New drugs before, during, and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

The treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has evolved over the past few years with the advent of next-generation sequencing. Targeted therapies alone or in combination with low-dose or high-intensity chemotherapy have improved the outcome of patients with AML treated in the frontline and relapsed/refractory settings. Despite these advances, allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) remains essential as consolidation therapy following frontline treatment in intermediate-and adverse-risk and relapsed/refractory disease. However, many patients relapse, with limited treatment options, hence the need for post-transplant strategies to mitigate relapse risk. Maintenance therapy following allo-HCT was developed for this specific purpose and can exploit either a direct anti-leukemia effect and/or enhance the bona fide graft-versus-leukemia effect without increasing the risk of graft-versus-host disease. In this paper, we summarize novel therapies for AML before, during, and after allo-HCT and review ongoing studies.

The CAR-HEMATOTOX score identifies patients at high risk for hematological toxicity, infectious complications, and poor treatment outcomes following brexucabtagene autoleucel for relapsed or refractory MCL.

CD19-directed CAR T-cell therapy with brexucabtagene autoleucel (brexu-cel) has substantially improved treatment outcomes for patients with relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma (r/r MCL). Prolonged cytopenias and infections represent common and clinically relevant side effects. In this multicenter observational study, we describe cytopenias and infections in 103 r/r MCL patients receiving brexu-cel. Furthermore, we report associations between the baseline CAR-HEMATOTOX (HT) score and toxicity events, non-relapse mortality (NRM), and progression-free/overall survival (PFS/OS). At lymphodepletion, 56 patients were HTlow (score 0-1) while 47 patients were HThigh (score ≥2). The HThigh cohort exhibited prolonged neutropenia (median 14 vs. 6 days, p < .001) and an increased rate of severe infections (30% vs. 5%, p = .001). Overall, 1-year NRM was 10.4%, primarily attributed to infections, and differed by baseline HT score (high vs. low: 17% vs. 4.6%, p = .04). HThigh patients experienced inferior 90-day complete response rate (68% vs. 93%, p = .002), PFS (median 9 months vs. not-reached, p < .0001), and OS (median 26 months vs. not-reached, p < .0001). Multivariable analyses showed that high HT scores were independently associated with severe hematotoxicity, infections, and poor PFS/OS. In conclusion, infections and hematotoxicity are common after brexu-cel and contribute to NRM. The baseline HT score identified patients at increased risk of poor treatment outcomes.

Allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation for myelofibrosis: a real-life perspective.

Myelofibrosis (MF) is a clonal stem cell neoplasm with heterogeneous clinical phenotypes and well-established molecular drivers. Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) offers an important curative treatment option for primary MF and post-essential thrombocythaemia/polycythaemia vera MF or secondary MF. With a disease course that varies from indolent to highly progressive, we are now able to stratify risk of mortality through various tools including patient-related clinical characteristics as well as molecular genetic profile. Owing to the high risk of mortality and morbidity associated with HSCT for patients with myelofibrosis, it is important to improve patient selection for transplant. Our primary goal is to comprehensively define our understanding of current practices including the role of Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors, to present the data behind transplantation before and after leukaemic transformation, and to introduce novel personalization of MF treatment with a proposed clinical-molecular prognostic model to help elucidate a timepoint optimal for consideration of HSCT.

Recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of methemoglobinemia.

Methemoglobinemia is a rare disorder associated with oxidization of divalent ferro-iron of hemoglobin (Hb) to ferri-iron of methemoglobin (MetHb). Methemoglobinemia can result from either inherited or acquired processes. Acquired forms are the most common, mainly due to the exposure to substances that cause oxidation of the Hb both directly or indirectly. Inherited forms are due either to autosomal recessive variants in the CYB5R3 gene or to autosomal dominant variants in the globin genes, collectively known as HbM disease. Our recommendations are based on a systematic literature search. A series of questions regarding the key signs and symptoms, the methods for diagnosis, the clinical management in neonatal/childhood/adulthood period, and the therapeutic approach of methemoglobinemia were formulated and the relative recommendations were produced. An agreement was obtained using a Delphi-like approach and the experts panel reached a final consensus >75% of agreement for all the questions.

First advanced course on biomarkers in molecular and immuno-oncology in the Middle East.

The first 'advanced course on biomarkers in molecular and immuno-oncology' in the Middle East took place in Beirut, Lebanon, as a hybrid meeting on 11 December 2020. The aim of this seminar was to discuss biomarker development, implications and detection modalities and to highlight advances in molecular technologies as well as the clinical applicability of biomarkers in oncology. The seminar consisted of five sessions, each discussing a special topic in the biomarker field. It also included a competition in the form of a quiz following each session. This was followed by a plenary session presented by well-known national and international speakers, highlighting various aspects of biomarkers in immuno-oncology.

Impact of cyclosporine A concentration on acute graft-vs-host disease incidence after haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study analyzed the impact of early cyclosporine A (CsA) initiation (day -3) on the risk of acute graft-vs-host disease (aGvHD) after haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation (Haplo-HCT) using post-transplant cyclophosphamide. METHODS: Sixty-one consecutives patients who underwent Haplo-HCT were analyzed. RESULTS: At day +180, the cumulative incidences of grade II-IV and grade III-IV aGvHD were 39% and 18%, respectively. Patients having a lowest CsA concentration (<301 ng/mL; the cutoff value used to segregate the patients between low and high CsA concentrations) in the first week after Haplo-HCT had a significantly higher risk of grade II-IV aGvHD (P = 0.02), severe grade III-IV aGvHD (P = 0.03), cGvHD (P = 0.02), and extensive cGvHD (P = 0.04). In multivariate analysis, a higher CsA concentration (≥301 ng/mL) during the first week following Haplo-HCT was the only parameter significantly associated with a reduced risk of grade II-IV and grade III-IV aGvHD (RR = 0.21; P = 0.049 and RR < 0.001; P < 0.0001, respectively). We find no correlation between CsA concentration and relapse, non-relapse mortality, progression-free survival, GvHD-free and progression-free survival, or overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: CsA could be initiated early before Haplo-HCT with achievement of high CsA concentration to reduce the risk of aGvHD without any detrimental effect on relapse.

"Off-The-Shelf" allogeneic chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for B-cell malignancies: current clinical evidence and challenges.

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR T) has revolutionized the treatment landscape for hematologic malignancies, notably B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) and B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). While autologous CAR T products have shown remarkable efficacy, their complex logistics, lengthy manufacturing process, and high costs impede widespread accessibility and pose therapeutic challenge especially for patients in rapid need for therapy. "Off-the-shelf" allogeneic CAR T-cell therapy (alloCAR T) has emerged as a promising alternative therapy, albeit experimental to date. AlloCARTs are derived from healthy donors, manufactured by batches and stored, making them available off-the-shelf which lowers financial burden. Various gene editing techniques have been employed to mitigate graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and host-versus-graft (HvG) to enhance alloCAR T persistence. In this review, we summarize available manufacturing techniques, current evidence, and discuss challenges faced with the use of alloCAR Ts.

Post-transplant cyclophosphamide or cell selection in haploidentical allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation?

BACKGROUND: One major limitation for broader applicability of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) in the past was the lack of HLA-matched histocompatible donors. Preclinical mouse studies using T-cell depleted haploidentical grafts led to an increased interest in the use of ex vivo T-cell depleted (TCD) haploidentical allo-HCT. TCD grafts through negative (T-cell depletion) or positive (CD34+ cell selection) techniques have been investigated to reduce the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) given the known implications of alloreactive T cells. A more practical approach to deplete alloreactive T cells in vivo using high doses of cyclophosphamide after allografting has proved to be feasible in overcoming the HLA barrier. Such approach has extended allo-HCT feasibility to patients for whom donors could not be found in the past. Nowadays, haploidentical donors represent a common donor source for patients in need of an allo-HCT. The broad application of haploidentical donors became possible by understanding the importance of depleting alloreactive donor T cells to facilitate engraftment and reduce incidence and severity of GVHD. These techniques involve ex vivo graft manipulation or in vivo utilization of pharmacologic agents, notably post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy). DISCUSSION: While acknowledging that no randomized controlled prospective studies have been yet conducted comparing TCD versus PTCy in haploidentical allo-HCT recipients, there are two advantages that would favor the PTCy, namely ease of application and lower cost. However, emerging data on adverse events associated with PTCy including, but not limited to cardiac associated toxicities or increased incidence of post-allograft infections, and others, are important to recognize.

Therapeutic options for large B-cell lymphoma relapsing after CD19-directed CAR T-cell therapy.

In recent years, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR T) has revolutionized the treatment landscape for large B cell lymphoma (LBCL), demonstrating remarkable efficacy and ushering a new era of therapeutic possibilities. However, a subset of patients may not achieve the desired response with CAR T. This review examines strategies aimed at optimizing outcomes for patients who relapse or progress after CAR T. Available data on utilization of CD19-directed monoclonal antibodies and antibody drug conjugates have shown limited efficacy in this setting. Moreover, bispecific antibodies have also emerged as an alternative therapy in relapsed and or refractory LBCL, but long-term follow up treated cases post-CAR T failure are lacking. Several observational studies have shown efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, but attainment of a complete remission prior to allografting is a prerequisite to achieve durable remissions. As we navigate the intricate landscape of treatment of post CAR T failure, it becomes evident that this represents a therapeutic challenge which necessitates a multifaceted approach.

Efficacy of Autologous and Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Adults with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia: Results of a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Despite therapeutic advances for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) with the emergence of all-trans retinoic acid, arsenic trioxide, and gemtuzumab-ozogamycin, approximately 10% of patients still experience disease relapse, typically occurring within 24 to 36 months following completion of front-line treatment. Traditionally, both allogeneic (allo) and autologous (auto) hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) have been considered reasonable treatment options for relapsed APL; however, no randomized controlled studies have been conducted comparing allo-HCT and auto-HCT in patients with relapsed APL. We performed a systematic review/meta-analysis to assess the totality of evidence pertaining to allo-HCT or auto-HCT in relapsed APL. Our search identified 1158 references, of which 23 met our inclusion criteria. While acknowledging the limitations of comparing these 2 treatment modalities indirectly, based on results from separate meta-analyses, it appears that pooled rates of event-free survival (71% versus 54%), progression-free survival (63% versus 43%), and overall survival (82% versus 58%) are higher after auto-HCT. This difference can be explained in part by the higher risk of pooled nonrelapse mortality (NRM) in patients undergoing allo-HCT (29% versus 5%), owing to inherent risks associated with this modality. In the absence of a randomized prospective clinical trial comparing allo-HCT and auto-HCT, our results show that both modalities are acceptable in patients with relapsed APL. The higher pooled NRM rate with allo-HCT is an important consideration when choosing this option. Additionally, the comparable pooled relapse rate for auto-HCT and allo-HCT (24% versus 23%) provides a rationale for evaluating post-HCT consolidative strategies to mitigate this risk.

Assessing the efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in VEXAS syndrome: results of a systematic review and meta-analysis.

VEXAS syndrome is an X-linked monogenic disease with adult-onset inflammatory disease and myeloid dysplasia, with clinical presentation ensuing in the fifth decade of life or later. Inflammatory symptoms associated with VEXAS syndrome are treated with several lines of therapy, eventually requiring allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). No evidence from randomized controlled trials exists on allo-HCT versus other treatments in patients not responding to front-line therapy(ies). We show results of a systematic review/meta-analysis (SR/MA) following a search using EMBASE, PUBMED/MEDLINE and Web of Science on April 5, 2024. We extracted outcomes based on benefits (overall response rate (ORR), complete remission (CR), event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS), and harms (non-relapse mortality (NRM) and acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)). The search identified 88 studies. Four studies (39 patients) met inclusion criteria. Median follow-up time after allo-HCT ranged from 8 to 18.5 months. Pooled EFS and OS rates were 56% and 86%, respectively. Pertaining to harms, pooled NRM rate was 14%. Pooled rates of acute and chronic GVHD were 42% and 13%, respectively. Allo-HCT is an effective treatment for VEXAS syndrome. We hope these results would increase awareness about this underdiagnosed and underreported disease.

Applying the EHA/EBMT grading for ICAHT after CAR-T: comparative incidence and association with infections and mortality.

ABSTRACT: Cytopenias represent the most common side effect of CAR T-cell therapy (CAR-T) and can predispose for severe infectious complications. Current grading systems, such as the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), neither reflect the unique quality of post-CAR-T neutrophil recovery, nor do they reflect the inherent risk of infections due to protracted neutropenia. For this reason, a novel EHA/EBMT consensus grading was recently developed for Immune Effector Cell-Associated HematoToxicity (ICAHT). In this multicenter, observational study, we applied the grading system to a large real-world cohort of 549 patients treated with BCMA- or CD19-directed CAR-T for refractory B-cell malignancies (112 multiple myeloma [MM], 334 large B-cell lymphoma [LBCL], 103 mantle cell lymphoma [MCL]) and examined the clinical sequelae of severe (≥3°) ICAHT. The ICAHT grading was strongly associated with the cumulative duration of severe neutropenia (r = 0.92, P < .0001), the presence of multilineage cytopenias, and the use of platelet and red blood cell transfusions. We noted an increased rate of severe ICAHT in patients with MCL vs those with LBCL and MM (28% vs 23% vs 15%). Severe ICAHT was associated with a higher rate of severe infections (49% vs 13%, P < .0001), increased nonrelapse mortality (14% vs 4%, P < .0001), and inferior survival outcomes (1-year progression-free survival: 35% vs 51%, 1-year overall survival: 52% vs 73%, both P < .0001). Importantly, the ICAHT grading demonstrated superior capacity to predict severe infections compared with the CTCAE grading (c-index 0.73 vs 0.55, P < .0001 vs nonsignificant). Taken together, these data highlight the clinical relevance of the novel grading system and support the reporting of ICAHT severity in clinical trials evaluating CAR-T therapies.

Axicabtagene Ciloleucel in the Management of Follicular Lymphoma: Current Perspectives on Clinical Utility, Patient Selection and Reported Outcomes.

Axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) is an autologous anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T) that has shown efficacy in B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It has shown high efficacy in relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) even in the presence of high risk features (early relapse, heavily pretreated patients and bulky disease). Treatment options for R/R follicular lymphoma do not offer long-term remissions, especially in the third-line setting. Axi-cel was studied in R/R FL in the ZUMA-5 study, which showed high response rates with durable remissions. Axi-cel was associated with anticipated but manageable toxicities. Long-term follow up may be able to inform the potential for cure of FL. Axi-cel should be part of the standard of care options for R/R FL beyond second line.

Lisocabtagene maraleucel for relapsed or refractory large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

INTRODUCTION: Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cell therapy epitomizes the success of T cell engineering. Today, it is an integral component of the treatment algorithm for various types of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) is the most common subtype of NHL accounting for 30-35% of cases. A lack of response to second-line therapy portends a poor prognosis as only 7-15% of patients attain complete remission (CR) with subsequent conventional chemoimmunotherapy. AREAS COVERED: Lisocabtagene maraleucel (liso-cel) is an autologous CD-19 directed CAR T-cell product with a 4-1BB co-stimulatory domain administered as a sequential infusion of 2 separately manufactured components: CD8+ and CD4+ CAR T-cells in equal doses. Liso-cel showed an impressive objective response rate of 73% (CR = 53%) in patients who had received a median of 3 prior therapies. Median time-to-first CR or partial response (PR) was 1 month. EXPERT OPINION: When evaluated in the second line setting in LBCL, liso-cel demonstrated superior event-free survival (EFS) versus standard of care. While acknowledging that choice of a particular CAR T-cell is based chiefly on familiarity of the treating physician with a specific product, liso-cel definitely represents an important addition to the treatment armamentarium of R/R LBCL whether in the second-line setting or beyond.

Systemic Mastocytosis: A Mimicker of Reactive Arthritis.

Objectives: Illustration of a case of systemic mastocytosis mimicking reactive arthritis in the absence of an infectious etiology. Methods: Review of the patient's medical records. Results: We report a case of systemic mastocytosis relapse, presenting with pancytopenia accompanied by knee monoarthritis, cystitis, and bilateral conjunctivitis occurring simultaneously at the same time interval within 2-4 days, mimicking reactive arthritis in the absence of an infectious etiology. Conclusion: Our case demonstrated reactive arthritis features (triad of urethritis, conjunctivitis, and arthritis) without an infectious trigger but rather a relapse of mastocytosis. We should think outside the box when faced with such a clinical scenario in the absence of an infectious etiology. Paraneoplastic reactive arthritis is to be considered after excluding an underlying infection.

Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Therapy for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: What is the supporting evidence so far?

While acknowledging that newer therapies have improved survival rates in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), patients with high-risk disease features are at an increased risk of treatment failure. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) was traditionally offered as front-line consolidation in high-risk CLL; however, with the emergence of targeted therapies like Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) inhibitors, the role of allo-HCT has been relegated to later stages of the disease. Patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) CLL who have failed both BTK and BCL-2 inhibitors represent a therapeutic challenge owing to a poor prognosis. Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T) therapies targeting CD19 have improved response rates and overall survival in various types of R/R B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. For CLL, no approved CAR T-cell therapies are yet available. Emerging data appear to show a therapeutic benefit of CAR T-cell therapy in patients with R/R CLL, even after failing an allo-HCT.

Post-Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Care in the "Home Sweet Home" Setting: A Treatment Paradigm Shift.

BACKGROUND: Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic malignancy, with 34,470 estimated new cases in 2022. High-dose therapy followed by autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto-HCT) remains a standard treatment for MM even in the era of novel therapies. This is usually performed in hospital-based settings, either in the inpatient or outpatient units. Advanced Care at Home (ACH) represents a virtual hybrid hospital-at-home program that combines a virtual provider-staffed command center with a vendor-mediated supply chain capable of delivering high-acuity care in the comfort of the patients' own homes. In our program, we used the existing ACH platform to deliver post-HCT care for recipients of auto-HCT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four patients (female = 2, 50%) with MM, with a median age of 60 (range, 40-74) years, were admitted to the inpatient Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) unit. The conditioning regimen consisted of melphalan 200 mg/m2, administered on day -2. All patients received stem cell infusion (day 0) in the inpatient setting, with a median dose of 3.64 (range, 2.92-8.22) × 106/kg CD34 cells. RESULTS: Patients were discharged to their homes after completing the infusion on day 0 or day +1 at the latest. Post-infusion care was provided by the ACH team in coordination with the BMT team. The median time intervals to absolute neutrophil count and platelet engraftment were 12 (range, 11-13) and 11 (range, 9-16) days, respectively. All patients were successfully discharged from the ACH program at a median of day +14 (range, day +14 to day +15). CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight the feasibility of delivering post-HCT care for auto-HCT recipients in the home setting and confirm the generalizability of this approach.

CAR T-cell therapy for follicular lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma.

Patients with relapsed and/or refractory (R/R) follicular lymphoma (FL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) have a poor prognosis with anticipated short progression-free and overall survivals. Two CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T) therapies are approved in the United States for R/R FL, namely, axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) and tisagenlecleucel. The results of ZUMA-5 and ELARA studies led to the approval of axi-cel and tisagenlecleucel, respectively, after demonstrating high overall (ORR) and complete response (CR) rates in this high-risk population of FL patients who had received a median of 3 (range = 2-4) and 4 (range = 2-13) prior lines of therapies, respectively. For instance, the ORR for ZUMA-5 was 94% (CR = 79%), and for ELARA, it was 86% (CR = 69.1%). Pertaining to MCL, brexucabtagene autoleucel is approved for R/R MCL based on results of the ZUMA-2 study. In the latter study, despite the fact that all R/R MCL patients had been exposed to prior Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors, the reported ORR was 91%, with 68% achieving a CR. These results undoubtedly demonstrate a strong efficacy of CAR T therapy in both R/R FL and MCL; yet, one must acknowledge the relatively short follow-up time of all aforementioned studies. Thus, longer follow-up showing durability of responses and long-term safety is definitely needed.

Gender and early-career faculty disparities in hematology and oncology board review lecture series.

Participation of women and early-career faculty in hematology and medical oncology board review lecture series has not been studied previously. We aimed to evaluate gender and early-career faculty disparities in hematology and medical oncology board review lecture series. Speakers at major hematology and/or oncology board review lecture series meetings in the United States were analyzed in this cross-sectional study during a 5-year period from the years 2017 through 2021. Data about the lecture topic, field, speaker's gender, years of experience, and the frequency at which the lecture was given by the speaker were collected. Of 386 speakers participating, 315 (81.6%) were ABIM (American Board of Internal Medicine)-certified. A total of 1,224 board review lectures were given in the studied period, of which 1,016 (83%) were given by an ABIM-certified speaker. Women constituted 37.7% of all speakers, with less than 50% representation in five out of six courses. Lectures discussing malignant hematology topics had the lowest proportion of women presenters (24.8%), followed by solid tumors (38.9%) and benign hematology lectures (44.1%). Faculty with more than 15 years since initial certification presented more than 50% of lectures. The median time from initial hematology or medical oncology certification to lecture presentation was 12.5 years and 14 years, respectively. A positive trend in the participation of women was found at all board review conferences across the studied period. Our data suggest that women and early-career faculty participation in hematology and oncology board review series is inadequate.