scholarly journals Clinical Responses to CAR.CD30-T Cells in Patients with CD30+ Lymphomas Relapsed after Multiple Treatments Including Brentuximab Vedotin

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 681-681 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie S Grover ◽  
Steven I Park ◽  
Anastasia Ivanova ◽  
Paul Eldridge ◽  
Kathryn McKay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Dose Level ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Brentuximab Vedotin ◽  
Car T Cells ◽  
Car T ◽  
Post Infusion ◽  
Phase 1B

Abstract Background: Infusion of chimeric antigen receptor modified T cells targeting the CD30 molecule and encoding the CD28 endodomain (CD30.CAR-Ts) in the absence of lymphodepleting chemotherapy has been shown to be safe with responses seen in patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory (r/r) CD30+ lymphomas (Ramos et al., JCI 2017). We present here the results of a phase 1b/2 trial of CD30.CAR-Ts administered after lymphodepleting chemotherapy in pts with r/r CD30+ Hodgkin (HL) and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Methods: The primary objective of the phase 1b portion of the study was to determine the recommended phase 2 dose level (RP2DL) of CD30.CAR-Ts using a standard 3+3 design. Two dose levels were tested: 1 x 108 CAR-Ts/m2 (DL1) and 2 x 108 CAR-Ts/m2 (DL2). For lymphodepletion, the first 8 pts (including the first 3 pts treated at DL1) received 2 days of bendamustine (benda) 90 mg/m2, while the 10 remaining pts received 3 days of benda 70 mg/m2 and fludarabine (flu) 30 mg/m2, except for one pt who received only 1 day of benda and flu due to possible benda toxicity. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 years, CD30+ disease, and r/r HL or NHL having failed ≥2 prior therapies. Results: At the time of data cut off (7/1/2018), 18 pts with a median age of 40.5 years (range: 23-70) had received CD30.CAR-Ts and undergone response assessment. Sixteen pts had HL, 1 had enteropathy associated T cell lymphoma, and 1 had Sezary syndrome. All pts were heavily pre-treated with a median of 8.5 prior therapies (range: 4-17). All pts had received prior brentuximab vedotin and 13 had prior checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Fourteen pts had prior autologous stem cell transplant (SCT) and 7 had prior allogeneic SCT. Treatment was well tolerated with no dose limiting toxicities; as a consequence, the highest dose level of CAR-T cells (2 x 108 CAR-Ts/m2) was given as the RP2DL. Three pts developed cytokine release syndrome (CRS) (grade 1: 2 pts and grade 2: 1 pt). Grade 1 CRS resolved spontaneously, while the pt with grade 2 CRS responded to tocilizumab. No neurotoxicity was observed. Out of the 18 pts, 4 were in a complete response (CR) before infusion due to bridging chemotherapy and remained disease free at 6 wk follow up. Two of these pts have since relapsed with PFS of 3.8 months and 11.9 months while the other 2 pts are still in CR after 1 year of follow up. The 14 pts with evidence of disease pre-lymphodepletion were included in efficacy analysis. Of these 14 pts, 6 had a CR (43%, all in the benda/flu cohort), 1 had partial response (7%), 2 had stable disease (14%) and 5 had progressive disease (35%) at disease assessment. No responses occurred in the 3 pts treated at DL1. At median follow up of 138 days, the median PFS was 129 days. The median PFS for the 3 evaluable pts who received benda at DL1 was 55 days vs 172 days for the 9 pts who received benda/flu at DL2 (p = 0.039). The median PFS for the 2 evaluable pts at DL2 who received benda lymphodepletion was 85.5 days but this was not included in the comparison due to small sample size. Two out of 14 evaluable pts remain in CR at 1 year. Using PCR on peripheral blood, CD30.CAR-Ts were found to be increased in the circulation of all pts, peaking at wk 2 post infusion, with increasing CAR-T cells in pts receiving greater number of CAR-T cells or more robust lymphodepletion (3.4x103 ± 2.9x103 copies/ug of DNA for DL1-beda vs. 61x103 ± 41x103 for DL2-benda vs. 59x103 ± 22x103 for benda/flu). These differences were confirmed by flow cytometry (CD3+CAR+ cells = 13%±9% for DL1-benda vs 21%±10% for DL2-benda vs 35%±8% for benda/flu). Persistence was also related to dose level and lymphodepletion (0.06x103 ± 0.01x103 vs 0.44x103 ± 0.41x103 vs 28x103 ± 15x103/ug of DNA at wk 4 for DL1-benda, DL2-benda, and benda/flu, respectively). Although both lymphodepletion regimens reduced the lymphocyte counts, only the combination of benda/flu was found to have a significant increase in IL-15 and IL-7 cytokines (13 fold, p<0.01 and 3 fold, p=0.016, respectively) that was sustained for 2 wks post infusion. Conclusions: We show that CD30.CAR-Ts combined with lymphodepletion with benda/ flu are safe and at 2 x 108 CAR T cells/m2 demonstrate excellent antitumor activity for pts with r/r CD30+ lymphomas. We also find that the addition of flu is critical for enhancing cytokines important for T cell growth and persistence. Finally, we demonstrate a significant PFS advantage in pts with r/r CD30+ lymphoma who received the highest dose level combined with benda and flu. Disclosures Grover: Seattle Genetics: Consultancy. Park:G1 Therapeutics: Consultancy; Gilead: Speakers Bureau; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Teva: Research Funding; Rafael Pharma: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; BMS: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Speakers Bureau; Teva: Consultancy; Takeda: Research Funding. Dittus:Seattle Genetics: Consultancy. Serody:Merck: Research Funding.

scholarly journals B Cell Maturation Antigen-Specific CAR T Cells for Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma: A Meta-Analysis

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 3113-3113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nico Gagelmann ◽  
Francis Ayuketang Ayuk ◽  
Djordje Atanackovic ◽  
Nicolaus Kroeger
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Response Rates ◽  
Overall Response ◽  
Car T Cells ◽  
Car T Cell ◽  
Car T

Background Cellular immunotherapies represent an enormously promising strategy for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells targeting B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) have shown impressive results in early-phase clinical studies. Here, we summarize the current body of evidence on the role of anti-BCMA CAR T cell therapy for RRMM. Methods We performed a systematic literature review to identify all publicly available prospective studies. We searched Medline, Cochrane trials registry, and www.clinicaltrials.gov. To include the most recent evidence, meeting abstracts from international hematology congresses were added. A conventional meta-analysis was conducted using meta and metafor packages in R statistical software. Pooled event rates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the inverse variance method within a random-effects framework. Main efficacy outcomes were overall response, complete response (CR), and minimal residual disease (MRD). Furthermore, relapse rates, progression-free survival, and overall survival were evaluated. In terms of safety, outcomes were cytokine release syndrome (CRS), neurotoxicity, and hematologic toxic effects. Results Fifteen studies comprising a total of 285 patients with heavily pretreated RRMM were included in quantitative analyses. Patients received a median of seven prior treatment lines (such as proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, monoclonal antibodies, stem cell transplantation) which included autologous stem cell transplantation in 90% of patients. The median age of patients was 59 years and median follow-up duration ranged from 1.1 to 11.3 months. Most studies used 4-1BB (or CD137), a member of the TNF receptor superfamily, as an activation-induced T-cell costimulatory molecule. Most studies used fludarabine and cyclophosphamide for lymphodepletion while one study used busulfan and cyclophosphamide and one study used cyclophosphamide only. Most studies used the former Lee criteria for CRS grading. Anti-BCMA CAR T cells resulted in a pooled overall response of 82% (95% CI, 74-88%). The pooled proportion of CR in all evaluable patients was 36% (95% CI, 24-50%). Within responders, the pooled proportion of MRD negativity was 77% (95% CI, 67-85%). Higher dose levels of infused CAR+ cells were associated with higher overall response rates resulting in a pooled proportion of 88% (95% CI, 78-94%). In addition, peak CAR T cell expansion appeared to be associated with responses.The presence of high-risk cytogenetics appeared to be associated with lower overall response rates resulting in a pooled proportion of 68% (95% CI, 47-83%). The presence of extramedullary disease at time of infusion did not influence outcome and was associated with similar response rates compared with RRMM patients who did not have extramedullary disease, resulting in a pooled proportion of 78% (95% CI, 47-93%). The pooled relapse rate of all responders was 45% (95% CI, 27-64%) and the median progression-free survival was 10 months. In terms of overall survival, pooled survival rates were 84% (95% CI, 60-95%) at last follow-up (median, 11 months). In terms of safety, the pooled proportion of CRS of any grade was 69% (95% CI, 51-83%). Notably, the pooled proportions of CRS grades 3-4 and neurotoxicity were 15% (95% CI, 10-23%) and 18% (95% CI, 10-31%). Peak CAR T cell expansion appeared to be more likely in the setting of more severe CRS in three studies. Most hematologic toxic effects of grade 3 or higher were neutropenia (85%), thrombocytopenia (70%), and leukopenia (60%). Conclusion Anti-BCMA CAR T cells showed high response rates, even in high-risk features such as high-risk cytogenetics and extramedullary disease at time of CAR T cell infusion. Toxicity was manageable across all early-phase studies. However, almost half of the patients who achieved a response eventually relapsed. Larger studies with longer follow-up evaluating the association of response and survival are needed. Disclosures Ayuk: Novartis: Honoraria, Other: Advisory Board, Research Funding. Kroeger:Medac: Honoraria; Sanofi-Aventis: Honoraria; Neovii: Honoraria, Research Funding; Riemser: Research Funding; JAZZ: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; DKMS: Research Funding.

scholarly journals Efficacy and Safety of JWCAR029 in Adult Patients with Relapsed and Refractory B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 4187-4187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zixun Yan ◽  
Wen Wang ◽  
Zhong Zheng ◽  
Ming Hao ◽  
Su Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Hodgkin Lymphoma ◽  
Dose Level ◽  
Car T Cells ◽  
Car T Cell ◽  
Non Hodgkin Lymphoma ◽  
Car T

Abstract Introduction JWCAR029 is a novel CD19-directed 4-1BB stimulated chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell type, which is different from JWCAR017 with independent production of CD4 and CD8 T cells and transfusion in non-fixed ratio. We conducted a single arm, open-label, dose escalation Phase I trial of JWCAR029 in relapsed and refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NCT03355859). Methods From January to July 2018, 10 patients have been enrolled in this trial, including eight diffused large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and two MALT lymphoma, with median age of 47 years (range 32 to 59 years). All the patients received immunochemotherapy as induction and more than two lines of salvage treatment. Two patients received bridging chemotherapy after T-cell collection due to rapid tumor progression, followed by re-evaluation before CAR-T cell infusion. Lymphodepletion preconditioning was accomplished by fludarabine 25mg/m2/d and cyclophosphamide 250mg/m2/d on Day-4 to D-2, followed by CAR-T cell infusion on Day0. JWCAR029 was administrated as a single infusion in escalation dose levels, from 2.5×107 CAR-T cells (dose level 1, DL1) to 5.0×107 CAR-T cells (dose level 2, DL2) and to 1.0×108 CAR-T cells (dose level 3, DL3) according to mTPI-2 algorithm. Circulating blood count, serum biochemistry, and coagulation status were follow-up after infusion. Cytokines were assessed on a Luminex platform. Tumor evaluation was performed on Day 29 by PET-CT. PK data were detected by flow cytometry and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction system. All the adverse events were recorded. The study was approved by the Shanghai Rui Jin Hospital Review Board with informed consent obtained in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Results The demographic characteristics of the patients were demonstrated in Table 1. Among six evaluable patients (3 of DL1 and 3 of DL2), the ORR was 100% on Day 29, including four complete remission and 2 partial remission. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was 100% in Gr 1, with main symptoms as fever (<39.0 degrees), fatigue, and muscle soreness. No neurotoxicity was observed. Four of the six patients with fever >38.0 degrees used prophylactic IL-6 Inhibitor (8mg/kg, ACTEMRA, two patients administered twice). No patients received steroids. The CRS showed no difference between dose level groups (p>0.99). Adverse effects included leukopenia (Gr 3-4: 83.3%, Gr 1-2: 16.7%), hypofibrinogenemia (Gr 1: 16.7%, Gr 2-4: 0%), liver dysfunction (Gr 1: 33.3%, Gr 2-4: 0%), elevated CRP (Gr 1: 83.3%, Gr 2-4: 0%), ferritin (Gr 1-2: 83.3%, Gr 2-4: 0%), or IL-6 (Gr 1-2:100%, Gr 3-4: 0%, Table 2). Conclusion Although long-term follow-up was needed, the preliminary data of six patients in this trial have demonstrated high response rates and safety of JWCAR029 in treating relapsed and refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Disclosures Hao: JW Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership.

Update of CARTITUDE-1: A phase Ib/II study of JNJ-4528, a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed CAR-T-cell therapy, in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 8505-8505 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesus G. Berdeja ◽  
Deepu Madduri ◽  
Saad Zafar Usmani ◽  
Indrajeet Singh ◽  
Enrique Zudaire ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
T Cell Therapy ◽  
Car T Cells ◽  
Car T Cell ◽  
Car T Cell Therapy ◽  
Car T ◽  
Phase 1B

8505 Background: JNJ-68284528 (JNJ-4528) is a chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy containing 2 BCMA-targeting single-domain antibodies. Here we present updated CARTITUDE-1 (NCT03548207) phase 1b results with longer follow-up. Methods: Pts had MM per IMWG criteria, measurable disease, received ≥3 prior regimens or were double refractory to a PI and IMiD, and received anti-CD38 antibody. Cyclophosphamide 300 mg/m2+ fludarabine 30 mg/m2 over 3 days were used for lymphodepletion. JNJ-4528 (median, 0.73x106 CAR+ viable T cells/kg) was given as a single infusion. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was graded by Lee et al2014 and neurotoxicity by CTCAE, v5.0 and ASTCT grading. Response was assessed per IMWG criteria. Results: As of 17 Jan 2020, median follow-up is 9 mo (3–17). Phase 1b enrollment is complete (N = 29 treated; median 5 (3–18) prior lines, 76% penta-exposed, 86% triple-refractory, 31% penta-refractory, 97% refractory to last line of therapy). Most frequent adverse events (AEs) were neutropenia (100%), CRS (93%), and thrombocytopenia (93%). Grade (Gr) ≥3 hematologic AEs were neutropenia (100%), thrombocytopenia (69%), and leukopenia (59%). 27 (93%) pts had CRS; 25 Gr 1–2, 1 Gr 3, and 1 Gr 5 (day 99 subsequent to dose-limiting toxicity of prolonged Gr 4 CRS). Median time to onset of CRS was 7 days (2–12). 4 pts had treatment-related neurotoxicity: 3 Gr 1–2 and 1 Gr 3. ORR was 100%, with 22 (76%) stringent complete responses (sCRs), 6 (21%) very good partial responses (VGPRs), and 1 (3%) PR. Median time to ≥CR was 2 mo (1–9). 26/29 pts are progression-free, with 6-mo progression-free survival rate of 93% and longest response ongoing at 15 mo. 1 death due to CRS and 1 to acute myeloid leukemia (not treatment-related) occurred during the study. All 16 pts (14 sCR, 2 VGPR) evaluable at 6 mo were minimal residual disease negative at 10−5 or 10−6. JNJ-4528 CAR+ T cell expansion peaked between day 10–14. At 6-mo individual follow-up, 22/28 pts had JNJ-4528 CAR+ T cells below the level of quantification (2 cells/µL) in peripheral blood, suggesting CAR-T persistence in peripheral blood did not seem to correlate with deepening of response. At peak expansion, preferential expansion of CD8+ CAR-T cells with a central memory phenotype was observed in peripheral blood. Conclusions: JNJ-4528 treatment led to responses in all pts. These responses were early, deep, and durable at a low dose of CAR-T cells with 26/29 (90%) pts progression free at median 9-mo follow-up. CRS was manageable in most pts, supporting outpatient dosing. Clinical trial information: NCT03548207 .

scholarly journals The Safety and Efficacy of a CRISPR/Cas9-Engineered Universal CAR-T Cell Product (CTA101) in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 52-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongxian Hu ◽  
Yali Zhou ◽  
Mingming Zhang ◽  
Wengang Ge ◽  
Yi Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Dose Level ◽  
Gene Editing ◽  
Private Company ◽  
Safety And Efficacy ◽  
Car T Cells ◽  
Car T

Introduction Although autologous CAR-T therapy targeting CD19+ B-cell has proven efficacy in hematological malignancies. The challenges such as undesirable waiting time, possible manufacturing failures and high cost, remain to be solved. In addition, antigen-loss/downregulation leads to treatment failure after single-target CAR-T therapy. To tackle these issues, we developed a universal CD19/CD22-targeting CAR-T cell with the TRAC region and CD52 gene disrupted using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Pre-clinical data demonstrated the safety of CRISPR gene editing and the anti-leukemia ability of CTA101. Method Pts with CD19+ or CD22+ r/r B-ALL received a single dose of CTA101 with traditional 3+3 dose escalation (dose level: 1, 3 and 6×106 CAR+ T cells/kg). Prior to CTA101 infusion, pts received pre-conditioning chemotherapy regimen consisting of cyclophosphamide, fludarabine and alemtuzumab. The primary endpoint is the frequency of DLTs and AEs and secondary endpoints including ORR, OS, cellular PK, etc. (NCT04227015) Results Characteristics of CTA101 CTA101 was manufactured by electroporation of ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNP) comprising Cas9 loaded with sgRNA targeting TRAC and CD52 followed by lentiviral transduction of the CAR transgene. All products were expanded above 100-folds after 10-12 days manufacturing (Fig.1a). CAR expression was detected by FCM staining, ranging from 40~80% (Fig.1b). The frequency of editing as determined by flow cytometry was consistently above 85% (88%-97%) for TRAC and above 65% (68%-83%) for CD52 (Fig.1c, 1d). The CD19/CD22 dual targeting universal CAR-T cells showed potent antigen specific cytotoxicity, and mitigated tumor antigen escape (Fig.1e). Whole genome sequencing was carried out to assess the on-target and off-target editing events. While most mutations were on target, a few off-target mutations were identified, which needed further investigation (Fig.2). QPCR assays identified no detectable rearrangements occurred with the simultaneous editing of four loci: TRAC and CD52 (TRAC-CD52) during the manufacture process. Residual Cas9 protein was quantified during the manufacturing process, showing declining levels that were 0.195 fg/cell (detection limit of sensitive ELISA) in the final product. Clinical result As of August 5th 2020, 8 adult pts were screened, and 6 adult pts were enrolled. All of 6 patients received one infusion of CTA101 (DL1: 3 pts; DL2: 3 pts), with no more than 8 days between enrollment and infusion. The median age of 6 pts was 49 years (range, 26 to 56), the median prior lines of therapies were 5 (range, 2 to 8), and the median marrow blast percentage was 52% (range, 1 to 82). 3 pts had hyperleukocytosis prior to enrollment with difficulties in apheresis for autologous CAR-T, 1 relapsed after autologous CD22 CAR-T, and 3 had high-risk genomic lesions (Table 1). All 6 pts were available for evaluation of safety and efficacy. No DLTs, GvHD, ICANS and death occurred to date. All pts experienced CRS (3 G1, 2 G2, 1 G3), and the G3 CRS recovered within 7 days with one dose of tocilizumab and glucocorticoids. Other common AEs were prolonged cytopenia (3 G3), virus reactivation/infections (CMV 1 G2, 2 G3; ADV 1 G1), bacterial pneumonia (1 G3), and fungal sepsis (1 G3). The majority of events recovered to date. No replication competent lentivirus (RCL) has been detected. On D28 after CTA101 infusion, 5/6 (83.3%) pts achieved CR/CRi, and 5/5 (100%) pts achieved MRD-. With a median follow-up of 85 days (range, 53 to 202), 4/5 pts remained MRD-, 1/5 had MRD+ CR (Fig. 3). Only 1 pt received HSCT in remission on D60. Expansion had been observed in all pts and peaked from D10 to D14 (Fig.4). The correlation among dose level, donor difference, tumor burden and degree of expansion could not be identified. The median duration of persistence was 42 days. The lowest peak expansion was detected by qPCR in the pt without response and whose T lymphocyte recovered within D7, while FCM did not detect CTA101 expansion in the pt. Conclusions CTA101 demonstrates manageable safety profile and deep response of high MRD- CR/CRi rate. No GvHD and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing associated AEs occurred. Early data of cellular PK and efficacy illustrate that CRISPR gene editing does not curtail the expansion and anti-leukemia capacity of CAR-T. Updated data, including long term gene editing-related AEs, will be presented after further follow-up. Disclosures Zhou: Nanjing Bioheng Biotech Co., Ltd: Current Employment. Ge:Nanjing Bioheng Biotech Co., Ltd: Current Employment. Han:Nanjing Bioheng Biotech Co., Ltd: Current equity holder in private company. Wang:Nanjing Bioheng Biotech Co., Ltd: Current Employment. Zhang:Nanjing Bioheng Biotech Co., Ltd: Current Employment. Ren:Nanjing Bioheng Biotech Co., Ltd: Current equity holder in private company.

scholarly journals T Cells Expressing an Anti-B-Cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA) Chimeric Antigen Receptor with a Fully-Human Heavy-Chain-Only Antigen Recognition Domain Induce Remissions in Patients with Relapsed Multiple Myeloma

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 3230-3230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lekha Mikkilineni ◽  
Elisabet E. Manasanch ◽  
Norris Lam ◽  
Danielle Vanasse ◽  
Jennifer N. Brudno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Car T Cells ◽  
B Cell Maturation ◽  
Car T ◽  
Post Infusion ◽  
Equity Ownership ◽  
Grade 3 ◽  
Dose Levels

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells expressing B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) can target and kill multiple myeloma (MM). BCMA was chosen as a target for MM because it is expressed by almost all cases of MM but has a restricted expression pattern on normal cells. CAR antigen-recognition domains made up of monoclonal antibody-derived, single-chain-variable fragments (scFv) are potentially immunogenic. To reduce the risk of recipient immune responses against CAR T cells, we used the sequence of a novel anti-BCMA, fully-human, heavy-chain-only binding domain designated FHVH33. The FHVH33 binding domain sequence was from TeneoBio, Inc. FHVH33 is smaller than a scFv. FHVH33 lacks the light chain, artificial linker sequence, and 2 associated junctions of a scFv, so it is predicted to be less immunogenic than a scFv, especially murine-derived scFvs. We constructed a CAR incorporating FHVH33, CD8α hinge and transmembrane domains, a 4-1BB costimulatory domain, and a CD3ζ T-cell activation domain. The CAR, FHVH33-CD8BBZ, is encoded by a γ-retroviral vector. FHVH33-CD8BBZ-expressing T cells (FHVH-BCMA-T) exhibited a full range of T-cell functions in vitro and eliminated tumors and disseminated malignancy in mice (Lam et al, Blood (ASH abstract) 2017 vol 130: 504). We are conducting the first clinical trial of FHVH-BCMA-T. Patients receive conditioning chemotherapy on days -5 to -3 with 300 mg/m2 of cyclophosphamide and 30 mg/m2 of fludarabine followed by infusion of FHVH-BCMA-T on day 0. This dose-escalation trial has 5 planned dose levels (DL). Twelve patients have received FHVH-BCMA-T on 3 DLs, 0.75x106, 1.5x106 and 3x106 CAR+ T cells/kg of bodyweight. Three patients were enrolled on the trial but not treated. The median age of patients enrolled was 63 (range 52-70); patients received a median of 6 lines of anti-myeloma therapy (range 3-10) prior to treatment with FHVH-BCMA-T. Ten patients out of 12 patients have achieved objective responses (OR). Five patients have obtained CRs or VGPRs to date. One patient achieved a partial remission (PR) 26 weeks after FHVH-BCMA-T infusion through a continued decrease in a measurable plasmacytoma. Five out of 7 patients who had myeloma with high-risk cytogenetics had an OR (Table). ORs occurred in patients with large soft-tissue plasmacytomas. Loss of BCMA expression on myeloma cells after treatment was documented in 2 patients. Two patients who developed progressive MM after CAR T-cell infusion had evidence of minimal residual disease in bone marrow 1-2 months post infusion of CAR T cells (patients 7,8). Eleven out of 12 patients had cytokine release syndrome (CRS); CRS grades ranged from 1-3 (Lee et al. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 25 (2019) 625-638). The median peak C reactive protein (CRP) of the patients with CRS was 156.3 mg/L. Of 12 patients, 1 received the interleukin-6-receptor antagonist tocilizumab on day +6 to treat grade 3 CRS with hypotension requiring low-dose pressor therapy, grade 2 ejection fraction (EF) decrease and elevation of creatinine kinase (CK). All parameters returned to baseline by day +10. Patient 12 had a grade 3 decrease in EF which resolved by day +29. Two patients had grade 2 neurotoxicity that resolved without intervention: patient 3 had headaches, dysarthria and word-finding difficulties that resolved after 6 days while patient 6 had headaches on day +4. Patient 12 had grade 3 neurotoxicity with confusion on day +2; she was given dexamethasone with improvement in mental status the same day. After attaining a response, patient 6 died from influenza complications 6 weeks after FHVH-BCMA-T infusion. A median of 10.6% (range 1.1-46) of bone marrow T cells were CAR+ when assessed 14 days after FHVH-BCMA-T infusion. We assessed blood CAR+ cells by quantitative PCR. The median peak level of CAR+ cells was 76.5 cells/µl (range 3-347 cells/µl) and the median day post-infusion of peak blood CAR+ cell levels was 13 (range 9-14). The results from this phase 1 trial demonstrate that FHVH-BCMA-T cells can induce responses at low dose levels. Patients who had no CRS or low-grade CRS achieved objective responses. Toxicity was limited and reversible. Accrual to this trial continues. A maximum tolerated dose has not been determined yet. These results encourage further development of FHVH CAR-T. Table Disclosures Manasanch: Janssen: Honoraria; Sanofi: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria; Merck: Research Funding; Skyline Diagnostics: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; Quest Diagnostics: Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria. Trinklein:Teneobio, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Buelow:Teneobio, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Kochenderfer:Kite and Celgene: Research Funding; Bluebird and CRISPR Therapeutics: Other: received royalties on licensing of his inventions. OffLabel Disclosure: Cyclophosphamide and fludarabine are used in combination for conditioning chemotherapy prior to CAR T-cell infusion

scholarly journals A Novel Second Generation CD19 CAR for Therapy of High Risk/Relapsed Paediatric CD19+ Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia and Other Haematological Malignancies: Preliminary Results from the Carpall Study

Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 4026-4026
Author(s):  
Sara Ghorashian ◽  
Anne Marijn Kramer ◽  
Sarah Jayne Albon ◽  
Catherine Irving ◽  
Lucas Chan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Memory T Cells ◽  
Transduction Efficiency ◽  
Car T Cells ◽  
Car T Cell ◽  
Car T ◽  
Post Infusion ◽  
Equity Ownership

Abstract Introduction: Recent clinical trials with T cells engineered to express 2nd generation CD19 chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) unprecedented anti-leukemic responses. We have developed a novel CD19CAR with a new scFv in the 41BBz format (CAT-41BBz CAR) which confers enhanced cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion in response to stimulation with CD19+ targets in vitro as well as equivalent in vivo anti-tumour efficacy to the FMC63 41BBZ CAR in use in clinical studies. We have designed, optimized and validated GMP-grade CAR T cell production using this novel CAR. Based on these data, we have recently initiated a Phase I clinical study (CARPALL) of this novel CAR in pediatric patients with relapsed ALL and other CD19+ hematological malignancies to determine the safety profile and durability of responses to CD19CART therapy. This will be critical in determining whether CD19CAR T cells are best used as a stand-alone therapy or as a bridge to stem cell transplant (SCT). Methods: We initially optimized our GMP production methodology in terms of activation method, cytokine milieu and expansion conditions on healthy donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to give optimal transduction efficiency and preserve early memory subsets within the CAR T cell product. We have subsequently validated this methodology using unstimulated leucaphereses from 5 lymphopenic patients with ALL. PBMCs were activated with anti-CD3/CD28 microbeads (Dynabeads CTS) and then lentivirally transduced with the CAT CAR vector. T cells were then expanded in the WAVE bioreactor before bead removal on a magnetic system and cryopreservation. Patients on study receive lymphodepletion with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide followed by a single dose of 106 CAR+ T cells/kg and are then monitored as an in-patient for 14 days post infusion for toxicities such as cytokine release syndrome or neurotoxicity. The primary end-points of the study are toxicity and the proportion of patients achieving molecular CR at 1 month post CD19CAR T cell infusion. Following this, patients undergo intensive monitoring of disease status for a total of 2 years post infusion. To determine the durability of responses, patients achieving a molecular CR will be monitored closely for the re-emergence of molecular level disease without additional consolidative therapy or SCT Results: We were able to generate the target dose of 1x106 CAR+ T cells/kg in 6 of 7 production runs (involving 2 healthy donors and 5 patients) to date, all of which met sterility release criteria. Transduction efficiency was on average 37% (range 7-84%, see table 1). Mean viral copy was 4.2 (range 1.2-5.8). Memory T cells of stem cell-like phenotype (CAR+ CCR7+ CD45RA+ CD95+ CD127+) formed a mean of 9% (range 0-31%), central memory T cells (CAR+ CCR7+ CD45RA-) formed a mean of 43% (range 16-70%) and effector memory T cells formed a mean of 31% (range 0-77%) of the final CAR T cell product. The percentage of CAR T cells expressing dual exhaustion markers (TIM3+ PD-1+) was on average 5% (range 2-8%). So far 2 patients have been treated. Conclusions We have optimized and successfully validated a robust GMP production method for CD19CAR T cells lentivirally transduced with a novel CD19CAR. Preliminary results of therapy with CAT-41BBz CAR T cells in initial patients on the clinical study will be presented. Disclosures Qasim: Autolus: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Research Funding; Cellectis: Research Funding; Calimmune: Research Funding; Catapult: Research Funding. Pule:Autolus Ltd: Employment, Equity Ownership, Research Funding; UCL Business: Patents & Royalties; Amgen: Honoraria; Roche: Honoraria.

scholarly journals High Dose Fractionated Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine, Doxorubicin, and Dexamethasone (mHyperCVAD) Is an Active Regimen in Heavily Pretreated Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma, Enabling Access to Experimental Therapies

Blood ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 138 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 3784-3784
Author(s):  
Nicole Watts ◽  
Smith Giri ◽  
Kelly N. Godby ◽  
Gayathri Ravi ◽  
Luciano J. Costa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Disease Control ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Progressive Disease ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Car T Cells ◽  
Car T

Abstract Background Therapeutic advancements and deeper understanding of disease biology have helped improve the outcomes of multiple myeloma (MM). However, there is no consensus regarding the optimal management of patients whose disease becomes refractory to the three main class of drugs [proteasome inhibitors (PI), immunomodulatory drug (IMiD), and monoclonal antibodies (mab)] or among those presenting with complications secondary to rapidly progressive disease. While chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) and bispecific T-cell engagers have yielded high rates of durable responses, access to these therapies in clinical trials is often hindered by high disease burden compromising eligibility. We evaluated the use of a combination of cytotoxic agents (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and dexamethasone; mHyperCVAD) in this challenging population. Methods This is a retrospective, single center study evaluating the safety/tolerability and efficacy of mHyperCVAD in relapsed and refractory MM (RRMM). The regimen consists of cyclophosphamide 300 mg/m2 IV every 12 hours on D1-4 (total 2400 mg/m2), vincristine 0.4 mg/day IV continuous infusion D1-4 (total 1.6 mg), doxorubicin 9 mg/m2/day IV continuous infusion D1-4 hours (total 36 mg/m2) and dexamethasone 40 mg PO daily D1-4. Adult patients with RRMM were included if they received ≥1 cycle of mHyperCVAD between 2019-2021. Patients with primary plasma cell leukemia were excluded. Response was assessed by International Myeloma Working Group Uniform Criteria. Overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were defined as ≥ partial response and ≥ stable disease, respectively. Patients were censored for progression free survival (PFS) at the last follow-up date if neither progression nor death occurred. All patients received growth factors, and infectious disease prophylaxis per institutional standard. Toxicities were graded using CTCAE v5.0 up to 30 days post therapy. Results Between 1/2019 and 7/2021, 39 patients met the inclusion criteria and received 44 courses of mHyperCVAD (four patients received mHyperCVAD at more than one timepoint). The median age was 54 years (range 32-71), 56% male. 36% patient had ISS stage III disease and 56% had high risk disease [t(4;14), t(14;16), del17p, +1q]. The median lines of therapy prior to mHyperCVAD were 3 (range 1-12) with 93% triple class refractory (refractory to PI, IMID and mab) and 64% penta-refractory (refractory to 2 PI, 2 IMiDs and mab) and 76% had received a prior autologous transplant. The median number of mHyperCVAD cycles per course was 1 (range 1-8). Baseline characteristics are summarized in Table. Eleven courses (25%) were administered as bridge after lymphocyte collection for the manufacture of CAR-T cells and prior to lymphodepletion chemotherapy (100% triple class refractory and 91% penta-refractory) with ORR 18% and DCR 72%. Thirty-three courses (75%) were used as salvage for rapid disease control. The most common toxicities with mHyperCVAD were hematologic (65% grade 3/4 toxicities) with 20% incidence of febrile neutropenia. Four patients died during mHyperCVAD therapy due to rapidly progressive disease and one patient died due to sepsis. For the entire cohort, the ORR is 50% (≥VGPR 30%) with a DCR 82%. Additionally, 39% could proceed with experimental CAR-T cells and/or bispecific T cell engagers. The median progression free survival is 3.6 months, and the median overall survival is 8 months from start of mHyperCVAD with 10.5 months median follow up. The most common cause of death was progressive disease (39%). Conclusion mHyperCVAD is an efficacious cytotoxic chemotherapy regimen which can achieve rapid disease control allowing patients an opportunity to proceed with additional therapies, including investigational agents on clinical trials. It can also be used as an effective bridging strategy among heavily treated, triple class and penta-refractory MM awaiting manufacturing of CAR-T cells with manageable and expected toxicities. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Giri: PackHealth: Research Funding; CareVive: Honoraria, Research Funding. Costa: Karyopharm: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau.

scholarly journals Simultaneous Targeting of CD19 and CD22: Phase I Study of AUTO3, a Bicistronic Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell Therapy, in Pediatric Patients with Relapsed/Refractory B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (r/r B-ALL): Amelia Study

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 279-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Persis J Amrolia ◽  
Robert Wynn ◽  
Rachael Hough ◽  
Ajay Vora ◽  
Denise Bonney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Phase I ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Advisory Board ◽  
Car T Cells ◽  
Car T Cell ◽  
Car T ◽  
Equity Ownership

Abstract Introduction CAR T-cell therapies directed against CD19 or CD22 antigens have shown significant activity in pediatric patients with r/r B-ALL. Whilst complete response (CR) rates of 70‒90% have been observed, relapse due to target antigen downregulation or loss is the major cause of treatment failure. This Phase I/II study evaluates the safety and efficacy of AUTO3, a CAR T-cell therapy designed to target CD19 and CD22 simultaneously in order to reduce the likelihood of relapse due to antigen loss. Methods & Patients We constructed a novel bicistronic retroviral vector encoding both an anti-CD19 CAR and an anti-CD22 CAR. Antigen binding domains were humanized and both CARs are in "2nd generation" format (incorporating an OX40 co-stimulatory domain for the CD19 CAR and a 41BB for the CD22 CAR). The performance of the CD22 CAR was optimized by incorporating a novel pentameric spacer. The cell product was manufactured on a semi-automated and closed process using CliniMACS® Prodigy (Miltenyi Biotec). Patients (1‒24 years of age) with high risk relapse (IBFM criteria) or relapse post-allogeneic stem cell transplant (SCT), adequate performance score/organ function, and an absolute lymphocyte count ≥0.5 x 109/L are eligible. Patients with CNS 3 disease, active graft versus host disease, and clinically significant infection or serious toxicity from prior CAR T-cell are excluded. Patients receive lymphodepletion with 30 mg/m2/day fludarabine x 4 days and 500 mg/m2/day cyclophosphamide x 2 days prior to AUTO3 infusion. Three dose levels are being explored (1 x 106, 3 x 106, and 5 x 106 transduced CAR+ T cells/kg) and CAR T cells are infused as a single (for <25% blasts) or split (for >25% blasts) dose based on leukemia burden. Bridging therapy is allowed during the manufacturing period. The primary endpoint of Phase I is the frequency of dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and key secondary endpoints include proportion of patients achieving a morphological/minimal residual disease (MRD) negative CR, disease-free survival, overall survival, as well as biomarker endpoints including AUTO3 levels and persistence in blood and bone marrow. Results As of the data cut-off date (July 16, 2018), 9 patients have been enrolled and 8 have received AUTO3. It was possible to generate a product in all patients and the median transduction efficiency was 16% (range 9‒34%). Median age was 7.5 years (range 4‒16 years) and 5 (63%) patients had prior SCT. One patient (13%) had prior anti-CD19 CAR-T cells and blinatumomab. The disease burden at Day ‒7 ranged from 0% to 90% leukemic blasts. Eight patients had a minimum of 4 weeks' follow up and were evaluable for safety and efficacy analysis. Three patients received ≤1 × 106 CAR T cells/kg as single dose, 1 patient received 2 × 106/kg as split dose, and 4 received 3 × 106 CAR cells/kg (3 single infusions, 1 split). No AUTO3 related deaths and no DLTs were observed. The most common grade (Gr) ≥3 adverse events were neutropenia (63%), febrile neutropenia (50%), pyrexia (25%), and anemia (25%). Five patients (63%) had Gr 1 cytokine release syndrome (CRS); no Gr 2 or higher CRS was seen. Five patients (63%) experienced neurotoxicity: 4 had Gr 1 and 1 patient (13%) had Gr 3 encephalopathy that was considered likely related to prior intrathecal methotrexate. No patients required ICU admission. Six of 8 patients achieved MRD negative CR, giving an objective response rate of 75% (95% CI 34.9‒96.8%) at 1 month. In patients treated at doses <3 x 106/kg, 3 responded but subsequently relapsed. Importantly, no loss of CD19 or CD22 was noted in patients that relapsed. All 4 patients treated at the higher dose of 3 × 106 CAR T cells/kg had an MRD negative CR with ongoing remission and B-cell aplasia, with the longest follow up of 4 months. CAR T-cell expansion was enhanced in patients receiving 3 x 106/kg (median 79,282 copies/µg DNA in blood at peak) compared to those receiving lower doses (median 10,243 copies/µg DNA). Conclusion This interim data analysis demonstrates for the first time the feasibility and safety of simultaneous targeting of CD19 and CD22 with AUTO3. Promising efficacy was demonstrated at a dose level of 3 × 106 CAR T cells/kg, as 4/4 patients achieved MRD complete remission with no antigen negative escape at this early stage. The study continues to enrol and updated follow up and additional patient data at higher dose levels, as well as cellular kinetics and additional biomarker analysis, will be presented. Disclosures Wynn: Orchard SAB: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Orchard Therapeutics: Equity Ownership; Chimerix: Research Funding; Genzyme: Honoraria; Bluebird Bio: Consultancy; Orchard Therapeutics: Consultancy; Chimerix: Consultancy. Hough:University College London Hospital's NHS Foundation Trust: Employment. Vora:Amgen: Other: Advisory board; Medac: Other: Advisory board; Novartis: Other: Advisory board; Pfizer: Other: Advisory board; Jazz: Other: Advisory board. Veys:Servier: Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria. Chiesa:Gilead: Consultancy; Bluebird Bio: Consultancy. Al-Hajj:Autolus Ltd: Employment; Autolus Ltd: Equity Ownership. Cordoba:Autolus Ltd: Employment; Autolus Ltd: Equity Ownership; Autolus Ltd: Patents & Royalties. Onuoha:Autolus Ltd: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Kotsopoulou:Autolus Ltd: Equity Ownership; Autolus Ltd: Employment. Khokhar:Autolus Ltd: Employment; Autolus Ltd: Equity Ownership. Pule:Autolus Ltd: Employment, Equity Ownership, Other: Salary contribution paid for by Autolus, Research Funding; University College London: Patents & Royalties: Patent with rights to Royalty share through UCL. Peddareddigari:Autolus Therapeutics plc: Equity Ownership; Autolus Therapeutics plc: Patents & Royalties; Autolus Therapeutics plc: Employment.

scholarly journals CD19-CAR Therapy Using Naive/Memory or Central Memory T Cells Integrated into the Autologous Stem Cell Transplant Regimen for Patients with B-NHL

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 610-610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslie Popplewell ◽  
Xiuli Wang ◽  
Suzette Blanchard ◽  
Jamie Wagner ◽  
Araceli Naranjo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Memory T Cells ◽  
Central Memory ◽  
Car T Cells ◽  
Car T Cell ◽  
Car T

Abstract Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) remains an important consolidative therapy for patients with recurrent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), but is limited by the high incidence of NHL relapse. We report a Phase I clinical trial of ASCT followed by CD19-specific CD28-costimulatory chimeric antigen receptor (CD19:28z-CAR) T cells, with the goal of reducing NHL relapse rates. Safety and feasibility were the primary objectives, with CAR T cell persistence and expansion in the myeloablative ASCT setting as secondary objectives. This study examines safety and feasibility for two manufacturing platforms that differed in the T cell subset composition used for CAR engineering. Initially, the T cell population for CAR transduction was central memory (Tcm)-enriched: participants' peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were depleted for CD14+ monocytes, CD25+ Tregs, and CD45RA+ naïve and stem-memory T cells, after which they were selected for CD62L+ Tcm (Wang et al. Blood;127:2980). Based on comparative preclinical data, a second arm was added to the trial to evaluate a Tn/mem-derived manufacturing platform that enriched central memory, naïve, and stem memory T cells (no CD45RA+ depletion). Either Tcm- or Tn/mem-enriched T cells were activated with CD3/CD28 beads, transduced with lentiviral vector encoding the CD19:28z-CAR, and expanded ex vivo. This phase I trial used the toxicity equivalence range design (Blanchard and Longmate. Contemp Clin Trials; 32;114) with an equivalence range for DLTs of 0.20-0.35 and a target toxicity rate of 0.25. The first 3 participants on each arm were followed one at a time, with later accrual in cohorts of 3. Twenty-three participants underwent ASCT and received CD19:28z-CAR T cells 2 days post stem cell infusion at the assigned dose level (DL): 17 on the Tcm arm (DL 50 million [M] CAR+ T cells [n=3], 200 M [n=5], 600 M [n=9]); 6 on the Tn/mem arm (DL 200 M). Participants were followed for dose limiting toxicity (DLT) for 28 days. Table 1 shows results by arm and DL. Both arms demonstrated safety and feasibility. There was no delayed hematopoietic reconstitution on either arm. On the Tcm arm, the only DLT was at DL 600 M (1 of 9 at 600 M). The Tn/mem arm was opened at 200 M and 6 participants were treated with no DLTs. The dose was not escalated as the protocol management team had seen activity at the 200M level in 2 other trials using the Tn/mem product. Tcm Arm: Fourteen of 17 participants (82%) had a diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and 3 had mantle cell lymphoma. The mean age of the participants on the Tcm arm was 57 (35-75). The median number of prior chemotherapy regimens was 2 (1-5). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 34.6 months 95% CI [21.8, undefined]. Seven of 17 participants (41%) have progressed, 1 died in remission of unrelated intracranial hemorrhage (6%), 7 (41%) remain in CR and are still in follow-up, and 2 are lost to follow-up (12%). All 17 participants achieved a CR or a continuing CR after ASCT and T cells. Tn/mem arm: Five of 6 participants (83%) had a DLBCL diagnosis, and 1 was NHL not otherwise specified. The mean age of the participants was 50 (40-72). The median number of prior chemotherapy regimens was 2.5 (1-3). The median follow-up time for the Tn/mem arm was 12 months, with median PFS not yet reached. One of 6 (17%) has progressed, 4 (66%) remain in CR and are still in follow-up, and 1 is lost to follow-up (17%). Five of 6 (83%) participants achieved a best response of CR or continuing CR after therapy. Several differences were observed between the manufacturing platforms. Since the Tn/mem production platform has fewer depletion steps, it resulted in a higher product yield, which shortened the ex vivo expansion period by 4.1 days (95% CI [1.5%, 6.6%]) from 18.9 days (15-24) for Tcm to 14.8 days (12-18) for Tn/mem (P<0.005). Notably in the ASCT minimal disease burden setting, the Tn/mem-derived CD19:28z-CAR T cell products exhibited significantly higher in vivo CAR T cell expansion compared to Tcm products at the 200M DL (Figure 1). We conclude that although both Tcm- and Tn/mem-enriched CD19CAR T cell therapies are safe, the Tn/mem product is more promising due to its 1) shorter production time, 2) higher cell yield, and 3) better in vivo expansion, despite the low antigen drive in these patients post-salvage and ASCT therapy. Longer follow-up for the 2-year PFS secondary objective will indicate if improved Tn/mem expansion impacts tumor control. Disclosures Wang: Mustang Therapeutics: Other: Licensing Agreement, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding. Budde:Mustang Therapeutics: Consultancy, Other: Licensing Agreement, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding. Brown:Mustang Therapeutics: Consultancy, Other: Licensing Agreement, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding. Forman:Mustang Therapeutics: Other: Licensing Agreement, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding.

scholarly journals A Novel and Successful Patient or Donor-Derived CD7-Targeted CAR T-Cell Therapy for Relapsed or Refractory T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (R/R T-LBL)

Blood ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 138 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 652-652
Author(s):  
Junfang Yang ◽  
Xiao Yang ◽  
Ying Liu ◽  
Qinglong Wang ◽  
Hui Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Lymphoblastic Lymphoma ◽  
Car T Cells ◽  
Mediastinal Masses ◽  
Car T ◽  
Post Infusion ◽  
Cutoff Date

Abstract Background T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma is an aggressive hematological malignancy, often presenting with bulky mediastinal masses or diffuse extramedullary disease (EMD). There is evidence that T-LBL differs in various aspects from T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in addition to differences in clinical presentation of diseases. To date, there are only a few clinical case reports of CAR-T therapy for T-LBL. Here, we explored the efficacy and safety of CD7-targeted CAR-T cells (CD7CAR) for R/R T-LBL in a phase I clinical trial (NCT04916860). Methods Eligible R/R T-LBL patients were enrolled between November 2020 and May 2021. Peripheral blood (PB) mononuclear cells were collected from either the donor (n=1) or patients (n=7) by leukapheresis. The CD7-CAR gene was obtained by gene synthesis and then ligated into a lentiviral vector by molecular cloning. We developed second-generation CAR-T cells with an intracellular co-stimulatory domain of 4-1BB and CD3ζ targeting CD7. Intravenous fludarabine (30 mg/m 2/d) and cyclophosphamide (300 mg/m 2/d) were given to all patients on Day -5 to Day -3 prior to CD7CAR infusion. Results Patient characteristics are summarized in Table 1. Eight R/R T-LBL patients were enrolled with a median age of 37 years (14-47 years) and a median of 5 prior lines of therapies (2-10 lines). Two patients had a history of central nervous system involvement. Two patients relapsed from a previous allogenic (N=1) or autologous (N=1) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Four patients expressed high-risk genotypes including TP53, EZH2 and RUNX1. At enrollment, 7 patients had EMD relapse (diffuse involvement, N=5; bulky mediastinal masses, N=2). One patient had no EMD involvement at enrollment due to a prior palliative mediastinal radiotherapy, but relapsed with bone marrow (BM) blasts up to 87.27%. A total of 5/8 patients had BM blasts at enrollment with median BM blasts of 17%. Both patient- and donor-derived CD7CAR-T cells were successfully generated with a transfection efficiency of 86.55% (27%-98%). A single dose of CD7CAR-T cells was infused to patients at low dose (5x10 5 cells/kg, N=1), medium dose (1x10 6 cells/kg, N=6) or high dose (2x10 6 cells/kg, N=1). The median follow-up time was of 93 days (55-166 days) by July 18, 2021, the cutoff date. Following CD7CAR infusion, 5/5 patients who had prior BM blasts achieved minimal residual disease negative (MRD-) complete remission with incomplete hematologic recovery (CRi) on Day 28, among whom 3 had already achieved MRD- CRi on Day 14. The 3 patients who did not have BM blasts prior to CAR-T infusion maintained zero BM blasts post infusion. Of the 7 patients who had EMD involvements, 4 achieved EMD CR on Day 28, and 1 on Day 51. Of the 2 patients who had bulky mediastinal masses (~7 or 6 cm), 1 had partial response and 1 had stable disease on Day 28, respectively. Of all patients, 6 subsequently underwent allo-HSCT following CD7CAR-T infusion with a median time of 54 days (42-56 days), without relapse or progression. One patient with an allo-HSCT prior to CD7CAR infusion died after receiving a second haploidentical allo-HSCT due to acute graft-versus-host disease. The other 2 patients who did not receive a transplant were on Day 55 and 73 post CD7CAR infusion with ongoing remission by the cutoff date. Mild cytokine release syndrome (CRS, ≤Grade 2) was observed in 7/8 patients. Only 1/8 patient had Grade 3 CRS and Grade 1 neurotoxicity. The median onset of CRS was 1 day post infusion (0-15 days) with a median duration of 16 days (5-19 days). CD7CAR expansion in vivo occurred as early as 3.5 days (0-11 days) post infusion and reached a median peak of 2.07x10 5 copies/ug DNA (0.75-5.36 x10 5 copies/ug DNA) at a median of 19 days (13-28 days), and was still detectable up to the last follow-up, with a median duration of 50 days (26-120 days), as measured by qPCR (Figure.1). Conclusion Our clinical trial showed that CD7CAR-T cells derived either from the patients or the donor have a high initial efficacy and a good safety profile in R/R T-LBL patients. Initial high CR could be achieved both intramedullary and extramedullary in the majority of patients, even among those who harbored with high-risk features or had diffuse extramedullary lesions. However, patients with bulky mediastinal masses may require more than one-month time to achieve remission. Long-term observation and more patients are needed to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of CD7CAR. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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