Evandro Bezerra, MD, hematologist and assistant professor at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, leads research focused on improving the outcomes of patients with hematologic malignancies. The study, Real-World Outcomes of Brexucabtagene Autoleucel (brexu-cel) for Relapsed or Refractory (R/R) Adult B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-cell ALL): Evidence from the CIBMTR Registry, delves into the real-world outcomes of brexucabtagene autoleucel, known as brexu-cel, for adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-cell ALL).
Intriguingly, the study reveals that a substantial 91% of the patients included would have been ineligible for the ZUMA-3 trial. This raises important questions about the current eligibility criteria for brexu-cel and the potential for broadening these criteria. Evandro Bezerra, MD, is poised to discuss how these findings align with observed response and safety outcomes, shedding light on the implications for expanding brexu-cel’s application in the treatment of adult patients with B-cell ALL.
The study showcases a remarkable 76% overall complete response (CR)/complete response with incomplete hematologic recovery (CRi) rate by Day 100 post-infusion and a 6-month relapse-free survival of 53%. Evandro Bezerra, MD, will offer insights into how these outcomes compare with expectations based on the ZUMA-3 trial and the potential influence on real-world treatment decisions for patients with B-cell ALL.
The safety profile of brexu-cel takes center stage in this research, with Grade ≥3 cytokine release syndrome (CRS) occurring in 9% and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) in 24% of patients. Evandro Bezerra, MD, will elucidate the management strategies employed for these adverse events, providing valuable insights into the clinical significance of CRS and ICANS in the context of brexu-cel therapy for B-cell ALL. This exploration contributes significantly to the holistic understanding of brexu-cel’s safety and efficacy, paving the way for improved patient care.