Dr. Wang on Correlative Data From the ZUMA-2 Trial in MCL

Michael Wang, MD, professor in the Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses correlative data from the phase 2 ZUMA-2 trial in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).

Correlative findings from the phase 2 ZUMA-2 trial demonstrated that the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of KTE-X19 were generally comparable across lower and high-risk patients, leading to similar clinical responses. Additionally, the data showed that cytokines can predict the depth of response and neurologic toxicity of the therapy, says Wang. For example, 83% of patients achieved minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity 1 month after receiving KTE-X19. These patients had increased median cytokine levels of interferon (INF)-γ, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-15, IL-2, and IL-10. The serum levels peaked within 7 days of treatment.

Moreover, 6 patients developed grade 4 neurologic events, including 1 case of cerebral edema. Three of these patients developed concurrent grade 4 cytokine release syndrome. Notably, this subgroup of patients had higher peak serum levels of INF-γ, tumor necrosis factor alpha, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, IL-2 and IL-6 than patients without any grade 4 neurologic events.

<<< 2020 ASCO Virtual Scientific Program