Article

Key clinical point: This real-world study confirmed the efficacy and safety of the interleukin (IL)-23 inhibitors guselkumab and risankizumab in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Major finding: Mean Disease Activity Index for PsA (DAPSA) score was 43.6 at baseline and reduced significantly at 4 (36.8), 16 (23.6), and 24 (20.5) weeks of treatment (all P < .001). At 24 weeks, 29.2% and 16.7% of patients reported low disease activity and remission, respectively. None of the patients discontinued treatment due to safety concerns.

Study details: Findings are from a single-center retrospective study including 59 patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who received guselkumab or risankizumab, of which 24 patients had concomitant PsA.

Disclosures: This study did not receive any funding. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Vaiopoulos AG et al. Real-world data show high efficacy of IL23 inhibitors guselkumab and risankizumab in psoriatic arthritis and difficult-to-treat areas. Int J Dermatol. 2023;62:1404-1413 (Sep 25). doi: 10.1111/ijd.16849

Key clinical point: This real-world study confirmed the efficacy and safety of the interleukin (IL)-23 inhibitors guselkumab and risankizumab in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Major finding: Mean Disease Activity Index for PsA (DAPSA) score was 43.6 at baseline and reduced significantly at 4 (36.8), 16 (23.6), and 24 (20.5) weeks of treatment (all P < .001). At 24 weeks, 29.2% and 16.7% of patients reported low disease activity and remission, respectively. None of the patients discontinued treatment due to safety concerns.

Study details: Findings are from a single-center retrospective study including 59 patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who received guselkumab or risankizumab, of which 24 patients had concomitant PsA.

Disclosures: This study did not receive any funding. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Vaiopoulos AG et al. Real-world data show high efficacy of IL23 inhibitors guselkumab and risankizumab in psoriatic arthritis and difficult-to-treat areas. Int J Dermatol. 2023;62:1404-1413 (Sep 25). doi: 10.1111/ijd.16849

Key clinical point: This real-world study confirmed the efficacy and safety of the interleukin (IL)-23 inhibitors guselkumab and risankizumab in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Major finding: Mean Disease Activity Index for PsA (DAPSA) score was 43.6 at baseline and reduced significantly at 4 (36.8), 16 (23.6), and 24 (20.5) weeks of treatment (all P < .001). At 24 weeks, 29.2% and 16.7% of patients reported low disease activity and remission, respectively. None of the patients discontinued treatment due to safety concerns.

Study details: Findings are from a single-center retrospective study including 59 patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who received guselkumab or risankizumab, of which 24 patients had concomitant PsA.

Disclosures: This study did not receive any funding. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Vaiopoulos AG et al. Real-world data show high efficacy of IL23 inhibitors guselkumab and risankizumab in psoriatic arthritis and difficult-to-treat areas. Int J Dermatol. 2023;62:1404-1413 (Sep 25). doi: 10.1111/ijd.16849

Key clinical point: Intestinal permeability as well as fecal and plasma metabolomic profiles significantly affected the clinical response to fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) or sham transplantation in patients having peripheral moderate-to-high psoriatic arthritis (PsA) despite receiving methotrexate for ≥3 months.

Major finding: Lactulose-to-mannitol ratio was higher at week 26 (0.027 vs 0.012; P = .013), indicating greater small intestinal permeability; moreover, fecal (P < .0001) and plasma (P = .005) metabolomic profiles differed in patients who needed vs did not need treatment intensification after undergoing an FMT or sham transplantation.

Study details: This exploratory study of the FLORA trial included 31 patients who had peripheral moderate-to-high PsA despite ≥3 months of methotrexate treatment and were randomly assigned to undergo either gastroscopic-guided single-donor FMT (n = 15) or sham transplantation (n = 16).

Disclosures: This study was supported by Sygeforsikringen “danmark” and other sources. Three authors declared receiving financial support, grants, or lectureship awards from various sources.

Source: Kragsnaes MS et al. Small intestinal permeability and metabolomic profiles in feces and plasma associate with clinical response in patients with active psoriatic arthritis participating in a fecal microbiota transplantation trial: Exploratory findings from the FLORA trial. ACR Open Rheumatol. 2023 (Sep 22). doi: 10.1002/acr2.11604

Key clinical point: Intestinal permeability as well as fecal and plasma metabolomic profiles significantly affected the clinical response to fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) or sham transplantation in patients having peripheral moderate-to-high psoriatic arthritis (PsA) despite receiving methotrexate for ≥3 months.

Major finding: Lactulose-to-mannitol ratio was higher at week 26 (0.027 vs 0.012; P = .013), indicating greater small intestinal permeability; moreover, fecal (P < .0001) and plasma (P = .005) metabolomic profiles differed in patients who needed vs did not need treatment intensification after undergoing an FMT or sham transplantation.

Study details: This exploratory study of the FLORA trial included 31 patients who had peripheral moderate-to-high PsA despite ≥3 months of methotrexate treatment and were randomly assigned to undergo either gastroscopic-guided single-donor FMT (n = 15) or sham transplantation (n = 16).

Disclosures: This study was supported by Sygeforsikringen “danmark” and other sources. Three authors declared receiving financial support, grants, or lectureship awards from various sources.

Source: Kragsnaes MS et al. Small intestinal permeability and metabolomic profiles in feces and plasma associate with clinical response in patients with active psoriatic arthritis participating in a fecal microbiota transplantation trial: Exploratory findings from the FLORA trial. ACR Open Rheumatol. 2023 (Sep 22). doi: 10.1002/acr2.11604

Key clinical point: Intestinal permeability as well as fecal and plasma metabolomic profiles significantly affected the clinical response to fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) or sham transplantation in patients having peripheral moderate-to-high psoriatic arthritis (PsA) despite receiving methotrexate for ≥3 months.

Major finding: Lactulose-to-mannitol ratio was higher at week 26 (0.027 vs 0.012; P = .013), indicating greater small intestinal permeability; moreover, fecal (P < .0001) and plasma (P = .005) metabolomic profiles differed in patients who needed vs did not need treatment intensification after undergoing an FMT or sham transplantation.

Study details: This exploratory study of the FLORA trial included 31 patients who had peripheral moderate-to-high PsA despite ≥3 months of methotrexate treatment and were randomly assigned to undergo either gastroscopic-guided single-donor FMT (n = 15) or sham transplantation (n = 16).

Disclosures: This study was supported by Sygeforsikringen “danmark” and other sources. Three authors declared receiving financial support, grants, or lectureship awards from various sources.

Source: Kragsnaes MS et al. Small intestinal permeability and metabolomic profiles in feces and plasma associate with clinical response in patients with active psoriatic arthritis participating in a fecal microbiota transplantation trial: Exploratory findings from the FLORA trial. ACR Open Rheumatol. 2023 (Sep 22). doi: 10.1002/acr2.11604

Key clinical point: In patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), year-long treatment with interleukin-17 inhibitors (IL-17i) and IL-23(p19) inhibitors (IL23-[19]i), led to comparable drug survival and clinical response outcomes as tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) treatment.

Major finding: At 12 months, the drug withdrawal rates for IL-17i (hazard ratio [HR] 1.36; 95% CI 0.59-3.14) and IL23-(19)i (HR 0.56; 95% CI 0.10-3.24) were comparable with those for TNFi. Moreover, the proportion of patients who achieved ≥50% improvement in the American College of Rheumatology scores was similar across the IL-17i, IL-23(19)i, and TNFi groups (19%, 29%, and 19%, respectively).

Study details: Findings are from a target trial emulation study including 109 patients with PsA who presented with peripheral manifestations and initiated either TNFi (n = 75), IL-7i (n = 26), or IL-23(19)i (n = 8).

Disclosures: This study was supported by the Danish Rheumatism Association and other sources. Some authors declared serving as speakers or consultants for or receiving research grants, fees, or other support from various sources.

Source: Stisen ZR et al. Tolerability and comparative effectiveness of TNF-, IL-17-, and IL-23(p19) inhibitors in psoriatic arthritis: A target trial emulation study. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2023 (Sep 15). doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead488

Key clinical point: In patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), year-long treatment with interleukin-17 inhibitors (IL-17i) and IL-23(p19) inhibitors (IL23-[19]i), led to comparable drug survival and clinical response outcomes as tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) treatment.

Major finding: At 12 months, the drug withdrawal rates for IL-17i (hazard ratio [HR] 1.36; 95% CI 0.59-3.14) and IL23-(19)i (HR 0.56; 95% CI 0.10-3.24) were comparable with those for TNFi. Moreover, the proportion of patients who achieved ≥50% improvement in the American College of Rheumatology scores was similar across the IL-17i, IL-23(19)i, and TNFi groups (19%, 29%, and 19%, respectively).

Study details: Findings are from a target trial emulation study including 109 patients with PsA who presented with peripheral manifestations and initiated either TNFi (n = 75), IL-7i (n = 26), or IL-23(19)i (n = 8).

Disclosures: This study was supported by the Danish Rheumatism Association and other sources. Some authors declared serving as speakers or consultants for or receiving research grants, fees, or other support from various sources.

Source: Stisen ZR et al. Tolerability and comparative effectiveness of TNF-, IL-17-, and IL-23(p19) inhibitors in psoriatic arthritis: A target trial emulation study. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2023 (Sep 15). doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead488

Key clinical point: In patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), year-long treatment with interleukin-17 inhibitors (IL-17i) and IL-23(p19) inhibitors (IL23-[19]i), led to comparable drug survival and clinical response outcomes as tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) treatment.

Major finding: At 12 months, the drug withdrawal rates for IL-17i (hazard ratio [HR] 1.36; 95% CI 0.59-3.14) and IL23-(19)i (HR 0.56; 95% CI 0.10-3.24) were comparable with those for TNFi. Moreover, the proportion of patients who achieved ≥50% improvement in the American College of Rheumatology scores was similar across the IL-17i, IL-23(19)i, and TNFi groups (19%, 29%, and 19%, respectively).

Study details: Findings are from a target trial emulation study including 109 patients with PsA who presented with peripheral manifestations and initiated either TNFi (n = 75), IL-7i (n = 26), or IL-23(19)i (n = 8).

Disclosures: This study was supported by the Danish Rheumatism Association and other sources. Some authors declared serving as speakers or consultants for or receiving research grants, fees, or other support from various sources.

Source: Stisen ZR et al. Tolerability and comparative effectiveness of TNF-, IL-17-, and IL-23(p19) inhibitors in psoriatic arthritis: A target trial emulation study. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2023 (Sep 15). doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead488

Key clinical point: Bimekizumab led to sustained improvements in clinical response up to week 52 and had a consistent safety profile in patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who were naive to biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARD).

Major finding: At week 16, 43.9% of patients receiving bimekizumab achieved ≥50% improvement in the American College of Rheumatology scores (ACR50), with the response being maintained until week 52 (54.5%). Among patients who switched from placebo to bimekizumab at week 16, a similar proportion (53.0%) achieved ACR50 at week 52. No new safety signals were observed.

Study details: Findings are from the phase 3 BE OPTIMAL study including 852 bDMARD-naive patients with active PsA who were randomly assigned to receive bimekizumab, adalimumab, or placebo.

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by UCB Pharma. Four authors declared being employees and shareholders of UCB Pharma. The other authors declared ties with several sources, including UCB Pharma.

Source: Ritchlin CT et al. Bimekizumab treatment in biologic DMARD-naïve patients with active psoriatic arthritis: 52-week efficacy and safety results from the phase III, randomised, placebo-controlled, active reference BE OPTIMAL study. Ann Rheum Dis. 2023;82:1404-1414 (Sep 11). doi: 10.1136/ard-2023-224431

Key clinical point: Bimekizumab led to sustained improvements in clinical response up to week 52 and had a consistent safety profile in patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who were naive to biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARD).

Major finding: At week 16, 43.9% of patients receiving bimekizumab achieved ≥50% improvement in the American College of Rheumatology scores (ACR50), with the response being maintained until week 52 (54.5%). Among patients who switched from placebo to bimekizumab at week 16, a similar proportion (53.0%) achieved ACR50 at week 52. No new safety signals were observed.

Study details: Findings are from the phase 3 BE OPTIMAL study including 852 bDMARD-naive patients with active PsA who were randomly assigned to receive bimekizumab, adalimumab, or placebo.

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by UCB Pharma. Four authors declared being employees and shareholders of UCB Pharma. The other authors declared ties with several sources, including UCB Pharma.

Source: Ritchlin CT et al. Bimekizumab treatment in biologic DMARD-naïve patients with active psoriatic arthritis: 52-week efficacy and safety results from the phase III, randomised, placebo-controlled, active reference BE OPTIMAL study. Ann Rheum Dis. 2023;82:1404-1414 (Sep 11). doi: 10.1136/ard-2023-224431

Key clinical point: Bimekizumab led to sustained improvements in clinical response up to week 52 and had a consistent safety profile in patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who were naive to biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARD).

Major finding: At week 16, 43.9% of patients receiving bimekizumab achieved ≥50% improvement in the American College of Rheumatology scores (ACR50), with the response being maintained until week 52 (54.5%). Among patients who switched from placebo to bimekizumab at week 16, a similar proportion (53.0%) achieved ACR50 at week 52. No new safety signals were observed.

Study details: Findings are from the phase 3 BE OPTIMAL study including 852 bDMARD-naive patients with active PsA who were randomly assigned to receive bimekizumab, adalimumab, or placebo.

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by UCB Pharma. Four authors declared being employees and shareholders of UCB Pharma. The other authors declared ties with several sources, including UCB Pharma.

Source: Ritchlin CT et al. Bimekizumab treatment in biologic DMARD-naïve patients with active psoriatic arthritis: 52-week efficacy and safety results from the phase III, randomised, placebo-controlled, active reference BE OPTIMAL study. Ann Rheum Dis. 2023;82:1404-1414 (Sep 11). doi: 10.1136/ard-2023-224431

Sirisha Manyam, DO, shares highlights at the AVAHO 2023 conference, including the keynote address by Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal, MD, and a presentation on the Close to Me program that services veterans residing in rural areas.  

Dr Manyam found Dr Elnahal's address particularly compelling, with its emphasis on not only developing but also retaining an oncologic workforce formidable in its evidence-based approach and determined in its commitment to meet the current and coming challenges of veterans' healthcare.  

Sirisha Manyam, DO, shares highlights at the AVAHO 2023 conference, including the keynote address by Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal, MD, and a presentation on the Close to Me program that services veterans residing in rural areas.  

Dr Manyam found Dr Elnahal's address particularly compelling, with its emphasis on not only developing but also retaining an oncologic workforce formidable in its evidence-based approach and determined in its commitment to meet the current and coming challenges of veterans' healthcare.  

Sirisha Manyam, DO, shares highlights at the AVAHO 2023 conference, including the keynote address by Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal, MD, and a presentation on the Close to Me program that services veterans residing in rural areas.  

Dr Manyam found Dr Elnahal's address particularly compelling, with its emphasis on not only developing but also retaining an oncologic workforce formidable in its evidence-based approach and determined in its commitment to meet the current and coming challenges of veterans' healthcare.  

Soo Park, MD, reflects on the experience of attending the AVAHO 2023 conference and highlights several key takeaways. Dr Park emphasizes the progressive nature of the VA healthcare system, its impact on elevating cancer care for veterans, and the importance of teleoncology in reaching all veterans across the United States.

Dr Park details various presentations, such as the keynote address from Dr Shereef Elnahal, under secretary for health in the US Department of Veterans Affairs, and Dr Michael Kelley's discussion on the significance of clinical pathways for standardized care. Dr Park also highlights learnings from the conference, such as the VA's leadership in research efforts, particularly in prostate and lung cancer.

Soo Park, MD, reflects on the experience of attending the AVAHO 2023 conference and highlights several key takeaways. Dr Park emphasizes the progressive nature of the VA healthcare system, its impact on elevating cancer care for veterans, and the importance of teleoncology in reaching all veterans across the United States.

Dr Park details various presentations, such as the keynote address from Dr Shereef Elnahal, under secretary for health in the US Department of Veterans Affairs, and Dr Michael Kelley's discussion on the significance of clinical pathways for standardized care. Dr Park also highlights learnings from the conference, such as the VA's leadership in research efforts, particularly in prostate and lung cancer.

Soo Park, MD, reflects on the experience of attending the AVAHO 2023 conference and highlights several key takeaways. Dr Park emphasizes the progressive nature of the VA healthcare system, its impact on elevating cancer care for veterans, and the importance of teleoncology in reaching all veterans across the United States.

Dr Park details various presentations, such as the keynote address from Dr Shereef Elnahal, under secretary for health in the US Department of Veterans Affairs, and Dr Michael Kelley's discussion on the significance of clinical pathways for standardized care. Dr Park also highlights learnings from the conference, such as the VA's leadership in research efforts, particularly in prostate and lung cancer.

Timothy O'Brien, MD, highlights several key updates from AVAHO 2023 in the areas of toxin-exposure assessment, cancer screening programs, and the expansion of cancer care delivery to remote areas. 

Dr O'Brien shares notable examples from these areas like the PACT Act for veterans, successful lung cancer screening programs, the availability of new tests that measure minimal residual disease in patients with multiple myeloma, and initiatives like the Close to Me  infusion program to improve healthcare access for veterans in rural areas. 

Timothy O'Brien, MD, highlights several key updates from AVAHO 2023 in the areas of toxin-exposure assessment, cancer screening programs, and the expansion of cancer care delivery to remote areas. 

Dr O'Brien shares notable examples from these areas like the PACT Act for veterans, successful lung cancer screening programs, the availability of new tests that measure minimal residual disease in patients with multiple myeloma, and initiatives like the Close to Me  infusion program to improve healthcare access for veterans in rural areas. 

Timothy O'Brien, MD, highlights several key updates from AVAHO 2023 in the areas of toxin-exposure assessment, cancer screening programs, and the expansion of cancer care delivery to remote areas. 

Dr O'Brien shares notable examples from these areas like the PACT Act for veterans, successful lung cancer screening programs, the availability of new tests that measure minimal residual disease in patients with multiple myeloma, and initiatives like the Close to Me  infusion program to improve healthcare access for veterans in rural areas. 

Key clinical point: Long-term exposure to brominated trihalomethanes (THM) in drinking water and swimming pool water is associated with increased odds of developing chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Major finding: The odds of developing CLL increased by 22% for every 10 μg/L increase in the level of brominated THM in drinking water (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.22; 95% CI 1.14-1.31). Swimming pool users vs non-users (swimming pool attendance ≥ 10 times vs < 10 times in life) had significantly increased odds of CLL (aOR 2.38; 95% CI 1.61-3.52).

Study details: This multicentric multicase-control study included 170 patients with CLL (age 20-85 years) and 1442 matched population-based control individuals without CLL.

Disclosures: This study was funded by European Commission grants and others. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Donat-Vargas C et al. Lifetime exposure to brominated trihalomethanes in drinking water and swimming pool attendance are associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A multicase-control study in Spain (MCC-Spain). J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2023 (Sep 19). doi: 10.1038/s41370-023-00600-7

Key clinical point: Long-term exposure to brominated trihalomethanes (THM) in drinking water and swimming pool water is associated with increased odds of developing chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Major finding: The odds of developing CLL increased by 22% for every 10 μg/L increase in the level of brominated THM in drinking water (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.22; 95% CI 1.14-1.31). Swimming pool users vs non-users (swimming pool attendance ≥ 10 times vs < 10 times in life) had significantly increased odds of CLL (aOR 2.38; 95% CI 1.61-3.52).

Study details: This multicentric multicase-control study included 170 patients with CLL (age 20-85 years) and 1442 matched population-based control individuals without CLL.

Disclosures: This study was funded by European Commission grants and others. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Donat-Vargas C et al. Lifetime exposure to brominated trihalomethanes in drinking water and swimming pool attendance are associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A multicase-control study in Spain (MCC-Spain). J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2023 (Sep 19). doi: 10.1038/s41370-023-00600-7

Key clinical point: Long-term exposure to brominated trihalomethanes (THM) in drinking water and swimming pool water is associated with increased odds of developing chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Major finding: The odds of developing CLL increased by 22% for every 10 μg/L increase in the level of brominated THM in drinking water (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.22; 95% CI 1.14-1.31). Swimming pool users vs non-users (swimming pool attendance ≥ 10 times vs < 10 times in life) had significantly increased odds of CLL (aOR 2.38; 95% CI 1.61-3.52).

Study details: This multicentric multicase-control study included 170 patients with CLL (age 20-85 years) and 1442 matched population-based control individuals without CLL.

Disclosures: This study was funded by European Commission grants and others. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Donat-Vargas C et al. Lifetime exposure to brominated trihalomethanes in drinking water and swimming pool attendance are associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A multicase-control study in Spain (MCC-Spain). J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2023 (Sep 19). doi: 10.1038/s41370-023-00600-7

Key clinical point: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is effective for and can be safely administered to older patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) despite an increased infection rate.

Major finding: At a median follow-up of 16.3 months, the objective response rate was 67%. Median progression-free and overall survival were 10.3 (95% CI 3.3-not reached) and 28.4 (95% CI 12.4-not reached) months, respectively. Patients age > 70 years and age ≤ 70 years had comparable progression-free (P = .6) and overall (P = .5) survival and comparable incidence rates of immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (P = .19); however, patients age > 70 years vs age ≤ 70 years had higher all-grade infection rates (79% vs 40%, respectively).

Study details: This single-center retrospective study included 66 patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL who received either tisagenlecleucel or axicabtagene ciloleucel, of whom 21% were age > 70 years.

Disclosures: This study did not receive any specific funding. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Trando A et al. Outcomes of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in patients with large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL): A single-institution experience. Cancers. 2023; 15(18):4671 (Sep 21). doi: 10.3390/cancers15184671

Key clinical point: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is effective for and can be safely administered to older patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) despite an increased infection rate.

Major finding: At a median follow-up of 16.3 months, the objective response rate was 67%. Median progression-free and overall survival were 10.3 (95% CI 3.3-not reached) and 28.4 (95% CI 12.4-not reached) months, respectively. Patients age > 70 years and age ≤ 70 years had comparable progression-free (P = .6) and overall (P = .5) survival and comparable incidence rates of immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (P = .19); however, patients age > 70 years vs age ≤ 70 years had higher all-grade infection rates (79% vs 40%, respectively).

Study details: This single-center retrospective study included 66 patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL who received either tisagenlecleucel or axicabtagene ciloleucel, of whom 21% were age > 70 years.

Disclosures: This study did not receive any specific funding. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Trando A et al. Outcomes of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in patients with large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL): A single-institution experience. Cancers. 2023; 15(18):4671 (Sep 21). doi: 10.3390/cancers15184671

Key clinical point: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is effective for and can be safely administered to older patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) despite an increased infection rate.

Major finding: At a median follow-up of 16.3 months, the objective response rate was 67%. Median progression-free and overall survival were 10.3 (95% CI 3.3-not reached) and 28.4 (95% CI 12.4-not reached) months, respectively. Patients age > 70 years and age ≤ 70 years had comparable progression-free (P = .6) and overall (P = .5) survival and comparable incidence rates of immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (P = .19); however, patients age > 70 years vs age ≤ 70 years had higher all-grade infection rates (79% vs 40%, respectively).

Study details: This single-center retrospective study included 66 patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL who received either tisagenlecleucel or axicabtagene ciloleucel, of whom 21% were age > 70 years.

Disclosures: This study did not receive any specific funding. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Trando A et al. Outcomes of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in patients with large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL): A single-institution experience. Cancers. 2023; 15(18):4671 (Sep 21). doi: 10.3390/cancers15184671

Key clinical point: Acalabrutinib and zanubrutinib showed similar efficacy and safety profiles in patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) after matching observed patient variables that are prognostic or predictive at baseline.

Major finding: Acalabrutinib and zanubrutinib treatments resulted in comparable investigator-assessed progression-free survival outcomes (adjusted hazard ratio 0.90; 95% CI 0.60-1.36) and comparable risks for grade ≥3 adverse events (adjusted odds ratio 0.66; 95% CI 0.41-1.05).

Study details: This unanchored indirect comparison study included patients with relapsed or refractory CLL and matched the individual patient-level data of those who received acalabrutinib in the ASCEND trial (n = 149) with the aggregate data of those who received zanubrutinib in the ALPINE trial (n = 327).

Disclosures: This study was funded by AstraZeneca, USA. Some authors declared serving as consultants, advisors, or speakers for or receiving research funding or consulting fees from various sources, including AstraZeneca. Six authors declared being employees of AstraZeneca, USA, or holding stocks in AstraZeneca.

Source: Kittai AS, Skarbnick A, et al. A matching-adjusted indirect comparison of acalabrutinib versus zanubrutinib in relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Am J Hematol. 2023 (Oct 9). doi: 10.1002/ajh.27110

Key clinical point: Acalabrutinib and zanubrutinib showed similar efficacy and safety profiles in patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) after matching observed patient variables that are prognostic or predictive at baseline.

Major finding: Acalabrutinib and zanubrutinib treatments resulted in comparable investigator-assessed progression-free survival outcomes (adjusted hazard ratio 0.90; 95% CI 0.60-1.36) and comparable risks for grade ≥3 adverse events (adjusted odds ratio 0.66; 95% CI 0.41-1.05).

Study details: This unanchored indirect comparison study included patients with relapsed or refractory CLL and matched the individual patient-level data of those who received acalabrutinib in the ASCEND trial (n = 149) with the aggregate data of those who received zanubrutinib in the ALPINE trial (n = 327).

Disclosures: This study was funded by AstraZeneca, USA. Some authors declared serving as consultants, advisors, or speakers for or receiving research funding or consulting fees from various sources, including AstraZeneca. Six authors declared being employees of AstraZeneca, USA, or holding stocks in AstraZeneca.

Source: Kittai AS, Skarbnick A, et al. A matching-adjusted indirect comparison of acalabrutinib versus zanubrutinib in relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Am J Hematol. 2023 (Oct 9). doi: 10.1002/ajh.27110

Key clinical point: Acalabrutinib and zanubrutinib showed similar efficacy and safety profiles in patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) after matching observed patient variables that are prognostic or predictive at baseline.

Major finding: Acalabrutinib and zanubrutinib treatments resulted in comparable investigator-assessed progression-free survival outcomes (adjusted hazard ratio 0.90; 95% CI 0.60-1.36) and comparable risks for grade ≥3 adverse events (adjusted odds ratio 0.66; 95% CI 0.41-1.05).

Study details: This unanchored indirect comparison study included patients with relapsed or refractory CLL and matched the individual patient-level data of those who received acalabrutinib in the ASCEND trial (n = 149) with the aggregate data of those who received zanubrutinib in the ALPINE trial (n = 327).

Disclosures: This study was funded by AstraZeneca, USA. Some authors declared serving as consultants, advisors, or speakers for or receiving research funding or consulting fees from various sources, including AstraZeneca. Six authors declared being employees of AstraZeneca, USA, or holding stocks in AstraZeneca.

Source: Kittai AS, Skarbnick A, et al. A matching-adjusted indirect comparison of acalabrutinib versus zanubrutinib in relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Am J Hematol. 2023 (Oct 9). doi: 10.1002/ajh.27110