scholarly journals The Immunomodulatory Effect and Clinical Efficacy of Daratumumab in a Patient With Cold Agglutinin Disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Zaninoni ◽  
Juri A. Giannotta ◽  
Anna Gallì ◽  
Rosangela Artuso ◽  
Paola Bianchi ◽  
...  

Daratumumab is a monoclonal antibody directed against the transmembrane glycoprotein CD38 expressed on plasma cells and lymphoplasmocytes, with a proven efficacy in multiple myeloma. Here we show its clinical efficacy in a patient with cold agglutinin disease (CAD) relapsed after multiple lines of therapy. CAD is caused by cold reactive autoantibodies that induce complement mediated hemolysis and peripheral circulatory symptoms. The disease is also characterized by the presence of monoclonal IgM gammopathy and of a lymphoid bone marrow infiltration that benefits from B-cell targeting therapies (i.e., rituximab) but also from plasma cell directed therapies, such as proteasome inhibitors. In the patient described, we also show that daratumumab therapy influenced the dynamics of several immunoregulatory cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IFN-γ, TNF-α, TGF-β) indicating an immunomodulatory effect of the drug beyond plasma cell depletion. In addition, we provide a literature review on the use of daratumumab in autoimmune conditions, including multi-treated and refractory patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (both CAD and warm forms), Evans syndrome (association of autoimmune hemolytic anemia and immune thrombocytopenia) and non-hematologic autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 3690-3690
Author(s):  
Jun Su ◽  
Rajeshwari Punekar ◽  
Jaime Morales Arias ◽  
Nisha Jain

Introduction Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) accounting for 20% of all cases, with no approved therapies and limited management options for patients. CAD is characterized by immunoglobulin M-mediated erythrocyte agglutination, which triggers activation of the classical complement pathway leading to hemolysis and subsequent anemia. Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are used as a supportive treatment in CAD to temporarily alleviate anemia, although the transfusion practices are variable among providers treating patients with CAD. Recent RBC transfusion guidelines from the AABB (formerly the American Association of Blood Banks) recommend that transfusions be administered with a restrictive threshold in most clinical scenarios (ie, transfusion is not indicated until hemoglobin [Hb] reaches 7-8 g/dL and/or patients exhibit anemia-related symptoms) to avoid associated complications such as acute reactions, alloantibody development, and hemochromatosis (Carson et al, JAMA, 2016; Carson et al, N Engl J Med, 2017). Because of the dearth of information available regarding trends in RBC transfusion practices among US hematologists, the objective of this longitudinal, retrospective, observational assessment of an electronic medical record database was to evaluate transfusion practices applied to patients with CAD in the US. Methods Patients were retrospectively identified from Optum® de-identified Electronic Health Record (EHR) dataset. Adult patients with ≥1 AIHA-related medical encounter between January 2007 and September 2018 (study period) and ≥3 mentions of CAD-related terms from physician notes ("cold agglutinin disease," "cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia," or "cold agglutinin hemoglobinuria") were included (Broome et al, Blood, 2017). The index date for each patient was the date of first mention of CAD during the study period. The baseline period was defined as the interval from the start of medical activity in the EHR database or study period (whichever occurred later) to the index date, and the follow-up period was defined as the interval from the index date to the end of the study period, end of medical activity, or death (whichever occurred earlier). The study sample was categorized into 2 study groups, the transfusion group (patients with CAD with ≥1 RBC transfusion after the index date) and the non-transfusion group (patients with CAD without any transfusions during the study period). Patients were further grouped based on the following Hb levels (g/dL): <8, ≥8 to ≤10, and >10 to ≤12. The closest Hb level prior to the most recent transfusion (within the prior 15 days and the lowest level) was used for the transfusion group and the lowest Hb level during the study period was used for the non-transfusion group. Descriptive statistics included mean, standard deviation, and median values for continuous variables and frequency (n and percent) for categorical variables. No adjustment was made for this descriptive analysis. Results A total of 903 patients with CAD were identified from the Optum EHR database; most patients were white (n=760 [84%]) and female (n=560 [62%]). Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics of each group can be found in the Table. Of the patients with CAD, 548 (61%) did not receive transfusions and 355 (39%) received ≥1 RBC transfusion. Among patients with CAD who received transfusions, 84% (n=297) had ≥2 RBC transfusions. Out of the 903 patients with CAD, 864 had Hb levels reported and 752 had Hb levels ≤12 g/dL. Forty-four percent (n=329/752) of those CAD patients received ≥1 RBC transfusion. When separated by Hb levels, 18% of patients with Hb >10 to ≤12 g/dL (n=19/108); 41% (n=88/216) of patients with Hb ≥8 to ≤10 g/dL; and 52% (n=222/428) of patients with Hb <8 g/dL received ≥1 RBC transfusion. Of the 423 (56%) patients with CAD and Hb levels ≤12 g/dL who did not receive RBC transfusions, 21% (n=89/423) had Hb levels >10 to ≤12 g/dL; 30% (n=128/423) had Hb levels ≥8 to ≤10 g/dL; and 49% (n=206/423) had Hb levels <8 g/dL. Conclusions Overall, patients with CAD are not a heavily transfused population. Even in those with a significantly decreased Hb (<8 g/dL), approximately half of them (49%) did not receive RBC transfusions. This suggests that the use of transfusions in patients with CAD may not reflect disease severity. Further prospective studies are needed to fully understand the impact of transfusions on patients with CAD. Disclosures Su: Sanofi Genzyme: Employment, Equity Ownership. Punekar:Sanofi: Employment, Equity Ownership. Morales Arias:Sanofi: Employment, Equity Ownership. Jain:Sanofi Genzyme: Employment, Equity Ownership.


Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 29-30
Author(s):  
Marit Jalink ◽  
Sigbjørn Berentsen ◽  
Jorge J. Castillo ◽  
Steven Treon ◽  
Bruno Fattizzo ◽  
...  

Background In cold agglutinin mediated autoimmune hemolytic anemia (cAIHA), anti-red blood cell autoantibodies lead to complement-mediated hemolysis with or without symptoms of acrocyanosis after exposure at low temperatures. cAIHA can be divided into cold agglutinin disease (primary CAD) and cold agglutinin syndrome (CAS). The latter is secondary to diseases such as B-cell malignancies including CLL, infections or autoimmune disorders. In primary CAD, more than 90% of patients have a monoclonal IgM (mostly low level) and often a small bone marrow B-cell clone. There is no approved treatment. For patients with significant hemolytic anemia or acrocyanosis despite thermal protection, rituximab is the most accepted first line treatment with an overall response rate of 50% and median duration of response <1 year. Cytotoxic combinations such as rituximab-bendamustine produce more sustained remissions, although with concerns for long-term adverse effects and stem cell toxicity. Studies involving complement inhibitors are showing promising results on hemolysis, although cold induced peripheral symptoms (IgM mediated rather than complement-mediated) will not improve. Recent international guidelines on cAIHA suggest treatment with the Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK)-inhibitor ibrutinib in refractory patients with cAIHA (Jäger et al Blood Rev 2020). Indeed, the underlying pathophysiology of cAIHA suggest that BTK inhibition could be effective. Aims To evaluate the efficacy of ibrutinib on anemia, hemolysis and acrocyanosis in patients with cold agglutinin-mediated AIHA (CAD/CAS). Methods An international retrospective study was undertaken of cAIHA patients (CAD/CAS) treated with BTK inhibition using a preformed questionnaire. For eligible patients, laboratory and clinical data regarding underlying disease, bone marrow pathology, hemolytic parameters and patient-reported acrocyanosis were collected at diagnosis, 30 days, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months and last date of follow up. Hemoglobin (Hb) response was considered none (NR), partial (PR, >2 g/dL Hb increase or >10g/dL) or complete (CR, >12g/dL). Adverse events were graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria, version-5.0 (2017). Results So far, 10 patients with cAIHA treated with a BTK-inhibitor (all involving ibrutinib) could be included in the study. Patients were followed from April 2014 until June 2020 at 5 centers (Italy (2), Norway, The United Kingdom and The United States). Median duration of follow up was 20 months (1-74 months). The main findings are summarized in table 1. The indication to start treatment was cAIHA based in all but 1 case (CLL). Median previous number of therapies was 2. All patients had a complement-mediated hemolytic anemia, 7 were transfusion-dependent, and 7 reported symptoms of acrocyanosis at the initiation of ibrutinib. After initiation of ibrutinib, all patients showed an improvement in hemoglobin (Median rise: 4.4 g/dL) resulting in 1 PR and 9 CR. All 7 transfusion-dependent patients became transfusion independent (5 within 30 days). In all but 1 patient, markers of hemolysis (LDH, bilirubin) improved after initiation of ibrutinib (see Figure 1). All 7 patients with acrocyanosis reported clear clinical improvement, with complete resolution of symptoms in 5. There was 1 adverse event (grade 1 bleeding). Data collection is still ongoing and future updates are expected. Conclusion Data show that ibrutinib is effective in the treatment of cAIHA with a notable and brisk improvement of both the hemolytic anemia as well as the cold induced peripheral symptoms. Although preliminary, these promising data support further research of BTK-inhibitor based treatment of cAIHA (CAD/CAS) in a prospective study. Disclosures Berentsen: Alexion, Apellis, Bioverativ and Janssen-Cilag: Other: Travel grants ; Alexion, Apellis, Bioverativ, Janssen-Cilag, True North Therapeutics: Honoraria; Apellis, Bioverativ, Momenta Pharmaceuticals and True North Therapeutics: Consultancy; Mundipharma: Research Funding. Castillo:TG Therapeutics: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Beigene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Kymera: Consultancy; Abbvie: Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding. Treon:Bristol-Meyer-Squibb: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Honoraria, Research Funding. D'Sa:Sanofi: Honoraria; BeiGene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding. OffLabel Disclosure: BTK-inhibitors (ibrutinib/acalabrutinib) are not yet indicated for the use in (primairy) cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia (cAIHA). However it is indicated for use in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) and chronic lymphatic leukemia (CLL). Here we report retrospective data on a cohort of cases treated with ibrutinib for cAIHA mostly secondary to WM or CLL.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 4034
Author(s):  
Irina Murakhovskaya

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is a rare condition characterized by destruction of red blood cells with and without involvement of complement. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia, less than 50% of patients remain in long-term remission following initial steroid therapy and subsequent therapies are required. Cold agglutinin disease is a clonal hematologic disorder that requires therapy in the majority of patients and responds poorly to steroids and alkylators. Rituximab has a favorable toxicity profile and has demonstrated efficacy in autoimmune hemolytic anemia in first-line as well as relapsed settings. Rituximab is the preferred therapy for steroid refractory warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA) and as part of the first- and second-line treatment of cold agglutinin disease. This article reviews the mechanism of action of rituximab and the current literature on its role in the management of primary and secondary warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia and cold agglutinin disease.


2016 ◽  
Vol 55 (18) ◽  
pp. 2685-2689 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taro Yoneda ◽  
Hayato Koba ◽  
Kota Tanimura ◽  
Naohiko Ogawa ◽  
Satoshi Watanabe ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Irina Murakhovskaya

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is a rare condition characterized by destruction of red blood cells with and without involvement of complement. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia less than 50% of patients remain in a long-term remission following initial steroid therapy and subsequent therapies are required. Cold agglutinin disease is a clonal hematologic disorder which requires therapy in majority of patients and responds poorly to steroids and alkylators. Rituximab has a favorable toxicity profile and has demonstrated efficacy in autoimmune hemolytic anemia in first line as well as relapsed setting. Rituximab is the preferred therapy for steroid refractory wAIHA and as part of the first- and second-line treatment of cold agglutinin disease. This article reviews the mechanism of action of the rituximab and current literature its role in management of primary and secondary warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia and cold agglutinin disease.


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 4923-4923
Author(s):  
Amit Bhargava ◽  
Nirupma Banerjee

Abstract Abstract 4923 The association of Autoimmune hemolytic and Non Hodgkin's lymphoma is a known phenomenon. Cold hem agglutinin disease (CHD), is an uncommon Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, mediated by cold reactive auto antibodies that bind to erythrocyte carbohydrate antigen causing hem agglutination and complement mediated hemolysis. Cold agglutinin–mediated hemolysis occurs at low temperature which may be severe and difficult to treat. CHD may be primary when it is idiopathic or secondary as in lympho-proliferative disorder of bone marrow associated with clonal proliferation of CD20 B cells that produce monoclonal 1g M cold agglutinin (kappa /lamda). Rituximab has been used as an as a novel treatment option in Autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Rituximab is a genetically engineered chimeric monoclonal antibody that targets the CD20 antigen on B cells. Rituximab in autoimmune conditions possibly acts by destruction of CD20_clonotypic precursor B cells and/or CD20 plasma cells, thus is effective in controlling immunoglobulin-mediated diseases of B lymphocytes. We analysed four patients of lymphoma with severe CHD who were successfully treated with the chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal Rituximab (375mg/ m2) intravenously every three weeks for four to six cycles, till the Agglutinins disappeared from the serum. Patient and method In this study patients diagnosed with lymphoma associated CHD were treated with Rituximab with a dose of 375mg/ meter square given every three weeks for four to six cycles, till the primary aim was achieved. The primary aim was correction of anemia, disappearance of cold hem-agglutinins from serum, assessed by complete blood counts and measuring cold agglutinins in serum. Four such patients were studied, all of them had NHL-DLBCL (IHC proven), with severe hemolysis and jaundice with Hemoglobin <5 gm/ dl. All had presence of cold agglutinins in the serum and were positive for direct and indirect coomb's test. Response All the patients showed significant improvement in the symptoms due to anemia and there was a rise in hemoglobin detected within the first week of Rituximab treatment. They achieved normal levels of hemoglobin with four to six weeks of treatment and in three patients cold agglutinins disappeared after completion of five cycles and the fourth patients had it after the sixth cycle. None of the patients was given any transfusion because of incompatibility issues. Conclusion Our experience with Rituximab was excellent in this indication and patients had a good overall outcome. Further trials need to be done for more evidence in this regard. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


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