Kite Presents New Data Underscoring Curative Potential of Yescarta® in Relapsed/Refractory Large B-cell Lymphoma at ASH
– Largest Real-World Evidence (RWE) Analysis of Yescarta in Second-Line Shows
– RWE Shows Decreasing Trend Over Time of Cytokine Release Syndrome and Related Adverse Events After Yescarta Treatment in Third-Line Plus Setting –
– Findings from ALYCANTE Study Show Stable Long-Term Quality of Life for R/R LBCL Patients Treated with Yescarta –
The data include findings from the largest real-world analysis of patients who received Yescarta as second-line treatment for R/R LBCL during 2022-2023 based on Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) registry data (abstract #526). This real-world evidence (RWE) demonstrates high rates of overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR), complete response (CR), and other effectiveness measures, consistent with ZUMA-7 outcomes. Further RWE from CIBMTR demonstrate a decreasing trend in incidence, severity and duration of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune-effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) in the third-line-plus setting during 2017-2023 (abstract #527). In addition, findings from the Phase 2 ALYCANTE study on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes following Yescarta treatment (abstract #4505), co-sponsored by the French collaborative group The Lymphoma Study Association/Lymphoma Academic Research Organization (LYSA/LYSARC) and Kite, show either stability or improvement of HRQoL three months following infusion.
“We are pleased that Yescarta’s overall survival benefit for patients with early relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma is confirmed in the largest real-world analysis of a broader patient population,” said Dominique Tonelli, VP, Global Head of Medical Affairs, Kite. “By studying outcomes in the real world, we consistently demonstrate that patients treated with Yescarta have the opportunity to live longer.”
Detailed Information on Yescarta Abstracts:
Abstract #526
Real-World Early Outcomes of Second-Line Axicabtagene Ciloleucel (Axi-Cel) Therapy in Patients (Pts) With Relapsed or Refractory (R/R) Large B-Cell Lymphoma (LBCL)
The largest real-world analysis of 446 patients from 89 U.S. centers from the CIBMTR Registry with LBCL (diffuse LBCL [DLBCL],
Among all patients, ORR was
When assessed by ZUMA-7 eligibility, ORRs in ineligible patients (n=219) versus eligible or unknown patients (n=214) were both
“It is reassuring that the largest real-world dataset for axi-cel as a second-line treatment for relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma, across a broader patient population than the ZUMA-7 pivotal study or Phase 2 ALYCANTE study for transplant-ineligible patients, has demonstrated consistent outcomes at 12-months median follow-up as in ZUMA-7,” said Dr. Dasom (Caroline) Lee, Lead Investigator on the study and Fellow, Hematology and Medical Oncology, Stanford Medicine. “These data should provide further confidence to physicians that earlier use of axi-cel can provide the best chance for overall survival and possibly a cure for these patients.”
Abstract #527
Real-world Trends of Cytokine Release Syndrome and Neurologic Events, and Pattern of Their Management among Patients Receiving Axicabtagene Ciloleucel for Relapsed or Refractory (r/r) Large B-cell Lymphoma (LBCL) in the
Real-world data from 1,615 patients with R/R LBCL from 109 U.S. centers from the CIBMTR registry demonstrated a decreasing trend in incidence, severity and duration of CRS and ICANS following treatment with Yescarta for adult patients with R/R LBCL in the third-line-plus setting.
Patients who received Yescarta during 2022–2023 (n=206) and 2020–2021 (n=486) had significantly lower incidences of Grade ≥ 3 CRS compared to those treated during 2017–2019 (n=923, odds ratio [OR] 0.17,
Patients who received Yescarta during 2022–2023 and 2020–2021 had a significantly lower incidence of any-grade ICANS compared to those treated in 2017–2019 (OR 0.47,
The rates of use of tocilizumab and corticosteroids for the treatment of CRS/ICANS were consistent for the three periods, although there was an increasing trend of anakinra use (
“Over the past seven years, there has been wider adoption of CAR T-cell therapies as a standard treatment for patients, and the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to administer the therapies safely and effectively has grown,” said Dr. Jiasheng Wang, Assistant Professor of Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. “This real-world analysis reflects a growing understanding in clinical tools such as prophylactic and preemptive management strategies that can help manage axi-cel patients safely and effectively.”
Abstract #4505
Health-related quality of life after Axi-cel as a second-line therapy in patients with high-risk relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplantation: results of the ALYCANTE phase II trial
New HRQoL findings from the Phase 2 ALYCANTE study, led and sponsored by the French collaborative group LYSA/LYSARC, for use of Yescarta in patients with R/R LBCL after one prior line of therapy who were deemed ineligible for high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), demonstrated that after a short initial deterioration at one-month post-infusion, patients reported longer-term stable or improved quality of life across parameters, after up to 12 months of follow-up.
Findings from 61 patients included in the ALYCANTE study reported a lower symptomatic level, noted by lower HRQoL, at three months compared to baseline, with a clinically significant difference for pain (mean=11.9 [
At three months post Yescarta infusion,
“ALYCANTE is the first study to assess axi-cel as second-line therapy in transplant-ineligible relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma patients, with previous study findings confirming its efficacy in this patient population,” said Prof. Roch Houot, Head of Haematology Department, University Hospital of Rennes,
About LBCL
Globally, LBCL is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma . In
About ALYCANTE study
ALYCANTE (NCT04531046) is a phase 2 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of Yescarta in patients with R/R LBCL after one prior line of therapy who were deemed ineligible for high-dose chemotherapy and ASCT, sponsored by the LYSA/LYSARC collaborative group. The primary endpoint was the complete metabolic response at three months from Yescarta infusion. The study was funded by Kite, a Gilead Company, and carried out with Yescarta manufactured by Kite.
About ZUMA-7 Study
Based on the primary efficacy endpoint results of ZUMA-7, the
ZUMA-7 is a randomized, open-label, global, multicenter, Phase 3 study evaluating the safety and efficacy of Yescarta versus standard of care (SOC) for second-line therapy in adult patients with relapsed or refractory LBCL within 12 months of first-line therapy. The SOC for initial treatment of R/R LBCL has been a multi-step process involving platinum-based salvage combination chemotherapy regimen, and for responders, HDT and ASCT. In the study, 359 patients in 77 centers around the world were randomized (1:1) to receive a single infusion of Yescarta or SOC second-line treatment. The primary endpoint was EFS as determined by blinded central review and defined as the time from randomization to the earliest date of disease progression per Lugano Classification, commencement of new lymphoma therapy, or death from any cause. Key secondary endpoints include objective response rate and OS. Additional secondary endpoints included patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and safety. Per hierarchical testing of primary and key secondary endpoints and group sequential testing of OS, an interim analysis of OS occurred at the time of the primary EFS.
About Yescarta
Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide.
YESCARTA is a CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy indicated for the treatment of:
- Adult patients with large B-cell lymphoma that is refractory to first-line chemoimmunotherapy or that relapses within 12 months of first-line chemoimmunotherapy.
-
Adult patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not otherwise specified, primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma, high grade B-cell lymphoma, and DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma.
Limitations of Use: YESCARTA is not indicated for the treatment of patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma.
- Adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) after two or more lines of systemic therapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trial(s).
BOXED WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME, NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES and SECONDARY HEMATOLOGICAL MALIGNANCIES
- Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients receiving YESCARTA. Do not administer YESCARTA to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Treat severe or life-threatening CRS with tocilizumab or tocilizumab and corticosteroids.
- Neurologic toxicities, including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients receiving YESCARTA, including concurrently with CRS or after CRS resolution. Monitor for neurologic toxicities after treatment with YESCARTA. Provide supportive care and/or corticosteroids, as needed.
- T cell malignancies have occurred following treatment of hematologic malignancies with BCMA- and CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapies, including YESCARTA.
- YESCARTA is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the YESCARTA and TECARTUS REMS Program.
CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME (CRS)
CRS, including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred following treatment with YESCARTA. CRS occurred in
CRS occurred in
Key manifestations of CRS (≥
The impact of tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids on the incidence and severity of CRS was assessed in two subsequent cohorts of LBCL patients in ZUMA-1. Among patients who received tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids for ongoing Grade 1 events. CRS occurred in
Prophylactic treatment with corticosteroids was administered to a cohort of 39 patients for 3 days beginning on the day of infusion of YESCARTA. Thirty-one of the 39 patients (
Ensure that 2 doses of tocilizumab are available prior to infusion of YESCARTA. Monitor patients at least daily for 7 days at the certified healthcare facility following infusion for signs and symptoms of CRS. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms of CRS for 4 weeks after infusion. Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS occur at any time. At the first sign of CRS, institute treatment with supportive care, tocilizumab, or tocilizumab and corticosteroids as indicated.
NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES
Neurologic toxicities (including immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome) that were fatal or life- threatening occurred. Neurologic toxicities occurred in
The most common neurologic toxicities (≥
The impact of tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids on the incidence and severity of neurologic toxicities was assessed in 2 subsequent cohorts of LBCL patients in ZUMA-1. Among patients who received corticosteroids at the onset of Grade 1 toxicities, neurologic toxicities occurred in
Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicities at least daily for 7 days at the certified healthcare facility, and for 4 weeks thereafter, and treat promptly.
REMS
Because of the risk of CRS and neurologic toxicities, YESCARTA is available only through a restricted program called the YESCARTA and TECARTUS REMS Program which requires that: Healthcare facilities that dispense and administer YESCARTA must be enrolled and comply with the REMS requirements and must have on-site, immediate access to a minimum of 2 doses of tocilizumab for each patient for infusion within 2 hours after YESCARTA infusion, if needed for treatment of CRS. Certified healthcare facilities must ensure that healthcare providers who prescribe, dispense, or administer YESCARTA are trained about the management of CRS and neurologic toxicities. Further information is available at www.YescartaTecartusREMS.com or 1-844-454-KITE (5483).
HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS
Allergic reactions, including serious hypersensitivity reactions or anaphylaxis, may occur with the infusion of YESCARTA.
SERIOUS INFECTIONS
Severe or life-threatening infections occurred. Infections (all grades) occurred in
Febrile neutropenia was observed in
In immunosuppressed patients, including those who have received YESCARTA, life-threatening and fatal opportunistic infections including disseminated fungal infections (e.g., candida sepsis and aspergillus infections) and viral reactivation (e.g., human herpes virus-6 [HHV-6] encephalitis and JC virus progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy [PML]) have been reported. The possibility of HHV-6 encephalitis and PML should be considered in immunosuppressed patients with neurologic events and appropriate diagnostic evaluations should be performed. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death, can occur in patients treated with drugs directed against B cells, including YESCARTA. Perform screening for HBV, HCV, and HIV in accordance with clinical guidelines before collection of cells for manufacturing.
PROLONGED CYTOPENIAS
Patients may exhibit cytopenias for several weeks following lymphodepleting chemotherapy and YESCARTA infusion. ≥ Grade 3 cytopenias not resolved by Day 30 following YESCARTA infusion occurred in
HYPOGAMMAGLOBULINEMIA
B-cell aplasia and hypogammaglobulinemia can occur. Hypogammaglobulinemia was reported as an adverse reaction in
SECONDARY MALIGNANCIES
Patients treated with YESCARTA may develop secondary malignancies. T cell malignancies have occurred following treatment of hematologic malignancies with BCMA- and CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapies, including YESCARTA. Mature T cell malignancies, including CAR-positive tumors, may present as soon as weeks following infusion, and may include fatal outcomes.
Monitor life-long for secondary malignancies. In the event that a secondary malignancy occurs, contact Kite at 1-844-454-KITE (5483) to obtain instructions on patient samples to collect for testing.
EFFECTS ON ABILITY TO DRIVE AND USE MACHINES
Due to the potential for neurologic events, including altered mental status or seizures, patients are at risk for altered or decreased consciousness or coordination in the 8 weeks following YESCARTA infusion. Advise patients to refrain from driving and engaging in hazardous occupations or activities, such as operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery, during this initial period.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common non-laboratory adverse reactions (incidence ≥
The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥
The most common non-laboratory adverse reactions (incidence ≥
About Kite
Kite, a Gilead Company, is a global biopharmaceutical company based in
About Gilead Sciences
Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that has pursued and achieved breakthroughs in medicine for more than three decades, with the goal of creating a healthier world for all people. The company is committed to advancing innovative medicines to prevent and treat life-threatening diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, cancer, and inflammation. Gilead operates in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters in
About the LYSA/LYSARC Collaborative Group
LYSA, The Lymphoma Study Association, is a non-profit, internationally leading, academic cooperative group gathering multidisciplinary expertise in lymphoma. Its operational structure, LYSARC, The Lymphoma Academic Research Organization, has all the integrated functions and platforms dedicated to pathology, biology and imaging to conduct clinical studies and real-world registries, as well as exploratory research programs. The LYSA has more than 500 members, researchers and medical experts, with a network of about 90 clinical research centers in
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, including the ability of Gilead and Kite to initiate, progress or complete clinical trials within currently anticipated timelines or at all, and the possibility of unfavorable results from ongoing or additional clinical studies, including those involving Yescarta (such as ZUMA-7, ALYCANTE and real-world analysis); uncertainties relating to regulatory applications and related filing and approval timelines, including pending or potential applications for indications currently under evaluation; and any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. These and other risks, uncertainties and other factors are described in detail in Gilead’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, as filed with the
Yescarta, Gilead, the Gilead logo, Kite, the Kite logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies.
For more information on Kite, please visit the company’s website at www.kitepharma.com. Follow Kite on social media on X (@KitePharma) and LinkedIn.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241208798555/en/
Blair Baumwell, Gilead Media
public_affairs@gilead.com
Jacquie Ross, Investors
investor_relations@gilead.com
Source: Gilead Sciences, Inc.