Next-Generation Implementation of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy Using Digital Health

2021 ◽  
pp. 668-678
Author(s):  
Rahul Banerjee ◽  
Nina Shah ◽  
Adam P. Dicker
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Chimeric Antigen Receptor ◽  
Effector Cell ◽  
Antigen Receptor ◽  
Machine Learning Algorithms ◽  
Immune Effector Cell ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Immune Effector ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Car T

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is a paradigm-shifting immunotherapy modality in oncology; however, unique toxicities such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome limit its ability to be implemented more widely in the outpatient setting or at smaller-volume centers. Three operational challenges with CAR-T therapy include the following: (1) the logistics of toxicity monitoring, ie, with frequent vital sign checks and neurologic assessments; (2) the specialized knowledge required for toxicity management, particularly with regard to CRS and immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome; and (3) the need for high-quality symptomatic and supportive care during this intensive period. In this review, we explore potential niches for digital innovations that can improve the implementation of CAR-T therapy in each of these domains. These tools include patient-facing technologies and provider-facing platforms: for example, wearable devices and mobile health apps to screen for fevers and encephalopathy, electronic patient-reported outcome assessments–based workflows to assist with symptom management, machine learning algorithms to predict emerging CRS in real time, clinical decision support systems to assist with toxicity management, and digital coaching to help maintain wellness. Televisits, which have grown in prominence since the novel coronavirus pandemic, will continue to play a key role in the monitoring and management of CAR-T–related toxicities as well. Limitations of these strategies include the need to ensure care equity and stakeholder buy-in, both operationally and financially. Nevertheless, once developed and validated, the next-generation implementation of CAR-T therapy using these digital tools may improve both its safety and accessibility.

scholarly journals Immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome after chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for lymphoma: predictive biomarkers and clinical outcomes

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noa G Holtzman ◽  
Hao Xie ◽  
Soren Bentzen ◽  
Vivek Kesari ◽  
Ali Bukhari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Cell Therapy ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Chimeric Antigen Receptor ◽  
Effector Cell ◽  
Immune Effector Cell ◽  
T Cell Therapy ◽  
Immune Effector ◽  
Car T Cell Therapy ◽  
Car T

Abstract Background CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy (CAR-T) has emerged as effective for relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma (R/R LBCL). The neurologic toxicity seen with CAR-T, referred to as immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), is poorly understood. To better elucidate the clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, and correlative biomarkers of ICANS, we review here a single-center analysis of ICANS after CAR T-cell therapy in R/R LBCL. Methods Patients (n = 45) with R/R LBCL treated with axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) were identified. Data regarding treatment course, clinical outcomes, and correlative studies were collected. Patients were monitored and graded for ICANS via CARTOX-10 scoring and Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v4.03 criteria, respectively. Results Twenty-five (56%) patients developed ICANS, 18 (72%) of whom had severe (CTCAE grades 3–4) ICANS. Median time to development of ICANS was 5 days (range, 3–11). Elevated pre-infusion (day 0 [D0]) fibrinogen (517 vs 403 mg/dL, upper limit of normal [ULN] 438 mg/dL, P = 0.01) and D0 lactate dehydrogenase (618 vs 506 units/L, ULN 618 units/L, P = 0.04) were associated with ICANS. A larger drop in fibrinogen was associated with ICANS (393 vs 200, P < 0.01). Development of ICANS of any grade had no effect on complete remission (CR), progression-free survival (PFS), or overall survival (OS). Duration and total dose of steroid treatment administered for ICANS did not influence CR, PFS, or OS. Conclusions ICANS after CAR-T with axi-cel for R/R LBCL was seen in about half of patients, the majority of which were high grade. Contrary to previous reports, neither development of ICANS nor its treatment were associated with inferior CR, PFS, or OS. The novel finding of high D0 fibrinogen level can identify patients at higher risk for ICANS.

scholarly journals Single-center experience using anakinra for steroid-refractory immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS)

2022 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. e003847
Author(s):  
Marc Wehrli ◽  
Kathleen Gallagher ◽  
Yi-Bin Chen ◽  
Mark B Leick ◽  
Steven L McAfee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Effector Cell ◽  
Standard Treatment ◽  
Treatment Guidelines ◽  
Immune Effector Cell ◽  
T Cell Therapy ◽  
Immune Effector ◽  
Car T Cell ◽  
Car T ◽  
Steroid Refractory

In addition to remarkable antitumor activity, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is associated with acute toxicities such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). Current treatment guidelines for CRS and ICANS include use of tocilizumab, a monoclonal antibody that blocks the interleukin (IL)-6 receptor, and corticosteroids. In patients with refractory CRS, use of several other agents as third-line therapy (including siltuximab, ruxolitinib, anakinra, dasatinib, and cyclophosphamide) has been reported on an anecdotal basis. At our institution, anakinra has become the standard treatment for the management of steroid-refractory ICANS with or without CRS, based on recent animal data demonstrating the role of IL-1 in the pathogenesis of ICANS/CRS. Here, we retrospectively analyzed clinical and laboratory parameters, including serum cytokines, in 14 patients at our center treated with anakinra for steroid-refractory ICANS with or without CRS after standard treatment with tisagenlecleucel (Kymriah) or axicabtagene ciloleucel (Yescarta) CD19-targeting CAR T. We observed statistically significant and rapid reductions in fever, inflammatory cytokines, and biomarkers associated with ICANS/CRS after anakinra treatment. With three daily subcutaneous doses, anakinra did not have a clear, clinically dramatic effect on neurotoxicity, and its use did not result in rapid tapering of corticosteroids; although neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were common at the time of anakinra dosing, there were no clear delays in hematopoietic recovery or infections that were directly attributable to anakinra. Anakinra may be useful adjunct to steroids and tocilizumab in the management of CRS and/or steroid-refractory ICANs resulting from CAR T-cell therapies, but prospective studies are needed to determine its efficacy in these settings.

scholarly journals Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-Modified Immune Effector Cell Therapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3617
Author(s):  
Utkarsh H. Acharya ◽  
Roland B. Walter
Keyword(s):  
Acute Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Chimeric Antigen Receptor ◽  
Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Effector Cell ◽  
Antigen Receptor ◽  
Immune Effector Cell ◽  
B Cell Malignancies ◽  
Immune Effector ◽  
Acute Myeloid

Despite the availability of an increasing number of targeted therapeutics and wider use of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, many patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) ultimately succumb to this disease. Given their remarkable efficacy in B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia and other CD19-expressing B cell malignancies, there is hope adoptive cellular transfer, particularly chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified immune effector cell (IEC) therapies, may afford a novel, potent immune-based approach for the treatment of AML that complements or replaces existing ones and improves cure rates. However, it is unclear how best to translate the success of these therapies from B cell malignancies, where use of highly potent immunotherapies is facilitated by identified target antigens with near ubiquitous expression on malignant cells and non-fatal consequences from “on-target, off-tumor cell” toxicities. Herein, we review the current status of CAR-modified IEC therapies for AML, with considerations regarding suitable, relatively leukemia-restricted target antigens, expected toxicities, and interactions of the engineered cells with a profoundly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that restricts their therapeutic efficacy. With these challenges in mind, we will discuss possible strategies to improve the cells’ potency as well as their therapeutic window for optimal clinical use in AML.

scholarly journals Management of Immune-Related Adverse Events in Patients Treated With Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy: ASCO Guideline

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bianca D. Santomasso ◽  
Loretta J. Nastoupil ◽  
Sherry Adkins ◽  
Christina Lacchetti ◽  
Bryan J. Schneider ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Supportive Care ◽  
Effector Cell ◽  
Cytokine Release ◽  
Cytokine Release Syndrome ◽  
Immune Effector Cell ◽  
T Cell Therapy ◽  
Immune Effector ◽  
Car T Cell ◽  
Car T

PURPOSE To increase awareness, outline strategies, and offer guidance on the recommended management of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in patients treated with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. METHODS A multidisciplinary panel of medical oncology, neurology, hematology, emergency medicine, nursing, trialists, and advocacy experts was convened to develop the guideline. Guideline development involved a systematic literature review and an informal consensus process. The systematic review focused on evidence published from 2017 to 2021. RESULTS The systematic review identified 35 eligible publications. Because of the paucity of high-quality evidence, recommendations are based on expert consensus. RECOMMENDATIONS The multidisciplinary team issued recommendations to aid in the recognition, workup, evaluation, and management of the most common CAR T-cell–related toxicities, including cytokine release syndrome, immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome, B-cell aplasia, cytopenias, and infections. Management of short-term toxicities associated with CAR T cells begins with supportive care for most patients, but may require pharmacologic interventions for those without adequate response. Management of patients with prolonged or severe CAR T-cell–associated cytokine release syndrome includes treatment with tocilizumab with or without a corticosteroid. On the basis of the potential for rapid decline, patients with moderate to severe immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome should be managed with corticosteroids and supportive care. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/supportive-care-guidelines .

IL-1 receptor antagonist for prevention of severe immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 7566-7566
Author(s):  
Caspian Oliai ◽  
Anna Crosetti ◽  
Sven De Vos ◽  
Herbert Eradat ◽  
Monica Diane Mead ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Receptor Antagonist ◽  
Effector Cell ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Immune Effector Cell ◽  
Immune Effector ◽  
Car T Cell ◽  
Car T ◽  
Grade 3

7566 Background: Progress in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has included reduction in life-threatening toxicity. Rates of severe cytokine release syndrome (CRS) have declined from 50% in early trials to 7% in the most recent real-world experience. However, rates of severe immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity (ICANS) associated with axicabtagene ciloleucel (Axicel) remain unchanged. IL-1 is a major driver of ICANS pathophysiology that is produced upstream of IL-6. The IL-1 receptor antagonist, Anakinra, can prevent neurotoxicity in animal models when given at fever onset. We present our early experience of the first 13 participants enrolled into a phase II trial evaluating Anakinra to prevent severe ICANS (NCT4205838). Methods: This investigator-sponsored trial included adults eligible for standard-of-care Axicel for large B-cell lymphoma after ≥2 lines of intensive chemoimmunotherapy. Participants received Anakinra 100 mg SQ q6h x 12-36 doses until ICANS returned to grade ≤1. The trigger to initiate Anakinra was any grade ICANS or grade ≥3 CRS in the absence of ICANS. A protocol modification, made after the first 3 participants were treated, changed the trigger for Anakinra to grade ≥2 CRS. In addition to Anakinra, all participants received standard-of-care interventions for CRS and ICANS. The primary objective is to estimate the efficacy of Anakinra in preventing severe ICANS (grade ≥3) according to ASTCT 2018 consensus grading. Results: To date, 13 participants have been enrolled, and 7 met criteria to initiate Anakinra and received the first dose prior to severe ICANS. Median age was 56 years (range, 23-84 years). Of the 7 participants whom received Anakinra prior to severe ICANS, only 1 of 7 (14%) developed grade 3 ICANS. The most common adverse event was injection site reaction, which peaked at grade 2. There were no unexpected toxicities. Once the protocol was amended to initiate Anakinra for grade ≥2 CRS (N = 4), no participant developed severe ICANS, and only one participant met the institutional standard to receive corticosteroids (Table). Conclusions: Anakinra is feasible to initiate in the non-prophylactic setting in patients at increased risk for severe ICANS. These early results demonstrate potential to reduce severe ICANS associated with Axicel to a rate similar to other CAR T-cell products, and to reduce corticosteroid use. Further enrollment to the pre-planned sample size of N=36 is required to demonstrate statistical efficacy. Serum IL-1 analysis is also ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT4205838. [Table: see text]

scholarly journals Immune Effector Cell Associated Neurotoxicity (ICANS) in Pediatric and Young Adult Patients Following Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell Therapy: Can We Optimize Early Diagnosis?

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon Douglas Brown ◽  
Francesco Paolo Tambaro ◽  
Mira Kohorst ◽  
Linda Chi ◽  
Kris Michael Mahadeo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Effector Cell ◽  
Adult Patients ◽  
Immune Effector Cell ◽  
T Cell Therapy ◽  
Immune Effector ◽  
Car T Cell ◽  
Car T Cell Therapy ◽  
Car T

The Cornell Assessment for Pediatric Delirium (CAPD) was first proposed by the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury and Sepsis Investigators Network-Stem Cell Transplantation and Cancer Immunotherapy Subgroup and MD Anderson CARTOX joint working committees, for detection of immune effector cell associated neurotoxicity (ICANS) in pediatric patients receiving chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. It was subsequently adopted by the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. The utility of CAPD as a screening tool for early diagnosis of ICANS has not been fully characterized. We conducted a retrospective study of pediatric and young adult patients (n=15) receiving standard-of-care CAR T-cell products. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and ICANS occurred in 87% and 40% of patients, respectively. ICANS was associated with significantly higher peaks of serum ferritin. A change in CAPD from a prior baseline was noted in 60% of patients with ICANS, 24–72 h prior to diagnosis of ICANS. The median change from baseline to maximum CAPD score of patients who developed ICANS versus those who did not was 13 versus 3, respectively (p=0.0004). Changes in CAPD score from baseline may be the earliest indicator of ICANS among pediatric and young adult patients which may warrant closer monitoring, with more frequent CAPD assessments.

scholarly journals Feasibility of a Supportive Mobile Health App for Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy

Blood ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 138 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 3009-3009
Author(s):  
Rahul Banerjee ◽  
Bella Sykes ◽  
Nina Shah ◽  
Charalambos Andreadis ◽  
Peter H. Sayre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Patient Education ◽  
Chimeric Antigen Receptor ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Effector Cell ◽  
Immune Effector Cell ◽  
Immune Effector ◽  
Toxicity Monitoring ◽  
Car T ◽  
Mhealth Apps

Abstract BACKGROUND: The operationalization of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-T) therapy for hematologic malignancies can be complex for patients and their caregivers. In the weeks before CAR-T therapy, patients must process large amounts of information and coordinate logistics involving caregivers, lodging, and transportation. Immediately following CAR-T therapy, patients must be monitored closely for toxicities such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). In the months following CAR-T therapy, patients may be referred back to local oncologists without a clear plan for managing potential late effects such as hypogammaglobulinemia or neuropsychiatric complications (Chakraborty 2021). Mobile health (mHealth) apps may be able to improve the patient experience during CAR-T therapy by facilitating care coordination, home-based toxicity monitoring, and patient education (Banerjee 2021). By empowering patients and caregivers to better understand CAR-T therapy and actively participate in their care, mHealth tools may ultimately augment workflows for CAR-T clinics as well. However, the feasibility and acceptability of such supportive mHealth apps during CAR-T therapy have not been established. STUDY DESIGN: We have designed a "Companion for CAR-T" mHealth app to assist with care coordination, toxicity monitoring, and patient education during CAR-T therapy. Key components of the app are summarized in the Figure. In brief, pre-CAR-T components include educational videos and dynamic calendars to assist patients with coordinating logistics. Post-CAR-T components include app-based prompts to input body temperature daily, an electronic Immune Effector Cell-Associated Encephalopathy (eICE) screening tool for ICANS that can be administered by caregivers, and a patient-specific long-term survivorship care plan. Global app components include an 'Appointment Companion' to facilitate patient-provider discussions during appointments as well as a digital CAR-T wallet card to convey key health-related information to other healthcare providers. We plan to investigate the "Companion for CAR-T" app through a pilot study of 20 patients receiving commercially available CAR-T therapies for any hematologic malignancy at our institution. Co-primary endpoints include (1) app feasibility, defined as the percentage of patients who access all 5 core modules shown in the Figure at least once; and (2) app acceptability, defined as the percentage of patients who agree that the app was helpful during their experience with CAR-T therapy. Secondary endpoints include the incidence of fevers or eICE deficits recorded via the app. Exploratory endpoints include longitudinal trends in patient-reported outcomes such as emotional distress at each clinic visit. DISCUSSION: If feasibility and acceptability of the "Companion for CAR-T" app are demonstrated through this pilot study, we plan to launch a multicenter randomized Phase 2 study of this mHealth tool versus usual care to assess its effect on perceived stress and decisional conflict. Other important steps for our group include the translation of app content into different languages and the provision of tablet computing devices for patients who do not own smartphones. Once validated and expanded in these aforementioned ways, potential strengths of the "Companion for CAR-T" app include its ability to be personalized easily with information specific to individual CAR-T therapies, malignancies, and centers. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Banerjee: Sanofi: Consultancy; SparkCures: Consultancy; Pack Health: Research Funding. Sykes: Patient Discovery Solutions, Inc.: Current Employment. Shah: Amgen: Consultancy; Indapta Therapeutics: Consultancy; Sutro Biopharma: Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy; Teneobio: Research Funding; Precision Biosciences: Research Funding; Poseida: Research Funding; Karyopharm: Consultancy; Janssen: Research Funding; GSK: Consultancy; Kite: Consultancy; Nektar: Research Funding; Oncopeptides: Consultancy; CSL Behring: Consultancy; Bluebird Bio: Research Funding; BMS/Celgene: Research Funding; CareDx: Consultancy. Andreadis: Incyte: Honoraria; Roche: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Ended employment in the past 24 months; GenMAB: Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Epizyme: Honoraria; Crispr Therapeutics: Research Funding; Atara: Consultancy, Honoraria; Karyopharm: Honoraria; TG Therapeutics: Honoraria; Kite: Honoraria; BMS/Celgene: Research Funding. Martin: Amgen: Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy; Oncopeptides: Consultancy; Janssen: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding. Shore: Patient Discovery Solutions, Inc.: Current Employment. Sodowick: Patient Discovery Solutions, Inc.: Current Employment. Wong: Amgen: Consultancy; Genentech: Research Funding; Fortis: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; GloxoSmithKlein: Research Funding; Dren Biosciences: Consultancy; Caelum: Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding; Sanofi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

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