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Given the favourable prognosis of patients with gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, treatment-related toxicity should be minimised. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of 4 Gy radiotherapy given in a response-adapted approach.

Patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphomas (rrLBCL) can achieve long-term remission after CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CART19). However, more than half of recipients will experience treatment failure. Thus, approaches are needed to identify high-risk patients who may benefit from alternative or consolidative therapy. We evaluated low-pass whole-genome sequencing (lpWGS) of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) before CART19 as a new approach for risk stratification. We performed lpWGS on pretreatment plasma samples from 122 patients at time of leukapheresis who received standard-of-care CART19 for rrLBCL to define DNA copy number alterations (CNAs). In multivariable selection, high focal CNA score (FCS) denoting genomic instability was the most significant pretreatment variable associated with inferior 3-month complete response rates (28% vs 56%, P = .0029), progression-free survival (PFS; P = .0007; hazard ratio, 2.11), and overall survival (OS; P = .0026; hazard ratio, 2.10). We identified 34 unique focal CNAs in 108 (89%) patients; of these, deletion 10q23.3 leading to loss of FAS death receptor was the most highly associated with poor outcomes, leading to inferior PFS (P < .0001; hazard ratio, 3.49) and OS (P = .0027; hazard ratio, 2.68). By combining FCS with traditional markers of increased tumor bulk (elevated lactate dehydrogenase and >1 extranodal site), we built a simple risk model that could reliably risk stratify patients. Thus, lpWGS of cfDNA is a minimally invasive assay that could rapidly identify high-risk patients and may guide patient selection for and targeted therapies to evaluate in future clinical trials.

Limited data exist regarding the outcome of patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) who relapse or progress after frontline lenalidomide and rituximab (R2). Moreover, mechanisms of resistance to R2in FL remain unclear, with increased protumoral macrophages suspected as a major contributory culprit to this phenomenon. This retrospective study analyzed the outcome of patients with advanced-stage FL grade 1 to 3A who relapsed or progressed after frontline R2. A multiplex immunofluorescence macrophage panel, including CD47, CD14, CD68, CD115 (also known as colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor [CSF1R]), CD163, CD172a (also known as signal regulatory protein α [SIRPα]), and CD274 (also known as programmed cell death-ligand 1 [PDL1]), was used to stain tissue biopsy specimens collected before initiation of R2and at the time of progression. Among 156 patients with advanced-stage FL treated with frontline R2, 33 (21%) relapsed or progressed and required second-line therapy, after a median of 33 months (range, 1-122 months). Second-line therapy was chemoimmunotherapy in 16 (48%) patients and other therapy in 17 (52%). The overall response rate was 78%, and complete response rate was 72%. Median progression-free survival was significantly longer in patients who received chemoimmunotherapy compared with other therapy (99 vs 25 months; P= .004). Three macrophage populations were significantly increased in tissue samples collected at progression compared with before frontline treatment: CD68+CD115+(P= .02), CD68+CD115+CD172a+(P= .02), and CD68+CD163+CD172a+(P= .01). Chemoimmunotherapy is an effective treatment strategy for patients with FL who relapse after frontline R2. Therapies targeting specific macrophage populations may yield novel approaches for improving outcomes with frontline R2.

Limited data exist regarding the outcome of patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) who relapse or progress after frontline lenalidomide and rituximab (R2). Moreover, mechanisms of resistance to R2 in FL remain unclear, with increased protumoral macrophages suspected as a major contributory culprit to this phenomenon. This retrospective study analyzed the outcome of patients with advanced-stage FL grade 1 to 3A who relapsed or progressed after frontline R2. A multiplex immunofluorescence macrophage panel, including CD47, CD14, CD68, CD115 (also known as colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor [CSF1R]), CD163, CD172a (also known as signal regulatory protein α [SIRPα]), and CD274 (also known as programmed cell death-ligand 1 [PDL1]), was used to stain tissue biopsy specimens collected before initiation of R2 and at the time of progression. Among 156 patients with advanced-stage FL treated with frontline R2, 33 (21%) relapsed or progressed and required second-line therapy, after a median of 33 months (range, 1-122 months). Second-line therapy was chemoimmunotherapy in 16 (48%) patients and other therapy in 17 (52%). The overall response rate was 78%, and complete response rate was 72%. Median progression-free survival was significantly longer in patients who received chemoimmunotherapy compared with other therapy (99 vs 25 months; P = .004). Three macrophage populations were significantly increased in tissue samples collected at progression compared with before frontline treatment: CD68+CD115+ (P = .02), CD68+CD115+CD172a+ (P = .02), and CD68+CD163+CD172a+ (P = .01). Chemoimmunotherapy is an effective treatment strategy for patients with FL who relapse after frontline R2. Therapies targeting specific macrophage populations may yield novel approaches for improving outcomes with frontline R2.

PD-1 blockade enhances the function of antitumor T cells and antibody-dependent, cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) of NK cells. In a single-center, open-label, phase 2 trial, we tested the combination of pembrolizumab, an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody, and rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that induces ADCC, in 30 patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) with rituximab-sensitive disease who had relapsed after ≥1 prior therapy. Pembrolizumab was administered at 200 mg IV every 3 weeks for up to 16 cycles, and rituximab was given at 375 mg/m2 IV weekly for 4 weeks in cycle 1 only. The most common grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs) were liver enzyme abnormalities (3%), diarrhea (3%), nausea (3%), aseptic meningitis (3%), and pancreatitis (3%). Low-grade immune-related AEs were reported in 80% of patients, including diarrhea (43%), liver enzyme abnormalities (33%), thyroid dysfunction (27%), and rash (23%). Grade 3 or 4 immune-related AEs occurred in 13% of the patients. Treatment-related AEs led to discontinuation in 6 (20%) patients. The overall response rate (primary end point) was 67%, and the complete response (CR) rate was 50%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 12.6 months (95% confidence interval, 8.2-27.6), the 3-year overall survival rate was 97%, and 23% of patients were in remission at a median follow-up of 35 months. The presence of a high CD8+ T-effector score at baseline in the tumor was associated with induction of a CR and improved PFS. In this single-arm, phase 2 study, the combination of pembrolizumab and rituximab demonstrates favorable efficacy and safety profile in relapsed FL. This trial is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02446457.

PD-1 blockade enhances the function of antitumor T cells and antibody-dependent, cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) of NK cells. In a single-center, open-label, phase 2 trial, we tested the combination of pembrolizumab, an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody, and rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that induces ADCC, in 30 patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) with rituximab-sensitive disease who had relapsed after ≥1 prior therapy. Pembrolizumab was administered at 200 mg IV every 3 weeks for up to 16 cycles, and rituximab was given at 375 mg/m2IV weekly for 4 weeks in cycle 1 only. The most common grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs) were liver enzyme abnormalities (3%), diarrhea (3%), nausea (3%), aseptic meningitis (3%), and pancreatitis (3%). Low-grade immune-related AEs were reported in 80% of patients, including diarrhea (43%), liver enzyme abnormalities (33%), thyroid dysfunction (27%), and rash (23%). Grade 3 or 4 immune-related AEs occurred in 13% of the patients. Treatment-related AEs led to discontinuation in 6 (20%) patients. The overall response rate (primary end point) was 67%, and the complete response (CR) rate was 50%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 12.6 months (95% confidence interval, 8.2-27.6), the 3-year overall survival rate was 97%, and 23% of patients were in remission at a median follow-up of 35 months. The presence of a high CD8+T-effector score at baseline in the tumor was associated with induction of a CR and improved PFS. In this single-arm, phase 2 study, the combination of pembrolizumab and rituximab demonstrates favorable efficacy and safety profile in relapsed FL. This trial is registered at www.clinicaltrials.govas #NCT02446457.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase-δ (PI3Kδ) inhibitors are active in lymphoid malignancies, although associated toxicities can limit their use. Umbralisib is a dual inhibitor of PI3Kδ and casein kinase-1ε (CK1ε). This study analyzed integrated comprehensive toxicity data from 4 open-label, phase 1 and 2 studies that included 371 adult patients (median age, 67 years) with relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma (follicular lymphoma [n = 147]; marginal zone lymphoma [n = 82]; diffuse large B-cell lymphoma/mantle cell lymphoma [n = 74]; chronic lymphocytic leukemia [n = 43]; and other tumor types [n = 25]) who were treated with the recommended phase 2 dose of umbralisib 800 mg or higher once daily. At data cutoff, median duration of umbralisib treatment was 5.9 months (range, 0.1-75.1 months), and 107 patients (28.8%) received umbralisib for ≥12 months. Any-grade treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) occurred in 366 (98.7%) of 371 patients, with the most frequent being diarrhea (52.3%), nausea (41.5%), and fatigue (31.8%). Grade 3 or higher treatment-emergent AEs occurred in 189 (50.9%) of 371 patients and included neutropenia (11.3%), diarrhea (7.3%), and increased aminotransferase levels (5.7%). Treatment-emergent serious AEs occurred in 95 (25.6%) of 371 patients. AEs of special interest were limited and included pneumonia (29 of 371 [7.8%]), noninfectious colitis (9 of 371 [2.4%]), and pneumonitis (4 of 371 [1.1%]). AEs led to discontinuation of umbralisib in 51 patients (13.7%). Four patients (1.1%) died of AEs, none of which was deemed related to umbralisib. No cumulative toxicities were reported. The favorable long-term tolerability profile and low rates of immune-mediated toxicities support the potential use of umbralisib for the benefit of a broad population of patients with lymphoid malignancies.

The Endothelial Activation and Stress Index (EASIX) score, defined as [(creatinine × lactate dehydrogenase [LDH])/platelets], is a marker of endothelial activation that has been validated in the allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant setting. Endothelial activation is one of the mechanisms driving immune-mediated toxicities in patients treated with chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T)-cell therapy. This study’s objective was to evaluate the association between EASIX and other laboratory parameters collected before lymphodepletion and the subsequent onset of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) those patients. Toxicity data were collected prospectively on 171 patients treated with axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) for large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL). CRS grades 2 to 4 were diagnosed in 81 (47%) patients and ICANS grades 2 to 4 in 84 (49%). EASIX combined with ferritin (EASIX-F) identified 3 risk groups with CRS grades 2 to 4 cumulative incidence of 74% (hazards ratio [HR], 4.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.1-11; P < .001), 49% (HR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.02-5; P = .04), and 23% (reference), respectively. EASIX combined with CRP and ferritin (EASIX-FC) identified 3 risk groups with an ICANS grade 2 to 4 cumulative incidence of 74% (HR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.9-6.9; P < .001), 51% (HR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1-3.9; P = .025), and 29% (reference). Our results indicate that common laboratory parameters before lymphodepletion correlate with CAR-T–related toxicities and can help support clinical decisions, such as preemptive toxicity management, hospitalization length, and proper setting for CAR-T administration.

The Endothelial Activation and Stress Index (EASIX) score, defined as [(creatinine × lactate dehydrogenase [LDH])/platelets], is a marker of endothelial activation that has been validated in the allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant setting. Endothelial activation is one of the mechanisms driving immune-mediated toxicities in patients treated with chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T)-cell therapy. This study's objective was to evaluate the association between EASIX and other laboratory parameters collected before lymphodepletion and the subsequent onset of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) those patients. Toxicity data were collected prospectively on 171 patients treated with axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) for large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL). CRS grades 2 to 4 were diagnosed in 81 (47%) patients and ICANS grades 2 to 4 in 84 (49%). EASIX combined with ferritin (EASIX-F) identified 3 risk groups with CRS grades 2 to 4 cumulative incidence of 74% (hazards ratio [HR], 4.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.1-11; P< .001), 49% (HR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.02-5; P= .04), and 23% (reference), respectively. EASIX combined with CRP and ferritin (EASIX-FC) identified 3 risk groups with an ICANS grade 2 to 4 cumulative incidence of 74% (HR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.9-6.9; P< .001), 51% (HR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1-3.9; P= .025), and 29% (reference). Our results indicate that common laboratory parameters before lymphodepletion correlate with CAR-T–related toxicities and can help support clinical decisions, such as preemptive toxicity management, hospitalization length, and proper setting for CAR-T administration.

Corticosteroids are commonly used for the management of severe toxicities associated with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. However, it remains unclear whether their dose, duration, and timing may affect clinical efficacy. Here, we determined the impact of corticosteroids on clinical outcomes in patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma treated with standard of care anti-CD19 CAR T-cell therapy. Among 100 patients evaluated, 60 (60%) received corticosteroids for management of CAR T-cell therapy–associated toxicities. The median cumulative dexamethasone-equivalent dose was 186 mg (range, 8-1803) and the median duration of corticosteroid treatment was 9 days (range, 1-30). Corticosteroid treatment was started between days 0 and 7 in 45 (75%) patients and beyond day 7 in 15 (25%). After a median follow-up of 10 months (95% confidence interval, 8-12 months), use of higher cumulative dose of corticosteroids was associated with significantly shorter progression-free survival. More importantly, higher cumulative dose of corticosteroids, and prolonged and early use after CAR T-cell infusion were associated with significantly shorter overall survival. These results suggest that corticosteroids should be used at the lowest dose and for the shortest duration and their initiation should be delayed whenever clinically feasible while managing CAR T-cell therapy–associated toxicities.

Corticosteroids are commonly used for the management of severe toxicities associated with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. However, it remains unclear whether their dose, duration, and timing may affect clinical efficacy. Here, we determined the impact of corticosteroids on clinical outcomes in patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma treated with standard of care anti-CD19 CAR T-cell therapy. Among 100 patients evaluated, 60 (60%) received corticosteroids for management of CAR T-cell therapy–associated toxicities. The median cumulative dexamethasone-equivalent dose was 186 mg (range, 8-1803) and the median duration of corticosteroid treatment was 9 days (range, 1-30). Corticosteroid treatment was started between days 0 and 7 in 45 (75%) patients and beyond day 7 in 15 (25%). After a median follow-up of 10 months (95% confidence interval, 8-12 months), use of higher cumulative dose of corticosteroids was associated with significantly shorter progression-free survival. More importantly, higher cumulative dose of corticosteroids, and prolonged and early use after CAR T-cell infusion were associated with significantly shorter overall survival. These results suggest that corticosteroids should be used at the lowest dose and for the shortest duration and their initiation should be delayed whenever clinically feasible while managing CAR T-cell therapy–associated toxicities.

Novel approaches are required to improve outcomes in relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. We aimed to evaluate camidanlumab tesirine, an anti-CD25 antibody–drug conjugate, in this patient population.

Autologous chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies targeting CD19 have high efficacy in large B cell lymphomas (LBCLs), but long-term remissions are observed in less than half of patients, and treatment-associated adverse events, such as immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), are a clinical challenge. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing with capture-based cell identification on autologous axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) anti-CD19 CAR T cell infusion products to identify transcriptomic features associated with efficacy and toxicity in 24 patients with LBCL. Patients who achieved a complete response by positron emission tomography/computed tomography at their 3-month follow-up had three-fold higher frequencies of CD8 T cells expressing memory signatures than patients with partial response or progressive disease. Molecular response measured by cell-free DNA sequencing at day 7 after infusion was significantly associated with clinical response (P= 0.008), and a signature of CD8 T cell exhaustion was associated (q= 2.8?×?10-149) with a poor molecular response. Furthermore, a rare cell population with monocyte-like transcriptional features was associated (P= 0.0002) with high-grade ICANS. Our results suggest that heterogeneity in the cellular and molecular features of CAR T cell infusion products contributes to variation in efficacy and toxicity after axi-cel therapy in LBCL, and that day 7 molecular response might serve as an early predictor of CAR T cell efficacy.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma; 40% of patients relapse after a complete response or are refractory to therapy. To survive, the activated B-cell (ABC) subtype of DLBCL relies upon B-cell receptor signaling, which can be modulated by the activity of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK). Targeting BTK with ibrutinib, an inhibitor, provides a therapeutic approach for this subtype of DLBCL. However, non-Hodgkin lymphoma is often resistant to ibrutinib or acquires resistance soon after exposure. We explored how this resistance develops. We generated 3 isogenic ibrutinib-resistant DLBCL cell lines and investigated the deregulated pathways known to be associated with tumorigenic properties. Reduced levels of BTK and enhanced phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling were hallmarks of these ibrutinib-resistant cells. Upregulation of PI3K-β expression was demonstrated to drive resistance in ibrutinib-resistant cells, and resistance was reversed by the blocking activity of PI3K-β/δ. Treatment with the selective PI3K-β/δ dual inhibitor KA2237 reduced both tumorigenic properties and survival-based PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling of these ibrutinib-resistant cells. In addition, combining KA2237 with currently available chemotherapeutic agents synergistically inhibited metabolic growth. This study elucidates the compensatory upregulated PI3K/AKT axis that emerges in ibrutinib-resistant cells.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma; 40% of patients relapse after a complete response or are refractory to therapy. To survive, the activated B-cell (ABC) subtype of DLBCL relies upon B-cell receptor signaling, which can be modulated by the activity of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK). Targeting BTK with ibrutinib, an inhibitor, provides a therapeutic approach for this subtype of DLBCL. However, non-Hodgkin lymphoma is often resistant to ibrutinib or acquires resistance soon after exposure. We explored how this resistance develops. We generated 3 isogenic ibrutinib-resistant DLBCL cell lines and investigated the deregulated pathways known to be associated with tumorigenic properties. Reduced levels of BTK and enhanced phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling were hallmarks of these ibrutinib-resistant cells. Upregulation of PI3K-β expression was demonstrated to drive resistance in ibrutinib-resistant cells, and resistance was reversed by the blocking activity of PI3K-β/δ. Treatment with the selective PI3K-β/δ dual inhibitor KA2237 reduced both tumorigenic properties and survival-based PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling of these ibrutinib-resistant cells. In addition, combining KA2237 with currently available chemotherapeutic agents synergistically inhibited metabolic growth. This study elucidates the compensatory upregulated PI3K/AKT axis that emerges in ibrutinib-resistant cells.

Neurotoxicity or immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) is the second most common acute toxicity after chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. However, there are limited data on the clinical and radiologic correlates of ICANS. We conducted a cohort analysis of 100 consecutive patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) treated with standard of care axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel). ICANS was graded according to an objective grading system. Neuroimaging studies and electroencephalograms (EEGs) were reviewed by an expert neuroradiologist and neurologist. Of 100 patients included in the study, 68 (68%) developed ICANS of any grade and 41 (41%) had grade ≥3. Median time to ICANS onset was 5 days, and median duration was 6 days. ICANS grade ≥3 was associated with high peak ferritin (P = .03) and C-reactive protein (P = .001) levels and a low peak monocyte count (P = .001) within the 30 days after axi-cel infusion. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 38 patients with ICANS and revealed 4 imaging patterns with features of encephalitis (n = 7), stroke (n = 3), leptomeningeal disease (n = 2), and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (n = 2). Abnormalities noted on EEG included diffuse slowing (n = 49), epileptiform discharges (n = 6), and nonconvulsive status epilepticus (n = 8). Although reversible, grade ≥3 ICANS was associated with significantly shorter progression-free (P = .02) and overall survival (progression being the most common cause of death; P = .001). Our results suggest that imaging and EEG abnormalities are common in patients with ICANS, and high-grade ICANS is associated with worse outcome after CAR T-cell therapy in LBCL patients.

Neurotoxicity or immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) is the second most common acute toxicity after chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. However, there are limited data on the clinical and radiologic correlates of ICANS. We conducted a cohort analysis of 100 consecutive patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) treated with standard of care axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel). ICANS was graded according to an objective grading system. Neuroimaging studies and electroencephalograms (EEGs) were reviewed by an expert neuroradiologist and neurologist. Of 100 patients included in the study, 68 (68%) developed ICANS of any grade and 41 (41%) had grade ≥3. Median time to ICANS onset was 5 days, and median duration was 6 days. ICANS grade ≥3 was associated with high peak ferritin (P= .03) and C-reactive protein (P= .001) levels and a low peak monocyte count (P= .001) within the 30 days after axi-cel infusion. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 38 patients with ICANS and revealed 4 imaging patterns with features of encephalitis (n = 7), stroke (n = 3), leptomeningeal disease (n = 2), and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (n = 2). Abnormalities noted on EEG included diffuse slowing (n = 49), epileptiform discharges (n = 6), and nonconvulsive status epilepticus (n = 8). Although reversible, grade ≥3 ICANS was associated with significantly shorter progression-free (P= .02) and overall survival (progression being the most common cause of death;P= .001). Our results suggest that imaging and EEG abnormalities are common in patients with ICANS, and high-grade ICANS is associated with worse outcome after CAR T-cell therapy in LBCL patients.

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has demonstrated impressive responses for relapsed/refractory (RR) large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) patients (pts). In the pivotal Zuma-1 (Neelapu NEJM 2017), Transform (Abramson Lancet 2020) and Juliet (Schuster NEJM 2019) studies, less than 1% of eligible pts experienced manufacturing failure. However, factors associated with CART manufacturing failure have not been examined outside of clinical trials. We aimed to find pt- and disease-specific variables associated with failure to manufacture a commercial CART product for LBCL pts.

Radiation fields for limited-stage nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) have shrunk over time; involved-site radiation therapy (ISRT) has replaced extended-field radiation therapy (EFRT) and involved-field radiation therapy (IFRT), but this has not been validated. The role of systemic therapy is unclear. We reviewed 71 stage I/II NLPHL patients and assessed progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), locoregional disease-free survival, and distant disease-free survival (DDFS). Median patient age was 39 years, and 61% had stage II disease. Thirty-six (51%) received radiation therapy (RT) only, 6 (8%) received systemic therapy only, and 29 (41%) received both. More patients receiving combined therapy had B symptoms (P = .035) and stage II disease (P = .001). In the RT-only group, 9 (25%) received EFRT, 13 (36%) received IFRT, and 14 (39%) received ISRT; in the combined-modality group, 3 (10%) received EFRT, 7 (24%) received IFRT, and 19 (66%) received ISRT. After a median follow-up of 6.2 years, 15 patients relapsed (13 distant, 2 locoregional). Five-year PFS and OS rates were 86% and 96% and did not differ by treatment. In the RT-only group, follow-up was shorter in the ISRT cohort (2.6 years vs 17.9 years [EFRT] and 8.5 years [IFRT], P < .01), but 5-year PFS did not differ by field size (P = .20). Locoregional control rates were 100% for the RT-only and combined groups, and corresponding 5-year DDFS rates were 93% and 95% (P = .95). Eight patients (11%) experienced a second malignancy (1 within RT field). Six patients died (1 from lymphoma). Use of limited ISRT fields does not appear to increase the risk of locoregional relapse, even when RT is given as single-modality therapy.

Radiation fields for limited-stage nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) have shrunk over time; involved-site radiation therapy (ISRT) has replaced extended-field radiation therapy (EFRT) and involved-field radiation therapy (IFRT), but this has not been validated. The role of systemic therapy is unclear. We reviewed 71 stage I/II NLPHL patients and assessed progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), locoregional disease-free survival, and distant disease-free survival (DDFS). Median patient age was 39 years, and 61% had stage II disease. Thirty-six (51%) received radiation therapy (RT) only, 6 (8%) received systemic therapy only, and 29 (41%) received both. More patients receiving combined therapy had B symptoms (P= .035) and stage II disease (P= .001). In the RT-only group, 9 (25%) received EFRT, 13 (36%) received IFRT, and 14 (39%) received ISRT; in the combined-modality group, 3 (10%) received EFRT, 7 (24%) received IFRT, and 19 (66%) received ISRT. After a median follow-up of 6.2 years, 15 patients relapsed (13 distant, 2 locoregional). Five-year PFS and OS rates were 86% and 96% and did not differ by treatment. In the RT-only group, follow-up was shorter in the ISRT cohort (2.6 years vs 17.9 years [EFRT] and 8.5 years [IFRT], P< .01), but 5-year PFS did not differ by field size (P= .20). Locoregional control rates were 100% for the RT-only and combined groups, and corresponding 5-year DDFS rates were 93% and 95% (P= .95). Eight patients (11%) experienced a second malignancy (1 within RT field). Six patients died (1 from lymphoma). Use of limited ISRT fields does not appear to increase the risk of locoregional relapse, even when RT is given as single-modality therapy.

Among 65 patients with ocular adnexal lymphoma and a history of lymphoma, 8 patients (12%) had an ocular adnexal lymphoma of more indolent type (downgraded lymphoma) than the original lymphoma.

INTRODUCTION:Luxeptinib (CG-806; LUX) is an orally active noncovalent kinase inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), wild type and mutant forms of Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) (including the internal tandem duplicates (ITD), tyrosine kinase domain (TKD), and F691L mutant forms), and growth receptors like KIT, CSF1R, PDGFRα, and TRKs. In prior studies, LUX has been shown to suppress aberrant proliferative signaling in B cell malignancies and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) via regulation of BTK, LYN, SYK, AKT, ERK, and MAPK. LUX is cytotoxic to primary AML cells insensitive to other FLT3 inhibitors and to malignant B-cells insensitive to ibrutinib, at pM and nM concentrations, respectively.

Introduction:While autologous CD19-targeting chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR T) can induce high complete response (CR) rates in relapsed and refractory (r/r) large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) and follicular lymphoma (FL), over 50% of patients experience progressive disease. Survival following CAR T failure is dismal, with only 1 in 5 patients living >2 years. Multiple studies indicated that resistance to CAR T therapy may be driven by CAR T cell intrinsic and/or tumor intrinsic mechanisms. Here, we evaluated the combination of PD-1 blockade with rituximab (R) and lenalidomide (len) with the rationale that it would restore the function of exhausted T cells, enhance CAR T function with len and target the tumor and its immunosuppressive microenvironment.

Background:

Background:Relapse is the major cause of failure after autologous stem cell transplantation (autoSCT) for patients (pts) with lymphoma. Targeting immune checkpoints with ipilimumab (Ipi) could result in lasting responses but only in few pts. We have previously reported that combination strategies of Ipi with lenalidomide (LEN) 10 mg (Ipi+LEN) resulted in enhanced immune activity manifested by a significant increase in the numbers of ICOS+CD4+FoxP3-T cells (Khouri I et al. Clin Cancer Res 2018:1011-1018). We have demonstrated proof-of-principle of this activity in one pt with refractory double hit lymphoma (DHL) (failed an autoSCT then relapsed after an allogeneic SCT) and another pt with CLL (failed ibrutinib, CART cell, and allogeneic SCT). Both pts then achieved complete remission with Ipi+LEN that has lasted 5+ and 4+ years, respectively. Hence, we have used Ipi+LEN to prevent relapse after autoSCT in pts with high-risk lymphoma, including double-expressor (DEL)/DHL who have been reported to have a 0% progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 4-years after autoSCT (Herrera et al. J Clin Oncol. 2017; 35:24-33). Patients and Methods:In this prospective trial, pts with lymphoma were enrolled within 6 months post-autoSCT. Inclusion criteria included: age 18 to 80 years; an ECOG PS 0-2; adequate liver (bilirubin and liver enzyme concentrations up to two times the upper limit of normal), renal (serum creatinine < 1.6 mg/dl) , cardiac (ejection fraction 45%), and pulmonary (diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide 40% of predictive value) function; no active infections; ANC ≥ 1.5x109/L and a platelet count ≥ 75x109/L. Treatment consisted of LEN 10 mg PO daily for 21 days (cycles 1) alternating with Ipi 3 mg/kg IV on day 1 (Cycle 2) for up to 8 cycles. LEN dose reduction was permitted to 5 mg based on standard clinical practice. Results:Twenty-three pts were enrolled in the study. The median age at autoSCT was 56 years (range, 33-74). Fifteen (65%) were males and 5 (22%) pts had an HCT-CI ≥ 3. The median # of prior chemotherapies excluding their SCT was 2 (range, 1-5). Two pts had failed a prior autoSCT and were enrolled after a second transplant. Histologies included [DEL/DHL (n=8, 35%), DLBCL nonDEL/nonDHL (n=6, 23%), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) (n=4, 17%; including 2 with 2 prior transplants, 1 with CNS involvement, 2 had blastoid histology, 1 in partial response to induction chemotherapy), follicular lymphoma (n=1; 4%; 3 prior therapies) Hodgkin’s disease (n=2, 9%; including 1 with persistent PET+ post-transplant), angioimmunoblastic t-cell lymphoma (n=2, 9%). Most pts received R-BEAM (n=17, 74%) or BEAM (n=3, 13%) conditioning for their autoSCT. Median # of cycles of immunotherapy received after autoSCT was 5 (range, 2-8). Two pts are continuing their pre-planned treatment. Median follow-up duration was 35 months (range, 4-78 months). The 3-year rates of overall survival (OS) and PFS were 92% and 73%, respectively (Figure 1). Only 1 death was observed: this occurred in a pt with MCL who received 2 prior autoSCT and then developed post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder without any evidence of MCL recurrence. The most common other grade 3-4 AEs were 10 events of neutropenia, anemia (1), perianal infection (1), and one developed pulmonary embolism on therapy. All AEs resolved. An immune-related AE occurred in one patient (dermatitis, gr 3) after the second ipilimumab dose and resolved with steroids. DEL/DHL group(n=8): This group was heavily pre-treated. The median # of prior chemotherapies excluding their SCT was 3 (range, 1-5). Five have failed DA-REPOCH, one had failed R-Hyper-CVAD and one was induced with R-CHOP. With a median follow-up of 35 months (range, 4-78months), all pts remain alive. One patient with DEL/DHL who was transplanted during second remission relapsed at 1.6 months after initiating therapy (just after finishing the cycle 2). All others remain in complete remission (Figure 2). Conclusions:Maintenance therapy with Ipi+LEN after autoSCT for high-risk lymphoma shows encouraging survival rates, including pts with DEL/DHL who usually have dismal outcomes. The treatment has favorable toxicity profile. These results warrant a randomized trial for confirmation.

Background:Inotuzumab Ozogamicin (INO) is a humanized anti-CD22 monoclonal antibody that has emerged as an attractive therapeutic target for CD22+ b-cell lymphoid malignancies. We prospectively studied the safety and efficacy of INO when added to our standard nonmyeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplant (alloSCT) conditioning regimen of BFR (bendamustine, fludarabine and rituximab) (Khouri IF, et al. Blood 2014;124:2306). We also compared results to patients who received BFR+alloSCT without INO in prior trial. Methods:INO was infused intravenously (IV) on day -13 outpatient, with a dose cohort of 0.6, 1.2 or 1.8 mg/m2, to determine the maximum tolerated dose. Bendamustine 130 mg/m2IV daily on days -5 to -3 together with 30 mg/m2IV of fludarabine on days -5 to -3 were given prior to transplantation. Rituximab was given at a dose of 375 mg/m2IV on days -6, +1, and +8. Tacrolimus and mini-methotrexate were used for graft versus host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. In addition, thymoglobulin 1 mg/kg IV was given on days -2, and -1 in patients receiving a matched unrelated donor (MUD) transplant. Results: AlloSCT with INO.The study group included 26 patients treated between December 2012 and September 2019. Median age was 59 (range, 26-70) years. Eleven (42% had an HCT-CI >3. Disease types: CLL [n=7 (27%) ; 2 with TP53mutations, 2 others with 17p-; 4 with unmutated immunoglobulin heavy chain gene], Richter’s (n=4, 15%), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) [n=8 (31%); 6/6 patients tested had Ki 67 >30%; 1 had blastoid histology and 1 had 17p-], follicular lymphoma (n=5, 19%), and diffuse large b cell (DLBCL[n= 2 (8%); including 1 double-expressor subtype]. Median prior treatments was 2.5 (range, 1-6). CLL patients were previously treated with ibrutinib (n=6, 86%; 5 had the drug discontinued due to refractoriness to ibrutinib, one had poor tolerance, and 1 was bridged to transplant), idelalisib (n=2, refractory), venetoclax (n=4; sensitive), CAR-T cell (n=1, refractory). One patient with Richter refractory to nivolumab+chemotherapy. Four MCL patients were previously treated with ibrutinib (2 had progression, 2 were bridged to transplant). At study entry, 18 (69%) patients were in CR, 7 (27%) in PR, and 1 (4%) had SD. Eleven (42%) received their transplants from HLA-compatible siblings and 15 (58%) from MUDs.The number of patients who received the 0.6, 1.2 or 1.8 mg/m2 of INO were 4, 2 and 20 patients, respectively. No DLT was observed. Neutrophil counts recovered to > 0.5 x 109/L a median of 6 days after transplantation (range, 0-12). Eleven patients (42%) never experienced an ANC < 0.5 x 109/L and 20 (77%) never experienced a platelet counts < 20K x 109/L. All patients engrafted donor cells and no secondary graft failure occurred. By day 30, median donor myeloid and T-cells were 92% and 99%, respectively. Both increased to 100% by day 90. The CI acute grade 2-4 GVHD, 3-4 GVHD and 1-year chronic extensive GVHD were 27%, 4 % (none had grade 4) and 31%, respectively. Non-relapse mortality (NRM) at 5-years was 11.7%. With a median follow-up time of 49 (range, 4-83) months, the 5-year OS and PFS rates were 84% and 81%, respectively (Figure 1). Control group: AlloSCT without INO.We compared results to a group of patients (n=56) with relapsed lymphoid malignancies who received alloSCT at our center on a preceding prospective trial between April 2009 and February 2013, using BFR conditioning without INO and the same GVHD prophylaxis. There was no statistically significant difference in patients, disease or transplant characteristics between the 2 groups. We also found no statistically significant differences in engraftment times, % donor cell, 5-year NRM (12.5%), risk of acute 2-4 or 3-4 GVHD. Liver toxicity encountered between the two groups is summarized in Table 1. The 5-year OS and PFS was 75% and 62%, respectively (Figure 2). Conclusions:Our results show that INO at a dose level of 1.8 mg/m2 is well-tolerated when combined with the BFR nonmyeloablative allogeneic conditioning regimen for lymphoid malignancies. No added toxicity or increased myelosuppression were observed compared to patients who received BFR alone. An ongoing trial at our center includes patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia evaluating INO added during conditioning and post- alloSCT for maintenance.

Khouri: Bristol Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding. Jabbour:Genentech: Other: Advisory role, Research Funding; Adaptive Biotechnologies: Other: Advisory role, Research Funding; Amgen: Other: Advisory role, Research Funding; BMS: Other: Advisory role, Research Funding; Takeda: Other: Advisory role, Research Funding; AbbVie: Other: Advisory role, Research Funding; Pfizer: Other: Advisory role, Research Funding. Lee:Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Oncternal Therapeutics: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Research Funding; Aptitude Health: Speakers Bureau; Guidepoint Blogal: Consultancy; Celgene: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding. Nastoupil:Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Gilead/KITE: Honoraria; Merck: Research Funding; Genentech, Inc.: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; TG Therapeutics: Honoraria, Research Funding; LAM Therapeutics: Research Funding; Gamida Cell: Honoraria; Bayer: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Karus Therapeutics: Research Funding. Iyer:Merck: Research Funding; Afffimed: Research Funding; Spectrum: Research Funding; Target Oncology: Honoraria; Legend Biotech: Consultancy; CRISPR: Research Funding; Curio Biosciences: Honoraria; Rhizen: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding; Trillium: Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy. Flowers:TG Therapeutics: Research Funding; Millennium/Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding; Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Burroughs Wellcome Fund: Research Funding; V Foundation: Research Funding; National Cancer Institute: Research Funding; Bayer: Consultancy; Kite: Research Funding; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group: Research Funding; AbbVie: Consultancy, Research Funding; Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Acerta: Research Funding; BeiGene: Consultancy; Spectrum: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics/Janssen: Consultancy; Karyopharm: Consultancy; OptumRx: Consultancy; Gilead: Consultancy, Research Funding; Denovo Biopharma: Consultancy; Genentech, Inc./F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd: Consultancy, Research Funding. Champlin:Genzyme: Speakers Bureau; Johnson and Johnson: Consultancy; Omeros: Consultancy; Actinium: Consultancy; Takeda: Patents & Royalties; DKMS America: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Cytonus: Consultancy. Sharma:BioAlta: Consultancy, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Achelois: Consultancy, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Apricity Health: Consultancy, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Constellation: Consultancy, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Dragonfly Therapeutics: Consultancy, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Forty-Seven Inc.: Consultancy, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Hummingbird: Consultancy, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Lava Therapeutics: Consultancy, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Lytix Biopharma: Consultancy, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Marker Therapeutics: Consultancy, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Oncolytics: Consultancy, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Adaptive Biotechnologies: Consultancy, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Glympse: Consultancy, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Polaris: Consultancy, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Jounce Therapeutics: Consultancy, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties; BioNTech: Consultancy, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Codiak BioSciences: Consultancy, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; ImaginAb: Consultancy, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Infinity Pharma: Consultancy, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.Maintenance therapy with Ipilimumab and Lenalidomide after transplantation

In a large cohort of ocular adnexal lymphoma patients who routinely underwent positron emission tomography and bone marrow biopsies as part of initial staging for lymphoma, positive findings on PET and BM biopsy were found in a significant proportion of patients.

Nodular lymphocyte Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is a rare disease for which the optimal therapy is unknown. We hypothesized that rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) could decrease rates of relapse and transformation. We retrospectively reviewed patients with NLPHL diagnosed between 1995 and 2015 confirmed by central pathologic review. Fifty-nine had sufficient treatment and follow-up data for analysis. We described progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and histologic transformation according to treatment strategy and explored prognostic factors for PFS and OS. The median age at diagnosis was 41 years; 75% were male, and 61% had a typical growth pattern. Twenty-seven patients were treated with R-CHOP with an overall response rate of 100% (complete responses 89%). The median follow-up was 6.7 years, and the estimated 5- and 10-year PFS rates for patients treated with R-CHOP were 88.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 68.4% to 96.1%) and 59.3 (95% CI, 25.3% to 89.1%), respectively. Excluding patients with histologic transformation at diagnosis, the 5-year cumulative incidence of histologic transformation was 2% (95% CI, 87% to 100%). No patient treated with R-CHOP experienced transformation. A high-risk score from the German Hodgkin Study Group was adversely prognostic for OS (P= .036), whereas male sex and splenic involvement were adversely prognostic for PFS (P= .006 and .002, respectively) but not OS. Our data support a potential role for R-CHOP in patients with NLPHL. Larger prospective trials are needed to define the optimal chemotherapy regimen.

Nodular lymphocyte Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is a rare disease for which the optimal therapy is unknown. We hypothesized that rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) could decrease rates of relapse and transformation. We retrospectively reviewed patients with NLPHL diagnosed between 1995 and 2015 confirmed by central pathologic review. Fifty-nine had sufficient treatment and follow-up data for analysis. We described progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and histologic transformation according to treatment strategy and explored prognostic factors for PFS and OS. The median age at diagnosis was 41 years; 75% were male, and 61% had a typical growth pattern. Twenty-seven patients were treated with R-CHOP with an overall response rate of 100% (complete responses 89%). The median follow-up was 6.7 years, and the estimated 5- and 10-year PFS rates for patients treated with R-CHOP were 88.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 68.4% to 96.1%) and 59.3 (95% CI, 25.3% to 89.1%), respectively. Excluding patients with histologic transformation at diagnosis, the 5-year cumulative incidence of histologic transformation was 2% (95% CI, 87% to 100%). No patient treated with R-CHOP experienced transformation. A high-risk score from the German Hodgkin Study Group was adversely prognostic for OS (P = .036), whereas male sex and splenic involvement were adversely prognostic for PFS (P = .006 and .002, respectively) but not OS. Our data support a potential role for R-CHOP in patients with NLPHL. Larger prospective trials are needed to define the optimal chemotherapy regimen.

IMPORTANCE: The management of lymphoma diagnosed during pregnancy is controversial and has been guided largely by findings from case reports and small series. OBJECTIVE: To determine maternal and fetal outcomes of women diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) during pregnancy. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective analysis studied a cohort of 39 pregnant women diagnosed with HL and NHL (31 HL and 8 NHL) at a single specialized cancer institution between January 1991 and December 2014. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: We examined data on disease and treatment characteristics, as well as maternal and fetal complications and outcomes. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) according to receipt of antenatal therapy and other clinical factors. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed by using Cox proportional hazard regression models to identify potential associations between clinical and treatment factors and survival. RESULTS: The median (range) age of the 39 women in the patient cohort was 28 (19-38) years; 32 women (82%) had stage I or II disease at diagnosis, and 13 had bulky disease. Three women electively terminated the pregnancy to allow immediate systemic therapy; of the remaining 36 women, 24 received antenatal therapy (doxorubicin based combination chemotherapy in 20 of 24 patients), and 12 deferred therapy until after delivery. Four women experienced miscarriage, all of whom had received antenatal systemic therapy and 2 during the first trimester. Delivery occurred at a median (range) of 37 (32-42) weeks and was no different based on receipt of antenatal (median [range], 37 [33-42] weeks) vs postnatal (median [range], 37 [32-42] weeks) therapy (P = .21). No gross fetal malformations or anomalies were detected. At a median (range) follow-up time of 67.9 (8.8-277.5) months since the diagnosis of lymphoma, 5-year rates of PFS and OS were 74.7% and 82.4%, respectively; these rates did not differ according to timing of therapy. On univariate analysis, bulky disease (>10 cm), extranodal nonbone marrow involvement, and poor performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, ≥2) predicted increased risk of disease progression. On multivariate analysis, extranodal nonbone marrow disease and performance status remained significant for both PFS and OS. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Systemic therapy given for lymphoma after the first trimester of pregnancy is likely safe and results in acceptable maternal and fetal outcomes.