The Role of Advisory Committees in Bureaucratic Oversight: The Case of AGAC

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Banks Miller ◽  
Brett Curry ◽  
Joshua B. Kennedy
Blood ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 130 (Suppl_1) ◽  
pp. 886-886
Author(s):  
Partow Kebriaei ◽  
Matthias Stelljes ◽  
Daniel J. DeAngelo ◽  
Nicola Goekbuget ◽  
Hagop M. Kantarjian ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Attaining complete remission (CR) prior to HSCT is associated with better outcomes post-HSCT. Inotuzumab ozogamicin (INO), an anti-CD22 antibody conjugated to calicheamicin, has shown significantly higher remission rates (CR/CRi and MRD negativity) compared with standard chemotherapy (SC) in patients (pts) with R/R ALL (Kantarjian et al. N Engl J Med. 2016). Pts treated with INO were more likely to proceed to HSCT than SC, which allowed for a higher 2-yr probability of overall survival (OS) than patients receiving SC (39% vs 29%). We investigated the role of prior transplant and proceeding directly to HSCT after attaining remission from INO administration as potential factors in determining post-HSCT survival to inform when best to use INO in R/R ALL patients. Methods: The analysis population consisted of R/R ALL pts who were enrolled and treated with INO and proceeded to allogeneic HSCT as part of two clinical trials: Study 1010 is a Phase 1/2 trial (NCT01363297), while Study 1022 is the pivotal randomized Phase 3 (NCT01564784) trial. Full details of methods for both studies have been previously published (DeAngelo et al. Blood Adv. 2017). All reference to OS pertains to post-HSCT survival defined as time from HSCT to death from any cause. Results: As of March 2016, out of 236 pts administered INO in the two studies (Study 1010, n=72; Study 1022, n=164), 101 (43%) proceeded to allogeneic HSCT and were included in this analysis. Median age was 37 y (range 20-71) with 55% males. The majority of pts received INO as first salvage treatment (62%) and 85% had no prior SCT. Most pts received matched HSCTs (related = 25%; unrelated = 45%) with peripheral blood as the predominant cell source (62%). The conditioning regimens were mainly myeloablative regimens (60%) and predominantly TBI-based (62%). Dual alkylators were used in 13% of pts, while thiotepa was used in 8%. The Figure shows post-transplant survival in the different INO populations: The median OS post-HSCT for all pts (n=101) who received INO and proceeded to HSCT was 9.2 mos with a 2-yr survival probability of 41% (95% confidence interval [CI] 31-51%). In patients with first HSCT (n=86) the median OS post-HSCT was 11.8 mos with a 2-yr survival probability of 46% (95% CI 35-56%). Of note, some patients lost CR while waiting for HSCT and had to receive additional treatments before proceeding to HSCT (n=28). Those pts who went directly to first HSCT after attaining remission with no intervening additional treatment (n=73) fared best, with median OS post-HSCT not reached with a 2-yr survival probability of 51% (95% CI 39-62%). In the latter group, 59/73 (80%) attained MRD negativity, and 49/73 (67%) were in first salvage therapy. Of note, the post-HSCT 100-day survival probability was similar among the 3 groups, as shown in the Table. Multivariate analyses using Cox regression modelling confirmed that MRD negativity during INO treatment and no prior HSCT were associated with lower risk of mortality post-HSCT. Other prognostic factors associated with worse OS included older age, higher baseline LDH, higher last bilirubin measurement prior to HSCT, and use of thiotepa. Veno-occlusive disease post-transplant was noted in 19 of the 101 pts who received INO. Conclusion: Administration of INO in R/R ALL pts followed with allogeneic HSCT provided the best long-term survival benefit among those who went directly to HSCT after attaining remission and had no prior HSCT. Disclosures DeAngelo: Glycomimetics: Research Funding; Incyte: Consultancy, Honoraria; Blueprint Medicines: Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.: Honoraria; Shire: Honoraria; Pfizer Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy; ARIAD: Consultancy, Research Funding; Immunogen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding. Kantarjian: Novartis: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Delta-Fly Pharma: Research Funding; Bristol-Meyers Squibb: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; ARIAD: Research Funding. Advani: Takeda/ Millenium: Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy. Merchant: Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding. Stock: Amgen: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Wang: Pfizer: Employment, Equity Ownership. Zhang: Pfizer: Employment, Equity Ownership. Loberiza: Pfizer: Employment, Equity Ownership. Vandendries: Pfizer: Employment, Equity Ownership. Marks: Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau.


Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 41-42
Author(s):  
Cristina Panaroni ◽  
Keertik Fulzele ◽  
Tomoaki Mori ◽  
Chukwuamaka Onyewadume ◽  
Noopur S. Raje

Multiple myeloma (MM) originates in the bone marrow where adipocytes occupy 65% of the cellular volume in a typical myeloma patient. Cancer associated adipocytes support the initiation, progression, and survival of solid tumors via mechanisms including adipokine secretion, modulation of the tumor microenvironment, and metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells. Although MM cells are surrounded by abundant bone marrow adipocytes (BMAd), the nature of their interaction remains unclear. Recent studies have elucidated the role of BMAds in supporting the survival of MM cells, in part, through secreted adiponectin. Increased fatty acid (FA) metabolism may result in metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells impacting their growth and survival. Here, we hypothesize that MM cells extract FA from adipocytes for their growth. We first characterized mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from MGUS, smoldering MM (SMM), and newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) patients by flow cytometry analysis. MSCs showed significant increase in Pref1, leptin receptor and perilipin A, suggesting increased adipogenic commitment. MSCs from healthy donors (HD), MGUS, SMM, and NDMM patients were induced to differentiate into adipocytes and then co-cultured with human MM MM.1S cells. After 72 hr of co-culture, CyQUANT assay demonstrated significant increase in proliferation of MM.1S cells in the presence of BMAd from HD; this was further increased in the presence of BMAd from MGUS/SMM and NDMM. These data suggest that the BMAd support the growth of MM cells and this effect is more pronounced in patient derived BMAd. A PCR-array targeting lipid metabolism on BM fat aspirates showed significant deregulation of genes involved in FA synthesis and lipolysis. Taken together, our data suggest that BMAd in MM patients are altered to further support the aggressive expansion of MM cells. The proliferative-supportive role of adipocytes was further validated in co-culture of OP9 murine BM stromal preadipocytes with 5TGM1 murine MM cells. To study the bidirectional interaction of MM/ BMAd, mature OP9 adipocytes were co-cultured with 5TGM1 or human OPM2 MM cells for 24 hr. Intracellular lipid droplets were labelled with Deep Red LipidTox stain. The lipid droplet sizes were significantly decreased in the presence of both 5TGM1 and OPM2 cells compared to OP9 alone. The decrease in lipid size suggested that MM cells may induce lipolysis in adipocytes. Indeed, 24hr co-culture of 5TGM1 cells with OP9 mature adipocytes significantly increased lipolysis 3-fold as measured by glycerol secretion in conditioned media. Co-culture of OP9 adipocytes with other MM cell lines of human origin, MM.1S, INA6, KMS-12 PE, and OPM2 also significantly increased the glycerol production as much as 4-fold. Taken together these data indicate that MM cells induce lipolysis in adipocytes. In contrast, treatment of 5TGM1 cells with synthetic catecholamine isoproterenol did not induce lipolysis, or glycerol production, indicating lack of triglyceride storage. Next, we hypothesized that the free FAs released from adipocytes are taken up by MM cells for various biological processes. To test this, 5TGM1, MM.1S and OPM2 cells were incubated with BODIPY-C12 and BODIPY-C16, the BODIPY-fluorophore labelled 12-carbon and 16-carbon long chain FA. All MM cells showed saturated uptake of the FA within 10 minutes suggesting that MM cells have efficient FA transporters. To confirm this uptake, unstained 5TGM1, OPM2 and KMS12 PE cells were co-cultured with the LipidTox-labelled OP9 mature adipocytes. After 24 hours, flow cytometric analysis showed LipidTox signal in MM cells. These data demonstrate that FAs released by MM induced adipocyte lipolysis are taken up by MM cells. Long-chain FAs such as BODIPY-C12 and BODIPY-C16 are transported into cells through FA transporter protein (FATP) family of lipid transporters. We therefore analyzed patient samples which showed that CD138+ plasmacells and myeloma cells expressed high levels of FATP1 and FATP4 whereas, their expression was absent in lineage-sibling T-cells. Moreover, pretreatment with Lipofermata, a FATP inhibitor, was able to decrease the uptake of BODIPY-C12 and -C16 in 5TGM1 cells. Taken together, our data show that myeloma cells induce lipolysis in adipocytes and the released free FAs are then uptaken by myeloma cells through FATPs. Inhibiting myeloma cell induced lipolysis or uptake of FA through FATPs may be a potential anti-tumor strategy. Disclosures Fulzele: FORMA Therapeutics, Inc: Current Employment, Other: Shareholder of Forma Therapeutics. Raje:Amgen: Consultancy; bluebird bio: Consultancy, Research Funding; Caribou: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Immuneel: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Immuneel: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Karyopharm: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy.


Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 2898-2898
Author(s):  
Vania Phuoc ◽  
Leidy Isenalumhe ◽  
Hayder Saeed ◽  
Celeste Bello ◽  
Bijal Shah ◽  
...  

Introduction: 2-[18F] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) remains the standard of care for baseline and end of treatment scans for aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs). However, the role of interim FDG-PET remains not as well defined across aggressive NHLs, especially in the era of high-intensity chemoimmunotherapy. Interim FDG-PET (iPET) can serve as an early prognostic tool, and prior studies evaluating the utility of iPET-guided treatment strategies primarily focused on diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) and frontline R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone). Classification criteria systems assessing response also differ between studies with no clear consensus between use of Deauville criteria (DC), International Harmonization Project (IHP), and the ΔSUVmax method. Methods: This study evaluates our institutional experience with iPET during treatment with DA-EPOCH ± R (dose-adjusted etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin with or without Rituximab) in aggressive NHLs. We retrospectively evaluated 70 patients at Moffitt Cancer Center who started on DA-EPOCH ± R between 1/1/2014 to 12/31/2018 for aggressive NHLs. Response on interim and end-of-treatment (EOT) scans were graded per DC, IHP, and ΔSUVmax methods, and progression free survival (PFS) probability estimates were calculated with chi-square testing and Kaplan Meier method. PFS outcomes were compared between interim negative and positive scans based on each scoring method. Outcomes were also compared between groups based on interim versus EOT positive or negative scans. Results: We identified 70 patients with aggressive NHLs who received DA-EPOCH ± R at our institute. The most common diagnoses were DLBCL (61%) followed by Burkitt's lymphoma (10%), primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (9%), plasmablastic lymphoma (7%), gray zone lymphoma (6%), primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphoma (1%), primary effusion lymphoma (1%), and other high-grade NHL not otherwise specified (3%). Of the 43 patients with DLBCL, 21/43 (49%) had double hit lymphoma (DHL) while 7/43 (16%) had triple hit lymphoma (THL), and 3/43 (7%) had MYC-rearranged DLBCL while 2/43 (5%) had double expressor DLBCL. Thirty nine out of 70 (56%) were female, and median age at diagnosis was 58.39 years (range 22.99 - 86.86 years). Most patients had stage IV disease (49/70, 70%), and 43/70 (61%) had more than one extranodal site while 45/70 (64%) had IPI score ≥ 3. Forty-six out of 70 (66%) received central nervous system prophylaxis, most with intrathecal chemotherapy (44/70, 63%). Fifty-five out of 70 (79%) had iPET available while 6/70 (9%) had interim computerized tomography (CT) scans. Fifty-six out of 70 (80%) had EOT PET, and 4/70 (6%) had EOT CT scans. Sustained complete remission occurred in 46/70 (66%) after frontline DA-EPOCH ± R (CR1), and 12/70 (17%) were primary refractory while 5/70 (7%) had relapse after CR1. Four of 70 (6%) died before cycle 3, and 3/70 (4%) did not have long-term follow-up due to transition of care elsewhere. Median follow-up was 15.29 months (range 0.85 - 60.09 months). There was significantly better PFS observed if iPET showed DC 1-3 compared to DC 4-5 (Χ2=5.707, p=0.0169), and PFS was better if iPET was negative by IHP criteria (Χ2=4.254, p=0.0392) or ΔSUVmax method (Χ2=6.411, p=0.0113). Comparing iPET to EOT PET, there was significantly better PFS if iPET was negative with EOT PET negative (iPET-/EOT-) compared to iPET positive with EOT negative (iPET+/EOT-), and iPET+/EOT+ and iPET-/EOT+ had worse PFS after iPET-/EOT- and iPET+/EOT- respectively. This pattern in iPET/EOT PFS probability remained consistent when comparing DC (Χ2=30.041, p<0.0001), IHP (Χ2=49.078, p<0.0001), and ΔSUVmax method (Χ2=9.126, p=0.0104). These findings fit clinical expectations with positive EOT scans indicating primary refractory disease. There was no significant difference in PFS when comparing DLBCL versus non-DLBCL (Χ2=3.461, p=0.0628) or DHL/THL versus non-DHL/THL diagnoses (Χ2=2.850, p=0.0914). Conclusion: Our findings indicate a prognostic role of iPET during treatment with DA-EPOCH ± R for aggressive NHLs. Significant differences in PFS were seen when graded by DC, IHP, and ΔSUVmax methods used in prior studies and when comparing interim versus EOT response. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings. Disclosures Bello: Celgene: Speakers Bureau. Shah:Novartis: Honoraria; AstraZeneca: Honoraria; Spectrum/Astrotech: Honoraria; Adaptive Biotechnologies: Honoraria; Pharmacyclics: Honoraria; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Kite/Gilead: Honoraria; Celgene/Juno: Honoraria. Sokol:EUSA: Consultancy. Chavez:Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Speakers Bureau; Genentech: Speakers Bureau; Kite Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.


Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 22-23
Author(s):  
Albert Jang ◽  
Hussein Hamad ◽  
Sarvari Venkata Yellapragada ◽  
Iberia R. Sosa ◽  
Gustavo A. Rivero

Background: Conventional risk factors for inferior outcomes in polycythemia vera (PV) include elevated hematocrit, white blood cell (WBC) count, age, and abnormal karyotype. Weight loss adversely impacts survival in cancer patients. JAK2 myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) upregulate tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-8 and induce decreased leptin levels leading to weight loss. The impact of weight loss in PV patients receiving best supportive care (i.e. frontline hydroxyurea [HU] therapy, phlebotomy) on overall survival (OS) is largely unknown. In this study, we seek to investigate: (1) differential effect on survival for weight loss, and (2) variables with predictive value for weight loss among JAK2 inhibitor-naïve PV patients. Methods: After IRB approval, 46 patients at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center diagnosed with PV between 2000 and 2016 were selected for analysis. Our outcome of interest was OS among PV patients exhibiting weight loss versus patients who maintained, gained weight or had minor weight loss. To objectively estimate weight changes overtime, the difference between baseline BMI [BMI-B] at the time of diagnosis and BMI at last follow-up (BMI-L) was obtained for each patient. Survival analysis was performed for PV patients exhibiting more than 10% weight loss (&gt;10%) versus all other patients (less than 10% loss, stable and increased weight) (&lt;10%) over time. Kaplan-Meier (KM) method was used to determine OS. Cox regression model was performed to assess independent role of different variables including age, blood cell counts and ferritin level Statistical analysis was performed using SAS software. Results: Median BMI loss was 10% (0.03-36.72%); 33/46 (71.7%) and 13/46 (28.2%) patients developed &lt;10% and &gt;10% BMI loss, respectively. Baseline characteristics are summarized in Table 1. Median BMI at last follow up was 21 for PV patients exhibiting &gt;10% BMI loss and 27.7 for PV patients exhibiting &lt;10% BMI loss (p&lt;0.01). Median age was higher among patients exhibiting &gt;10% BMI loss (68 vs 56 y, respectively, p=0.006). A non-significant clinical trend for higher WBC was observed among patients losing &gt;10% BMI (10.9 vs 7.6 K/uL, p=0.08). Median Hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct) and ferritin were intriguingly lower in the &gt;10% loss group at 16 vs 18.3 g/dL (p=0.01), 49.3 vs 54.2% (p=0.04) and 29.8 vs 50.6 ng/mL (p=0.09) respectively, while median RDW was higher at 18 vs 15.1% (p=0.01). OS was 9125 days vs 5364 days, in patients with &lt;10% and &gt;10% BMI loss, respectively (p=0.02, HR=0.20; CI 95% 0.04-0.84) (Figure 1). On multivariate analysis, age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.34; p&lt;0.02) and WBC count (HR, 1.57; p&lt;0.01), were predictive of OS. Conclusions: A subgroup of PV patients exhibit progressive weight loss. Over 10% BMI reduction is associated with decreased survival, suggesting that "early weight loss" is an independent clinical variable that predicts high risk PV. While a larger study is needed to validate this observation, this small study highlights the role of leukocytosis, advanced age and weight loss in PV. Confirmation of the observations reported here could unveil an important role for pharmacologic and/or dietary interventions to improve survival among high-risk PV patients. Disclosures Rivero: agios: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.


2002 ◽  
Vol 4 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
Linda M. P. Gondim

Este trabalho discute aspectos dos processos decisórios do Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), relativos à concessão de bolsas de Produtividade em Pesquisa. Aborda o papel dos Comitês de Assessoramento e dos consultores ad hoc, considerando os critérios para a classificação de pesquisadores em níveis (1 e 2) e categorias (C, B e A), a partir da análise da produção científica nas áreas de Ciências Humanas e Sociais Aplicadas, registrada no Diretório dos Grupos de Pesquisa de 2002. Discute-se o formulário utilizado por consultores ad hoc, apontando-se a necessidade de uma melhor explicitação de critérios avaliativos de projetos de pesquisa, a fim de se obter decisões pautadas por maior rigor e objetividade.Palavras-chave: avaliação; fomento à pesquisa; pesquisa urbana. Abstract: This paper discusses aspects of evaluation processes concerning the concession of research grants by CNPq (Brazil’s funding agency for scientific research and technology). It approaches the role of advisory committees and ad hoc consultants, considering criteria applied to classify researchers in different ranks (1 and 2) and categories (C, B, and A). The discussion of this classificatory system is based on the analysis of researchers’ scientific production presented in the Directory of Research Groups, published in 2002. An analysis of the form used by ad hoc consultants is also presented, pointing out the need for spelling out the criteria applied to assess research proposals, in order to reach more rigorous and objective decisions. Keywords: evaluation; research funding; urban research. 


Author(s):  
Julie Neal

The demand for accountability and measurement regarding educational programs in community colleges makes the decision-making process of advisory committees more important than ever. The role of the advisory committee for educational workforce programs is changing, and becoming increasingly necessary, due to legislative actions and consistent changes in the workforce. Business, industry, and higher-education institutions are adapting programs to fit thriving regional economies, and calling upon advisory committees to make major decisions within their organizations. Perceptions of and experiences with the decision-making processes that educational practitioners and workforce advisory-committee members utilize to make informed decisions for workforce-education programs are vital to their success. This chapter reveals the best practices that business and industry use to make informed decisions, including how to utilize those practices to include educational entities.


Author(s):  
Julie Neal

The advisory committee represents the institution, as the voice of the department, utilizing effective practices and strategies in decision-making. Because workforce education is technical and complex in nature, experienced and knowledgeable industry-based individuals are needed to advise, guide, and make decisions to achieve optimum outcomes. Key individuals have the ability to influence a group to achieve a common goal. The members have established respect and trust among the stakeholders, and are better prepared to handle the leadership roles and achieve results for the committee. The committee focuses on equal representation and balance; decision-making process; and acting as the voice of the project. This chapter focuses on the role of advisory committees. The chapter will also concentrate on the characteristics that comprise an advisory committee, and address identifying the most effective members to include on a committee.


Author(s):  
Julie Neal

This chapter benefits various individuals and organizations, including community colleges and programs leading to higher education and the workforce. Community colleges, workforce programs, business, and industry utilize advisory committees. Whether they meet in a formal or an informal setting, the benefit of their input is critical to program success. The workforce is strategic and innovative when it uses collaborative partnerships to provide individuals in communities with training and retraining to compete in a changing workforce. This information helps institutions use advisory committees to the fullest to bring about negotiations and partnerships to advance skills for workers. This chapter focuses on the role of advisory committees in workforce education. Those who can benefit from the information presented include committee development officers, business/industry professionals, administrators, and workforce-education specialists. The collaborative nature of the partnerships within workforce-education programs creates opportunities to benefit professionals in a variety of specializations.


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 3863-3863
Author(s):  
Ming Yu ◽  
Tali Mazor ◽  
Hui Huang ◽  
Emily Huang ◽  
Katie Kathrein ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 3863 The transcription factor Runx1 is required for the generation of all definitive hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), and for normal megakaryocyte, lymphocyte and granulocyte terminal maturation. Runx1 and its cofactor CBF-β are also the most common targets of chromosomal translocations in human leukemias. Somatic and germline point mutations in Runx1 occur in myelodysplastic syndrome and undifferentiated leukemias, and are associated with a poor prognosis. Despite the key roles that Runx1 plays in normal and malignant hematopoiesis, its transcriptional mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In this study, we purified Runx1 containing multiprotein complexes from megakaryocytic cells and identified several associated chromatin-remodeling complexes, including Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1), NuRD, SWI/SNF and MLL/TrxG. Interactions were validated by independent biochemical assays and demonstrate a direct interaction between Runx1 and the PRC1 component Bmi1. ChIP-seq studies identified a large overlap between Runx1/CBF-β and Ring1b (another PRC1 core component) occupied sites, with 45% of the peaks at these genes < 200 bp from each other. ShRNA mediated gene knockdown of CBF-β shows differential gene expression of many of the co-occupied genes. Among the direct CBF-β/Ring1b co-occupied targets are other key hematopoietic transcription factors including FOG-1, SCL and Lyl1, and a number of cell adhesion related genes. ShRNA knockdown of Ring1b impairs megakaryocyte endomitosis, partially phenocopying Runx1 deficient megakaryocytes. Morpholino mediated knockdown of Ring1b or Bmi1 in zebrafish embryos reduces the number of phenotypic definitive HSCs, also partially phenocopying Runx1 morphants. We also show that Runx1/CBF-β interact with Ring1b in the human T cell line Jurkat, and that Ring1b occupies Runx1/CBF-β bound sites of key direct target genes in primary murine thymocytes, including CD4, TCRβ, and Th-POK. Surprisingly, we did not find enrichment for histone 2A monoubiquitination at most of the megakaryocytic and T-lymphocyte co-occupied sites examined, suggesting that PRC1 acts through alternate mechanisms at these genes. Collectively, these data provide evidence for a broad role of PRC1 in Runx1 mediated gene regulation. Disclosures: Zon: FATE, Inc.: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties; Stemgent: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Cantor:Amgen, Inc: Consultancy.


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 42-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Cavo ◽  
Giulia Perrone ◽  
Silvia Buttignol ◽  
Elisabetta Calabrese ◽  
Monica Galli ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 42 We prospectively compared thalidomide-dexamethasone (TD) with bortezomib-thalidomide-dexamethasone (VTD) as induction therapy before, and consolidation after, double autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM). Three 21-d cycles of either VTD (V, 1.3 mg/m2 twice-weekly; T, 200 mg/d through d 1 to 63; D, 320 mg/cycle) or TD were given as induction therapy. Consolidation therapy comprised two 35-d cycles of VTD (V, 1.3 mg/m2 once-weekly; T, 100 mg/d through d 1 to 70; D, 320 mg/cycle) or TD. 474 patients randomized to the VTD (n=236) or TD (n=238) arm were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis for response rate, PFS and OS. Centrally reassessed CR/nCR rate was significantly higher in the VTD compared with the TD arm after all treatment phases, including induction therapy (30% vs 10%, p<0.0001), double autotransplantation (54% vs 42%, p=0.008) and consolidation therapy (60% vs 44%, p=0.001). Best confirmed overall CR/nCR rate was 71% in the VTD arm compared with 52% in the TD arm (p<0.0001); the corresponding values for VGPR or better were 89% vs 72%, respectively (p<0.0001). To evaluate the role of consolidation therapy we performed a per-protocol analysis of 323 patients, 161 treated with VTD and 162 with TD. Overall, upgraded responses with VTD and TD as consolidation therapy were observed in 55% vs 37% of patients, respectively (p=0.01; OR:1.15-3.77). Furthermore, the probability to improve responses from less than CR before consolidation to CR after consolidation was 28% with VTD vs 15% with TD (p=0.02; OR:1.07-4.57) (p=0.003 using the Mc Nemar's test). Post-consolidation molecular detection of minimal residual disease was the objective of a substudy; detailed results are reported in a separate abstract. Briefly, both qualitative and quantitative analyses confirmed the statistically significant superiority of VTD over TD in effecting higher rates of molecular remissions and reducing the burden of residual myeloma cells after ASCT. Any grade 3–4 non-hematologic adverse events were 10% with VTD (peripheral neuropathy: 1.3%, skin rash: 0.6%) vs 12% with TD. With a median follow-up of 31 months, median PFS was 42 months in the TD arm and was not yet reached in the VTD arm (44-month projected rate: 61%) (HR: 0.62 [CI: 0.45–0.87], p=0.006). Superior PFS in the VTD vs TD arm was retained across patient subgroups with poor prognosis, including those with t(4;14) and/or del(17p). Randomization to VTD overcome the adverse influence of t(4;14) on PFS (40-month projected rates: 69% vs 67% according to the presence or absence of this abnormality, respectively; p=0.6). By the opposite, in the TD arm corresponding median PFS values were 24.5 vs 41.5 months, respectively (p=0.01). The small numbers of patients with del(17p) in both arms of the study precluded a statistical comparison with del(17p)-negative group. In a multivariate analysis, variables favorably influencing PFS were beta2-m lower than 3.5 mg/L (HR:0.47; p=0.000), absence of t(4;14) and/or del(17p) (HR:0.52; p=0.000), randomization to VTD arm (HR:0.57; p=0.002), attainment of at least VGPR (HR:0.50; p=0.009) and CR (HR:0.8; p=0.01). No statistically significant difference between the overall treatment protocols was seen in terms of OS, although curves seemed to initially diverge after 40 months (44-month projected rates: 84% vs 74% for VTD and TD arms, respectively). A multivariate analysis showed the independent role of absence of t(4;14) and/or del(17p) (HR:0.42; p=0.003), ISS stage1-2 (HR:0.49; p=0.02) and randomization to VTD (HR:0.53; p=0.04) in prolonging OS. When time-dependent CR entered the model, absence of t(4;14) and/or del(17p) and less advanced ISS stage retained their positive prognostic value; attainment of CR (strictly related to VTD randomization) was an additional favorable variable. In conclusion, in comparison with the TD arm of the study, 1) VTD induction emerges as a new standard of care for maximizing the degree and speedy of tumor reduction in preparation for ASCT; 2) VTD consolidation effected significantly higher rates of upgraded responses, including CR, and of molecular remissions; 3) double ASCT incorporating VTD as induction and consolidation therapy resulted in significantly longer PFS, a benefit confirmed in a multivariate regression analysis and maintained in the subgroup of patients with adverse cytogenetic abnormalities. Disclosures: Cavo: Janssen-Cilag: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Millennium Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Off Label Use: Use of bortezomib and thalidomide as induction therapy before, and consolidation after, autologous transplantation in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Baccarani:NOVARTIS: Honoraria; BRISTOL MYERS SQUIBB: Honoraria.


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