Diagnosis and management of immune effector cell-associated enterocolitis after ciltacabtagene autoleucel

Immune effector cell-associated enterocolitis (IEC-EC) has been observed after ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel [Carvykti]) chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy. It is associated with dismal outcomes and is poorly characterized. Here, we examined its clinical features, risk factors, and proposed management strategies. Among the 229 consecutive patients who received cilta-cel at Mayo Clinic, 9 (3.9%) presented with a nonresolving, nonbloody, grade 3 diarrhea, often requiring prolonged total parenteral nutrition. Gastrointestinal coinfections were seen in most patients. Median time from CAR-T infusion to symptom onset was 85 days (range, 35-166), and there appeared to be a latency from symptom onset to endoscopic evaluation. Histopathology findings resembling a graft-versus-host disease pattern of mucosal injury were most seen on duodenal biopsies, whereas 2 cases had patterns akin to a T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (1 CD4+ and 1 CD8+). Independent associated factors for IEC-EC included high-risk disease as defined by the International Myeloma Society and International Myeloma Working Group, prolonged cytokine release syndrome, and antecedent delayed neurotoxicity. Response to first-line therapy comprising IV or oral corticosteroids, bile acid sequestrants, IV immunoglobulin, and antimicrobial-directed therapy was poor, with no durable responses. Biologic therapy appeared to induce durable responses in 3 of the 5 patients (2/2 vedolizumab; 1/3 infliximab); none of the responders had gastrointestinal coinfection. Early gastroenterology input for endoscopic evaluation with the inclusion of duodenal biopsy is a key component for diagnosis. Early institution of biologic therapy after failure of a short course of corticosteroids should be considered.