Key clinical point: Absence of cutaneous allodynia was a predictor of treatment response following withdrawal therapy in patients with chronic migraine and medication overuse, with the predictive value being even more pronounced when compared with cephalic or extracephalic allodynia.

Major finding: The chances of reversion from chronic to episodic migraine were ~2.5 times higher in patients without vs with cutaneous allodynia (odds ratio [OR] 2.45; P = .042), with the predictive values of absence of allodynia being even more pronounced when compared with patients having cephalic (OR 4.16; P = .024) or extracephalic (OR 7.32; P = .003) allodynia.

Study details: This study, conducted as part of the Chronification And Reversibility of Migraine study, included 173 patients with chronic migraine and medication overuse, of whom 129 had cutaneous allodynia.

Disclosures: This study was supported by grants from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research and the Dutch Brain Foundation. I de Boer and GM Terwindt declared receiving independent support, consultancy support, or both from various sources.

Source: Pijpers JA et al. Cutaneous allodynia as predictor for treatment response in chronic migraine: A cohort study. J Headache Pain. 2023;24:118 (Aug 30). Doi: 10.1186/s10194-023-01651-9.

Key clinical point: Absence of cutaneous allodynia was a predictor of treatment response following withdrawal therapy in patients with chronic migraine and medication overuse, with the predictive value being even more pronounced when compared with cephalic or extracephalic allodynia.

Major finding: The chances of reversion from chronic to episodic migraine were ~2.5 times higher in patients without vs with cutaneous allodynia (odds ratio [OR] 2.45; P = .042), with the predictive values of absence of allodynia being even more pronounced when compared with patients having cephalic (OR 4.16; P = .024) or extracephalic (OR 7.32; P = .003) allodynia.

Study details: This study, conducted as part of the Chronification And Reversibility of Migraine study, included 173 patients with chronic migraine and medication overuse, of whom 129 had cutaneous allodynia.

Disclosures: This study was supported by grants from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research and the Dutch Brain Foundation. I de Boer and GM Terwindt declared receiving independent support, consultancy support, or both from various sources.

Source: Pijpers JA et al. Cutaneous allodynia as predictor for treatment response in chronic migraine: A cohort study. J Headache Pain. 2023;24:118 (Aug 30). Doi: 10.1186/s10194-023-01651-9.

Key clinical point: Absence of cutaneous allodynia was a predictor of treatment response following withdrawal therapy in patients with chronic migraine and medication overuse, with the predictive value being even more pronounced when compared with cephalic or extracephalic allodynia.

Major finding: The chances of reversion from chronic to episodic migraine were ~2.5 times higher in patients without vs with cutaneous allodynia (odds ratio [OR] 2.45; P = .042), with the predictive values of absence of allodynia being even more pronounced when compared with patients having cephalic (OR 4.16; P = .024) or extracephalic (OR 7.32; P = .003) allodynia.

Study details: This study, conducted as part of the Chronification And Reversibility of Migraine study, included 173 patients with chronic migraine and medication overuse, of whom 129 had cutaneous allodynia.

Disclosures: This study was supported by grants from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research and the Dutch Brain Foundation. I de Boer and GM Terwindt declared receiving independent support, consultancy support, or both from various sources.

Source: Pijpers JA et al. Cutaneous allodynia as predictor for treatment response in chronic migraine: A cohort study. J Headache Pain. 2023;24:118 (Aug 30). Doi: 10.1186/s10194-023-01651-9.

Key clinical point: A history of migraine was significantly associated with an increased risk for cervical artery dissection (CeAD), with the risk being predominantly driven by migraine without aura.

Major finding: The risk for CeAD was 1.74-fold higher in patients with vs without migraine (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.74; 95% CI 1.38-2.19), with the risk being pronounced in migraine without aura (aOR 1.86; 95% CI 1.55-2.24) but not in migraine with aura (aOR 1.15; 95% CI 0.71-1.88).

Study details: This meta-analysis included 11 case-control studies with 2188 CeAD cases and 7669 control participants.

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

Source: Sun Z et al. Migraine and the risk of cervical artery dissection: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Stroke J. 2023 (Aug 9). doi: 10.1177/23969873231191860

Key clinical point: A history of migraine was significantly associated with an increased risk for cervical artery dissection (CeAD), with the risk being predominantly driven by migraine without aura.

Major finding: The risk for CeAD was 1.74-fold higher in patients with vs without migraine (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.74; 95% CI 1.38-2.19), with the risk being pronounced in migraine without aura (aOR 1.86; 95% CI 1.55-2.24) but not in migraine with aura (aOR 1.15; 95% CI 0.71-1.88).

Study details: This meta-analysis included 11 case-control studies with 2188 CeAD cases and 7669 control participants.

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

Source: Sun Z et al. Migraine and the risk of cervical artery dissection: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Stroke J. 2023 (Aug 9). doi: 10.1177/23969873231191860

Key clinical point: A history of migraine was significantly associated with an increased risk for cervical artery dissection (CeAD), with the risk being predominantly driven by migraine without aura.

Major finding: The risk for CeAD was 1.74-fold higher in patients with vs without migraine (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.74; 95% CI 1.38-2.19), with the risk being pronounced in migraine without aura (aOR 1.86; 95% CI 1.55-2.24) but not in migraine with aura (aOR 1.15; 95% CI 0.71-1.88).

Study details: This meta-analysis included 11 case-control studies with 2188 CeAD cases and 7669 control participants.

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

Source: Sun Z et al. Migraine and the risk of cervical artery dissection: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Stroke J. 2023 (Aug 9). doi: 10.1177/23969873231191860

Key clinical point: Early wearing-off effect (WOE) is common in patients with chronic migraine (CM) receiving onabotulinumtoxinA (OnabotA) and more frequent after the first cycle of OnabotA, with depression and anxiety disorders being clinical predictors of the WOE.

Major finding: Early WOE was reported more frequently after the first vs second treatment cycle of OnabotA (35.6% vs 23.8% of patients), with depression and anxiety disorders being significant clinical predictors of WOE (odds ratio 3.4; 95% CI 1.22-10.84; P = .028).

Study details: Findings are from a prospective real-life study including 59 patients with CM and insufficient response, absence of tolerability, or contraindications to previous migraine therapies who initiated prophylactic treatment with OnabotA, 40.6% of whom reported a WOE.

Disclosures: This study received no external funding. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Rodríguez-Montolio J et al. Early wearing-off effect of OnabotulinumtoxinA in chronic migraine: A prospective real-life study. J Clin Med. 2023;12(16):5360 (Aug 17). doi: 10.3390/jcm12165360

Key clinical point: Early wearing-off effect (WOE) is common in patients with chronic migraine (CM) receiving onabotulinumtoxinA (OnabotA) and more frequent after the first cycle of OnabotA, with depression and anxiety disorders being clinical predictors of the WOE.

Major finding: Early WOE was reported more frequently after the first vs second treatment cycle of OnabotA (35.6% vs 23.8% of patients), with depression and anxiety disorders being significant clinical predictors of WOE (odds ratio 3.4; 95% CI 1.22-10.84; P = .028).

Study details: Findings are from a prospective real-life study including 59 patients with CM and insufficient response, absence of tolerability, or contraindications to previous migraine therapies who initiated prophylactic treatment with OnabotA, 40.6% of whom reported a WOE.

Disclosures: This study received no external funding. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Rodríguez-Montolio J et al. Early wearing-off effect of OnabotulinumtoxinA in chronic migraine: A prospective real-life study. J Clin Med. 2023;12(16):5360 (Aug 17). doi: 10.3390/jcm12165360

Key clinical point: Early wearing-off effect (WOE) is common in patients with chronic migraine (CM) receiving onabotulinumtoxinA (OnabotA) and more frequent after the first cycle of OnabotA, with depression and anxiety disorders being clinical predictors of the WOE.

Major finding: Early WOE was reported more frequently after the first vs second treatment cycle of OnabotA (35.6% vs 23.8% of patients), with depression and anxiety disorders being significant clinical predictors of WOE (odds ratio 3.4; 95% CI 1.22-10.84; P = .028).

Study details: Findings are from a prospective real-life study including 59 patients with CM and insufficient response, absence of tolerability, or contraindications to previous migraine therapies who initiated prophylactic treatment with OnabotA, 40.6% of whom reported a WOE.

Disclosures: This study received no external funding. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Rodríguez-Montolio J et al. Early wearing-off effect of OnabotulinumtoxinA in chronic migraine: A prospective real-life study. J Clin Med. 2023;12(16):5360 (Aug 17). doi: 10.3390/jcm12165360

Key clinical point: Ubrogepant shows similar efficacy and no new safety concerns for the treatment of perimenstrual migraine (pmM) and non-pmM attacks.

Major finding: At 2 hours post dose, pain freedom (P = .054) and pain relief (P = .683) were similar between pmM and non-pmM attacks treated with 50 mg ubrogepant. Absence of migraine-associated symptoms (photophobia and phonophobia) and functional disability was not significantly different between pmM and non-pmM attacks treated with 50 mg ubrogepant, with similar findings observed for 100 mg ubrogepant. Nausea and dizziness were reported in < 6% of participants overall in both the 50 mg and 100 mg ubrogepant groups.

Study details: This post hoc analysis of a long-term safety extension trial included 734 women with migraine, of whom 278 and 716 were treated with ubrogepant (50 mg or 100 mg) for ≥ 1 pmM and non-pmM attacks, respectively.

Disclosures: This study was funded by Allergan (prior to its acquisition by AbbVie). Four authors declared being employees of or holding stocks in AbbVie, and the other authors declared ties with various sources, including AbbVie.

Source: MacGregor EA et al. Safety and efficacy of ubrogepant for the acute treatment of perimenstrual migraine attacks: A post hoc analysis. Headache. 2023 (Sep 1). doi: 10.1111/head.14619

Key clinical point: Ubrogepant shows similar efficacy and no new safety concerns for the treatment of perimenstrual migraine (pmM) and non-pmM attacks.

Major finding: At 2 hours post dose, pain freedom (P = .054) and pain relief (P = .683) were similar between pmM and non-pmM attacks treated with 50 mg ubrogepant. Absence of migraine-associated symptoms (photophobia and phonophobia) and functional disability was not significantly different between pmM and non-pmM attacks treated with 50 mg ubrogepant, with similar findings observed for 100 mg ubrogepant. Nausea and dizziness were reported in < 6% of participants overall in both the 50 mg and 100 mg ubrogepant groups.

Study details: This post hoc analysis of a long-term safety extension trial included 734 women with migraine, of whom 278 and 716 were treated with ubrogepant (50 mg or 100 mg) for ≥ 1 pmM and non-pmM attacks, respectively.

Disclosures: This study was funded by Allergan (prior to its acquisition by AbbVie). Four authors declared being employees of or holding stocks in AbbVie, and the other authors declared ties with various sources, including AbbVie.

Source: MacGregor EA et al. Safety and efficacy of ubrogepant for the acute treatment of perimenstrual migraine attacks: A post hoc analysis. Headache. 2023 (Sep 1). doi: 10.1111/head.14619

Key clinical point: Ubrogepant shows similar efficacy and no new safety concerns for the treatment of perimenstrual migraine (pmM) and non-pmM attacks.

Major finding: At 2 hours post dose, pain freedom (P = .054) and pain relief (P = .683) were similar between pmM and non-pmM attacks treated with 50 mg ubrogepant. Absence of migraine-associated symptoms (photophobia and phonophobia) and functional disability was not significantly different between pmM and non-pmM attacks treated with 50 mg ubrogepant, with similar findings observed for 100 mg ubrogepant. Nausea and dizziness were reported in < 6% of participants overall in both the 50 mg and 100 mg ubrogepant groups.

Study details: This post hoc analysis of a long-term safety extension trial included 734 women with migraine, of whom 278 and 716 were treated with ubrogepant (50 mg or 100 mg) for ≥ 1 pmM and non-pmM attacks, respectively.

Disclosures: This study was funded by Allergan (prior to its acquisition by AbbVie). Four authors declared being employees of or holding stocks in AbbVie, and the other authors declared ties with various sources, including AbbVie.

Source: MacGregor EA et al. Safety and efficacy of ubrogepant for the acute treatment of perimenstrual migraine attacks: A post hoc analysis. Headache. 2023 (Sep 1). doi: 10.1111/head.14619

Key clinical point: In patients with migraine, COVID-19 vaccination worsened the overall migraine symptoms in the first month post-vaccination; however, COVID-19 infection solely increased the number of acute medication intake days in the first month following infection.

Major finding: COVID-19 vaccination led to a significant increase in the number of monthly migraine days (MMD), monthly headache days (MHD), and monthly acute medication days (MAMD) by 1.06, 1.52, and 0.72, respectively (all P < .001) in the first month post-vaccination. COVID-19 infection solely increased MAMD by 1.11 (P = .027) in the first month following infection, with no significant effects on MMD and MHD.

Study details: This longitudinal cohort study identified 547 patients with migraine, of whom 147 were included in the vaccine analysis and 59 in the infection analysis.

Disclosures: This study did not receive any funding. BWH van der Arend and GM Terwindt declared receiving independent support and consultancy or industry support from various sources. The other authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: van der Arend BWH et al. Effect of COVID vaccination on monthly migraine days: A longitudinal cohort study. Cephalalgia. 2023;43(9) (Sep 8). doi: 10.1177/03331024231198792

Key clinical point: In patients with migraine, COVID-19 vaccination worsened the overall migraine symptoms in the first month post-vaccination; however, COVID-19 infection solely increased the number of acute medication intake days in the first month following infection.

Major finding: COVID-19 vaccination led to a significant increase in the number of monthly migraine days (MMD), monthly headache days (MHD), and monthly acute medication days (MAMD) by 1.06, 1.52, and 0.72, respectively (all P < .001) in the first month post-vaccination. COVID-19 infection solely increased MAMD by 1.11 (P = .027) in the first month following infection, with no significant effects on MMD and MHD.

Study details: This longitudinal cohort study identified 547 patients with migraine, of whom 147 were included in the vaccine analysis and 59 in the infection analysis.

Disclosures: This study did not receive any funding. BWH van der Arend and GM Terwindt declared receiving independent support and consultancy or industry support from various sources. The other authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: van der Arend BWH et al. Effect of COVID vaccination on monthly migraine days: A longitudinal cohort study. Cephalalgia. 2023;43(9) (Sep 8). doi: 10.1177/03331024231198792

Key clinical point: In patients with migraine, COVID-19 vaccination worsened the overall migraine symptoms in the first month post-vaccination; however, COVID-19 infection solely increased the number of acute medication intake days in the first month following infection.

Major finding: COVID-19 vaccination led to a significant increase in the number of monthly migraine days (MMD), monthly headache days (MHD), and monthly acute medication days (MAMD) by 1.06, 1.52, and 0.72, respectively (all P < .001) in the first month post-vaccination. COVID-19 infection solely increased MAMD by 1.11 (P = .027) in the first month following infection, with no significant effects on MMD and MHD.

Study details: This longitudinal cohort study identified 547 patients with migraine, of whom 147 were included in the vaccine analysis and 59 in the infection analysis.

Disclosures: This study did not receive any funding. BWH van der Arend and GM Terwindt declared receiving independent support and consultancy or industry support from various sources. The other authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: van der Arend BWH et al. Effect of COVID vaccination on monthly migraine days: A longitudinal cohort study. Cephalalgia. 2023;43(9) (Sep 8). doi: 10.1177/03331024231198792

Key clinical point: Pain in the lower limbs of children and adolescents, often referred to as ‘growing pain’ (GP) by pediatricians and orthopedists, can be a precursor of or a comorbidity linked to migraine.

Major finding: Overall, 76% vs 22% of children and adolescents with vs without GP experienced a primary headache disorder fulfilling the International Classification of Headache Disorders-3 diagnostic criteria for migraine (P < .001). GP persisted in 14% of patients who initially had GP and appeared in 39% of patients who were previously asymptomatic (P = .026).

Study details: This cross-sectional, prospective study included 78 children and adolescents without any headache complaints who were aged between 5 and 10 years and were born to mothers with migraine, of whom 42 experienced GP and 36 patients did not experience GP.

Disclosures: This study did not disclose the funding source. The authors declared no conflict of interest.

Source: Silva-Néto RP et al. “Growing pains” in children and adolescents as an early symptom of migraine: A prospective study. Headache. 2023 (Sep 6). doi: 10.1111/head.14608

Key clinical point: Pain in the lower limbs of children and adolescents, often referred to as ‘growing pain’ (GP) by pediatricians and orthopedists, can be a precursor of or a comorbidity linked to migraine.

Major finding: Overall, 76% vs 22% of children and adolescents with vs without GP experienced a primary headache disorder fulfilling the International Classification of Headache Disorders-3 diagnostic criteria for migraine (P < .001). GP persisted in 14% of patients who initially had GP and appeared in 39% of patients who were previously asymptomatic (P = .026).

Study details: This cross-sectional, prospective study included 78 children and adolescents without any headache complaints who were aged between 5 and 10 years and were born to mothers with migraine, of whom 42 experienced GP and 36 patients did not experience GP.

Disclosures: This study did not disclose the funding source. The authors declared no conflict of interest.

Source: Silva-Néto RP et al. “Growing pains” in children and adolescents as an early symptom of migraine: A prospective study. Headache. 2023 (Sep 6). doi: 10.1111/head.14608

Key clinical point: Pain in the lower limbs of children and adolescents, often referred to as ‘growing pain’ (GP) by pediatricians and orthopedists, can be a precursor of or a comorbidity linked to migraine.

Major finding: Overall, 76% vs 22% of children and adolescents with vs without GP experienced a primary headache disorder fulfilling the International Classification of Headache Disorders-3 diagnostic criteria for migraine (P < .001). GP persisted in 14% of patients who initially had GP and appeared in 39% of patients who were previously asymptomatic (P = .026).

Study details: This cross-sectional, prospective study included 78 children and adolescents without any headache complaints who were aged between 5 and 10 years and were born to mothers with migraine, of whom 42 experienced GP and 36 patients did not experience GP.

Disclosures: This study did not disclose the funding source. The authors declared no conflict of interest.

Source: Silva-Néto RP et al. “Growing pains” in children and adolescents as an early symptom of migraine: A prospective study. Headache. 2023 (Sep 6). doi: 10.1111/head.14608

Key clinical point: Patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who respond to salvage chemotherapy immediately before chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy administration have better survival outcomes than those with stable or progressive disease, irrespective of the administration timing.

Major finding: Patients who did vs did not respond to salvage chemotherapy immediately before receiving CAR T-cell therapy had significantly longer overall survival rates (P < .001). The number of prior lines of salvage chemotherapy or before CAR T-cell infusion was not significantly associated with overall survival (P = .28).

Study details: This single-center, retrospective study included 76 autologous stem cell transplantation-eligible patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL who received second-line salvage chemotherapy with curative intent, of whom 30 patients achieved partial or complete response and 34 patients (with or without response) eventually received CAR T-cell therapy.

Disclosures: This study did not disclose the funding source. N Doki declared receiving lecture fees from various sources.

Source: Yagi Y et al. Clinical outcomes in transplant-eligible patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma after second-line salvage chemotherapy: A retrospective study. Cancer Med. 2023 (Aug 28). doi: 10.1002/cam4.6412

Key clinical point: Patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who respond to salvage chemotherapy immediately before chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy administration have better survival outcomes than those with stable or progressive disease, irrespective of the administration timing.

Major finding: Patients who did vs did not respond to salvage chemotherapy immediately before receiving CAR T-cell therapy had significantly longer overall survival rates (P < .001). The number of prior lines of salvage chemotherapy or before CAR T-cell infusion was not significantly associated with overall survival (P = .28).

Study details: This single-center, retrospective study included 76 autologous stem cell transplantation-eligible patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL who received second-line salvage chemotherapy with curative intent, of whom 30 patients achieved partial or complete response and 34 patients (with or without response) eventually received CAR T-cell therapy.

Disclosures: This study did not disclose the funding source. N Doki declared receiving lecture fees from various sources.

Source: Yagi Y et al. Clinical outcomes in transplant-eligible patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma after second-line salvage chemotherapy: A retrospective study. Cancer Med. 2023 (Aug 28). doi: 10.1002/cam4.6412

Key clinical point: Patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who respond to salvage chemotherapy immediately before chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy administration have better survival outcomes than those with stable or progressive disease, irrespective of the administration timing.

Major finding: Patients who did vs did not respond to salvage chemotherapy immediately before receiving CAR T-cell therapy had significantly longer overall survival rates (P < .001). The number of prior lines of salvage chemotherapy or before CAR T-cell infusion was not significantly associated with overall survival (P = .28).

Study details: This single-center, retrospective study included 76 autologous stem cell transplantation-eligible patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL who received second-line salvage chemotherapy with curative intent, of whom 30 patients achieved partial or complete response and 34 patients (with or without response) eventually received CAR T-cell therapy.

Disclosures: This study did not disclose the funding source. N Doki declared receiving lecture fees from various sources.

Source: Yagi Y et al. Clinical outcomes in transplant-eligible patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma after second-line salvage chemotherapy: A retrospective study. Cancer Med. 2023 (Aug 28). doi: 10.1002/cam4.6412

Key clinical point: Radiation therapy (RT) as a bridging or salvage approach leads to favorable in‐field control and minimal toxicity in patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) undergoing CD19‐targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy.

Major finding: At a median RT dose of 15 Gy, the in-field complete response and partial response rates were 86% and 14%, respectively, with a 100% local control rate. Low-dose RT (3.6-6 Gy) achieved similar rates of in-field complete response (70%) and partial response (30%), with the local control rate remaining unchanged. Only one patient experienced grade 3 RT dermatitis after undergoing 40 Gy RT in 16 fractions.

Study details: This retrospective study included 21 patients with relapsed or refractory MCL who were treated with CD19‐targeted CAR T‐cell therapy, of whom 7 patients received prior bridging RT, post‐CAR T salvage RT, or both at 23 sites.

Disclosures: This study did not report any funding source. MJ Frigault declared serving as a consultant for and receiving research funding from various organizations.

Source: Ababneh HS et al. Radiation therapy for patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma undergoing CD19-targeted chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. Hematol Oncol. 2023 (Sep 7). doi: 10.1002/hon.3221

Key clinical point: Radiation therapy (RT) as a bridging or salvage approach leads to favorable in‐field control and minimal toxicity in patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) undergoing CD19‐targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy.

Major finding: At a median RT dose of 15 Gy, the in-field complete response and partial response rates were 86% and 14%, respectively, with a 100% local control rate. Low-dose RT (3.6-6 Gy) achieved similar rates of in-field complete response (70%) and partial response (30%), with the local control rate remaining unchanged. Only one patient experienced grade 3 RT dermatitis after undergoing 40 Gy RT in 16 fractions.

Study details: This retrospective study included 21 patients with relapsed or refractory MCL who were treated with CD19‐targeted CAR T‐cell therapy, of whom 7 patients received prior bridging RT, post‐CAR T salvage RT, or both at 23 sites.

Disclosures: This study did not report any funding source. MJ Frigault declared serving as a consultant for and receiving research funding from various organizations.

Source: Ababneh HS et al. Radiation therapy for patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma undergoing CD19-targeted chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. Hematol Oncol. 2023 (Sep 7). doi: 10.1002/hon.3221

Key clinical point: Radiation therapy (RT) as a bridging or salvage approach leads to favorable in‐field control and minimal toxicity in patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) undergoing CD19‐targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy.

Major finding: At a median RT dose of 15 Gy, the in-field complete response and partial response rates were 86% and 14%, respectively, with a 100% local control rate. Low-dose RT (3.6-6 Gy) achieved similar rates of in-field complete response (70%) and partial response (30%), with the local control rate remaining unchanged. Only one patient experienced grade 3 RT dermatitis after undergoing 40 Gy RT in 16 fractions.

Study details: This retrospective study included 21 patients with relapsed or refractory MCL who were treated with CD19‐targeted CAR T‐cell therapy, of whom 7 patients received prior bridging RT, post‐CAR T salvage RT, or both at 23 sites.

Disclosures: This study did not report any funding source. MJ Frigault declared serving as a consultant for and receiving research funding from various organizations.

Source: Ababneh HS et al. Radiation therapy for patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma undergoing CD19-targeted chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. Hematol Oncol. 2023 (Sep 7). doi: 10.1002/hon.3221

Key clinical point: In low endemic areas for hepatitis B surface antigen, patients with past or active hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections have an increased risk for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Major finding: Patients with DLBCL, but not with various types of indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL), had a significantly higher prevalence of chronic (P = .008) and past (P = 0.002) HBV infections vs HBV-negative serology. The DLBCL vs pooled indolent B-cell NHL group had a significantly higher prevalence of chronic (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.8; P = .014) and past (aOR 2.4; P = .0006) HBV infections.

Study details: This retrospective single-center study included patients with DLBCL (n = 253) or different types of indolent B-cell NHL (n = 694) who had either chronic or past HBV infections or no serological evidence for either.

Disclosures: This study was supported by grants from the Intramural Research Program of Sapienza University of Rome. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Visentini M et al. High prevalence of past hepatitis B virus infection in diffuse large B cell lymphoma: A retrospective study from Italy. Ann Hematol. 2023 (Aug 31). doi: 10.1007/s00277-023-05412-1

Key clinical point: In low endemic areas for hepatitis B surface antigen, patients with past or active hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections have an increased risk for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Major finding: Patients with DLBCL, but not with various types of indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL), had a significantly higher prevalence of chronic (P = .008) and past (P = 0.002) HBV infections vs HBV-negative serology. The DLBCL vs pooled indolent B-cell NHL group had a significantly higher prevalence of chronic (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.8; P = .014) and past (aOR 2.4; P = .0006) HBV infections.

Study details: This retrospective single-center study included patients with DLBCL (n = 253) or different types of indolent B-cell NHL (n = 694) who had either chronic or past HBV infections or no serological evidence for either.

Disclosures: This study was supported by grants from the Intramural Research Program of Sapienza University of Rome. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Visentini M et al. High prevalence of past hepatitis B virus infection in diffuse large B cell lymphoma: A retrospective study from Italy. Ann Hematol. 2023 (Aug 31). doi: 10.1007/s00277-023-05412-1

Key clinical point: In low endemic areas for hepatitis B surface antigen, patients with past or active hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections have an increased risk for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Major finding: Patients with DLBCL, but not with various types of indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL), had a significantly higher prevalence of chronic (P = .008) and past (P = 0.002) HBV infections vs HBV-negative serology. The DLBCL vs pooled indolent B-cell NHL group had a significantly higher prevalence of chronic (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.8; P = .014) and past (aOR 2.4; P = .0006) HBV infections.

Study details: This retrospective single-center study included patients with DLBCL (n = 253) or different types of indolent B-cell NHL (n = 694) who had either chronic or past HBV infections or no serological evidence for either.

Disclosures: This study was supported by grants from the Intramural Research Program of Sapienza University of Rome. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Visentini M et al. High prevalence of past hepatitis B virus infection in diffuse large B cell lymphoma: A retrospective study from Italy. Ann Hematol. 2023 (Aug 31). doi: 10.1007/s00277-023-05412-1

Key clinical point: Bendamustine lymphodepletion (LD) relative to fludarabine/cyclophosphamide (Flu/Cy) LD prior to axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) therapy leads to comparable efficacy and lower rates of any-grade immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) in patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive B-cell lymphoma (aBCL).

Major finding: The bendamustine and Flu/Cy cohorts had similar rates of best overall response (77.8%, 95% CI 57.7%-91.4%; and 81.0%, 95% CI 65.9%-91.4%, respectively) and complete response (48.1%, 95% CI 28.7%-68.1%; and 50.0%, 95% CI 34.2%-65.8%, respectively), 6-month progression-free survival (43.8%, 95% CI 24.7%-61.3%; and 55.6%, 95% CI 39.0%-69.3%, respectively), and 6-month overall survival (81.5%, 95% CI 61.1%-91.8%; and 90.4%, 95% CI 76.4%-96.3%, respectively). Bendamustine vs Flu/Cy was associated with decreased odds of any-grade ICANS (odds ratio 0.35; 95% CI 0.12-0.97).

Study details: This retrospective study included patients with relapsed or refractory aBCL who received bendamustine (n = 27) or Flu/Cy (n = 42) LD before axi-cel therapy.

Disclosures: This study did not receive any funding. Some authors declared serving as speaker's bureau members or consultants for or receiving research funding or honoraria from various organizations.

Source: Ong SY et al. Bendamustine lymphodepletion is a well-tolerated alternative to fludarabine and cyclophosphamide lymphodepletion for axicabtagene ciloleucel therapy for aggressive B-cell lymphoma. Am J Hematol. 2023 (Sep 5). doi: 10.1002/ajh.27069

Key clinical point: Bendamustine lymphodepletion (LD) relative to fludarabine/cyclophosphamide (Flu/Cy) LD prior to axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) therapy leads to comparable efficacy and lower rates of any-grade immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) in patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive B-cell lymphoma (aBCL).

Major finding: The bendamustine and Flu/Cy cohorts had similar rates of best overall response (77.8%, 95% CI 57.7%-91.4%; and 81.0%, 95% CI 65.9%-91.4%, respectively) and complete response (48.1%, 95% CI 28.7%-68.1%; and 50.0%, 95% CI 34.2%-65.8%, respectively), 6-month progression-free survival (43.8%, 95% CI 24.7%-61.3%; and 55.6%, 95% CI 39.0%-69.3%, respectively), and 6-month overall survival (81.5%, 95% CI 61.1%-91.8%; and 90.4%, 95% CI 76.4%-96.3%, respectively). Bendamustine vs Flu/Cy was associated with decreased odds of any-grade ICANS (odds ratio 0.35; 95% CI 0.12-0.97).

Study details: This retrospective study included patients with relapsed or refractory aBCL who received bendamustine (n = 27) or Flu/Cy (n = 42) LD before axi-cel therapy.

Disclosures: This study did not receive any funding. Some authors declared serving as speaker's bureau members or consultants for or receiving research funding or honoraria from various organizations.

Source: Ong SY et al. Bendamustine lymphodepletion is a well-tolerated alternative to fludarabine and cyclophosphamide lymphodepletion for axicabtagene ciloleucel therapy for aggressive B-cell lymphoma. Am J Hematol. 2023 (Sep 5). doi: 10.1002/ajh.27069

Key clinical point: Bendamustine lymphodepletion (LD) relative to fludarabine/cyclophosphamide (Flu/Cy) LD prior to axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) therapy leads to comparable efficacy and lower rates of any-grade immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) in patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive B-cell lymphoma (aBCL).

Major finding: The bendamustine and Flu/Cy cohorts had similar rates of best overall response (77.8%, 95% CI 57.7%-91.4%; and 81.0%, 95% CI 65.9%-91.4%, respectively) and complete response (48.1%, 95% CI 28.7%-68.1%; and 50.0%, 95% CI 34.2%-65.8%, respectively), 6-month progression-free survival (43.8%, 95% CI 24.7%-61.3%; and 55.6%, 95% CI 39.0%-69.3%, respectively), and 6-month overall survival (81.5%, 95% CI 61.1%-91.8%; and 90.4%, 95% CI 76.4%-96.3%, respectively). Bendamustine vs Flu/Cy was associated with decreased odds of any-grade ICANS (odds ratio 0.35; 95% CI 0.12-0.97).

Study details: This retrospective study included patients with relapsed or refractory aBCL who received bendamustine (n = 27) or Flu/Cy (n = 42) LD before axi-cel therapy.

Disclosures: This study did not receive any funding. Some authors declared serving as speaker's bureau members or consultants for or receiving research funding or honoraria from various organizations.

Source: Ong SY et al. Bendamustine lymphodepletion is a well-tolerated alternative to fludarabine and cyclophosphamide lymphodepletion for axicabtagene ciloleucel therapy for aggressive B-cell lymphoma. Am J Hematol. 2023 (Sep 5). doi: 10.1002/ajh.27069