Mortality Among Patients with Cold Agglutinin Disease in the United States: An Electronic Health Record (EHR)-Based Analysis

Introduction Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare form of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). It is characterized by both IgM-mediated agglutination of erythrocytes and hemolysis mediated by activation of the classical complement pathway. Recent studies have shown an increased risk of thromboembolic events (TE) in CAD patients. In addition, a recent analysis using the Danish National Patient Registry demonstrated a significant increase in mortality for CAD patients compared with matched individuals from the general population in Denmark (Bylsma et al, HemaSphere, 2018). Mortality among CAD patients has not been assessed in a US population. This study evaluated mortality risk in the largest cohort of CAD patients in the US. Methods Patients were retrospectively identified from the Optum® de-identified EHR dataset. Between January 2007 and September 2018 (study period), patients with ≥1 AIHA-related medical encounter and ≥3 mentions from physician notes of CAD-related terms ("cold agglutinin disease," "cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia," or "cold agglutinin hemoglobinuria") were included in the CAD cohort ("case"). For this cohort, the first mention of CAD terms was set as the index date. Patients without an AIHA-related medical encounter were included in the non-CAD cohort ("control"). For the control cohort, the index date was assigned based on the average occurrence of index date in the CAD population for the duration in the EHR database. For both cohorts, the baseline period was defined as the interval from the start of the medical activity in the EHR database or study period (whichever occurs later) to the index date, and the follow-up period was defined as the interval from the index date to the end of the study period, the end of medical activity, or death (whichever occurs earlier). The case and control cohorts were matched by age, gender, race, region, index year, and follow-up period using 1:5 nearest neighbor matching. Both cohorts were stratified according to the presence or absence of ≥1 TE during the study period. Mortality rate per 100,000 patients was calculated as the number of patients who died in each cohort divided by the number of patients in each cohort, from 2007 to 2018, multiplied by 100,000. Mortality rate was compared between matched cohorts using a Poisson test. An independent t-test was used to compare age at death between matched CAD and control groups; and time to death (starting from the index date) was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves and compared between matched cohorts using log-rank P test. Results In total, 651 CAD patients and 3,255 matched non-CAD controls were identified. Of these, 35% (n=228) of CAD patients and 20% (n=641) of non-CAD patients experienced ≥1 TE (P<0.001). Median age at index date for both cohorts was 72 years. Most patients were female (CAD 64%; non-CAD 65%) and Caucasian (CAD 85%; non-CAD 85%). Median follow-up duration was 42 months for the CAD cohort and 51 months for the control cohort. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) Elixhauser Comorbidity Index Score was 8.0 (4.9) for CAD patients and 4.5 (4.1) for matched controls. The overall mortality rate was significantly higher for the CAD cohort than the matched-control cohort (CAD: 17,512 vs non-CAD: 11,306; P<0.001). For patients that experienced ≥1 TE during the study period, the mortality rate in the CAD cohort was 23,684 compared with 15,913 in the matched-control cohort (P<0.001; Table 1). During the study period, 114 CAD patients and 368 matched non-CAD patients died. The mean (SD) age at death in the CAD cohort (77 [12] years) was lower compared with the matched controls (82 [8] years; P<0.001). For patients with ≥1 TE, mean (SD) age at death was 77 (13) years vs 82 (7) years for the CAD and control cohorts, respectively (P<0.001; Table 1). A Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated a significantly decreased survival probability among CAD patients compared with matched controls (P<0.001; Figure 1). In addition, CAD patients with ≥1 TE also had a significant decrease in survival when compared with matched controls with ≥1 TE (P<0.001). Conclusions CAD patients in the US have an increased mortality risk compared with a matched non-CAD population. The associated increased TE risk observed among CAD patients may be a contributing factor to this mortality. Further studies are needed to better define this association and elucidate other potential contributors to mortality in these patients. Disclosures Hill: Apellis: Honoraria; Novartis: Speakers Bureau; Bioverativ, a Sanofi company: Honoraria; Alexion: Research Funding. Punekar:Sanofi: Employment, Equity Ownership. Morales Arias:Sanofi: Employment, Equity Ownership. Broome:Cellphire: Research Funding; Alexion: Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi Genzyme: Honoraria, Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Rigel: Research Funding. Su:Sanofi Genzyme: Employment, Equity Ownership.

Download Full-text

Cold Agglutinin Disease Transfusion Practices in the United States: An Electronic Medical Record-Based Analysis

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2019-122209 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 3690-3690

Author(s):

Jun Su ◽

Rajeshwari Punekar ◽

Jaime Morales Arias ◽

Nisha Jain

Keyword(s):

Medical Record ◽

Hemolytic Anemia ◽

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia ◽

Index Date ◽

Cold Agglutinin ◽

Cold Agglutinin Disease ◽

Employment Equity ◽

Medical Activity ◽

Equity Ownership ◽

Rbc Transfusion

Introduction Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) accounting for 20% of all cases, with no approved therapies and limited management options for patients. CAD is characterized by immunoglobulin M-mediated erythrocyte agglutination, which triggers activation of the classical complement pathway leading to hemolysis and subsequent anemia. Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are used as a supportive treatment in CAD to temporarily alleviate anemia, although the transfusion practices are variable among providers treating patients with CAD. Recent RBC transfusion guidelines from the AABB (formerly the American Association of Blood Banks) recommend that transfusions be administered with a restrictive threshold in most clinical scenarios (ie, transfusion is not indicated until hemoglobin [Hb] reaches 7-8 g/dL and/or patients exhibit anemia-related symptoms) to avoid associated complications such as acute reactions, alloantibody development, and hemochromatosis (Carson et al, JAMA, 2016; Carson et al, N Engl J Med, 2017). Because of the dearth of information available regarding trends in RBC transfusion practices among US hematologists, the objective of this longitudinal, retrospective, observational assessment of an electronic medical record database was to evaluate transfusion practices applied to patients with CAD in the US. Methods Patients were retrospectively identified from Optum® de-identified Electronic Health Record (EHR) dataset. Adult patients with ≥1 AIHA-related medical encounter between January 2007 and September 2018 (study period) and ≥3 mentions of CAD-related terms from physician notes ("cold agglutinin disease," "cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia," or "cold agglutinin hemoglobinuria") were included (Broome et al, Blood, 2017). The index date for each patient was the date of first mention of CAD during the study period. The baseline period was defined as the interval from the start of medical activity in the EHR database or study period (whichever occurred later) to the index date, and the follow-up period was defined as the interval from the index date to the end of the study period, end of medical activity, or death (whichever occurred earlier). The study sample was categorized into 2 study groups, the transfusion group (patients with CAD with ≥1 RBC transfusion after the index date) and the non-transfusion group (patients with CAD without any transfusions during the study period). Patients were further grouped based on the following Hb levels (g/dL): <8, ≥8 to ≤10, and >10 to ≤12. The closest Hb level prior to the most recent transfusion (within the prior 15 days and the lowest level) was used for the transfusion group and the lowest Hb level during the study period was used for the non-transfusion group. Descriptive statistics included mean, standard deviation, and median values for continuous variables and frequency (n and percent) for categorical variables. No adjustment was made for this descriptive analysis. Results A total of 903 patients with CAD were identified from the Optum EHR database; most patients were white (n=760 [84%]) and female (n=560 [62%]). Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics of each group can be found in the Table. Of the patients with CAD, 548 (61%) did not receive transfusions and 355 (39%) received ≥1 RBC transfusion. Among patients with CAD who received transfusions, 84% (n=297) had ≥2 RBC transfusions. Out of the 903 patients with CAD, 864 had Hb levels reported and 752 had Hb levels ≤12 g/dL. Forty-four percent (n=329/752) of those CAD patients received ≥1 RBC transfusion. When separated by Hb levels, 18% of patients with Hb >10 to ≤12 g/dL (n=19/108); 41% (n=88/216) of patients with Hb ≥8 to ≤10 g/dL; and 52% (n=222/428) of patients with Hb <8 g/dL received ≥1 RBC transfusion. Of the 423 (56%) patients with CAD and Hb levels ≤12 g/dL who did not receive RBC transfusions, 21% (n=89/423) had Hb levels >10 to ≤12 g/dL; 30% (n=128/423) had Hb levels ≥8 to ≤10 g/dL; and 49% (n=206/423) had Hb levels <8 g/dL. Conclusions Overall, patients with CAD are not a heavily transfused population. Even in those with a significantly decreased Hb (<8 g/dL), approximately half of them (49%) did not receive RBC transfusions. This suggests that the use of transfusions in patients with CAD may not reflect disease severity. Further prospective studies are needed to fully understand the impact of transfusions on patients with CAD. Disclosures Su: Sanofi Genzyme: Employment, Equity Ownership. Punekar:Sanofi: Employment, Equity Ownership. Morales Arias:Sanofi: Employment, Equity Ownership. Jain:Sanofi Genzyme: Employment, Equity Ownership.

Download Full-text

Real World Treatment Outcomes and Cost Among Newly-Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients Treated with Bortezomib and Dexamethasone in Combination with Cyclophosphamide or Lenalidomide

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v128.22.5924.5924 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 128 (22) ◽

pp. 5924-5924

Author(s):

Lin Xie ◽

Kejal Parikh ◽

Safiya Abouzaid ◽

Shivani Pandya ◽

Onur Baser ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Costs ◽

Research Funding ◽

Index Date ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Treatment Patterns ◽

Newly Diagnosed ◽

Employment Equity ◽

Equity Ownership ◽

Baseline Characteristics

Abstract Background: Despite an increasing incidence of multiple myeloma (MM) with advancing age and life expectancy, there are few real-world claims-based analyses describing treatment patterns and healthcare costs associated with use of novel treatments.1,2 This study aimed to assess treatment patterns and healthcare costs among newly-diagnosed MM patients using the US Medicare database. Methods: This retrospective study identified adult patients with ≥2 claims for MM (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification code: 203.0x) 30 days apart and ≥1 treatment during the identification period (01JAN2011-30JUN2014) from the 100% Medicare dataset. Medicare dataset contains medical and pharmacy claims submitted by healthcare providers, facilities and pharmacy. It includes comprehensive demographic information for beneficiaries and a longitudinal picture of their healthcare utilizations and costs .The initial course of therapy (COT1) date was the index date and included all treatments prescribed within 60 days of this date. Patients were required to have continuous enrollment for 12 months pre- and ≥6 months post-index date unless the patient died in <6 months (follow-up period), ≥1 full cycle of therapy with a valid COT1 regimen, no evidence of prior MM diagnosis or treatment (including autologous stem cell transplant [ASCT]), and no evidence of ASCT in the follow-up period. COT2 was defined as the earliest occurrence of: addition of a new drug or switch in regimen after the first 60 days, restart of a previous regimen after >180-day gap, or dose increase from maintenance to relapse therapy. Steroids (dexamethasone/prednisone [d]) were assumed to be included regardless of whether or not they were observed during the study period; this did not impact the ongoing COT. Treatment patterns and healthcare costs during the follow-up period were compared among those initiating lenalidomide (R) with bortezomib (V) ± steroids (RVd) and cyclophosphamide (Cy) with bortezomib (bor) ± steroids (CyBorD). Time-to-next treatment (TTNT) was defined as the duration from initiation of COT1 plus any treatment gaps until the initiation of COT2. Kaplan Meier (KM), Cox regression analyses and a generalized linear model (GLM) were performed to evaluate TTNT, assess the impact of various predictors on TTNT, and estimate the 12-month per patient per month (PPPM) total healthcare costs respectively among patients initiating RVd and CyBorD. Results:After accounting for the patient selection criteria, 9.9% (n=345) of patients initiated RVd and 5.0% (n=175) initiated CyBorD as COT1. CyBorD-treated patients were significantly older (76.1 vs. 74.2 years, p=0.0009) with a higher age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index score (9.5 vs 8.8, p=0.0119). The overall mean duration of COT1 was significantly longer among patients treated with RVd vs CyBorD (13.2 vs 8.5 months, p<0.0001). Among patients who completed COT1, the mean duration of COT1 was longer for patients treated with RVd vs. CyBorD (12.8 vs 6.7 months, p<0.0001). A higher percentage of patients treated with CyBorD progressed to COT2 (27.4%, vs 21.7% p=0.1491) versus RVd, however no significant difference was observed. Among patients who progressed to COT2, TTNT was significantly shorter among those treated with CyBorD vs RVd (Mean: 7.9 vs 15.9 months, p<0.0001). KM analysis suggested that patients initiating CyBorD progressed much faster than patients receiving RVd. After adjusting for baseline characteristics using Cox regression, TTNT remained significantly shorter for CyBorD vs. RVd treated patients (hazard ratio: 2.2, 95% confidence interval: 1.5-3.4, p=0.0002). Results from GLM analysis suggested that adjusted total PPPM cost during 12 months follow up was higher among patients treated with RVd vs. CyBorD ($13,941 vs $9,340, p=0.0001), and the majority of the extra cost are due to higher pharmacy costs for patients treated with RVd. Conclusion: Patients on RVd incurred higher costs, however, they progressed significantly slower and their TTNT was almost twice as long as for CyBorD patients. The difference remained significant after controlling for baseline characteristics including markers for higher disease severity among patients on CyBorD. 1Song X, et al. Curr Med Res Opin 2015;32(1):95-103 2Teitelbaum A, et al. Oncologist 2013;18:37-45 Disclosures Xie: Celgene: Research Funding. Parikh:Celgene Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership, Research Funding. Abouzaid:Celgene Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership, Research Funding. Pandya:Celgene: Research Funding. Baser:Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Patel:Celgene: Consultancy.

Download Full-text

Final Results of Open-Label Treatment with Eltrombopag During ENABLE 1: A Study of Eltrombopag As An Adjunct for Antiviral Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Associated with Thrombocytopenia

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v118.21.2232.2232 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 118 (21) ◽

pp. 2232-2232 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Geoffrey Dusheiko ◽

Nezam H Afdhal ◽

Edoardo Giannini ◽

Pei-Jer Chen ◽

Kwang-Hyub Han ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Platelet Count ◽

Hepatitis C ◽

Research Funding ◽

Antiviral Treatment ◽

Treatment Phase ◽

Open Label ◽

Employment Equity ◽

Platelet Counts ◽

Equity Ownership

Abstract Abstract 2232 Introduction: Thrombocytopenia (TCP) is a common complication of cirrhosis in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections (Louie et al 2011); the presence of TCP impairs the ability to initiate peginterferon alpha (PEG) therapy and necessitates PEG dose reduction or discontinuation, thus reducing the potential for sustained virologic response (SVR). Eltrombopag, an oral, nonpeptide thrombopoietin receptor agonist approved for the treatment of chronic immune thrombocytopenia, increases platelet counts in patients with TCP due to HCV-related cirrhosis (McHutchison et al 2007). ENABLE 1 was a phase 3, multicenter, two-part study of eltrombopag for the treatment of HCV-associated TCP. Part 1 involved open-label, pre-antiviral treatment with eltrombopag. Patients achieving platelet counts ≥90,000/μL were randomized in Part 2 to receive eltrombopag or placebo in combination with antiviral therapy (PEG-2a plus ribavirin). Aim: To assess the safety and efficacy of eltrombopag during the open-label, pre-antiviral treatment phase (Part 1) of ENABLE 1 in patients with cirrhosis. Methods: Patients with chronic HCV and a baseline platelet count <75,000/μL were enrolled. In Part 1, all patients received open-label oral eltrombopag (25 mg daily with dose escalations every 2 weeks to a maximum dose of 100 mg) for up to 9 weeks or until platelet counts reached ≥90,000/μL. Patients who failed to achieve platelet counts ≥90,000/μL following 3 weeks of eltrombopag 100 mg daily did not enter Part 2 and attended scheduled follow-up visits. Patients achieving these counts were randomized 2:1 to eltrombopag or placebo (Part 2) at the final dose received in Part 1, in combination with antiviral therapy for up to 48 weeks. Results: A total of 716 patients were enrolled; 1 patient withdrew due to a protocol deviation, and 715 entered the open-label pre-antiviral phase. At study entry, most patients were male (62%) and Caucasian (72%); 17% were of Japanese/East Asian heritage. The median age was 52 years (range, 19–76). 488 patients (68%) had cirrhosis (FibroSURE™ score equivalent to METAVIR F4). The median duration of treatment during Part 1 was 20 days and the median of the mean daily dose was 25 mg (range, 0.8–75 mg). Median baseline platelets were 59,000/μL; these increased to 89,000/μL by week 2 and remained consistently elevated throughout open-label treatment (Figure). Following a median of 2 weeks of treatment (range, 0.1–9.6 weeks), 691 patients (97%) achieved platelet counts ≥90,000/μL. Treatment was discontinued during Part 1 for 33 patients (5%): platelets <90,000/μL (11); adverse events (AEs, 9); investigator discretion (7); patient decision (3); loss of follow-up (2); or a protocol deviation (1). During Part 2, 682 patients (95%) were randomized, 2 patients withdrew consent following randomization, and 680 patients (95%) initiated antiviral treatment. Of the patients who initiated treatment, 451 (66%) did so within 2 weeks and 627 (92%) did so within 4 weeks. The most common AEs observed during the open-label treatment phase were headache (7%), fatigue (4%), nausea (3%), and diarrhea (3%). Ninety-five patients (13%) experienced platelet counts >200,000/μL. No thromboembolic events were observed during open-label treatment. Conclusions: Eltrombopag was generally well-tolerated and resulted in sustained increase in platelet counts during the open-label, pre-antiviral treatment phase. Platelet count increases were seen as early as 2 weeks following initiation of treatment. The vast majority of patients (97%) achieved platelet count increases to ≥90,000/μL, the threshold for initiating PEG-2a plus ribavirin therapy, and most did so within 4 weeks of initiating eltrombopag treatment. Disclosures: Dusheiko: GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Off Label Use: Eltrombopag, inteferon and Ribavirin; eltrombopag is a thrombopoetin receptor agonist. Its efficacy and safety in raising platelet counts in hepatitis C positive patients (most with cirrhosis) and thrombocyotopaenia was studied in this protocol. Afdhal:Merck: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Vertex: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Idenix: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Springbank: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Gilead: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Pharmasett: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Abbott: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Giannini:GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Hoffman-LaRoche: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Chen:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Mostafa Kamel:GlaxoSmithKline: Employment, Equity Ownership. Brainsky:GlaxoSmithKline: Employment, Equity Ownership. Geib:GlaxoSmithKline: Employment. Vasey:GlaxoSmithKline: Employment. Patwardhan:GlaxoSmithKline: Employment, company shares. Campbell:GlaxoSmithKline: Employment, Equity Ownership. Theodore:GlaxoSmithKline: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties.

Download Full-text

Long-Term Safety, Efficacy, and Survival Findings From Comfort-II, a Phase 3 Study Comparing Ruxolitinib with Best Available Therapy (BAT) for the Treatment of Myelofibrosis (MF)

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v120.21.801.801 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 120 (21) ◽

pp. 801-801 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Francisco Cervantes ◽

Jean-Jacques Kiladjian ◽

Dietger Niederwieser ◽

Andres Sirulnik ◽

Viktoriya Stalbovskaya ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Advisory Board ◽

Extension Phase ◽

Spleen Volume ◽

Employment Equity ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Equity Ownership ◽

Grade 3

Abstract Abstract 801 Background: Ruxolitinib is a potent JAK1 & 2 inhibitor that has demonstrated superiority over traditional therapies for the treatment of MF. In the two phase 3 COMFORT studies, ruxolitinib demonstrated rapid and durable reductions in splenomegaly and improved MF-related symptoms and quality of life. COMFORT-II is a randomized, open-label study evaluating ruxolitinib versus BAT in patients (pts) with MF. The primary and key secondary endpoints were both met: the proportion of pts achieving a response (defined as a ≥ 35% reduction in spleen volume) at wk 48 (ruxolitinib, 28.5%; BAT, 0%; P < .0001) and 24 (31.9% and 0%; P < .0001), respectively. The present analyses update the efficacy and safety findings of COMFORT-II (median follow-up, 112 wk). Methods: In COMFORT-II, 219 pts with intermediate-2 or high-risk MF and splenomegaly were randomized (2:1) to receive ruxolitinib (15 or 20 mg bid, based on baseline platelet count [100-200 × 109/L or > 200 × 109/L, respectively]) or BAT. Efficacy results are based on an intention-to-treat analysis; a loss of spleen response was defined as a > 25% increase in spleen volume over on-study nadir that is no longer a ≥ 35% reduction from baseline. Overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: The median follow-up was 112 wk (ruxolitinib, 113; BAT, 108), and the median duration of exposure 83.3 wk (ruxolitinib, 111.4 [randomized and extension phases]; BAT, 45.1 [randomized treatment only]). Because the core study has completed, all pts have either entered the extension phase or discontinued from the study. The primary reasons for discontinuation were adverse events (AEs; ruxolitinib, 11.6%; BAT, 6.8%), consent withdrawal (4.1% and 12.3%), and disease progression (2.7% and 5.5%). Overall, 72.6% of pts (106/146) in the ruxolitinib arm and 61.6% (45/73) in the BAT arm entered the extension phase to receive ruxolitinib, and 55.5% (81/146) of those originally randomized to ruxolitinib remained on treatment at the time of this analysis. The primary reasons for discontinuation from the extension phase were progressive disease (8.2%), AEs (2.1%), and other (4.1%). Overall, 70 pts (48.3%) treated with ruxolitinib achieved a ≥ 35% reduction from baseline in spleen volume at any time during the study, and 97.1% of pts (132/136) with postbaseline assessments experienced a clinical benefit with some degree of reduction in spleen volume. Spleen reductions of ≥ 35% were sustained with continued ruxolitinib therapy (median duration not yet reached); the probabilities of maintaining the spleen response at wk 48 and 84 are 75% (95% CI, 61%-84%) and 58% (95% CI, 35%-76%), respectively (Figure). Since the last report (median 61.1 wk), an additional 9 and 12 deaths were reported in the ruxolitinib and BAT arms, respectively, resulting in a total of 20 (14%) and 16 (22%) deaths overall. Although there was no inferential statistical testing at this unplanned analysis, pts randomized to ruxolitinib showed longer survival than those randomized to BAT (HR = 0.52; 95% CI, 0.27–1.00). As expected, given the mechanism of action of ruxolitinib as a JAK1 & 2 inhibitor, the most common new or worsened grade 3/4 hematologic abnormalities during randomized treatment were anemia (ruxolitinib, 40.4%; BAT, 23.3%), lymphopenia (22.6%; 31.5%), and thrombocytopenia (9.6%; 9.6%). In the ruxolitinib arm, mean hemoglobin levels decreased over the first 12 wk of treatment and then recovered to levels similar to BAT from wk 24 onward; there was no difference in the mean monthly red blood cell transfusion rate among the ruxolitinib and BAT groups (0.834 vs 0.956 units, respectively). Nonhematologic AEs were primarily grade 1/2. Including the extension phase, there were no new nonhematologic AEs in the ruxolitinib group that were not observed previously (in ≥ 10% of pts), and only 1 pt had a new grade 3/4 AE (epistaxis). Conclusion: In COMFORT-II, ruxolitinib provided rapid and durable reductions in splenomegaly; this analysis demonstrates that these reductions are sustained over 2 years of treatment in the majority of pts. Ruxolitinib-treated pts showed longer survival than those receiving BAT, consistent with the survival advantage observed in previous (Verstovsek et al. NEJM. 2012) and current analyses of COMFORT-I, as well as with the comparison of pts of the phase 1/2 study with matched historical controls (Verstovsek et al. Blood. 2012). Disclosures: Cervantes: Sanofi-Aventis: Advisory Board, Advisory Board Other; Celgene: Advisory Board, Advisory Board Other; Pfizer: Advisory Board, Advisory Board Other; Teva Pharmaceuticals: Advisory Board, Advisory Board Other; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: AdvisoryBoard Other, Speakers Bureau. Kiladjian:Shire: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: 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; Celgene: Research Funding. Niederwieser:Novartis: Speakers Bureau. Sirulnik:Novartis: Employment, Equity Ownership. Stalbovskaya:Novartis: Employment, Equity Ownership. McQuity:Novartis: Employment, Equity Ownership. Hunter:Incyte: Employment. Levy:Incyte: Employment, stock options Other. Passamonti:Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Barbui:Novartis: Honoraria. Gisslinger:AOP Orphan Pharma AG: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Vannucchi:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Knoops:Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Harrison:Shire: Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi: Honoraria; YM Bioscience: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau.

Download Full-text

Interim Results of an International, Multicenter, Phase 2 Study of Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) Inhibitor, Ibrutinib (PCI-32765), in Relapsed or Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL): Durable Efficacy and Tolerability with Longer Follow-up

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v120.21.904.904 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 120 (21) ◽

pp. 904-904 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Michael Wang ◽

Simon A. Rule ◽

Peter Martin ◽

Andre Goy ◽

Rebecca Auer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

B Cell ◽

Median Time ◽

Research Funding ◽

Tumor Response ◽

Single Agent ◽

Safety Data ◽

Phase 2 ◽

Employment Equity ◽

Equity Ownership

Abstract Abstract 904 Background Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a central mediator of B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling which is essential for normal B-cell development. Ibrutinib is an orally administered inhibitor of BTK that induces apoptosis and inhibits cellular migration and adhesion in malignant B-cells. MCL is an aggressive subtype of NHL, and despite high response rates to initial therapy, patients often relapse with acquired chemotherapy resistance and short response durations to conventional therapy. Preliminary results in 51 evaluable patients from the Phase 2 PCYC-1104 study demonstrated ibrutinib could achieve rapid nodal responses (including complete responses) in relapsed and refractory MCL patients (Wang et al, ASH 2011). Treatment with ibrutinib was associated with a transient increase in peripheral lymphocyte count representing a compartmental shift of cells with the CD19+/CD5+ phenotype from nodal tissues to peripheral blood (Chang et al, ASH 2011). Reported here are interim results of an international study of single-agent ibrutinib in previously treated MCL. Methods Subjects with relapsed or refractory MCL who were either bortezomib-naïve or bortezomib-exposed (prior treatment with at least 2 cycles of bortezomib) were enrolled. Ibrutinib was administered orally at 560mg daily (in continuous 28-day cycles) until disease progression. Bortezomib-naive and bortezomib-exposed cohorts were evaluated separately. Tumor response was assessed every 2 cycles according to the revised International Working Group for NHL criteria. The primary endpoint of the study is overall response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints include: duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. Subjects A total of 115 subjects (65 bortezomib-naïve and 50 bortezomib-exposed) were enrolled between February 15, 2011 and July 3, 2012. Of the 111 subjects treated, 109 subjects were evaluable for efficacy (received at least one dose of ibrutinib and underwent ≥ 1 tumor response assessment). Baseline characteristics include median age 68 years (40–84), median time since diagnosis 42 months, median number of prior treatments 3 (1–6), bulky disease (≥ 10 cm) 13%, Ann Arbor stage IV at screening 77.4%, prior stem cell transplant 9.6%, high risk by MIPI score at baseline assessment 48.7%, and refractory disease 44.3%. Results Safety data are available for 111 subjects. Treatment-emergent AEs occurring in ≥ 15% of subjects: diarrhea (35%), fatigue (32%), upper respiratory tract infections (23%), nausea (21%), rash (21%), dyspnea (20%), and oedema peripheral (15%). Grade 3 or higher AEs occurring in ≥ 5% of subjects were neutropenia (11%), anemia (5%), diarrhea (5%), dyspnea (5%), pneumonia (5%), and thrombocytopenia (5%). Grade 4 treatment-related AEs were neutropenia (5%), hyperuricaemia (2%), and pancytopenia (1%). One grade 5 AE, pneumonia, was thought to be treatment-related. In the efficacy evaluable subjects, the ORR (complete + partial responses) is reported in Table 1. The median time on treatment was 6.0 months (0.7-16.6 months); 53% of subjects remain on treatment. Median DOR, PFS and OS have not been reached: 9 month DOR 65%, 12 month estimation of PFS 53% and OS 67%. Responses to ibrutinib increase with longer time on study treatment. Time to PR ranged from 1.4 – 8.3 months (median 1.9) and CR ranged from 1.7 – 11.2 months (median 3.9). This is seen with longer follow-up on the initial 51 subjects reported at ASH 2011: median time on study treatment was 3.8 months and is now 11.3 months; ORR was 69% and is now 74.5%; CR rate was 16% and is now 35.3%. Conclusions Longer follow up demonstrates the durability of responses and confirms the unprecedented single agent activity of ibrutinib in relapsed or refractory MCL in terms of ORR. The treatment- emergent AEs were consistent with safety data previously reported. A pivotal study in relapsed and refractory MCL patients following bortezomib treatment has been initiated. Disclosures: Wang: Pharmacyclic: Research Funding. Off Label Use: Ibrutinib is a novel agent being studied in a clinical trial. Rule:Pharmacyclics: Research Funding. Martin:Pharmacyclics: Research Funding. Goy:Pharmacyclics: Research Funding. Auer:Pharmacyclics: Research Funding. Kahl:Pharmacyclics: Research Funding. Jurczak:Pharmacyclics: Research Funding. Advani:Pharmacyclics: Research Funding. McGreivy:pharmacyclics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Clow:Pharmacyclics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Stevens-Brogan:Pharmacyclics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Kunkel:Pharmacyclics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Blum:Pharmacyclics: Research Funding.

Download Full-text

Randomized, Phase II Dose Optimization Study Of Chimeric Antigen Receptor Modified T Cells Directed Against CD19 (CTL019) In Patients With Relapsed, Refractory CLL

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v122.21.873.873 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 122 (21) ◽

pp. 873-873 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

David L. Porter ◽

Michael Kalos ◽

Noelle V. Frey ◽

Stephan A Grupp ◽

Alison W. Loren ◽

...

Keyword(s):

T Cells ◽

Dose Level ◽

Research Funding ◽

University Of Pennsylvania ◽

Employment Equity ◽

Lower Dose Level ◽

Equity Ownership ◽

Cell And Gene Therapy

Abstract Background Patients (pts) with relapsed, and/or refractory (R/R) CLL have a poor prognosis with few effective treatment options. We have shown that infusion of autologous T cells genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) consisting of an external anti-CD19 domain, with the CD3ζ and 4-1BB signaling domains (CTL019 cells), can mediate potent anti-tumor effects in pts with advanced, relapsed refractory CLL. In our initial pilot study, doses of 1.7-50, x 108 mononuclear cells, corresponding to 0.14-5.9 x 108genetically modified cells, were given as a split dose infusion on days 0, 1 and 2 to 14 pts with R/R CLL and overall response rate (PR plus CR) was 57%. The majority of responses were sustained, and associated with marked expansion and long-term persistence of transduced cells. Notably, there was no obvious dose:reponse or dose:toxicity effect noted over a wide range of cell doses. To better define an optimal CTL019 cell dose, we are performing a randomized phase II study of 2 doses of CTL019 cells in pts with R/R CLL. Methods Pts with R/R CLL are randomly assigned to receive either 5x108 vs. 5x107transduced CTL019 cells, with the rationale that both doses induced CRs in pts on our initial pilot trial. In the initial stage, 12 evaluable pts will be treated in each arm and in stage 2, an additional 8 pts will be treated with the selected dose level. Pts have to have relapsed or persistent disease after at least 2 previous treatments and progress within 2 years of their last therapy. All pts receive lymphodepleting chemotherapy ending 3-5 days before T cell infusion. Cell infusions are given as a single dose. Results As of 7/15/2013, 27 pts have been enrolled; T cells did not adequately expand in 3, 1 patient was not eligible after screening, and 10 pts have been treated including 7 men and 3 women with a median age of 63 yrs (range 59-76). 5 pts had a mutation of p53. All pts had active disease at the time of CTL019 cell infusion. Lymphodepleting chemotherapy was Fludarabine/cyclophosphamide (8), pentostatin/cyclophosphamide (1), or bendamustine (1). 4 pts have been randomized to the higher dose level (5 x 108 CTL019 cells) and 6 pts have been randomized to the lower dose level (5 x 107CTL019 cells). There were no significant infusional toxicities. Median follow-up as of July 15, 2013 was 3 mo (1.3-5) for all pts and 3.3 mo (1.3-4) for responding pts. 2 pts have achieved a CR and 2 pts achieved PR, both with clearance of CLL from the blood and marrow and >50 reduction in adenopathy, for an overall response rate of 40%. In other recipients of CTL019 cells, we have observed ongoing improvement in adenopathy over time implying there can be a continued anti-tumor response. No responding patient has progressed. Seven of 10 pts experienced a delayed cytokine release syndrome (CRS) manifested by symptoms that included high fevers, nausea, myalgias and in some cases, capillary leak, hypoxia, and hypotension, typically correlated with peak CTL019 cell expansion. We have noted that the CRS accompanying CTL019 therapy has been associated with marked increases of serum IL6 and can be rapidly reversed with the IL6-receptor antagonist tocilizumab. The CRS required intervention in 2 pts, one who responded and one who did not respond to CTL019. Treatment was initiated for hemodynamic or respiratory instability and was effective in reversing signs and symptoms of CRS in both pts. A preliminary analysis through July 15, 2013 does not yet suggest a dose:response or dose:toxicity relationship. 2 of 4 recipients of the higher dose CTL019 responded, and 2 of 6 recipients at the lower dose level responded. The 7 pts who experienced a CRS included all 4 responding pts and 3 pts who did not respond. The CRS occurred in 3/4 recipients of higher dose CTL019 cells and 4/6 of recipients of lower dose CTL019 cells. CTL019 expansion in-vivo and persistence over the follow up period was noted in all responding pts. Conclusions In this ongoing dose optimization study of CTL019 cells, 4 of the first 10 pts treated have responded within 3 months. With short follow-up, as yet there is no suggestion that there is a dose:response or dose:toxicity relationship at the dose ranges being studied. These cells can undergo robust in-vivo expansion and from other studies (ASH 2013) can persist for at least 3 yrs. This trial confirms that CTL019 cells can induce potent responses for pts with advanced, relapsed and refractory CLL. Disclosures: Porter: Novatis: IP and potential royalties with COI managed according to policies of the University of Pennsylvania, IP and potential royalties with COI managed according to policies of the University of Pennsylvania Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; Genentech: Spouse employment, Spouse employment Other. Off Label Use: CTL019 cells to treat CLL. Kalos:Novartis corporation: CART19 technology, CART19 technology Patents & Royalties; Adaptive biotechnologies: Member scientific advisory board , Member scientific advisory board Other. Grupp:Novartis: Research Funding. Chew:Novartis: Patents & Royalties. Shen:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Wood:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Litchman:Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Zheng:Novartis: Patents & Royalties. Levine:Novartis: cell and gene therapy IP, cell and gene therapy IP Patents & Royalties. June:Novartis: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding.

Download Full-text

Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Receiving Triplet Therapy in the Connect MM® Disease Registry

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v126.23.4229.4229 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 126 (23) ◽

pp. 4229-4229

Author(s):

Jatin J. Shah ◽

Rafat Abonour ◽

Mohit Narang ◽

Jayesh Mehta ◽

Howard R. Terebelo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Newly Diagnosed ◽

Employment Equity ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Risk Of Death ◽

Equity Ownership ◽

Triplet Regimen

Abstract Introduction: Triplet therapies are used for treatment (Tx) of both transplant-eligible and -ineligible patients (pts) with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). Actual patterns and outcomes of Tx are not fully understood. Connect MM® is the first and largest multicenter, US-based, prospective observational cohort study designed to characterize Tx patterns and outcomes for pts with NDMM. This analysis describes demographic and disease characteristics of pts who received triplet Tx as an induction regimen and for whom transplant was or was not intended. The analysis explores the relationship of these factors with overall survival (OS) and other efficacy endpoints. Patients and Methods: Pts aged ≥ 18 y with NDMM within 60 days of diagnosis were eligible for enrollment regardless of disease severity, medical history, or comorbidities. Data including transplant intent (yes/no) was collected at baseline; follow-up data was collected quarterly thereafter. Based on the initial intent, 2 groups were identified: patients with intent to transplant who received transplant (TT) and pts with no intent to transplant who did not receive a transplant (NT). Triplet Tx was defined as the combination of ≥ 3 concurrent therapeutic agents in the first course of Tx (within 56 days of study entry). KM analysis adjusted for age was conducted for OS. Because decisions on use of transplant and triplet therapy are influenced by multiple factors, a multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate the contribution of the triplet therapy (yes/no) to OS and was adjusted for other variables, including age, comorbidities, and ISS staging. Results: Between September 2009 and December 2011, 1493 pts were enrolled. This analysis was on 1436 pts: 650 pts with transplant intent and 786 pts without transplant intent. The data cutoff date was November 30, 2014, and the median follow-up for overall survival (OS) was 33.8 mos. Of pts with transplant intent, 451 (69%) received transplant (TT) and 199 (31%) did not. Of pts without transplant intent, 62 (8%) received transplant and 724 (92%) did not (NT). The abstract focuses on TT and NT groups only. NT pts tended to be older and have more advanced ISS staging and higher β2-microglobulin levels than TT pts (Table). The most common triplet regimen given during the first course treatment (within 56 days) was lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (RVd). RVd was administered to 34% of the NT pts (76/225) and 59% of the TT pts (152/257). The most common non-triplet regimen was bortezomib and dexamethasone (Vd), which was given to 31% of NT pts (156/499) and 38% of TT pts (73/194). Within the NT group, pts given triplet Tx had a lower risk of death than those who did not receive triplet Tx (P = .0013). The multivariable analysis found triplet Tx to be associated with a 36% reduced risk of death (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.64 [95% CI, 0.50-0.82]; P = .001). ISS disease stage (HR = 1.43 [95% CI, 1.21-1.69]; P < .001) and history of diabetes (HR = 1.38 [95% CI, 1.08-1.78]; P = .012) were negative prognostic factors for OS. Within the TT group, pts who received triplet Tx did not attain an OS benefit (P = .8993), and no baseline characteristics were significantly associated with OS. These results may be limited by other factors not considered that may have influenced physicians' choice of treatment, including the use of maintenance therapy and a short follow-up period of 33.8 months. Conclusions: Triplet Tx as a first regimen is associated with longer OS in pts without transplant intent who did not receive a transplant. RVd and Vd were the most common first Tx regimens, respectively. Continued follow-up of these pts and enrollment of an additional cohort will provide additional data with mature follow-up. Table 1. Table 1. Disclosures Shah: Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Array: Research Funding; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Onyx: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Millenium: Research Funding; Merck: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Abonour:Celgene: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Narang:Celgene: Speakers Bureau. Mehta:Celgene Corporation: Speakers Bureau. Terebelo:Millenium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Pharmacylics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Gasparetto:Celgene Corporation: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Millennium: Honoraria, Other: Export Board Committee, Speakers Bureau. Toomey:Celgene: Consultancy. Hardin:Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Srinivasan:Celgene Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Larkins:Celgene Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Nagarwala:Celgene Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Rifkin:Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Download Full-text

Complete Molecular and Hematologic Response in Adult Patients with Relapsed/Refractory (R/R) Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive B-Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Following Treatment with Blinatumomab: Results from a Phase 2 Single-Arm, Multicenter Study (ALCANTARA)

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v126.23.679.679 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 126 (23) ◽

pp. 679-679 ◽

Cited By ~ 32

Author(s):

Giovanni Martinelli ◽

Hervé Dombret ◽

Patrice Chevallier ◽

Oliver G. Ottmann ◽

Nicola Goekbuget ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Philadelphia Chromosome ◽

Pcr Amplification ◽

Employment Equity ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

T315i Mutation ◽

Equity Ownership ◽

Grade 3

Abstract Introduction. Prognosis of patients (pts) with R/R Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) ALL is dismal despite the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) which may be used as single agents or in combination regimens. Blinatumomab is a bispecific T-cell engaging (BiTE®) antibody construct that has shown antileukemic activity. Among adults with R/R Ph-negative ALL receiving blinatumomab, 43% achieved complete remission (CR) or CR with partial hematologic recovery (CRh) during the first two cycles (Topp MS et al. Lancet Oncol 2015;16:57). We evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of blinatumomab in pts with R/R Ph+ ALL who progressed after or were intolerant to a 2nd or later (2+) generation TKI. Methods. Eligible adult pts (≥18 years) had Ph+ B-precursor ALL and had relapsed after or were refractory to at least one 2+ generation TKI; or were intolerant to 2+ generation TKI and intolerant or refractory to imatinib. All pts had to have >5% blasts in the bone marrow and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤ 2. Blinatumomab was dosed by continuous IV infusion (4 weeks on/2 weeks off) for up to 5 cycles (9 μg/d on days 1-7 in cycle 1, and 28 μg/d thereafter). The primary endpoint was CR or CRh during the first two cycles; minimal residual disease (MRD) response based on RT-PCR amplification of BCR-ABL per central laboratory, relapse-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (alloHSCT) rate were key secondary endpoints. Complete MRD response was defined as no RT-PCR amplification of BCR-ABL at a sensitivity of 10-5. Results. Of 45 treated pts, 44 were resistant to 2+ generation TKI; one patient was resistant to imatinib and never exposed to 2+ generation TKI (protocol deviation). 53% of pts were men. Median (range) age was 55 (23-78) years (≥65 years, 27%). Ten pts (22%) had a BCR-ABL gene with T315I mutation. All pts had received prior TKI (dasatinib, 87%; ponatinib, 51%; imatinib, 56%; nilotinib, 36%; bosutinib, 2%), with 60% having received ≥ 2 prior 2+ generation TKI; most pts (96%) had received prior chemotherapy. 38% of pts had ≥ 2 prior relapses and 44% had prior alloHSCT. Efficacy outcomes for key endpoints are shown in the table. 16 pts achieved CR/CRh during the first two cycles for a response rate of 36% (95% CI: 22%, 51%); of those, 14 pts achieved CR, most of them (10/14, 71%) in cycle 1. The patient who never received 2+ generation TKI did not respond to treatment. 12 of the 14 pts (86%) with CR and two of the two pts with CRh achieved a complete MRD response. Among the 10 pts with T315I mutation, four achieved CR/CRh; all four also achieved a complete MRD response. Eight CR/CRh responders (50%) relapsed, three during treatment (including two with CR who did not achieve complete MRD response). One patient died in CR post alloHSCT. Median (95% CI) RFS was 6.7 (4.4, not estimable) months (median follow-up, 9.0 months); median OS was 7.1 (5.6, not estimable) months (median follow-up, 8.8 months). Patient incidence of grade ≥ 3 treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) was 82%, most commonly febrile neutropenia (27%), thrombocytopenia (22%), anemia (16%), and pyrexia (11%). Five pts had fatal AEs; one (septic shock) was considered treatment-related by the investigator. Three pts discontinued because of AEs. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) occurred in three pts (all grade 1 or 2). 21 pts (47%) had neurologic events (paraesthesia, 13%; confusional state, 11%; dizziness, 9%; tremor, 9%); three pts had grade 3 neurologic events (aphasia, hemiplegia; and depressed level of consciousness and nervous system disorder), one of which (aphasia) required treatment interruption. Conclusion. In this population of pts with R/R Ph+ ALL who have very poor prognosis after failure of 2+ generation TKI therapy, treatment with CD19-targeted immunotherapy blinatumomab as single agent showed antileukemic activity. AEs were consistent with those previously reported for pts with R/R Ph-negative ALL treated with blinatumomab. Table 1. Table 1. Disclosures Martinelli: Novartis: Speakers Bureau; BMS: Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; ARIAD: Consultancy; Roche: Consultancy; MSD: Consultancy. Dombret:Amgen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Ottmann:Astra Zeneca: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Ariad: 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, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Goekbuget:Bayer: Equity Ownership; Eusapharma/Jazz: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Erytech: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Medac: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Mundipharma: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; SigmaTau: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Kite: Consultancy; Gilead Sciences: Consultancy; Sanofi: Equity Ownership; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria. Topp:Astra: Consultancy; Regeneron: Consultancy; Affimed: Consultancy, Research Funding; Roche: Consultancy, Other: Travel Support; Jazz: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel Support. Fielding:Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria. Sterling:Amgen: Employment, Equity Ownership. Benjamin:Amgen: Employment, Equity Ownership. Stein:Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding.

Download Full-text

Same-Day Administration of Pegfilgrastim Following Myelosuppressive Chemotherapy: Practices and Rationale

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v126.23.5585.5585 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 126 (23) ◽

pp. 5585-5585

Author(s):

Christina Darden ◽

Mark A. Price ◽

James A. Kaye ◽

Bintu Sherif ◽

Sarah Marion ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Febrile Neutropenia ◽

Patient Outcomes ◽

Clinical Judgment ◽

Research Funding ◽

Employment Equity ◽

Related Factors ◽

Myelosuppressive Chemotherapy ◽

Equity Ownership ◽

Prescribing Information

Abstract Introduction: Granulocyte colony-stimulating factors such as pegfilgrastim (Neulasta®) can reduce the incidence of febrile neutropenia, a life-threatening side effect of myelosuppressive chemotherapy. According to current FDA-approved prescribing information, pegfilgrastim should not be administered between 14 days before and 24 hours after administration of myelosuppressive chemotherapy. Previous research indicates that same- vs next-day administration of pegfilgrastim may be associated with worse patient outcomes, and current guidelines from both ASCO and NCCN recommend use of pegfilgrastim 1-3 days after chemotherapy. A recent health care claims database analysis has shown that same-day pegfilgrastim was administered in ~13% of chemotherapy cycles, but little is known about physician rationale for administering same-day pegfilgrastim. Here, we describe the results of a cross-sectional, web-based physician survey describing the practice- and patient-related factors that physicians report to have affected their decision to administer same-day pegfilgrastim. Methods: Survey invitations were sent via e-mail to a sample of US medical oncologists, hematologists, and hematologist-oncologists who were enrolled in a national physician panel. Physicians who reported experience prescribing same-day pegfilgrastim within the last 6 months and provided informed consent were included. Physician reasons for prescribing same-day pegfilgrastim were assessed. The analysis was descriptive; summary statistics are presented. Results: Of 17,478 physicians who were invited to participate, 386 were screened, and 186 (48%) reported administering same-day pegfilgrastim within the previous 6 months. A total of 183 physicians (47%) agreed to participate in the survey, and 151 (39%) completed the survey. Mean (SD) years in practice was 14.6 (8.2) years. Most physicians practiced in a private group practice (39%), at a cancer hospital/referral center (25%), or at other types of academic hospitals/clinics (23%). Physicians were relatively evenly distributed across the US and most (54%) practiced in towns with a population ≥250,000. Breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer were the most common primary cancers in patients followed by the physicians. Physicians estimated that ~41% of their patients received pegfilgrastim, and that among patients who received pegfilgrastim, ~32% received same-day pegfilgrastim, with ~43% of those patients receiving same-day pegfilgrastim across all chemotherapy cycles. 36% of physicians relied primarily on clinical judgment when deciding to administer same-day pegfilgrastim. The most common patient risk factors reported by physicians as moderately or very important when deciding to administer same-day pegfilgrastim were previous febrile neutropenia (78%), presence of infection or open wounds (70%), and poor ECOG performance status (67%). When asked to rank 7 different clinical and logistic reasons to administer same-day pegfilgrastim (with 1 being most important), "it was more practical for the patient" was the most important reason (mean rank = 3.0; SD = 1.7), and "it was more practical for the practice due to patient scheduling burden/load" was the least important (mean rank = 4.2; SD = 1.7). 85% of physicians reported travel distance for the patient/caregiver and 79% reported method or availability of transportation for the patient/caregiver as moderately or very important patient-related factors for same-day administration of pegfilgrastim. The most important administrative consideration for same-day administration of pegfilgrastim was burden of actual prophylactic administration of pegfilgrastim on the next day and follow-up (65% of physicians cited as moderately or very important). Conclusions: Physicians rely primarily on clinical judgment when deciding whether to administer same-day pegfilgrastim, and clinical risk factors such as previous febrile neutropenia affect the decision to administer same-day pegfilgrastim. Additional physician considerations include patient/caregiver travel distance, method or availability of transportation, and burden of actual prophylactic administration of pegfilgrastim on the next day and follow-up. Continued education of patients and physicians on the potential risks of same-day pegfilgrastim administration could increase compliance and improve patient outcomes. Disclosures Darden: Amgen Inc: Research Funding; RTI Health Solutions: Employment. Off Label Use: This abstract assesses physician rationale for same-day administration of pegfilgrastim, which is an off-label use of pegfilgrastim. As noted in the abstract text, "According to current FDA-approved prescribing information, pegfilgrastim should not be administered between 14 days before and 24 hours after administration of myelosuppressive chemotherapy.". Price:Amgen Inc.: Research Funding; RTI Health Solutions: Employment. Kaye:Amgen Inc.: Research Funding; RTI Health Solutions: Employment. Sherif:Amgen Inc.: Research Funding; RTI Health Solutions: Employment. Marion:RTI Health Solutions: Employment; Amgen Inc.: Research Funding. Tzivelekis:Amgen Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Garcia:Amgen Inc: Employment, Equity Ownership. Chandler:Amgen Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership.

Download Full-text

Romiplostim in Thrombocytopenic Patients with Low- or Int-1- Risk MDS Results in Reduced Bleeding without Impacting Leukemic Progression: Final Follow-up Results from a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v128.22.2000.2000 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 128 (22) ◽

pp. 2000-2000

Author(s):

Hagop Kantarjian ◽

Pierre Fenaux ◽

Mikkael A. Sekeres ◽

Jeffrey Szer ◽

Uwe Platzbecker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Disease Progression ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Study Drug ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Bleeding Events ◽

Employment Equity ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Equity Ownership

Abstract Background: Thrombocytopenia occurs in ~50% of patients with low/int-1 risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and is associated with reduced survival. In a placebo (PBO)-controlled study, 250 patients with MDS were randomized 2:1 to receive weekly romiplostim or PBO. In the original June 2011 analysis, romiplostim reduced clinically significant bleeding events [hazard ratio (HR) romiplostim vs PBO 0.83, 95% CI: 0.66−1.05, P = 0.13] and platelet transfusions (relative risk 0.77, 95% CI: 0.66−0.88, P<0.001) and increased IWG hematologic improvement platelets (HI-P) incidence (odds ratio 15.6, 95% CI: 4.7−51.8, P<0.001). Peripheral blast count increases >10% were more frequent with romiplostim (25/167, 15%) than PBO (3/83, 3.6%) and resolved after discontinuation in most cases. In February 2011, the DMC recommended that treatment with study drug be discontinued as the potential benefit seen in the reduction of bleeding did not outweigh the potential risk for disease progression to AML, and that transient increases in blast cell counts might put patients at risk for diagnosis of and treatment for AML. Patients were moved into long-term follow-up (LTFU). Previously reported (Giagounidis et al, Cancer 2014) 58-week incidence of AML was 6.0% (N = 10) for romiplostim and 4.9% for PBO (N = 4); HR 1.20 (95% CI: 0.38−3.84). This report provides final 5-year LTFU data. Methods: Eligible patients were receiving only supportive care and had IPSS low/int-1 risk MDS and platelets 1) ≤20 × 109/L or 2) ≤50 × 109/L with a history of bleeding. Disease progression to AML was defined as 1) ≥20% blasts in bone marrow or peripheral blood after 4 weeks following discontinuation of romiplostim; 2) pathology consistent with leukemia; or 3) antileukemic treatment. Results are presented by treatment group. Results: At baseline, median (Q1, Q3) age was 70 (61, 77) years, the majority (59%) of patients were male; 27.6% were IPSS low risk and 72.4% were int-1 risk. WHO classifications were RCMD: 67.6%, RAEB-1: 13.2%, MDS-U: 11.2%, RA: 4.4%, RCMD-RS: 2.4%, RARS: 0.8%, and RAEB-2: 0.4%. Of 250 patients in the study, 210 entered LTFU and 66 completed the 5 years of LTFU; median (Q1, Q3) follow-up was 27.5 (10.8, 58.7) months. Reasons for discontinuation (death, lost to follow-up, and consent withdrawal) during LTFU were similar in both groups. During the active study period and LTFU, death was reported in 93 (55.7%) patients in the romiplostim group and 45 (54.2%) patients in the PBO group (HR romiplostim vs PBO 1.03, 95% CI: 0.72−1.47) (Figure); mortality rates were greater in those with IPSS int-1 vs low risk for both groups (Table). AML was reported in 20 (11.9%) patients in the romiplostim group and 9 (11.0%) patients in the PBO group (HR 1.06, 95% CI: 0.48−2.33). The proportions of patients who either died or developed AML were 56.9% (N = 95) in the romiplostim group and 55.4% (N = 46) in the PBO group (HR for AML-free survival 1.04, 95% CI: 0.73−1.48) (Figure). Nearly half (N = 14, 48%) of the 29 AML cases occurred in patients who were RAEB-1 at screening (none RAEB-2), and 6 cases were diagnosed because of anti-AML treatment use alone (Table). In LTFU, patient-reported use of MDS therapy (eg, azacitidine or cyclosporine) was 42.8% (N = 59, 95% CI: 34.4%−51.5%) in the romiplostim group and 31.4% (N = 22, 95% CI: 20.9%−43.6%) in the PBO group. AML therapy (eg, chemotherapy) was used in 14 (10.2%) patients in the romiplostim group and 7 (10.0%) patients in the PBO group. Conclusions: Following the decision in 2011 to stop study drug secondary to increased AML rates at that time and transient blasts increases, final 5-year LTFU HRs (romiplostim vs placebo) for death or progression to AML, respectively, are 1.03 (95% CI: 0.72−1.47) and 1.06 (95% CI: 0.48−2.33). In conclusion, romiplostim reduced bleeding events and platelet transfusions, with no increase in AML incidence or impact on survival. Disclosures Kantarjian: Amgen Inc.: Research Funding. Fenaux:Amgen Inc.: Research Funding. Sekeres:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen Inc.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millenium/Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Szer:Alexion: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Alexion Australia: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen Inc.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Shire: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Platzbecker:Celgene Corporation: Honoraria, Research Funding; TEVA Pharmaceutical Industries: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria, Research Funding; Amgen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding. Kuendgen:Celgene: Research Funding. Gaidano:Morphosys: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Karyopharm: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; GlaxoSmithKline: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen Inc.: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Research Funding; Roche: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Wiktor-Jedrzejczak:Angelini: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy; Janssen-Cilag: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding; Sandoz: Consultancy; Amgen Inc.: Research Funding. Carpenter:Amgen Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Mehta:Amgen Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Franklin:Amgen Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Giagounidis:Amgen Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria.

Download Full-text