Real-world early outcomes of axicabtagene ciloleucel for relapsed or refractory (R/R) follicular lymphoma (FL).
Authors: Jacobson Caron Alyce , Hemmer Michael T. , Hu Zhen-Huan , Frank Matthew Joshua , Popplewell Leslie , Ahmed Nausheen , Lin Yi , Best Timothy , Beygi Sara , Miao Harry H. , Fu Christine , Sun Fang , Xu Hairong , Pasquini Marcelo C. 
Published: June 2023

7509 Background: Axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) is an autologous CAR T approved for adult patients (pts) with r/r FL after ≥ 2 lines of systemic therapy. In the primary analysis of the pivotal ZUMA-5 trial, 94% of pts who received axi-cel to treat r/r FL achieved an objective response, with a 79% CR rate (Jacobson et al. 2022). Grade ≥ 3 cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurologic events occurred in 6% and 15% of pts, respectively. Here, we present the real-world outcomes of pts receiving axi-cel for r/r FL, including those who would have been ineligible for ZUMA-5. Methods: A total of 230 pts from 72 US centers receiving first axi-cel for r/r FL in the real-world setting between March 2021 and October 2022 were identified from the CIBMTR registry. The following pts were excluded: no consent, prior non-transplant cellular therapy, and FL grade 3b or 3a/3b unspecified. Of the 230 pts, 151 pts had post-infusion assessments and were included in the analysis of outcomes. Effectiveness outcomes were ORR, CR, DOR, PFS and OS. Adverse events included CRS, immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) and prolonged cytopenia. Results: Of the 230 pts, median age was 62 years and 60% were male. Prior to infusion, 98% had an ECOG performance score of 0-1, 33% had elevated LDH, and 66% were chemo-resistant. Clinically significant comorbidities were present in 74% of the pts. Ninety-two (40%) pts would have been ineligible for ZUMA-5, mainly due to comorbidities. Pts had a median of 4 (range 1-13) lines of prior therapy including 14% who also underwent prior ASCT. Median time from leukapheresis to infusion was 28 days (IQR 26-34). 9% of pts received bridging therapy. Outcomes were analyzed among the 151 pts with follow-up (median 6.2 mo). ORR and CR rates were 93% (95% CI 88-97%) and 84% (95% CI 77-89%), respectively. Estimated PFS and OS at 6 mo were 88% (95% CI 81-92%) and 96% (95% CI 91-98%), respectively. Grade ≥ 3 CRS (ASTCT consensus) and ICANS (ASTCT consensus) occurred in 2% (95% CI 0-6%) and 13% (95% CI 8-19%) of pts, respectively. Median cumulative incidence estimates of CRS resolution was 5 days and ICANS resolution was 4 days. Among pts alive at Day 30 (n = 150), 11% experienced prolonged cytopenia (4% neutropenia, 9% thrombocytopenia). PFS and OS at 6 mo were comparable regardless of ZUMA-5 eligibility, while pts eligible for ZUMA-5 had fewer Grade ≥ 3 ICANS (10% vs 16%) and more rapid ICANS resolution (92% vs 71% resolved within 2 weeks). Pts aged ≥ 65 vs < 65 years had comparable effectiveness and safety profiles. Conclusions: This is the first report on axi-cel to treat r/r FL in real-world settings. Despite a broader pt population, early results demonstrate effectiveness and safety profiles consistent with those observed in the ZUMA-5 trial. The intent is to present findings from an updated dataset with longer follow-up at ASCO. Overall, these findings support the continued broad use of axi-cel to treat r/r FL.