Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection in immunocompromised patients

A viral infection prediction model for patients with r/r B-cell malignancies after CAR-T therapy: a retrospective analysis

Background

Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy for relapsed/refractory (r/r) B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) patients has shown promising effects, but side effects such as viral infections have been observed.

Methods

A total of 45 patients with r/r B-ALL and r/r B-NHL were included in this retrospective study. Patient demographics were recorded, with the primary endpoint being viral infection within 3 months post CAR-T treatment. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis were used to analyze independent factors. The patients were divided into a training cohort of 28 and a validation cohort of 17 to construct a prediction model based on determined independent factors. The model's discrimination and calibration were assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration plot, and decision curve analysis (DCA curve).

Results

The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses of the 43 patients showed that low baseline lymphocyte ratio was an independent risk factor and using granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) early was a protective factor for viral infection after CAR-T therapy in patients with B-ALL and B-NHL. Based on that, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the training cohort and validation cohort was 0.935 (95% CI 0.837-1.000) and 0.869 (95%CI 0.696-1.000), respectively, showing excellent predictive value.

Conclusions

We established a nomogram to predict the factors' influence on viral infection after CAR-T therapy and found that the ratio of baseline lymphocytes and using G-CSF early or lately were able to predict viral infection after CAR-T therapy in r/r B-ALL and B-NHL.

Improving the safety of CAR-T-cell therapy: The risk and prevention of viral infection for patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell lymphoma undergoing CAR-T-cell therapy

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, an innovative immunotherapeutic against relapsed/refractory B-cell lymphoma, faces challenges due to frequent viral infections. Despite this, a comprehensive review addressing risk assessment, surveillance, and treatment management is notably absent. This review elucidates immune response compromises during viral infections in CAR-T recipients, collates susceptibility risk factors, and deliberates on preventive strategies. In the post-pandemic era, marked by the Omicron variant, new and severe threats to CAR-T therapy emerge, necessitating exploration of preventive and treatment measures for COVID-19. Overall, the review provides recommendations for viral infection prophylaxis and management, enhancing CAR-T product safety and recipient survival.

Managing the Risk of Infection in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in the Era of New Therapies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Patients diagnosed with CLL have an increased susceptibility to infections. Over the years, there has been a shift of the treatment arsenal to an increasing use of chemotherapy-free regimens, particularly small molecule inhibitors. These therapies have proven to be effective and have a favorable toxicity profile. Infections continue to represent a significant complication in the era of novel therapies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies continue to bring new insights into the effects of modern therapies on the immune system. Evidence supporting infection prevention strategies is scarce. We will review the available recommendations to prevent infections in patients with CLL treated with novel therapies. New CLL therapies are broadly adopted in routine practice, requiring optimization of their side effects. Timely prevention, recognition, and treatment of infections should remain an important aspect of the standard management of a patient with CLL.

Mutations in AR or SRD5A2 Genes: Clinical Findings, Endocrine Pitfalls, and Genetic Features of Children with 46,XY DSD

OBJECTIVE

Androgen insensivity syndrome (AIS) and 5α-reductase deficiency (5α-RD) present with indistinguishable phenotypes among the 46,XY disorders of sexual development (DSD) that usually necessitate molecular analyses for the definitive diagnosis in the prepubertal period. The aim was to evaluate the clinical, hormonal and genetic findings of 46,XY DSD patients who were diagnosed as AIS or 5α-RD.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed as AIS or 5α-RD according to clinical and hormonal evaluations were investigated. Sequence variants of steroid 5-α-reductase type 2 were analyzed in cases with testosterone/dihydrotestosterone (T/DHT) ratio of ≥20, whereas the androgen receptor (AR) gene was screened when the ratio was <20. Stepwise analysis of other associated genes were screened in cases with no causative variant found in initial analysis. For statistical comparisons, the group was divided into three main groups and subgroups according to their genetic diagnosis and T/DHT ratios.

RESULTS

A total of 128 DSD patients from 125 non-related families were enrolled. Birth weight SDS and gestational weeks were significantly higher in 5α-RD group than in AIS and undiagnosed groups. Completely female phenotype was higher in all subgroups of both AIS and 5α-RD patients than in the undiagnosed subgroups. In those patients with stimulated T/DHT <20 in the prepubertal period, stimulated T/DHT ratio was significantly lower in AIS than in the undiagnosed group, and higher in 5α-RD. Phenotype associated variants were detected in 24% (n=18 AIS, n=14 5α-RD) of the patients, revealing four novel AR variants (c.94G>T, p.Glu32*, c.330G>C, p.Leu110=; c.2084C>T, p.Pro695Leu, c.2585_2592delAGCTCCTG, p.(Lys862Argfs*16), of these c.330G>C with silent status remained undefined in terms of its causative effects.

CONCLUSION

T/DHT ratio is an important hormonal criterion, but in some cases, T/DHT ratio may lead to diagnostic confusion. Molecular diagnosis is important for the robust diagnosis of 46,XY DSD patients. Four novel AR variants were identified in our study.

How I prevent infections in patients receiving CD19-targeted chimeric antigen receptor T cells for B-cell malignancies

Adoptive immunotherapy using B-cell-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells to treat hematologic malignancies is transforming cancer care for patients with refractory or relapsed diseases. Recent and anticipated regulatory approval for products targeting acute lymphoblastic leukemia, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma have led to global implementation of these novel treatments. The rapidity of commercial utilization of CAR-T-cell therapy has created a largely unexplored gap in patient supportive-care approaches. Such approaches are critical in these complex patients given their high net state of immunosuppression prior to CAR-T-cell infusion coupled with unique acute and persistent insults to their immune function after CAR-T-cell infusion. In this "How I Treat" article, we focus on key questions that arise during 3 phases of management for patients receiving CD19-targeted CAR-T cells: pre CAR-T-cell infusion, immediate post CAR-T-cell infusion, and long-term follow-up. A longitudinal patient case is presented for each phase to highlight fundamental issues including infectious diseases screening, antimicrobial prophylaxis, immunoglobulin supplementation, risk factors for infection, and vaccination. We hope this discussion will provide a framework for institutions and health care providers to formulate their own approach to preventing infections in light of the paucity of data specific to this treatment modality.

Clinical Perspective: Treatment of Aggressive B Cell Lymphomas with FDA-Approved CAR-T Cell Therapies

Large B cell lymphoma (LBCL) is curable with standard chemo-immunotherapy in the majority of cases. However, patients with primary refractory or relapsed disease have historically had limited treatment options. Two gene-modified chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies have now been approved for these indications. The clinical decisions and management surrounding these gene-modified "living drugs" are nuanced and complex. In this article, we discuss the evolving evidence supporting the use of these CAR-T cells, including patient selection, screening procedures, special populations, bridging therapy, lymphodepletion, clinical management, relapse, and follow up.

Recommendations for screening, monitoring, prevention, and prophylaxis of infections in adult and pediatric patients receiving CAR T-cell therapy: a position paper

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is one of the most promising emerging treatments for B-cell malignancies. Recently, two CAR T-cell products (axicabtagene ciloleucel and tisagenlecleucel) have been approved for patients with aggressive B-cell lymphoma and acute lymphoblastic leukemia; many other CAR-T constructs are in research for both hematological and non-hematological diseases. Most of the patients receiving CAR-T therapy will develop fever at some point after infusion, mainly due to cytokine release syndrome (CRS). The onset of CRS is often indistinguishable from an infection, which makes management of these patients challenging. In addition to the lymphodepleting chemotherapy and CAR T cells, the treatment of complications with corticosteroids and/or tocilizumab increases the risk of infection in these patients. Data regarding incidence, risk factors and prevention of infections in patients receiving CAR-T cell therapy are scarce. To assist in patient care, a multidisciplinary team from hospitals designated by the Spanish Ministry of Health to perform CAR-T therapy prepared these recommendations. We reviewed the literature on the incidence, risk factors, and management of infections in adult and pediatric patients receiving CAR-T cell treatment. Recommendations cover different areas: monitoring and treatment of hypogammaglobulinemia, prevention, prophylaxis, and management of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections as well as vaccination prior and after CAR-T cell therapy.