Toxicities of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy in Multiple Myeloma: An Overview of Experience From Clinical Trials, Pathophysiology, and Management Strategies

Updates on CAR T cell therapy in multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological cancer characterized by the abnormal proliferation of plasma cells. Initial treatments often include immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), proteasome inhibitors (PIs), and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Despite salient progress in diagnosis and treatment, most MM patients typically have a median life expectancy of only four to five years after starting treatment. In recent developments, the success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells in treating B-cell malignancies exemplifies a new paradigm shift in advanced immunotherapy techniques with promising therapeutic outcomes. Ide-cel and cilta-cel stand as the only two FDA-approved BCMA-targeted CAR T-cells for MM patients, a recognition achieved despite extensive preclinical and clinical research efforts in this domain. Challenges remain regarding certain aspects of CAR T-cell manufacturing and administration processes, including the lack of accessibility and durability due to T-cell characteristics, along with expensive and time-consuming processes limiting health plan coverage. Moreover, MM features, such as tumor antigen heterogeneity, antigen presentation alterations, complex tumor microenvironments, and challenges in CAR-T trafficking, contribute to CAR T-cell exhaustion and subsequent therapy relapse or refractory status. Additionally, the occurrence of adverse events such as cytokine release syndrome, neurotoxicity, and on-target, off-tumor toxicities present obstacles to CAR T-cell therapies. Consequently, ongoing CAR T-cell trials are diligently addressing these challenges and barriers. In this review, we provide an overview of the effectiveness of currently available CAR T-cell treatments for MM, explore the primary resistance mechanisms to these treatments, suggest strategies for improving long-lasting remissions, and investigate the potential for combination therapies involving CAR T-cells.

Acute kidney injury following chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy: Epidemiology, mechanism and prognosis

Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy is a promising treatment for hematologic tumors, and adverse events of acute kidney injury (AKI) have been reported. However, its incidence, clinical characteristics, and prognosis remained unclear. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science for study about AKI after CAR-T therapy, a total of 15 studies, comprising 694 patients, were included. Among the 694 patients, 154 (22%) developed AKI, of which 89 (57.8%) were in stage 1, 59 (38.3%) were in stage 2 or 3, and 6 (3.9%) were not reported. Cytokine release syndrome is considered to be the most common cause of AKI. Of the 154 AKI patients, only 16 (10.4%) received renal replacement therapy, most AKI recovered renal function after symptomatic treatment. Although the occurrence of AKI after CAR-T therapy is rare and mostly mild, active knowledge of its pathogenesis, timely diagnosis and treatment are necessary for clinicians.

TACTUM: Trends in Access to Cellular Therapies in Multiple Myeloma, Perspectives of Treating Versus Referring Physicians

Chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy (CAR-T) and bispecific T cell engagers (TCE) for multiple myeloma (MM) are readily available at many large US medical centers. However, many potentially eligible patients may not be referred to the specialized centers administering these therapies. Perspectives regarding potential barriers for MM cellular therapy from referring-center oncologists (ROs) versus treating-center oncologists (TOs) have not been reported previously. We conducted TACTUM-23, a survey of US oncologists who treat MM, to identify perceived barriers to these cellular therapies. This 24-question survey, which focused on demographics and perceived barriers to CAR-T and TCE, was conducted between June and August 2023. Of 247 oncologists, 37 (15%) completed the survey including 26 (70%) TOs who prescribed both CAR-T and TCEs, 4 (11%) TOs who only prescribed TCEs, and 7 (19%) ROs who referred patients. The top RO-stated barrier to CAR-T was financial toxicity, while the top TO-stated barrier to CAR-T was leukapheresis/ manufacturing slot availability. The top RO-stated barrier to TCE was financial toxicity, while the top TO-stated barrier to TCE was the hospitalization requirement. In conclusion, financial concerns are perceived by ROs to be the top barrier to both CAR-T and TCEs in myeloma. In contrast, TOs perceive logistical concerns to be the top barrier. Interventions to lower financial toxicity during these therapies, and outreach to raise awareness of such interventions among ROs, are needed alongside strategies to streamline manufacturing (for CAR-T) and monitoring.

Management of bone disease with concurrent chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for multiple myeloma

In the intricate landscape of multiple myeloma, a hematologic malignancy of plasma cells, bone disease presents a pivotal and often debilitating complication. The emergence of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has marked a pivotal shift in the therapeutic landscape, offering novel avenues for the management of MM, particularly for those with relapsed or refractory disease. This innovative treatment modality not only targets malignant cells with precision but also influences the bone microenvironment, presenting both challenges and opportunities in patient care. In this comprehensive review, we aim to examine the multifaceted aspects of bone disease in patients with multiple myeloma and concurrent CAR-T therapy, highlighting its clinical ramifications and the latest advancements in diagnostic modalities and therapeutic interventions. The article aims to synthesize current understanding of the interplay between myeloma cells, CAR-T cells, and the bone microenvironment in the context of current treatment strategies in this challenging and unique patient population.

Endothelial injury and dysfunction with emerging immunotherapies in multiple myeloma, the impact of COVID-19, and endothelial protection with a focus on the evolving role of defibrotide

Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) were among the groups impacted more severely by the COVID-19 pandemic, with higher rates of severe disease and COVID-19-related mortality. MM and COVID-19, plus post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, are associated with endothelial dysfunction and injury, with overlapping inflammatory pathways and coagulopathies. Existing treatment options for MM, notably high-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation and novel chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies and bispecific T-cell engaging antibodies, are also associated with endothelial cell injury and mechanism-related toxicities. These pathologies include cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity that may be exacerbated by underlying endotheliopathies. In the context of these overlapping risks, prophylaxis and treatment approaches mitigating the inflammatory and pro-coagulant effects of endothelial injury are important considerations for patient management, including cytokine receptor antagonists, thromboprophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin and direct oral anticoagulants, and direct endothelial protection with defibrotide in the appropriate clinical settings.

Effects on the Physical Functioning of Two Exercise Interventions in Patients with Multiple Myeloma: A Pilot Feasibility Study

Because of the high prevalence of bone destruction in patients with multiple myeloma (MM), physical exercise is oftentimes discouraged by healthcare providers. The goal of this prospective trial was to investigate the feasibility of two six-month exercise interventions in patients with MM (N = 42): a remotely prompted home-based walking intervention or a supervised strength training intervention. Physical function and pain were assessed with the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) Basic Mobility Short Form raw score, a six-minute walk test (6 MWT), a 30-second sit-to-stand test (30 SST), a timed up-and-go (TUG) test, a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, handheld dynamometer tests, heart rate at rest, blood oxygen saturation at rest, and body mass index. No intervention-related serious adverse events were observed. Adverse events mostly affected the musculoskeletal system. In the resistance training group (n = 24), patients showed significant improvements in AM-PAC, TUG, 6 MWT, and 30 SST, with all effects but the 6 MWT sustained six months after the intervention. The walking group (n = 18) saw improvements in the AM-PAC, TUG, 6 MWT, and 30 SST, with a sustained change in the AM-PAC and TUG. This trial shows the feasibility of both exercise interventions with a sustained beneficial effect on the physical functioning of a six-month strength training intervention and, to a lesser extent, a six-month unsupervised walking intervention. A larger study building on these findings is currently underway.

CAR T therapies in multiple myeloma: unleashing the future

In recent years, the field of cancer treatment has witnessed remarkable breakthroughs that have revolutionized the landscape of care for cancer patients. While traditional pillars such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy have long been available, a cutting-edge therapeutic approach called CAR T-cell therapy has emerged as a game-changer in treating multiple myeloma (MM). This novel treatment method complements options like autologous stem cell transplants and immunomodulatory medications, such as proteasome inhibitors, by utilizing protein complexes or anti-CD38 antibodies with potent complement-dependent cytotoxic effects. Despite the challenges and obstacles associated with these treatments, the recent approval of the second FDA multiple myeloma CAR T-cell therapy has sparked immense promise in the field. Thus far, the results indicate its potential as a highly effective therapeutic solution. Moreover, ongoing preclinical and clinical trials are exploring the capabilities of CAR T-cells in targeting specific antigens on myeloma cells, offering hope for patients with relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM). These advancements have shown the potential for CAR T cell-based medicines or combination therapies to elicit greater treatment responses and minimize side effects. In this context, it is crucial to delve into the history and functions of CAR T-cells while acknowledging their limitations. We can strategize and develop innovative approaches to overcome these barriers by understanding their challenges. This article aims to provide insights into the application of CAR T-cells in treating MM, shedding light on their potential, limitations, and strategies employed to enhance their efficacy.

Exploring the efficacy and safety of anti-BCMA chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for multiple myeloma: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a bone marrow cancer that profoundly affects plasma cells involved in the immune response. Myeloma cells alter the average production of cells in the bone marrow. Anti-B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy allows genetic modifications of an individual's T-cells to increase the expression of CARs used to identify and attach BCMA proteins to the malignant cells. Our main objective is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the efficacy and safety of anti-BCMA CAR T-cell therapy for MM.

Material and Methods

We searched five databases, PubMed, CNKI, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science, and CNKI, for studies published on anti-BCMA,CAR-T-cell treatment for MM. Inclusion criteria involved prospective single-arm studies either single or multi-center, in various MM phases and studies that reported anti-BCMA,CAR-T-cell treatment for MM. We excluded non-English publications and conference papers. All statistical analyses were performed in R software and Review Manager 5.4.1.

Results

Thirteen articles were included in the analysis. We found that the overall response survival complete response increase was statistically significant. Similarly, the reduction in cytokine release syndrome grades 3 and 4 and neurotoxicity after follow-up was statistically significant. However, the reduction in minimal residual disease negativity (MRDN) was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Using anti-BCMA CAR T-cell therapy in MM was highly efficacious and safe in lowering the adverse outcomes and improving the survival outcomes, complete response, and overall response.

CAR T-cell therapy in multiple myeloma: mission accomplished?

ABSTRACT

B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are the most potent treatment against multiple myeloma (MM). Here, we review the increasing body of clinical and correlative preclinical data that support their inclusion into firstline therapy and sequencing before T-cell-engaging antibodies. The ambition to cure MM with (BCMA-)CAR T cells is informed by genomic and phenotypic analysis that assess BCMA expression for patient stratification and monitoring, steadily improving early diagnosis and management of side effects, and advances in rapid, scalable CAR T-cell manufacturing to improve access.

Nursing Care Throughout the Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy Process for Multiple Myeloma

OBJECTIVES

Approvals of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) represent advancements in treatment options for a hard-to-treat population. Nursing care during CAR-T therapy is crucial for patients, their caregivers, and the broader CAR-T therapy care team. This manuscript provides an overview of the CAR-T therapy administration process and describes practical considerations for nursing professionals working with patients who receive CAR-T therapy.

DATA SOURCES

Current literature describing CAR-T therapies for RRMM and published guidelines on nursing care during CAR-T therapy administration were identified from a PubMed database search. Literature was synthesized with practical considerations from nurses and nurse practitioners with expertise in the administration of CAR-T therapy for MM. A practical overview of the role of nursing professionals throughout all stages of CAR-T therapy administration for RRMM is provided.

CONCLUSION

Planning, administration, and posttreatment monitoring for CAR-T therapy requires collaboration between nursing professionals and other healthcare providers as patients migrate between community oncology providers and specialized treatment centers. Nurses help with assessment of patient eligibility and patient and caregiver education before CAR-T therapy. They act in diverse roles across various settings involved in CAR-T therapy administration. Finally, nurses contribute to long-term identification and management of CAR-T-associated toxicities.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Nurses are crucial to the CAR-T therapy process and make significant contributions to optimizing patient care and subsequent outcomes.

Next-generation chimeric antigen receptors for T- and natural killer-cell therapies against cancer

Adoptive cellular therapy using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells has led to a paradigm shift in the treatment of various hematologic malignancies. However, the broad application of this approach for myeloid malignancies and solid cancers has been limited by the paucity and heterogeneity of target antigen expression, and lack of bona fide tumor-specific antigens that can be targeted without cross-reactivity against normal tissues. This may lead to unwanted on-target off-tumor toxicities that could undermine the desired antitumor effect. Recent advances in synthetic biology and genetic engineering have enabled reprogramming of immune effector cells to enhance their selectivity toward tumors, thus mitigating on-target off-tumor adverse effects. In this review, we outline the current strategies being explored to improve CAR selectivity toward tumor cells with a focus on natural killer (NK) cells, and the progress made in translating these strategies to the clinic.

Exploring the High-Grade and Refractory Neurotoxicity of Teclistamab: An Underreported Entity

T-cell re-directing bispecific antibodies targeting B-cell maturation antigens have recently entered real-world use in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. While no head-to-head comparison has been done, they have generally been observed to have lower-grade toxicities compared with their chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) counterparts. However, in our real-world, single-institution experience, we have encountered two patients receiving teclistamab who experienced high-grade and refractory immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) that did not respond to traditional toxicity mitigation strategies of high-dose corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive therapies. As we increase our use of these novel and vital agents, caution must be warranted.

Efficacy and Safety of Glycosphingolipid SSEA-4 Targeting CAR-T Cells in an Ovarian Carcinoma Model

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell immunotherapies for solid tumors face critical challenges such as heterogeneous antigen expression. We characterized stage-specific embryonic antigen-4 (SSEA-4) cell-surface glycolipid as a target for CAR T-cell therapy. SSEA-4 is mainly expressed during embryogenesis but is also found in several cancer types making it an attractive tumor-associated antigen. Anti-SSEA-4 CAR-T cells were generated and assessed preclinically in vitro and in vivo for antitumor response and safety. SSEA-4 CAR-T cells effectively eliminated SSEA-4-positive cells in all the tested cancer cell lines, whereas SSEA-4-negative cells lines were not targeted. In vivo efficacy and safety studies using NSG mice and the high-grade serous ovarian cancer cell line OVCAR4 demonstrated a remarkable and specific antitumor response at all the CAR T-cell doses used. At high T-cell doses, CAR T cell-treated mice showed signs of health deterioration after a follow-up period. However, the severity of toxicity was reduced with a delayed onset when lower CAR T-cell doses were used. Our data demonstrate the efficacy of anti-SSEA-4 CAR T-cell therapy; however, safety strategies, such as dose-limiting and/or equipping CAR-T cells with combinatorial antigen recognition should be implemented for its potential clinical translation.

Toxicity Profile of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell and Bispecific Antibody Therapies in Multiple Myeloma: Pathogenesis, Prevention and Management

Multiple myeloma is the second-most common hematologic malignancy in adults worldwide. Despite ongoing advancement in therapeutic modalities, it remains an incurable disease with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 50%. The recent development and introduction of anti-BCMA immunotherapies into clinical practice, including chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies and bispecific antibodies, has radically shifted the treatment paradigm. However, despite the promising potential of these therapies for broader application, frequent and significant adverse effects have been reported, both in short- and in long-term settings, requiring increasing awareness and vigilance in the treating team, close monitoring, and prompt interventions with a multidisciplinary approach. In this review, we will discuss the toxicities associated with CAR-T cell and bispecific antibody therapies, focusing on results from major clinical studies and real-world observations. In addition, we will emphasize on effective strategies for prevention, monitoring and management, and provide expert recommendations.

Neurologic Complications of Cancer Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment over the past decade. As it is increasingly introduced into routine clinical practice, immune-related complications have become more frequent. Accurate diagnosis and treatment are essential, with the goal of reduced patient morbidity. This review aims to discuss the various clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatments, and prognosis of neurologic complications associated with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive T-cell therapies, and T-cell redirecting therapies. We also outline a suggested clinical approach related to the clinical use of these agents.

Severe laryngeal edema after CAR-T cell treatment in a patient with multiple myeloma: A case report

This case aims to report an unusual clinical situation with uncommon and severe side effects, which can even be life threatening for the patient. The ENT and Hematology specialist should be aware of diagnosing and treating adequately.

Immune dysregulation in multiple myeloma: the current and future role of cell-based immunotherapy

Immune dysregulation is a hallmark of clinically active multiple myeloma (MM). Interactions between malignant clonal cells and immune cells within the bone marrow microenvironment are associated with the formation of a milieu favorable to tumor progression. IL-10, TGF-β and other immunoregulatory pathways are upregulated, promoting angiogenesis, tumor cell survival and inhibition of the native immune response. Transcriptomic evaluation of the bone marrow microenvironment reveals polarization of the T cell repertoire towards exhaustion and predominance of accessory cells with immunosuppressive qualities. These changes facilitate the immune escape of tumor cells and functional deficiencies that manifest as an increased risk of infection and a reduction in response to vaccinations. Immunotherapy with Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cells and other cellular-based approaches have transformed outcomes for patients with advanced MM. Characterization of the immune milieu and identification of biomarkers predictive of treatment response are essential to increasing durability and allowing for the incorporation of novel strategies such as cancer vaccines. This paper will review the current use of cancer vaccines and CAR T cell therapy in MM as well as potential opportunities to expand and improve the application of these platforms.

Fitness and frailty in myeloma

As the aging population grows, so too does the number of well-tolerated antimyeloma therapies. Physicians will see an increasing volume of patients for subsequent lines of therapy, which could now extend this relationship for over a decade. For younger patients, treatment choices are infrequently impacted by concerns of fitness, but instead about effecting the deepest, most durable response. Older adults, in contrast, are more likely to experience under- than overtreatment, and therefore more objective (and ideally straightforward) ways to evaluate their fitness and ability to tolerate therapy will increasingly assist in decision-making. Post hoc analyses categorizing the fitness of trial patients in the modern treatment era globally demonstrate that even in highly selected populations, those that are recategorized as less fit or frail are consistently at higher risk of inferior outcomes and increased toxicities. Real-world data are comparatively lacking but do demonstrate that most patients with myeloma are not representative of those enrolled on clinical trials, generally more heavily burdened by comorbidities and more likely to be categorized as "less than fit." Simultaneously, the number of therapeutic options open to patients in the relapsed setting continues to grow, now including T-cell engagers and cellular therapies, with their unique toxicity profiles. The aim of this review is to summarize the available data, highlight some of the approaches possible to easily assess fitness and how results might inform treatment selection, and illustrate ways that patients' condition can be optimized rather than lead to exclusion from the more complex therapies newly available.

Clinical Outcomes of BCMA CAR-T Cells in a Multiple Myeloma Patient With Central Nervous System Invasion

Background

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy that still lacks effective clinical treatments. In particular, MM with central nervous system (CNS) invasion occurs rarely. Although B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeted chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cell therapy has shown great promise for the treatment of relapsed/refractory MM, few studies have reported whether BCMA CAR-T could inhibit MM with CNS invasion.

Case Presentation

In this study, we report a special case of a 63-year-old male patient who suffered MM with CNS invasion and presented rapid extramedullary disease (EMD) progression into multiple organs. Before CAR-T cell infusion, this patient received five cycles of bortezomib, Adriamycin, and dexamethasone (PAD) and an autologous transplant as the front-line treatment, followed by two cycles of bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (VRD) as the second-line regimen, and daratumumab, bortezomib, dexamethasone (DVD) as the third-line regimen. Since the patient still showed rapid progressive disease (PD), BCMA CAR-T cells were infused, and 1 month later, a stringent complete response (sCR) was achieved, and the response lasted for 4 months. Meanwhile, only grade 1 cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was observed.

Conclusion

This case report demonstrated that BCMA CAR-T could effectively eradicate CNS-involved MM with low adverse events, suggesting that CAR-T cell therapy could be a feasible therapeutic option for this kind of refractory disease.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04537442.a

BCMA-targeted therapies for multiple myeloma: strategies to maximise efficacy and minimize adverse events

INTRODUCTION

Immunotherapies targeting B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) in multiple myeloma are transitioning through trials and entering the clinic, and will likely become a core pillar in myeloma therapeutics. These agents demonstrate unprecedented activity in multiply relapsed patients, but - notwithstanding the short follow-up times - their survival curves do not appear to demonstrate a plateau, and the treatments inevitably bring with them a range of toxicities that might be associated with tolerability issues.

AREAS COVERED

We will briefly lay out the current therapeutic landscape in multiple myeloma, before introducing BCMA and explaining its significance. We will address in turn the three key classes of anti-BCMA immunotherapies: antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor T cells. We describe the mechanisms of action of these classes and review the evidence supporting their efficacy and toxicities. We then bring all three therapies into one discussion that explores how to mitigate toxicities and overcome myeloma's ability to resist these potent treatments.

EXPERT OPINION

Finally, we take the discussion back to the clinic, and consider how we might deploy anti-BCMA therapies most effectively for our patients. We consider the sequencing of treatment, and what further evidence is needed to more fully inform our therapy decisions.

Clinical Outcomes of BCMA CAR-T Cells in a Multiple Myeloma Patient With Central Nervous System Invasion

Background

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy that still lacks effective clinical treatments. In particular, MM with central nervous system (CNS) invasion occurs rarely. Although B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeted chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cell therapy has shown great promise for the treatment of relapsed/refractory MM, few studies have reported whether BCMA CAR-T could inhibit MM with CNS invasion.

Case Presentation

In this study, we report a special case of a 63-year-old male patient who suffered MM with CNS invasion and presented rapid extramedullary disease (EMD) progression into multiple organs. Before CAR-T cell infusion, this patient received five cycles of bortezomib, Adriamycin, and dexamethasone (PAD) and an autologous transplant as the front-line treatment, followed by two cycles of bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (VRD) as the second-line regimen, and daratumumab, bortezomib, dexamethasone (DVD) as the third-line regimen. Since the patient still showed rapid progressive disease (PD), BCMA CAR-T cells were infused, and 1 month later, a stringent complete response (sCR) was achieved, and the response lasted for 4 months. Meanwhile, only grade 1 cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was observed.

Conclusion

This case report demonstrated that BCMA CAR-T could effectively eradicate CNS-involved MM with low adverse events, suggesting that CAR-T cell therapy could be a feasible therapeutic option for this kind of refractory disease.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04537442.a

Neurologic adverse events of cancer immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapy encompasses a wide range of treatment modalities that harness the anti-tumor effects of the immune system and have revolutionized oncological treatment in recent years, with approval for its use in more and more cancers. However, it is not without side effects. Several neurological adverse events have been recognized associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, the two main classes of cancer immunotherapy. With the increase in the prevalence of oncological diseases and this type of therapy, it is improbable that neurologists, oncologists, hematologists, and other healthcare professionals who deal with cancer patients will not encounter this type of neurologic complication in their practice in the following years. This article aims to review the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of neurological complications associated with ICI and CAR T-cell therapy.

Time to evolve: predicting engineered T cell-associated toxicity with next-generation models

Despite promising clinical results in a small subset of malignancies, therapies based on engineered chimeric antigen receptor and T-cell receptor T cells are associated with serious adverse events, including cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity. These toxicities are sometimes so severe that they significantly hinder the implementation of this therapeutic strategy. For a long time, existing preclinical models failed to predict severe toxicities seen in human clinical trials after engineered T-cell infusion. However, in recent years, there has been a concerted effort to develop models, including humanized mouse models, which can better recapitulate toxicities observed in patients. The Accelerating Development and Improving Access to CAR and TCR-engineered T cell therapy (T2EVOLVE) consortium is a public–private partnership directed at accelerating the preclinical development and increasing access to engineered T-cell therapy for patients with cancer. A key ambition in T2EVOLVE is to design new models and tools with higher predictive value for clinical safety and efficacy, in order to improve and accelerate the selection of lead T-cell products for clinical translation. Herein, we review existing preclinical models that are used to test the safety of engineered T cells. We will also highlight limitations of these models and propose potential measures to improve them.

A BCMA/CD16A bispecific innate cell engager for the treatment of multiple myeloma

Despite the recent progress, multiple myeloma (MM) is still essentially incurable and there is a need for additional effective treatments with good tolerability. RO7297089 is a novel bispecific BCMA/CD16A-directed innate cell engager (ICE^®) designed to induce BCMA+ MM cell lysis through high affinity binding of CD16A and retargeting of NK cell cytotoxicity and macrophage phagocytosis. Unlike conventional antibodies approved in MM, RO7297089 selectively targets CD16A with no binding of other Fcγ receptors, including CD16B on neutrophils, and irrespective of 158V/F polymorphism, and its activity is less affected by competing IgG suggesting activity in the presence of M-protein. Structural analysis revealed this is due to selective interaction with a single residue (Y140) uniquely present in CD16A opposite the Fc binding site. RO7297089 induced tumor cell killing more potently than conventional antibodies (wild-type and Fc-enhanced) and induced lysis of BCMA+ cells at very low effector-to-target ratios. Preclinical toxicology data suggested a favorable safety profile as in vitro cytokine release was minimal and no RO7297089-related mortalities or adverse events were observed in cynomolgus monkeys. These data suggest good tolerability and the potential of RO7297089 to be a novel effective treatment of MM patients.

Prognostic Significance of Cytokine Release Syndrome in B Cell Hematological Malignancies Patients After Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is the most common on-target toxicity of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. However, the prognostic significance of CRS has not been well elucidated. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between CRS and efficacy after anti-CD19 CAR-T therapy in a retrospective cohort of 22 patients with relapsed/refractory B cell hematological malignancies. The complete remission (CR) rates after CAR-T therapy were 68%, and median value for progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.8 months. Eight of 22 (36.4%) patients showed ≥ grade 2 CRS. Statistical analysis found that patients with ≥ grade 2 CRS had higher CR rates and longer PFS than those with < grade 2 CRS. Moreover, bridging hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was another independent predictor for PFS. These data suggested that appropriate CRS may be beneficial to the efficacy of CAR-T therapy. The Clinical Trial Registration number is NCT03110640, NCT03302403.

Salvage therapy with "Dara-KDT-P(A)CE" in heavily pretreated, high-risk, proliferative, relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma

The multi-agent therapy "VDT-PACE" represents an established regimen in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Here, we report on our experience with a "modified VDT-PACE" incorporating new generation anti-MM agents daratumumab and carfilzomib ("Dara-KDT-P(A)CE"). We retrospectively analyzed 38 patients with RRMM treated with "Dara-KDT-P(A)CE". The median age was 62 (range 45-82) years, and the patients were heavily pretreated with a median of 5 (range 2-12) prior lines of therapy. Twenty-one (55%) patients suffered from penta-refractory MM. High-risk cytogenetics was present in 31 (81%) patients. The patients received a median of 2 (range 1-10) cycles of this therapy, and the overall response rate (ORR) was 70%. Patients with penta-refractory MM and high-risk cytogenetics showed similar ORR of 65% and 79%, respectively. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival were 4.1 (95% CI 2.7-5.4) and 8.4 (95% CI 6.7-10.0) months, respectively. Patients with lactate dehydrogenase >250 IU/L showed significantly shorter PFS in comparison with others patients (p = 0.006). We used this regimen as bridging therapy prior to chimeric antigen receptor T-cell infusion in four patients. In conclusion, "Dara-KDT-P(A)CE" is an effective salvage therapy for patients with heavily pretreated, multi-refractory, high-risk RRMM lacking alternative options.