Cytopenias After CD19 Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cells (CAR-T) Therapy for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphomas or Transformed Follicular Lymphoma: A Single Institution Experience

Introduction: Patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) have poor outcomes. Treatment with CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-T) cells, tisa-genlecleucel and axicabtagene ciloleucel, has been associated with improved outcomes. Cytopenias were observed in clinical trials with both products; however, little is known regarding the patterns and outcomes of these cytopenias. Subjects and Methods: We reviewed DLBCL patients (n=32) receiving either product between January and September 2018 at our institution. Results: Median duration of leukopenia, neutropenia, lymphopenia, anemia, and thrombo-cytopenia was 49, 9, 117.5, 125, and 95.5 days after CAR-T infusion, respectively. Filgrastim was used in 63% of patients, and 50% of patients received red cell or platelet transfusions. With the exception of neutropenia, increase in the duration of cytopenia of any lineage was associated with improvement in progression-free survival, and in overall survival in case of anemia. There was no association between the duration of cytopenias with either cytokine release syndrome or neurotoxicity. Discussion: Our data suggest a correlation between cytopenias and survival outcomes after CD19 CAR-T therapy. If validated, cytopenia may be proven useful as a biomarker of response and survival after CAR-T therapy.

Automated summary

Patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL have poor outcomes, but CD19 CAR-T therapy has shown improved survival outcomes. Our study found a correlation between prolonged cytopenias post-CAR-T therapy and better progression-free and overall survival, but no association with cytokine release syndrome or neurotoxicity was observed.