Immune checkpoint inhibition in COVID-19: risks and benefits

INTRODUCTION

Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) is a novel cancer immunotherapy, which is administered in patients with metastatic, refractory, or relapsed solid cancer types. Since the initiation of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many studies have reported a higher severity and mortality rate of COVID-19 among patients with cancer in general.

AREAS COVERED

The immunomodulatory effects of ICI can modify the patients' immune system function in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. There is controversy over whether the severity of COVID-19 in cancer patients who previously received ICI compared to other patients with cancer has increased. There is evidence that the upregulation of immune checkpoint molecules in T cells, lymphopenia, and inflammatory cytokine secretion are associated with the severity of COVID-19 symptoms.

EXPERT OPINION

ICI can interrupt the T cell exhaustion and depletion by interrupting the inhibitory signaling of checkpoint molecules in T cells, and augments the immune system response in COVID-19 patients with lymphopenia. However, ICI may also increase the risk of cytokine release syndrome. ICI can be considered not only as a cancer immunotherapy but also as immunotherapy in COVID-19. More studies are needed to assess the safety of ICI in COVID-19 patients with or without cancer.

Combining Immunocytokine and Ex Vivo Activated NK Cells as a Platform for Enhancing Graft-Versus-Tumor Effects Against GD2+ Murine Neuroblastoma

Management for high-risk neuroblastoma (NBL) has included autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and anti-GD2 immunotherapy, but survival remains around 50%. The aim of this study was to determine if allogeneic HSCT could serve as a platform for inducing a graft-versus-tumor (GVT) effect against NBL with combination immunocytokine and NK cells in a murine model. Lethally irradiated C57BL/6 (B6) x A/J recipients were transplanted with B6 bone marrow on Day +0. On day +10, allogeneic HSCT recipients were challenged with NXS2, a GD2+ NBL. On days +14-16, mice were treated with the anti-GD2 immunocytokine hu14.18-IL2. In select groups, hu14.18-IL2 was combined with infusions of B6 NK cells activated with IL-15/IL-15Rα and CD137L ex vivo. Allogeneic HSCT alone was insufficient to control NXS2 tumor growth, but the addition of hu14.18-IL2 controlled tumor growth and improved survival. Adoptive transfer of ex vivo CD137L/IL-15/IL-15Rα activated NK cells with or without hu14.18-IL2 exacerbated lethality. CD137L/IL-15/IL-15Rα activated NK cells showed enhanced cytotoxicity and produced high levels of TNF-α in vitro, but induced cytokine release syndrome (CRS) in vivo. Infusing Perforin-/- CD137L/IL-15/IL-15Rα activated NK cells had no impact on GVT, whereas TNF-α-/- CD137L/IL-15/IL-15Rα activated NK cells improved GVT by decreasing peripheral effector cell subsets while preserving tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Depletion of Ly49H+ NK cells also improved GVT. Using allogeneic HSCT for NBL is a viable platform for immunocytokines and ex vivo activated NK cell infusions, but must be balanced with induction of CRS. Regulation of TNFα or activating NK subsets may be needed to improve GVT effects.

Laboratory parameters predicting mortality of adult in-patients with COVID-19 associated cytokine release syndrome treated with high-dose tocilizumab

Large randomized clinical trials in severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients have proven efficacy of intravenous tocilizumab. Our aim was to describe the laboratory parameters predicting in-hospital mortality of patients with tocilizumab administration in COVID-19 associated cytokine release syndrome (CRS).We evaluated high-dose (8 mg/kg) intravenous tocilizumab administration in severe and critically ill COVID-19 adult patients fulfilling predefined strict CRS criteria. A single-centre, prospective, observational cohort study was carried out among consecutive adult (≥18 years of age) in-patients with COVID-19 between April 1 and December 31, 2020. The primary endpoint was 28-day all-cause mortality. The changes in laboratory parameters from baseline on day 7 and 14 after administration of tocilizumab were analysed.In total, 1801 patients were admitted to our centre during the study period. One hundred and six patients received tocilizumab, and among them 62 (58.5%) required intensive care unit admittance while 25 (23.6%) deceased. At day 7 after tocilizumab administration, inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, ferritin) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) values were significantly lower among survivors. Subsequently, at day 14, differences of IL-6 and LDH levels has become more pronounced between subgroups. Restoration of absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) by day 7 and 14 was insufficient among patients who died.In our cohort, administration of high-dose tocilizumab for COVID-19 patients with CRS demonstrated clinical and sustained biochemical parameter improvement in 76.4%. In this patient population high and increasing LDH, IL-6, and low ALC levels had a predictive role for mortality.

Brexucabtagene Autoleucel: A Novel Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Therapy for the Treatment of Mantle Cell Lymphoma

OBJECTIVE

To identify and assess the current literature surrounding the safety, efficacy, and practical considerations of brexucabtagene autoleucel (brexu-cel) for the treatment of relapsed or refractory (r/r) mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).

DATA SOURCES

An English-based literature search was conducted using the terms "brexucabtagene autoleucel" AND "mantle cell lymphoma" OR "KTE-X19"in PubMed (inception through May 1, 2021), EMBASE (inception through May 1, 2021), and ClinicalTrials.gov.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

All studies evaluating the use of brexu-cel in MCL were considered for inclusion.

DATA SYNTHESIS

In the pivotal ZUMA-2 trial, brexu-cel demonstrated objective response and complete response rates of 85% and 59%, respectively. These results were consistent among high-risk subgroups. Noteworthy treatment-related adverse effects included grade ≥3 cytopenias (94%), immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (31%), and cytokine release syndrome (15%). Brexu-cel elicited a toxicity profile similar to that of other novel chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell products, with no new safety signals.

RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE

There are currently no head-to-head clinical trials evaluating brexu-cel against other approved subsequent-line options in r/r MCL. In a relatively small phase II trial, brexu-cel demonstrated impressive response rates in heavily pretreated patients, with few viable alternatives. Long-term safety and efficacy outcomes with brexu-cel are unknown. The prevention, identification, and management of unique CAR T-cell toxicities requires expert care from a well-trained interdisciplinary team.

CONCLUSION

Brexu-cel has emerged as a viable treatment option in MCL. Additional studies are required to determine the optimal sequencing and place in therapy for brexu-cel in this highly heterogeneous, pathobiologically distinct, and incurable malignancy.

Risk-adapted therapy for the management of cytokine release syndrome in children undergoing unmanipulated haploidentical stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND

We aimed to describe an algorithm for the management of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) associated with haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haploSCT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a prospective study where children up to 18 years of age undergoing haploSCT with post-transplant cyclophosphamide from September 2014 to March 2020 were included. Supportive care included low-dose adrenaline, high-flow nasal cannula, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Methylprednisolone and tocilizumab were administered in the peri-engraftment phase for grade 2 CRS or one-log increase and grade 3 CRS or a two-log increase in ferritin, respectively.

RESULTS

Data were analyzed in 135/148 children as 13 children died before engraftment due to sepsis. CRS was noted in 97% transplants (grade 1-74.1%, grade 2-15.6%, grade 3-6.7%, grade 4-1.4%). Grade 2 and above CRS was higher in non-malignant conditions (33% vs 13%, P-value .009). The percentage median rise in ferritin was 129%-grade 1, 171%-grade 2, and 344%-grade 3. Seven children received tocilizumab, and two of whom had ferritin values greater than 100 000 ng/mL with no mortality in this group. Low-dose adrenaline, high-flow nasal cannula, and ventilator support were needed in 13%, 10%, and 4%, respectively. Mortality in our cohort was 3/135 (2.2%), with two deaths due to sepsis and one due to grade 4 CRS.

CONCLUSIONS

A risk-stratified approach using steroids in grade 2 and tocilizumab in grade 3/4 in the setting of haploSCT with NAC infusion and early use of low-dose adrenaline and HFNC can help provide adequate control of CRS, thereby ensuring optimal outcomes and survival.

Understanding the role of therapeutic plasma exchange in COVID-19: preliminary guidance and practices

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Cytokine release syndrome in COVID-19 is due to a pathological inflammatory response of raised cytokines. Removal of these cytokines by therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) prior to end-organ damage may improve clinical outcomes. This manuscript is intended to serve as a preliminary guidance document for application of TPE in patients with severe COVID-19.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The available literature pertaining to the role of TPE for treatment of COVID-19 patients was reviewed to guide optimal management. It included indication, contraindication, optimal timing of initiation and termination of TPE, vascular access and anticoagulants, numbers and mode of procedures, outcome measures and adverse events.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 78 articles, only 65 were directly related to the topic. From these 65, only 32 were acceptable as primary source, while 33 were used as supporting references. TPE in critically ill COVID-19 patients may be classified under ASFA category III grade 2B. The early initiation of TPE for 1-1·5 patient's plasma volume with fresh frozen plasma, or 4-5% albumin or COVID-19 convalescent plasma as replacement fluids before multiorgan failure, has better chances of recovery. The number of procedures can vary from three to nine depending on patient response.

CONCLUSION

TPE in COVID-19 patients may help by removing toxic cytokines, viral particles and/or by correcting coagulopathy or restoring endothelial membrane. Severity score (SOFA & APACHE II) and cytokine levels (IL-6, C-reactive protein) can be used to execute TPE therapy and to monitor response in COVID-19 patients.

Cytokine Release Syndrome Is an Independent Risk Factor Associated With Platelet Transfusion Refractoriness After CAR-T Therapy for Relapsed/Refractory Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Background: Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy is successful in improving treatment outcomes for relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (R/R ALL). However, toxicities associated with CAR-T therapy are being increasingly identified. Pancytopenia is one of the most common complications after CAR-T therapy, and platelet transfusions are an essential part of its supportive care. Study Design and Methods: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of platelet transfusions for R/R ALL patients at our single center and identify associated risk factors. Overall, 44 R/R ALL patients were enrolled in this study, of whom 26 received CAR-T therapy and 18 received salvage chemotherapy. Result: Patients in the CAR-T group had a higher incidence of platelet transfusion refractoriness (PTR) (15/26, 57.7%) than those in the chemotherapy group (3/18, 16.7%) (p = 0.007). For patients receiving CAR-T therapy, multivariate analysis showed that the grade of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was the only independent risk factor associated with PTR (p = 0.007). Moreover, higher peak serum IL-6 and IFN-γ levels suggested a higher risk of PTR (p = 0.024 and 0.009, respectively). Patients with PTR received more platelet infusion doses than those without PTR (p = 0.0426). Patients with PTR had more grade 3-4 bleeding events than those without PTR (21.4 vs. 0%, p = 0.230), and the cumulative incidence of grade 3-4 bleeding event was different (p = 0.023). Conclusion: We found for the first time that PTR is associated with the CRS grade. Improved knowledge on the mechanisms of PTR after CAR-T therapy is needed to design a rational therapeutic strategy that aims to improve the efficiency of transfusions.

Combination therapy of Tocilizumab and steroid for management of COVID-19 associated cytokine release syndrome: A single center experience from Pune, Western India

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or cytokine storm is thought to be the cause of inflammatory lung damage, worsening pneumonia and death in patients with COVID-19. Steroids (Methylprednislone or Dexamethasone) and Tocilizumab (TCZ), an interleukin-6 receptor antagonist, are approved for treatment of CRS in India. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination therapy of TCZ and steroid in COVID-19 associated CRS.This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Noble hospital and Research Centre (NHRC), Pune, India between April 2 and November 2, 2020. All patients administered TCZ and steroids during this period were included. The primary endpoint was incidence of all cause mortality. Secondary outcomes studied were need for mechanical ventilation and incidence of systemic and infectious complications. Baseline and time dependent risk factors significantly associated with death were identified by Relative risk estimation.Out of 2831 admitted patients, 515 (24.3% females) were administered TCZ and steroids. There were 135 deaths (26.2%), while 380 patients (73.8%) had clinical improvement. Mechanical ventilation was required in 242 (47%) patients. Of these, 44.2% (107/242) recovered and were weaned off the ventilator. Thirty seven percent patients were managed in wards and did not need intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Infectious complications like hospital acquired pneumonia, blood stream bacterial and fungal infections were observed in 2.13%, 2.13% and 0.06% patients respectively. Age ≥ 60 years (P = .014), presence of co-morbidities like hypertension (P = .011), IL-6 ≥ 100 pg/ml (P = .002), D-dimer ≥ 1000 ng/ml (P < .0001), CT severity index ≥ 18 (P < .0001) and systemic complications like lung fibrosis (P = .019), cardiac arrhythmia (P < .0001), hypotension (P < .0001) and encephalopathy (P < .0001) were associated with increased risk of death.Combination therapy of TCZ and steroids is likely to be safe and effective in management of COVID-19 associated cytokine release syndrome. Efficacy of this anti-inflammatory combination therapy needs to be validated in randomized controlled trials.

Prophylactic corticosteroid use in patients receiving axicabtagene ciloleucel for large B-cell lymphoma

ZUMA‐1 (NCT02348216) examined the safety and efficacy of axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi‐cel), an autologous CD19‐directed chimaeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐T cell therapy, in refractory large B‐cell lymphoma. To reduce treatment‐related toxicity, several exploratory safety management cohorts were added to ZUMA‐1. Specifically, cohort 6 investigated management of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurologic events (NEs) with prophylactic corticosteroids and earlier corticosteroid and tocilizumab intervention. CRS and NE incidence and severity were primary end‐points. Following leukapheresis, patients could receive optional bridging therapy per investigator discretion. All patients received conditioning chemotherapy (days −5 through −3), 2 × 10⁶ CAR‐T cells/kg (day 0) and once‐daily oral dexamethasone [10 mg, day 0 (before axi‐cel) through day 2]. Forty patients received axi‐cel. CRS occurred in 80% of patients (all grade ≤2). Any grade and grade 3 or higher NEs occurred in 58% and 13% of patients respectively. Sixty‐eight per cent of patients did not experience CRS or NEs within 72 h of axi‐cel. With a median follow‐up of 8·9 months, objective and complete response rates were 95% and 80% respectively. Overall, prophylactic corticosteroids and earlier corticosteroid and/or tocilizumab intervention resulted in no grade 3 or higher CRS, a low rate of grade 3 or higher NEs and high response rates in this study population.

Delayed cytokine release syndrome after neoadjuvant nivolumab: a case report and literature review

Aim: Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is an infrequently described immune-related adverse event of checkpoint inhibitors (CPI). CPI-induced CRS typically presents with fevers, hemodynamic instability and organ dysfunction within 2 weeks of the last treatment cycle. Case study: We report an unusual case of delayed and severe CRS occurring postoperatively in a patient with hepatic-limited metastatic colorectal cancer who received neoadjuvant immunotherapy. After a negative workup for alternative causes, he received prolonged corticosteroid treatment with symptom resolution. Conclusion: CPI-induced CRS can mimic sepsis and clinicians should maintain a high-index of suspicion to diagnose this immune-related adverse event early and initiate appropriate treatment. As use of perioperative immunotherapy increases, the potential role of surgery to trigger CRS in this case warrants further investigation.

How I treat adverse effects of CAR-T cell therapy

Chimeric antigenreceptor (CAR) T cell therapy has demonstrated efficacy in B cell malignancies, particularly for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and non‑Hodgkin lymphomas. However, this regimen is not harmless and, in some patients, can lead to a multi organ failure. For this reason, the knowledge and the early recognition and management of the side effects related to CAR-T cell therapy for the staff is mandatory. In this review, we have summarised the current recommendations for the identification, gradation and management of the cytokine release syndrome and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, as well as infections, and related to CAR-T cell therapy.

Cytokine Release Syndrome Associated with T-Cell-Based Therapies for Hematological Malignancies: Pathophysiology, Clinical Presentation, and Treatment

Cytokines are a broad group of small regulatory proteins with many biological functions involved in regulating the hematopoietic and immune systems. However, in pathological conditions, hyperactivation of the cytokine network constitutes the fundamental event in cytokine release syndrome (CRS). During the last few decades, the development of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and T-cell therapies has rapidly evolved, and CRS can be a serious adverse event related to these treatments. CRS is a set of toxic adverse events that can be observed during infection or following the administration of antibodies for therapeutic purposes and, more recently, during T-cell-engaging therapies. CRS is triggered by on-target effects induced by binding of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells or bispecific antibody to its antigen and by subsequent activation of bystander immune and non-immune cells. CRS is associated with high circulating concentrations of several pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukins, interferons, tumor necrosis factors, colony-stimulating factors, and transforming growth factors. Recently, considerable developments have been achieved with regard to preventing and controlling CRS, but it remains an unmet clinical need. This review comprehensively summarizes the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of CRS caused by T-cell-engaging therapies utilized in the treatment of hematological malignancies.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis-like toxicity (carHLH) after CD19-specific CAR T-cell therapy

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T-cell) therapy is associated with significant toxicities secondary to immune activation, including a rare but increasingly recognised severe toxicity resembling haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (carHLH). We report the development of carHLH in 14·8% of paediatric patients and young adults treated with CD19-specific CAR T-cell therapy with carHLH, occurring most commonly in those with high disease burden. The diagnosis and treatment of carHLH required a high index of suspicion and included multidrug immunomodulation with variable response to therapies. Compared to patients without carHLH, patients with carHLH had both reduced response to CAR T-cell therapy (P-value = 0·018) and overall survival (P-value = < 0·0001).

The Many Faces of JAKs and STATs Within the COVID-19 Storm

The positive-sense single stranded RNA virus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), resulted in a global pandemic with horrendous health and economic consequences not seen in a century. At a finer scale, immunologically, many of these devastating effects by SARS-CoV-2 can be traced to a "cytokine storm" resulting in the simultaneous activation of Janus Kinases (JAKs) and Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (STAT) proteins downstream of the many cytokine receptor families triggered by elevated cytokines found in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this report, cytokines found in the storm are discussed in relation to the JAK-STAT pathway in response to SARS-CoV-2 and the lessons learned from RNA viruses and previous Coronaviruses (CoVs). Therapeutic strategies to counteract the SARS-CoV-2 mediated storm are discussed with an emphasis on cell signaling and JAK inhibition.

Impact of Tocilizumab on Clinical Outcomes in COVID-19-Associated Cytokine Release Syndrome: A Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Tocilizumab is an interleukin-6 receptor antagonist hypothesized to blunt the uncontrolled immune response, cytokine release syndrome, in severe COVID-19 and prevent attributable morbidity and mortality. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of tocilizumab on clinical outcomes in COVID-19-associated cytokine release syndrome.

METHODS

Single-center, retrospective cohort study assessing sixty-nine adult patients receiving tocilizumab for suspected COVID-19 cytokine release syndrome. The primary outcome was change in WHO clinical status scale on day seven post-dose analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Secondary outcomes assessed impact of timing of administration on clinical outcome. Safety analyses included development of neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, transaminitis, and sepsis within 7 days post-dose. Statistical analyses were conducted using Microsoft Excel.

RESULTS

No aggregate clinical change was found between day 0 and day 7. Eleven patients improved, twenty-seven worsened, and thirty-one showed no change. Clinical outcomes were weakly correlated with time from symptom onset (r_s = 0.21; p = 0.08) or hospital admission (r_s = -0.08; p = 0.49) to dose. In-hospital mortality was 63%. Sepsis was diagnosed in 21 patients, five of which were post-dose. Transaminitis, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia occurred in seven, one, and six patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Tocilizumab did not appear to influence clinical outcomes in our study population, irrespective of timing of administration. Adverse events were not considered drug-related.

Rituximab induced cytokine release syndrome in an MS patient: A case report

Cytokine release syndrome with rituximab has been reported in certain diseases, however, it is rarely reported in MS patients treated with rituximab. The treating physician should suspect the syndrome when typical signs and symptoms appear.

New-Onset Severe Cytopenia After CAR-T Cell Therapy: Analysis of 76 Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Although chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has proven to be effective in treating relapsed or refractory B-cell hematological malignancies, severe hematological toxicities remain an intractable issue. This retrospective study assessed the characteristics and risk factors of new-onset severe cytopenia following CAR-T cell infusion in 76 patients with r/r acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The rates of new-onset severe cytopenia were high, including severe neutropenia (SN) (39/56, 70%), severe anemia (SA) (35/66, 53%), and severe thrombocytopenia (ST) (31/64, 48%). Comparatively, cohorts with higher cytokine release syndrome (CRS) grades had higher incidence of severe cytopenia with prolonged duration. Multivariable analyses showed that elevated maximum (max) lg D-dimer and delayed peak time of CRS are independent risk factors for SN recovery; increased max lg IL-10 and delayed CRS recovery are risk factors for SA; high max lg ferritin is a risk factor for ST; and longer period to CRS onset or CRS recovery and higher grade of CRS are risk factors for prolonged hematological toxicities. These observations led to the conclusion that profiles of CRS, including its duration, severity and serum markers are correlated to the incidence and recovery of new-onset severe cytopenia, prompting clinical intervention for post-CAR-T severe cytopenia.

Tocilizumab in SARS-CoV-2 Patients with the Syndrome of Cytokine Storm: A Narrative Review

INTRODUCTION

Corona virus is a group of viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds. In humans, these families of viruses can cause respiratory infections from a mild form to fatal. It is preferably called coronavirus. Formally, it is known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) and this disease is called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 is infectious in humans and the world health organization has announced COVID-19 as pandemic disease. Tocilizumab is a biological agent that inhibits the cytokine, interleukin 6 (IL-6 inhibitor). As SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to the development of cytokine storm syndrome, the drug, tocilizumab, seems to have a positive effect on patients with COVID-19.

AIM

To analyze and review the possible effects and efficacy of the tocilizumab (monoclonal antibody against IL-6 receptors) in SARS-CoV-2 patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A search was carried out for all recent review articles, which were used to study the SARS-CoV-2 disease and their characteristics. Furthermore, we have analyzed the most recent research articles on monoclonal antibody against IL-6 receptors (tocilizumab) and their possible clinical effects in COVID-19 and its' clinical trials.

RESULTS

COVID-19 is a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. It is a life threatening condition, which can give rise to fatal outcomes if left untreated. However, there are no approved treatments for COVID-19 globally. Furthermore, we can conclude that SARS-CoV-2 is associated with the worsening of lung conditions, characterized by interstitial pneumonia with acute respiratory distress syndrome as a result of cytokine storm syndrome. According to available research data, tocilizumab, a recombinant humanized anti-human monoclonal antibody of IgG1τ (gamma 1, kappa), can improve patient's condition from cytokine storm syndrome by inhibiting the IL-6 (Interleukin 6) receptors.

CONCLUSION

The rational use of the tocilizumab in severe and critically ill COVID-19 patients can prevent the development of irreversible lung injury and death of the patient. Three retrospective studies of Xiaoling Xu et al., Pan luo et al., and Paola Tonaiti et al. have shown the efficacy of tocilizumab in severe and critically ill COVID-19 patients. However, we need more randomized research studies with a significant number of patients which can confirm the promising results on tocilizumab treatment in COVID-19 patients. Moreover, ongoing clinical trails such as TOSCA, COVACTA results have not been published yet which are expected to give better and more significant results on tocilizumab's effectiveness and safety.

Toci or not toci: innovations in the diagnosis, prevention, and early management of cytokine release syndrome

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) remains a significant toxicity of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy for hematologic malignancies. While established guidelines exist for the management of Grade 2+ CRS with immunosuppressive agents such as tocilizumab or corticosteroids, the management of early-grade CRS (i.e. Grade 1 CRS with isolated fevers) has no such consensus beyond supportive care. In this review, we discuss early-grade CRS with an emphasis on its diagnosis, management, and prevention. Strategies to target early-grade CRS include immunosuppression preemptively (once CRS develops) or prophylactically (before CRS develops) as well as novel small-molecule inhibitors or fractionated CAR-T dosing. In the near future, next-generation CAR-T therapies may be able to target CRS precisely or obviate CRS entirely. If shown to prevent CRS-associated morbidity while maintaining therapeutic anti-neoplastic efficacy, these innovative strategies will enhance the safety of CAR-T therapy while also improving its operationalization and accessibility in the real-world setting.

Umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells as critical COVID-19 adjuvant therapy: A randomized controlled trial

One of the main causes of acute respiratory distress syndrome in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is cytokine storm, although the exact cause is still unknown. Umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells (UC-MSCs) influence proinflammatory T-helper 2 (Th₂ ) cells to shift to an anti-inflammatory agent. To investigate efficacy of UC-MSC administration as adjuvant therapy in critically ill patients with COVID-19, we conducted a double-blind, multicentered, randomized controlled trial at four COVID-19 referral hospitals in Jakarta, Indonesia. This study included 40 randomly allocated critically ill patients with COVID-19; 20 patients received an intravenous infusion of 1 × 10⁶ /kg body weight UC-MSCs in 100 ml saline (0.9%) solution (SS) and 20 patients received 100 ml 0.9% SS as the control group. All patients received standard therapy. The primary outcome was measured by survival rate and/or length of ventilator usage. The secondary outcome was measured by clinical and laboratory improvement, with serious adverse events. Our study showed the survival rate in the UC-MSCs group was 2.5 times higher than that in the control group (P = .047), which is 10 patients and 4 patients in the UC-MSCs and control groups, respectively. In patients with comorbidities, UC-MSC administration increased the survival rate by 4.5 times compared with controls. The length of stay in the intensive care unit and ventilator usage were not statistically significant, and no adverse events were reported. The application of infusion UC-MSCs significantly decreased interleukin 6 in the recovered patients (P = .023). Therefore, application of intravenous UC-MSCs as adjuvant treatment for critically ill patients with COVID-19 increases the survival rate by modulating the immune system toward an anti-inflammatory state.

Therapeutic Targeting of Transcription Factors to Control the Cytokine Release Syndrome in COVID-19

Treatment of the cytokine release syndrome (CRS) has become an important part of rescuing hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Here, we systematically explored the transcriptional regulators of inflammatory cytokines involved in the COVID-19 CRS to identify candidate transcription factors (TFs) for therapeutic targeting using approved drugs. We integrated a resource of TF-cytokine gene interactions with single-cell RNA-seq expression data from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cells of COVID-19 patients. We found 581 significantly correlated interactions, between 95 TFs and 16 cytokines upregulated in the COVID-19 patients, that may contribute to pathogenesis of the disease. Among these, we identified 19 TFs that are targets of FDA approved drugs. We investigated the potential therapeutic effect of 10 drugs and 25 drugs combinations on inflammatory cytokine production, which revealed two drugs that inhibited cytokine production and numerous combinations that show synergistic efficacy in downregulating cytokine production. Further studies of these candidate repurposable drugs could lead to a therapeutic regimen to treat the CRS in COVID-19 patients.

Successful Treatment of a Critically Ill COVID-19 Patient Using Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy With Enhanced Cytokine Removal and Tocilizumab: A Case Report

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused multiple deaths worldwide. Since no specific therapies are currently available, treatment for critically ill patients with COVID-19 is supportive. The most severe patients need sustained life support for recovery. We herein describe the course of a critically ill COVID-19 patient with multi-organ failure, including acute respiratory failure, acute kidney injury, and fulminant cytokine release syndrome (CRS), who required mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. This patient with a predicted high mortality risk was successfully managed with a careful strategy of oxygenation, uremic toxin removal, hemodynamic support, and most importantly, cytokine-targeted intervention for CRS, including cytokine/endotoxin removal, anti-cytokine therapy, and immune modulation. Comprehensive cytokine data, CRS parameters, and biochemical data of extracorporeal removal were provided to strengthen the rationale of this strategy. In this report, we demonstrate that timely combined hemoperfusion with cytokine adsorptive capacity and anti-cytokine therapy can successfully treat COVID-19 patients with fulminant CRS. It also highlights the importance of implementing cytokine-targeted therapy for severe COVID-19 guided by the precise measurement of disease activity.

Description and Analysis of Cytokine Storm in Registered COVID-19 Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review

The purpose of this systematic review was to describe the characteristics of clinical trials that focused on COVID-19 patients with cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and the variability in CRS definitions. Two authors independently searched three clinical trial registries and included interventional clinical trials on COVID-19 hospitalized patients that required at least one elevated inflammatory biomarker. Relevant data, including the type and cutoff of the measured biomarker, oxygen/respiratory criteria, fever, radiologic criteria, and medications, were summarized. A total of 47 clinical trials were included. The included studies considered the following criteria: oxygen/respiratory criteria in 42 trials (89%), radiologic criteria in 29 trials (62%), and fever in 6 trials (18%). Serum ferritin was measured in 35 trials (74%), CRP in 34 trials (72%), D-dimer in 26 trials (55%), LDH in 24 trials (51%), lymphocyte count in 14 trials (30%), and IL-6 in 8 trials (17%). The cutoff values were variable for the included biomarkers. The most commonly used medications were tocilizumab, in 15 trials (32%), and anakinra in 10 trials (24.4%). This systematic review found high variability in CRS definitions and associated biomarker cutoff values in COVID-19 clinical trials. We call for a standardized definition of CRS, especially in COVID-19 patients.

CAR T-Cell Therapy: Updates in Nursing Management

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is an evolving treatment used for hematologic malignancies; it requires specialized nursing care and knowledge. This article discusses updates in the nursing management of CAR T-cell therapies and their use in adult patients. A comprehensive review of the literature, including peer-reviewed articles and pharmaceutical drug labels, was conducted. Oncology and intensive care unit nurses will need to be knowledgeable about and remain current in the management of patients receiving CAR T-cell therapies because they pose different challenges than seen with traditional chemotherapy regimens.

Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Toxicities Associated With Immunotherapies

Immune-based therapies have revolutionized cancer treatments. Cardiovascular sequelae from these treatments, however, have emerged as critical complications, representing new challenges in cardio-oncology. Immune therapies include a broad range of novel drugs, from antibodies and other biologics, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and bispecific T-cell engagers, to cell-based therapies, such as chimeric-antigen receptor T-cell therapies. The recognition of immunotherapy-associated cardiovascular side effects has also catapulted new research questions revolving around the interactions between the immune and cardiovascular systems, and the signaling cascades affected by T cell activation, cytokine release, and immune system dysregulation. Here, we review the specific mechanisms of immune activation from immunotherapies and the resulting cardiovascular toxicities associated with immune activation and excess cytokine production.

CART-Cell Therapy: Recent Advances and New Evidence in Multiple Myeloma

Despite the improvement in survival outcomes, multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable disease. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy targeting B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) represents a new strategy for the treatment of relapsed/refractory MM (R/R). In this paper, we describe several recent advances in the field of anti-BCMA CAR T-cell therapy and MM. Currently, available data on anti-BCMA CART-cell therapy has demonstrated efficacy and manageable toxicity in heavily pretreated R/R MM patients. Despite this, the main issues remain to be addressed. First of all, a significant proportion of patients eventually relapse. The potential strategy to prevent relapse includes sequential or combined infusion with CAR T-cells against targets other than BCMA, CAR T-cells with novel dual-targeting vector design, and BCMA expression upregulation. Another dark side of CART therapy is safety. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) andneurologic toxicity are well-described adverse effects. In the MM trials, most CRS events tended to be grade 1 or 2, with fewer patients experiencing grade 3 or higher. Another critical point is the extended timeline of the manufacturing process. Allo-CARs offers the potential for scalable manufacturing for on-demand treatment with shorter waiting days. Another issue is undoubtedly going to be access to this therapy. Currently, only a few academic centers can perform these procedures. Recognizing these issues, the excellent response with BCMA-targeted CAR T-cell therapy makes it a treatment strategy of great promise.

Using JAK inhibitor to treat cytokine release syndrome developed after chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy for patients with refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A case report

RATIONALE

Significant concerns about the adverse effects following chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy are still remained including cytokine release syndrome (CRS). In rare circumstances, CRS may be refractory to tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids, a new treatment is needed for the management of CRS.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We present a case of a 20-year-old male patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia developed CRS after CD19/CD22 bispecific CAR-T treatment.

DIAGNOSIS

The patient was diagnosed with BCR-ABL(P210) positive B-ALL and developed CRS after CD19/CD22 bispecific CAR-T treatment.

INTERVENTIONS

Tocilizumab and methylprednisolone were administered, unfortunately the patient's symptoms of CRS were still not resolved. Another methylprednisolone and ruxolitinib were administered.

OUTCOMES

The persistent fever and hypotension of this patient achieved a rapid clinical remission within hours after ruxolitinib administration.

LESSONS

Ruxolitinib can be used as an alternative therapeutic approach for severe and refractory CRS without impairing CAR-T amplification and anti-tumor effect.

Ibrutinib improves the efficacy of anti-CD19-CAR T-cell therapy in patients with refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma

The efficacy and side effects of the second‐time humanized CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CD19‐CAR) T‐cell therapy after unsuccessful first‐time anti‐CD19‐CAR T‐cell therapy and subsequent ibrutinib salvage treatment were observed in patients with refractory B‐cell lymphoma. In our study, 3 patients with refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and 4 patients with refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) reached stable disease (SD), partial remission (PR), or progression of disease (PD) after first‐time humanized anti‐CD19‐CAR T‐cell therapy. They received ibrutinib as a salvage treatment and kept an SD in the following 7‐16 mo, but their disease progressed again during ibrutinib salvage treatment. All 7 patients received a second‐time humanized anti‐CD19‐CAR T‐cell therapy, which was the same as their first‐time anti‐CD19‐CAR T‐cell therapy. In total, 3 MCL patients and 3 FL patients reached complete response (CR) with the second‐time anti‐CD19‐CAR T‐cell therapy combined with ibrutinib, whereas 1 FL patient reached PR. There were no differences in the transduction efficiency and proliferation between the 2 instances of anti‐CD19‐CAR T‐cell therapy. However, the second‐time anti‐CD19‐CAR T‐cell therapy led to higher peaks of anti‐CD19‐CAR T cells and anti‐CD19‐CAR gene copies, but also to higher grades of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and more serious hematological toxicity. The successful outcome of the second‐time anti‐CD19‐CAR T‐cell therapy might suggest that the previous ibrutinib treatment improved the activities of anti‐CD19‐CAR T cells.

Capturing Cytokines with Advanced Materials: A Potential Strategy to Tackle COVID-19 Cytokine Storm

The COVID-19 pandemic, induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has caused great impact on the global economy and people's daily life. In the clinic, most patients with COVID-19 show none or mild symptoms, while approximately 20% of them develop severe pneumonia, multiple organ failure, or septic shock due to infection-induced cytokine release syndrome (the so-called "cytokine storm"). Neutralizing antibodies targeting inflammatory cytokines may potentially curb immunopathology caused by COVID-19; however, the complexity of cytokine interactions and the multiplicity of cytokine targets make attenuating the cytokine storm challenging. Nonspecific in vivo biodistribution and dose-limiting side effects further limit the broad application of those free antibodies. Recent advances in biomaterials and nanotechnology have offered many promising opportunities for infectious and inflammatory diseases. Here, potential mechanisms of COVID-19 cytokine storm are first discussed, and relevant therapeutic strategies and ongoing clinical trials are then reviewed. Furthermore, recent research involving emerging biomaterials for improving antibody-based and broad-spectrum cytokine neutralization is summarized. It is anticipated that this work will provide insights on the development of novel therapeutics toward efficacious management of COVID-19 cytokine storm and other inflammatory diseases.

Cytokine Profiles Before and After Immune Modulation in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19

We describe the cytokine profiles of a large cohort of hospitalized patients with moderate to critical COVID-19, focusing on IL-6, sIL2R, and IL-10 levels before and after receiving immune modulating therapies, namely, tocilizumab and glucocorticoids. We also discuss the possible roles of sIL2R and IL-10 as markers of ongoing immune dysregulation after IL-6 inhibition. We performed a retrospective chart review of adult patients admitted to a tertiary care center with moderate to critical SARS-CoV-2 infection. Disease severity was based on maximum oxygen requirement during hospital stay to maintain SpO2 > 93% (moderate, 0-3 L NC; severe, 4-6 L NC or non-rebreather; critical, HFNC, NIPPV, or MV). All patients were treated using the institution's treatment algorithm, which included consideration of tocilizumab for severe and critical disease. The most common cytokine elevations among all patients included IL-6, sIL2R, IFN-γ, and IL-10; patients who received tocilizumab had higher incidence of IL-6 and sIL2R elevations. Pre-tocilizumab IL-6 levels increased with disease severity (p = .0151). Both IL-6 and sIL2R levels significantly increased after administration of tocilizumab in all severity groups; IL-10 levels decreased in severe (p = .0203), but not moderate or critical, patients after they received tocilizumab. Cluster analysis revealed association between higher admission IL-6, sIL2R, and CRP levels and disease severity. Mean IL-6, sIL2R, and D-dimer were associated with mortality, and tocilizumab-treated patients with elevated IL-6, IL-10, and D-dimer were more likely to also receive glucocorticoids. Accessible clinical cytokine panels may be useful for monitoring response to treatment in COVID-19. The increase in sIL2R post-tocilizumab, despite administration of glucocorticoids, may indicate the need for combination therapy in order to modulate more than one hyperinflammatory pathway in COVID-19. We also discuss the role of cytokines as potential biomarkers for use of adjunct glucocorticoid therapy.

A two-arm, randomized, controlled, multi-centric, open-label phase-2 study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Itolizumab in moderate to severe ARDS patients due to COVID-19

Objective: Efficacy and safety of Itolizumab, an immunomodulatory mAb, in treating moderate-to-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to cytokine release in COVID-19 patients was evaluated in a multi-centric, open-label, two-arm, controlled, randomized, phase-2 study.Methods: Patients were randomized (2:1) to Arm-A (best supportive care [BSC]+Itolizumab) and Arm-B (BSC). Primary outcome of interest was reduction in mortality 30-days after enrollment.Results: Thirty-six patients were screened, five treated as first-dose-sentinels and rest randomized, while four patients were screen-failures. Two patients in Arm-A discontinued prior to receiving one complete infusion and were replaced. At end of 1-month, there were three deaths in Arm-B, and none in Arm-A (p = 0.0296; 95% CI = -0.3 [-0.61, -0.08]). At end of study, more patients in Arm-A had improved SpO2 without increasing FiO2 (p = 0.0296), improved PaO2 (p = 0.0296), and reduction in IL-6 (43 vs 212 pg/ml; p = 0.0296) and tumor necrotic factor-α (9 vs 39 pg/ml; p = 0.0253) levels. Transient lymphopenia (Arm-A: 11 patients) and infusion reactions (7 patients) were commonly reported treatment-related safety events.Conclusion: Itolizumab is a promising, safe and effective immunomodulatory therapy for treatment of ARDS due to cytokine release in COVID-19 patients, with survival and recovery-benefit.

Efficacy Profile and Safety of Very Low-Dose Rituximab in Patients with Graves' Orbitopathy

Background: Rituximab (RTX), a chimeric human-murine anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, has been used for treatment of active moderate-severe Graves' orbitopathy (GO) since 2004 as second-line therapy in patients unresponsive to intravenous steroids. We conducted an open-label prospective study (EUDRACT 2012-001980-53) in which patients were treated with a single infusion of only 100 mg RTX to analyze the efficacy and safety of this low dose. Methods: Seventeen patients, of whom nine had disease that was unresponsive to intravenous methylprednisolone and eight with newly diagnosed GO, were enrolled. Disease activity was assessed with the clinical activity score (CAS) and severity with a composite ophthalmic score. Long-term surgical treatment and quality of life were also assessed, as well as treatment-related adverse events. Results: Mean baseline CAS was 4.56 ± 0.96 and decreased to 1.25 ± 1.14 at 24 weeks (p = 0.001). Disease inactivation occurred within 24 weeks in >90% of patients and was unrelated to disease duration. Severity improved in about 60% of patients, with no relapses. All patients showed peripheral depletion of CD20⁺ and CD19⁺ cells at the end of RTX infusion (60 minutes). Two patients required surgical orbital decompression because of optic neuropathy (ON). Among adverse events observed, there was one patient who developed a cytokine release syndrome. Conclusions: A dose of 100 mg RTX is effective in patients with active moderate-severe GO. Low doses are better tolerated, expose patients to immune suppression for a shorter period of time, and are extremely cost effective, compared with higher doses. This dose, consistently with all other immunosuppressants, does not prevent the progression of GO to dysthyroid ON.

Tocilizumab in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia: real-world data from a case series

Aim: Coronavirus disease 2019 is a life-threatening disease and how to improve survival of the patients is of great importance. Objective: To determine whether tocilizumab (TCZ) shows favorable results in coronavirus disease 2019 patients. Materials & methods: A retrospective study of four patients who received TCZ was conducted from 19 February to 31 March 2020 at Leishenshan Hospital, Wuhan, China. Clinical data of patients were compared before and after the administration of the agent. Results: There was not much difference in the clinical feature improvements and computed tomography images after TCZ administration in two mild patients. The other two severe patients died of disseminated intravascular coagulation and acute respiratory distress syndrome, respectively. Conclusion: Administration of TCZ was not shown a favorable outcome in this preliminary uncontrolled case series.

Case Report: A Case of Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole-Triggered Hypotensive Shock: Cytokine Release Syndrome Related to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Drug-Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome

Currently, only a few reports exist on the cytokine release syndrome (CRS) as one of the severe immune-related adverse events (irAEs) induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Notably, it is very rare that grade 4 CRS related to ICI therapy overlaps with the drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DiHS). A 46-year old woman with metastatic kidney cancer had grade 3 interstitial pneumonitis induced by four cycles of combination therapy of anti-programmed death-1 and anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte-4 antibodies after right cytoreductive nephrectomy. Prophylactic administration of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) was started concomitantly with prednisolone therapy to treat the interstitial pneumonitis. She developed hypotensive shock when reducing the dosage of prednisolone, and required intubation and ventilation using vasopressors at the intensive care unit. She subsequently exhibited prominent leukocytosis and an increased level of C-reactive protein, suggesting markedly increased cytokine levels. Interestingly, facial edema and erythema increased in association with pyrexia, leukocytosis, liver dysfunction, and renal failure, suggesting that she developed DiHS. She received hemodialysis three times, a plasma exchange, and anti-interleukin-6 therapy to treat severe renal dysfunction, a thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura-suspected condition, and possible grade 4 CRS, respectively. Although these therapies did not elicit sufficient effects, high-dose administration of intravenous immunoglobulin was successful. With steroid mini-pulse therapy and the subsequent administration of prednisolone, she recovered successfully. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that ICIs and TMP/SMX can induce hypotensive shock accompanied with CRS and DiHS during immunosuppressive therapy for an irAE. Importantly, the prophylactic administration of TMP/SMX should be performed cautiously to avoid severe drug reactions such as CRS or DiHS.

Bispecific Antibodies: A Review of Development, Clinical Efficacy and Toxicity in B-Cell Lymphomas

The treatment landscape of B-cell lymphomas is evolving with the advent of novel agents including immune and cellular therapies. Bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) are molecules that recognise two different antigens and are used to engage effector cells, such as T-cells, to kill malignant B-cells. Several bispecific antibodies have entered early phase clinical development since the approval of the CD19/CD3 bispecific antibody, blinatumomab, for relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Novel bsAbs include CD20/CD3 antibodies that are being investigated in both aggressive and indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma with encouraging overall response rates including complete remissions. These results are seen even in heavily pre-treated patient populations such as those who have relapsed after chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. Potential toxicities include cytokine release syndrome, neurotoxicity and tumour flare, with a number of strategies existing to mitigate these risks. Here, we review the development of bsAbs, their mechanism of action and the different types of bsAbs and how they differ in structure. We will present the currently available data from clinical trials regarding response rates, progression free survival and outcomes across a range of non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes. Finally, we will discuss the key toxicities of bsAbs, their rates and management of these adverse events.

Mini-Factor H Modulates Complement-Dependent IL-6 and IL-10 Release in an Immune Cell Culture (PBMC) Model: Potential Benefits Against Cytokine Storm

Cytokine storm (CS), an excessive release of proinflammatory cytokines upon overactivation of the innate immune system, came recently to the focus of interest because of its role in the life-threatening consequences of certain immune therapies and viral diseases, including CAR-T cell therapy and Covid-19. Because complement activation with subsequent anaphylatoxin release is in the core of innate immune stimulation, studying the relationship between complement activation and cytokine release in an in vitro CS model holds promise to better understand CS and identify new therapies against it. We used peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) cultured in the presence of autologous serum to test the impact of complement activation and inhibition on cytokine release, testing the effects of liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome), zymosan and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as immune activators and heat inactivation of serum, EDTA and mini-factor H (mfH) as complement inhibitors. These activators induced significant rises of complement activation markers C3a, C4a, C5a, Ba, Bb, and sC5b-9 at 45 min of incubation, with or without ~5- to ~2,000-fold rises of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13 and TNFα at 6 and 18 h later. Inhibition of complement activation by the mentioned three methods had differential inhibition, or even stimulation of certain cytokines, among which effects a limited suppressive effect of mfH on IL-6 secretion and significant stimulation of IL-10 implies anti-CS and anti-inflammatory impacts. These findings suggest the utility of the model for in vitro studies on CS, and the potential clinical use of mfH against CS.

Ruxolitinib, a JAK1/2 Inhibitor, Ameliorates Cytokine Storm in Experimental Models of Hyperinflammation Syndrome

Hyperinflammatory syndromes comprise a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by severe inflammation, multiple organ dysfunction, and potentially death. In response to antigenic stimulus (e.g., SARS-CoV-2 infection), overactivated CD8+ T-cells and macrophages produce high levels of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-12. Multiple inflammatory mediators implicated in hyperinflammatory syndromes utilize the Janus kinase–signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) cascade to propagate their biological function. Our findings demonstrate that oral ruxolitinib dosing designed to mimic clinically relevant JAK-STAT pathway inhibition significantly reduces the harmful consequences of immune overactivation in multiple hyperinflammatory models. In contrast to monoclonal antibody therapies targeting a single cytokine, ruxolitinib effectively downregulates the functional effect of multiple cytokines implicated in hyperinflammatory states, without broad immunosuppression.

Impact of hypoalbuminemia on the prognosis of relapsed/refractory B-cell lymphoma treated with axicabtagene ciloleucel

INTRODUCTION

Hypoalbuminemia is a known adverse prognostic factor in lymphomas. Yet, it is unknown if axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) overcomes the adverse prognostic impact of hypoalbuminemia in relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis across three Mayo Clinic centers to assess the relationship of hypoalbuminemia (defined as a serum albumin (SA) levels ≤ 3.5 g/dL) on outcomes of patients treated with axi-cel.

RESULTS

This analysis included 81 patients. Two patients had no available SA levels preceding axi-cel infusion. Eighteen patients (22.8%) had hypoalbuminemia with a median SA of 3.3 g/dL. Patients with normal SA had a statistically higher ORR than those without hypoalbuminemia (P = .018). There was no difference in 1-year PFS and OS between the group with hypoalbuminemia and the group with normal SA levels (48% vs 49%, P = .81) and (74% vs 73%, P = .97), respectively. There was no difference in the severity or median duration of cytokine release syndrome or neurotoxicity between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Notwithstanding the limitations related to the relatively small sample size, axi-cel therapy appears to overcome the adverse effect of hypoalbuminemia on OS and PFS. Large multicenter clinical studies are certainly needed to validate these findings.

Hypoxia-sensing CAR T cells provide safety and efficacy in treating solid tumors

Utilizing T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) to identify and attack solid tumors has proven challenging, in large part because of the lack of tumor-specific targets to direct CAR binding. Tumor selectivity is crucial because on-target, off-tumor activation of CAR T cells can result in potentially lethal toxicities. This study presents a stringent hypoxia-sensing CAR T cell system that achieves selective expression of a pan-ErbB-targeted CAR within a solid tumor, a microenvironment characterized by inadequate oxygen supply. Using murine xenograft models, we demonstrate that, despite widespread expression of ErbB receptors in healthy organs, the approach provides anti-tumor efficacy without off-tumor toxicity. This dynamic on/off oxygen-sensing safety switch has the potential to facilitate unlimited expansion of the CAR T cell target repertoire for treating solid malignancies.

A dual oxygen-sensing switch provides stringent hypoxia-dependent regulation of a CAR

HypoxiCAR T cells deliver tumor-selective CAR expression and anti-tumor efficacy

HypoxiCAR T cells prevent on-target, off-tumor activation and cytokine release syndrome

HypoxiCAR provides a strategy to expand the CAR repertoire for solid malignancies

The effectiveness of continuous renal replacement therapy in critical COVID-19 patients with cytokine release syndrome: a retrospective, multicenter, descriptive study from Wuhan, China

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread rapidly since 2019. Approximately 15% of the patients will develop severe complications such as multiple organ disease syndrome related to cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) can remove inflammatory cytokines through filtration or adsorption. We evaluated the effectiveness of CRRT in COVID-19 patients with CRS.

METHODS

This retrospective, multicenter, descriptive study included 83 patients with CRS from three hospitals in Wuhan.

RESULTS

In COVID-19 patients with CRS, the fatality rate was even higher in CRRT group (P=0.005). However, inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein, neutrophil counts, and D-dimer decreased after CRRT (P<0.05). Results of Lasso model showed that tracheotomy (β -1.31) and convalescent plasma (β -1.41) were the protective factors. In contrast, CRRT (β 1.07), respiratory failure (β 1.61), consolidation on lung CT (β 0.48), acute kidney injury (AKI) (β 0.47), and elevated neutrophil count (β 0.02) were the risk factors for death.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that although CRRT significantly reduced the inflammation, it did not decrease the fatality rate of patients with CRS. Therefore, the choice of CRRT indication, dialysis time and dialysis mode should be more careful and accurate in COVID-19 patients with CRS.

Infection Complications after Lymphodepletion and Dosing of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T (CAR-T) Cell Therapy in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia or B Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has proven to be very effective in patients with relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). However, infections-related either due to lymphodepletion or the CAR-T cell therapy itself-can result in severe and potentially life-threatening complications, while side effects such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) might complicate differential diagnosis. Sixty-seven dosings of CAR-T cells in sixty adult patients with NHL (85%) and ALL (15%) receiving CAR-T cell therapy were assessed for infectious complications. Almost two-thirds of patients (61%) developed fever following lymphodepletion and CAR-T cell dosing. Microbiological or radiological findings were observed in 25% of all cases (bacterial 12%, viral 5%, fungal 8%). Inpatient infections were associated with more lines of therapy and more severe CRS. However, overall serious complications were rare after CAR-T therapy, with one patient dying of infection. Pathogen detection after inpatient stay was infrequent and mostly occurred in the first 90 days after dosing. Infections in CAR-T cell treated patents are common. Fast and suitable identification and treatment are crucial in these heavily pretreated and immunocompromised patients. In most cases infectious complications are manageable. Nonetheless, standardized anti-infective prophylaxis and supportive therapy are mandatory to reduce morbidity and mortality in CAR-T cell therapy.

A Review of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy for Myeloma and Lymphoma

Collectively, hematological malignancies account for the fourth most common malignancy. Myeloma and lymphoma are the most common types of hematological malignancies. Unfortunately, the management of refractory myeloma and lymphoma remains challenging. The discovery of new immunological therapies, namely chimeric antigen receptors T cells (CAR-T), outlined unprecedented B cell malignancies results. In this context, the CAR-T-based approach has led to the proliferation of many clinical studies. In this review, we will deal with the CAR-T structure, and we will summarize the primary clinical studies assessing the risks and benefits of CAR-T cell therapy. We will also deal with the adverse events and management of cytokine release syndromes/immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). Subsequently, we will review potential future improvements to overcome refractoriness and improve expansion while decreasing CAR-T's off-target effects. The advances in the CAR-T platform represent a step forward with promising unlimited future possibilities that made it a paradigm-shifting for the management of B cell malignancies.

Interleukin-6 Antagonists: Lessons From Cytokine Release Syndrome to the Therapeutic Application in Severe COVID-19 Infection

Current retrospective data have found up to 20% of COVID-19 infection had developed into severe cases with hyperinflammatory pulmonary symptoms. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is recognized as a key mediator of hyperinflammation previously mentioned in cytokine release syndrome. This leads to implementing IL-6 pathway inhibition in severe COVID-19. This review aimed to explore the clinical evidences of using IL-6 antagonists in COVID-19 infection based on most recent available data. Relevant studies were searched through PubMed, scopus, and ISI databases focusing on interleukin-6 antagonists in cytokine release syndrome and prospective data on COVID-19 infection. Only papers in English were included in the search. There were several studies conducted to evaluate the potential efficacy and safety of IL-6 antagonists and mostly with tocilizumab. After the search, we found that studies recruited patients with severe COVID-19 and elevated inflammatory mediators such as C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, or ferritin to receive tocilizumab, situximab or sarilumab in combination with other medications. Result showed that these agents may provide a clinical advantage as patients were able to refrain from invasive ventilation support after initiating IL-6 antagonists. In summary, IL-6 pathway inhibition in severe COVID-19 may be an emerging candidate to subside pulmonary complication. These agents may carry benefits in COVID-19 infection as well as safety risks such as bone marrow suppression. Current pharmacists' role is to provide most recent update information as well as intensive monitoring plan in patients who receive IL-6 inhibitor. However, robust clinical evidences are warranted to confirm efficacy and safety of IL-6 antagonists.

Tocilizumab for the Critically Ill With Severe COVID-19: A Community Hospital Case Series

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the use of tocilizumab in a community hospital setting for critically ill patients with severe COVID-19.

DESIGN

A retrospective case series.

SETTING

Five community hospitals within 1 urban health system.

PATIENTS

Adult patients whom received tocilizumab between March 27th, 2020 to April 30th, 2020 for severe COVID-19.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Sixteen patients in total were evaluated from the 5 community hospitals. The mean (± SD) age of the patients was 53.9 ± 9.2 years, 56% were men, and the most common comorbidities present on admission were hypertension (31%) and diabetes mellitus (25%). All patients received at least 1 other treatment modality for COVID-19 (steroids, hydroxychloroquine, or convaslescent plasma). Additionally, all patients on admission to intensive care units had severe COVID-19 with 56% requiring mechanical ventilation with a pre-tocilizumab median (IQR) Pao₂: Fio₂ of 84 (69 - 108.6), 19% requiring vasopressor support, and inflammatory markers (CRP, LDH, ferritin, and IL-6) were elevated. The median (IQR) tocilizumab dose was 400 mg (400-600) which correlated with a weight-based mean (± SD) dose of 5.4 mg/kg ± 1.3. Of the 16 patients that received tocilizumab, 8 (50%) were discharged home, 7 (44%) died, and 1 (6%) was still hospitalized at the end of data collection. Patients who died were more likely to be older 62 ± 2 years, female (57%), had a higher rate of mechanical ventilation (86%) and vasopressors (43%) use at baseline, and had a higher median (IQR) IL-6 level prior to tocilizumab administration 550 pg/mL (IQR 83-1924). There were no reported adverse drug reactions reported after the administration of tocilizumab for any patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings do not support the effectiveness of tocilizumab in treatment of severe COVID-19 infection in critically ill patients.

Cardiotoxicity Associated with Anti-CD19 Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell (CAR-T) Therapy: Recognition, Risk Factors, and Management

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR-T) are improving outcomes in pediatric and adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias and subtypes of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. As this treatment is being increasingly utilized, a better understanding of the unique toxicities associated with this therapy is warranted. While there is growing knowledge on the diagnosis and treatment of cytokine release syndrome (CRS), relatively little is known about the associated cardiac events that occur with CRS that may result in prolonged length of hospital stay, admission to the intensive care unit for pressor support, or cardiac death. This review focuses on the various manifestations of cardiotoxicity, potential risk factors, real world and clinical trial data on prevalence of reported cardiotoxicity events, and treatment recommendations.

Interleukin-6: From arthritis to CAR-T cell therapy and COVID-19

Blockade of interleukin (IL)-6 function by an anti-IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) antibody (tocilizumab, trade name Actemra) has been shown to be effective for the treatment of chronic autoimmune inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis. Interestingly, treatment with tocilizumab has also been found to alleviate the cytokine storm induced by chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy. Patients with serious cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exhibit cytokine release syndrome (CRS), which suggested that tocilizumab might be an effective therapeutic for serious cases of COVID-19. In the first part of this short review, the therapeutic effect of tocilizumab for the disease induced by IL-6 overproduction is described. CRS induced by CAR-T cell therapy and COVID-19 is then discussed.

Biomarkers of Cardiac Stress and Cytokine Release Syndrome in COVID-19: A Review

Purpose of Review

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) resulted in the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic. While primarily a respiratory virus, SARS-CoV-2 can cause myocardial injury. The pattern of injury, referred to as acute COVID-19 cardiovascular syndrome (ACovCS), is defined by cardiac troponin leak in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease. Although the etiology of the injury is unknown, many speculate that a cytokine release syndrome (CRS) may be an important factor. We aim to review recent data concerning markers of cardiac injury in ACovCS and its relation to the CRS.

Recent Findings

Cardiac injury was common in patients hospitalized for COVID-19, with both cardiac troponin and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) being elevated in this population. Biomarkers were correlated with illness severity and increased mortality. Cytokines such as IL-6 were more often elevated in patients with ACovCS. Myocarditis evident on cardiac MR following COVID-19 may be associated with cardiac troponin levels. The impact of dexamethasone and remdesivir, two therapies shown to have clinical benefit in COVID-19, on myocardial injury is unknown.

Summary

Biomarkers of cardiac stress and injury in COVID-19 may be used to stratify risk in the future. Currently, there is no evidence that inhibition of cytokine release will reduce myocardial injury in patients with COVID-19.

The Effect of IL-6 Inhibitors on Mortality Among Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of interleukin-6 inhibitors (IL-6i) in ameliorating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains uncertain.

METHODS

We analyzed data for patients aged ≥18 years admitted with a positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 polymerase chain reaction test at 4 safety-net hospital systems with diverse populations and high rates of medical comorbidities in 3 US regions. We used inverse probability of treatment weighting via machine learning for confounding adjustment by demographics, comorbidities, and disease severity markers. We estimated the average treatment effect, the odds of IL-6i effect on in-hospital mortality from COVID-19, using a logistic marginal structural model.

RESULTS

Of 516 patients, 104 (20.1%) received IL-6i. Estimate of the average treatment effect adjusted for confounders suggested a 37% reduction in odds of in-hospital mortality in those who received IL-6i compared with those who did not, although the confidence interval included the null value of 1 (odds ratio = 0.63; 95% confidence interval, .29-1.38). A sensitivity analysis suggested that potential unmeasured confounding would require a minimum odds ratio of 2.55 to nullify our estimated IL-6i effect size.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite low precision, our findings suggested a relatively large effect size of IL-6i in reducing the odds of COVID-19-related in-hospital mortality.

Interleukin 17 antagonist netakimab is effective and safe in the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19)

Cytokine release syndrome is a serious complication of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The aim of the study was to assess effectiveness and safety of the IL-17 antagonist nekatimab for its treatment. The retrospective study included COVID-19 patients with C-reactive protein levels >60 mg/L. Patients received either netakimab (group NET), IL-6 antagonist tocilizumab (group TOC) or no anti-cytokine treatment (group CON). Forty-four patients were enrolled in the NET group, 27 patients in the TOC group, and 47 patients in the CON group. Mortality was lower in the NET group than in TOC and CON groups (2.3% vs. 14.8% and 31.9%; p = 0.018 and p < 0.001). NET group patients required intensive care unit admission (6.8% vs. 25.9% and 46.3%; p = 0.025 and p < 0.001) and mechanical ventilation (4.6% vs. 22.2% and 31.9%; p = 0.022 and p = 0.002) less frequently than patients of the TOC and CON groups. After 7-10 days of anti-cytokine drug administration, a reduction in lung lesion volume (p = 0.016) and an increase in the proportion of patients who did not need oxygen support (p = 0.005) or stayed in prone position (p = 0.044) was observed in the NET group only group; C-reactive protein levels were the same in the TOC and NET groups (p = 0.136) and lower in the CON group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.005). IL-6 levels decreased in the NET group (p = 0.005) and did not change in the TOC group (p = 0.953). There was no difference in the incidence of side effects between groups. The IL-17 antagonist netakimab is effective and safe in the treatment of cytokine release syndrome in COVID-19.