Practical guidelines for the management of adverse events of the T cell engager bispecific tebentafusp

Targeted theranostic nanomedicine using targeted CT-imageable particles that release tebentafusp

PURPOSE

A theranostic nanomedicine for CD3+ bispecific antibodies targeting glycoprotein-100 (GP-100) was tested in vivo using two radiation sessions. CT-imageable nanoparticles composed of hyaluronate-alginate and designed to release their contents upon radiation exposure were evaluated in a mouse model of B16-melanoma model in the left hind leg with pulmonary metastases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In session 1, IFN-γ was encapsulated during the Fe polymerization of hyaluronate-alginate nanoparticles. Nine hours after the intravenous injection of 1 × 1010 IFN-γ nanoparticles, enough to observe dose escalation of either 10 or 20 Gy was administered using 140 keV-X-ray to the primary and metastatic tumors. In session 2, tebentafusp was encapsulated using the same method as in session 1. Seventy-two hours after the intravenous injection of 1 × 1010 tebentafusp-loaded nanoparticles, radiation was administered under conditions identical to those in session 1.

RESULTS

In session 1, IFN-γ-loaded nanoparticles selectively accumulated in the primary tumor and pulmonary metastasis by passing through the coarse endothelium of tumor vasculature, which could be visualized using CT. IFN-γ nanoparticles continuously released IFN-γ, facilitating the formation of the HLA-A*02:01-GP100-complex. In session 2, the tebentafusp-loaded nanoparticles continuously released tebentafusp, leading to the formation of an immunological synapse consisting of HLA-A*02:01-GP100, tebentafusp, and CD3 on T cells. CD3+ T cells release perforin and granzymes, resulting in the cytolysis of the primary tumor and pulmonary metastasis. This effect was synergistic with that of radiation, resulting in Enhancement Factor (EF) more than 1.

CONCLUSION

Theranostic nanomedicine demonstrated potential as a dual therapeutic and diagnostic strategy for targeting tumors and metastases, with synergistic effects observed when combined with radiation.

Safety of tarlatamab with 6-8-h outpatient versus 48-h inpatient monitoring during cycle 1: DeLLphi-300 phase 1 substudy

BACKGROUND

Tarlatamab, a bispecific T-cell engager immunotherapy targeting delta-like ligand 3, has demonstrated promising survival outcomes in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Given the risk of cytokine release syndrome (CRS), initial clinical trials incorporated 48-72-h inpatient monitoring in cycle 1.

METHODS

Patients with previously treated SCLC were enrolled into DeLLphi-300 part F, which evaluated the safety of tarlatamab 10 mg every 2 weeks (Q2W) with 6-8-h outpatient monitoring following cycle 1 doses. The primary endpoint, safety, was compared with patients from DeLLphi-300 part A receiving tarlatamab 10 mg Q2W with 48-h inpatient monitoring for cycle 1 doses.

RESULTS

In cycle 1, the rates of treatment-related adverse events and hospitalizations, including emergency room visits, were similar between outpatient (n = 30) and inpatient (n = 58) groups (93% versus 100% and 27% versus 34%, respectively). The incidence of all grade and serious CRS during cycle 1 was similar between outpatient and inpatient groups (any grade: 60% versus 62%; serious: 17% versus 22%). The median time to CRS resolution was 3 days for both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Safety outcomes, including hospitalization rates, were similar in this first-in-human study following tarlatamab 10 mg Q2W administration with 6-8-h outpatient versus 48-h inpatient monitoring in cycle 1.

Practical management of adverse events in patients receiving tarlatamab, a delta-like ligand 3-targeted bispecific T-cell engager immunotherapy, for previously treated small cell lung cancer

Tarlatamab is a bispecific T-cell engager immunotherapy targeting delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3) and the cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3) molecule. In the phase 2 DeLLphi-301 trial of tarlatamab for patients with previously treated small cell lung cancer, tarlatamab 10 mg every 2 weeks achieved durable responses and encouraging survival outcomes. Analyses of updated safety data from the DeLLphi-301 trial demonstrated that the most common treatment-emergent adverse events were cytokine release syndrome (53%), pyrexia (38%), decreased appetite (36%), dysgeusia (32%), and an emia (30%). Cytokine release syndrome was mostly grade 1 or 2 in severity, occurred primarily after the first or second tarlatamab dose, and was managed with supportive care, which included the administration of antipyretics (e.g., acetaminophen), intravenous hydration, and/or glucocorticoids. Other treatment-emergent adverse effects of interest included neutropenia (16%) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome and associated neurologic events (10%). Given that tarlatamab is the first T-cell engager approved for the treatment of small cell lung cancer, raising awareness with regard to the monitoring and management of tarlatamab-associated adverse events is essential. Here, the authors describe the timing, occurrence, and duration of these adverse events and review the management and risk-mitigation strategies used by clinical investigators during the DeLLphi-301 trial.

Clinical and pathological characterization of tebentafusp-associated skin toxicity: A cohort study with 33 patients

BACKGROUND

Tebentafusp is a novel treatment for patients with metastatic uveal melanoma and often causes cutaneous side effects.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to better characterize these heterogenous cutaneous side effects.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study evaluated all patients from a tertiary hospital center who were treated with tebentafusp between January 2019 and June 2023 clinically and assessed skin biopsies histologically.

RESULTS

In total, 33 patients were analyzed. Skin toxicity was observed in 78.8% of patients and was classified into 5 clinical categories: (1) symmetrical erythematous patches (83.8%), (2) hemorrhagic macules (11.8%), (3) urticarial lesions (7.4%), (4) bullous lesions (1.5%), and (5) skin (8.5%) and hair depigmentation (11.4%). Histopathologic features were focal lymphocytic interface dermatitis with epidermal infiltration of CD8-positive lymphocytes. Patients with skin reactions had a significantly longer median overall survival compared to patients without any cutaneous events (34 versus 4 months, P < .001).

LIMITATION

Monocentric study with a limited number of patients.

CONCLUSION

Tebentafusp frequently induces cutaneous reactions. Pathogenesis is likely due to binding of tebentafusp to stimulated melanocytes in the skin, followed by infiltration and activation of lymphocytes. Development of treatment-induced skin reactions may be associated with survival benefits.

Engineered T cells for Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major contributor to global cancer incidence and mortality. Conventional treatments have limitations; hence, innovative approaches are imperative. Recent advancements in cancer research have led to the development of personalized targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Immunotherapy, in particular, T cell-based therapies, exhibited to be promising in enhancing cancer treatment outcomes. This review focuses on the landscape of engineered T cells as a potential option for the treatment of CRC. It highlights the approaches, challenges and current advancements in this field. As the understanding of molecular mechanisms increases, engineered T cells hold great potential in revolutionizing cancer treatment. To fully explore their safety efficacy in improving patient outcomes, further research and clinical trials are necessary.

The Current State of Systemic Therapy of Metastatic Uveal Melanoma

Uveal melanoma (UM) is genetically a distinct tumor compared to cutaneous melanoma (CM), and due to its low mutational burden, it is far less perceptible to the immune system. Thus, treatments that have revolutionized the treatment of CM remain widely inefficient in metastatic UM or only demonstrate effectiveness in a small subpopulation of patients. To this end, the therapeutic benefit of immune checkpoint blockade is very limited and may come at the expense of severe immune-related adverse events that could potentially affect all organ systems. Notably, tebentafusp, an entirely novel class of anti-cancer drugs, has received official authorization for the treatment of metastatic UM. It is the first agent that demonstrated a survival advantage in a randomized controlled trial of metastatic UM patients. Despite the survival benefit and approval, the restriction of tebentafusp to HLA-A*02:01-positive patients and the low objective response rate indicate the persistent need for additional therapies. Thus, liver-directed therapies are commonly used for tumor control of hepatic metastases and represent a central pillar of the daily management of liver-dominant disease. Further, promising data from targeted therapies independent of MEK-inhibitors, such as the combination of darovasertib and crizotinib, raise hope for additional options in metastatic UM in the future. This narrative review provides a timely and comprehensive overview of the current treatment landscape for metastatic UM.

T Cell-Engaging Bispecific Antibodies Targeting gp100 and PRAME: Expanding Application from Uveal Melanoma to Cutaneous Melanoma

Uveal melanoma represents a rare and aggressive subtype of melanoma with limited treatment options and poor prognosis, especially in the metastatic setting. Tebentafusp, a bispecific fusion protein, offers a promising therapeutic approach by targeting gp100, an antigen highly expressed in uveal melanoma cells, and redirecting T cell-mediated cytotoxicity towards tumor cells. This review provides an overview of the preclinical and clinical data on tebentafusp in the management of metastatic uveal melanoma. We summarize the mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, safety profile, and ongoing research efforts surrounding this innovative immunotherapy. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the ability of tebentafusp to induce potent and specific anti-tumor immune responses against gp100-expressing uveal melanoma cells. Clinical trials have shown encouraging results, with tebentafusp exhibiting meaningful clinical activity in a subset of patients with metastatic uveal melanoma. Importantly, tebentafusp has also demonstrated a manageable safety profile. By specifically targeting tumor cells expressing gp100, tebentafusp offers a promising therapeutic avenue for individuals with metastatic uveal melanoma, meeting a significant clinical need in this context. Continued clinical trials will provide additional insights into the impact of tebentafusp on treatment-resistant metastatic cutaneous melanoma. Furthermore, we are exploring the potential of T cell engagers directed against the cancer testis antigen PRAME, which could have widespread utility in the treatment of cutaneous melanoma as well as other PRAME-expressing malignancies.

Reactions and adverse events induced by T-cell engagers as anti-cancer immunotherapies, a comprehensive review

T-cell engagers (TCE) are cancer immunotherapies that have recently demonstrated meaningful benefit for patients with hematological malignancies and solid tumors. The anticipated widespread use of T cell engagers poses implementation challenges and highlights the need for guidance to anticipate, mitigate, and manage adverse events. By mobilizing T-cells directly at the contact of tumor cells, TCE mount an obligatory and immediate anti-tumor immune response that could result in diverse reactions and adverse events. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is the most common reaction and is largely confined to the first drug administrations during step-up dosage. Cytokine release syndrome should be distinguished from infusion related reaction by clinical symptoms, timing to occurrence, pathophysiological aspects, and clinical management. Other common reactions and adverse events with TCE are immune effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS), infections, tumor flare reaction and cytopenias. The toxicity profiles of TCE and CAR-T cells have commonalities and distinctions that we sum-up in this review. As compared with CAR-T cells, TCE are responsible for less frequently severe CRS or ICANS. This review recapitulates terminology, pathophysiology, severity grading system and management of reactions and adverse events related to TCE.

[Drug-related exanthema under immunotherapy and targeted oncological therapy]

BACKGROUND

Oncological therapies can cause a variety of mucocutaneous adverse events. Exanthematous adverse events can be challenging in the context of the urgent need for cancer treatment due to their spread, sometimes rapid progression, and mucous membrane or organ involvement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This article provides an overview of the most important exanthematic dermatoses as side effects of modern drug-based tumor therapies with diagnostic and therapeutic information for clinicians, taking into account the current literature and guidelines.

RESULTS

Exanthematous adverse events of immune checkpoint inhibitors, EGFR antagonists, kinase inhibitors, bispecific T‑cell engagers, and the CCR4 inhibitor mogamulizumab are reviewed in detail.

CONCLUSIONS

Cutaneous side effects are common across all drug classes and cover a broad spectrum. While some adverse events are specific to one drug class, many exanthemas can occur with both oncological immunotherapies and various targeted therapies. A reliable diagnosis, dose adjustment or discontinuation of the offending agent in consultation with the treating oncologists and appropriate symptomatic therapy are important for correct management. In the case of severe, life-threatening drug reactions, however, permanent discontinuation of the drug is essential.

[Side effects of dermato-oncologic therapies]

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) such as PD(L)1 and CTLA4 antibodies as well as targeted therapies such as BRAF and MEK inhibitors have significantly improved the systemic treatment of skin cancer in adjuvant and advanced therapy settings. All these drugs differ in their spectrum of side effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the spectrum of side effects of dermato-oncological therapies and their management, taking into account the current literature.

RESULTS

The most important side effects of ICIs, the CCR4 inhibitor mogamulizumab, the ImmTAC tebentafusp, the BRAF and MEK inhibitors and the multityrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib are considered.

CONCLUSIONS

Side effects can manifest themselves in all organ systems. Chronic side effects and long-term harm are possible, especially with ICIs, and require close therapy monitoring and patient education. Knowledge of the side effects and the temporal, sometimes delayed course of their occurrence are essential for diagnosis and prompt initiation of therapy.

Targeted therapy in ophthalmic oncology: The current status

There have been rapid advancements in the field of ocular oncology for the diagnosis and management of intraocular, adnexal, and orbital tumors. Targeted therapy is in the forefront of medical research in all fields including ocular oncology. Targeted therapy include drugs that target specific genetic mutations, pathways or proteins involved in the development of cancer. In contrast to traditionally used chemotherapy, drugs used in targeted therapy are highly specific for tumor cells and preserve the function of normal cells. This review aims to familiarize ophthalmologists with the drugs that are currently approved or undergoing clinical trials for use in ocular oncology. Targeted therapy is particularly useful for locally advanced or metastatic tumors, including but not limited to eyelid and periocular basal cell carcinoma, periocular cutaneous and conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma, ocular adnexal lymphoma, conjunctival melanoma, and uveal melanoma. The results are promising with improved survival outcomes and better tolerability than chemotherapeutic drugs.

Tebentafusp as a Promising Drug for the Treatment of Uveal Melanoma

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults and commonly occurs in the Caucasian population. The malignancy involves the uvea of the eye, which includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. The etiology of UM is still not well understood, but age is a risk factor. Symptoms include blurred vision, redness of the eye, floaters, dark spots, a change in the size of the pupil, and loss of vision. The location, shape, and size of the tumor are important for therapeutic purposes. Treating metastasis is always a challenge in UM cases. In cases of lung metastasis, the survival rate decreases. Treatment includes surgery, laser therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy. Recently, in 2022, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the drug tebentafusp. Tebentafusp was developed to target the most common HLA complex in humans. The present review discusses the indications for the use of a new drug tebentafusp, its mechanism of action, dose, pharmacokinetics, results of clinical trials conducted, and adverse effects like cytokine release syndrome. Hence, tebentafusp is the first T cell receptor (TCR) therapeutic drug that could be considered for the treatment of UM.