New Analyses Presented at ASH 2023 Support the Potential Long-Term Response and Safety of Kite’s Tecartus® in Patients With Aggressive Blood Cancers
- Tecartus has shown a median overall survival (OS) of 46.4 months in patients with relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma (R/R MCL).
- Real-world evidence (RWE) demonstrates the effectiveness of Tecartus in adult patients with R/R MCL and R/R B-ALL, with complete response rates of 81% and 84% for high-risk features.
- The real-world findings from the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) observational database show consistent outcomes for Tecartus among a broader range of patients.
- None.
– At Almost Four Years of Follow-up in the Pivotal ZUMA-2 Study, Median Overall Survival was 46.4 Months, Supporting Long-Term Response in Adult Patients with Relapsed/Refractory (R/R) Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) –
– Real-World Evidence (RWE) Shows Effectiveness in Adult R/R MCL with a Complete Response Rate of
– RWE Also Shows a Complete Remission/CRi Rate of
An analysis from ZUMA-2 showing that patients who received early versus late intervention for management of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurological events experienced improved safety outcomes was also presented in a poster session (Abstract #2120).
In addition, real-world findings on effectiveness and safety outcomes from the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) observational database of
“The clinical results and real-world evidence presented at ASH clearly support the potential for long-term response and safety of Tecartus in aggressive blood cancers for which patients have limited treatment options,” said Frank Neumann, MD, PhD, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Clinical Development, Kite. “We are particularly encouraged that the real-world evidence demonstrates consistent outcomes for Tecartus among a broader range of patients.”
Detailed Information on Tecartus Abstracts:
(Abstract #106)
Outcomes of Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma (R/R MCL) Treated with Brexucabtagene Autoleucel (Brexu-cel) in ZUMA-2 and ZUMA-18, an Expanded Access Study
At a median follow-up of 47.5 months in all 68 patients with R/R MCL who had previously received anthracycline or bendamustine-containing chemotherapy; an anti CD20 antibody; and a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi; ibrutinib or acalabrutinib); and were treated with Tecartus in the pivotal ZUMA-2 study, median OS was 46.4 months with 30 patients (
Efficacy and safety outcomes for 23 patients with R/R MCL enrolled in ZUMA-18, a multicenter, open-label, expanded-access study of Tecartus, were also presented. With a median follow-up of 33.5 months, the investigator-assessed objective response rate (ORR) was
At data cutoff,
“Consistent with ZUMA-2 findings, which showed a median overall survival of 46.4 months in patients with a complete response, brexu-cel demonstrated a high level of efficacy in relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma patients in the ZUMA-18 expanded-access study, with less serious cytokine release syndrome,” said Andre Goy, MD, ZUMA-2 investigator and Lymphoma Division Chief, John Theurer Cancer Center, Hackensack University Medical Center. “Together, the results of these two studies provide strong support for the continued use of brexu-cel in the relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma setting.”
(Abstract #107)
Real-world Outcomes of Brexucabtagene Autoleucel (Brexu-cel) for Relapsed or Refractory (R/R) Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL): A CIBMTR Subgroup Analysis of High-Risk Characteristics
Patients with R/R MCL and TP53 mutation/deletion or high Ki-67 proliferation index (PI) have historically had limited treatment options with dismal outcomes. In a previously presented three-year follow-up of ZUMA-2, outcomes were comparable across various high-risk subgroups, including in patients with TP53 mutation or Ki-67 PI ≥
An analysis of a CIBMTR observational database of R/R MCL patients receiving Tecartus from 84 U.S. centers was presented. With a median follow-up of 12.2 months, CR rates were high among these challenging-to-treat sub-populations:
-
For patients with deletion of TP53/17p (n=44), CR was
84% compared to81% in those without (n=183) -
For patients with Ki-67 PI ≥
50% (n=146), CR was83% vs84% in those with Ki-67 PI <50% (n=111).
Safety endpoints were largely consistent among all subgroups. Prolonged neutropenia and thrombocytopenia occurred more frequently in patients with vs without deletion of TP53/17p (
“These real-world findings suggest that outcomes of brexu-cel treatment, including a high complete response rate, are largely consistent, regardless of ZUMA-2 eligibility or the high-risk feature subgroups analyzed. Although patients without deletion of TP53/17p appeared to have longer overall survival than patients with, the data further demonstrate the safety and durability of response of brexu-cel for patients with relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma, who typically face poor prognoses and have limited treatment options,” said Swetha Kambhampati, MD, lead investigator, City of Hope assistant professor, Division of Lymphoma, Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation.
(Abstract #1029)
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
This real-world evidence study of Tecartus in adult patients with B-ALL examined a CIBMTR registry database of 150 patients across 67 centers in
The assessment found the overall complete remission or complete remission with incomplete hematological recovery (CR/CRi) rate by Day 100 post-infusion was
The OS rate at six months was
“It is encouraging to see that the efficacy and safety outcomes of the largest real-world evidence study of brexu-cel in B-ALL are consistent with the results of the ZUMA-3 study, with high response rates in a broad, actual patient population,” said Evandro Bezerra, MD, lead investigator, hematology specialist, Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. “These findings further build our confidence in the role of brexu-cel in treating adult patients with B-ALL, including those living with high-risk comorbidities and other factors that make treatment particularly challenging.”
About ZUMA-2
ZUMA-2 is a single-arm, international multicenter (US and
About ZUMA-18
The
About Mantle Cell Lymphoma
MCL is a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that arises from cells originating in the “mantle zone” of the lymph node and predominantly affects men over the age of 60. Approximately 33,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with MCL each year. MCL is highly aggressive following relapse, with many patients’ disease progressing following therapy.
About Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
ALL is an aggressive and rare type of blood cancer that can also involve the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, central nervous system and other organs, and is very challenging to treat. In adults, B-ALL is the most common form, accounting for
About Tecartus
Please see full FDA Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide.
Tecartus is a CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy indicated for the treatment of:
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Adult patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).
This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial. - Adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
BOXED WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME and NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES
- Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), including life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients receiving Tecartus. Do not administer Tecartus to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Treat severe or life-threatening CRS with tocilizumab or tocilizumab and corticosteroids.
- Neurologic toxicities, including life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients receiving Tecartus, including concurrently with CRS or after CRS resolution. Monitor for neurologic toxicities after treatment with Tecartus. Provide supportive care and/or corticosteroids as needed.
- Tecartus is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the Yescarta and Tecartus REMS Program.
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Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), including life-threatening reactions, occurred following treatment with Tecartus. CRS occurred in
92% (72/78) of patients with ALL, including ≥ Grade 3 (Lee grading system) CRS in26% of patients. Three patients with ALL had ongoing CRS events at the time of death. The median time to onset of CRS was five days (range: 1 to 12 days) and the median duration of CRS was eight days (range: 2 to 63 days) for patients with ALL.
Ensure that a minimum of two doses of tocilizumab are available for each patient prior to infusion of Tecartus. Following infusion, monitor patients for signs and symptoms of CRS daily for at least seven days at the certified healthcare facility, and for four weeks thereafter. 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 Events, including those that were fatal or life-threatening, occurred following treatment with Tecartus. Neurologic events occurred in
The most common neurologic events (>
Monitor patients daily for at least seven days for patients with MCL and at least 14 days for patients with ALL at the certified healthcare facility and for four weeks following infusion for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicities and treat promptly.
REMS Program: Because of the risk of CRS and neurologic toxicities, Tecartus is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the Yescarta and Tecartus REMS Program which requires that:
- Healthcare facilities that dispense and administer Tecartus must be enrolled and comply with the REMS requirements. Certified healthcare facilities must have on-site, immediate access to tocilizumab, and ensure that a minimum of two doses of tocilizumab are available for each patient for infusion within two hours after Tecartus infusion, if needed for treatment of CRS.
- Certified healthcare facilities must ensure that healthcare providers who prescribe, dispense, or administer Tecartus are trained in the management of CRS and neurologic toxicities. Further information is available at www.YescartaTecartusREMS.com or 1-844-454-KITE (5483).
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may occur due to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or residual gentamicin in Tecartus.
Severe Infections: Severe or life-threatening infections occurred in patients after Tecartus infusion. Infections (all grades) occurred in
Febrile neutropenia was observed in
In immunosuppressed patients, life-threatening and fatal opportunistic infections have been reported. The possibility of rare infectious etiologies (e.g., fungal and viral infections such as HHV-6 and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy) should be considered in 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. 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 Tecartus infusion. In patients with MCL, Grade 3 or higher cytopenias not resolved by Day 30 following Tecartus infusion occurred in
Hypogammaglobulinemia: B cell aplasia and hypogammaglobulinemia can occur in patients receiving treatment with Tecartus. Hypogammaglobulinemia was reported in
The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines during or following Tecartus treatment has not been studied. Vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended for at least six weeks prior to the start of lymphodepleting chemotherapy, during Tecartus treatment, and until immune recovery following treatment with Tecartus.
Secondary Malignancies may develop. Monitor life-long for secondary malignancies. In the event that one 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 Tecartus infusion. Advise patients to refrain from driving and engaging in hazardous activities, such as operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery, during this period.
Adverse Reactions: The most common non-laboratory adverse reactions (≥
Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide.
About CIBMTR
The Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research is a nonprofit research collaboration between the NMDP/Be The Match, in
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 and cancer. Gilead operates in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters 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 Tecartus; the possibility that Gilead and Kite may make a strategic decision to discontinue development of programs for indications currently under evaluation and, as a result, such indications may never be successfully commercialized; the risk that physicians may not see the benefits of prescribing Tecartus; and any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. These and other risks, uncertainties and factors are described in detail in Gilead’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, as filed with the
Kite, the Kite logo, Tecartus, XLP and GILEAD are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies.
For more information about Kite, please visit the company’s website at www.kitepharma.com or call Gilead Public Affairs at 1-800-GILEAD-5 or 1-650-574-3000. Follow Kite on social media on X (@KitePharma) and LinkedIn.
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Jacquie Ross, Investors
investor_relations@gilead.com
Meaghan Smith, Gilead Media
msmith@gilead.com
Anna Padula, Kite Media
apadula@kitepharma.com
Source: Gilead Sciences, Inc.
FAQ
What are the results of the ZUMA-2 study for Tecartus in patients with relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma (R/R MCL)?
What are the real-world evidence (RWE) findings for Tecartus in R/R MCL and R/R B-ALL patients?
What are the safety outcomes of Tecartus in R/R MCL and R/R B-ALL patients?
What do the real-world outcomes of Tecartus in R/R MCL patients with high-risk characteristics show?