post-transplant immune reconstitution; however, it is unclear how recipient and donor age may affect the dynamics of single immune cells. Here, we retrospectively collected and analysed immunological data of 174 patients (58 children and 116 adults) consecutively transplanted for haematological disorders in our centre. We show that trajectories of specific immune cells were strictly dependent on recipient age and pretransplant virus exposure, with the strongest effect seen on T CD4+ and B-cell counterparts, while donor age and transplant platforms had a minimal impact. This mirrored different kinetics of immune reconstitution in adult and paediatric patients, with major divergences in immune cell composition in late post-transplant phases, featuring better survival, relapse-free survival and cumulative incidence of pathogen-specific infections in younger patients. Altogether, these findings underpin the importance of recipient age on post-transplant immune cell recovery and define the basic dynamics of the immune reconstitution in paediatric and adult populations as a benchmark for future studies.

A French single-center experience on allogeneic stem cell transplant cryopreservation during severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic.

BACKGROUND AIMS: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) is a curative treatment for chemo-resistant hematological malignancies. Because of transport restriction imposed by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, regulatory bodies and societies recommended graft cryopreservation before recipient conditioning. However, the freezing and thawing processes, including washing steps, might impair CD34+ cell recovery and viability, thereby impacting the recipient engraftment. Over 1 year (between March 2020 and May 2021), we aimed to analyze the results of frozen/thawed peripheral blood stem cell allografts in terms of stem cell quality and clinical outcomes. METHODS: Transplant quality was evaluated by comparing total nucleated cells (TNCs), CD34+ cells and colony-forming unit-granulocyte/macrophage (CFU-GM)/kg numbers as well as TNC and CD34+ cell viabilities before and after thawing. Intrinsic biological parameters such as granulocyte, platelet and CD34+ cell concentrations were analyzed, as they might be responsible for a quality loss. The impact of the CD34+ cell richness of the graft on TNC and CD34 yields was evaluated by designing three groups of transplants based on their CD34 /kg value at collection: >8 × 10 6/kg, between 6 and 8 × 106/kg and <6 × 106/kg. The consequences of cryopreservation were compared in the fresh and thawed group by evaluating the main transplant outcomes. RESULTS: Over 1 year, 76 recipients were included in the study; 57 patients received a thawed and 19 patients a fresh allo-SCT. None received allo-SCT from a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-positive donor. The freezing of 57 transplants led to the storage of 309 bags, for a mean storage time (between freezing and thawing) of 14 days. For the fresh transplant group, only 41 bags were stored for potential future donor lymphocyte infusions. Regarding the graft characteristics at collection, median number of cryopreserved TNC and CD34+ cells/kg were greater than those for fresh infusions. After thawing, median yields were 74.0%, 69.0% and 48.0% for TNC, CD34+ cells and CFU-GM, respectively. The median TNC dose/kg obtained after thawing was 5.8 × 108, with a median viability of 76%. The median CD34+ cells/kg was 5 × 106, with a median viability of 87%. In the fresh transplant group, the median TNC/kg was 5.9 × 108/kg, and the median CD34+ cells/kg and CFU-GM/kg were 6 × 106/kg and 276.5 × 104/kg, respectively. Sixty-one percent of the thawed transplants were out of specifications regarding the CD34+ cells/ kg requested cell dose (6 × 106/kg) and 85% of them would have had this dose if their hematopoietic stem cell transplant had been infused fresh. Regarding fresh grafts, 15.8% contained less than 6 × 106 CD34+ cells /kg and came from peripheral blood stem cells that did not reach 6 × 106 CD34+ cells /kg at collection. Regarding the factor that impaired CD34 and TNC yield after thawing, no significant impact of the granulocyte count, the platelet count or the CD34+ cells concentration/µL was observed. However, grafts containing more than 8 × 10 6/kg at collection showed a significantly lower TNC and CD34 yield. CONCLUSIONS: Transplant outcomes (engraftment, graft-versus-host disease, infections, relapse or death) were not significantly different between the two groups.

Adenovirus-specific T-lymphocyte efficacy in the presence of methylprednisolone: An in vitro study.

Virus-specific T-cell (VST) infusion becomes a promising alternative treatment for refractory viral infections after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, VSTs are often infused during an immunosuppressive treatment course, especially corticosteroids, which are a first-line curative treatment of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). We were interested in whether corticosteroids could affect adenovirus (ADV)-VST functions. After interferon (IFN)-γ based immunomagnetic selection, ADV-VSTs were in vitro expanded according to three different culture conditions: without methylprednisolone (MP; n = 7), with a final concentration of MP 1 µg/mL (n = 7) or MP 2 µg/mL (n = 7) during 28 ± 11 days. Efficacy and alloreactivity of expanded ADV-VSTs was controlled in vitro. MP transitorily inhibited ADV-VST early expansion. No impairment of specific IFN-γ secretion capacity and cytotoxicity of ADV-VSTs was observed in the presence of MP. However, specific proliferation and alloreactivity of ADV-VSTs were decreased in the presence of MP. Altogether, these results and the preliminary encouraging clinical experiences of co-administration of MP 1 mg/kg and ADV-VSTs will contribute to safe and efficient use of anti-viral immunotherapy.

Outcome of patients with large B-cell lymphoma treated with tafasitamab plus lenalidomide either before or after CAR T-cell therapy.

ABSTRACT: Tafasitamab plus lenalidomide (TAFA-LEN) treatment relevance pre- or post-anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is debated. We analyzed patients with large B-cell lymphoma in the DESCAR-T registry treated with axi[1]cel or tisa-cel in ≥3rd line and TAFA-LEN before (n = 15, "TL-pre-CAR-T" set) or directly after (n = 52, "TL-post-CAR-T" set) CAR T-cell therapy. We compared TAFA-LEN v. other treatments using inverse probability weighting in the TL-post-CAR[1]T set. In the TL-post-CAR-T set, the median progression-free survival (mPFS), overall survival (mOS), and duration of response (mDOR) since the first treatment for progression (mPFS2/mOS2/mDOR2) were 3, 4.7, and 8.1 months, respectively. The best overall response rate (bORR) and best complete response rate (bCRR) after TAFA-LEN were 13.5% and 7.7%, respectively. Outcomes were better for patients who relapsed >6 months after CAR T-cell therapy (mPFS2: 5.6 vs 2 months, P = .0138; mOS2: not reached vs 3.8 months, P = .0034). The bORR and bCRR between TAFA-LEN and other treatments were 20.6% vs 24.9% and 11.6% vs 15.6%, respectively. Outcomes were similar between TAFA-LEN and other treatments (mPFS2: 2.9 vs 2.4 months, P = .91; mOS2: 3.3 vs 5.5 months, P = .06). In an exploratory analysis of the TL-pre-CAR-T set, the median TAFA-LEN treatment duration before CAR-T was 3.7 months with no patient becoming CD19 negative. The bORR, bCRR, 6- month PFS, and OS rates after CAR T-cell infusion were 45.5%, 36.4%, 20.1%, and 58.2%, respectively. Neither TAFA-LEN nor comparative salvage treatment improved outcomes for patients relapsing after CAR T-cell therapy.

[Organizational and budgetary impacts of the implementation of CAR-T cell therapies in a French academic hospital]. / Impacts organisationnels et budgétaires de la mise en place des thérapies CAR-T cells au sein d'un centre hospitalier académique français.

Belonging to the family of advanced therapy medicinal products, CAR-T cells have changed the management of hematological malignancies. These treatments are known to involve many actors in a complex process. The quotation of hospital stays associated with this therapeutic strategy is also unusual since there is currently no specific quotation. From November 2021 to May 2022, a study was conducted at the Nancy University Hospital to evaluate the organizational impact of CAR-T cell therapy on hospital actors and the budgetary impact of stays in care centers. Through this study, we have shown significant and variable organizational impacts: from 3.12% of an additional full-time equivalent for an administrative manager to 41.5% for a clinical research associate. These times, when compared to the hourly rates of the actors, generated high costs: 6582.81 € per patient, i.e. 15.60% of the total cost of hospitalization. Taking into account the current refund of hospital stays and the costs calculated above, the balance of an average hospital stay is a deficit of 674.10 € [±10,224.79] with a median of 1334.97 €. This study highlighted the workload generated by the management of these new therapies, as well as the fragile balance of financing hospital stays. To date, it seems necessary and even essential to adapt the quotations of the acts dedicated to CAR-T cells activity and to provide adequate funding through an adapted pricing system.

[Vaccination before and after autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation for autoimmune diseases: Guidelines from the Francophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (MATHEC-SFGM-TC)]. / Vaccinations avant et après greffe de cellules hématopoïétiques autologues chez les patients atteints de maladies auto-immunes : propositions du groupe Maladies Auto-immunes et Thérapie Cellulaire de la SFGM-TC.

The Francophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC) organized the 12th workshop on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation clinical practices harmonization procedures on September 2021 in Lille, France. In the absence of specific national or international recommendation, the French working group for autologous stem Cell transplantation in Auto-immune Diseases (MATHEC) proposed guidances for vaccinations of patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for autoimmune disease, including in the context of SARS-Cov-2 pandemic.

Comparison of NK alloreactivity prediction models based on KIR-MHC interactions in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

The biological processes underlying NK cell alloreactivity in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remain unclear. Many different models to predict NK alloreactivity through KIR and MHC genotyping exist, raising ambiguities in its utility and application for clinicians. We assessed 27 predictive models, broadly divided into six categories of alloreactivity prediction: ligand-ligand, receptor-ligand, educational, KIR haplotype-based, KIR matching and KIR allelic polymorphism. The models were applied to 78 NGS-typed donor/recipient pairs undergoing allogeneic HSCT in genoidentical (n=43) or haploidentical (n=35) matchings. Correlations between different predictive models differed widely, suggesting that the choice of the model in predicting NK alloreactivity matters. For example, two broadly used models, educational and receptor-ligand, led to opposing predictions especially in the genoidentical cohort. Correlations also depended on the matching fashion, suggesting that this parameter should also be taken into account in the choice of the scoring strategy. The number of centromeric B-motifs was the only model strongly correlated with the incidence of acute graft-versus-host disease in our set of patients in both the genoidentical and the haploidentical cohorts, suggesting that KIR-based alloreactivity, not MHC mismatches, are responsible for it. To our best knowledge, this paper is the first to experimentally compare NK alloreactivity prediction models within a cohort of genoidentical and haploidentical donor-recipient pairs. This study helps to resolve current discrepancies in KIR-based alloreactivity predictions and highlights the need for deeper consideration of the models used in clinical studies as well as in medical practice.

Early 18F-FDG PET Flare-up Phenomenon After CAR T-Cell Therapy in Lymphoma.

ABSTRACT: 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging series were acquired on a 64-year-old woman with refractory diffuse large B lymphoma to monitor chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. Because of a clinical deterioration, 18F-FDG PET/CT performed 8 days after CAR T-cell therapy suggested an early flare-up phenomenon with new lymph node involvement, lymph node progression while a decrease in metabolic tumor volume. The 18F-FDG PET/CT 1 month after CAR T-cell therapy confirmed this hypothesis. Pseudoprogression in solid tumors treated by immunotherapy has generally been reported later after treatment.

Filling the Gap: The Immune Therapeutic Armamentarium for Relapsed/Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Despite years of clinical progress which made Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) one of the most curable malignancies with conventional chemotherapy, refractoriness and recurrence may still affect up to 20-30% of patients. The revolution brought by the advent of immunotherapy in all kinds of neoplastic disorders is more than evident in this disease because anti-CD30 antibodies and checkpoint inhibitors have been able to rescue patients previously remaining without therapeutic options. Autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation still represents a significant step in the treatment algorithm for chemosensitive HL; however, the possibility to induce complete responses after allogeneic transplant procedures in patients receiving reduced-intensity conditioning regimens informs on its sensitivity to immunological control. Furthermore, the investigational application of adoptive T cell transfer therapies paves the way for future indications in this setting. Here, we seek to provide a fresh and up-to-date overview of the new immunotherapeutic agents dominating the scene of relapsed/refractory HL. In this optic, we will also review all the potential molecular mechanisms of tumor resistance, theoretically responsible for treatment failures, and we will discuss the place of allogeneic stem cell transplantation in the era of novel therapies.

On Behalf of the SFGM-TC: Retrospective Comparison of Reduced and Higher Intensity Conditioning for High-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome Treated With Allogeneic Stem-Cell Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) remains the best curative option for high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome . We retrospectively compared patient outcomes after allo-HSCT according to the intensity of the conditioning regimen. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three conditioning regimens were compared in 427 patients allografted for high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome: reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC), fludarabine (150-160 mg/m2) and busulfan (6.4 mg/kg); sequential FLAMSA-RIC, fludarabine, amsacrine, and aracytine followed by RIC; and myeloablative with reduced toxicity (RTC), fludarabine and busulfan (9.6 mg/kg or 12.8 mg/kg). RESULTS: The patients in the 3 conditioning groups were different in regards to the number of treatment lines (P< .001), percentage of blasts in bone marrow (P< .001), and disease status at transplantation (P< .001). No significant differences in outcomes (overall survival, progression-free survival, nonrelapse mortality, relapse incidence, and graft versus host disease relapse-free survival) were observed between the 3 groups. Using propensity score analysis to overcome baseline imbalances, we compared 70 patients receiving FLAMSA-RIC to 260 patients receiving RIC, and compared 83 patients receiving RTC to 252 patients receiving RIC. The only factor influencing overall and progression-free survival was cytogenetic risk at transplantation. After the covariate adjustment using propensity score to reduce baseline imbalances, the only factor influencing overall and progression-free survival was still cytogenetic risk at transplantation. CONCLUSION: Overall survival appears to be similar with the 3 conditioning regimens. The only factor influencing survival is cytogenetic risk at transplantation, suggesting that new promising drugs in the conditioning and/or early interventions after transplantation are needed to improve outcomes in these patients.

[Medium-term follow-up of patients treated with chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR T cells): Recommendations of the Francophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC)]. / Suivi au moyen-terme des patients faisant l'objet d'un traitement par CAR-T cells : recommandations de la Société francophone de greffe de moelle et de thérapie cellulaire (SFGM-TC).

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are a new class of anti-cancer therapy that involves manipulating autologous or allogeneic T cells to express a CAR directed against a membrane antigen. In Europe, tisagenlecleucel (Kymriah™) has marketing authorization for the treatment of relapsed / refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children and young adults, in addition to the treatment of relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL); the marketing authorization for axicabtagene ciloleucel (Yescarta™) is for the treatment of relapsed / refractory high-grade B-cell lymphoma and for the treatment of primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma. Both cell products are genetically modified autologous T cells directed against CD19. These recommendations, drawn up by a working group of the Francophone Society of Bone Marrow transplantation and cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC) relate to the management of patients and the supply chain: medium-term complications, in particular cytopenias and B-cell aplasia, nursing and psychological supportive care. In another work, we will address long-term monitoring, post-marketing authorization pharmacovigilance and issues relating to JACIE and regulatory authorities. These recommendations are not prescriptive; their aim is to provide guidelines for the use of this new therapeutic approach. The purpose of this workshop is to outline the organizational aspects of this new therapeutic approach.

[Use of the multiparametric panel CD3/CD4/CD8/CD7/CD26/CD158k in the detection and use of flow cytometry of Sezary cells]. / Apport du panel multiparamétrique CD3 CD4 CD8 CD7 CD26 CD158k dans la détection et le suivi par cytométrie en flux des cellules de Sézary.

The Sezary syndrome has been defined by a triad combining erythrodermia, generalized lymphadenopathy, and the presence of circulating Sezary cells > 1 × 109/L characterized by a CD4+/CD8- phenotype with loss of one or more T antigens (mainly CD7 and/or CD26). We retrospectively reviewed the immunophenotypic profiles of 10 SS patients followed in our institution (University Hospital at Nancy, France). The application of the WHO criteria resulted in a diagnostic confirmation for 9 out of 10 cases. Since 2008, new diagnostic and staging criteria have been proposed, including the CD158k/KIR3DL2 receptor detection. The application of these new criteria to our cohort led us to notice a phenotypic heterogeneity of our cases but allowed to achieve a relevant diagnosis of Sezary syndrome in all cases, especially for patients with lymphopenia. The use of such a panel of monoclonal antibodies also optimized the follow-up of the patients.

Curative or pre-emptive adenovirus-specific T cell transfer from matched unrelated or third party haploidentical donors after HSCT, including UCB transplantations: a successful phase I/II multicenter clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), the most widely used potentially curable cellular immunotherapeutic approach in the treatment of hematological malignancies, is limited by life-threatening complications: graft versus host disease (GVHD) and infections especially viral infections refractory to antiviral drugs. Adoptive transfer of virus-specific T cells is becoming an alternative treatment for infections following HSCT. We report here the results of a phase I/II multicenter study which includes a series of adenovirus-specific T cell (ADV-VST) infusion either from the HSCT donor or from a third party haploidentical donor for patients transplanted with umbilical cord blood (UCB). METHODS: Fourteen patients were eligible and 11 patients received infusions of ADV-VST generated by interferon (IFN)-γ-based immunomagnetic isolation from a leukapheresis from their original donor (42.9%) or a third party haploidentical donor (57.1%). One patient resolved ADV infection before infusion, and ADV-VST could not reach release or infusion criteria for two patients. Two patients received cellular immunotherapy alone without antiviral drugs as a pre-emptive treatment. RESULTS: One patient with adenovirus infection and ten with adenovirus disease were infused with ADV-VST (mean 5.83 ± 8.23 × 103 CD3+IFN-γ+ cells/kg) up to 9 months after transplantation. The 11 patients showed in vivo expansion of specific T cells up to 60 days post-infusion, associated with adenovirus load clearance in ten of the patients (91%). Neither de novo GVHD nor side effects were observed during the first month post-infusion, but GVHD reactivations occurred in three patients, irrespective of the type of leukapheresis donor. For two of these patients, GVHD reactivation was controlled by immunosuppressive treatment. Four patients died during follow-up, one due to refractory ADV disease. CONCLUSIONS: Adoptive transfer of rapidly isolated ADV-VST is an effective therapeutic option for achieving in vivo expansion of specific T cells and clearance of viral load, even as a pre-emptive treatment. Our study highlights that third party haploidentical donors are of great interest for ADV-VST generation in the context of UCB transplantation. (N° Clinical trial.gov: NCT02851576, retrospectively registered).