The influence of immunodeficiency, disease features, and patient characteristics on survival in plasmablastic lymphoma.

ABSTRACT: Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare and aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma associated with immunodeficiency, characterized by uncertain treatment approaches and an unfavorable prognosis. We conducted a multicenter, international, retrospective cohort study, aiming to characterize the clinical features, risk factors, and outcomes of patients with PBL. Data were collected from 22 institutions across 4 countries regarding patients diagnosed with PBL between 1 January 1999 and 31 December 2020. Survival risk factors were analyzed using both univariate and multivariate regression models. Overall survival (OS) was calculated using Kaplan-Meier statistics. First-line treatment regimens were stratified into standard- and higher-intensity regimens, and based on whether they incorporated a proteasome inhibitor (PI). A total of 281 patients (median age, 55 years) were included. Immunodeficiency of any kind was identified in 144 patients (51%), and 99 patients (35%) had HIV-positive results. The 5-year OS for the entire cohort was 36% (95% confidence interval, 30%-42%). In multivariate analysis, inferior OS was associated with Epstein-Barr virus-negative lymphoma, poor performance status, advanced stage, and bone marrow involvement. In an independent univariate analysis, the international prognostic index was associated with OS outcomes. Neither immunosuppression nor HIV infection, specifically, influenced OS. Among patients treated with curative intent (n = 234), the overall response rate was 72%. Neither the intensity of the treatment regimen nor the inclusion of PIs in first-line therapy was associated with OS. In this large retrospective study of patients with PBL, we identified novel risk factors for survival. PBL remains a challenging disease with poor long-term outcomes.

Dual targeting of CD19 and CD22 with bicistronic CAR-T cells in patients with relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma.

Relapse after CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy for large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) is commonly ascribed to antigen loss or CAR-T exhaustion. Multiantigen targeting and programmed cell death protein-1 blockade are rational approaches to prevent relapse. Here, we test CD19/22 dual-targeting CAR-T (AUTO3) plus pembrolizumab in relapsed/refractory LBCL (NCT03289455). End points include toxicity (primary) and response rates (secondary). Fifty-two patients received AUTO3 and 48/52 received pembrolizumab. Median age was 59 years (range, 27-83), 46/52 had stage III/ IV disease and median follow-up was 21.6 months. AUTO3 was safe; grade 1-2 and grade 3 cytokine release syndrome affected 18/52 (34.6%) and 1/52 (1.9%) patients, neurotoxicity arose in 4 patients (2/4, grade 3-4), and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis affected 2 patients. Outpatient administration was tested in 20 patients, saving a median of 14 hospital days per patient. Overall response rates were 66% (48.9%, complete response [CR]; 17%, partial response). Median duration of remission (DOR) for CR patients was not reached and for all responding patients was 8.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.0-not evaluable). 54.4% (CI: 32.8-71.7) of CR patients and 42.6% of all responding patients were projected to remain progression-free at ≥12 months. AUTO3 ± pembrolizumab for relapsed/refractory LBCL was safe and delivered durable remissions in 54.4% of complete responders, associated with robust CAR-T expansion. Neither dual-targeting CAR-T nor pembrolizumab prevented relapse in a significant proportion of patients, and future developments include next-generation-AUTO3, engineered for superior expansion in vivo, and selection of CAR binders active at low antigen densities.

Outcomes after chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy across large B-cell lymphoma subtypes.

Not available.

Exercise and physical activity after stoma surgery: EXPASS recommendations.

BACKGROUND: No formal published recommendations exist about exercise and physical activity after stoma surgery and there is no consensus on advice among health professionals. Numerous difficulties after stoma surgery cause physical activity and exercise levels to decrease. Health professionals can feel ill equipped to advise, leaving patients confused and unsupported. AIM: Formal recommendations for exercise and physical activity are to be established. METHOD: An expert panel is working under the auspices of the Association of Stoma Care Nurses (ASCN) UK to review existing literature, explore clinical practice and develop formal Delphi consensus recommendations. The document will be aimed at health professionals but will also be available to individuals undergoing surgery. CONCLUSION: The formal document will be published by the end of 2024 through ASCN UK. The scope of the EXPASS recommendations will cover adults (aged ≥16 years) with any stoma. It will offer peer-reviewed Delphi guidance on physical activity and exercise before and immediately after surgery as well as for long-term living with a stoma. After peer review, the document will provide clarification, consensus and practical recommendations based on the expert panel's evidence, research and clinical opinion.

'ACOPP' chemotherapy for older and less fit patients with Hodgkin lymphoma-A multicentre, retrospective study.

Management of classical Hodgkin lymphoma in older patients is challenging due to poor tolerance of the chemotherapy regimens used in younger patients. We modified the BEACOPP regimen (bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine and prednisolone), whereby bleomycin and etoposide were removed and cyclophosphamide dose was reduced, for older patients with co-morbidities. Here we present data from the first 41 patients treated with 'ACOPP' across 3 centres, demonstrating that it can be delivered, with a favourable toxicity profile (TRM 2%) and promising efficacy (2-year PFS and OS, 73% (95% CI: 52-94) and 93% (95% CI: 80-100) respectively).

A qualitative service evaluation of patient and caregiver experiences of CAR-T therapy: Recommendations for service development and implications for palliative care teams.

BACKGROUND: Chimeric Antigen-Receptor-T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is a potentially life-saving treatment for refractory haematological malignancies. Internationally, CAR-T services are undergoing rapid development. Despite this, research on the lived experiences of patients receiving novel immunotherapies is limited. Little is known about their supportive care needs. Consequently, dedicated palliative and supportive care services may not be considered. AIM: To explore the patient and caregiver experience of CAR-T therapy and identify unmet needs to inform service development. DESIGN: A qualitative longitudinal service evaluation. Sixteen interviews were conducted between December 2020 and March 2021 with patients (n = 10) and family caregivers (n = 4). Thematic analysis was underpinned by a constructivist approach. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: All patients and caregivers attending one UK centre for CAR-T therapy were eligible. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at specific time points: prior to infusion, one month after infusion and follow-up post-treatment (5-18 months). RESULTS: Identified themes described the unique challenges of CAR-T therapy. From the point of referral patients had a wide range of supportive care needs. Initially, this was attributed to prior receipt of multiple failed treatments. Subsequently, CAR-T side-effects impacted on quality-of-life and physical function. Significant psychological morbidity from prognostic uncertainty was described throughout. Patients and caregivers reported that a dedicated nurse specialist - an expert, consistent point of contact - was essential. CONCLUSION: Patients and caregivers would benefit from early and ongoing support from palliative care, allied-health professionals and psychology. As indications for CAR-T therapy expand, there is an urgent need for multi-centre studies incorporating patient-reported outcome data to ensure patient-centred service delivery.

Guideline for the first-line management of Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma - A British Society for Haematology guideline.

This guideline was compiled according to the British Society for Haematology (BSH) process at BSH Guidelines Process 2016 (b-s-h.org.uk). The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) nomenclature was used to evaluate levels of evidence and to assess the strength of recommendations. The GRADE criteria can be found at http://www.gradeworkinggroup.org. Recommendations are based on a review of the literature using Medline, PubMed/Medline and Cochrane searches beginning from 2013 up to January 2021. The following search terms were used: [Hodgkin lymphoma OR Hodgkin disease] NOT non-Hodgkin; AND [chemotherapy OR radiotherapy]; AND [elderly]; AND [teenage OR adolescent OR young adult]; AND [pregnancy]. Filters were applied to include only publications written in English, studies carried out in humans, clinical conferences, congresses, clinical trials, clinical studies, meta-analyses, multicentre studies and randomised controlled trials. References pre-2013 were taken from the previous version of this guideline.1 Review of the manuscript was performed by the British Society for Haematology (BSH) Guidelines Committee Haematology Oncology Taskforce, the BSH Guidelines Committee and the Haematology Oncology sounding board of BSH.

A national service for delivering CD19 CAR-Tin large B-cell lymphoma - The UK real-world experience.

CD19 CAR-T have emerged as a new standard treatment for relapsed/refractory (r/r) large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL). CAR-T real-world (RW) outcomes published to date suggest significant variability across countries. We provide results of a large national cohort of patients intended to be treated with CAR-T in the UK. Consecutive patients with r/r LBCL approved for CAR-T by the National CAR-T Clinical Panel between December 2018 and November 2020 across all UK CAR-T centres were included. 404/432 patients were approved [292 axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel), 112 tisagenlecleucel (tisa-cel)], 300 (74%) received the cells. 110/300 (38.3%) patients achieved complete remission (CR) at 6 months (m). The overall response rate was 77% (52% CR) for axi-cel, 57% (44% CR) for tisa-cel. The 12-month progression-free survival was 41.8% (axi-cel) and 27.4% (tisa-cel). Median overall survival for the intention-to-treat population was 10.5 m, 16.2 m for infused patients. The incidence of grade ≥3 cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity were 7.6%/19.6% for axi-cel and 7.9%/3.9% for tisa-cel. This prospective RW population of CAR-T eligible patients offers important insights into the clinical benefit of CD19 CAR-T in LBCL in daily practice. Our results confirm long-term efficacy in patients receiving treatment similar to the pivotal trials, but highlight the significance of early CAR-T failure.

Targeting CD19 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: An expert opinion paper.

The ubiquitous, early-stage expression, efficient internalization, limited off-target effects, and high disease specificity of CD19 make it an attractive therapeutic target. Currently available anti-CD19 therapies have demonstrated particular promise in patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Selection of the most appropriate treatment strategy should be based on individual patient characteristics and the goal of therapy. However, evidence and knowledge about the sequencing of anti-CD19 therapies are limited. Here, we review the current evidence for CD19 as a target in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and consider approaches to the use of anti-CD19 therapy.

Prevalence of leakage and its negative impact on quality of life in people living with a stoma in the UK.

BACKGROUND: People with a stoma are reported to experience leakage, which negatively impacts patient quality of life (QoL). AIM: To assess the impact of leakage experienced by individuals with a stoma in the UK. METHODS: Data were analysed from 301 patients living in the UK who completed a questionnaire concerning the physical and psychosocial impact of living with a stoma. FINDINGS: Most respondents had had their stoma for more than 5 years. Nine out of 10 worried about leakage to varying degrees and half the respondents accepted that this was a worry they had to live with. Almost 70% experienced leakage onto clothes within the preceding year, and 28% experienced this monthly. Peristomal skin complications were experienced by 82% of respondents, the severity of which correlated with reductions in QoL. CONCLUSION: Despite the consequential negative impact of leakage on QoL, individuals are not seeking advice to resolve leakage-related issues, including from their specialist stoma care nurse.

Gaining consensus: the challenges of living with a stoma and the impact of stoma leakage.

BACKGROUND: People with a stoma face many unique challenges. Leakage is a significant one but is not sufficiently discussed within the wider area of health and social care. AIMS: This study aimed to articulate and achieve consensus on the problems experienced by people with a stoma, particularly leakage, in the hope of encouraging conversations among patients, clinicians and policymakers on how to solve them. METHODS: Output from a modified Delphi panel, consisting of patient groups, was used to create a set of calls to action, with a particular focus on the issue of leakage. FINDINGS: Leakage has a large impact on daily life and can cause both physical and mental health difficulties. Peer support and specialist care can be offer considerable benefits in dealing with these. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant unmet needs for equitable access to specialist stoma care and peer support, as well as information provision for non-specialist healthcare providers. The calls to action should be implemented.

Ibrutinib for mantle cell lymphoma at first relapse: a United Kingdom real-world analysis of outcomes in 211 patients.

Ibrutinib is an established treatment for relapsed/refractory (R/R) mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and clinical trial data supports use at second line compared to later relapse. We aimed to investigate outcomes and tolerability for ibrutinib when given second line in a real-world setting. Our multicentre retrospective analysis included 211 R/R MCL patients, median age 73 years, receiving ibrutinib second-line within the United Kingdom's National Health Service. Overall response to ibrutinib was 69% (complete response 27%). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 17·8 months (95% CI 13·1-22·2) and median overall survival (OS) 23·9 months (95% CI 15·0-32·8). Drug-related adverse event led to dose reduction in 10% of patients and discontinuation in 5%. In patients with progressive disease, accounting for 100 of 152 patients stopping ibrutinib, 43% received further systemic therapy. Post-ibrutinib rituximab, bendamustine and cytarabine (R-BAC) showed a trend toward improved survival compared to alternative systemic treatments (post-ibrutinib median OS 14·0 months, 95% CI 8·1-19·8, vs. 3·6 months, 95% CI 2·6-4·5, P = 0·06). Our study confirms the clinical benefit and good tolerability of ibrutinib at first relapse in a real-world population. Patients progressing on ibrutinib had limited survival but outcomes with R-BAC in select patients were promising.

Persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with secondary antibody deficiency: successful clearance following combination casirivimab and imdevimab (REGN-COV2) monoclonal antibody therapy.

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence that antibody responses play a role in the resolution of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients with primary or secondary antibody deficiency are at increased risk of persistent infection. This challenging clinical scenario is associated with adverse patient outcome and potentially creates an ecological niche for the evolution of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants with immune evasion capacity. Case reports and/or series have implied a therapeutic role for convalescent plasma (CP) to secure virological clearance, although concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of CP and its potential to drive viral evolution, and it has largely been withdrawn from clinical use in the UK. CASE PRESENTATION: We report two cases in which persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection was cleared following administration of the monoclonal antibody combination casirivimab and imdevimab (REGN-COV2, Ronapreve). A 55-year-old male with follicular lymphoma, treated with B cell depleting therapy, developed SARS-CoV-2 infection in September 2020 which then persisted for over 200 days. He was hospitalised on four occasions with COVID-19 and suffered debilitating fatigue and malaise throughout. There was no clinical response to antiviral therapy with remdesivir or CP, and SARS-CoV-2 was consistently detected in nasopharyngeal swabs. Intrahost evolution of several spike variants of uncertain significance was identified by viral sequence analysis. Delivery of REGN-COV2, in combination with remdesivir, was associated with clinical improvement and viral clearance within 6 days, which was sustained for over 150 days despite immunotherapy for relapsed follicular lymphoma. The second case, a 68-year-old female with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia on ibrutinib, also developed persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Despite a lack of response to remdesivir, infection promptly cleared following REGN-COV2 in combination with remdesivir, accompanied by resolution of inflammation and full clinical recovery that has been maintained for over 290 days. CONCLUSIONS: These cases highlight the potential benefit of REGN-COV2 as therapy for persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection in antibody deficient individuals, including after failure of CP treatment. Formal clinical studies are warranted to assess the effectiveness of REGN-COV2 in antibody-deficient patients, especially in light of the emergence of variants of concern, such as Omicron, that appear to evade REGN-COV2 neutralisation.

Outcomes of older patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma treated in routine clinical practice in the UK: methotrexate dose intensity correlates with response and survival.

Data on older patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) are scarce. Comorbidities and performance status frequently compromise outcomes in this group. Medical records for consecutive patients ≥65 years (n = 244) with PCNSL diagnosed 2012-2017 from 14 UK centres were retrospectively reviewed. Of these 192 patients received methotrexate (MTX)-based treatment. Patients were categorised based on clinician's treatment choice into 'palliative' (n = 52), 'less intensive: MTX ± rituximab ± alkylators' (n = 74) and 'intensive: MTX/cytarabine combinations' (n = 118) groups. Complete remission (CR) rate, two-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 49%, 11% and 24% for the less intensive and 69%, 40% and 50% for the intensive groups. Treatment-related mortality (TRM) was 6·8% for MTX-treated patients. Median MTX cumulative dose was 8·8 g/m2 (range 1·5-21) over a median of three cycles. Higher relative dose intensity of MTX (MTX-RDI) was associated with improved PFS and OS in both groups adjusting for age, Eastern cooperative oncology group (ECOG) score and baseline parameters. Two-year PFS and OS for patients receiving four or more induction cycles followed by consolidation (n = 36) were 65% and 70% respectively. Older patients completing MTX-based induction and consolidation had clinical outcomes similar to those in younger cohorts. These retrospective data suggest that maximising MTX-RDI and delivering consolidation in a subgroup of older patients may improve clinical outcomes.

Using a risk assessment tool for parastomal hernia prevention.

All patients with a stoma are at risk of developing some degree of parastomal herniation given enough follow-up time. Based on current evidence, preventive measures are strongly advised to minimise the incidence of a parastomal hernia forming. This article explores the evidence for consistency in care and management of parastomal hernia, focusing on the development of a risk assessment tool, taking into consideration the patient's and the nurse's perspective.

Results of a multicentre UK-wide retrospective study evaluating the efficacy of brentuximab vedotin in relapsed, refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma in the transplant naive setting.

Relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is associated with a poor outcome when standard chemotherapy fails. Brentuximab vedotin (BV) is an anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody-drug conjugate licensed for use at relapse after autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) or following two prior therapies in those unsuitable for ASCT. There are limited data assessing the ability of BV to enable curative SCT. We performed a UK-wide retrospective study of 99 SCT-naïve relapsed/refractory cHL. All had received 2 prior lines and were deemed fit for transplant but had an insufficient remission to proceed. The median age was 32 years. Most had nodular sclerosis subtype, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-1 and advanced stage disease. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5·6 months and median overall survival (OS) was 37·2 months. The overall response rate was 56% (29% complete response; 27% partial response). 61% reached SCT: 34% immediately post-BV and 27% following an inadequate BV response but were salvaged and underwent deferred SCT. Patients consolidated with SCT had a superior PFS and OS to those not receiving SCT (P < 0·001). BV is an effective, non-toxic bridge to immediate SCT in 34% and deferred SCT in 27%. 39% never reached SCT with a PFS of 3·0 months, demonstrating the unmet need to improve outcomes in those unsuitable for SCT post-BV.