scholarly journals Immunogenomic Exploration of the Acute Myeloid Leukemia Microenvironment Identifies Determinants of T-Cell Fitness

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 2750-2750
Author(s):  
Lauren K. Brady ◽  
David Soong ◽  
Evan F. Lind ◽  
Yoko Kosaka ◽  
Adam J. Lamble ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Immune Modulation ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
T Cell Proliferation ◽  
Rna Seq ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
Equity Ownership

Abstract Advances in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) research have shown that the bone marrow microenvironment may distinctly vary across disease subtypes, and that this variation is associated with disease risk and response to conventional therapies. Novel therapies aimed at altering the tumor microenvironment, such as T-cell redirection, CAR-T and checkpoint inhibition, are emerging as promising treatment options for AML patients; however, there remains a critical need to determine how response to immune modulation may vary within different subsets of AML. Thus, in collaboration with the Beat AML Consortium, we carried out comprehensive mass cytometry profiling of patient bone marrow samples of nearly 100 Beat AML subjects and characterized their ex vivo response to several immune modulators. As a complement to this study, we leveraged the Beat AML Consortium dataset (including next-generation sequencing, functional cell-based assays, small molecule screening and clinical information) to investigate connections between disease subtype, immune function and clinical outcome. The mass cytometry time of flight (CyTOF) immune profiling, combined with matched genomic, cytogenetic, and outcome data from the same subjects, provided a unique opportunity to investigate features of the immune environment at single-cell resolution and test for their association with clinical covariates in a large treatment-naïve cohort. Interestingly, flow cytometry analysis of T-cells isolated from patient bone marrow showed a distinct subset of AML subjects with highly proliferative T-cells and a group of AML subjects with non-proliferative T-cells. To characterize molecular determinants of T-cell function in the AML microenvironment, we compared the transcriptional profiles of tumor specimens from subjects within these two groups. The data revealed a distinct set of differentially expressed genes associated with T-cell proliferation; pathway enrichment analysis indicated that these genes were involved in leukocyte migration, inflammation and response to hypoxia. Genes related to immune function were also enriched, likely due to the presence of immune cell infiltrates and stromal cells in addition to tumor cells from the AML specimens used for RNA-Seq. To estimate the extent of immune and stromal cells in the AML bone marrow, we next computed the approximate cellularity of the RNA-Seq samples using the xCell algorithm. The results of this analysis indicated enrichment of several types of immune cells in the RNA-Seq specimens from the proliferator group, including monocytes, neutrophils and activated dendritic cells. These observations were validated by preliminary results of the CyTOF immune cell profiling of the same subjects. Ongoing work is focused on the biological interpretation of CyTOF data collected for these subjects, including evaluating the association of functional marker expression on T-cell and myeloid cell populations with T-cell proliferation. Furthermore, we are exploring the functional impact of variation in T-cell fitness and immune cell composition on response to several immune modulators in a series of ex vivo experiments using Beat AML patient samples. Initial findings suggest that for a subset of patients, low baseline levels of T-cell proliferation did not prevent response to immune modulation. We are interrogating the Beat AML dataset for common molecular features of patients in this responder group. Overall, this study evaluates determinants of immune function and variation within the tumor microenvironment of AML patients to advance current knowledge of AML disease biology and to assess the impact of immune fitness on response to immune modulation. These results will contribute to early target identification and development, and importantly shed light on features of the AML bone marrow environment associated with response to therapy. Disclosures Brady: Janssen R&D: Employment. Soong:Janssen R&D: Employment. Lind:Celgene: Research Funding; Monojul: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Janssen Pharmaceutical R&D: Research Funding; Fluidigm: Honoraria. Schaffer:Janssen Research & Development: Employment, Equity Ownership. Hodkinson:Janssen R&D: Employment. Adams:Janssen Pharmaceutical R&D: Employment. Abraham:Janssen R&D: Employment. Safabakhsh:Janssen R&D: Employment. Tyner:AstraZeneca: Research Funding; Aptose: Research Funding; Array: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Constellation: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Vivid Biosciences: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Druker:Aileron Therapeutics: Consultancy; MolecularMD: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Oregon Health & Science University: Patents & Royalties; Aptose Therapeutics: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Cepheid: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; McGraw Hill: Patents & Royalties; Vivid Biosciences: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; GRAIL: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Blueprint Medicines: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol-Meyers Squibb: Research Funding; ARIAD: Research Funding; Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; ALLCRON: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Third Coast Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Beta Cat: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millipore: Patents & Royalties; Celgene: Consultancy; Gilead Sciences: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Patient True Talk: Consultancy; Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center: Research Funding; Monojul: Consultancy; Henry Stewart Talks: Patents & Royalties. Huang:Janssen R&D: Employment, Equity Ownership.

scholarly journals Increased Early Mortality after Fludarabine and Melphalan Conditioning with Peripheral Blood Grafts in Haploidentical SCT with Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 4496-4496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke Eastburg ◽  
David A. Russler-Germain ◽  
Ramzi Abboud ◽  
Peter Westervelt ◽  
John F. DiPersio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Early Mortality ◽  
Cell Transplant ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
Post Transplant ◽  
Equity Ownership

The use of post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) in the context of haploidentical stem cell transplant (haplo-SCT) has led to drastically reduced rates of Graft-vs-Host (GvH) disease through selective depletion of highly allo-reactive donor T-cells. Early trials utilized a reduced-intensity Flu/Cy/TBI preparative regimen and bone marrow grafts; however, relapse rates remained relatively high (Luznik et al. BBMT. 2008). This led to the increased use of myeloablative (MA) regimens for haplo-SCT, which have been associated with decreased relapse rates (Bashey et al. J Clin Oncol. 2013). Most studies have used a MA total body irradiation (TBI) based regimen for haplo-SCT. Preparative regimens using fludarabine and melphalan (FluMel), with or without thiotepa, ATG, and/or low dose TBI have also been reported using bone marrow grafts. Reports on the safety and toxicity of FluMel in the haplo-SCT setting with PTCy and peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) grafts are lacking. In this two-center retrospective analysis, the safety/toxicity of FluMel as conditioning for haplo-SCT was evaluated. We report increased early mortality and toxicity using standard FluMel conditioning and PBSC grafts for patients undergoing haplo-SCT with PTCy. 38 patients at the University of Rochester Medical Center and the Washington University School of Medicine underwent haplo-SCT with FluMel conditioning and PBSC grafts between 2015-2019. Outcomes were measured by retrospective chart review through July 2019. 34 patients (89.5%) received FluMel(140 mg/m2). Two patients received FluMel(100 mg/m2) and two patients received FluMel(140 mg/m2) + ATG. The median age at time of haplo-SCT was 60 years (range 21-73). 20 patients were transplanted for AML, eight for MDS, two for PMF, two for NHL, and five for other malignancies. The median Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation-specific Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI) score was 4 (≥3 indicates high risk). 11 patients had a history of prior stem cell transplant, and 16 patients had active disease prior to their haplo-SCT. Seven patients had sex mismatch with their stem cell donor. Median donor age was 42 (range 21-71). 20 patient deaths occurred by July 2019 with a median follow up of 244 days for surviving patients. Nine patients died before day +100 (D100, "early mortality"), with a D100 non-relapse mortality (NRM) rate of 24%. Median overall and relapse free survival (OS and RFS, respectively) were 197 days (95% CI 142-not reached) and 180 days (95% CI 141-not reached), respectively, for the entire cohort. The 1 year OS and NRM were 29% and 50%. The incidence of grades 2-4cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was 66%, and 52% of these patients were treated with tocilizumab. CRS was strongly associated with early mortality, with D100 NRM of 36% in patients with grade 2-4 CRS compared to 0% in those with grade 0-1. The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) was 64% in patients with grade 2-4 CRS, and 8% in those without (p < 0.001). 28% of patients with AKI required dialysis. Grade 2-4 CRS was seen in 54% of patients in remission prior to haplo-SCT and in 92% of those with active disease (p = 0.02). Of the 9 patients with early mortality, 89% had AKI, 44% needed dialysis, and 100% had grade 2-4 CRS, compared to 31%, 10%, and 55% in those without early mortality (p = 0.002, p = 0.02, p = 0.01). Early mortality was not significantly associated with age, HCT-CI score, second transplant, disease status at transplant, total dose of melphalan, volume overload/diuretic use, or post-transplant infection. In conclusion, we observed a very high rate of NRM with FluMel conditioning and PBSC grafts for haplo-SCT with PTCy. The pattern of toxicity was strongly associated with grade 2-4 CRS, AKI, and need for dialysis. These complications may be mediated by excessive inflammation in the context of allo-reactive donor T-cell over-activation. Consistent with this, multiple groups have shown that FluMel conditioning in haplo-SCT is safe when using bone marrow or T-cell depleted grafts. Based on our institutional experiences, we would discourage the use of FluMel as conditioning for haplo-SCT with PTCy with T-cell replete PBSC grafts. Alternative regimens or variations on melphalan-based regimens, such as fractionated melphalan dosing or inclusion of TBI may improve outcomes but further study and randomized controlled trials are needed. This study is limited in its retrospective design and sample size. Figure Disclosures DiPersio: WUGEN: Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; Karyopharm Therapeutics: Consultancy; Magenta Therapeutics: Equity Ownership; Celgene: Consultancy; Cellworks Group, Inc.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; NeoImmune Tech: Research Funding; Amphivena Therapeutics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Bioline Rx: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Macrogenics: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Consultancy, Research Funding; RiverVest Venture Partners Arch Oncology: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Liesveld:Onconova: Other: Data safety monitoring board; Abbvie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

scholarly journals Flotetuzumab (FLZ), an Investigational CD123 x CD3 Bispecific Dart® Protein-Induced Clustering of CD3+ T Cells and CD123+ AML Cells in Bone Marrow Biopsies Is Associated with Response to Treatment in Primary Refractory AML Patients

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 1410-1410 ◽  
Author(s):  
John E. Godwin ◽  
Carmen Ballesteros-Merino ◽  
Nikhil Lonberg ◽  
Shawn Jensen ◽  
Tarsem Moudgil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Advisory Board ◽  
Employment Equity ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
Equity Ownership ◽  
Refractory Aml

Introduction The infiltration of immune cells into tumors has been associated with therapeutic effects in preclinical models and patients with cancer. In AML, we have previously reported that immune infiltrated TME is predictive of failure to cytotoxic chemotherapy, but associated with response to immunotherapy, specifically FLZ (Uy ASH 2018, Rutella ASH 2018). Furthermore, FLZ also affects immune infiltration in the TME (Rutella ASH 2018). NK cells play an important role in AML control (Ruggieri Science 2012). FLZ (MGD006/S80880) is a humanized DART® molecule that bridges CD123 on AML with CD3 on T cells and mediates anticancer activity via T-cell activation and cytolytic activity against the bound cancer cell. While this is well described in vitro, little evidence of this interaction is available in vivo. Methods Patients (pts) were treated on the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of FLZ (multi-step lead-in dose followed by 500ng/kg/day, in 28-day cycles). We studied the bone marrow (BM) tissue samples for 6 primary refractory pts at baseline and after treatment. Response assessment was performed at day 25±3 days of each cycle. Serial BM samples were evaluated using 2 different staining panels (PD-L1, FoxP3, CD8, CD3, CD103 / CD123, CD3, CD57, CD16) on consecutive slides. Slides were stained using a Leica BondRx autostainer and fluorescence imaged using a Polaris Vectra 3 and analyzed using inForm software. A density-based clustering algorithm developed and run in QuPath was used to quantify CD3+ T cell clusters. Results Six pts with primary refractory AML were included in this report. Pts were heavily pretreated (median prior lines of therapy was 3, range 2-9), and had adverse cytogenetic risk (ELN 2017). Three pts had a complete remission (CR) after 1 cycle of therapy (CR, CRh, CRi), two went on the receive allogeneic stem cell transplant (HSCT). In baseline BM samples, CD3 and CD8 cell infiltrates were higher in CR vs non-responders (CD3+ 18.3% ±6.9 vs 9.3% ±1.8; CD8+ 9.4% ±3.5 vs 4.8% ±1.2; mean±SEM). Two of the three CR patients, who underwent HSCT, developed clusters (Figure 1) in their on-treatment biopsies with 65 and 22 clusters of an average of 34 and 17 T cells per cluster, respectively. All clusters in CR pts were found on or adjacent to CD123+ cells. The BM biopsy of the CR pt with no detected clusters had no unequivocal evidence of residual/recurrent leukemic blasts. This pt had their dose interrupted early due to non-treatment related AE (infectious complication) and did not receive a full cycle of treatment; the response was transient and the pt relapsed shortly thereafter. NK cells (CD57+CD16+) were increased in post treatment biopsies of CR vs non-responders (0.93 ±0.31 vs 0.27 ±0.13; mean±SEM) with the largest fold increase in CR (28 vs 9). Lastly, post treatment biopsy PD-L1 expression was higher in non-responders than CR (23% vs 16%) with non-responders exhibiting the largest fold change in total PD-L1+ cells (10.9 vs 2.2). Summary Consistent with its proposed mechanism of action, these data highlight for the first time, the dynamic induction of an increase in T-cell infiltration, and clustering around CD123 AML cells in the bone marrow microenvironment of two AML patients that responded to FLZ. In pts with resistance to FLZ (non-responders) PD-L1 induction was significantly higher indicating that in some pts treatment with sequential check point inhibitor could obviate this mechanism of resistance A trial combining FLZ with sequential administration of a PD-1 inhibitor (MGA012) is currently recruiting pts. Figure 1. Baseline and on-treatment IHC of BM biopsies of a FLZ-treated CR pt showing cluster formation following treatment. Disclosures Bifulco: Ventana: Other: advisory board; PrimeVax: Equity Ownership, Other: ScientificBoard; BMS: Other: Advisory Board; Providnece: Patents & Royalties: Imaging processing; Halio Dx: Other: advisory board. Wigginton:macrogenics: Employment, Equity Ownership; western oncolytics: Consultancy, Other: consultancy. Muth:MacroGenics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Davidson-Moncada:MacroGenics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Fox:Akoya: Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Definiens: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Macrogenics: Research Funding; Ultivue: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

scholarly journals p53 Mediated Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Expansion Supports Acute Myeloid Leukemia Development

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 523-523
Author(s):  
Rasoul Pourebrahimabadi ◽  
Zoe Alaniz ◽  
Lauren B Ostermann ◽  
Hung Alex Luong ◽  
Rafael Heinz Montoya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Osteoblast Differentiation ◽  
Hematopoietic Cells ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
Equity Ownership ◽  
Mdm2 Inhibitor ◽  
Acute Myeloid

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease that develops within a complex microenvironment. Reciprocal interactions between the bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BM-MSCs) and AML cells can promote AML progression and resistance to chemotherapy (Jacamo et al., 2014). We have recently reported that BM-MSCs derived from AML patients (n=103) highly express p53 and p21 compared to their normal counterparts (n=73 p&lt;0.0001) (Hematologica, 2018). To assess the function of p53 in BM-MSCs, we generated traceable lineage specific mouse models targeting Mdm2 or Trp53 alleles in MSCs (Osx-Cre;mTmG;p53fl/fl and Osx-Cre;mTmG;Mdm2fl/+) or hematopoietic cells (Vav-Cre;mTmG;p53fl/fl and Vav-Cre;mTmG;Mdm2fl/+). Homozygote deletion of Mdm2 (Osx-Cre;Mdm2fl/fl) resulted in death at birth and displayed skeletal defects as well as lack of intramedullary hematopoiesis. Heterozygote deletion of Mdm2 in MSCs was dispensable for normal hematopoiesis in adult mice, however, resulted in bone marrow failure and thrombocytopenia after irradiation. Homozygote deletion of Mdm2 in hematopoietic cells (Vav-Cre;Mdm2fl/fl) was embryonically lethal but the heterozygotes were radiosensitive. We next sought to examine if p53 levels in BM-MSCs change after cellular stress imposed by AML. We generated a traceable syngeneic AML model using AML-ETO leukemia cells transplanted into Osx-Cre;mTmG mice. We found that p53 was highly induced in BM-MSCs of AML mice, further confirming our findings in primary patient samples. The population of BM-MSCs was significantly increased in bone marrow Osx-Cre;mTmG transplanted with syngeneic AML cells. Tunnel staining of bone marrow samples in this traceable syngeneic AML model showed a block in apoptosis of BM-MSCs suggesting that the expansion of BM-MSCs in AML is partly due to inhibition of apoptosis. As the leukemia progressed the number of Td-Tomato positive cells which represents hematopoietic lineage and endothelial cells were significantly decreased indicating failure of normal hematopoiesis induced by leukemia. SA-β-gal activity was significantly induced in osteoblasts derived from leukemia mice in comparison to normal mice further supporting our observation in human leukemia samples that AML induces senescence of BM-MSCs. To examine the effect of p53 on the senescence associated secretory profile (SASP) of BM-MSCs, we measured fifteen SASP cytokines by qPCR and found significant decrease in Ccl4, Cxcl12, S100a8, Il6 and Il1b upon p53 deletion in BM-MSCs (Osx-Cre;mTmG;p53fl/fl) compared to p53 wildtype mice. To functionally evaluate the effects of p53 in BM-MSCs on AML, we deleted p53 in BM-MSCs (Osx-Cre;mTmG;p53fl/fl) and transplanted them with syngeneic AML-ETO-Turquoise AML cells. Deletion of p53 in BM-MSCs strongly inhibited the expansion of BM-MSCs in AML and resulted in osteoblast differentiation. This suggests that expansion of BM-MSCs in AML is dependent on p53 and that deletion of p53 results in osteoblast differentiation of BM-MSCs. Importantly, deletion of p53 in BM-MSCs significantly increased the survival of AML mice. We further evaluated the effect of a Mdm2 inhibitor, DS-5272, on BM-MSCs in our traceable mouse models. DS-5272 treatment of Osx-cre;Mdm2fl/+ mice resulted in complete loss of normal hematopoietic cells indicating a non-cell autonomous regulation of apoptosis of hematopoietic cells mediated by p53 in BM-MSCs. Loss of p53 in BM-MSCs (Osx-Cre;p53fl/fl) completely rescued hematopoietic failure following Mdm2 inhibitor treatment. In conclusion, we identified p53 activation as a novel mechanism by which BM-MSCs regulate proliferation and apoptosis of hematopoietic cells. This knowledge highlights a new mechanism of hematopoietic failure after AML therapy and informs new therapeutic strategies to eliminate AML. Disclosures Khoury: Angle: Research Funding; Stemline Therapeutics: Research Funding; Kiromic: Research Funding. Bueso-Ramos:Incyte: Consultancy. Andreeff:BiolineRx: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; CLL Foundation: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; NCI-RDCRN (Rare Disease Cliln Network): Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Leukemia Lymphoma Society: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; German Research Council: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; NCI-CTEP: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Cancer UK: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Center for Drug Research & Development: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; NIH/NCI: Research Funding; CPRIT: Research Funding; Breast Cancer Research Foundation: Research Funding; Oncolyze: Equity Ownership; Oncoceutics: Equity Ownership; Senti Bio: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Eutropics: Equity Ownership; Aptose: Equity Ownership; Reata: Equity Ownership; 6 Dimensions Capital: Consultancy; AstaZeneca: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.: Consultancy, Patents & Royalties: Patents licensed, royalty bearing, Research Funding; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy. OffLabel Disclosure: Mdm2 inhibitor-DS 5272

scholarly journals Pre-Existing T Cell Subsets Determine Anti-PD1 Blockade Response in Richter's Transformation

Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 42-43
Author(s):  
Prajish Iyer ◽  
Lu Yang ◽  
Zhi-Zhang Yang ◽  
Charla R. Secreto ◽  
Sutapa Sinha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Single Cell ◽  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Gene Signature ◽  
T Cell Subsets ◽  
Rna Seq ◽  
Advisory Committees

Despite recent developments in the therapy of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Richter's transformation (RT), an aggressive lymphoma, remains a clinical challenge. Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has shown promise in selective lymphoma types, however, only 30-40% RT patients respond to anti-PD1 pembrolizumab; while the underlying CLL failed to respond and 10% CLL patients progress rapidly within 2 months of treatment. Studies indicate pre-existing T cells in tumor biopsies are associated with a greater anti-PD1 response, hence we hypothesized that pre-existing T cell subset characteristics and regulation in anti-PD1 responders differed from those who progressed in CLL. We used mass cytometry (CyTOF) to analyze T cell subsets isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 19 patients with who received pembrolizumab as a single agent. PBMCs were obtained baseline(pre-therapy) and within 3 months of therapy initiation. Among this cohort, 3 patients had complete or partial response (responders), 2 patients had rapid disease progression (progressors) (Fig. A), and 14 had stable disease (non-responders) within the first 3 months of therapy. CyTOF analysis revealed that Treg subsets in responders as compared with progressors or non-responders (MFI -55 vs.30, p=0.001) at both baseline and post-therapy were increased (Fig. B). This quantitative analysis indicated an existing difference in Tregs and distinct molecular dynamic changes in response to pembrolizumab between responders and progressors. To delineate the T cell characteristics in progressors and responders, we performed single-cell RNA-seq (SC-RNA-seq; 10X Genomics platform) using T (CD3+) cells enriched from PBMCs derived from three patients (1 responder: RS2; 2 progressors: CLL14, CLL17) before and after treatment. A total of ~10000 cells were captured and an average of 1215 genes was detected per cell. Using a clustering approach (Seurat V3.1.5), we identified 7 T cell clusters based on transcriptional signature (Fig.C). Responders had a larger fraction of Tregs (Cluster 5) as compared with progressors (p=0.03, Fig. D), and these Tregs showed an IFN-related gene signature (Fig. E). To determine any changes in the cellular circuitry in Tregs between responders and progressors, we used FOXP3, CD25, and CD127 as markers for Tregs in our SC-RNA-seq data. We saw a greater expression of FOXP3, CD25, CD127, in RS2 in comparison to CLL17 and CLL14. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed the upregulation of genes involved in lymphocyte activation and FOXP3-regulated Treg development-related pathways in the responder's Tregs (Fig.F). Together, the greater expression of genes involved in Treg activation may reduce the suppressive functions of Tregs, which led to the response to anti-PD1 treatment seen in RS2 consistent with Tregs in melanoma. To delineate any state changes in T cells between progressors and responder, we performed trajectory analysis using Monocle (R package tool) and identified enrichment of MYC/TNF/IFNG gene signature in state 1 and an effector T signature in state 3 For RS2 after treatment (p=0.003), indicating pembrolizumab induced proliferative and functional T cell signatures in the responder only. Further, our single-cell results were supported by the T cell receptor (TCR beta) repertoire analysis (Adaptive Biotechnology). As an inverse measure of TCR diversity, productive TCR clonality in CLL14 and CLL17 samples was 0.638 and 0.408 at baseline, respectively. Fifty percent of all peripheral blood T cells were represented by one large TCR clone in CLL14(progressor) suggesting tumor related T-cell clone expansion. In contrast, RS2(responder) contained a profile of diverse T cell clones with a clonality of 0.027 (Fig. H). Pembrolizumab therapy did not change the clonality of the three patients during the treatment course (data not shown). In summary, we identified enriched Treg signatures delineating responders from progressors on pembrolizumab treatment, paradoxical to the current understanding of T cell subsets in solid tumors. However, these data are consistent with the recent observation that the presence of Tregs suggests a better prognosis in Hodgkin lymphoma, Follicular lymphoma, and other hematological malignancies. Figure 1 Disclosures Kay: Pharmacyclics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Oncotracker: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Rigel: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Juno Theraputics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Agios Pharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Cytomx: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Astra Zeneca: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Morpho-sys: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Tolero Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Bristol Meyer Squib: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Acerta Pharma: Research Funding; Sunesis: Research Funding; Dava Oncology: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbvie: Research Funding; MEI Pharma: Research Funding. Ansell:AI Therapeutics: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Trillium: Research Funding; Affimed: Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Regeneron: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; ADC Therapeutics: Research Funding. Ding:Astra Zeneca: Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding; Octapharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; MEI Pharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; alexion: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Beigene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; DTRM: Research Funding; Merck: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. OffLabel Disclosure: pembrolizumab

scholarly journals Phase II Trial of the Combination of Ixazomib, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone in High-Risk Smoldering Multiple Myeloma

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 804-804 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Bustoros ◽  
Chia-jen Liu ◽  
Kaitlen Reyes ◽  
Kalvis Hornburg ◽  
Kathleen Guimond ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Bone Marrow ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Disease Progression ◽  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Rna Sequencing ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
Equity Ownership

Abstract Background. This study aimed to determine the progression-free survival and response rate using early therapeutic intervention in patients with high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) using the combination of ixazomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone. Methods. Patients enrolled on study met eligibility for high-risk SMM based on the newly defined criteria proposed by Rajkumar et al., Blood 2014. The treatment plan was designed to be administered on an outpatient basis where patients receive 9 cycles of induction therapy of ixazomib (4mg) at days 1, 8, and 15, in combination with lenalidomide (25mg) at days 1-21 and Dexamethasone at days 1, 8, 15, and 22. This induction phase is followed by ixazomib (4mg) and lenalidomide (15mg) maintenance for another 15 cycles. A treatment cycle is defined as 28 consecutive days, and therapy is administered for a total of 24 cycles total. Bone marrow samples from all patients were obtained before starting therapy for baseline assessment, whole exome sequencing (WES), and RNA sequencing of plasma and bone marrow microenvironment cells. Moreover, blood samples were obtained at screening and before each cycle to isolate cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Stem cell collection is planned for all eligible patients. Results. In total, 26 of the planned 56 patients were enrolled in this study from February 2017 to April 2018. The median age of the patients enrolled was 63 years (range, 41 to 73) with 12 males (46.2%). Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (iFISH) was successful in 18 patients. High-risk cytogenetics (defined as the presence of t(4;14), 17p deletion, and 1q gain) were found in 11 patients (61.1%). The median number of cycles completed was 8 cycles (3-15). The most common toxicities were fatigue (69.6%), followed by rash (56.5%), and neutropenia (56.5%). The most common grade 3 adverse events were hypophosphatemia (13%), leukopenia (13%), and neutropenia (8.7%). One patient had grade 4 neutropenia during treatment. Additionally, grade 4 hyperglycemia occurred in another patient. As of this abstract date, the overall response rate (partial response or better) in participants who had at least 3 cycles of treatment was 89% (23/26), with 5 Complete Responses (CR, 19.2%), 9 very good partial responses (VGPR, 34.6%), 9 partial responses (34.6%), and 3 Minimal Responses (MR, 11.5%). None of the patients have shown progression to overt MM to date. Correlative studies including WES of plasma cells and single-cell RNA sequencing of the bone microenvironment cells are ongoing to identify the genomic and transcriptomic predictors for the differential response to therapy as well as for disease evolution. Furthermore, we are analyzing the cfDNA and CTCs of the patients at different time points to investigate their use in monitoring minimal residual disease and disease progression. Conclusion. The combination of ixazomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone is an effective and well-tolerated intervention in high-risk smoldering myeloma. The high response rate, convenient schedule with minimal toxicity observed to date are promising in this patient population at high risk of progression to symptomatic disease. Further studies and longer follow up for disease progression are warranted. Disclosures Bustoros: Dava Oncology: Honoraria. Munshi:OncoPep: Other: Board of director. Anderson:C4 Therapeutics: Equity Ownership; Celgene: Consultancy; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Takeda Millennium: Consultancy; Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Oncopep: Equity Ownership. Richardson:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Oncopeptides: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Karyopharm: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Research Funding; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Ghobrial:Celgene: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy.

scholarly journals EZH2 Mutations and Impact on Clinical Outcome Analyzed in 1604 Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 1528-1528
Author(s):  
Sebastian Stasik ◽  
Jan Moritz Middeke ◽  
Michael Kramer ◽  
Christoph Rollig ◽  
Alwin Krämer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Acute Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Employment Equity ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
Mutational Status ◽  
Equity Ownership ◽  
Acute Myeloid

Abstract Purpose: The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a histone methyltransferase and key epigenetic regulator involved in transcriptional repression and embryonic development. Loss of EZH2 activity by inactivating mutations is associated with poor prognosis in myeloid malignancies such as MDS. More recently, EZH2 inactivation was shown to induce chemoresistance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (Göllner et al., 2017). Data on the frequency and prognostic role of EZH2-mutations in AML are rare and mostly confined to smaller cohorts. To investigate the prevalence and prognostic impact of this alteration in more detail, we analyzed a large cohort of AML patients (n = 1604) for EZH2 mutations. Patients and Methods: All patients analyzed had newly diagnosed AML, were registered in clinical protocols of the Study Alliance Leukemia (SAL) (AML96, AML2003 or AML60+, SORAML) and had available material at diagnosis. Screening for EZH2 mutations and associated alterations was done using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) (TruSight Myeloid Sequencing Panel, Illumina) on an Illumina MiSeq-system using bone marrow or peripheral blood. Detection was conducted with a defined cut-off of 5% variant allele frequency (VAF). All samples below the predefined threshold were classified as EZH2 wild type (wt). Patient clinical characteristics and co-mutations were analyzed according to the mutational status. Furthermore, multivariate analysis was used to identify the impact of EZH2 mutations on outcome. Results: EZH2-mutations were found in 63 of 1604 (4%) patients, with a median VAF of 44% (range 6-97%; median coverage 3077x). Mutations were detected within several exons (2-6; 8-12; 14-20) with highest frequencies in exons 17 and 18 (29%). The majority of detected mutations (71% missense and 29% nonsense/frameshift) were single nucleotide variants (SNVs) (87%), followed by small indel mutations. Descriptive statistics of clinical parameters and associated co-mutations revealed significant differences between EZH2-mut and -wt patients. At diagnosis, patients with EZH2 mutations were significantly older (median age 59 yrs) than EZH2-wt patients (median 56 yrs; p=0.044). In addition, significantly fewer EZH2-mut patients (71%) were diagnosed with de novo AML compared to EZH2-wt patients (84%; p=0.036). Accordingly, EZH2-mut patients had a higher rate of secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML) (21%), evolving from prior MDS or after prior chemotherapy (tAML) (8%; p=0.036). Also, bone marrow (and blood) blast counts differed between the two groups (EZH2-mut patients had significantly lower BM and PB blast counts; p=0.013). In contrast, no differences were observed for WBC counts, karyotype, ECOG performance status and ELN-2017 risk category compared to EZH2-wt patients. Based on cytogenetics according to the 2017 ELN criteria, 35% of EZH2-mut patients were categorized with favorable risk, 28% had intermediate and 37% adverse risk. No association was seen with -7/7q-. In the group of EZH2-mut AML patients, significantly higher rates of co-mutations were detected in RUNX1 (25%), ASXL1 (22%) and NRAS (25%) compared to EZH2-wt patients (with 10%; 8% and 15%, respectively). Vice versa, concomitant mutations in NPM1 were (non-significantly) more common in EZH2-wt patients (33%) vs EZH2-mut patients (21%). For other frequently mutated genes in AML there was no major difference between EZH2-mut and -wt patients, e.g. FLT3ITD (13%), FLT3TKD (10%) and CEBPA (24%), as well as genes encoding epigenetic modifiers, namely, DNMT3A (21%), IDH1/2 (11/14%), and TET2 (21%). The correlation of EZH2 mutational status with clinical outcomes showed no effect of EZH2 mutations on the rate of complete remission (CR), relapse free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) (with a median OS of 18.4 and 17.1 months for EZH2-mut and -wt patients, respectively) in the univariate analyses. Likewise, the multivariate analysis with clinical variable such as age, cytogenetics and WBC using Cox proportional hazard regression, revealed that EZH2 mutations were not an independent risk factor for OS or RFS. Conclusion EZH mutations are recurrent alterations in patients with AML. The association with certain clinical factors and typical mutations such as RUNX1 and ASXL1 points to the fact that these mutations are associated with secondary AML. Our data do not indicate that EZH2 mutations represent an independent prognostic factor. Disclosures Middeke: Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Abbvie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Rollig:Bayer: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding. Scholl:Jazz Pharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbivie: Other: Travel support; Alexion: Other: Travel support; MDS: Other: Travel support; Novartis: Other: Travel support; Deutsche Krebshilfe: Research Funding; Carreras Foundation: Research Funding; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Hochhaus:Pfizer: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding. Brümmendorf:Janssen: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding. Burchert:AOP Orphan: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bayer: Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding. Krause:Novartis: Research Funding. Hänel:Amgen: Honoraria; Roche: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria. Platzbecker:Celgene: Research Funding. Mayer:Eisai: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; Johnson & Johnson: Research Funding; Affimed: Research Funding. Serve:Bayer: Research Funding. Ehninger:Cellex Gesellschaft fuer Zellgewinnung mbH: Employment, Equity Ownership; Bayer: Research Funding; GEMoaB Monoclonals GmbH: Employment, Equity Ownership. Thiede:AgenDix: Other: Ownership; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding.

Final Results from an International, Multi-Center, Single-Arm Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of Romiplostim in Adults with Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP),

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 3279-3279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann Janssens ◽  
Michael D. Tarantino ◽  
Robert Bird ◽  
Maria Gabriella Mazzucconi ◽  
Ralph Vincent V. Boccia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Platelet Count ◽  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Platelet Response ◽  
Employment Equity ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
Platelet Production ◽  
Platelet Counts ◽  
Equity Ownership

Abstract Abstract 3279 Background: ITP is an autoimmune disorder characterized by increased platelet destruction and suboptimal platelet production. Romiplostim stimulates platelet production via the TPO-receptor, and is recommended for second- and third-line treatment of chronic ITP in adults. We report final data from a large prospective study of romiplostim in adults with ITP of varying duration and severity. Methods: Eligibility criteria were broad: patients ≥18 years of age, who had received prior ITP therapies (final protocol amendment: ≥1, previous amendments: ≥3), with low platelet counts (final amendment: ≤ 30 × 109/L, previous amendments: ≤ 10, ≤ 20 × 109/L) or experiencing uncontrolled bleeding. The only excluded comorbidities were: hematological malignancy, myeloproliferative neoplasms, MDS and bone marrow stem cell disorder. Romiplostim was initiated at 1 (final amendment) or 3 (previous amendments) μg/kg/week, with dose adjustments allowed to maintain platelet counts ≥50 × 109/L. Patients could continue on study until they had access to commercially available romiplostim. Rescue medications were allowed at any time; concurrent ITP therapies could be reduced when platelet counts were > 50 × 109/L. Primary endpoint was incidence of adverse events (AEs) and antibody formation. Secondary endpoint was platelet response, defined as either (1) doubling of baseline count and ≥ 50 × 109/L or (2) ≥20 × 109/L increase from baseline. Results: A total of 407 patients received romiplostim, 60% of whom were female. Median (Q1, Q3) time since ITP diagnosis was 4.25 (1.20, 11.40) years (maximum 57.1 years), with 51% of patients splenectomised and 39% receiving baseline concurrent ITP therapies. Seventy-one percent of patients completed the study, with requirement for alternative therapy and withdrawn consent the most common reasons for discontinuation (5% each). Median (Q1, Q3) on-study treatment duration was 44.29 (20.43, 65.86) weeks (maximum 201 weeks), with a total of 20,201 subject-weeks on study. Incidence and type of AEs were consistent with previous studies. The most common serious treatment-related AEs were cerebrovascular accident, headache, bone marrow reticulin fibrosis (with no evidence of positive trichrome staining for collagen and no evidence suggesting primary idiopathic myelofibrosis), nausea, deep vein thrombosis, hemorrhage and pulmonary embolism, with each reported in 2 of 407 (0.5%) patients. All other serious treatment-related AEs were each reported in one patient. Eighteen patients died; 3 deaths (hemolysis, intestinal ischaema, aplastic anemia) were considered treatment-related. No neutralizing antibodies to romiplostim or TPO were reported. Approximately 90% of patients achieved each of the platelet response definitions, regardless of splenectomy status. Overall, median (Q1, Q3) time to response was 2 (1, 4) weeks for response definition 1, and 1 (1, 3) week for response definition 2. Median (Q1, Q3) baseline platelet count was 14 (8, 21) × 109/L. After 1 week of treatment median (Q1, Q3) platelet count had increased to 42 (18, 101) × 109/L. From week 8 onwards, and excluding counts within 8 weeks of rescue medication use, median platelet counts were consistently above 100 × 109/L (range 101.0–269.5 × 109/L). Median (Q1, Q3) average weekly romiplostim dose was 3.62 (1.99, 6.08) μg/kg. Summary/conclusions: This is the largest prospective study in adult ITP reported to date. The data reported here are similar to those reported for previous romiplostim studies, with romiplostim able to safely induce a rapid platelet response in adult ITP patients with low platelet counts or bleeding symptoms. Romiplostim is an important, well-tolerated, treatment option for adult ITP patients, which significantly increases and maintains platelet counts. Adverse Event Subject Incidence Platelet Response Disclosures: Janssens: Amgen: Consultancy; Roche: Speakers Bureau; GSK: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Tarantino:Cangene corporation: Research Funding; Baxter: Research Funding; Talecris: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Up-to-date: Patents & Royalties; The Bleeding and Clotting Disorders Institute: Board Member. Bird:Amgen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; GSK: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Boccia:Amgen: Equity Ownership, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Lopez-Fernandez:Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Kozak:Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Steurer:Amgen: Honoraria. Dillingham:Amgen Limited: Employment, Equity Ownership. Lizambri:Amgen: Employment, Equity Ownership.

Targeting Brouton's Tyrosine Kinase with PCI-32765 Blocks Growth and Survival of Multiple Myeloma and Waldenström Macroglobulinemia Via Potent Inhibition of Osteoclastogenesis, Cytokines/Chemokine Secretion, and Myeloma Stem-Like Cells in the Bone Marrow Microenvironment

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 883-883
Author(s):  
Yu-Tzu Tai ◽  
Betty Y Chang ◽  
Sun-Young Kong ◽  
Mariateresa Fulciniti ◽  
Guang Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Tyrosine Kinase ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Equity Ownership ◽  
Trap Staining

Abstract Abstract 883 Specific expression of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) in osteoclasts (OC), but not osteoblasts (OB), suggests its role in regulating osteoclastogenesis. Although Btk is critical in B cell maturation and myeloid function, it has not been characterized in plasma cell malignancies including multiple myeloma (MM) and Waldenström Macroglobulinemia (WM). We here investigate effects of PCI-32765, an oral, potent, and selective Btk inhibitor with promising clinical activity in B-cell malignancies, on OC differentiation and function within MM bone marrow (BM) microenvironment, as well as on MM and WM cancer cells. We further define molecular targets of Btk signaling cascade in OCs and MM in the BM milieu. In CD14+ OC precursor cells, RANKL and M-CSF stimulate phosphorylation of Btk in a time-dependent fashion; conversely, PCI-32765 abrogates RANKL/M-CSF-induced activation of Btk and downstream PLCγ2. Importantly, PCI-32765 decreased number of multinucleated OC (>3 nuclei) by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and the secretion of TRAP5b (ED50 = 17 nM), a specific mature OC marker. It increased size of OCs and number of nuclei per OC, with significantly defective bone resorption activity as evidenced by diminished pit formation on dentine slices. Moreover, lack of effect of Dexamethasone on OC activity was overcome by combination of Dexamethasone with PCI-32765. PCI-32765 significantly reduced cytokine and chemokine secretion from OC cultures, including MIP1α, MIP1β, IL-8, TGFβ1, RANTES, APRIL, SDF-1, and activin A (ED50 = 0.1–0.48 nM). It potently decreased IL-6, SDF-1, MIP1α, MIP1β, and M-CSF in CD138-negative cell cultures from active MM patients, associated with decreased TRAP staining in a dose-dependent manner. In MM and WM cells, immunoblotting analysis confirmed a higher Btk expression in CD138+ cells from majority of MM patients (4 out of 5 samples) than MM cell lines (5 out of 9 cell lines), whereas microarray analysis demonstrated a higher expression of Btk and its downstream signaling components in WM cells than in CD19+ normal bone marrow cells. PCI-32765 significantly inhibits SDF-1-induced adhesion and migration of MM cells. It further blocked cytokine expression (MIP1a, MIP-1β) at mRNA level in MM and WM tumor cells, correlated with inhibition of Btk-mediated pPLCγ2, pERK and NF-kB activation. Importantly, PCI-32765 inhibited growth and survival triggered by IL-6 and coculture with BM stromal cells (BMSCs) or OCs in IL-6-dependent INA6 and ANBL6 MM cells. Furthermore, myeloma stem-like cells express Btk and PCI-32765 (10–100 nM) blocks their abilities to form colonies from MM patients (n=5). In contrast, PCI-32765 has no adverse effects on Btk-negative BMSCs and OBs, as well as Btk-expressing dendritic cells. Finally, oral administration of PCI-32765 (12 mg/kg) in mice significantly suppresses MM cell growth (p< 0.03) and MM cell-induced osteolysis on implanted human bone chips in a humanized myeloma (SCID-hu) model. Together, these results provide compelling evidence to target Btk in the BM microenvironment against MM and WM., strongly supporting clinical trials of PCI-32765 to improve patient outcome in MM and WM. Disclosures: Chang: Pharmacyclics Inc: Employment. Buggy:Pharmacyclics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Elias:Pharmacyclics Inc: Consultancy. Treon:Millennium: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Genentech: Honoraria. Richardson:Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Johnson & Johnson: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Munshi:Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Anderson:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Actelion: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

A Phase 2 Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Simtuzumab in Adult Subjects with Primary, Post Polycythemia Vera (PV) or Post Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) Myelofibrosis

Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 2810-2810
Author(s):  
Srdan Verstovsek ◽  
Michael R. Savona ◽  
Ruben A. Mesa ◽  
Stephen Oh ◽  
Hua Dong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Fibrosis Score ◽  
Bone Marrow Fibrosis ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
Equity Ownership ◽  
Stage 1 ◽  
Marrow Fibrosis

Abstract Background: Simtuzumab (SIM) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that inhibits lysyl oxidase-like molecule 2 (LOXL2), an extracellular matrix enzyme that catalyzes the covalent cross-linking of collagen and is widely expressed across many fibrotic diseases. In pre-clinical models, inhibition of LOXL2 blocks fibroblast activation, which plays an important role in the development of organ fibrosis. In Phase 1 studies, SIM was well-tolerated in patients (pts) with advanced solid tumors, liver fibrosis, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). A Phase 2, open-label study to determine the efficacy of SIM alone (Stage 1) and combined with ruxolitinib (rux) (Stage 2) in pts with primary myelofibrosis (PMF) and post-ET/PV MF was initiated. Methods: Eligible pts had intermediate-1, intermediate-2, or high risk disease and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of <2. The primary endpoint was rate of clinical response as defined by a reduction in bone marrow fibrosis score following 24 weeks of treatment with SIM. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive 200 mg or 700 mg SIM by intravenous infusion every 2 weeks as monotherapy (Stage 1, n=24) or combined with rux (Stage 2, n=30). Patients received SIM for up to 24 weeks. Bone marrow biopsies and aspirates were performed approximately every 3 months. Bone marrow fibrosis scoring was performed and quantified at local investigator sites using the European Consensus on Grading Bone Marrow Fibrosis. Myelofibrosis symptoms were evaluated using the Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Form (MPN-SAF) and changes in hematologic parameters and splenomegaly were assessed. Results: Between 7/14/11 and 9/22/14, 54 pts were randomized and treated (200 mg SIM [n=12], 700 mg SIM [n=12], 200 mg SIM/rux [n=15], and 700 mg SIM/rux [n=15]). In Stage 1, 0 subjects (0%) in the SIM 200 mg group and 2 subjects (16.7%; 90% CI 3.0%, 43.8%) in the SIM 700 mg group showed a reduction in bone marrow fibrosis score from Baseline to Week 24. In Stage 2, 1 subject (6.7%; 90% CI 0.3%, 27.9%) in the SIM 200 mg/rux group and 2 subjects (13.3%, 90% CI 2.4%, 36.3%) in the SIM 700 mg/rux group showed a reduction in bone marrow fibrosis score from Baseline to Week 24. In an exploratory analysis, similar numbers of subjects showed increases in bone marrow fibrosis scores. SIM treatment was not associated with meaningful improvements in hematologic parameters or reductions in MPN-SAF score or spleen size. The most frequent adverse events were those commonly associated with MF, including constitutional symptoms and reductions in hematological parameters. Conclusions: SIM treatment alone or in combination with rux is safe but does not reliably reduce bone marrow fibrosis in pts with MF. The reason for reduction of marrow fibrosis in some patients and increase in others is unclear and may be sampling variability. Clinical studies of SIM in IPF and liver fibrosis are ongoing. Disclosures Savona: Karyopharm: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; TG Therapeutics: Research Funding; Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Research Funding; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Mesa:Incyte Corporation: Research Funding; CTI Biopharma: Research Funding; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation: Consultancy; Pfizer: Research Funding; Promedior: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; NS Pharma: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding. Oh:CTI Biopharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Dong:Gilead Sciences: Consultancy, Equity Ownership. Thai:Gilead Sciences: Employment, Equity Ownership. Gotlib:Allakos, Inc.: Consultancy.

scholarly journals Phase 1/2 Study of Nexi-001 Donor-Derived Multi-Antigen Specific CD8+ T Cells for the Treatment of Relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Transplantation

Blood ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 138 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 4819-4819
Author(s):  
Monzr M. Al Malki ◽  
Sumithira Vasu ◽  
Dipenkumar Modi ◽  
Miguel-Angel Perales ◽  
Lucy Y Ghoda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Cd8 T Cells ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Clinical Activity ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Patients who relapse after allogeneic HCT have a poor prognosis and few effective treatment options. Responses to salvage therapy with donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI) are driven by a graft versus leukemia (GvL) effect. However, relapses and moderate to severe graft versus host disease (GVHD) are common. Therapies that increase the GvL effect without inducing GVHD are needed. The NEXI-001 study is a prospective, multicenter, open-label phase 1/2 trial designed to characterize the safety, immunogenic, and antitumor activity of the NEXI-001 antigen specific T-cell product. This product is a donor-derived non-genetically engineered therapy that consists of populations of CD8+ T cells that recognize HLA 02.01-restricted peptides from the WT1, PRAME, and Cyclin A1 antigens. These T cells consist of populations with key memory phenotypes, including stem-like memory, central memory, and effector memory cells, with a low proportion (&lt;5%) of potentially allogeneic-reactive T-naïve cells. Patients enrolled into the first cohort of the dose escalation phase received a single infusion of 50 million (M) to 100M cells of the NEXI-001 product. Bridging anti-AML treatment was permitted during the manufacture of the cellular product with a wash-out period of at least 14 days prior to lymphodepletion (LD) chemotherapy (intravenous fludarabine 30 mg/m 2 and cyclophosphamide 300 mg/m 2) that was administered on Days -5, -4, and -3 prior to the infusion of the NEXI-001 product up to 72 hours later (Day1). Lymphocyte recovery to baseline levels occurred as early as three days after the NEXI-001 product infusion with robust CD4 and CD8 T cell reconstitution after LD chemotherapy. NEXI-001 antigen specific T cells were detectable in peripheral blood (PB) by multimer staining and were found to proliferate over time and to traffic to bone marrow. The phenotype composition of detectable antigen specific T cells at both sites was that of the infused product. T-cell receptor (TCR) sequencing assays revealed T cell clones in the NEXI-001 product that were not detected in PB of patients tested at baseline. These unique clones subsequently expanded in PB and bone marrow (BM) and persisted over time. Neutrophil recovery, decreased transfusion burden of platelets and red blood cells, and increased donor chimerism were observed. Decreases in myeloblasts and reduction in the size of an extramedullary myeloid sarcoma were suggestive of clinical activity. One patient, a 23-year- old with MRD+ disease at baseline, received two doses of 200M NEXI-001 cells separated by approximately 2 months. Following the first infusion, antigen specific CD8+ T cells increased gradually in PB to 9% of the total CD3+ T cell population just prior to the second infusion and were found to have trafficked to bone marrow. By Day 2 following the second infusion, which was not preceded by LD chemotherapy, the antigen specific CD8+ T cells again increased to 9% of the total CD3+ T cell population in PB and remained at ≥5% until the end of study visit a month later. The absolute lymphocyte count increased by 50% highlighting continued expansion of the NEXI-001 T cells. These cells also maintained significant Tscm populations. Treatment related adverse events, including infusion reactions, GVHD, CRS, and neurotoxicity (ICANS), have not developed in these patients who have received 50M to 200M T cells of the NEXI-001 product either as single or repeat infusions. In conclusion, these results show that infusion of the NEXI-001 product is safe and capable of generating a cell-mediated immune response with early signs of clinical activity. A second infusion is associated with increasing the level of antigen specific CD8+ T cells and their persistence in PB and BM. TCR sequencing and RNA Seq transcriptional profiling of the CD8+ T cells are planned, and these data will be available for presentation during the ASH conference. At least two cycles of 200M NEXI-001 cells weekly x 3 weeks of a 4-week cycle is planned for the next dose-escalation cohort. Early data suggest that the NEXI-001 product has the potential to enhance a GvL effect with minimal GVHD-associated toxicities. Disclosures Al Malki: Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy; Neximmune: Consultancy; Hansa Biopharma: Consultancy; CareDx: Consultancy; Rigel Pharma: Consultancy. Vasu: Boehringer Ingelheim: Other: Travel support; Seattle Genetics: Other: travel support; Kiadis, Inc.: Research Funding; Omeros, Inc.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Modi: MorphoSys: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Seagen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Genentech: Research Funding. Perales: Sellas Life Sciences: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria, Other; Omeros: Honoraria; Merck: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria; Karyopharm: Honoraria; Incyte: Honoraria, Other; Equilium: Honoraria; MorphoSys: Honoraria; Kite/Gilead: Honoraria, Other; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Medigene: Honoraria; NexImmune: Honoraria; Cidara: Honoraria; Nektar Therapeutics: Honoraria, Other; Servier: Honoraria; Miltenyi Biotec: Honoraria, Other. Edavana: Neximmune, Inc: Current Employment. Lu: Neximmune, Inc: Current Employment. Kim: Neximmune, Inc: Current Employment. Suarez: Neximmune, Inc: Current Employment. Oelke: Neximmune, Inc: Current Employment. Bednarik: Neximmune, Inc: Current Employment. Knight: Neximmune, Inc: Current Employment. Varela: Kite: Speakers Bureau; Nexlmmune: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

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